theshield | THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ROCHESTER COLLEGE |
Up Close And Personal Who Is COLEMAN YOAKUM? PG. 14
Meet Our New President RC Hockey Spice Up Your Sect Life Cross Country Pumpkinization Israel Expressions FA L L I S S U E 2 0 1 3 VO LU M E 14 I S S U E 1
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FALL 2013
| THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ROCHESTER COLLEGE |
4 Letter from the Editor and don't forget 5 Meet Our New Presidents 6 Spring Chorus Tour Recap & THE SHIELD ONLINE How The West Was Won (Or At FOR THE LATEST SHIELD ACTIVITY Least Geologically Explored) 7 Darryl Lambert: Raider of the Lost Fortress 8 Miles of Talent 9 Be the Warrior You Want To See 10 Who is Alma Gatewood & What Chartwells Taught Me About Life 11 Pumpkinization 12 Halloween: Yay or Nay 13 The Walking Dead 14 Coleman Yoakum 16 What’s New on Facebook 17 No More Camel Skins 18 The Ultimate Superhero & Spice Up Your Sect Life 19 Reconciling Suffering 20 First World Problems & Christ is Calling 21 Tear Out Inspiration 22 Meet Coach Tomczyk 23 Warriors Create Hockey History & Cross Country’s Comeback 24 Give Credit Where Credit Is Due & Men’s and Women’s Golf 25 Chasing Cardio & Kicking For a Cause 26 Expressions
2 Photo by Cathryn Mankiewicz
meet the staff. Fall 2013 • Volume 14 • Issue 1
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ROCHESTER COLLEGE
www.rcshield.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Chelsea Hackel
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Rebekah Haigh
COPY EDITOR
Natalie Redmond
CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGN EDITOR
Nick Simonis
PHOTO EDITOR
Cathryn Mankiewicz
OPINIONS EDITOR
Katie Martelle
SPORTS EDITOR
Sara Beason
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Lindsay Baslock
EXPRESSIONS EDITOR
Sarah Roper
Joshlyn Booth
WRITERS
Brittany Artis, Rachel Taylor, Madison Kolke, Timothy Green, Mandi Kuhn, Kaylee Anderson, Philip Powell, Brad Fecteau, Allyson Huey, Rachel Morgenstern, Lauren Sugden, Shiloh Covell, Laura Van Camp
DESIGNERS
Mandi Kuhn, Amber Joseph, Bethany Hagerman, Madison Kolke
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lee Xiong, Moni Musial, Rachel Miller, Caroline Huey, Rachel Morgenstern
ONLINE EDITORS
BROADCAST PRODUCERS
Laura Corp Abby Cook Kevin Moore Dan Thomas Seth Michaels Dan Thomas
PUBLISHER & FOUNDER PRINT ADVISER
ONLINE ADVISER
DESIGN ADVISER
BROADCAST ADVISER
Liz Fulton Kayce McClure
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Lora Hutson
Carol Cooper
Darren McCullough
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“...I want to make my words count, because I may never know if my words have saved a life, brightened someone’s day, or gave a friend the will to keep going.”
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I’m pretty sure Barnabas is my favorite character in the Bible. He’s not very popular, by CHELSEA HACKEL but when Barnabas EDITOR IN CHIEF comes on the scene, he makes a difference. “When [Barnabas] arrived [in Antioch] and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:23, 24). There is a reason why this man was called Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragment.” His real name was Joseph, but no one called him that because Barnabas was such a fitting name. He spent his life encouraging others. Later in Acts, Paul and Barnabas get into an argument. Barnabas wanted to bring a younger disciple, John Mark,
on their missionary journey. It is likely Barnabas planned to encourage him and help him strengthen his walk with the Lord. Paul, however, thought John Mark would be a hindrance to their work. He and Barnabas had different goals and purposes from the Lord. Paul needed to travel, to reach as many people as possible with the Gospel. Barnabas needed to encourage and build others up. I like Barnabas because I know God has given me the job of encouraging others. I learn a lot of things from these short glimpses into his character— things that I want to be true in my life. I think about how easy it is to miss an opportunity to speak words of life and truth to those around me. I think about the fact that every word matters, and I want to make my words count...because I may never know if my words have saved a life, brightened someone’s day, or given a friend the will to keep going.
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I want to leave you with a challenge: How can you use your words today to make an impact on someone’s life for eternity? Carpe diem. ~Chelsea Hackel
Talk to us.
We want to hear what concerns you, tickles you or ticks you off about theshield! Email us at theshield@rc.edu with your comments and sugggestions.
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FALL 2013
Editor’s Note...
Welcome to
PAGE DESIGNED BY AMBER JOSEPH
PRESIDENT TYSON JOINS RC COMMUNITY On Aug. 1, 2013, Dr. John Tyson began working in his new role as the ninth president of Rochester College. Tyson says there by SARAH ROPER EXPRESSIONS EDITOR are several factors that brought him to RC. First, he was attracted to the mission of the college, which is the “cultivation of academic excellence, principled character, servant leadership and global awareness through an educational program within a Christian heritage.” “I have a deep commitment to Christian education,” says Tyson. He is also optimistic about the opportunities available at RC. Despite the college’s recent financial difficulties, Tyson says, “I think that when times are very difficult and circumstances are very challenging, that’s when God does some of His very best work.” Tyson says he feels a sense of calling to serve as RC’s president. After spending three years in conversation with Dr. Rubel Shelly before accepting the presidency, Tyson says
“I really feel like this is where God wants me to be.” Prior to accepting the position at RC, Tyson spent many years involved in church ministry and Christian education. Tyson also holds a doctorate in rhetorical studies and has previously taught communication classes and Biblical literature. Additionally, he served as vice president of development at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas from 1994 until 2010. Most recently, Tyson held the position of president and CEO of Abilene Christian Schools. A native Texan, Tyson has traveled around the world, visiting more than 25 countries, as well as nearly every state. Thus far, one of his favorite parts about living in Michigan is the people. He has found the people of the Midwest to be warm, welcoming and friendly. He is also enjoying the Clinton River, as he loves the outdoors and likes to hunt and fish. When he has free time, he reads and plays golf. He and his wife, Valinda, have three adult children. Their daughter, Victoria, is ministering as a homeschool teacher in
photo by RACHEL MILLER
“I really feel like this is where God wants me to be.” -Dr. Tyson Ukraine and their two sons, Trey and Trevor, attend Abilene Christian University. Soft-spoken and friendly, Tyson is eager to get to know the RC community. “I love being with students,” he says. When asked what he thought was most important for RC to know about him, Tyson says that a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important part of his life.
Madame President Laura Corp
educational, spiritual and just plain fun events. However, her excitement doesn’t mean she is going into this semester without fears. She’s worried that when the school year is done she will look back and only be able to see the “should haves” that she missed. She really wants to be able to look back at her work and be able to feel proud of what she has done. “I’m a perfectionist and I want to do everything I can for this position, but I know there’s a limit to what I can do and nothing is ever perfect,” says Laura. Laura confessed that while it will be difficult at times, she feels she is up for the challenge. She also knows she’s not alone; she has a support system of people who care about her and are there to help her if she needs it. She may have odd quirks, such as being absolutely terrified of musical chairs, and it’s probably best to avoid calling her Dictator Laura or Ms. President because she really doesn’t like those titles. But she really wants to connect with the student body, so take a chance to meet your busy, passionate, creative, organized and determined student body president!
