11 21 2014

Theatre department's 'A Christmas Carol' uses interactive set Actors utilize the space in the old union to bring an interactive showing of Dickens' play.

Pages D-1

Friday November 21, 2014 • Volume 98, Issue Number 11 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper

the rocket

www.theonlinerocket.com

Hands-on learning educates New speaker of students about tobacco products senate elected

By Amber Cannon Assistant News Editor

HALEY BARNES/THE ROCKET

Elise Augustine (right), senior public health major and HOPE Peer Educator, talks to students about the negative health effects that smoking has on the body at the "Great American Smoke-Out' on Thursday. The Great American Smoke -Out is a national event that is held on the third Thursday of November. The event was hosted by the HOPE Peer Educators in the commuter lounge in the Student Center. Hands-on activities were used to show how much healthier a smoke-free life can be. There was also information on the negative health of hookah, e-cigarettes, and marijuana.

Students express mixed emotions about the anonymous app, Yik Yak

By Kevin Squires Editor-in-Chief

An app that lets users post anonymously is stirring talk at Slippery Rock University.

Yik Yak hit the app store in 2013, but has become increasingly popular at SRU this semester.

“It’s good if you’re bored and have nothing better to do,” Melanie Zdobinski, senior early education major, 21, said.

She downloaded the app twice, once when it first came to Slippery Rock and again when it resurfaced.

“The first time was last spring when nobody knew about it ever so I downloaded it and I was like ‘Oh this is so stupid because nobody ever says anything like ever’ and then this semester it made a comeback so I got it again and I was like ‘No this is stupid high school stuff and I don’t care about this’,” Zdobinski said. “I had it downloaded to my phone for about 10 minutes.”

Slippery Rock University did not disclose any problems resultant from the app that has needed dealt with.

“It’s to the best of my knowledge that there have been no professional dealings…that doesn’t mean the student’s aren’t ‘Yik-Yakking,’” Karl Schwab, a representative of Slippery Rock University said.

Zdobinski questioned what the purpose of the app was.

“I don’t know what I was looking for. What

does anybody really look for when they Yik Yak?” she asked.

Senior criminal justice major Brittany Hufford, 21, suggested that the app was for hookups, parties and to complain about classes.

“A lot of people look for sex,” Hufford said.

“I don’t know if anyone would ever really get a hookup from Yik Yak though.” She said that probably wasn’t a good idea for Yik Yak or any social media service.

“I see a lot of people complain about their classes on there, their exams that they just bombed,” she said. “They can’t post that on regular social media because then someone will see it.”

She said it was nice because “you can complain all you want and no one will ever know who you are.”

“They’re like 'come over for a party,'” Zdobinski said. She added that it is pretty bad when Yik Yak is involved in perpetuating rumors. “YikYak really over-embellished that whole story,” she said, referring to rumors someone had died at the Heights over Homecoming weekend.

She added that it causes a problem in terms of cyber-bullying, something she felt was a negative to the app.

“YikYak contributes to cyber bullying which as an education major is something I learn a lot about,” Zdobinski said.

Kalene Ireland, junior mathematics major, 20, SEE STUDENTS, PAGE A-2

The Slippery Rock University Student Government Association elected a new speaker of the senate for the 2015-2016 year at their regular senate meeting Monday.

North Hall Senator, Logan Steigerwalt was elected as speaker of the senate starting next semester. The current speaker of the senate, Megan Burr will be graduating in December.

Steigerwalt will be sworn in as the speaker of the senate in January 2015 when he will assume the position.

Vice President of Campus Outreach, Jared Stanley said that through being Steigerwalt’s peer mentor for the First Year Leadership Program, he has seen growth in Steigerwalt and he thinks that he would be great for the position.

Slippery Rock University President Cheryl J. Norton was the guest speaker at the meeting where she gave an update of how the university is continuing to enhance the ability and support the needs of students through the integration of student affairs and academic affairs.

“Everything that we do at this institution and all the decisions that we make should be on the behalf of the students to ensure that we break down barriers and give new opportunities so students can not only be successful at Slippery Rock, but be successful after graduation,” Norton said.

Norton said that the integration should provide more services and programs, increase cooperation between units, improve communication about the needs of the students and how those needs can be met inside and outside of the classroom, create a synergy among the individuals of this institution and reduce the redundancy of efforts so that the university can put more sources back into programs for students.

“We combine academic and student affairs because you [the students] are a person and you don’t divide yourself,” Norton said. “You learn from one hour to the next and you integrate yourself into your behavior and practices.”

Norton said that it takes a village to succeed in our vision and luckily we have a caring community to work through that village.

Two conference grant winners, The National Council of Teachers of English and the Preservice Mathematics Teachers presented what they learned at their conferences at the meeting. The conference grant is given to clubs and organizations so that they can attend nonmandatory conferences.

An amount of up to $500 is given to each club. In return for the grant, SGA asks each organization to come back and present to the senate what they learned while at their conference.

The SRU Competitive Bass Anglers were granted $5,412 to help fund for advertisements and tournaments.

The motion to elect new members into the Board of Directors for SGA was tabled because of a lack of discussion among the senate.

Rachel Lawler was elected as Freshmen Senator and Commuter Senator, Kaci Vandergrift was named “liter” of the week.

The next meeting will take place on Dec. 1 at 8:45 p.m. in the theater of the Robert M. Smith Student Center.

Veterans Now Schedule First

Column Explores Rock Basketball Looking Ahead Science Myths

PASSHE schools now allow priority scheduling for veterans.

"It's Rocket Science" debunks commonly believed myths involving science.

Page B-2

Page A-2

Refer to page E-1 for a special section including the men's and women's basketball team.

Page E-1

Sister to Sister Hosts Talent Show Student wins Sister to Sister's talent show with an original rap performance.

Page C-1

NEWS

A-2 7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

A.M. flurries; periods of sun

Not as cold

Rain; not as cool

Mostly cloudy, showers; breezy

Cooler with a snow shower

Mostly cloudy

Some sun

25°

14°

43°

38°

50°

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE

Fri.

Sat.

Sun. Mon.

Tue.

Wed. Thu.

Fri.

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

Friday HI LO W 27 14 pc 34 18 s 28 16 sf 27 16 pc 28 20 sf 35 20 s 27 16 sf 22 16 sf 36 25 s 25 14 sf 34 18 pc 29 18 sf 28 20 pc 35 17 sf 26 15 pc

Saturday HI LO W 45 39 pc 40 28 pc 44 35 pc 46 39 c 45 40 pc 44 31 pc 44 37 pc 44 36 pc 42 36 pc 45 35 pc 42 34 pc 41 36 pc 46 37 pc 41 31 pc 44 39 pc

59°

39°

28°

44°

Sat.

Sun

Sun. Mon.

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 52 49 r 52 46 c 51 44 r 52 47 r 51 46 r 51 45 r 55 47 r 51 45 r 56 54 c 54 49 r 53 44 c 52 43 r 54 48 r 51 43 r 52 45 r

Monday HI LO W 58 39 sh 65 42 sh 62 39 sh 57 38 sh 58 41 sh 66 44 sh 62 41 sh 58 39 sh 68 50 sh 60 38 sh 63 41 sh 61 39 sh 61 41 sh 62 37 sh 58 40 sh

Tuesday HI LO W 42 27 c 56 32 c 48 32 c 41 28 sf 43 32 sf 56 35 c 47 31 pc 44 29 c 60 40 c 46 29 c 53 35 c 48 33 c 46 30 c 53 32 c 42 28 sf

36°

25°

37°

NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEK TEMPERATURES

29°

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

45°

UV INDEX

®

Wednesday HI LO W 37 29 sf 47 28 s 39 27 pc 37 27 sn 39 30 sn 45 30 s 38 28 c 34 26 c 50 34 s 38 27 c 44 29 s 40 29 c 38 27 c 44 29 c 37 26 sn

Thursday HI LO W 38 27 sf 43 28 s 39 29 pc 38 28 sf 38 30 pc 45 32 s 39 30 pc 35 26 pc 47 36 s 39 29 pc 43 30 pc 40 29 pc 39 30 pc 43 30 pc 38 28 pc

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Moon

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Rise 7:15 a.m.

7:16 a.m.

7:17 a.m.

7:18 a.m.

7:19 a.m.

7:20 a.m.

7:21 a.m.

Rise 6:07 a.m.

7:10 a.m.

8:11 a.m.

9:09 a.m.

10:03 a.m.

10:51 a.m.

11:34 a.m.

MOON PHASES

Set 4:57 p.m.

4:56 p.m.

4:56 p.m.

4:55 p.m.

4:55 p.m.

4:54 p.m.

4:54 p.m.

Set 4:41 p.m.

5:26 p.m.

6:17 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

8:18 p.m.

9:25 p.m.

10:33 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

11v/22

11v/29

12/6

12/14

November 21, 2014

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

PRECIPITATION

Above Near Below Normal Normal Normal

National Summary: The Northeast will be relieved of the extreme cold as milder air moves into the region for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. An area of low pressure is expected to develop over Texas on Saturday, bringing showers into the southern Plains. This low will track northeast and intensify and bring heavy rain to the Missouri Valley and the Southeast on Sunday and the Upper Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Northeast Sunday night. Valley rain and mountain snow will impact the Rockies on Saturday. Another round of extreme cold will move over the Rockies on Sunday and the Plains and Midwest on Monday. Along with the cold, lake-effect snow will develop over the Upper Great Lakes. The Southwest will remain dry.

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 59 37 s 56 48 pc 70 57 r 69 44 pc 58 35 c 50 31 s 52 36 s Boston 37 25 s 41 36 pc 50 42 c 63 54 r 59 41 c 50 35 s 45 33 pc Chicago 31 25 pc 49 41 r 50 39 r 40 25 sf 31 21 sf 31 23 pc 34 21 sf Cincinnati 33 23 s 51 40 c 59 52 r 53 34 sh 44 26 pc 40 29 c 41 29 pc Dallas 70 58 c 65 49 t 68 42 s 62 39 pc 58 36 s 60 41 s 61 41 pc Denver 53 28 pc 54 29 pc 42 20 s 41 22 pc 44 23 pc 52 21 pc 38 11 sf Detroit 28 19 pc 44 38 i 49 45 r 52 30 sh 37 26 c 37 25 c 36 25 sf Houston 74 60 sh 73 55 t 74 49 s 66 42 s 64 37 s 63 45 s 68 49 sh Indianapolis 30 24 s 47 40 r 54 46 r 48 30 sh 37 23 c 36 25 c 38 26 c Kansas City 45 37 i 60 46 c 54 32 sh 43 25 sf 41 23 pc 44 29 pc 46 24 sf Los Angeles 72 54 pc 70 54 pc 76 52 s 76 52 s 83 54 s 82 54 s 74 48 s Miami 77 72 c 80 74 sh 84 74 pc 85 74 pc 85 66 t 75 63 r 73 65 pc Nashville 53 40 pc 60 49 c 68 54 r 59 38 pc 54 29 s 47 32 s 51 36 pc New Orleans 70 56 pc 72 63 sh 76 60 s 71 46 pc 64 40 s 59 42 s 63 51 pc New York City 37 28 s 42 38 pc 54 52 c 66 50 sh 58 42 c 50 38 s 46 36 s Orlando 75 60 pc 77 68 pc 82 70 t 85 64 t 78 54 t 68 45 pc 67 52 s Phoenix 72 49 c 72 50 s 73 47 s 69 46 s 70 47 s 73 49 s 73 45 s San Francisco 62 55 pc 64 50 r 63 50 pc 64 51 pc 65 51 s 66 48 s 63 48 pc Seattle 53 45 r 50 44 r 52 42 r 50 43 sh 51 43 c 51 36 c 47 34 sh Washington, DC 39 27 s 48 40 pc 57 55 r 72 54 sh 62 42 pc 51 36 s 50 38 s Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

PDE grants veterans priority scheduling P

Catch something exciting happening on campus? Want your Insta-photos to be featured in The Rocket? Just follow @SRURocket on Instagram and use # in the caption for your chance to be featured here every week!

