09 26 2014

Cockroaches Cause Stress For Residents ROCK Apartment residents have been dealing with unwanted visitors for the past six weeks.

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Friday September 26, 2014 • Volume 98, Issue Number 5 • Slippery Rock University's Student Newspaper

the rocket

www.theonlinerocket.com

LGBTQIA organization puts 'Silent Witness' into action against preacher

KARLEIGH SANTRY/THE ROCKET

Kris Hawkins, fifth year psychology major and president of RockOUT peacefully protests with a sign behind Keith Darrell while an SRU student accuses him of being on drugs. Hawkins is a Silent Witness trained student and one of the organizers of the protest. He, along with a small group of students, carried rainbow umbrellas and signs from the Student Center, which RockOUT members keep in the Pride Center to be prepared for LGBTQIA hate.

By Haley Barnes News Editor

Street preacher, Keith Darrell, came to the quad on Wednesday afternoon to practice his first amendment right with hopes of getting a reaction from Slippery Rock Students. Darrell has been to Slippery Rock University in the past, but this time he received a different reaction called “Silent Witness” from the LGBTQIA organization, RockOUT. “The purpose of Silent Witness is to silently protest hate speech by ‘street preachers’ that may be directed at the LGBT community,” Catherine Massey, associate psychology professor and one of the faculty advisors for RockOUT, explained. “It allows a supportive environment to protect freedom of speech and religion. Essentially, Silent Witness participants turn their

backs to the speaker with an open rainbow umbrella resting on their shoulder.”

The umbrellas and signs were funded by the President’s Commission on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation, Massey added.

“Silent Witness was developed by Blaise Liffick, professor at Millersville University, and his spouse Alanna Berger," Massey said.

Massey coordinates the Silent Witness program at SRU where students and faculty can be trained to take part in these demonstrations.

Massey felt the silent protest went very well. She said Silent Witness trained students instructed and guided other students who wanted to join the protest, while other students thanked the protestors for peacefully protesting.

Kris Hawkins, fifth year psychology major and president of RockOUT, is a

student trained in Silent Witness. He was trained by Massey.

“Silent Witness trainings are offered once a semester for students who seek to promote a peaceful campus climate and encourage an academic environment free of biased, hateful speech,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins explained that the training is open to anyone and it takes about an hour to complete. He said during the training, students also sign a pledge agreeing to uphold the standards expected of a Silent Witness.

As a Silent Witness trained student, he held a sign by Darrell that said, “Ignore them!! You won’t change their minds.”

Sara Habraken, junior psychology major and RockOUT's Ally public relations officer, and Mandy Feldbauer, junior criminal justice major and secretary of RockOUT, are not Silent Witness trained, but hope

to be in the future. Regardless, Habraken and Feldbauer actively participated in the silent protest.

“He doesn’t get to stand out there and tell everyone that there’s no hope for them when there is,” Habraken said. “He doesn’t get to disgrace our world because he feels uncomfortable.”

Despite her feelings, Habraken said nothing to Darrell and kept her back towards him the entire time.

“The man had some comments towards our act, but people who weren't even in RockOUT helped to support the cause by picking up an umbrella and taking a stance.

A lot of people applauded us,” Feldbauer said.

Massey hopes that Silent Witness at SRU continues to grow creating a hate-free environment at Slippery Rock University.

Dining Halls Dare Old Rocky's Is To Be Different Not Forgotten

XC Freshman Off Police Monitor To A Fast Start Homecoming

Weisenfluh and Boozel staff react to their recognition in Food Management Magazine.

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Rock freshman cross-country runner Jeremy Parsons won his first collegiate race, and is ready Page C-2 for more success.

The Rocket Staff share their love for Old Rocky's and urge AVI to bring it back for one spicy, Page B-1 flavorful night.

Campus and state police, and local bars get ready for Homecoming.

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NEWS

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Fog in the a.m.; mostly sunny

Fog in the a.m.; mostly sunny

Fog in the morning; some sun

Mostly cloudy

Mostly sunny and beautiful

Partly sunny, a shower or two

Mostly sunny

75°

49°

77°

50°

77°

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE

®

Fri.

Sat.

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

CITY Akron Allentown Altoona Cleveland Erie Harrisburg Indiana Johnstown Philadelphia Pittsburgh Scranton State College Wheeling Williamsport Youngstown

Friday HI LO W 77 53 s 76 52 pc 74 48 s 74 53 s 74 54 s 77 53 pc 75 50 s 71 49 s 74 58 s 75 51 s 76 52 pc 73 49 s 76 52 s 77 51 s 75 50 s

Saturday HI LO W 78 53 s 80 51 s 75 48 s 75 53 s 75 55 s 80 52 s 77 50 s 73 48 s 81 59 s 78 53 s 79 52 s 75 51 s 77 51 s 80 51 s 77 50 s

74°

51°

75°

UV INDEX

Fri.

Sat.

Monday HI LO W 76 54 pc 79 59 c 73 53 c 74 54 pc 74 56 pc 80 59 c 73 54 c 69 53 c 80 63 c 75 56 c 78 56 c 72 54 c 74 54 c 77 56 c 75 51 pc

Sun. Mon.

Tuesday HI LO W 77 56 s 74 55 c 73 54 pc 74 56 s 74 57 s 74 57 c 76 55 pc 71 53 pc 76 60 c 76 55 pc 73 54 c 72 55 pc 76 55 pc 74 58 c 76 53 s

73°

Sun

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. 0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme.

Sunday HI LO W 78 59 pc 82 54 s 77 54 s 74 57 pc 74 58 pc 82 57 s 78 56 pc 74 55 pc 82 62 s 79 57 pc 81 56 s 75 55 s 78 57 pc 80 55 s 76 55 pc

51°

53°

72°

NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

50°

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

IN THE SKY

™

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

REGIONAL CITIES

55°

Wednesday HI LO W 77 57 sh 68 55 sh 72 53 sh 76 57 pc 74 58 s 75 56 sh 74 55 sh 69 54 sh 74 56 sh 76 57 sh 72 54 c 70 53 sh 77 56 sh 74 55 c 76 54 s

Thursday HI LO W 75 54 pc 70 48 c 70 43 pc 74 57 pc 72 59 s 74 50 c 73 52 pc 71 48 pc 76 64 pc 74 53 pc 72 47 c 70 47 pc 76 54 pc 72 45 pc 73 52 s

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Moon

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Rise 7:12 a.m.

7:13 a.m.

7:14 a.m.

7:15 a.m.

7:16 a.m.

7:17 a.m.

7:18 a.m.

Rise 9:27 a.m.

10:27 a.m.

11:27 a.m.

12:27 p.m.

1:24 p.m.

2:17 p.m.

3:07 p.m.

MOON PHASES

Set 7:11 p.m.

7:09 p.m.

7:08 p.m.

7:06 p.m.

7:04 p.m.

7:03 p.m.

7:01 p.m.

Set 8:28 p.m.

9:05 p.m.

9:47 p.m.

10:35 p.m.

11:29 p.m. none 12:29 a.m.

First

Full

Last

New

10/1

10/8

10/15

10/23

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

September 26, 2014 PRECIPITATION

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: A rainstorm will affect areas west of the Continental Divide on Saturday, with locally heavy downpours from Arizona to Montana. Flash flooding is possible, especially in the deserts. Saturday will be rainy along the Gulf Coast, but dominant high pressure will keep the Midwest and Northeast dry and warmer than normal. It will be rainy again across the West Sunday, heaviest in the Rockies. Downpours will advance into the Tennessee Valley while dry air brings a sunny and very warm day to much of the Midwest and Northeast. The Pacific Northwest will be showery on Monday with more drenching downpours for the Southeast. A backdoor cool front may usher chilly air into northern New England on Monday.

