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Unexpected circumstances put education at risk By Hannah Shumsky Assistant News Editor
Andrew Young has three weeks and two days left in his internship before he can earn his degree in social work. This semester, the 27-year-old from Beaver Falls, Pa. experienced a non-contact injury, resulting in torn cartilage in his chest. After contracting bronchitis that following week, he missed two weeks of classes, leading to his decision to medically withdraw from SRU on Sept. 27. While he can still finish his internship in an upcoming semester, he may not be able to afford to obtain his degree or copies of his transcript, as he now owes SRU $3,600 for the fall 2018 semester. That, combined with $6,000 annual salary and his status as a Medicaid recipient, leads to what Young calls his “perfect storm.” He said he currently owes $44,000 in federal student loans—that’s roughly $10,000 more than the average SRU student loan debt. “I can’t get myself out of this,” Young said. Young is at risk for defaulting on his loans which occurs, under federal law, if one fails to pay federal loan payments for 270 days. When Young medically withdrew from SRU in fall 2016 and returned the following spring, he received a partial refund. Since he withdrew from SRU prior to completing 60 percent of the term this second time, his federal loans were returned back to the federal government under Title IV. “I owe the university over half of what I made last year for one semester,” Young said. In order to receive Medicaid eligibility, an adult between the ages 19 of 64 must have an income less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level. For Young, this income is $16,146.20. “Finding a job has never been a problem,” Young said, adding that the salary from his part-time job must remain below the Medicaid eligibility threshold. In a recent report from the U.S. Department of Education, 5 percent of students who left SRU in the 2015 fiscal year are in default compared to 7.1 percent of students from all U.S. public, four-year schools. Of the 2,497 students who left SRU in 2015 and entered repayment, 127 defaulted. The federal loan cohort default rate (CDR) is tracked for three years after a specific graduation year. Each student who enters default within three years counts as a defaulted student, according to Alyssa Dobson, director of financial aid and scholarships. Each student receiving federal financial aid is required to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN), which serves as a contract and obligation to repay. The MPN also outlines the consequences of defaulting. The consequences for defaulting on loans could include a damaged credit score, garnished wages, loss of Social Security benefits during retirement and loss of income tax refunds. “It’s definitely a serious status,” Dobson said. According to Dobson, students who are most likely to default either leave without finishing a degree, have a lower socioeconomic status or are first-generation college students. Once a person is in a default, she or he cannot receive any additional federal financial aid, posing a barrier to returning to school and obtaining a degree. “You can’t even, at that point, go back to school to try to finish your degree to make the money to pay back the loans,” Dobson said. “Once you end up in default, life is very difficult, and if you haven’t finished your degree at that point, it is yet another barrier to completion.” The default rate for former SRU students in 2015 is the second lowest in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) after West Chester (4.1 percent).
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH SHUMSKY
In the 2015 fiscal year, 5 percent of borrowers who left SRU entered default. The cohort default rate tracks the number of borrowers who enter repayment compared to the number of borrowers who entered default within three years of leaving a postsecondary institution.
Dobson attributes the lower default rate at SRU to student support from the Office of Career Education and Development. According to the office’s 2017 annual report, 58 percent of bachelor degree recipients from December 2015 and May and August 2016 are in a full-time job in their career field. The executive summary received a 59 percent response rate.
"I owe the university over half of what I made last year for one semester," Young said. “I think it’s a testament to our students because they’re the ones who are managing their student loans in a responsible manner,” Dobson said. All other PASSHE universities had a default rate below 10 percent in the 2015 fiscal year except Cheyney University, which has a 28 percent rate. Once the default rate exceeds 30 percent, the school’s ability to participate in federal aid programs can be impacted. Dobson says that Cheyney’s lower graduation and student population are factors in their higher default rate. “Being a historically black college, they service a riskier student demographic and population,” Dobson said. According to Dobson, students leave SRU with an average of $33,303 in loan debt, including $25,822 in federal loan debt.
This includes students who have graduated or left the university. In 2007, Congress passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. The law introduced income-driven repayment plans. As part of incomedriven repayments, a person’s income and household size to determine a reasonable payment. In the most recent plan, the Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) plan, a borrower’s money payment is 10 percent of their discretionary income, the adjusted gross income above 150 percent of the poverty level. Under current law, payments under an incomedriven repayment play could be $0. “It’s very common to either leave school or graduate from school and struggle with what they’re asking you to repay,” Dobson said. “There are incomedriven repayment options you can choose, but you have to know they’re available, and it takes action on the student’s part to achieve them.” Dobson also says that there is an increased focus nationally on income-driven repayment plans since their initial implementation. The national cohort default rate has decreased from 14.7 percent in the 2010 fiscal year to 10.8 percent in 2015. “Now, I think there is a consorted effort to get that information out there,” Dobson said. “With the national laser focus on student loan debt, I’m hoping we’ll see decreases broadly.” Young says has one year to complete the final weeks of his internship, which he can finish without reenrolling at SRU. But he must reenroll—and pay $3,600—to receive a degree and his transcripts. “This is a series of unfortunate loans,” he concluded.