By Bridget McClure Rocket Contributor

Governor Tom Corbett signed into law Act 46 on May 14, 2014. The Higher Education Course Scheduling Preference for Veteran Students requires public institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania to provide veteran students with course scheduling preference.

Slippery Rock University has broadened the definition of “veteran student” to include; any student who has served in the U.S. Armed forces, including a reserve component and National Guard, and was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable, and any student currently serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a reserve component and National Guard.

“We fou n d it w a s goi ng to b e administratively limiting and difficult to just determine who veterans were,” Eliott Baker, Executive Director of Academic Records, Summer School, and Graduate Studies said. “So because we are giving benefits to the service men and woman, we have broadened that definition.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs expects the number of student veterans to increase radically over the next few years due to drawdowns of missions of Iraq and Afghanistan. On Oct. 6, President Norton signed the agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) declaring to give veterans scheduling preference. Public institutions had no later than Nov. 10 to

implement a policy for veteran scheduling.

Across the nation, 800,000 to 900,000 veterans are attending institutions of higher education and more than 300,000 military students have enrolled, according to the PDE. Preferential registration was given to 160 student veterans at SRU, Baker said.

“All we did was create a brand new time slot at noon on that first day of scheduling for the undergraduate veterans,” Baker said.

“Nobody else was affected, and we will continue to schedule the same way we have in the past from seniors down to those freshman.”

By granting veteran students scheduling preference, the PDE says students will have a better chance of enrolling in a full course load and maximizing their education benefits before they expire. An active serviceman or reservist might have obligations to our country and planning their schedule around those obligations is important. Scheduling preference is another way to recognize the men and women who served our country proudly and put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms and further the direction our country is heading, Baker said.

“We certainly support the actions of the legislator in terms of recognizing these individuals service to our country,” Baker said. “If the state of PA believes that one small token we can give these men and women for serving our country is to allow them to register a couple of days or hours earlier without truly impacting the rest of the student body to any great extent, then we are proud to do just that.”

Students question the purpose of Yik Yak Continued from Page A-1

refused to download Yik Yak. “I don’t like to download things because it takes Campus Life.............C-1 away from studying. It’s a distraction,” Ireland said.

Sports...................D-1 “I’ve heard of people using but they use it during class a lot and I don’t know how good that is.”

INDEX Blotter.................A-3 Opinion................B-1 Comics...................B-3

CONTACT US Newsroom: (724) 738-4438 Advertising: (724) 738-2643 Fax: (724) 738-4896 Email: rocket.letters@sru.edu

220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Nationally recognized as one of the top 10 four-year weekly broadsheet newspapers by the Associated Collegiate Press.

The students expressed mixed feelings on the benefits and negatives to Yik Yak at Slippery Rock University.

“It’s too much of a distraction and they make fun of people on there too so I don’t like that,” Ireland said.

“I feel like it has its pros

ROCK NOTES To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m. Wednesday to Haley Barnes at hmb1006@sru.edu or to rocket. news@sru.edu. The Rocket does not guarantee that all requests will be published in the paper.

and cons,” Dufford said.

Zdobinski felt it was p oi nt l e s s , of f e r i n g n o benefits to using.

“I don’t see any benefit from it. I mean what’s the best thing that’s going to happen because you ‘Yakked’ something. It’s just overall pointless I think.“

Fall Dance Showcase The SRU Department of Dance presents its fall showcase at Swope Recital Hall.

Performances take place at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for the general public and can be purchased at the Robert M. Smith Student Center Information Desk or by calling (724) 7384926. For more information, contact the Dance Department at (724) 738-2036.

Open Study Rooms The Smith Student Center will be having open study rooms located on the third floor during finals week. The rooms will be open 7:30 am-12 am and Friday from 7:30 am-10 pm.

Weekly Planetarium Shows The Vincent Science Center Planetarium offers a different show every week.

Admission is free and the show starts at 8 p.m.

November 21, 2014

NEWS

A-3

POLICE BLOTTER Borough

treatment.

Nov. 2 – Three black males entered the Domino’s Pizza Shop on Main Street and Nov. 14 – Ashley Boyd, 19, Noah Gasparin, assaulted an employee in the kitchen area and 18, Elizabeth Vandecar, 19, and Joseph Zuckett, then fled the store.

18, were issued alcohol violations at Building A.

Nov. 15 – Bruce Pelletier and Chelsey Martin were cited for underage consumption along Nov. 15 – There was a call from Watson Hall Franklin Street after being seen carrying an for an odor of marijuana. The case is under open can of beer. investigation.

Nov. 17 – Police received a car to check on the welfare of a student at Rhodes Hall. Police made contact with the student and he made the call to say that he’s okay.

Nov. 17 – Police responded to a vehicle that slid into another car at West Lake Lot. A tow truck responded and had the car removed.

Information was exchanged.

Nov. 17 – There was a call for an altercation Nov. 15 – Marc Decorso was cited for an Nov. 15 – Slippery Rock Borough Police among roommates at Building B. The caller open container violation after being stopped requested assistance at Sheetz. just wanted a report filed and did not want any at East Cooper Street and Normal Avenue charges pressed. carrying an open can of beer.

Nov. 15 – Police received a call for a highly intoxicated female at Building B. The female Nov. 16 – Charles Fowler was arrested was transported to the Health Center to be for attempted kidnapping and recklessly checked out. endangering another person and disorderly conduct after an incident along Elm Street.

Nov. 18 – Police received a call for an individual causing problems at the register at Boozel Dining Hall. The individual was asked to see an I.D. and was found to have an active warrant. The individual was transported to the magistrates for processing.

Nov. 16 – Slippery Rock Borough Police requested assistance for an intoxicated Nov. 17 – Meghan Boyd was cited for individual at Subway. possessing a false identification card after Nov. 18 – Police responded to a medical call attempting to purchase liquor at the Wine and for an individual having a seizure in Bailey Spirits Store along Grove City Road.

Library. An ambulance was dispatched, but the individual refused medical transport.

Nov. 16 – There was a reported theft of items Campus at Building B. The case is under investigation.

Nov. 6 – Markie Davis, 20, was charged with driving under the influence for a previous incident.

Nov. 12 – Police received a call for an individual who passed out on Field House Road. The individual refused medical

Nov. 18 – Police received a call for an alcohol violation at Building F. The individual was Nov. 16 – Slippery Rock Borough Police referred to student conduct. requested assistance to transport an individual to the borough building. The individual was then transported to Butler County Jail.

Compiled by Amber Cannon

November 21, 2014

A-4

PENNSYLVANIA’S STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION CLARION

UNIVERSITY

2014-2015 Fourth Annual Business Plan Competition

ATTENTION STUDENTS! Do you have ideas for a New

Registration Deadlines: Information Meeting: October 30, 2014 ECB-103, common hour “Intent to Compete” November 30, 2014 Business Plan Submission: February 12, 2015

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For Rent TWO BEDROOM SMALL house. 1.5 miles from campus.

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ADVERTISE IN

the rocket rocket.ads@sru.edu (724) 738-2643

Submit your ideas for cash and prizes!

1st Place $10,000 2nd Place $5,000 | 3rd Place $2,500

Awards Ceremony April 8, 2015

Contact: Dr. John Golden Director, Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator (SEA) john.golden@sru.edu

For more information and to register, visit: www.PASSHEBiz2014-2015.istart.org

Student Government Association Open Positions!

Commuter Senator (5) North Hall Senator (1) Rock Apartment Senator (1) Applications available online at www.srsga.org and in the office!

Butler Shopping Trip November 22nd, 2014 2:00-9:15 PM Find the schedule at srsga.org!

The Evening Route is Back!

Stay out of the cold and take the Happy Bus! The bus runs from 4:30-9, Monday-Thursday.

F ll Furnished F i h d 9 Fully 9 Pet Friendly 9 2 & 4 Bedroom Available 9 Close to Campus 9 Friendly Staff 9 Sand Volleyball Court 9 Tanning 9 Free Coffee

$349/P ffor 2 or 9 $349/Person 3 Bedroom Apts 9 Furnished/Unfurnished

The Giver SSC Theater Friday at 4 & 8 PM Saturday at 8 PM Sunday at 4 & 8 PM

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347 Kiester Road Slippery Rock, PA 16057 (724) 794-3727 www.southrockapts.com www.mainstreetslipperyrock.com

@srsga

sga@sru.edu www.srsga.org

O

OPINION

Our View

Yik Yak’s status remains as ambiguous as its users

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 98, Number 11

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

Campus Life Editor

Brian Hepfinger

Sports Editor

Alex Mowrey

Photo Editor

Andrew Conner

Web/Social Media Editor REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

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.

The Rocket staff can’t decide if we love the app or hate it.

However, we all agree on one thing: Yik Yak is wack.

Aside from the Fade app, we haven’t really seen anything like Yik Yak creeping into our social media and invading our time and attention. Though similar to Twitter in terms of status updates, it is in fact, much different, and reviews on it seem to be much more negative.

Given anonymity, students feel free to post whatever is on their mind, no-holds-barred.

And, instead of being limited to just their friends, everyone within a 1.5-mile radius can view, comment and vote upon their “yaks.” Incidentally, at Slippery Rock, many of the Yaks are seeking cuddle buddies, whining about the weather, mocking the Homecoming king’s physique and freshmen frantically wondering who the best professor is for interpreting literature.

Is this a good thing? The “Rules & Info” section of the app reads, “Herds of yaks are strongest when they work together and watch each other’s backs.” There are several ways in which we can see the campus coming together as a community on this app. If

you’re interested what soup is being served at Boozel, you can yak and know the answer almost instantly. If you’re feeling depressed at 2 a.m. and yak about it, and you’ll most likely be flooded with responses telling you to keep your head up. If you’re awkward and need dating advice, ask and you shall receive. And, in the event of breaking news, such as a car accident, spontaneous marriage proposal in the quad or parties being busted, the entire student body will be yakking about it within minutes.

But what about those who try to disrupt the herd? Though a yak will be removed if it receives five down-votes or is reported, any yak that is posted will be on the page until that happens.

So, in instances of bullying, a yak might be visible for several minutes before it is taken down, potentially reaching hundreds of views in that time frame. Since it is anonymous, it is impossible to identify the bullies spreading rumors.

Another aspect of the app that some staffers find annoying is when the entire homepage is filled with yaks whining about lecture hall classes. Sure this is humorous for the students who are in the classes, but for

In the Quad

everyone not in Intro to Dance, scrolling through inside jokes and complaints only members of the class would understand is not too amusing. During the hours that these classes are usually in session, the app seems flooded with these sorts of posts, thus turning many upperclassmen and other outsiders away from using it, especially during those times.