NATIONAL CITIES

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W Atlanta 79 65 pc 77 66 pc 76 66 c 74 65 t 78 65 sh 81 65 s 83 61 sh Boston 71 58 s 78 59 s 82 60 s 77 57 pc 67 55 c 67 55 c 64 48 pc Chicago 77 56 pc 76 57 s 76 54 pc 77 55 s 75 57 pc 76 61 c 76 55 pc Cincinnati 79 57 s 80 59 s 79 61 pc 78 57 pc 80 59 s 80 60 s 81 56 pc Dallas 88 67 pc 88 66 pc 89 67 s 91 69 s 92 72 s 93 73 s 91 58 t Denver 87 55 s 84 54 s 82 51 pc 73 48 t 72 45 s 69 45 pc 66 32 r Detroit 75 53 s 77 52 s 76 54 pc 76 54 pc 74 55 s 74 57 s 74 58 s Houston 84 68 pc 85 66 pc 88 66 pc 88 67 s 88 69 pc 89 73 s 90 68 t Indianapolis 79 56 s 79 59 s 77 58 pc 79 55 pc 79 57 s 80 61 pc 80 60 pc Kansas City 81 61 pc 79 59 s 81 58 s 82 62 s 81 64 pc 80 64 c 78 54 r Los Angeles 81 63 pc 77 62 pc 76 59 pc 79 60 s 83 61 s 78 60 s 82 63 s Miami 89 79 t 89 78 t 88 78 t 87 76 t 87 76 t 87 76 t 90 72 r Nashville 84 63 s 84 65 pc 76 64 c 76 61 sh 80 62 pc 84 63 s 85 60 pc New Orleans 86 72 pc 85 74 t 82 72 t 85 71 s 86 72 s 87 74 s 87 74 pc New York City 75 60 pc 80 62 s 82 62 s 78 62 c 73 60 c 72 60 c 71 57 c Orlando 87 74 t 89 75 t 89 73 t 88 73 t 87 72 t 87 72 sh 88 69 t Phoenix 100 73 t 85 72 r 88 67 pc 87 65 s 88 66 s 89 69 s 94 68 s San Francisco 74 61 pc 74 61 pc 75 60 pc 75 61 s 73 60 s 76 60 s 79 57 s Seattle 66 55 c 68 53 pc 70 54 s 63 53 r 61 51 c 61 49 c 63 52 c Washington, DC 79 62 s 82 60 s 84 63 s 82 66 c 80 64 c 79 64 c 76 53 c Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Roach problem resolved after weeks P

By Haley Barnes News Editor

Four Slippery Rock students b e g a n n ot i c i n g G e r m a n Catch something exciting happening cockroaches around their ROCK on campus? Want your Insta-photos to apartment in building 330 one week before the academic school be featured in The Rocket? Just follow year officially started. The issue @SRURocket on Instagram and use is now calming down after # in the caption for your an ongoing six week conflict chance to be featured here every week! with the university, which has overtime, created stress and anxiety for the residents.

“I didn’t anticipate my senior year starting like this,” Melanie Zdobinski, Elementary Education major, said. “I don’t like feeling that I can’t live in my own apartment. I feel disgusted.”

Zbodinkski along with Danica Adams, Psychology major, Sarah Conley, English Education major, and Casey Squires, Arts Administration major, signed a contract to live in the ROCK apartments for the 2014-2015 school year in Oct. 2013.

Conley wanted to move into the apartment over the summer, but it was already occupied by a tenant. Once the tenant moved out, Conley moved in right away. Moving in that quickly did not give the university the opportunity to clean the apartment.

“My mom and I cleaned the apartment top to bottom,” Conley said.

Throughout the apartment, Conley and her mom noticed “dog pee pads,” dog fur, and dog toys throughout the apartment. They also noticed bugs throughout the apartment, Blotter.................A-3 Sports...................C-1 but thought they disturbed their hiding place. They bought bug Opinion................B-1 Campus Life.............D-1 traps and notified the Desk Comics...................B-5 Assistant (DA) of the ROCK apartments on Aug. 17.

Squires was next to move into the apartment and she as well noticed bugs throughout the apartment and notified the DA as well.

According to a timeline of events that the residents Newsroom: 220 Eisenberg Building compiled, the university first (724) 738-4438 Slippery Rock contacted the residents about Advertising: University the issue on Aug. 21. Dallas (724) 738-2643 Slippery Rock, PA Cott, Assistant Director of Campus Services, came into the Fax: 16057 apartment and looks around, (724) 738-4896 but did not confirm anything. A Email: few days later, he declared that rocket.letters@sru.edu the bugs were “water bugs”. After he sprayed the bugs, he told the residents that they can return their food back to the kitchen, 2012 Mark of Excellence First but after he finished treatment, Place Winner in Region 4 from the Society of Professional the residents still experienced Journalists. bug problems.

Uns atisf ied wit h C ott’s diagnosis, Squires took a picture of one of the water bugs and conducted her own research on the bugs. Squires said she came across the fact that the

INDEX

CONTACT US

water bugs are the same thing as German cockroaches. She used her picture and created a side by side comparison of a picture of a German cockroach from the internet and the one she found in the apartment. Squires then tweeted the picture at the university's account.

According to the timeline, Daniel Brown, Assistant Director of Housing Operations, sent the residents an email saying that problem is still being address and LEAF, SRU’s contracted exterminator, was being brought in to treat the infestation. Brown asked that all social media posts were deleted and Squires agreed in order to give the university a chance to fix the problem.

On Aug. 29, LEAF came in and treated the kitchen and bathroom of the apartment, but not the living room and bedrooms. Zboninski noticed some improvement with the bugs, but she still noticed a vast amount of cockroaches around the dishwasher.

Squires went to the Health Center on Sept. 3 to express her anxiety over the situation that prevents her from getting a good night's sleep. She also mentions to the health center that she was allergic to cockroaches. At that time, Squires was offered alternative housing, while the other residents were not.

They broke the contract that they signed back in October agreeing that they all wanted to live together. On that same day, Conley went to make herself a cup of coffee from her Keurig.

She washed the cup out before she used it, made the coffee, set the mug down, returned to finish it, and at the bottom of her cup, she found a cockroach.

Over the next few weeks, the residents found that the issue was not getting taken care of properly and they began to find cockroaches bigger than ones found previously. The residents began to find cockroaches in three out of the four bedrooms of the apartments. Squires called LEAF to discuss a new treatment plan.

According to the roommates, they said to Brown that they wanted the dishwasher to be taken out of the apartment before LEAF came again. LEAF expressed that they would not treat the apartment if the dishwasher was still present.

On Sept. 18, LEAF came to treat the apartment again and the dishwasher was still in the apartment.

Th e girls felt they deserved to be compensated, as the issue lasted for six weeks and two of the roommates had to withdraw from classes due

to falling behind in class and anxiety. Some roommates requested $745 in rent and $125 in flex. Debra Pincek, Executive Director of Student Services, denied the girls this request and offered them $100 in flex, as the residents had to throw away most of their food and were not able to use their kitchen.

Squires requested to meet with Philip Way, Provost of Academic and Student Affairs, on Sept. 24 at noon. Some parents of the residents attended the meeting.

“Unfortunately, multiple approaches will be required to eradicate the problem completely,” Way explained. “We regret that the resolution of the problem is taking longer than expected, but we are following the advice of the experts in this field to fully address this problem. We are also reviewing our work order policies and procedures to see if changes are needed to insure we are responding quickly to residents’ concerns.”

Way a g r e e d t h at t h e dishwasher is one of the sites of the cockroaches and a new dishwasher has been ordered and will be installed in the apartment as soon as possible.

“I wish I could guarantee that we would never have insects in any of our buildings again, but that’s an impossible guarantee to make,” Way said. “All we can do, and here everyone can help, is to keep the facilities as clean as possible and remove trash from living spaces as quickly as possible. We all need to remember that by eliminating the bugs' food supply and getting rid of their favorite hiding spots, we can reduce the risk of them taking up residence. As the weather turns colder, I encourage everyone to make sure doors and windows are kept closed, food is sealed up tight and recyclables are rinsed thoroughly and, as these residents did, contact Residence Life immediately if you notice a problem.”

Way explained that health and safety of students is his first priority, but it is very difficult to make accommodations when on campus housing is at its capacity.

The residents agree with Way that everything the university has done to take care of the situation has helped, but they just wish the university would have been more proactive about the situation. They believe the process of exterminating the cockroaches should not have been a six week process.

Squires said that at this point, they only find about one cockroach a day in the apartment.

NEWS

September 26, 2014

A-3

POLICE BLOTTER Borough Sept. 19 - Nathan McClintock was arrested for public drunkenness after being found by officers along Maple Street.

Sept. 21 - Tyler Madigan was arrested for underage consumption after being found by officers along South Main Street.

Sept. 21 - Maxwell Lewandowski, Ryan Barancho and Andrew Lacomba were cited for disorderly house after officers were dispatched to 214H Cornish Drive for a loud party where people were damaging the property.

to Sheetz where Cody Coven was arrested for retail theft and public drunkenness.

Campus

Sept. 19 - An individual needed medical attention at the Aebersold Recreation Center. The individual was transported to the Grove City Hospital by ambulance.

Sept. 17 - Police responded to a car accident on North Road. There were no injuries and the individuals exchanged information.