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photo by NICK SIMONIS
Laura Corp is not your average college sophomore. In addition to having the usual homework load that comes with her business management major and public relations minor, she also has to keep up with a heavy load of extracurricular activities. She’s the coeditor of The Shield online, a peer adviser for First Year Experience, a Sigma Phi member and a member of the A Cappella Chorus. Oh, and she’s also president of the student body. You may wonder what possessed her to take on such a role when she already has so much going on. And even if she had more time in her crazy schedule, why would she take on this challenge in her second year at the school? It’s simple, really—Laura has a heart for RC and is passionate about improving campus life. She wants to be a light on campus and have a positive impact. In her first year at RC, she grew and learned, and she wants to help others have the same experience. Laura wants to find the biggest campus issues and identify practical ways to address them. So far, Laura and the rest of the Student Government executives have been planning like nobody’s business! She wants to build up community by bringing people together for
by ALLYSON HUEY GUEST WRITER
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Chorus GOES WEST
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by PHILLIP POWELL STAFF WRITER
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During last year’s spring semester from May 2 to 17, the Rochester College A Cappella Chorus went on its annual spring tour. The tour’s purpose is promotion and recruitment for RC and the chorus, as well as ministry. The 16-day trip started in Chicago, IL, moved to The Ascending Voice III conference at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, and finished with a packed house at the Lake Orion Church of Christ in Lake Orion, Mich. The Ascending Voice III is a four-day choral conference held on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. The RC Chorus was formally invited to this event based on audition via audio recordings and previous attendance of the event back in 2010. The prestigious Dr. Allen Hightower directed this performance. The chorus also performed a solo concert and watched performances by two professional a cappella groups: the Los Angeles Chorale Masters and Sweet Honey in the Rock. Rather than staying at hotels along the way, the members of the RC Chorus stayed with host families. These host families were a mixture of RC alumni, volunteers and local churches. Porschia Williams, a senior at RC, found the experience to be very interesting and enjoyable. “The host families went out of their way to make sure you have everything you need from clean laundry to snacks and even fresh cooked lunch for the next day,” says Porschia. Once the chorus arrived at The Ascending Voice III, they stayed on the campus of Pepperdine. This was a highlight for Jannah Garback, a junior and current vice president of chorus, who thought the Pepperdine campus was beautiful and loved the view of the beach from their cafeteria. The trip was paid for in three major ways: fundraising, the annual budget given to chorus by Rochester College and donations. The chorus received $4,000 from Pepperdine and along the tour received generous donations after church performances.
HOW THE WEST WAS WON (OR AT LEAST GEOLOGICALLY EXPLORED)
There are few circumstances under which I could normally be compelled to wake up at 5 a.m. for a by NATALIE REDMOND science lab. However, COPY EDITOR Rochester College’s Earth Science Field Study is an incomparable exception to that rule. From May 25 to June 7, 2013, I had the utter pleasure of joining Dr. David Brackney and seven other students in exploring the natural wonders of Colorado and Utah. Though the trip’s destinations vary year to year, the course is always a two-week geological study in the Western part of the United States. This year, our travels took us to such diverse areas as Pikes Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Garden of the Gods and Arches National Park in Utah. General education courses are typically forgettable; when viewed as mere academic requirements, they can seem timeconsuming and pointless. However, seeing them as such undermines their intended purpose—to create better-informed, wellrounded students.
Even after my crash course in geology, I am still inclined to classify rocks as “big” or “small” instead of as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic. Beyond the bounds of the classroom, however, those details matter much less. In exchange for them, I have the permanent and compelling memories of watching a sunset from the Needles Overlook in Utah’s Canyonlands and of whitewater rafting down the Colorado River. A classroom setting, no matter how engaging one finds topical discussions, cannot compete with the experience of exploring subject matter firsthand. Rather than grumbling twice a week at 8 a.m. over having to take an earth science course, I had the privilege of happily waking up— sometimes before dawn—in order to prepare for that day’s hike. Though the academic details will grow fuzzy in time, my appreciation for the natural world will remain ever stronger for having taken this trip. Exploring the terrain firsthand gives one a sense of belonging and understanding that cannot be gathered by textbooks. If nothing but the emotional responses remain in the end, then the class has still done more than its job.
Darryl Lambert: Raider of the Lost Fortress
* Tamar Dig Site photo by DARRYL LAMBERT
completely intact pot buried for almost three millennia slowly began to reveal itself,” recounts Darryl. “Our last day together was an amazing climb to the top of Masada and a trip to the Dead Sea,” said Darryl. After the end of the dig, Darryl went to Jerusalem for five days where he “did all of the touristy things that tourists do,” like eating schawarma, visiting the Wailing Wall and seeing the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. “It was a time to reflect on the trip of a lifetime, the newfound friendships I made, and to examine my faith beyond the pages of the Bible,” says Darryl. “Looking back on this experience of a lifetime, it was quite obvious to myself, and I’m sure to the rest of the team, as to why God chose this land of Israel as the staging ground for his saving plan. It was incredible that a country no larger than the state of New Jersey could have three different climates. From the hellish conditions of the Negev Desert in the South to the lush, semitropical conditions in the North, Israel is a country not only rich with Judeo-Christian history but also a showcase of God’s diverse natural creation,” says Darryl. The trip to Israel has directed Darryl’s passion for history, archeology and travel. While his history in the Navy gave him opportunities to travel, it was nothing like this archeological dig. Darryl plans on pursuing his masters in archeology at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. “I’m not sure what God has in store for me, but I would love to pursue the two loves of my life: biblical history and archeology,” says Darryl. Who knows? Maybe RC will one day see Darryl with a doctorate, wearing that bullwhip, fedora and leather jacket after all.
* Capernum photo by DARRYL LAMBERT
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PAGES DESIGNED BY JOSHLYN BOOTH
by REBEKAH HAIGH ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Rochester College is home to our very own Indiana Jones: Darryl Lambert—minus the bullwhip, fedora and leather jacket. Darryl, a senior biblical studies major, was a volunteer on Dr. Craig Bowman’s May 2013 archeological trip to En Hazeva, Israel. There, volunteers continued unearthing what is believed to be the 12th century biblical fortress of Tamar. The volunteers ate, slept and worked at the dig for three weeks. Their workdays consisted of digging for six hours in the morning, breaking four hours during searing midday heat, and resuming work for two or three hours before dark. “During Shabbat we would go off on our group excursions, taking in the sights and walking through the footsteps of biblical history,” says Darryl. Some of Darryl’s favorite places to visit were Tel Arad, Eilot and Tel Dan, but Capernaum, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, topped them all. “The experience hit me the hardest during a picturesque, sunny morning complete with a small worship service. We read together Luke 7:1-10 where Jesus heals the centurion’s servant in Capernaum,” says Darryl. “There is hardly anything more surreal than to read that account and to actually be in the place where it happened.” “Day in and day out we were turning up pottery…it was everywhere!” says Darryl, who dug up some treasures of his own, including a large sandstone grinding stone that may originate from Petra, and an incense burner, which he discovered after smashing it with a pickaxe. Fortunately, his newfound “pickaxe careful conscience” actually saved his third, more significant discovery. “As I was carefully picking away near the edge of the dig site, a whole, almost
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photo by Cathryn Mankiewicz
Miles of Talent
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A quiet hush fell over the crowd. A baby whined in the back of the auditorium. A tall, slender man stood from his seat and confidently walked to the front of the room, turning on his heels to face the audience. All eyes were locked on his fallen face. His breathing was heavy yet focused on his true intentions. He slowly raised his scruffy chin, scanning the captivated audience. “Raise the roof and set the bar high!” he commanded. “Raise the stars out of the universe until the sky dies. Blow the ashes off the face of the dead.” Freshman Miles Brimm captivated the audience at Rochester College’s Welcome Weekend talent show. He performed three times, participating in two songs and reciting his poem. Intimately inspired by his deceased friend, nicknamed Fl@$h, Brimm’s poem “Gone in a FL@$H,” received a rowdy round of applause full of cheers, hoots and hollers. “The beginning of my monologue means never to limit yourself, no matter who you are,” says Brimm. “Flash didn’t do it, I don’t do it and you shouldn’t either.” For a poem as heartwarming and meaningful as “Gone in a FL@$H,” comprehending the emotion hidden behind the
scribbled words on a crumpled page is almost as impossible as understanding the traumatic disaster that inspired it. “I was just thinking about my friend at a moment, and wondered where he would be if he was still around. [Flash] was silent, but filled with knowledge and the smartest out of all the crew. I wanted to be just like him,” says Brimm. “I flashed back to how the crew used to be and I felt a sense of relief to let my emotions pour into my writing,” says Brimm. “I could feel the anger toward the person that killed him rising. I felt like I literally relived that moment: watching him fall into my arms again. But knowing that he’s moved on to a more peaceful life is satisfying.” Miles Brimm is the 2013-2014 winner of the Rochester College talent show. His reaction to winning was humbling. “I honestly didn’t see it coming,” says Brimm. “ I was just hoping I could touch someone’s heart.” With the grace and glow of Rochester College shining brightly over him, he knows in his heart that he can finally move on. “I guess it was just one of those things that, spiritually, I needed to do.”