So does the feeling of success after getting 20+ up-votes compensate for the feeling of shame when your yak is removed within minutes?

Is it worth scrolling through the nonsense to get to the interesting stuff ? Is it worth the risk of cyber-bullying and ruined reputations? Do the positives of the app outweigh the negatives? The Rocket Staff suggests you download the app and decide for yourself, since everyone seems to have mixed opinions about it. It might become your new addiction, or you might just delete it instantly after learning all about terribly dreadful geology class is that day. Either way, it’s worth your while to check out what all the buzz is about. Who knows, you might just find your new cuddle buddy.

This week’s question: Do you think SRU should be a smoke free campus?

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.

Nick Orbash Freshman, Environmental Major Washington, Pennsylvania

Danielle Brown Sophomore, Psychology Major Philadelphia, PA

Devin Wheeler Sophomore, Safety Management Major Hooker, Pennsylvania

“Yes because some people don’t like the second hand smoking and the cigarette butts around campus on the ground.”

“Yes, I don’t like cigarettes and I hate the smell of it. I would rather have smoke free lungs.”

“I like how it is now. They have designated smoking areas and there’s no smoking inside so it won’t harm anyone.”

OPINION

B-2

November 14, 2014

5 Myths in science debunked This is just one myth regarding science that plagues the minds of the general public, so I decided to pick out some of my least favorite myths to debunk in this week’s “It’s Rocket Science.”

Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.

I was actually born with the unique characteristic of knuckles that crack It’s Rocket Science anytime I want them to. I actually am incapable of clenching my hand into Kevin Squires is a senior biology a fist without cracking my knuckles.

As such, I’ve done my research on major from West Mifflin, knuckle cracking. There have been Pennsylvania and the editor-inno studies supporting the notion chief of The Rocket. that cracking your knuckles causes Regular readers of my scientific arthritis, however it has been found writing (thanks, Mom) or close that habitual knuckle cracking may followers of the Online Rocket may be result in swelling of the hand or lower aware that I wrote a piece this summer grip strength. on the frustrating myth perpetuated So what happens when you crack in the media and in elementary school your knuckles? According to the classrooms nationwide that humans Journal of Chemical Education, only use 10 percent of their brain. cracking your knuckles releases gasses As I explained in my commentary, dissolved in the synovial fluid of joints that statement is widely dismissed by which results in the popping noise neurologists and a complete myth. associated with the crack.

“Evidence would show over a day you use 100 percent of the brain,” Gum takes seven years to digest.

John Henley, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota Actually, you never really “digest” was quoted in an article by Scientific gum at all. It just passes through your American. A survey by the Michael system, undigested. Nothing bad J. Fox Foundation found that almost happens under normal circumstances 65 percent of Americans believe that from the swallowing of gum, and it people only use 10 percent of their certainly doesn’t “stick” around for brains on a daily basis. seven years (bad pun, I know). “Most

Kevin Squires

people empty their stomachs 30 to 120 minutes after eating, and that includes gum,” said Duke gastroenterologist Nancy McGreal in a debunking of the myth on the school’s website.

How Stuff Works explains, “It’s the gum base that sticks around. Gum base is made mostly of synthetic chemicals, and these chemicals give gum its chewy property. It’s designed to resist the digestive properties of the saliva in your mouth. But once it’s swallowed, even the gum base is subjected to the same treatment as regular food, and after it’s recognized as useless by your digestive system, it goes the same route as any waste product.”

Long story short, feel free to swallow your gum if you want.

lifetime (estimated to be 80 years) are 1 in 3000; however, my high school librarian was struck by lightning on at least two occasions, according to eyewitness accounts (though rumors spread of upwards of five occasions).

So, lightning can also strike the same person more than once.

Hippos lay eggs.

The common hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius, actually has a gestation period of 243.5 days, or just a little less than eight months, before giving birth to their live young.

The calf is 50 to 110 pounds at birth.

Have I mentioned that I’m glad I’m not a female hippo?

Other fun facts about hippos include that they cannot actually Lightning never strikes the same swim, despite moving through water, place twice. the word “hippopotamus” comes from the Greek word for “water horse” “Lightning does hit the same or “river horse,” and they secrete an spot more than once, contrary orange-red liquid that serves as an to folk wisdom,” according to the antibiotic, sunblock and moistener.

National Severe Storms Laboratory. That’s right, hippos have red sweat – They attribute this to a number of it’s not blood. possibilities including the terrain shape, local environmental factors or A lot of these and other science a statistical “fluke.” myths don’t make sense if a person NASA released a document in takes a moment to think about them.

2003 declaring that lightning does If there’s one thing that being in the strike the same place more than field of science has taught me, it’s to once. Accuweather also published a question everything. So remember commentary on the myth, stating that to do ask questions, do research and the Empire State Building is struck by find answers. As my favorite science lightning hundreds of times in a year. communicator, Joe Hanson, says, The odds of being struck in your “stay curious.”

For future teachers, learning never ends

Stephani Damato Commentary Stephani Damato is a senior English secondary education major from Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.

Since I was a little girl, I knew teaching was what I wanted to do. At age seven, I would sit in my two-year-old sister’s room and utilize my miniature blackboard in order to educate her on basic mathematical equations. As I proceeded through high school, I learned to admire my teachers more and more, particularly my English teachers. It was exciting to me to learn about

literature and participate in the various activities that engaged us in the language we speak. By tenth grade, I was nearly jealous of my English teacher while she was teaching us Romeo and Juliet. I wanted to be up at the front of the class teaching instead of in my seat learning. I wanted to conduct the class. I wanted to explain the different literary terms and devices to my classmates. That is when I knew for sure I was going to find an amazing English education program to apply to. I found exactly what I was looking for immediately at Slippery Rock University.

My time at SRU has been amazing. I am graduating next month with a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English education. Currently, I am student teaching a grade 10 English course at Shenango High School. It is precisely what I thought teaching would be. Still, I am constantly learning alongside my students. It is amazing to me how much more you can learn by teaching concepts to other people. My students are talented and intelligent, and they consistently surprise me with their projects and assignments they complete for the different units I’ve taught. I started the semester with teaching the Holocaust, then moved on to Gifted Hands by Ben Carson,

then a unit on a poetry, then an independent reading, and now, currently, Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen. The rich discussion we conduct in class lets me leave the school day feeling invigorated and accomplished.

Of course I still have a lot to learn. As teachers, we are on a roller-coaster of neverending learning. We are never done with our job. It is impossible for us to go home and leave work behind, because it isn’t only a job, it is a passion. It is a career I am incredibly lucky to be transitioning into. Some students are harder to engage, some days are more difficult than others, and sometimes lessons do not go as you expected. That is the miraculous thing about teaching, however. You pick yourself up, tell yourself you’ll fix your mistakes, and approach the next class with a new understanding and a revitalized outlook instead of a defeated one.

We are the warriors of knowledge, and I know that personally my job in life is never over as long as there is a child in search and/or need of education. English is capable of many things, and in the words of Albus Dumbledore, “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”

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COMICS

Poppy

By Brooke Griffin

COMICS

Horoscopes Today's Birthday (11/21/14). Step into your full power this year. Begin a yearlong career and income boom after 12/23. Money comes easier, so stash some away. Plan a romantic adventure for after 3/20, when the game gets fun. After 4/4, rest up from all that activity, and make plans. Think about what you love. Nurture and grow it.

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 -Manage accounts and finances today. Get clear on how things are, with what's wanted and needed.

Send out invoices and ask for money. Launch a fundraiser, maybe. Organize the paper flow. A prize lies within reach.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -Speculate on long-term scenarios with your partner. Imagine what you'd love to see realized.

Compromise on the overall vision, and then parcel out who does what. You can learn what you need.

Together, you can make it happen.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 9 -Business meetings, conferences and discussions flow like lightning today. Record or note what gets said, and who's doing what. Track statistics and measures. If action seems blocked, words flow easily. Make agreements and solidify plans.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Take care of basic responsibilities, so you can go play.

Get out with friends and practice your arts and talents. Pursue sensory and intellectual diversions and pleasures. Learn something new from someone younger. Get into some fun.

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Get into a home project. Let a loved one teach you. Select the perfect recipe, ingredients and materials. You can work around any breakdowns. Make a big mess and clean it later. Get the family involved, and feed everyone.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Check tasks off your list, and aim for completion.

Writing projects flow with greater ease. Meetings, discussions and conferences get productive.

Connect and communicate what's necessary... ask for volunteers and record who agrees to do what.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- You can make a bundle today. Follow through on what you said you'd do, and discover another fringe benefit.

Avoid reckless spending. Ask questions early and often. Your talents are in demand. Invest in your business.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- With both Sun and Moon in your sign, you've got confidence to spare. Dig in your own back yard for treasure. Keep close track of business expenses.

Hold out for what was promised. Express your creativity.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -Lock yourself somewhere peaceful and you're abuzz with productivity. A puzzle is coming together. The more you finish, the more opportunities open up. Pay back a debt. Let go of stubborn thinking.

Introspection bears fruit.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Talk about what you love with friends. Share the latest news. Ask them their secret wishes. Conversation can reveal simple solutions. Make connections, and celebrate together. Support one who needs it. Stand with your posse.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Craft a professional promotion or presentation. The more you learn, the farther you go. Prioritize actions strategically, and delegate team members for efficiency. Your work is achieving recognition.

Express your vision to inspire colleagues.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Discuss your latest exploits and adventures with someone who shares your enthusiasm. Get organized, and confirm reservations before launching.

You're making points. Travel doesn't need to be expensive... get inventive. Discover local sites and diversions. (c)2014 BY NANCY BLACK DISTRIBUTED

BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

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CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE

Department store and drugstore beauty

Oh boy, turkey!

Resident fashion critic, Katie Ellis, compares drugstore and department store beauty buys.

Read on to find out when to splurge and when to save.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Tanners in the latest installment of 'Bread and Butters.' Kelsey Phillips brings 'Full House' to the dinner table.

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See Page C-2

'A Christmas Carol' actors interact with audience

By Janelle Wilson Asst. Campus Life Editor

The theatre department's production of "A Christmas Carol," put a twist on the classic play using costuming, props and an interactive set.

Directed by David Skeele, "A Christmas Carol," written by Charles Dickens, was shown in the old student union on Nov. 14 and Nov. 16-20 at 7:30 each night. The classic play featured the greedy, Christmashating Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Cole Vecchio, his nephew, played

by EJ Christopher, his optimistic clerk, Bob Cratchit, played by Jimmy Valentino, and Cratchit's crippled son, Tiny Tim, played by David Magliocca.

S cro oge gives B ob Cratchit Christmas Day off to celebrate with his family,and declines his nephew's invitation to Christmas dinner, deciding to go to sleep instead. He is then visited by his dead partner, Jacob Marley, played by Anthony Plumberg, who warns Scrooge of the consequences of his greed, while henchmen pulled on the chains wrapped around him, restricting his movement. Marley warns him that he will be visited by three ghosts.

The Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Debrah Evans, wore a costume that was lit up by LED lights and moved around the stage on a dolly to give the appearance of floating as she showed Scrooge how happy his past was before he became greedy.