Sept. 19 - Marilyn Euliano, 19, Krista Ledergerber, 18, and Soleil Thompson, 19, were issued underage citations for a previous violation.

Sept. 18 - Police responded to an intruder alarm at the Life Long Learning Center. A worker set off the alarm. The alarm was reset.

Sept. 20 - Police, while on patrol, observed a group of individuals drinking along Stadium Drive. The group of individuals were recently issued underage violations. The group were referred to student conduct.

Sept. 19 - Veneza Crespo, 18, was issued an underage citation for an alcohol violation at Building A.

Sept. 21 - Officers were called

Sept. 20 - There was a reported theft of a cell phone and a case with ID's in it.

The case is under investigation.

Sept. 21 - Jeffery Morrow, 19, was issued an alcohol violation after seen drinking along North Road.

Sept. 21 - Police responded to a hit and run at the Swope Commuter Lot. The case is under investigation.

Sept. 21 - Allison Seldon, 18, and Hunter Way, 18, were issued underage citations for an alcohol violation at Building A. Magistrate Sept. 24 - Jason Porter, 35, of Portersville, was seen for receiving stolen property.

Compiled by Amber Cannon

SRU dining halls recognized as the best in USA

By Amber Cannon Assistant News Editor

Weisenefluh and Boozel Dining Center have been recognized as two of the best college dining halls in America by Food Management Magazines in their article, "Best College Dining Halls? We'll Show You Best College Dining Halls."

The recognition came as a surprise to most of the AVI staff members, especially Joe Balaban, Resident Director, and Lisa Rodgers, Director of Operations.

"That's a huge honor when you're up against colleges like Stanford and some of the other schools that were mentioned. They have some excellent dining programs.

I'm not saying that we don't because we have excellent dining programs as well,” Balaban said.

"We felt elated. It's kind of hard to put into words. I think it was surprising to me because I didn't know it was coming,” Rodgers said.

Boozel and Weisenfluh both went under renovations five years ago. According to Food Management Magazine, the two dining halls received $16 million in upgrades. The upgrades were so costly because of the complete day and night transformations that had taken place, Balaban said.

"Both Wiesenfluh and Boozel were completely gutted.

The buildings that you see today aren't even remotely close to what they were when they were renovated.

Weisenfluh was the old comfortable dining hall that everyone felt comfortable going to and Boozel was a complete transformation," Balaban said. " It's hard to even describe Boozel without looking at before and after pictures. Both of these transformations were completely night and day. Weisenfluh was a dining hall and it's completely retail now with a whole different vibe. It truly is just one of those things were you need to see before and after photos.“ Several student are interviewed to be a team member of either Boozel or Weisenfluh every year. Between both dining halls, AVI currently has 87 full time union team members working at Slippery Rock. AVI also employs around 325 students each semester. Joe explained that this recognition should really go to the students because of all their hard work.

"Without the students, these dining halls wouldn't be what they are today. They are our work force. They are a huge part of what we do on campus," Balaban said.

Rodgers also commented that the students should be the most proud of this recognition for all the work that they do.

Inside both Boozel and Weisenfluh are suggestion boxes that students write to tell AVI what they would like to see improvement in or what foods they would like to see more of.

"We meet with the Association of Resident Hall students and the house council in the fall and spring each year

to get an opinion of what they would like to see. What we do is driven by what the students tell us they want,” Balaban said. “We honestly make an effort to meet with the students because when it all comes down to it, it's all about the students.”

According to Rodgers, AVI prides itself in offering different variety of foods that the students on campus like.

"We try to give a different variety of foods each month at Boozel so that students don't get bored. We always have the salad, wrap and dessert bar. We also always keep some breakfast foods out as well," Rodgers said. "We try to change it up in the hot food area. We also try to feature foods from different countries so that students can also get a worldly vibe. We really try to be diverse and give the students what they want. We want to be different."

Future plans for both Boozel and Weisenfluh are still in the works, but one thing that Balaban promises is that the uniqueness of both dining halls won't change.

"Our future plans always change. We're just now getting ready to start talking about spring and what we can do different this spring. We try to make changes in retail locations, especially in Weisenfluh. We like to try out different food venues to see what the students like,” Balaban said. “We like to be different and unique, so for now, we're just trying to find ways to distance ourselves from our competition in a way that most people wouldn't expect."

OPINION

O

Our View

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 98, Number 5

220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:

(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 rocket.letters@sru.edu

EDITORIAL BOARD Kevin Squires

Editor-in-Chief

Haley Barnes

News Editor

Katie Ellis

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Campus Life Editor

Brian Hepfinger

Sports Editor

Alex Mowrey

Tears are still wept for ‘Old Rocky’s’

Photo Editor

Andrew Conner

Web/Social Media Editor

Shelby Stearns

Copy Editor

Amber Cannon

Assistant News Editor

Janelle Wilson

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Ryan Barlow

Assistant Sports Editor

Rebecca Dietrich

Assistant Photo Editor

Emily Brown

Multimedia Reporter

Mark Zeltner

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry

Advertising Manager

ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

The first copy of The Rocket is provided free of charge.

Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents each.

The Rocket receives approximately five percent of its funding from the SGA General Service fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 7382643 or by e-mailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.

CORRECTIONS If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Rocket are available. Subscriptions are $20 per academic semester and $35 for the full academic year. Inquiries should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief at the address listed here.

There are some things that can never be forgotten: that first kiss you had with the love that broke your heart, the first time you drove a car, your first day at Slippery Rock University, but most importantly, the old Rocky’s at the University Union.

For almost three years Old Rocky’s has been gone, but The Rocket staff is still talking about the beauty that was a taco salad and burrito bowl from La Roca, the perfection of chicken tenders and fries with cheese or made to order favorites at Joe’s. This was Old Rocky’s, and this will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Also, Wrapped has nothing on Cyber Fresh in terms of taste and service. We’ll take that third chicken tender and as many toppings as we want, thank you.

In general, the food at Old Rocky’s was beyond comparison to the secondrate substitutions offered to students currently.

But it wasn’t just about the food at Old Rocky’s, that made it such a beloved place, it was the atmosphere. A dimly lit b a s e m e nt w i t h c o u c h e s sprawled out over hardwood flooring may not sound like the most appealing place to

hang out, but for Slippery Rock University students, it was a refuge from the dimly lit classrooms filled with anguish and failure. It was a hangout location where we could relax and let go of our problems, if only until we finished that fantastic quesadilla.

There were pool tables, arcade games and TV’s that people could actually watch, instead of having them awkwardly on in the background. In short, it was a really cool place to go.

July 2012 marked the opening of the $39 million Robert M. Smith Student Center, complete with a movie theater, bookstore, Starbucks, Quaker Steak and Lube, Electronic Technology Center, and a brand new and unimproved Rocky’s Food Court.

The bright open space of Rocky’s at the Robert M. Smith Student Center doesn’t feel like home at all. It feels like one is eating at a hotel, not a home.

It’s like we’re a guest and can never really get comfortable.

The object is just to get your food, eat it and leave.

The sad truth is that given enough time, Old Rocky’s will just be a recollection of alumni, like Old Weisenfluh or when Patterson was a dormitory. Students that hear about Old Rocky’s will not join

In the Quad

in a passionate declaration of missing the chicken tenders but rather will look at the alumni with confusion, wondering why anyone would get so worked up over a restaurant.

The cries of bring back Old Rocky’s will be seen as the overdramatic musing of alumni unopen to change when they are in fact an appreciation for a greater, happier time. They won’t understand, and that is a tragedy.

Some of our younger staffers are already in this awful position, questioning what Old Rocky’s even served when it came up during a recent staff meeting. To you and all of SRU16, SRU17 and SRU18, we are truly sympathetic that you will never know the joys we experienced in our early years at Slippery Rock University.

In honor of the Slippery Rock University 125 anniversary c e l e br at i on , T h e R o cke t would love to see AVI bring back Old Rocky’s as best as possible, even if only for one day (a throwback Thursday, perhaps?) for all students to experience what we had.

For now though, Old Rocky’s, you will live on in our hearts and memories. May you never be forgotten. Love, the staff of The Rocket.

This week’s question: Do you think Boozel and Weisenfluh deserve to be named two of the top nine dinning halls in the nation?

In the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.

EDITORIAL POLICY The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board.

“Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.

LETTERS POLICY The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication.

The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published.

Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any.

Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.

Daniel Kaufman Freshman, Sports Management Major South Bury, Connecticut

Erika Westbrook Sophomore, Political Science Major Clariton, Pennsylvania

“I’m pretty sure Boozel’s food has laxatives in it. They have some good days but sometimes, the experience isn’t worth while. I think Weisenfluh deserves it because they have really good Asian food.”