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by TIM GREEN STAFF WRITER
Understanding our quickly globalizing world is a difficult task. With news stories beyond comprehension and international power struggles, people living across the world seem more like strangers every day. Who are these people? What do they believe, love and create? How can we become better global neighbors? Rochester College’s Honors Program is committed to global responsibility and is dedicated to sharing this goal with the high school students in our community. To this effect, the third annual Junior Scholars program was hosted on campus this summer with the theme of “Who Is My Neighbor?” A group of high school students, some from locations as diverse as Iowa and Italy, received an opportunity to answer this question during their stay on campus from July 28 to Aug. 3. Participants earned college credit for their work throughout the week. Additionally, the scholars participated in riveting classroom lessons and field trips to nearby art, service and religion institutions. Students attended an art appreciation class before heading for the Detroit Institute of Arts, a poverty awareness lesson before volunteering at Micah 6 in Pontiac and
How can we become better global neighbors?
had lectures on Shakespeare before heading to Canada to see “The Merchant of Venice” at the Stratford Theatre Festival. Walking alongside the high school participants were four current RC students—Bayleigh Laster, Natalie Redmond, Alexander Ball and Bethany Hagerman, who served as mentors for the week. “Everything they learned, we learned too,” says Natalie Redmond. The group also had the opportunity to experience a world religions class taught by Dr. John Barton before heading to a local Hindu temple, a Buddhist meditation center and a Jewish synagogue. “It opened my eyes to other religions just by seeing how other cultures worshiped and believed,” says Alexander Ball. Most importantly, there was a resounding echo of gratitude from the junior scholars. “They absolutely loved it,” says Alexander. “It was a full week of diverse
activities and great bonding moments.” While connections were made between students both future and current, most importantly, questions were posed that can only be answered through learning, exploration and experience. How can change be executed? How do art, politics and religion play into this transformation? What am I seeking to change, and how can I do so? Who are the people I need to reach, speak to and help? Though none of these questions have easy answers, Rochester College’s junior scholars know this: The answer to the question “who is my neighbor?” is simply, “everyone.”
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by RACHEL TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
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WHO WAS ALMA GATEWOOD? Rumor has it that Alma Gatewood dormitory is haunted by its namesake’s ghost…and not without good reason. Throughout the years, residents have seen doors open and close on their own, fire alarms go off without being pulled and have had their plumbing “haunted.” Many living in AG believe she is still wandering the halls, terrorizing the boys who now reside on the third floor. Current hauntings be what they may, what is fact and what is fantasy about the real Alma Gatewood? Alma Gatewood led a fascinating life, long before she became the namesake of AG. Her life as Alma Morgan began when she was born in Texas on Dec. 28, 1908. A bit further down the road, Alma met Otis Gatewood, and the couple was married on Dec. 25, 1936, in Abilene, Texas. Alma and Otis began serving at churches in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1939. After working in Utah and Nevada, the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas, sent Alma
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g h u t Me Abo a T s l l e w t r u a t Li h C
While there are many good qualities to residence life at Rochester College, the cafeteria food by NATALIE REDMOND tends not to be COPY EDITOR the first highlight that springs to mind. However, I would argue that, more so than classes or the friends I’ve made here, Chartwells food service has been the most valuable part of my college experience, for it alone has imparted such practical wisdom as:
to change the world. Little do we know that this emotional fire will soon be extinguished by an unpaid internship or minimum wage drive-thru job that happens to be our only available employment option. Eating at Chartwells is early preparation for such setbacks: sure, you might enter the cafeteria vainly hoping to find warm, gooey cheese melted atop a pepperoni Chicagostyle pizza, but deep in your heart you know that the pizza awaiting you is much more flat and covered in a substance that only vaguely resembles meat.
IT’S OK TO SETTLE Students attend college in part to satisfy an internally burning streak of idealism. By pursuing higher education, we aspire to go above and beyond the mundane call of everyday life. After four years of instruction from brilliant professors who provide holistic, nurturing education, students feel ready
LOOK BEFORE YOU EAT As young adults, our brains are still developing. Sometimes the freedom allowed by college life leads us to make heady, reckless choices. Rochester’s administration attempts to curb such impulsivity by providing behavior guidelines to ease us into maturity. However, administration really
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needn’t bother; Chartwells has impulsivity under control. That chicken wing you so quickly tore into? Think closely; are those feathers you taste? Maybe next time it’ll be wise to look over your food a few times before putting it in your mouth. SUFFERING: A CHRISTIAN VALUE As a Christian school, Rochester prides itself on cultivating spiritual growth among its student population. While chapel goes a long way in fostering community and imparting biblical principles, another fixture of campus life ultimately does better. Speakers can preach all they want about suffering as a necessary component of discipleship, but Chartwells unquestionably has them beat. To experience suffering firsthand, just eat cafeteria food for eight months a year. Jesus himself would be proud.
photo by Rachel Miller
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and Otis to Germany, where they served in Frankfurt from 1946 to 1957. They were the first American missionaries from the Church of Christ to enter Germany after the war. “While in Germany, Alma and Otis took in a large number of German children and treated them as though they were their own...They also established a boys’ home for many young German men who had nowhere to go following the end of the war,” writes Ray Westbrook in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Before returning to the United States, the Gatewoods assisted in the establishment of 40 congregations and distributed 1 million dollars worth of food and clothing to over 600,000 people. Alma died at the age of 55 in January 1963. Her memorial service was held in the auditorium of University Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Contrary to popular belief, she was not buried under one of the benches outside AG, as some upperclassmen tell incoming freshmen, but rather in the Cedar Hill section of Abilene Municipal Cemetery.