The Ghost of Christmas Present, played by junior theatre/acting major Jack C. Libengood, 24, wore a costume in the likeness of a Christmas tree, with ornaments attached. Because of the ornaments and lighting,

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Ebenezer Scrooge's first ghostly visitor, and his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, played by Anthony Plumberg, tells him that if he doesn't change his greedy and selfish ways, Scrooge will end up just like him.

Libengood said that his costume and Evans' were more fragile than the Victorian-styled costumes the other actors wore.

"When the director came to me and said that he wanted me to dress as a Christmas tree, I was hesitant about how that would work," Libengood said. "After seeing the whole outfit on me with the headpiece, and all of the tinsel, the character came together for me."

Libengood said that the most difficult part of his role was that the Ghost of Christmas Present is supposed to be the embodiment

of Christmas, and he felt that after each of his performances that he hadn't achieved the jolliness that the character is supposed to have.

"I feel like my character is largerthan-life," Libengood said. "As an actor, I can always go bigger and better than I had before. I was glad to have been a part of this show."

The set of the play allowed the audience to become a part of it, and it even allowed for a group of attendees to sit on the stage itself. Aside from other props, the play also featured an eight-foot tall Grim-Reaper-esque Ghost of Christmas Future that was

operated by the henchmen who had restricted Jacob Marley in the beginning.

Stage manager and assistant costume designer, junior theatre design and technology major, Alyssa Valentino, 20, said that the old student union allows for an interactive environment because it's set up in a way that interaction between cast and audience is possible.

"I've seen 'A Christmas Carol' over 20 times with my dad," Valentino said. "It's so cool to see the show go up, and see my work and the actors' work put into action."

Student wins ROCK's Got Talent competition with original rap

By Jocelyne Lemay Rocket Contributor

Of all the students who performed in Sister to Sister's "Rock's Got Talent," talent show Tuesday, one contestant took first prize after performing an original rap.

The winner of ROCK’s Got Talent was fine arts major Tyler Sing, who presented rapping as his talent, and the runner-up was freshman communication major Kennedy Randall, who presented her talent of spoken word.

Sister to Sister's talent show, ROCK's Got Talent, featured a beatboxer, contortionist, unicyclist, musicians, members from Rock Cheer, singers, dancers, members of Jam Rock, comedians and many others Tuesday night in the Smith Student Center Ballroom. ARHS (Association of Residence Hall Students) also helped fund the event.

Sister to Sister is an organization that was founded in 2002 which seeks to provide an equal opportunity for all women to express themselves in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

“One common misconception is that Sister to Sister is only for women, but we encourage men to attend our meetings so we can hear both points of view,” said Shannon Pitcairn, a sophomore public relations major who put together the ROCK’s Got Talent event.

“As college students, we know how hard it can be when you don’t have money to attend on campus events,” Pitcairn said. “During one of my class assignments, I learned that 85 percent of college students feel stressed on a daily basis.

I believe that the talent show is a great way for students to take a break and come together with their peers.”

For the talent show, the judges dressed up and acted like celebrities of their choice. The event was meant to be a parody on “America’s Got Talent,” but because of scheduling conflicts, some of the judges took on celebrity personas from outside of the NBC talent competition. The panel included celebrities like Oprah, Big Sean, Howard Stern and Emma Stone.

Second place winner, Randall, spoke about her brother who has passed on saying, “God, I was wondering why you take away the people we love? Why you let us get so attached

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET From left: A break dancer duo performs their high-energy break dance routine at the ROCK's Got Talent Show. Sophomore dance major Kaila Belinda dances alongside dance group Jam Rock.

and intertwine thoughts with these people, and twist our words together to make plot lines to this story, then take them away from us.”

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CAMPUS LIFE

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November 21, 2014

Drugstore versus department store: When to save and splurge on makeup

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

When buying makeup, women are faced with the question of whether to save or splurge on the products they want, and often times that means choosing between items from drugstores and department stores.

Whether you shop at drugstores or department stores for your beauty products, being knowledgeable about what you’re buying is the best way to choose a product that will suit your specific beauty needs.

Looking at cult beauty products from both ends of the spectrum is a good starting point because these products wouldn’t have become the commodities they are today, without favorable reviews and recommendations from the women that have tried them.

Beauty balms, or BB creams as they’re more commonly known, have become makeup bag staples for women in the last few years thanks to their success in Asian markets, which helped launch their cult following at makeup counters across the United States. One of the first brands to bring BB creams stateside was Estee Lauder, known for their high-quality products beloved by women of all ages.

Their Clear Difference Complexion Perfecting BB Crème which retails for $40 is the perfect department store splurge for first time or devoted BB cream users. It comes in three shades from light to medium deep

and with the benefit of SPF 35 protection, its oil-free formula helps to conceal and control breakouts, and give skin a flawless finish.

The best drugstore BB cream on the market is produced by Maybelline and retails for just $9. Maybelline’s version of the cult favorite product comes in five shades which range from light to deep, and with the addition of 2 percent salicylic acid, the most available to consumers without a prescription, it helps to clear acne and reduce redness. This item consistently ranks high among readers of magazines like “Seventeen” and “Teen Vogue” as their BB cream of choice.

No mascara on the market whether it comes from the drugstore or the department store has as great a fan base as Diorshow mascara. This ultra-popular department store buy comes in three colors, catwalk black, blue and brown, and retails for $25.

This mascara is favored by celebrities for high-profile events, because it gives a false lash effect without the commitment with just a few swipes of the XXL brush.

Diorshow mascara has an equally impressive drugstore counterpart in L’Oreal’s Voluminous Original mascara. For around $7, you can get an equally impressive set of lashes thanks to the brush that promises to separate and thicken lashes to make them look fuller for a polished, clump-free look.

This mascara will last for hours without flaking, and doesn’t require any touchups as you take your makeup look from day-tonight.

If Urban Decay’s Naked eye shadow palette isn’t the first product that comes to mind when thinking of cult favorite shadows, then it’s time to brush up on your makeup IQ. The original Naked has become so popular that Urban Decay has developed two additional 12-shadow palettes in varying nude hues that compliment all eye colors. For $54, you can add the Naked palette into your beauty routine, and begin experimenting with the colors that range from the pale pink Virgin to the silver-blue Gunmetal.

Recognized by the acronym e.l.f., the eyes

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE While Diorshow mascara retails for $25 and L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original mascara sells for $7, both are cult favorites that people swear boost eyelash length and volume.

lips face brand has been a popular drugstore staple for years because of their affordable products that are known to last. They have a variety of eye shadow palettes, but the Studio Baked Eyeshadow Palette in California which sells for $10, is among the highest rated with customers. The 10 shadows in this palette look great alone and even better blended together.

Nothing ensures long-lasting color for cheeks quite like cream blush. There’s no better department store blush than Chanel’s Le Blush Crème de Chanel in Chamade, a rich coral shade that goes well with all skin tones. Ever since Lupita Nyong’o wore this shade to the Oscars earlier this year, Chanel has had a hard time keeping this new cult favorite stocked at their makeup counters across the country. This $38 blush

Your Thanksgiving feast as told Ask Andi by the TV classic, 'Full House'

Kelsey Phillips "Bread and Butters" Kelsey Phillips is a junior public relations major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

Thanksgiving, the contents of any foodie’s dream, is finally here. You don’t have to go far to find something in every food group and as diverse as the dishes are, so are the people sitting around your table. Along with candied yams and savory stuffing, there are also nutty uncles and dredged up stories.

This reminded me of “Full House’s” mix of family members who, at the end of the day, pull off some great accomplishment despite their quirks.

In honor of their antics, here is your Thanksgiving feast, as described

by Uncle Jesse, Michelle, Joey and Stephanie.

“Not the hair, huh?” - Uncle Jesse It took an hour of “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” while trying on potential outfits to reach the “that’s it, I’m not going” point.

Then in through the door comes dear Aunt Wilma with a yippy rat-dog and pinchers of steel coming right for your cheeks. It takes every ounce of you not to roast the itchy wool sweater she pulls over your head instead of the turkey.

Speaking of turkey…

“You’re in big trouble, mister.” Michelle Can we at least agree that blowtorching the turkey sounded like an awesome idea? Technology is “in.” But apparently mom didn’t wake up at 4 a.m. to stuff bread crumbs up a dead turkey’s butt for you to fry it up like a bug under a magnifying glass. Lesson learned.

“Well pin a rose on your nose.” Stephanie

Uncle Wayne is four glasses deep in the wine sharing his opinions on global warming and your relationship status. You pour him another one, mention that your brother has not been seeing anyone either and escape to the kitchen to make the turkey cook faster by staring at it.

“Is it made of...wood?” - Joey FINALLY dinner is ready. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and oh look, Aunt Wilma brought a dish.

Some sort of healthy, chewy, barley, something-you-can’t-pronounce sticks.

It tastes like you bit into a tree limb.

Gonna need some gravy over here, stat.

“Cut, it, out.” - Joey Everyone is enjoying dinner and sharing family stories. There was the family vacation at the lake, the time Uncle Wayne got stuck in the fence, and across the table cousin John wants to tell the story of when you…*kick*, nope. No one wants to hear that story.

It’s boring. I’m boring. Let’s go back to the fence.

“No way, Jose.” - Michelle Mom asks if you want another scoop of mashed potatoes. You can’t possibly hold anymore. You’re raising the white flag. Food: 1,000,000. You: 0.

“DUH.” - Michelle But do you have room for dessert? Of course you do. What kind of question is that? You just needed a second wind.

There are only two kinds of people in this world: Joey Chestnut and amateurs.

“Have mercy.” - Uncle Jesse Post-dinner everyone has left the table to find comfortable chairs as the urge to snooze sets in. You regret none of the fat, sugar and booze you consumed as you settle into a foodinduced nap, dreaming of angry Black Friday shoppers fighting over a limitededition keychain.

“Oh boy, spaghetti!” - Michelle A week or so later you can’t wait to have anything but leftover turkey and stuffing. So many new flavors on your taste buds. But you could still go for a slice of pie, always. Until next year, Thanksgiving. How many days until Christmas?

Happy Thanksgiving, Butter Lovers.

can be easily applied to cheeks by using your fingertips or a makeup sponge.

Revlon’s Cream Blush in Coral Reef has the some rich pigment that Chamade does, but on a drugstore budget of just $13. It will give you a dewy glow all winter long thanks to its lightweight, non-greasy formula that will last for hours without any touch ups.

Deciding whether to save or splurge on beauty products can be a tough decision, but making sure that you’re buying the best quality products you can afford will get your look noticed for the right reasons. Invest in one department store buy that highlights your favorite feature to ensure that you’ll want to wear it as often as possible. Mixing drugstore and department store buys is the best way to achieve the ultimate beauty look.

sounded harsh). Your third option (and what I’ve found works the best) is to just accept what she accepts, and just be there for her when she needs someone to talk to. Not always the easiest thing, but most people won’t realize their “mistakes” until they find out the hard way. Pick whichever you feel best fits your situation and how you want your future to go.

Care through the good and the bad, Andi

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

Question: Dear Andi,

I can't stand my roommate's boyfriend. He is constantly belittling her and telling her what to do, but she is "in love with him" and says he makes her happy. I told her I don't really like him and she got mad at me. I care about her a lot and I don't want to see him take advantage of her, but she won't listen to anything I say about it. What should I do?