“Maybe. The food is pretty good, it’s just the same thing every day, there isn’t much variety and it ends up upsetting your stomach. The homestyle is pretty good. I love Weisenfluh, they have really good burgers.”

Melissa Ornek Junior, Resort Recreation and Hospitality Management Major Reading, Pennsylvania “I think Weisenfluh is really good. If we’re getting recognition of being one of the best, why isn’t Boozel serving better than their status as one of the top dining halls? I don’t think Boozel fits in the top but Weisenfluh does.”

OPINION

September 26, 2014

B-2

QUESTION OF

THE WEEK

The Rocket @SRURocket

Didn’t get the chance to reply? Keep the conversation going with #SRUOpinion on Twitter.

Be looking for next week’s question this Monday.

Scotland makes ‘wise choice’ staying with United Kingdom

Dan Gladis Dr. Dan Dan Gladis is a senior history major from Aliquippa, Pa.

In a historic exercise of popular democrac y, the majority of the people of Scotland voted “no” on a proposition asking whether Scotland should be an independent country. Through a 55 to 45 percent majority, the Scots committed themselves to remain within the United Kingdom for the time being, and maintain a three-centuries-long bond with England. There are a myriad of reasons why the Scots chose “no” to independence, some emotional and others logical. In this author’s opinion, the correct decision was made on the night of the referendum – though it is definitely the beginning of the end for status quo politics in the United Kingdom. Allow me to explain.

Firstly, the Scots made an

excellent choice by rejecting independence. In the current economic and political climate, both the world and Scottish economy are simply not prepared for the sea-change that would be the dissolving of the United Kingdom.

In preparation for possible indep endence, cor p or at ions moved offices and headquarters southwards to England – this shift of business would only increase upon independence and leave the Scottish economy in a tailspin. This recessive economic situation, coupled with a sharp decrease in the value of the pound sterling, would leave Scotland the recipient of one of the worst economic maelstroms to visit the western world since the end of the Second World War. The solution to this potential crisis, as Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond proclaimed, was the revenues from potential oil and natural gas in Scotland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the North Sea, and a currency union between England and Scotland. Oil, to me, seems like a very short-term way of thinking. Should Scotland’s economic fortunes be predicated on the, again, potential revenues of the extraction of natural gas and oil, that is a high-risk gamble to put on the backs of five million citizens in a newly independent Scotland, who is

not even assured of immediate accession to the European Union and its economic safety nets. Also, a currency union? Mr. Salmond, please, would England truly be in a mood to share the pound sterling when the Scottish state’s economy is built on sand worse than the Euro’s? Not a chance.

As for the second gist of this article, despite the failure of Scots to democratically achieve their independence, the time has come to end the status quo in British political life. At the moment, there are four “countries” within the United Kingdom, three of which have devolved powers. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland control various portions of their own lawmaking. However, England is still completely beholden to the national government of the United Kingdom, to which all constituent countries send members to parliament (MPs). Thus, the West Lothian question burns bright and problematic as ever – that is, a Scottish MP can vote on a bill pertaining only to a situation in England, but an English MP cannot vote on a similar one pertaining to just Scotland. This, naturally, is unfair to the citizens of England.

The simplest solution would be to restrict the types of bills MPs can vote on so no, say, Welsh MP can vote on whether or not to fund a bridge project over the Thames.

This would create, in essence, an English parliament within the British national parliament.

However, in creating a “second class” of MPs, the ire of the Labour party would be drawn. If one examines election statistics, it is almost impossible for the Labour party to form an easy majority in the House of Commons without Labour MPs from Scotland and Wales. Thus, Labour would have to completely redesign their party platform twice in as many decades, or give effective control to the Conservative party.

Therefore, I think it would be wise, within the next decade, for the United Kingdom to consider creating a more federalist state with individual English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish parliaments dealing with issues pertaining only to them – with a national government still located in Westminster to deal with defense, foreign policy, and other issues that effect the kingdom as a whole. Whether this will come to pass, or not, remains to be seen. In the meantime, break out the union flags and sing “Rule Britannia” as powerfully as ever!

If one is interested in learning more ab out t hings I have mentioned, there are various guides of excellent quality available online from the BBC, The Telegraph, and The Guardian.

Week of Homecoming is all about Rock Pride and alumni

Danielle Swezey Commentary Danielle Swezey is a junior Early Childhood and Special Education major from Jamestown, New York.

Most of us don’t really understand the importance of Homecoming Week. To many students, Homecoming is a week of extra events added in preparation for another football game. The fraternities build their floats, several more parties are planned than usual and the alumni arrive on campus, looking misty-eyed while they revere the times they’ve had. For others, the immortal custom of not

being sober is celebrated among the masses, as both undergrads and alumni alike can be found throwing up together in harmony from Kiester Road to Grove City–truly a spectacle to behold, which says something about the intrinsic meaning of searching for our roots.

But what is Homecoming to us? What does this event truly mean?

The intention of Homecoming Week is to remind everyone about the fervid sense of Rock Pride, and how our name is more than just a story about settlers slipping on some rocks in the river (you all know how the story goes). In practice, Homecoming is just that; a chance for students new and old to celebrate what it means to be a part of Slippery Rock University. This week offers a chance for students to don their green and white to honor all that Slippery Rock has to offer. Revel in the fact that it’s a tiny college town with nothing to do. Express your love for the rolling farm land and wide open spaces. Despite the overworked title of a “Rock Solid Education” proclaimed on every orientation tour, be proud that the foundation of your future career is starting here.

Homecoming also offers the opportunity to get to know the students who were here before them. Students should make sure to

interact with alumni during Homecoming whenever possible. Several Slippery Rock University alumni are successful and important professionals in their respective fields. Learning from those who came before is always a wise move, yet students should not go overboard. Alumni are here to have a nice weekend, not find students a job in their company. Still, you never know when you might get lucky.

Homecoming is an occasion that only comes once a year. The school spirit and pride current and former students share for SRU is the essence of what Homecoming is about.

Keeping that in mind while participating in the upcoming festivities is an easy way to ensure everyone has the wonderful Homecoming experience they desire. Give Rocky a high-five at the game. Grab yourself a free T-shirt from the events happening in the Quad. Maybe read up on those Top of The Rock emails to gain some insight to the history of Slippery Rock University (that’s what they’re there for!) Above all, as the iconic Beach Boys’ tune suggests, celebrate the fact that you go to Slippery Rock and cherish the memories you’ve made here. For many of us, we only have a few years of this left before we come back as alumni.

September 26, 2014

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C

COMICS

Poppy

By Brooke Griffin

COMICS

Horoscopes Today's Birthday (09/26/14). This could be a big money year. Disciplined actions pay in spades.

Serve your highest good. Conserve resources and grow your rainy day fund. After 12/23, begin a new 30-month phase expanding communications and networks. Partnerships experience growth spurts around October eclipses (10/8/14 and 10/27/15).

The basis of your strength is love.

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Brooke Griffin is a sophomore communication major from Meadville, Pennsylvania.

Best in Show

By Phil Juliano

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Work together on financial strategies. Grow your nest egg with careful steps. Consider an investment in your own education. Don't let a windfall slip through your fingers. Consensus gets achieved by talking it over.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -Re-affirm a commitment. Pay attention to your relationships today and tomorrow. Partnership provides the key to locked doors. You're not alone. Focus on peacemaking, collaboration and compromise. Inspire others by working together.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Listen, and ask questions at work. Today and tomorrow get busy. You're creating a buzz. Concentrate on generating more money. It could even get fun!

Get down to brass tacks. Gather up honey for your honey.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Today and tomorrow favor fun and games. Spend time with loved ones. Invent, create and make messes together. Outrageous suggestions abound... follow a few. Celebrate with a home-cooked meal and extra snuggling.

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Get into a household project today and tomorrow. Save money, and gain the satisfaction from doing it yourself. Get the opinions of close family before proceeding further. Put your discoveries in writing.

Document changes.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -Communicate competency, and a screamer will calm down. Have the necessary information ready.

Study and practice today and tomorrow. Don't overlook anything. Find safe places to stash your treasure. Complete writing projects and hit "send".

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You can make extra cash today and tomorrow. Try something new. Business gets hopping, and your work is in demand. Build and strengthen structures for support to manage it. Your schedule is your friend.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -Conditions are good for in-depth conversations.