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by MADISON KOLKE STAFF WRITER
Pumpkinization
by KAYLEE ANDERSON
STAFF WRITER
It’s finally here: the season of the pumpkin. This fad, known as “Pumpkinization” and lasting from September through November, seems to take over the country. While lines at Starbucks get longer and demand for the oh-so-famous PSL (that’s pumpkin spice latte for all you non-coffee drinkers) skyrockets, some are left to wonder what the big deal really is? Why are some so eager to trade their flip flops and beach hats for pumpkin flavored scones and pumpkin spice candles? The strangest part of pumpkin’s recent rise to fame is that, on its own, it’s not a tasty food at all. The thick and stringy fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) needs to be coated in sugar and spices before you even recognize its popular flavor. Honestly, even pumpkin lovers such as myself can’t pinpoint exactly why pumpkin flavored and scented products are so appealing. Pumpkin dishes don’t even need to have any actual pumpkin in them for the consumers to achieve the autumn vibe they desperately seek. Maybe the appeal lies in the idea of fall and the warm comfort of the spices during the chilly months; pumpkins are a heartening symbol of the season and everything that comes with it. Whether you’re a hater, doubter or lover of pumpkin, you have to admit that once the pumpkin products start hitting the shelf, you pull out your fall wardrobe and look forward to all the upcoming autumn activities.
What To Try: Starbucks™ Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts™
Pumpkin Spice Pringles™ Starbucks™ Pumpkin
photo courtesy of www.heylittlebirdie.com
Photo Courtesy of Starbucks.com
Bath and Body Works™ Pumpkin Candles
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Scone
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by BRITTNEY ARTIS STAFF WRITER
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If you asked me what my favorite holiday is, I would have to say it’s a tie between my birthday, Halloween and Christmas. What is Halloween all about for me? In a nutshell, it’s all about independence. The costumes, practical jokes and trick-or-treating all contribute to a fascinating experience, but the act of dressing up and becoming someone else for a day is what makes Halloween exciting. “Joe Shmoe” can play the suave and debonair Jay Gatsby. Mild-mannered Mary transforms into Veronica, the vivacious vixen. Children can play the role of adults and adults can revert back to their childish ways. More than that, however, trick-or-treating was always a symbol of my independence. I was able to choose what candy I wanted, how long I wanted to stay outside (within my parent’s permission) and what houses I would go to. Now that I’m legally considered an adult, I’m no longer fighting for my independence. I guess you could say I’ve outgrown the rebellion of my youth, and now I see Halloween as a fun-loving cause: one day a year where I am not obligated to play the dreadfully boring role of Brittany, the struggling student.
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Which side do you fall on?
Let us know online at rcshield.com by KATIE MARTELLE OPINIONS EDITOR Call me a fun-spoiler, but I really hate Halloween. The blood, the guts, the gore, and the dead vs. the undead… it’s creepy. As Christians, we’re called to be holy like God is holy. There’s absolutely nothing holy about a holiday that celebrates ghosts and evil spirits. However, I’m not saying that you should hide in your basement until Nov. 1st , terrified of every little noise. Get together with some friends, go bowling or catch a movie (those places are practically empty on Halloween). Consider having fun this year NOT celebrating a holiday where part of the original tradition was to sacrifice animals and crops to Celtic deities in giant bonfires. Besides, what did your Mom tell you about taking candy from strangers?!
[Daryl] is contradicting and rude, but aways seems to show extreme loyalty to his adoptive family.” by MANDI KUHN STAFF WRITER & DESIGNER
My favorite part about fall isn’t just chilly weather and football games. I look forward to a brand new season of my favorite show, “The Walking Dead.” In light of October being the best month to enjoy a good thriller, let’s talk about the show. For those who remain unaware, “The Walking Dead” is about a group of people trying to survive the zombie apocalypse in the dog-eat-dog world in which they now live. The show’s suspense keeps people watching, and fans have become emotionally attached to the characters. “Daryl’s the quintessential essence of manhood. He’s contradicting and rude, but always seems to show extreme loyalty towards his new adopted family,” says Cary Ramsay, RC student. Every week fans root for the survival of their favorites, and cheer when anyone who is annoying, ignorant or evil dies. (For example, would anyone care to defend WHY Andrea didn’t take the truck? Yeah. Me neither!) So for those who are behind or haven’t watched season 3, allow me to enlighten you. (Warning: mild spoilers ahead.)
RICK GRIMES— This guy’s personality has changed more times than baby Judith’s diapers! Recently we witnessed the “Ricktatorship,” so if you aren’t in the circle of trust, you’re done, son! CARL GRIMES— He’s still wearing that ridiculous hat and still refuses to be contained by four solid walls. This should surprise NO ONE! GLENN RHEE— He proposed to Maggie! And she said YES! Glenn was such a sweetheart about insisting he get a ring too. Besides, that walker didn’t need that ring! HERSHEL GREEN— He lost his farm and now his leg. I’d be lying if I denied busting out in Gotye’s famous lyrics: “You didn’t have to cuuuut me off!” (What? Too soon?) DARYL DIXON— Let’s face it; you love this guy so much that if he dies, you swear you’ll riot! Right, ladies? I’d make a list of honorable mentions with people who died in season three, but that’s like rewarding you for not watching the show! Come back to the land of the living! Watch “The Walking Dead” on A&E on Sundays at 9 p.m.
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Cary Ramsay, RC Student
THE GOVERNOR— He’s a crazy dude who wears a pirate patch and stores zombie heads in aquarium tanks while running a Pleasantville Society named Woodbury. He’s creepy.
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You see him everywhere. He’s the assistant director of student life at Rochester College, as well as the director of Micah 6 in Pontiac. But how much do you really know about the guy who keeps Student Government in line, takes RC students fun places like the Renaissance Festival and Cedar Point, and can do a pitch-perfect imitation of Zac Watson?
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Ladies and gentlemen:
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Meet Coleman Yoakum.
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...I still found a way to be a big fish in a small pond.
Photos by NICK SIMONIS
Coleman Yoakum grew up in Searcy, AR, and says he’s sure his parents named him after a lantern because they knew he would light up their world. Perhaps his parents were on to something. Coleman says he discovered one of his talents lies in making a difference in the lives of those around him. “Everything I do and have done up to this point, both professionally and as a matter of calling, has been about building community and bridging gaps in people’s lives,” Coleman says. Starting at Beebe High School in Beebe, AR, Coleman joined every group, club and organization he could find, including serving as chair of two prom-planning committees, even though he never went to prom. “Growing up [in Beebe] was fine. It was stifling sometimes—a very conservative town. But I still found a way to be a big fish in a small pond,” Coleman says. Following graduation, Coleman went to college only a few miles from home at Harding University. He was involved with multiple organizations and groups, including serving as the student government spiritual life director for two years and as the student director of social clubs for Harding’s campus activities board. “College was like high school. I jumped in and found my niche areas and really excelled at them; however, just like in high school, my academics were junk,” Coleman says. While at Harding, Coleman and his best friend, Dylan, began a ministry group aimed toward spending time with kids in the Searcy housing projects. They played soccer, babysat, hosted block parties and trunkor-treat, and formed relationships with as many as 40 children and their parents.