Sincerely, Hushed Housemate

Answer:

Dear Hushed Housemate, This is a tough situation. I’ve been in similar situations with some of my best friends and even though you think you’re looking out for them, they take it as you’re trying to control them. Your friend is going to do whatever she feels is best for her whether you agree with it or not, and there’s nothing you can do to stop her. In situations like this you ultimately have three options. Your first option is to continue to tell your friend how you feel about the situation and maybe ruin the friendship over it. She’ll continue to get mad and eventually push you away because she’s going to choose this guy she’s in love with over you (most likely). Your second option is to start spending less time around them and just get away from the situation instead of feeling like you need to help her see your perspective (sorry if that

Question: Dear Andi,

I'm graduating soon, and I'm nervous about what I'm going to do after college. When I look into the future, everything just seems gray. I feel like I should have a job lined up by now, but unfortunately I don't. I saw that you're also a senior, and I was wondering how you're dealing with the stress of graduation. Are you nervous about it too?

Sincerely, Anxiety Ridden

Answer: Dear Anxiety Ridden, First off, know that most everyone in your situation feels the same way.

We’re all nervous and unsure of what the future holds. Even adults feel the same way. I’m not sure that saying that makes things much better, but it personally makes me feel better knowing everyone is just as confused as I am. When it comes to finding a job, just keep searching. Not everyone is going to graduate and have something lined up right away. Most people don’t actually, so don’t feel that you did something wrong. Just keep applying and taking every opportunity you get. I am a senior, and my way of dealing with the stress is to just live in the moment while it’s still here (aka don’t think about it too much). I am DEFINITELY nervous, don’t get me wrong about that, but I’ve been told that things will fall in line when they’re supposed to. Just make sure you’re doing everything you can to make your situation easier, and if you are, then know you’re doing all you can to prepare for your future!

Best of luck!

Andi

November 21, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

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Pi Kappa Alpha donates $1,000 to Morgan's Army Sister to Sister money for her transplant through various philanthropic events like spaghetti dinners and ‘Are You Smarter Than a Fraternity Guy?’ However, they are not the only Greek organization who offered their help.

On Sunday Nov. 9, the brothers of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, went into the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority’s chapter meeting. In an act of caring for one Greek life member from others, the brothers of the Pi Kappa Alpha decided as a chapter to donate their savings of $1,000 to Morgan’s Army to help her transplant fund. The $1,000 was all that the Pikes had in their savings for a house, but they agreed that this cause was more important than getting a house.

Linda Roldan, 20, is a sister of Alpha Sigma Tau and was at the meeting where the Pikes presented them the check for Morgan’s Army.

“I was so stunned by their act of kindness that I started to cry,” she said. “They definitely became one of my favorite fraternities here.

I wanted to hug them all and thank them.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA TOMICHEK Erika Pentland, 21, is also a sister of Alpha Pi Kappa Alpha and Alpha Sigma Tau held a ceremony where the fraternity donated Sigma Tau who, while not in attendance at $1,000 to fund Morgan Yoney's $10,000 double lung transplant. Yoney is affected by the meeting, still felt the brother's support. cystic fibrosis, a disease that accumulates mucus in the lungs.

“I got so many text messages and liver transplant. notifications on Twitter, Facebook, and

By Jessica Tomichek Her body has rejected the new Instagram about what was going on,” Rocket Contributor organs several times and she has been in Pentland said. “One of the Pikes was at Greek life organizations at SRU each and out of Children’s Hospital and UPMC the conference with me and I went up and have their own specific philanthropic cause Presbyterian Hospital many times. Over this hugged him to thank him for what his ranging from Autism Speaks to Habitat for past summer, it was found that the donor chapter did for us. I already liked them a lot, Humanity to Make a Wish and many others. lungs she had received in 2010 would no but that just made me like them so much However, some organizations have their longer work for her. more.” own smaller philanthropies dedicated to a On Aug. 25, Yoney was put back onto the At the time that this was taking place, member of their organization. The Alpha transplant list to get another double lung Yoney was still recovering from the virus Sigma Tau sorority’s charity, Morgan’s Army, transplant. Her condition got worse and that had temporarily taken her off of the was started by the sorority and her family. due to testing positive for a virus, she was list but took to social media to express her Morgan Yoney, 20, is a sister of the Alpha temporarily taken off of the transplant list gratitude to the Pikes. Her goal was to get Sigma Tau sorority and has cystic fibrosis. on Oct. 22, and after her health improved she to $10,000 as that is what the transplant will Cystic fibrosis is a condition where fluid was put back on the list on Oct. 31. cost once insurance covers the rest, and the builds up in the lungs, digestive tract and Morgan’s Army is the philanthropy group $1,000 from Pi Kappa Alpha was a major other parts of the body.

Yoney’s family created in order to help her step toward that goal.

Yoney has suffered from cystic fibrosis friends and family stay updated with her She will still have other medical expenses her entire life and has been fighting it since health. It’s also her support system to give her before the transplant due to breathing her family found out she had it when she encouragement and to help fundraise for her treatments and any possible medical was nine months old. On Jan. 15, 2010, impending transplant. complications that come before her Yoney received her first double lung and Her sorority has helped greatly with raising transplant.

hosts talent show Continued from Page D 1

“Why was that cop’s purpose to stop my brother’s purpose and take him away from us? The day after Easter before the crack of dawn, my brother was gone,” Randall said in her spoken word presentation.

Students were given the opportunity to take time away from studious activities to watch their fellow classmates showcase their talents. Along with Sing and Randall, there were 15 other acts with a halftime performance from selected dancers from JamRock.

Early childhood and special education major Erminia Spinelli, said that she thoroughly enjoyed the event, and she additionally helped set up the event last minute with social work and professional studies with an emphasis in non-profit management major Maria Montaro, criminology major Unika Rivera, communication major Malika Fields, and education major Jasmine Thompson.

“Sister to Sister put this on because we felt that students needed some way to take a break, and get a stress reliever,” Pitcairn said. “I feel like this semester not too many clubs had free events tailored to giving students a break, and I felt like we should step up to the plate.”

Students have already begun asking Pitcairn if there will be another talent show next semester, and based off of the attendance from Tuesday night’s event. She is already thinking about hosting ROCK’s Got Talent again.

“I certainly was not expecting there to be the amount of people that came tonight, I was thinking that we’d get 20 people or 30,” Pitcairn said. “I definitely hope there is one next year because I think it went well.”

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C-3

November 21, 2014

Anthony Plumberg, playing Marley, emerges from the ďŹ replace.

Left: Amanda Demmler, The Char Women, gives the blanket to Old Joe Center: Christmas Carolers welcome guests by singing.

Right: Scrooge, played by Cole Vecchio, is frightened by the ghost of Christmas past.

Photos and Design: Rebecca Dietrich/Assistant Photo Editor

C-4

November 21, 2014

GET AHEAD. STAY AHEAD. WINTER SESSION @ SRU DEC. 17 TO JAN. 13

CHOOSE FROM MORE THAN 110 ONLINE COURSES. Enroll for up to 7 credits For more info: www.sru.edu/winter A member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education

THE

sru dance department of

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Photo: Candice Kaminski

Slippery Rock University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Dance

www.SRU.edu A member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education

#8365 10-2014

S SPORTS

Rock football wins conference

By Brian HepďŹ nger Sports Editor

The Slippery Rock University football team (9-2) is in the NCAA Division II playoffs for the second consecutive year after defeating Bloomsburg University in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship game last Saturday.

SEE ROCK, PAGE D-2 DESIGNED BY ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

SPORTS

D-2

November 21, 2014

Rock quarterback named MVP

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Senior quarterback Jared Buck looks for a receiver to throw to during the PSAC Championship against Bloomsburg last Saturday. Buck threw for 256 yards (17-27) and had three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Continued from Page D 1

SRU defeated Bloomsburg 28-26.

"It was a great day at the Rock, and I'm just so proud of the team and the coaching staff," SRU head coach George Mihalik said.

"Four weeks ago, nobody thought that was a reality. This team believed, kept fighting and winning week by week, and we beat the number five team in the nation and number one team in the region."

The first half was dominated by the Green and White. They scored all four of their touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) in the half. Bloomsburg scored 17 points in the half.

The second half was dictated by the Rock's defense.

The offense couldn't score in the half, and Bloomsburg was able to put up nine unanswered points against the defense.

However, SRU never gave up the lead.

"The offense carried the first half of the game, the defense was fantastic in the second half," Mihalik said. "Bloomsburg had a lot of drives that were starting at midfield, and our defense played fantastic to keep them out of the end zone and force field goal attempts."

After putting up 28 points in the first half, Mihalik said that SRU couldn't score because of the field position they were having on each drive.

"Early in the second half, we had terrible field position, and we were inside our five yard line to start," Mihalik said. "We went on a 90-yard drive and fumbled on their four-yard line. We hurt ourselves in the second half, and that kept us off the board."

The Green and White's defense had another game in which many defenders had at least one tackle (23).

Sophomore defensive back Derrick Fulmore forced the Rock's only turnover on defense with an interception.

SRU senior quarterback Jared Buck threw for 256 yards (17-27) with three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) and two interceptions.

He also rushed five times for 59 yards.

Buck's two touchdowns were caught by sophomore wide receiver Leroy McClain and senior wide receiver Melvin German.

Buck was also named the MVP of the PSAC Championship.

"He put the ball where it needed to be, and he ran with the football when necessary,"

Mihalik said. "I thought he made some good checks at the line, and it was well deserved."

A scary moment happened for Buck in the fourth quarter when a Bloomsburg defender attempted to tackle him, but the result was a helmet-to-helmet collision.

This took Buck out, forcing sophomore quarterback Zack Newsock to finish the game. However, Mihalik said Buck will practice this week and will be cleared to play on Saturday.

Even though this was one of the lowest rushing attempts for SRU as a team this season (46), they still managed to accumulate 233 total yards.

Sophomore running back Shamar Greene had 21 carries for 116 yards. Senior running back Teddy Blakeman rushed for 38 yards off of 12 carries, and had a touchdown.

Bloomsburg had an opportunity to take the lead with a field goal attempt with just under seven minutes left in the game, but their kicker, Braden Drexler, missed it.

"You never know what happens with long snappers, holders, and kickers," Mihalik said. "I'm just happy our defense found a way to keep them off the board, especially on that last drive."

The Rock's game against West Chester University (10-1) is on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 12 p.m. in West Chester, Pennsylvania. This will be the fifth time in Rock's history that the team has made it to the NCAA playoffs.

Mihalik said this game will be another tough challenge for his team, but that he is proud of what SRU has accomplished thus far.

"We're one of 24 division II teams in the country that are still playing, and that's a credit to our program that for the second year in a row, we're in the national playoffs," Mihalik said. "When you step back and look at it that way, it's a tremendous accomplishment. Now, we just have to win one of those games."

Women's soccer looking to improve next season

By Cody McCullough Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock University women's soccer team ended their season in disappointing fashion when they learned they would not receive an invite to NCAA tournament this year.

SRU's overall re c ord of 1 1 - 6 - 1 includes wins over tour nament-b ound California University of Pennsylvania and Kutztown University.

It also includes a w i n ove r 1 0 - w i n Edinboro Univeristy, and losses against the top two seeds, E a s t St ro u d s b u r g University and West Chester University, 1-0.

“I was confused why teams we beat got in and not us,” SRU head coach Noreen Herlihy said. “We just need to continue to gain experience, and we just have to eliminate errors that we were making this season.”