Life seems easier for the next few days. You're empowered with confident fire. Inspire, rather than demanding. Communicate your compassionate side. Share a spiritual connection. Give love away.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- The next two days favor planning and quiet preparations. Take notes. Express your affection in words easily. Clean up old messes. Hold out for the best deal. Do the math to make sure.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Set meetings for today and tomorrow. Your friends are really there for you. Complete a writing or research project. Being polite is a virtue to be practiced.

Check the facts before you publish.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -Negotiate and state your terms. Career matters claim your attention today and tomorrow. Make long-range plans. Include recent changes. Listen to someone who gets it. Assume more responsibility, and your status rises.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -Things fall into place over the next few days. Listen to your intuition. Travel compels, but could get complex. Words and figures come easily. Confer with family. Discuss your next adventure together. (c)2014 BY NANCY BLACK DISTRIBUTED

BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

September 26, 2014

B-5

S SPORTS

INSIDE SPORTS

Women's soccer

Field hockey

The women's soccer team bounced back to defeat Kutztown University Wednesday after losing in overtime to Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The field hockey team fell out of the national rankings with a loss to Lindenwood University and Shippensburg University this week.

See Page C-2

See Page C-3

Sophomore leads Rock football to blowout

COURTESY OF ROCKATHLETICS

Sophomore running back Shamar Greene carries the ball during SRU's game against Millersville University last Saturday. Greene rushed for 238 yards to go along with three touchdowns off of 23 carries.

By Brian Hepfinger

another blowout victor y on Saturday afternoon.

SRU was once again led by its running backs. Sophomore Shamar The number 15 nationally ranked Greene led the team with 238 yards Slippery Rock University football and three touchdowns off of 23 team (3-0) defeated Millersville carries. Greene is currently the University (0-3) 46-17 to secure leader in total rushing yards and Sports Editor

rushing yards/game in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II standings.

Greene has 619 total yards through the first three games of the season, and is averaging 206.3 yards/game.

Greene is also currently fifth overall in total rushing yards in

the NCAA Division I, II, and III standings this season.

"He has a great combination; power, speed, quickness, and he can catch the football," SRU head coach George Mihalik said. "What's SEE Offensive , PAGE C-2

Cross-country freshman ready for more success Brittany Fagan Rocket Contributor

EMILY BROWN/THE ROCKET

Freshman cross-country runner Jeremy Parsons leads SRU to victory in the SRU 125 Invitational on Sept. 12. In Parsons' first collegiate race, he won it. He finished the race with a time of 26:08.

Slippery Rock Un i v e r s i t y m e n’s freshman cross-country runner Jeremy Parsons is prepared to have a successful first season at the Rock.

Parsons is from Titusville, Pennsylvania and was involved with cross-country, track and wrestling at Maplewood High School. He proved to be a strong runner for his team when he placed fifth at the state meet in his junior year of crosscountry. The following year, Parsons improved his performance and placed second at the state meet. His success carried over into track season, when he qualified for states in his junior year in the 3200-meter race and finished sixth in the 1600-meter race the following year as a senior.

Parsons also proved to be successful in wrestling when he reached his ‘100 wins’ mark.

“I think I realized that I like running in the fifth grade, when I set the school record for

the mile,” Parsons said.

“After that, my teacher suggested the sport to me and I’ve ran ever since.”

Parsons said that his father and older brother were both runners which got him even more interested in the sport. As an athletic training major at the Rock, Parsons came for his interest in the major and running on the team was a bonus.

“I have definitely gotten a lot more serious about my training since joining the team,” Parsons said.

“I’ve also just about doubled my mileage to train for the longer races.”

The men’s crosscountry team races 8000-meters to 10000-meters races, depending on the meet.

Compared to running a 5000 meter-race in high school, the 3000-meter difference is something that is hard to get used to for Parsons.

“I didn’t know what to expect running my first 8000-meter race this season, so I didn’t know what time to aim for, but now I think that I know where I need to be,” Parsons said. Parsons said that his success in high

school and also winning his first collegiate race are among his favorite accomplishments as a runner. In the first race of the season, Parsons came in first place with a time of 26:08.

“I’d like to break into 25 minutes by the end of the season and continue to be a top runner for the team,” Parsons said. “Being that I’m a freshman, I don’t really know what else to expect for the meets to come.” Parsons said that a Steve Prefontaine quote was among one of his favorites to get him motivated. The quote says, “You have to wonder at times what you are doing out there. Over the years I’ve given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started, it comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.”

Parsons, along with the rest of the SRU men's and women's cross-country teams will be racing at the Don Cathcart Invitational this Saturday in Salisbury, Maryland, where he hopes to continue his success from the start of the season.

SPORTS

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September 26, 2014

Women's soccer splits pair of PSAC matchups

By Cody McCullough Rocket Contributor

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Sophomore forward Dara Demich attempts to head the ball away from an opposing player during SRU's game against Kutztown University on Wednesday. Demich has one goal and seven shots on goal this season.

Rock men's soccer loses despite shot advantage

By Ryan Barlow Assistant Sports Editor

The Slippery Rock University men’s soccer team (3-3) lost 3-1 at Millersville University (2-4-1) Wednesday afternoon.

The first goal of the game was scored by Millersville's freshman forward Jonathan Dadeboe in the 47th minute.

Rock sophomore forward Matt Sangermano scored in 67th minute to tie the game at one, thanks to an assist from sophomore midfielder Josh Allman.

Sangermano’s goal was his second goal of the season, and Allman’s assist was also his second on the year.

"The first half was probably some of the best soccer we've played this entire season," SRU head coach Andy Hoggarth said.

"You look at the score line and it looked like a big defeat, but the fact that we out-shot them 19-10 showed just how strong we played. The three goals we conceded were just three mistakes. We just have to get better defensively and work a little bit harder in the second half while cutting out those simple mistakes."

Millersville reclaimed the lead in the 74th minute, when junior forward Jaime Vasquez scored his fourth goal of the season with a header on a cross from freshman defender Ahmed Qaisi.

Millersville added one more goal before the game ended.

The ball bounced off of a Rock defender's head and into the back of the net.

The goal was also credited to Vasquez, who took the shot before the ball had been deflected.

Despite coming away with the

The Slippery Rock University women's soccer team (4-2-1) were defeated by both Indiana University of Pennsylvania(5-1-1) 1-0 on Saturday and Kutztown University (3-3) 2-0 on Wednesday.

The Rock and IUP were each held to scoreless tie as time expired in regulation, but IUP scored the game winner in overtime of the foot of Crimson Hawk freshman Mackenna Miller.

Despite being held scoreless, the Green and White outshot IUP 14-8, but IUP's sophomore goalkeeper saved seven shots and was able to keep the ball out of the back of her net.

The Rock was able to bounce back from the overtime thriller and shutout Kutztown at home on Wednesday.

The Rock scored the first goal of the game a little over five minutes into the match and did not look back en route to their 2-0 victory.

The win pushes SRU's home record to 3-0-1 on the year.

“We scored early in the game,” SRU head coach Noreen Herlihy said. “It helps who ever scores the first goal, because it puts them in a better position to win the game.”

Senior midfielder Leslie Henny and junior midfielder Brooke Edwards scored both goals for the Rock.

Henny scored her goal in just

the sixth minute of the game before Edwards added the Rock's goal with 28:57 remaining in the second half. Henny’s second goal of the season came off of a header from junior midfielder Crysta Ganter, who played the ball right to Henny’s foot after a corner kick from junior midfielder Caitlin Binder.

That goal ties her for the team lead with sophomore forward Andrea Felix and senior forward Ali Brosky.

Edwards picked up the first collegiate goal of her career for the Rock, off of an assist from Brosky.

The Green and White held the advantage in shots 7-6, while Kutztown had the advantage in corner kicks 6-4.

Felix and Henny led the charge with two shots apiece with Edwards, Binder, and freshman Tess Keeley all adding a shot themselves.

The Rock stepped up their defense after Edward's scored her goal, and allowed only two shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Annabelle Hegeman got her Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) best fourth shutout of the season, while lowering her goals against average to .55 this year.

“Today was a big result for us coming off the loss,” Herlihy said. “Feels good to bounce back against a good Kutztown team, not an easy win.”

The Green and White's next game is against Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Offensive and defensive lines push Rock to victory Continued from Page C 1

loss, the Green and White held advantages in many statistical categories. The Rock outshot Millersville 19-10.

SRU shot six on target, compared to Millersville’s five shots on target. Senior forward Dom Francis led the Green and White with four shots.

Junior forward Peter Boylan, sophomore midfielder Mike Pcholinsky, and senior defender Josh Brake had two shots each.

Senior forward Stephen Donnelly, senior midfielder Brandon Chiu also had two shots each.