“Dylan and I caught some kind of bug and decided that this is what we wanted to do with our lives,” Coleman says. After spending the rest of their years at Harding reading books, meeting people, and figuring out what a life “all-in for Jesus” would look like, Coleman and Dylan went their separate ways until the time was right for their dream to take off. “Rather than focusing overseas, we really turned our attention to low-income highcrime areas at home,” Coleman says. And so, a little over a year later, the “brain-child” of Coleman and Dylan was born. Micah 6 is to Pontiac what Coleman and Dylan’s ministry group was to Searcy. It began one year ago when Coleman and Dylan moved into Pontiac and began hosting community barbeques and planting gardens. The guys used this method to begin getting to know their new neighbors. Now Coleman spends the day working at RC, hosting student activities and creating community, and spends his evenings at home in Pontiac doing the same thing. Although Coleman loves the on-theground work at Micah 6, Dylan currently handles the majority of this aspect of the community because Cole spends so many hours on campus. However, Coleman says he loves the opportunities he has to invest in the lives of those within the RC community. “My desire to do meaningful work here has been met; I feel that every time I see someone enjoying an event, talking to me about things they are passionate about or expressing their excitement at something that is coming up.” So if you want to contribute to Coleman’s satisfaction, stop by his office and talk to him about your ideas. It’s guaranteed to be a blast.
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by CHELSEA HACKEL EDITOR IN CHIEF
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Wally the Warrior
Katie Martelle
I have finally moved past the
I just hope someday I love
medieval times and have moved on
something as much as women in
to the electronic era! ARE YOU NOT
yogurt commercials love yogurt.
ENTERTAINED!!! Like me!
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*Watching Beyond Scared Straight* Prisoner (telling her story in an effort to convince young baddies to be nice): “I coulda been in college...finishing my degree in nursing! But no, I did some things I knew I shoulda not did...” Me: “Oh, honey...with grammar like that, I don’t know if that nursing degree would have happened anyways...”
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No More Camel Skins Being A Prophet In A Modern World by REBEKAH HAIGH COPY EDITOR
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” –Micah 6:8 The gist of the prophetic messages from Samuel to Daniel revolved around these issues: URGE SOCIAL REFORM: Justice for the economically outcast, powerless and politically weak. CALL FOR PURIFICATION: Religion so easily becomes mere tradition that lacks genuine spiritual investment. OFFER HOPE OF REDEMPTION: God is always waiting and always ready to save us from ourselves.
A prophet is someone God can “send” and someone who will actually “go.” Think about Isaiah 6:8: “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’ ” A prophet is also someone who prays… and not just someone who prays that the Lions win the Super Bowl or that classes are canceled all week. Biblical prophets prayed for those around them, for their nation and for the repentance and redemption of their people. Can you work for social reform? Can you call for revival or offer the hope of redemption we have in Jesus? Can you spend a bit of time each day praying for the lost and interceding for your nation? When Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all the nations,” can you respond “Here I am; send me”? Yes? Then you are a “prophet.” Today, we may not receive divine prophetic callings, hear the voice of God imparting a new message, or work miracles like Elijah; however, we can still be “prophets.” So no, I don’t recommend you get in character by wearing camel skins, eating grasshoppers or locking yourself in a closet until you get a message from God. I do, however, urge you to live as prophets and speak as prophets. Get out there and campaign for social justice, proclaim the truth of God and offer hope of redemption. Your community needs you, your society needs you and most of all, God needs you. By the way, if prophets like Elijah and Jeremiah ever do show up in our modern context, I’m pretty sure they won’t be wearing camel skins and sandals. Just saying.
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When it comes right down to it, prophets were first and foremost men and women who proclaimed social and religious reform.
When we think of prophets, we typically imagine bearded, wild-eyed men in robes, proclaiming the judgment of God long, long ago. But what about the beardless, hoodywearing guy next door? Or the woman campaigning against human trafficking? What about you? While I suspect none of us will be awakened in the middle of the night by a prophetic call from God, that doesn’t mean “prophet” is an antiquated role of a bygone era. The main job of a Biblical prophet wasn’t to divine the future or even call fire from heaven. In fact, most “prophecies” of the Bible had nothing to do with the distant future. (I’m pretty sure prophets like Daniel and Isaiah would be pretty weirded out be some of today’s bizarre interpretations.) When it comes right down to it, prophets were first and foremost men and women who proclaimed social and religious reform.
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THE ULTIMATE SUPERHERO Superheroes have taken over the box office in the past few years and show no signs of slowing down. Most of us have seen at least one superhero movie, and some have seen all of them. From by SARAH ROPER “Captain America” to STAFF WRITER “Batman,” “Wolverine” to “Superman,” and every hero in between, superheroes capture our attention. Anyone can enjoy the movies, not just comic book fans. From Christopher Nolan’s dark and gritty Batman trilogy to the much lighter Fantastic Four, there is a superhero movie for everyone. For the kids, there is the family-friendly fim “The Incredibles.” Marvel’s “The Avengers” and the upcoming Justice League film offer teams of superheroes fighting evil together. Why are we so drawn to superheroes? What makes masses of people who have never picked up a comic book flock to the movie theater to see the latest superhero blockbuster? Superheroes save people. They save New York City and Metropolis. They save the world from the forces of evil. Every superhero has superhuman abilities we can never match. None of us will ever experience a genetic mutation that enables us to fly or control fire. Although technology has made great advances, it has not yet given us the Iron Man suit or the Batmobile. With these powers and strong convictions, superheroes make the world a better place.
Superheroes fight on our behalf and do what we cannot, yet they struggle with their own problems at the same time. Each hero still has flaws and imperfections and they are not all-powerful. But Batman and Iron Man and all the others represent the best of humanity. They are hope. In recent years, the real world has seen a lot of difficult events. There is no Superman or Professor X fighting evil in the real world. So we look to fiction to provide those heroes, often never noticing the superheroes walking among us everyday. They have no superpowers or spandex. The real superheroes are those who do what is right every day and think of others before themselves. But the most incredible superhero of all is real. He does not come from a movie or a comic book. His costume is not colorful and he has no genetic mutations. His name is Jesus, and He wants to save each and every person on Earth. He has the power to do so. Jesus has already suffered on our behalf, as superheroes do in every movie. No evil exists that He cannot defeat. Superheroes are fascinating and entertaining. Why are we drawn to them? Because we are searching for a savior, but they will never measure up to the one true Savior, Jesus Christ.
Spice Up Your Sect Life
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As Christians, most of us are part of a sect. Be it through church, youth group or Bible study, joining with other Christians who share similar beliefs can help us all grow in our faith. While this can be beneficial, sometimes our usual fire fades to embers and is replaced by a feeling of mere duty. Luckily, with a few simple tricks that passion can be rekindled and spiritual growth can soar again. Everyone worships differently. Some prefer sitting, some prefer standing and some even prefer kneeling or dancing. Sometimes it helps to switch up the way we’ve worshiped for years. If you’ve spent your whole life sitting through services, maybe kneeling or standing for a change can bring your excitement back to the church. Occasionally, varying the way we worship can refresh not only our bodies, but also our interest. Singing releases endorphins, which elevates our mood. Singing also alters our mindsets in a very positive way and can bring back the excitement we once had.
Sometimes the easiest way to get excited about church again is to get your friends involved. Doing something with a large group of friends not only helps keep interest but also provides a “support system.” Getting friends involved in your sect can not only help your sect grow in numbers, but can also help you grow in your personal faith. Additionally, many of us rearrange our rooms frequently because we grow bored seeing the same thing day after day. Places become stale, but a change of scenery can prevent a loss interest and promote spiritual growth. There are many ways to rekindle faith and promote spiritual growth, but these are just a few simple things each of us can do every week to liven up our church experience and spice up our sect life.