It’ll be tough for the returning players to make up for the experience that is leaving the Rock, which is the senior class of Ali Brosky, Brooke Edwards, Nicole Krueger, and Leslie Henny. These g i r l s are l e av i ng the Rock as one of the most decorated classes Herlihy has

ever coached. At their time at SRU, the team has compiled a record of 56-21-8, won one Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship, and advanced to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament three times. The 56 wins over these girls' four years is the third most in any four year era in SRU history.

“It’s ne ver e asy replacing seniors,” Herlihy said.

“Hopefully, the next generation will lead the way after this tremendous senior class.”

One bright spot for Herlihy is that SRU is bringing back 17 of 21 players from this season's roster, including nine players who started at least nine games this year.

One of these re tu r n i ng pl aye r s is soon to be senior midf ielder Cr yst a Ganter. She believes that next year’s senior class has potential to go further than this year’s class with all the players returning, and do it with a chip on their shoulder.

“We’ll come in with frustration,” Ganter said. “We will be ready to take over and lead the team like they did.”

There is plenty of potential for next year’s team, seeing as how they are returning

their top two point scorers in Andrea Felix and Tess Keeley.

Another important player returning is goaltender Annabelle Hegeman, who posted a goals against average of .70.

Even though the team's goal is always to get to the NCAA Tournament and they didn't receive a bid, Herlihy still believes the season was a success. However, Ganter does not feel the same way about this season as her coach.

“It was not a big success for us,” Ganter said. “It would be for other teams, but not for us, because the standard is to get into the NCAA Tournament.”

For Ganter, the biggest improvement the team needs to make is to score more goals and win the games they are supposed to win.

Herlihy is poised to get next year’s team back to the t o u r n a m e nt , a n d hopefully do some damage in it as well.

The training will start early to get these women ready for the grind of a full season, which will possibly lead to great things.

“Preparation will start at the new year,” Herlihy said. “We will be looking to get better every day with this new class.”

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Senior forward Ali Brosky attempts to keep the ball away from an opposing player during SRU's game against Clarion University on Sept. 17. Brosky played in 17 games this season, scored one goal, and had one assist.

November 21, 2014

SPORTS

D-3

Men's basketball suffers first loss

By Brian Hepfinger Sports Editor

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Senior guard Antonio Butler brings the ball up the court during one of SRU's games last season.

Butler was 0-8 from the field in Wednesday's game against Gannon University. He had one assist.

The Slippery Rock University men's basketball team (2-1) suffered their first loss of the season to Gannon University (1-2) on Wednesday.

Gannon defeated SRU 64-51.

The score was tied at the end of the first half at 26-26, and both teams looked to be evenly matched. However, Gannon outscored the Rock 38-25 in the second half in order to secure the victory.

"We let a lot of opportunities go by us in the second half, and we felt we should've had a lead at the end of the first half instead of it being tied up," SRU head coach Kevin Reynolds said.

"They got us on the offensive boards, and they shot over 50 percent from the field" SRU started the same five players that they have in the first two games of the season. Senior forward Frank Holloway, junior guard Kelvin Goodwin, junior guard Jamal Gatali, sophomore forward Chaquille Pratt, and senior guard Antonio Butler have been the starters thus far.

As a team, SRU's field goal percentage was 32.6 percent (15-46), and their three-point percentage was 33.3 percent (618).

"We had trouble getting organized," Reynolds said.

"Some of it was communication from myself. We have to do a better job in practice executing our offense."

They shot 15-19 (78.9 percent)

from the free throw line as well.

Reynolds said free throws are vital to the teams success.

"Down the stretch, it's going to be very important," Reynolds said. "It's been a focus of ours over the last week because we didn't shooting them well against Glenville and Charleston.

It's a credit to the guys, because they're putting some time in on their own."

Reynolds said he always wants his team to be one of the top rebounding teams in the conference. In this game, Gannon held the edge in rebounding 33-28. Holloway was the high-scorer for SRU with 15 points (6-15) to go along with 10 rebounds and four turnovers.

"He did a great job in the first half on the glass," Reynolds said in reference to Holloway.

"I thought he played very well defensively as well in the post, but he's also got to shoot a higher percentage from the field."

Goodwin scored nine points (3-7) and had one rebound and two assists. Butler struggled in this game, and was unable to score. He went 0-8 from the field and had two rebounds and one assist. Junior center Cornelius Brown (11) and junior guard Malcolm Richardson (8) came off the bench and added 19 points. The rest of the Green and White combined to score eight points, including five from junior forward Erik Raleigh and three from Gatali.

"I think they keyed in on him after the week he had and got him out of his comfort zone,"

Reynolds said in reference to Butler. "They forced him into some tough shots, and kept him away from the hoop. Antonio's really good at getting to the basket, and they kept him from doing that."

Gannon had a field goal percentage of 49.0 percent (25-51) and shot 54.5 percent (6-11) from the three point line. SRU edged Gannon in free throws, with the Golden Knights shooting 8-13 (61.5%) from behind the line. Adam Blazek was the high-scorer for Gannon with 20 points (6-12) to go along with four assists and one rebound. Girbran Smith and Rich Austin each chipped in 11 points. Gannon shared the ball slightly more than the Rock with 13 assists to SRU's eight.

Defensively, SRU and Gannon were even in blocks and steals with one and six respectively.

SRU forced 16 turnovers, while Gannon forced 15 turnovers.

"We took too many chances and took some bad angles on guys defensively," Reynolds said.

"We didn't do a good job in the second half guarding them."

SRU's next game is their home opener against the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (2-0) on Saturday at 7:30 in Morrow Field House. Reynolds said his team needs to play at a much higher level in order for them to win the game on Saturday.

"We have to get back to playing our style of basketball," Reynolds said. "All facets need to improve for us to be successful on Saturday."

Field hockey 'moving forward as a program' Doug Gilghrist Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock University field hockey team finished the season with a record of 9-10 after losing in the quarterfinals of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference playoffs.

It was an up and down season for SRU, but senior midfielder Kelsey Gustafson thought it was an excellent one.

"Overall, I would say the season was a success," Gustafson said.

"Even though the result of the playoff game wasn't what I had wished, I had never been so proud to walk off the field with my head held high, and with ROCK written across my chest."

They opened the season on the road in Massachusetts, where they won their first two games of the season. They then came home to open up conference play by defeating Seton Hill University, and began the season at 3-0.

The Rock then proceeded to lose their next four games, and six of their next seven to fall to a season-worst record of 4-6 through 10 games. Their only win in that stretch was against East Stroudsburg, who was ranked fifth in the country at the time, 2-1.

Starting with game 11, the Green and White began their best stretch of the season. They reeled off five wins in a row, all of which were conference games, to get themselves into position to make a push for the playoffs. Three of those wins came in overtime. The five game winning streak matched the longest winning streak in the program's history.

Their last three games of the season were all against PSAC playoff teams. The Rock dropped all three to close the regular season at 9-9, which marked the first time since 1998 that they have not had

a losing regular season record.

They entered the playoffs as the sixth seed and had to travel to Shippensburg to face the third seed in the PSAC quarterfinals.

After giving up a goal just over a minute into the game, the Rock fell 1-0 to close out their season at 9-10.

This playoff appearance marked the third time in the last four years that SRU has made the playoffs, and their nine wins was the fourth most in school history.

The team also received some individual honors. Gustafson and Kaili Simmons were selected to play in the national senior All Star game in Louisville, Kentucky on Dec. 5, and Gustafson was also named to the first team all-PSAC squad.

Gustafson lead the team in both goals and points (five goals, 11 points), while redshirt senior forward Allison Shade was second in both categories (four goals, 10 points). Sophomore forward Megan McKay led the way in assists (five) and shots (32) for the season.

Gustafson said she is going to miss her teammates the most.

"Playing Rock hockey has been my life for the past four years and there is not one thing that I won't miss," Gustafson said. "Besides not playing field hockey, what I am going to miss most is my teammates. You form such a close bond on and off the field, just like one big family."

While the Rock had many offensive contributors this season, the team's strength was the defensive side of the ball. Junior goalie Carlee DuMars played every minute in net this season and made 87 saves. She recorded a 1.35 goals against average, good for seventh in the country in Division II. She also had three shutouts and a .763 save percentage.

SRU's defenders tied for the lead in all of Division II with 19

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

Senior midfielder Kelsey Gustafson dribbles the ball during SRU's game against Kutztown University on Oct. 18. Gustafson played in all 19 games this season, and scored five goals and had one assist.

defensive saves for the season.

Redshirt defender Baylee Childress led the team with nine defensive saves, which was fourth in the nation, while Gustafson chipped in with six saves.

"Looking back at the season, I am very proud of the team," SRU head coach Julie Swiney said. " While we would have liked to win a few more games, have a winning record

and win our playoff game, there is no doubt that it was a successful season for the program."

Despite many key contributors graduating this season, Swiney is still optimistic about the future.

"I believe we have the talent to continue moving for ward as a program and hope that underclassmen step up into leadership roles," Swiney said.

D-4

November 21, 2014

Erik Raleigh

-

Erica Aiello

-

Cornelius Brownr

E2 - Men's Roster // E3 - Old and new faces shape men's basketball E4 and E5 - Rock basketball past and present E6 - Women's basketball looks to improve // E7 - Women's roster E8 - Women's coach looks to be at SRU for the long haul DESIGNED BY KARLEIGH SANTRY/THE ROCKET

E-2

November 21, 2014

2014-15 Men's Basketball Roster #1

Malcolm Richardson 6'1"|Guard|Junior

Richardson is from Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.

He went to Penn Wood high school. He is in his first season with the Rock. He previously attended East Stroudsburg University from 20122014. At ESU, he scored 104 points and had 53 rebounds. His career high is 12 points.

#2

Chaquille Pratt 6'4"|Forward|Sophomore

Pratt is from Midland, Pennsylvania. He went to Lincoln Park high school. He was on SRU’s roster during the 2011-2012 season, but didn’t play from 2012-2014 due to personal reasons.

His career high is 17 points. He was also named PSAC-West Freshman of the Week once.

#4

Allen Jiles 6'3"|Guard|R-Senior

Jiles is from Los Angeles, California. He went to Lynwood high school. He is in his first season with the Rock. He previously attended California State University, Northridge from 20102012. He then transferred to the University of Idaho for the 2012-2013 season.

#5

Desma Nicholson 5'9"|Guard|R-Senior

Nicholson is from Washington D.C. He went to McKinley Technology high school. He is in his first season with the Rock. He previously attended Coppin State University from 2012-2014, and played in one game.

#10

Abdul King 6'4"|Guard|Senior

King is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He went to Constitution high school. He is in his second season with the Rock. Last season, he appeared in five games and scored 10 points and had 11 rebounds. He previously attended Kutztown University from 2011-2013.

#11

Kelvin Goodwin 6'0"|Guard|R-Junior

Goodwin is from Wheeling, West Virginia. He went to Wheeling Park high school. He is in his first season with the Rock. He previously attended West Liberty University from 2012-2014.

He played in 67 games, and scored 577 points and had 143 rebounds.

#12

John Johnson 6'0"|Guard|R-Junior

Johnson is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He went to Horace Furnace high school. He is in his first season with the Rock. He previously attended Marshalltown Community College from 2013-2014. He scored 57 points and had 22 rebounds.