Senior midfielder Anthony Jack had one shot.

SRU had 12 fouls and Millersville had 14 fouls.

Sophomore goalkeeper Steven Rerick was guarding SRU's net for the entire 90 minutes of action.

Rerick saw five Millersville shots that were on target, saving two them and allowing three to get by for goals.

Rerick now has 35 saves on the season with a save percentage of .729, while allowing 13 goals to get by on the year.

"We're 3-3 and 1-1 in the conference, so I don't believe it's exactly crunch time for us just yet," Hoggarth said. "We got that win at California University and we had the opportunities to put the game asleep against Millersville. We just need to cash in on our opportunities and cut out the individual errors. It's time to live up to expectations, get the job down and maybe win a championship."

The Rock will return home for a PSAC match up against Shippensburg University (3-2-1) at 1 p.m. on Saturday at James Egli Field.

most impressive about Shamar is his yards after contact. He gets additional yards after that first contact, which is a big asset of his."

Mihalik said that while Greene has been impressive, the offensive line has really helped out.

"You have to give credit to the guys upf ront," Mi halik said. "They're creating that hole and allowing him to get into that secondary level."

Senior Te d d y B l a ke m a n r u s h e d for 75 yards off of 16 carries, averaging 4.7 yards/carry, and scoredone touchdown.

SRU S ophomore qu ar te r b a ck Z a ck Newsock went 3044 for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Through his first three games as a starting quarterback, Newsock has tallied 675 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.

"I'm real pleased with the progress of our passing game," Mihalik said. "Folks are probably going to focus and try and stop our running game, and make us beat them with our passing game."

Mihalik said he

is pleased with Newsock's progress and performances thus far.

"I'm real pleased with Zack's chemistry with our receivers, and I'm confident that when we have to, our passing game will be productive," Mihalik said. Senior tightend Julian Harrell caught Newsock's first touchdown pass. He had four catches for 37 yards.

Senior wide receiver Melvin German had the other touchdown catch for SRU, to go along with five catches for 86 yards.

SRU junior kicker M i k e Wa i n au s k i s completed one 36 yard field-goal in the second quarter.

The Rock's defense had another collective-effort game. Ten players had double-digit tackles.

Sophomore linebacker B ob Vernick and sophomore defensive end Cody Conway had 13 and 12 tackles respectively. Senior linebackers Austin Miele and Levi Sager had six and five tackles respectively.

Sophomore defensive backs, Kris Williams and Derrick Fulmore, senior defensive back Isaiah Coleman, and Freshman defensive back John Conglose

and freshman defensive end Marcus Martin all had four tackles each.

"Our defensive line and linebackers are stopping t he run," Mihalik said.

"Collectively, we're getting good pass pressure, and the secondary is having great coverage and c om i n g up w it h interceptions."

While SRU's running game flourished, Millersville's couldn't get on the board. They rushed for a total of 73 yards and scored no touchdowns.

M i l l e r s v i l l e qu ar te r b a ck Matt Misley went 21-45 for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Through three games, the Rock is averaging 46.3 points/ game. They're also beating opponents by an average of 24 points.

The Green and White's next game is at home against Seton Hill University (1-2) on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. at home.

Mihalik said he expects the game against Seton Hill to be challenging, and that with SRU climbing up in the national rankings, it gives teams the opportunity to beat a nationally ranked team.

SPORTS

September 26, 2014

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Rock volleyball goes 4-0 in PSAC crossovers Colleen Barenick Rocket Contributor

This past weekend, the Slippery Rock University volleyball team faced off against East Stroudsburg University, West Chester University, Kutztown University, and Cheyney University in the Pennsylvania State Athletics Conference (PSAC) crossover and went 4-0.

The Rock opened the weekend of play with two victories against East Stroudsburg and West Chester University. The team operated a balanced offensive attack in the first game to overcome a four-set victory over the East Stroudsburg Warriors.

The opening set was 25-18 before the Warriors answered with a 25-20 set to tie the match up. SRU took the early lead and held on in order to secure a 25-17 victory in the final set.

Sophomore outside hitter Leah Jones paced the team with nine kills, 10 digs, and three service aces.

Senior outside hitter Kristy Lake had a double-double to secure the win.

Later that night, the Rock went on to play West Chester. Jones answered the call with seven kills in the opening set to put SRU in the lead with an opening set match of 25-20. The second set consisted of a 20-20 set. Lake stopped West Chester’s rally in order to put the Rock up 2-0 with a spike to clinch the set at 25-22. SRU then created a lead for themselves in the third set to gain the sweep.

Lake finished the night with a game-high of 13 kills and a .234 attack percentage. She also added 10 digs for her fifth double-double already this fall. Jones recorded 10 kills with a .226 attack percentage and tallied a team-high of 12 digs for her second double-double this season.

Sophomore setter Nicole Fortuna

also stepped up to tally a team-best 18 assists, while senior setter Janna Reilly tallied her second doubledouble of the season with 15 assists and 10 digs.

The second day of play also consisted of a sweep for the Green and White. In the morning, the ladies picked up their second straight pair of victories against Kutztown and Cheyney in the PSAC East-West crossover final.

Jones again tallied a team-high of 13 kills and 20 digs to propel SRU over Kutztown. The Rock overcame Kutztown by set wins of 25-20, 2725, and 25-22.

Freshman outside hitter Bethany Pike showcased her attack by racking up 10 kills on a .429 attack percentage. Lake also added five blocks in the match.

In the final game against Cheyney, SRU outlasted the Wolves 25-17, while having other set scores at 2510 and 25-9 to win it all.

Freshman outside hitter Lamija Alisic had a match-leading 10 kills and a pair of service aces, while freshman setter Haley Defibaugh recorded a game-high of 19 assists and five aces.

The Rock is currently 4-0 in PSAC-West play and holds the number one spot in the PSAC-West standings.

“Winning four games in the PSAC has helped our confidence level but there is also the reality of the PSAC schedule, but it gets tougher from here on out,” SRU head coach Laurie Lokash said. “We have threats on the pins and in the middle, and the offense has run a bit faster than in the past.”

The Green and White will begin divisional play against Gannon University on Friday, Sept. 26. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. at Gannon University.

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Sophomore setter Nicole Fortuna sets the ball for sophomore hitter Jaden Zimmer during SRU's game against West Liberty University on Sept. 16. Fortuna had a 18 assists during SRU's weekend of PSAC crossovers.

Field hockey held to one goal in two games Doug Gilghrist Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock Un i v e r s i t y f i e l d hockey team (3-4) fell out of the national rankings with losses to Lindenwood Un i v e r s i t y ( 2 - 4 ) on S atu rd ay and Shippensburg University (5-1) on Tuesday.

The Rock jumped out to an early lead against Lindenwood when freshman forward Kailee Krupski scored a goal less than four minutes into the game to put the score 1-0.

It was Krupski's third goal of the season, which ties her with senior midfielder Kelsey Gustafson for the team lead in goals.

Sophomore forward Megan McKay recorded her second assist of the season on the play.

"I hope that with some time of becoming closer with the team and connecting with them on and off the field even more, I will begin to emerge as a leader," Krupski said.

"I aspire to lead by doing and by example, rather than verbally."

SRU Head Coach Julie Swiney said that she is impressed with

Krupski's play so far.

"She has improved and has transitioned into our system of play well," Swiney said. "We are excited she is scoring as a freshman."

The lead held up until the 17th minute when Lindenwood scored the tying goal.

The game remained t i e d at ha l f t i me.

Lindenwood began the second half with a goal in under two minutes into the half to take the lead 2-1.

It is a lead that they would not give up.

Lindenwood's defense in the second half didn't allow SRU to attempt a shot over the final 35 minutes.

Junior goalie Carlee DuMars made nine saves in the loss and McKay led the team in shots with three.

The Rock resumed Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference ( P S AC ) p l ay o n Tuesday as they hosted Shippensburg.

A foul on the Rock in the 21st minute set up a penalty stroke for Shipp ensburg.

That shot was put p a s t D u Ma r s a s Shippensburg opened up a 1-0 lead.

The score would remain the same for over 40 minutes, until Shippensburg added to

their lead with a blast from the top of the circle past DuMars in the 62nd minute of action. Shippensburg controlled the ball for the majority of the game as they outshot SRU 10-0.

"As a whole, our team played well defensively," Swiney said. "Obviously we struggled to generate attack."

Swiney said that the team is unhappy with the past few losses and inconsistency that they've shown.