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FALL 2013
by BRAD FECTEAU STAFF WRITER
Reconciling Suffering “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” — Psalm 13:1-2 by: CHELSEA HACKEL EDITOR IN CHIEF Verses like these grab my attention. Have you ever read the Psalms and really meditated on the emotions displayed there? I know poetry is supposed to be an outpouring of strong feeling, but when it comes to the Psalms I’ve often overlooked the fact that these, too, are poetic. David, as a poet, dealt with extreme anger, hopelessness and fear. Despite his deep, heart-to-heart connection with Yahweh, David still wrestled with the age-old question: why is there suffering and pain in this world, and how can I reconcile that reality with the knowledge that God is supposed to be a loving God? Often when I am forced to look suffering in the face and acknowledge its existence, it’s the last thing I want to do. Avoiding pain is easier, because when I accept it as reality the
questions inevitably come rolling in. “Why would a loving God allow this to happen?” “Why is God so far away?” “How can I make sense of this brokenness?” I have seen pain and fear, and they are not pretty. They remind me of my own ignorance, my humanity, my veiled eyes that can only see the back of the tapestry. I come face-to-face with the consequences of a broken world, and it hurts. Like David, I find myself throwing questions at God, begging him to help me understand the messiness of life. Sometimes I find peace. Sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I am simply clinging to what I know to be true of God: he is just, he is faithful, he is loving, he is compassionate, he will never leave us, he sees every tear we cry, and he hurts with us… Pain is real in this world, and it has also been promised to us, as in John 16:33. But despite everything, we have a reason to praise God because, as the rest of Psalm 13 says, “I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.” This world is not our final home and one day all of the brokenness will be healed. Keep holding on and keep looking up, brothers and sisters. We’re only passing through.
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I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord,for he has been good to me. PSALM 13:5-6
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First World Problems ph
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I’m a spoiled person. I like my iPhone, my car, my school, my job and my friends. I like to be comfortable by KATIE MARTELLE OPINIONS EDITOR and stay in my own little world. I complain about frustrating circumstances, such as spotty Wi-Fi or having to go to class, but quickly follow that with a quip of, “first world problems!” so then I can say I’m joking. I’m not actually complaining. But this summer I went out of my comfort zone… about 7,500 miles out of my comfort zone to the Dominican Republic. It was my first time out of the country (Canada doesn’t count!) and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Armed and ready for several
Instagram pictures of palm trees, I set out. I had no idea how much this trip would change my life. I ministered to love-starved orphans and formerly abused children now in foster care. I cried with women who had been victims of sex trafficking and other abuse. I talked in broken Spanish at different villages to different people whose joy put me to shame. I learned so much in the short week I spent there, but the biggest lesson was that I complained about stupid things a lot. I still do, but I’m working on doing it less. With all the blessings in our lives, we really have no business grumbling as much as we do. So, I’ve made a goal to voice things I’m thankful for rather than annoyed about. Will you join me?
Christ Is Calling
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I experienced a terrible breakup at the end of the summer. My other half was simply asking too much of my time, and I knew I needed to end things before I lost myself completely. Though he was intelligent and helpful, I was soon headed to Rochester College and I wanted to meet new people without being tied down. It was difficult to say goodbye to all 8GBs of his sleek body, but the experience was completely liberating. Yes, I did in fact break up with my iPhone. My smartphone was not helping me further my intelligence; it was time consuming, distracting and intoxicating. In a time where God calls us to live simply and intentionally, it was leading me in the exact opposite direction. I was guilty of walking and tweeting, eating and Facebooking, sitting and texting and spending every free moment in between shuffling and scrolling through applications. It disgusts me to think of how much time I have wasted in the depths behind my retina display screen. Now, I spend my idle time investing in conversations and individuals within arms reach instead of those connected at the end
of my arm by a shiny white electronic. I have quickly realized that God wants nothing more than to form a friendship with me, and speak to me every moment of the day. I had realized this in the past, but I’m ashamed to say that my cell phone was the deafening factor in an ongoing conversation that He pursues. From the moment I downgraded my cell phone, I have created a new element of relationship that was virtually nonexistent before. If you are a smartphone owner and are able to use your cell phone to glorify God, then by all means please stay connected to all that He has called you to do. Look upon social media as an opportunity to further His Kingdom rather than an empty distraction. But if you’re anything like me, an iPhone is a curse before it is a blessing. I challenge you to re-evaluate your relationship with your smartphone, and then re-evaluate the one you have with God. I traded my smartphone for a stronger relationship with my Creator, and that is something proven to be priceless.
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FALL 2013
by RACHEL TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
“
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist,
#
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that is all.
Oscar Wilde
Meet COACH TOMCZYK by SARA BEASON SPORTS EDITOR
Nick Tomczyk, who formerly coached at Oakland University, joined Rochester College after being contacted by Fellowship of Christian Athletes about an open head coach position for men’s hockey.
“Oakland [University] was a great opportunity for me to get into college coaching,” Tomczyk says. “It was a great opportunity for myself to propel to being the head coach here.” Tomczyk says he is excited to work for RC because he grew up in southeast Michigan. He played youth hockey as well as baseball, basketball and soccer for Faith Christian School. Tomczyk played at three rinks in the area during youth hockey, including Fraser Hockeyland, the current home of the RC Warriors. After high school, he attended Northern Michigan University and played on the ACHA hockey team and managed the NCAA D1 team as well. Tomczyk says he learned a great deal from the coaches with whom he worked at NMU.
WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU? I enjoy hiking quite a bit. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE?
IF YOU WON A MILLION DOLLARS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT? I would tithe 10 percent. Then I would set our family up nicely. I would give some away after we were taken care of.
FALL 2013
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF 10 YEARS FROM NOW?
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I see myself with 18 years of marriage, three boys in high school and coaching hockey full time.
“Oakland University was a great opportunity for me to get into college coaching.” -Nick Tomczyk
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Laziness, lack of effort, or giving up.
Warriors Create Hockey History
Forward George Holt breaks free down the ice. photo courtesy PHOTOS.RC.EDU
The Rochester College hockey team made history with its first two goals during opening weekend at by SARA BEASON its home rink, Fraser SPORTS EDITOR Hockeyland, on Sept. 21. Sophomore Alex Kopek scored the first goal with an assist from freshmen Matt Kadolph and Brock Malatches. Malatches scored the second goal with an assist from freshman Joe Giordano. “Getting one of the first goals just means that we’re getting our team in the right direction, so it’s a good thing for us to get going,” Malatches said. “Hopefully it will get us rolling into the next few games here.” The Warriors played their first two home games against Robert Morris University, but fell short both times. The team was unable to score in the first game, but had some close calls in the third period. A penalty and the ejection of Kyle Rojem occurred during the last three minutes of the game, handing the opponents the win.
In game two, the Warriors kept the competition close by tying up the first period. The team scored another goal in the third, but fell short in the 3-2 loss. Malatches said that the team has learned from the losses and is ready to bounce back in the games ahead.
“We really appreciate everyone for coming out and being loud and helping us out.” Brock Malatches Despite the first weekend of losses, the fans remained devoted to the Warriors. RC students roared behind the goal for their classmates on the ice. “We just want to thank the fans for coming out, because it was an unreal atmosphere,” Malatches said. “We really appreciate everyone for coming out and being loud and helping us out.”