#15

Frank Holloway 6'6"|Forward|R-Senior

Holloway is from Alexandria, Virginia. He went to Robert E. Lee high school. He is in his first season with the Rock. He previously attended Garrett College from 2010-2014. During the 2013-2014 season, he played in 32 games and scored 740 points and had 273 rebounds.

T.J. Jones 6'1"|Guard|R-Sophomore

#20

Jones is from Stafford, Virginia. He went to North Stafford high school. He is in his second season with the Rock, but didn’t play last season.

He previously attended St. Thomas Aquinas College for one year. He averaged 13.8 points per game and had 45 total assists.

#22

Chris Hays 5'7"|Guard|R-Junior

Hays is from Lansdale, Pennsylvania. He went to Lansdale Catholic high school. He is in his third season with the Rock. He played in three games last season and scored 12 points and had two rebounds. He is one of SRU’s team captains.

Antonio Butler 6'4"|Guard|R-Senior

#23

Butler is from Lorton, Virginia. He went to South County high school. He is in his second season with the Rock. He previously attended Garrett College from 2011-2013. He played in 30 games last season for the Rock, and scored 226 points and had 123 rebounds. He is one of SRU’s team captains.

Jamal Gatali 6'7"|Guard|Junior

#24

Gatali is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He went to Downsview High School. He is in his first season with the Rock. He previously attended Marshalltown Community College from 2012-2014. He started 30 games, and scored 320 points and had 202 rebounds.

Cornelius Brown 6'9"|Center|Junior

#30

Brown is from Bridgeport, Connecticut. He went to Warren Harding High School. He is in his second season with the Rock. He previously attended Barton Community College for one season. He played in 10 games for the Rock last season, and scored 21 points and had 24 rebounds.

Jordan Grady 6'5"|Forward|R-Junior

#33

Grady is from Cumberland, Maryland. He went to Allegany High School. He is in his third season with the Rock. He previously attended Garrett College in Maryland from 2010-2012.

He played in 28 games last season for the Rock, and scored 55 points and had 65 rebounds.

Erik Raleigh 6'8"|Forward|R-Junior

#44

Raleigh is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He went to Constitution High School. He is in his second season with the Rock. He previously attended Central Connecticut State University from 2012-2013. He played in 29 games last season for the Rock, and scored 128 points and had 102 rebounds.

e er to vot Rememb te of the f o r a t h le month at om e r o c k e t .c t h e o n li n

Special Section Editorial Board Brian Hepfinger Sports Editor

Ryan Barlow Assistant Sports Editor

Alex Mowrey Photo Editor

Karleigh Santry Layout and Design

November 21, 2014

E-3

Old and new faces shape men's basketball

By Brian Hepfinger Sports Editor

The Slipp er y Ro ck University basketball team (2-1) is ready to win the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and qualify for the NCAA Tournament this season.

The Rock has a fairly new team this season, but there are multiple returning players, including junior guard Chris Hays, senior guard Antonio Butler, junior center Cornelius Brown, junior forward Jordan Grady, senior guard Abdul King, sophomore guard T.J. Jones, and junior forward Erik Raleigh. There are eight new players on the Rock's roster, including Malcolm Richardson, Chaquille Pratt, Allen Jiles, Desma Nicholson, Kelvin Goodwin, John Johnson, Frank Holloway, T.J. Jones, and Jamal Gatali. All eight players are sophomores or a higher classlevel.

Last season, six returning players appeared in multiple games. Butler played in 30 games (started in five), scored 226 points, and had 123 rebounds. Raleigh appeared in 29 games, scored 128 points, and had 102 rebounds. Brown played in 10 games (started in five), scored 21 points, and had 24 rebounds. Hays appeared in three games, scored 12 points, and had two rebounds. Grady played in 28 games, scored 55 points, and had 65 rebounds.

King appeared in five games, scored 10 points, and had 11 rebounds.

The Green and White won their first two games of the season against the University of Charleston (Nov. 14) and Glenville State College (Nov. 15). In those two games, Butler, Pratt, Goodwin, Frank Holloway, Gatali were the starters.

However, SRU head coach Kevin

Reynolds said the starting lineup is still wide open, and that besides Hays and Butler, leadership roles still need to be filled.

"Other than Antonio and Chris, I could see the third and fourth leader changing week by week or game by game," Reynolds said.

Last season, the Rock finished with an overall record of 20-11, and lost to Gannon University 73-69 in the PSAC Championships. This season, Reynolds hopes his team will have a much longer season.

"We always have the same expectations that the other 17 teams in the league have, and that's winning the conference championship and moving onto the NCAA's," Reynolds said. "Our ultimate goal is to get to the NCAA Tournament.

We'd like to win the league to get there, but that's our goal every year."

Reynolds said SRU has been playing the same brand of basketball during the seven years he has been the head coach.

"The first thing we try to do is play good defense, and field goal percentage defense from the two and the three," Reynolds said. "We want to be one of the top rebounding teams in the conference and in the country."

He said his teams have always played unselfish team basketball.

"That's been the staple of why we've been so good," Reynolds said. "We're not a star-studded program. Everybody has a role, and plays that role well. It could be anybody on any given night, and you can't key in on one player."

Both wins this season have been decided by less than four points. SRU defeated Charleston 65-62, and then they defeated Glenville 63-62. In both games, it was SRU's defense that stepped up.

"Going in with as many new guys as

we have, I've been really happy appy with the team's play," Reynolds said. "We've played ass a team offensively and defensively. efensively. We've guarded the he teams closely, and made ade them shoot a lower percentage rcentage then they would uld like."

Reynolds said thee team has shared red the ball veryy well in the firstt two games, but they need to sho ot it better. er.

SRU's RU's only loss on the season on came f rom m G an n on Un ivee rs it y on We d n e s d a y i n Erie, Pennsylvania. on defeated Gannon SRU 64-51.

R e y n o l d s e x p e c t e d this game to be highly contested ed and hard-fought, ught, and he was correct.

The Rock will play ay in t heir home opener on Saturday,, Nov. 22 at 7:300 p.m. against the University ty of Pitt-Johnstown town in Morrow ow Field House. se.

#23 Antonio Butler

E-4

November 21, 2014

R o c k B a s ket b a ll P a s t & P r es en t

E-5

November 21, 2014

This photo page features current players on the Slippery Rock University men’s and women’s basketball teams reenacting photos of past SRU players. We felt that since this years’ teams are new, and that it’s SRU’s 125 Anniversary, this was a good chance to showcase our school’s basketball history.

Design and Photos of current students by: Alex Mowrey Photos of former players courtesy of: Sports Information and Saxigena Yearbooks

November 21, 2014

E-6

Women's basketball looks to improve

By Ryan Barlow

#24 D'Asia Chambers

Assistant Sports Editor The Slippery pp y R Rock wom Universityy (1-1) women's basketball team will be lookingg to move m forward from a disappointing 2013-2014 campaign. g SRU is returningg some s familiar faces f from last yyear, as well as n nine new p players y players.

Comingg o off of a season w where the Rock w went 6-20 ove overall, 3-13 in the Pennsylva y Pennsylvania State Ath Athletic Conference, new actingg head h coach, Bobby Bo McGraw, has been given the opportunity pp y to be in charg g of charge the wom women's basketball program this season.

In his effor ort to bringg a new cul culture to the locker ro room, McGraw was able to persuade new assistant p assis coach Ryenn y Mica Micaletti to join j coach his coaching staff.

Micaletti spent last assis season as an assistant rrival coach with Unive Indiana University (Pennsylvania). Prior P

to joining IUP, she spent two seasons at Point Park University, where she helped the women's team to a 48-14 overall record during her tenure.

McGraw hopes that his team will take big strides on the defensive end this season, after being beat up by opposing offenses a year ago.

Last season, SRU allowed 75.6 points per game and were ranked 264 out of 287 in total defense, and McGraw is adamant about getting the women to play together as a stronger defensive unit.

"It's not about coming up with different strategies on defense," McGraw said. "It's about getting the girls to come together and get a smothering defense."

On the court, the Green and White will benefit from the return of 20132014 All-PSAC first team forward D'asia Chambers.

Chambers, who is expected to be in the conversation for All-PSAC player of the year, averaged a team high of 17.8 points per game (51.7 shooting percentage) last season and another team high in rebounds at 8.7.

Chambers was also able to contribute 44 assists, as well as being a defensive force with 19 blocks and 40 steals.

She has also been selected as a member of the preseason first team All-PSAC team, meaning that a lot of people will be watching her specifically to see how big of an impact she can have.

Also among the returnees is junior guard Erica Aiello and junior dual position player Megan Hardiman.

Aiello finished last season ranked third in the conference in assists with 4.5 per game, also being able to score 8.5 points per game and a team high in three point shooting percentage of .405 (34-84).

Hardiman started 25 games as a sophomore, averaging 5.5 points per

game, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1 steal per game.

Hardiman also led the Rock in free throw percentage, going 48-64 from the line (75 percent).

The other returning players for SRU are senior forward Danielle Garroutte, junior guard Rebecca Olkosky, senior guard Bridget McClure, and sophomore guard Kassidy O'Keefe.

The Rock also welcomes nine new faces to the program, including four incoming freshman, four junior college recruits, and one transfer student.

Sophomore forward Sam Smith and junior forward Sorriyah Ranger are both junior college recruits joining the Green and White from Southwester Illinois College.

Among other junior college recruits, junior guard Taylor Siggers also joins SRU from Indiana River College and junior guard BreeAnna Gross from Garden City College.

The Rock also welcomes sophomore transfer from East Stroudsburg University, Audrey Stapleton. Stapleton started 10 games for the Warriors, averaging 3.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on the season.

The freshmen class for the Green and White includes Sierra Fordham, Mallory Heinle, Lindsey Horman, and Shannon Jack.

The young additions to the team could mean that the Rock could make big strides in the development of the program, and could build strong relationships for the future.

"With 16 different girls on this team, we have plenty of different opportunities for them to make impacts in games," McGraw said. "It's really all about getting them to come together and play as one unit. These girls are already beginning to buy in to what Coach Micaletti and I are trying to get them to understand about the game, especially on the defensive end."

November 21, 2014

E-7

2014-15 Women's Basketball Roster #2

BreAnna Gross 5'11"|Guard/Forward|Junior

Gross is a transfer from Garden City Community College. Last season with Garden City, she played in a total of 24 games, dishing out a total of 24 assists while grabbing 37 rebounds and snagging seven steals. In her hometown of Clinton, Maryland, Gross lettered all four seasons at Riverdale Baptist High School.

#3

Taylor Siggers 5'11"|Guard|Junior

Siggers is transfer from Indian River College.

Prior to last season at IRC, Siggers played basketball at Allegany College of Maryland. At Allegheny, she was team MVP and led the team in scoring with 14 points per game, and rebounding with 8 per game. In her hometown of Mardela, Maryland, Siggers played for Mardela High School.

#5

Erica Aiello 5'3"|Guard|Junior

Entering her third season at The Rock, Aiello returns to her regular role as a starting guard.

From Columbus, Ohio, Aiello started 26 games for SRU last season, averaging a team high in assists at 4.5. She was also able to shoot 38.5 percent from the field. In a game against Shippensburg last season, Aiello scored a career high 18 points.