"We, as a team, are not satisfied with our losing streak, and we are not particularly h appy w it h ou r inconsistence on the field during games," Krupski said. "But we plan on continuing to fix this problem, among others, to play to our full potential."

DuMars recorded four saves for the Rock and redshirt defender Baylee Childress, freshman defender Kayla Mack, and Gustafson all chipped in with one defensive save a piece.

The Green and White's next game is a PSAC matchup with E ast St roudsburg Un ive rs it y on Sunday at MihalikThompson Stadium at 1 p.m.

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Senior forward Allison Shade tries to control the ball during SRU's game against Lindenwood University last Sunday. Shade has started all seven games this season. She is averaging 1.71 shots/game, and has five goals.

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September 26, 2014

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INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE

Thank You, Alumni Current SRU students and faculty thank alumni for their efforts as students, and for their continued devotion to Slippery Rock.

From Best-Seller to Blockbuster Jimmy G. reviews 'The Maze Runner' this week, in the latest installment of his Rock Reviews.

Was it a hit or a miss? Turn the page to find out!

See Page D-3

CAMPUS LIFE

See Page D-2

UPB's kick-off event puts students in the spirit for Homecoming

PHOTO COURTESY OF BECCA DIETRICH Senior dance major Ryan McMullen and senior public relations major Brittany Geppert, paint the store front of The Hair Studio to look "Flintstones" themed. This year's Homecoming is celebrating the past, present, and future at SRU.

By Ron Owens Rocket Contributor

Hundreds of students lined the Robert M. Smith Student Center at common hour on Tuesday for the University Program Board’s (UPB) Homecoming Kick-Off Event.

Homecoming week is here again at Slippery Rock University as The Rock prepares to meet Seton Hill on Saturday. All throughout the week, students showed their school spirit as they do every year by wearing green and white.

This year, the UPB kicked off the festivities not with footballs, but with plush dolls. The

event, held in the Student Center’s ballroom, featured music and activities that allowed students to showcase their creative sides.

Among the activities was a “Stuff-A-Plush” station, a place where students could create and customize their very own stuffed bear, zebra or lion, in a similar manner to a BuildA-Bear Workshop.

The event also featured a T-shirt making station where students could create and customize their own “Keep Calm and…” shirts. “Keep Calm and Rock On” was one of the more popular slogans. All throughout the day, students could be seen wearing their new shirts and carrying their plush dolls.

For those students who may have missed the UPB’s Kickoff Event, the festivities will not end there. The Aebersold Recreation Center (ARC) will host a pep rally on Friday evening starting at 8 p.m.

The event will feature the announcement of the 2014 Homecoming Court as well as appearances by the Slippery Rock cheerleading squad, The Marching Pride, and the football team. The event will conclude with fireworks in the quad.

“The pep rally should be fun,” freshman exercise science major, Christa Iams, said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

The festivities will resume in full force Saturday morning, beginning with the Homecoming parade on Main Street starting at 10 a.m. The parade will feature floats from dozens of university organizations, including the various fraternities and sororities on campus. The parade will march up Main Street and conclude at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium where the Alumni Association will have a PreGame Tent that is open to all Slippery Rock Alumni from 11 a.m. to the start of the game at 2 p.m.

“I’m looking forward to the game the most,” Sarah Blosser, a freshman psychology major, said.

At the end of the game, the Alumni Association will host a fifth quarter party that is also open to all Slippery Rock Alumni. There will also be a Golden Grads Club Dinner for the 50-year Golden Grads in the Student Center Ballroom starting at 6 p.m. Also, beginning at 4:30 p.m., the History Department will host a dinner at the Old Stone House that will end at 6 p.m.

The final event for the 2014 Homecoming Weekend will be on Sunday. UPB will be taking a bus of student volunteers to the Pittsburgh Great Race at Point State Park. The bus will depart from the university at 6:30 a.m. and once there, students will work the water stations placed on the race’s route, and will distribute water to the runners.

“It’s a great event,” said Ryan Logue, a junior education major and UPB’s Director of University Events, “It will be fun.”

Police and local bars prepare for homecoming weekend crowds

By Janelle Wilson Assistant Campus Life Editor

With Homecoming happening at SRU this weekend, local bars, and campus and state police have been working to ensure that faculty, students, and incoming alumni have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

In their seventh year running Ginger Hill Tavern, Nichole and Matt Kovasik have scheduled more bartenders, wait staff, and security in preparation for Homecoming weekend.

“Homecoming is always a fun time of year, but it’s also a really busy time for me,” Matt Kovacik said. “We open at 8 a.m. instead of 11, so I have to make sure we’re stocked up with breakfast food. We usually get a big breakfast crowd right before the parade.”

The parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Main Street, and state police will be monitoring the parade route until it concludes at 11 a.m.

Both the campus police and Pennsylvania Liquor Control Enforcement will be monitoring tailgating to enforce their 2014 tailgating policies, which can be found at www.rockathletics.com. The new policies say that tailgating is only permissible three hours before kickoff at 2 p.m., and two hours after the end of the game. All alcohol must remain in the parking lot, and permissible beverages are limited to beer and wine.

2009 alumnus and a scheduled bartender for Homecoming weekend, Brittni Wonderling said that she’s expecting to be busy, but that it’s a fun time to work at Ginger Hill.

“The spurts of people come in three

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET A state trooper leads the way for ROTC cadets, dressed in their ACUs, in last year's Homecoming parade on Main Street in October.

parts,” she said. “You have part one people who come in for breakfast and the parade, and you have part two people who come in before the game, then both of them come in after the game’s over. It gets a little hectic.”

Kovasik said the extra security he staffed for this weekend is just a precaution.

Homecoming patrons aren’t usually rowdier than the average bar-goer, but there are a lot more of them, and it doesn’t hurt to have extra staff on hand, he said.

“We have a good atmosphere here, and

we don’t get a lot of fights,” he said. “Our biggest problem here is kids showing up with their fake IDs. That usually isn’t a problem on Homecoming, but it’s good we have more guys to double-check them.”

Kovacik said that most of his patrons during Homecoming are alumni who either worked at Ginger Hill before, or frequented the bar when they were in college.

“It’s so cool seeing so many people who used to go here come back, and genuinely miss everything about Slippery Rock,”

Wonderling said.

Aside from tailgate monitoring, and increased security in local bars, state police will also be monitoring both on and off-campus housing. The Happy Bus will also be accommodating people by extending its weekday on-campus route all day Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everybody from previous years,” Kovasik said. “Everyone here knows that if they have a problem, they can always get help from our guys in the red shirts.”

CAMPUS LIFE

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'The Maze Runner,' not just another post-apocalyptic dystopian drama

September 26, 2014

Ask Andi

Andi is a senior at SRU giving advice to those who seek it and occassionally to those who don't.

Jimmy Graner "Jimmy G's Rock Reviews"

4 Stars

Jimmy Graner is a senior journalism maj or and f ilm and media studies minor and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

If “The Hunger Games” sparked your interest in the post-apocalyptic genre, the suspense in “The Maze Runner” will further pique your curiosity. With children serving as the main protagonists, and survival being the key, “The Maze Runner” brings fantasy presented as reality to the big screen in what’s supposed to be yet another jaw-dropping trilogy.

“The Maze Runner,” based on a novel written by James Dashner, begins with a character by the name of Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) who wakes up in an elevator shaft as it rises up from a dark and gloomy basement. When the hatch doors open, he’s greeted by a group of boys who are in the same situation as he is. Forgetting who he is and why he’s been brought to this place, he quickly learns from others like Alby (Aml

Question:

Question:

Dear Andi,

Dear Andi,

To simply put this, I am broke. Coming to college has emptied my pockets. I think I want to get a job but I’m PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE unsure of juggling school and Dylan O'Brien stars as "Thomas" in "The Maze Runner", alongside Kayla a job. Should I be poor and get Scodelario, as "Teresa." good grades or get a job and have no free time?

Broke and Studious Ameen), Chuck (Blake Cooper), and your plan for survival was, you’d Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), probably come up with something that this place, referred to as only so unrealistic, it would sound stupid. Answer: the Glade, has been the home for the “The Maze Runner,” presents the Dear Broke and Studious, group of boys for the past three years. same scenario, but with young boys To simply put this, we are Around the Glade however, a tall who are trying to figure out if what’s cement maze opens its doors for the outside of the maze is worth the all broke. College tends to day and closes them by night. During aggravation of solving it. The film drain the pockets of many the day, some of the boys, known as compels you to figure out how to solve college students. I know Runners, travel the maze searching the main conflicts along with the many people who juggle for a way out. With several questions characters, and that’s what makes it having a job and school work to be answered, and many surprises fun. If everything in a film happened (and sometimes a bunch of coming their way, Thomas, as well as like it was supposed to, there would other things). What you can the rest of the group, soon find that be little excitement or fulfillment the do just depends on your time the maze is more than just a home viewer would get from it. management skills and your within a trap.