Cross Country’s Comeback three eligible runners this season, it was unable to be scored in the meets. The women were dedicated and competed nonetheless. At the Knight Invitational hosted by Calvin College on Sept. 14, the women showed their competition. Freshman Lexi Terrell finished with a time of 22.26, junior Brandi West with a 22.19 and Lockard with a 24.51. “I feel we have grown as a team,” Lockard said. “I think we’ve also learned about our own personal character and what it takes to be a runner.” Now that RC has its name out there among cross-country runners, several high school students have inquired about the team. Murphey said she hopes to have a solid group of women next season. “Next year I hope we grow in numbers as well as raise the bar to perform,” Lockard said. “And I hope that we remain a team focused on our attitudes and character.”
photo by Lee Xiong
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Rochester College reintroduced crosscountry to the athletic pool this year with a team of only by SARA BEASON three women. SPORTS EDITOR RC previously had both women’s and men’s cross-country, but the program had been on hold for some time. “I think this area that we live in is probably the best training for cross-country in Southeast Michigan,” coach Laura Murphy said. “If anyone should have a team, it should be Rochester College.” In creating the team, Athletic Director Klint Pleasant contacted a friend, asking for names of known cross-country coaches. One of those known coaches happened to be Murphy, who quickly applied and was selected to coach the team. Due to the fact that the team only had
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Sports fans have heard it all before. We’ve seen Tim Tebow praise God after scoring touchdowns, by LINDSAY BASLOCK heard Kurt Warner ASST. SPORTS EDITOR preach during interviews and witnessed true faith from gymnast Gabby Douglas. Being a collegiate golfer, I’ve seen proof that faith is prevalent in sports today. It’s a trending quality in the professional world in this day and age, and it’s about time! The headlines about poor decisions our “role model” athletes make are everywhere. Players are resorting to performance enhancing drugs and going to jail over choices made during blurry states of mind. Sports may appeal as a fun outlet on any level. But does it ever get the best of us? Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do… do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” It’s easy to get lost in everyday life and surrender to the sins that may happen in the midst of competition. To keep sports as just a game, and not an idol, is key. Athletes experience highs and lows in every game. Keeping our heads up when we’re down and humble when we’re on top is the mentality that we, as athletes, must strive for. Just because individuals don’t have the public impact athletic heroes have doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference. Sometimes unexpected individuals ultimately become those who are admired and thanked most in our lives. Acts of kindness, praying for someone or just giving thanks to God may alter a person’s view on faith itself. When we hope that we may change the world someday, perhaps it doesn’t have to be on the scale that we envision. If all that we can do is point someone’s life into the light that Jesus shines, isn’t that worth everything in the world? Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” Love the game you play and play it with your whole heart, but in all circumstances, give glory to the one who created you!
New Beginnings on the Links For Rochester College’s men’s golf team, starting fresh has been a blessing. Only having by LINDSAY BASLOCK two returning ASST. SPORTS EDITOR upperclassman seems like a challenge, but the new class of players has already proven they can rise to the challenge. Early in the season, the team traveled to a tournament in Wauseon, Ohio. Freshman Chet Ryeson debuted his college career by scoring a 68, four under par, and setting the new RC 18-hole record. Adam Yarber and Ryan Kapanowski played a significant role in leading the team’s success for the 2013-14 season. “When the women’s team had a tournament, I took the guys over to Oakland University to work on our short game [putting and chipping],” says Kapanowski.
“[Coach Clayton Bissett] now gives me those opportunities because I am a senior.” The crop of players this season has been impressive on the course, on the scorecard and in the outstanding level of team chemistry between each other. “This year is more loose because we all get along, which makes this year a lot better than previous years,” Kapanowski says. With a team goal of winning the USCAA National Golf Tournament at Penn State University, Kapanowski also has his eyes set on becoming an All-American at the end of the season. “I haven’t been this confident in our team since my freshman year,” he says. A special season has wound down and the only remnants are in the record books and our memories. This season may have been a pivotal one, but there will only be more in years to come.
photo by LEE XIONG
Women’s Golf Lays the Groundwork
The Rochester College women’s golf team took home a first place trophy from the Cleary University Invitational by SARA BEASON at the Chemung Hills SPORTS EDITOR in Howell, Mich. for the first time on Sept. 27. Senior Audrie Bedenis and freshman Samantha Tarakoff scored an 86, sophomore Lindsay Baslock scored an 87 and junior Danielle Godair scored a 94, for a combined team score of 353. “On Friday our whole team was on, and we all scored extremely well for playing a hard course,” Baslock said. Baslock said the team saw much improvement from the previous seasons.
She also stated the team usually finishes second or near the top of the rankings, which made the victory even more exciting. Although the team only had one first place victory this season, Tarakoff took first at the Jon P. Speiss Invitational at Ironwood Golf Course in Wauseon, Ohio earlier in the season. She also set the school record with a score of 80. Both the men and women’s golf teams are looking forward to the spring season and hope for much success. “I think with the groundwork we have laid this fall season and the way in which we finished the season, we have a nice jumping off point for not only the spring, but for next year as well,” Coach Clayton Bissett said.
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FALL 2013
Give Credit Where Credit is Due
Chasing Cardio
The freshman 15 can be chased away. One of the simplest ways to get into shape is by adding a cardio workout to your by SARA BEASON life. SPORTS EDITOR Recent research has shown this may not only slim a person down, but it can also fight heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. The added exercise can also improve healthy sleep patterns and clear a stressed mind while building up the immune system. Professor Dave Hutson says he has some of his best ideas when running. It may intimidate some to jump into a new exercise routine, but it is OK to start simple. Hutson says the way he remembers how to set up a good exercise plan is by remembering the acronym F.I.T.T. which stands for frequency, intensity, time and type. Frequency deals with how often a person works out certain muscles. Beginners may want to start doing cardio three times each week, and increase gradually as it becomes easier. Hutson says intensity seems to mess up beginners the most. Some will start sprinting
on day one but soon burn out and become discouraged. Figuring out a good target heart rate around which to plan each workout is important. To figure out your target heart rate, take the number 220 and subtract your age. This number is your maximum heart rate. Sixty five percent of that number is your minimum heart rate. Students with Lifetime Fitness memberships can use this to their advantage because most of the cardio equipment can determine their current heart rates. A free consultation, where a personal trainer will sit down with a person and help him or her determine the right range, is also included in most gym memberships. Time is another easy factor to gradually increase. The average 18 to 22-year-old should start with 20 minutes of cardio each day when working out. Overexerting oneself can lead to muscle damage and exhaustion. Just like frequency, time can be added once the workout feels comfortable. When it comes to workout type, personal preference matters most. Some find that running works well for them. Others enjoy different forms of cardio, such as
In today’s sports world, statistics are what seem to matter. However, there are the few who play for a larger byLINDSAY BASLOCK reason than getting the ASST. SPORTS EDITOR “W”. The Rochester College women’s soccer team plays one game every season in honor of breast cancer awareness. This year the team and dedicated fans united against Cleary University, but the score wasn’t all that mattered that Friday evening. “We all know people who have had breast cancer. You’re not just playing for yourself; you’re playing for everyone in memory of breast cancer,” says sophomore Angela Mancini. Every player has someone for whom she is playing hard out on that field. For Mancini, the game definitely hit home. “My Grandma had breast cancer, so I play for her. You tend to take the time to reflect on what the game really means,” Mancini says.
Just like cancer creates obstacles for the individual, the team has overcome its own obstacles. The team started off with only 11 eligible players, but Mancini says the team improved every game. “It’s been about getting communication [on the field] back to where it should be,” Mancini says. This season has been about strengthening team chemistry and learning to blend together in order to get the wins they desire. Mancini says the team is doing well, but they need to continue improving communication on the field. The future looks bright for the Warriors next season, and they will have many returning players who have worked through this season together.
swimming, biking, rollerblading or aerobics. What a person does is as imporant as being consistent with the routine. Beginners also need to pay attention to preparing their bodies for exercise. Hydration is always important, not only when working out. Stretching may be left up to one’s own preference, but should be done frequently. A light jog before stretching can warm the muscles up and make them easier to stretch. For those who do not feel a positive effect from static stretching, alternative methods such as yoga can help stretch the muscles. Grab a protein shake or bar when finished. Extra carbs, fats and proteins in one’s daily diet can also improve workouts. Some may still remain skeptical about working out. Cardio, however, benefits everyone, so it is important to get into a routine that is challenging yet enjoyable.