#10

Shannon Jack 5'9"|Guard|Freshman

Jack is a freshman communication major from Akron, Ohio. She lettered four times at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, and helped lead them to district and regional championships, as well as an appearance in the Ohio State Tournament semifinals. She was named MVP of her team, as well as a three time defensive player of the year.

#11

Audrey Stapleton 5'9"|Guard|Sophomore

Stapleton is a transfer from East Stroudsburg University. In one season with the Warriors, she averaged 3.8 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1 assist per game. From Indiana, Pennsylvania, Stapleton helped Indiana High School to four WPIAL playoff appearances, and averaged 17 points per game.

#12

Sierra Fordham 5'6"|Guard|Freshman

From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fordham lettered four times at Taylor Allderdice High School, earning City League Play of the Year honors, and even earned a third-team all-state selection. She averaged 22.9 points per game, and two City League Championships.

#14

#23

Megan Hardiman 5'10"|Guard/Forward|Junior

From Louden, New Hampshire, Hardiman is entering her third season with Slippery Rock. She started all 25 games for The Rock last season, averaging 6.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists per game. Hardiman was also able to record a double-double against Clarion last season, scoring 17 points and grabbing a career high 11 rebounds.

D'Asia Chambers 5'11"|Guard/Forward|Senior

#24

Chambers is entering her fourth and final season at The Rock. A season ago, she was able to earn a First-Team All-PSAC selection. In 2013-2014, she averaged 17.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. She also led the team with a 51.7 shooting percentage, and 19 blocks, 40 steals, and 44 assists. Her 463 points in a single season is the 11 best in school history.

Kassidy O'Keefe 5'7"|Guard|Sophomore

#25

From Heidelberg, Pennsylvania, O’Keefe is entering her second season with Slippry Rock. She appeared in 14 games last season, averaging 0.6 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game.

She also had a field goal percentage of 33.3. Her season high in points came against Millersville, scoring three.

Sam Smith 6'0"|Forward|Sophomore

#30

Smith is from Wentzville, Missouri. Having transferred to The Rock from Southwestern Illinois College, Smith helped SWIC to a 23-6 overall record in 2013-2014, a Region 24 title, and berth into to the national tournament. In high school, Smith played basketball for Timberland High School.

Danielle Garroutte 6'1"|Forward|Senior

#31

From Darnestown, Maryland, Garroutte is entering her fourth and final season at SRU. Coming primarily off the bench in 2013-2014, Garroutte averaged 2.0 points, and 1.8 rebounds per game. She also was ranked fourth on the team with 10 blocks, and shot 32.1 percent from the field.

Rebecca Olkosky

6'2"|Forward|Freshman

5'3"|Guard|Junior

#32

From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Olkosky is entering her third season at Slippery Rock. Appearing in 25 games last season, she averaged 2.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.

She also had a field goal percentage of 36.4.

Last season, she scored a career-high 11 points against Lourdes University.

Bridget McClure

Sorriyah Ranger

5'9"|Guard|Senior

6'3"|Forward|Junior

Entering her fourth and final year at The Rock, McClure will be looking for and extended amount of playing time this season. Raised in Indiana, PA, McClure averaged 0.3 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.1 assists per game in 2013-2014.

#22

Lindsay is from Oil City, Pennsylvania. Having attended Venango Catholic High School, she scored 1,303 points during her high school career. She earned first team All-Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference honors both her junior and senior year, and played in the 2014 All-KSAC All-Star game.

Mallory Heinle

Heinle joins The Rock from Saint Joseph High School. Raised in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, she earned third-team all-state honors her senior year, and was selected to play in two separate high school all-star basketball games., the Roundball Classic and the Cager Classic.

#15

Lindsay Homan 5'8"|Guard|Freshman

#34

From Skokie, Illinois, Ranger is a transfer from Southwestern Illinois College and joins The Rock for her junior season. At SWIC, she was a part of back-to-back Region 24 championship winning teams, earning them berth to the national tournament in both seasons.

November 21, 2014

E-8

Women's coach looks to be at SRU for the long haul

By Ryan Barlow

Assistant Sports Editor The women's basketball team is off to a fresh start after an abysmal 2013-2014 season, and the man leading the charge is new acting head coach Bobby McGraw.

The title 'acting head coach' comes with both it's benefits and struggles, as it does not guarantee job security for McGraw after his first season.

After former head coach Tanya Longo stepped down from her post, Slippery Rock athletic director, Paul Leuken, called McGraw into his office and offered him the temporary position.

"It took about one hundredth of a second to tell Mr. Leuken yes," McGraw said. "I am so fortunate to be sitting in this position. I understand that it is a one year deal. My assistant coach (Ryenn Micaletti) and I have a job until May 31. We have one year to take this program in the right direction or we are going to be unemployed."

McGraw, who recruited Micaletti from Indiana University (PA) to be his assistant for this season, swears he will do anything in his power to make sure that the both of them will still be in charge of the program next season.

"Every day I wake up and I know I can't let Ryenn go unemployed," McGraw said. "It's a burden knowing that every day, but at the end of the day our players win games, and our team chemistry is unbelievable chemistry and we are going to win some big games."

McGraw's journey to the position he has with Slippery Rock is a long and unusual, but nonetheless sensational.

Having graduated from Mars High School in 1990, and joined the basketball team at Butler County Community College (BC3) in 1991.

It was at BC3 where McGraw met one of his biggest mentors in college basketball, head coach Dick Hartung.

Hartung, who is still the head coach of the men's basketball team at BC3, showed McGraw how much fun he had coaching college basketball, and McGraw decided he wanted to be just like him.

After one year at Butler County Community College, McGraw transferred to Clarion University to play for the Golden Eagles.

At Clarion, McGraw had the privilege to play with the greatest scorer in PSAC men's basketball history, Kwame Morton.

After one season with Clarion, McGraw cut his playing career short and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

"The four years I spent in the Marines were the best four years of my life," McGraw said. "I would do it again in a heartbeat. To wake up every morning and your defending national security, there's really no better feeling."

When his father passed unexpectedly, McGraw decided it was time to leave the Marine Corps and come home to support his family.

Still not having a college degree, McGraw attended Methodist where he became a studentassistant coach.

It was at Methodist where he discovered his true passion for coaching.After graduation, McGraw thought he had walked away from basketball for good, and he became a police officer at the Butler Barracks.

As an officer, McGraw specialized in child sex offense cases. When people ask him how difficult it is as a coach to have difficult discussions with players, and shrugs it off because it doesn't compare to the difficult times he had as a Pennsylvania state trooper. After 16 years, McGraw made the decision to return to coaching basketball.

He briefly volunteered with high school teams, but was soon offered to a position as a volunteer assistant at La Roche College. McGraw joined the staff under former La Roach head coach Scott Lang in 2010 for one of the most memorable seasons in Division III college basketball history.

On Dec. 10, 2010, Coach Lang, 41, passed unexpectedly during a basketball practice, players and coaching staff surrounding him.

"Scott was my biggest hero," McGraw said. "In high school I mimicked him as much as possible, whether it was the way I wore my jersey or the way presented myself in school, it was all about him. I looked at him as if he were my big brother."

The team, who was 7-1 at the time of his passing, rallied for an amazing run of 16 straight wins, drawing the attention of ESPN who covered the story, and USA Today who wrote a featured article.

La Roche finished the year 25-3, winning their conference title and making a serious run in the NCAA Division III tournament.

"It was something very special our players would never forget, and one I certainly would never forget," McGraw said.

McGraw stayed with La Roche for one more season after their run, but Rock men's head coach

11.14....@University of Charleston.......W 65-62 11.15....@Glenville State College .........W 63-62 11.19....@Gannon University...................L 64-51 11.22....Pitt-Johnstown..........................7:30 p.m.

11.28....@Alderson Broaddu................5:30 p.m.

11.29....@Lemoyne University..............5:30 p.m.

12.03....Edinboro University.................8:00 p.m.

12.08....Ohio University (Eastern).......7:00 p.m.

12.16....Millersville University..............7:30 p.m.

12.17....Shippensburg University..........7:30 p.m.

12.20....@Kutztown University.............3:00 p.m.

12.31....Ohio University (Eastern).......1:00 p.m.

01.03....@Mansfield University............3:00 p.m.

01.04....@Lock Haven University.........3:00 p.m.

01.07....Bloomsburg University............7:30 p.m.

01.10....@Mercyhurst University.........3:00 p.m.

01.14....@Seton Hill University............7:30 p.m.

01.17....Indiana University (Pa)...........7:30 p.m.

01.21....Clarion University....................8:00 p.m.

01.24....@California University (Pa.)..5:00 p.m.

01.28....Gannon University...................8:00 p.m.

01.31....@Pitt-Johnstown......................3:00 p.m.

02.04....Mercyhurst University.............8:00 p.m.

02.11....@Edinboro University.............7:30 p.m.

02.14....Seton Hill University................7:30 p.m.

02.18....@Indiana University (Pa.).......7:30 p.m.

02.21....@Clarion University................3:00 p.m.

02.25....California University (Pa.)......8:00 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKE ATHLETICS

New Rock acting head coach of the women's basketball team, Bobby Mcgraw, is in his second season with the Rock.

Kevin Reynolds convinced him to join his staff at SRU as a volunteer assistant.

"I've never learned more about the game of basketball from any one else more than Coach Reynolds," McGraw said. "As far as the schematics and theory of the game, I've never learned more from someone else."

Heading into the 2013-2014, Rock women's coach Tanya Longo offered McGraw the full time assistant coaching position with the SRU women's team.

Though the offer was enticing, McGraw originally rejected the offer.

"I had never coached women before," McGraw said. "I know my personality and I have big loud booming voice, and I just wasn't sure how that could translate."

After discussing further with family and friends, McGraw finally decided to accept Longo's offer.

He joined the staff last year, and is now sitting as the acting head coach of the program.

"The players are so fun to be around and so fun to coach," McGraw said. "No matter how loud or intense I am, I realized women want to be coached too. I have so much fun coaching these girls, and

11.14....Salem International...................W 66-43 11.19....@Gannon University...................L 69-48 11.22....Pitt-Johnstown..........................5:30 p.m.

11.24....Penn State Allegheny...............6:00 p.m.

11.25....Penn State Fayette...................6:00 p.m.

11.29....Penn State Beaver....................3:00 p.m.

12.03....Edinboro Universtiy.................6:00 p.m.

12.16....Millersville University..............5:30 p.m.

12.17....Shippensburg University..........5:30 p.m.

12.20....@Kutztown University.............1:00 p.m.

01.03....@Mansfield University............1:00 p.m.

01.04....@Lock Haven University.........1:00 p.m.

01.07....Bloomsburg University............5:30 p.m.

01.10....@Mercyhurst University.........1:00 p.m.

01.14....@Seton Hill University............5:30 p.m.

01.17....Indiana University (Pa.)..........5:30 p.m.

01.21....Clarion University....................6:00 p.m.

01.24....@California University (Pa)....3:00 p.m.

01.28....Gannon University...................6:00 p.m.

01.31....@Pitt-Johnstown......................1:00 p.m.

02.04....Mercyhurst University.............6:00 p.m.

02.11....@Edinboro University.............5:30 p.m.

02.14....Seton Hill University................1:00 p.m.

02.18....@Indiana University (Pa.).......5:30 p.m.

02.21....@Clarion University........................TBA 02.25....California University (Pa.)......8:00 p.m.