“The Maze Runner” leaves a good priorities. If having money The film begins rather quickly, taste in my mouth. The best part is important to you, then jumping right into the introduction of the film was finding out that it’s finding a way to balance your of the main character. From here, only the beginning for the franchise. time is in your future. If you the second party characters are Yes, there is going to be more sci-fi would rather focus on studies introduced, just like in “The Hunger teen drama, and yes, there is going and feel that having a job Games” The director, Wes Ball, is to be backlash against another post- would have a negative effect better known for his visual effects apocalyptic film, but the overall on your grades, then don’t get and graphics, but has little experience reviews will be excellent. a job. My best advice is: you on his belt as far as directing goes.

Although there’s unclear can always try getting a job With that in mind, he uses these skills background as to why any of this is and then if it doesn’t work just to his advantage, providing stunning taking place, the soon-to-be sequels quit! There is nothing wrong scenery and even CGI created are going to reveal the reason why with trying it out for a little. villains. For the most part, his CGI they’re in the maze. Hopefully we will Sincerely, skills are definitely attention getting. see the story further fleshed out in the Andi If the zombie apocalypse happened sequential dystopian dramas. tomorrow, and someone asked what

I’m having a hard time making friends. I thought it’d be easier to make friends in college but I don’t feel like I fit anywhere. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.

Friendless Wanderer Answer: Dear Friendless Wanderer Making friends is never easy. That probably sounds super negative but I’m saying it to reassure you. We all face that problem at some point or another. The best way to make friends, which I’ve found from experience, is to find things your passionate about and then find others who share the same passion.

You can find others who share common interests with you by joining a club or organization on campus that fits your passion. You know everyone is there for (probably) the same reason as you so starting a conversation won’t be hard.

Start a conversation about your common interests and then go from there. Then maybe ask if they’d want to get a quick lunch some time, or dinner after the meeting. Just ask! You never know what could happen! Just don’t be shy. Hope this works out for you!

Sincerely, Andi

5 best dressed young men in Hollywood make their mark on fashion

Katie Ellis "ROCK'n Fashion" Katie Ellis is a senior journalism major and the Campus Life editor of The Rocket.

The most fashionable stars in young Hollywood are generally thought to be the women on the covers of magazines or the actresses making their way down red carpets, but now a number of young men are making their way onto the best dressed lists.

These young men range from pop stars to some of the most recognizable leading men in film. Nick Jonas, Harry Styles, Zac Efron, Robert Pattinson, and Ansel Elgort are just five of Hollywood’s hottest hunks capturing the fashion world’s attention.

Once a part of the platinum-selling pop group the Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas is now all grown up at 22 years old, and ready to break out on his own with an R&B solo album. The smooth sounds of his album echo the sophisticated look Jonas is now sporting, but he wasn’t always the suave crooner that he is today.

During the Jonas Brothers-era, he was known for his boyish good looks which captured the hearts of his female fans. He wore T-shirts and Converse, but with the help of a stylist, he was able to go from boy-nextdoor to handsome front man by donning skinny jeans and blazers.

The announcement was made at an after party during New York Fashion Week hosted by Wilhelmina Models that Jonas was signed as a model to the elite agency. Look for Jonas’ album to hit store shelves in late October, and for ad campaigns featuring the heartthrob in the near future.

Harry Styles was catapulted into the spotlight whenever he became a part of the world’s biggest boy band, One Direction, in 2010. The curly-haired singer has gained quite a bit of notoriety for his looks in the past few years having started his career with more of a preppy style

that has since transitioned into a grunge-look befitting of a rock star.

During the “Up All Night” album era, Styles could be seen sporting bowties and blazers, but as the band’s sound matured his style began to change. He started wearing fedoras, trench coats, and skinny jeans, which have since become the star’s wardrobe staples.

In 2013, he received the British Style Award which goes out to the person who most exemplifies British style at the British Fashion Awards. The handsome singer has also appeared at London Fashion Week to support iconic British label, Burberry. Don’t be surprised if he ends up with a modeling contract from Britain’s favorite luxury retailer in the future.

Another Hollywood heartthrob is none other than East High’s most famous alumnus, Zac Efron. Known for his role in the “High School Musical” trilogy, the triple-threat has recently taken his career in a comedic direction with leading roles in films like “That Awkward Moment” and “Neighbors.”

Dubbed “the new American heartthrob,” Efron has taken the red carpet by storm with his sophisticated style choices including a maroon tuxedo worn for “The Lucky One” premiere, and a laidback leather jacket and jeans at a showing of “The Lorax.”

His piercing blue eyes and toned physique have landed Efron on People magazine’s 50 most amazing bodies list, and the next time the title of “Sexiest Man Alive” is handed out, this A-lister is destined to make the cut.

Robert Pattinson burst onto the scene as Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” franchise, which turned the unknown star into a household name overnight. Offscreen Pattinson’s suave looks and tousled hair were getting comparisons to 1950s movie star, James Dean.

In between landing covers of fashion magazines, the It-Brit was getting acting credibility for his roles in “Water for Elephants” and “Cosmopolis.” As of late 2013, Pattinson joined the Dior family as the new face of their Dior Homme fragrance.

The advertisement shows the dreamboat getting steamy with a blonde model and racing across the beach in a vintage BMW. This high fashion turn is a step in the right direction for the actor as he continues to attract attention for his professional achievements post-“Twilight.”

Ansel Elgort charmed audiences this summer in “The Fault in Our Stars,” but the 20-year-old former dancer has been getting recognized for his musical ability and style choices on the red carpet. When he’s not starring in blockbuster films, he’s performing remixes of popular

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Robert Pattinson arrives at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards dressed in a custom Gucci tuxedo.

songs as DJ Ansolo at clubs in New York City.

Elgort’s father is famed Vogue photographer Arthur Elgort, which is why it’s fitting that he’s become one to watch on the red carpet in the last year, thanks to the poise he exudes from spending years as the subject of some of his father’s most beloved images. He has been known to wear teal suits, tartan print shirts, and burgundy jackets at appearances, which exemplifies his eclectic sense of style and keen eye for spotting the latest trends.

As his star continues to rise, Elgort is Hollywood’s upand-comer to watch, for both his on-screen talent, and mature taste in fashion off-screen.

Young Hollywood’s five best dressed men are leading examples of how clothes really do make the man.

September 26, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

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SRU extends a 'thank you' to returning alumni this weekend “Thank you Wilma Cavill for mentoring me through many good times and bad times at SRU.” – Laurel Dagnon, Director of Programming, Center for Student Involvement and Leadership

Tours will be given, stories will be exchanged and a 'thank you' will be extended to alumni.

Thanks for what?

“Thanks to all SRU alumni for shaping the university into the incredible place I attend today.”

– John Beckage, junior parks and resource management major

“Thanks to the Sahe class of ’09 for being a great peer group and support network.”

– Charlie Judge, Assistant Director, Center for Student Involvement and Leadership

“I’d also like to thank Claire Schmieler for her great enthusiasm, big dreams and setting up the Claire R. Schmieler Leadership Institute.”

– Laurel Patterson, 2012 graduate

“Thanks to Jake Leiby, for guiding me through my first year at WSRU-TV and helping me gain the skills that I needed to be the current president.”

– Chris Dahlstrom, senior emerging technology major and president of WSRU-TV

“To the alumni of WSRU 88.1 FM Radio, thank you for changing my outlook on student involvement for clubs and organizations.”

– Jake Miller, junior emerging technology major and WSRU DJ

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET Rocky, SRU's mascot, leads the cheerleaders in last year's Homecoming parade.

“Thanks to Claire Schmieler for mentoring me in my role and for providing leadership for the Student Health Center. Thanks to Susan Davis for her enthusiasm, dedication and friendship, and also for being a fantastic peer educator and one of the best GA’s I’ve ever had.”

– Jodi Solito, Director, Women’s Center

Compiled By Kelsey Phillips Rocket Contributor

“Thanks for choosing Slippery Rock.”

- Vanessa Dufford, junior psychology major and Green & White Ambassador

“Thank you Dr. Watson, for reminding me what is truly important in life. Thank you for your dedication to the school and to students and for the amazing amount of time, effort and constant willingness to give back to the university that you love.”

– Katie Hill, senior early childhood and special education major and SGA president

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September 26, 2014