* The team huddles for a prayer before the start of the game. photos by RK PHOTOGRAPHY
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Kicking for a Cause
Fighting the Freshman 15
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EXPRESSIONS
Faith
Mr. Willow
Faith is not always in what you see Faith is not always in what you hear Faith is what you believe Faith is what you perceive In everything around you You must believe That He is there
Mr. Willow slumped his broad, wellleafed shoulders and gave shade to the deserted beach below. An empty fire pit and a circle of abandoned lounge chairs rested near the shoreline, where the waves gently bathed the white sand. Mr. Willow was old and tired. He was also very lonely. There was a time when Mr. Willow wasn’t lonely. At one time he had a vibrant social life. He remembered when he used to have friends! Mr. Elm and Ms. Ash were his best friends, although their mutual acquaintances Rose, Mrs. Bush, and Dr. Oak always hung around. There were many others, too, and what fun they had! They would sway together, back and forth, back and forth, whenever the wind sang its sweet song. Sometimes they danced wildly when it rained and stormed. Other days they danced with a calm grace when the sun shone and the melody was quiet. Mr. Willow’s father lived across the lake. On especially clear days he could catch a glimpse of father moving about. Mr. Willow liked to think they were dancing together. When Mr. Willow first grew up with his friends, he was very small. As time went on this changed. He grew very large. Of all his friends, he grew the biggest, strongest, and fastest. Once, he was proud of his large, low-hanging leafy arms and legs. The bigger he got, though, the more pale and thirsty his friends became. Then one day, Mr. Elm stopped dancing. He dried up, stiffened, and by the time he tumbled over, Ms. Ash began to exhibit the same symptoms. One by one their trunks rotted, cracked, and toppled. Mr. Willow had gotten so big so fast that after he had his fill of sunshine and water there wasn’t any left for anyone else. One by one they all died. He was magnificent. He was beautiful. He was alone. Mr. Willow didn’t feel much like dancing any more. Still, every now and again when the right breeze sang through, he would lean back and forth, if only in memory of old times. On the clearest days, Mr. Willow could see his father moving about on the other side of the lake, and he would dance with his father. They had to dance. They were the only ones left who could.
God is everywhere In the air In everything around you And even in you God is here God is there You cannot see But that’s just part of the mystery
Your faith in God Must be strong For the faith you have In the Great I Am Is important to our salvation
Cowboy by SARAH ROPER
FALL 2013
Choking in a whirlwind of dust The shuffle of many hooves across the endless range Long days spent breathing through grimy cloth Leather creaking, jeans rubbing,sweat streaking across weathered skin. Relentless wind, the sun glaring down Rough hands soft on the reins, sitting quiet on the experienced cow pony. Through the hours of dark, riding circles around the shifting mass of bovine flesh Stars blinking the cloudy dust away, staring night after night At the small fires and plaintive songs of wandering men. One rattler and the herd bolts, slick Hides rubbing shoulder to shoulder, hooves whipping the dust into a blinding cloud. Straight for a massive fall, the ponies are faster but only the Crack! Of a rifle turns the herd from plummeting like a dying bird to the bottom of the Earth. The sun looms and dies; the cow pony never falters; Bowlegged and weathered, soldiering on for a mission that is not grand but Is real.
Albert Einstein
by SETH MICHAELS
by KAYLEE ANDERSON
by RACHEL MORGENSTERN
by ADRIANE WEBB
by HOLLY HEMMINGS
PAGE DESIGNED BY SARAH ROPER & KAYCE MCCLURE
by ESTON LIVINGSTON
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Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.
Builders
by RACHEL MORGENSTERN
you speak of the stars as if you know the price of my ribcage but this castle of sand is sheltering much more than words i speak with extremes that never leave a headstone and sometimes i play a comedic fool and believe it but my body is not some polluted city even though i may build some cities in the secrets it’s the setting of a tragedy so big that it had to be ripped from my mother’s womb (that the devil could not risk giving a slumbering something so small and packed so tightly with feeling the opportunity to give its love away) well i say to that demon it was just bad luck that the umbilical cord snapped that this sympathetic spirit has seen eighteen years of hope and hurt and heartache so you can keep your tall important buildings and you can keep your four five six senses vision that will be forever dulled by the blind heart
why have you been ignoring the thirst of your soul to water the brain that will wither with the breeze and you can try to take the passion out of my chest snuff out my blazing heart like a scented candle-there for the background not for the growth-go ahead (i dare you to try) i may have a question mark spine but my intentions are very clear if you point that poison at my chest i will melt the bullets and flowers will emerge if you tell me what i am worth i will open my ears and close my mouth and--you are beautiful i can always manipulate some more words quote a few people you adore quote even more you curse the birth of i never burn less than my brightest bulb (and i don’t need someone else to feel whole) so you can keep talking about the stars but maybe you should take a look at the broken bones to your right at the snail’s insistence on your left that you will never be able to tinker with time but every second you are given is an undeserved miracle
Ghost Vibrations by BRAD FECTEAU
He began to walk home, the streets nearly cleared, alone on Halloween – how awfully weird. Then out of the blue, like so often before, his phone vibrated, and his jaw hit the floor. vvrrrrrrr vvrrrrrrr The phone’s vibrations begged his attention, but the glossy black screen struck him with tension. Someone had called him, He had no doubt. These ghost vibrations were creeping him out. He could no longer forget this creepy sensation, On Halloween night, two ghost vibrations! He ran straight home, and he fell fast asleep.
in an effort to escape a Halloween filled with creeps. Then out of the blue, like so often before, his phone vibrated, and his jaw hit the floor. vvrrrrrrr vvrrrrrrr Woken up from his much-needed rest, he pressed the phone to his ear and a voice stopped his chest. His face turned pale and his eyes turned black. His body went limp, and he fell on his back, He had no more fears, ‘cuz what the voice said scared him so much, that Larry was dead. Next time your phone vibrates and no one’s there, don’t run, don’t hide, but do be scared.
by JOSHLYN BOOTH
Unexpected events may come our way. Not every trial is here to stay. Don’t lose your faith when things go wrong. Always remember that God will make you strong. In everything you go through, God is always right beside you. All you have to do is hold on. For every tear you cry, God is always nigh. For every dark day, God is there to shed some light. If you put your trust in God, he’ll make things right.
E Your nights may seem long, but soon your trials will be gone. Just remember to hold on.
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Submit your creativity to the Expressions pages!
Email submissions to sroper@rc.edu It could be featured in the next issue of The Shield!
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Two thousand & nine, a boy named Larry on Halloween night, all dark and scary Phone in his pocket and treats in his hand; this Halloween was turning out grand. ‘Til out of the blue, like so often before, his phone vibrated, and his jaw hit the floor. vvrrrrrrr vvrrrrrrr He drew his phone from his pocket and stared. To his surprise, no one was there. He decided to forget such a sensation. After all, it was only a ghost vibration He continued to have his Halloween fun, as the hours crept forward, and the Earth ate the sun.
Hold On
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the events we’ll remember the people we’ll never forget the stories we’ll retell