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President Behre champions the culture of SRU "I'll get beaten up for it, but I still think that it's the right thing to do," Behre said. "The headline will be that we increased tuition, and it'll probably have a nasty pull quote thrown in there. But it must be understood that any potential increase in cost comes with added financial aid opportunities for students. We're not simply trying to increase our revenue without helping the students of Slippery Rock."Â In addition to better leveraging university resources, Behre has spoken a lot about diversity since arriving on campus. Currently, there are 91 international students on campus, and nearly 90 percent of students come from somewhere within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, according to Behre. Making sure that the university continues to reach out and bring in a wide range of diverse students remains one of his top priorities. "For me, becoming a more diverse university isn't just a social justice issue," Behre said. "A lack of diversity limits the quality of education that you can offer as an institution. A criticism that many people bring up is that because we are a state-funded institution that we should focus on solely serving students within the commonwealth. I would argue that bringing in diverse students helps us serve our students better than if they were in classrooms with only students from Butler and Allegheny County. That type of ancillary learning is invaluable in my eyes." Behre acknowledged that Slippery Rock students will be part the most diverse generation in history and wants to expose them to new conversations and experiences. During his State of the University Address in September, Behre unveiled a scholarship plan for underrepresented students on campus in the amount of $100,000 per year over a fouryear period. Behre said that those numbers will actually increase to $1.2 million over the next four years, tripling the original annual amount. Standing on the shoulders of giants is how Behre described his current position as SRU's 17th university president. He credits past presidents for laying a strong foundation for him to add to their respective legacies. Behre has looked to Bob Smith and Cheryl Norton, SRU's two most recent university presidents, for advice on how to carry out his own tenure. "Bob Smith placed a large emphasis on cultivating the arts at Slippery Rock, while Cheryl looked towards developing more graduate programs at the university," Behre said. "I'm trying to learn from the best of both worlds in that sense. Their legacies left the university in a very stable financial situation, and I'm grateful for that." Above all, Behre said that he remains most grateful for his interactions with the student body. "I prefer ending the day on campus, walking our dogs with my wife," Behre said. "I enjoy being around the students and engaging them. I really get a kick out of it."
By Adam Zook News Editor
University President Dr. William Behre will be inaugurated on Friday morning, serving as the midpoint of a 17-day celebration of his presidency. "I wish that somebody would have reminded me that a 17-day celebration lasted two-and-a-half weeks," Behre chuckled. All joking aside, Behre said that he has begun to fall in love with the culture of SRU and wants to take in as much as he can more his first year in office. "Slippery Rock is a tapestry from what I can tell so far," Behre said. "There's an abundance of great programs and students that make up the culture of the university. I'm kept pretty busy and I work some long hours, but it's evident that me at work beats a lot of people at rest." A majority of that work so far has rested on how to market the culture of Slippery Rock to a wider audience. Clarifying that message has been a primary area of focus for Behre, who hopes to showcase what he believes is one of the best brands in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). "We've got to be constantly asking ourselves where we are going, what's our elevator speech?" Behre said. "I don't know the answer to that yet, so we're studying ourselves in order to understand what we do best and how to move forward." Behre said that while SRU used to be almost solely known for their programs in Exercise Science and Physical Education, two distinctions he remains proud of, it is a disservice to view the university that way now. Safety Management is an area in which Slippery Rock has begun to build a national reputation according to Behre. He said that in his short time as president, he's heard from several companies that they look to SRU first when hiring safety experts. "You have to look at assets that we have that other institutions of higher learning don't, and our Safety Management program is one of them," Behre said. Behre also hopes to cultivate the Petroleum Engineering program at Slippery Rock. He lamented the fact there were some open seats this semester, something he attributed to today's political climate and some students being unable to obtain visas. Financial autonomy is another focus for Behre. He said that the greatest obstacle to a college education is cost, and wants to explore avenues that make Slippery Rock more affordable. A big portion of that comes with negotiating with PASSHE to allow SRU to increase tuition rates. Behre said that the additional revenue would be used for increasing financial aid, but understands that he will likely face pushback from this decision. PHOTO BY LAUREN AULT
President Dr. William Behre fields questions and enjoys a laugh during his first official press conference as university president in March 2018. Behre was appointed following SRU's second presidential search of the 2017-18 academic year.
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POLICE BLOTTER
November 2 - Police received a call for a disturbance in Building B. One person was taken to the Health Center. November 2 - Police received a call for an unconscious person in the lobby of Building B. An ambulance was dispatched, and the person was taken to the hospital. Mohsen Kanani, 19, was cited with an alcohol violation. November 3 - Police received a call for a person who would not leave a room in Building F. Gavin Vargesko, 19, was cited with an alcohol violation via mail and was told not to return. November 3 - Police received a call for an accident on Harmony Road. No injuries were reported, and both
November 9, 2018
cars were able to be driven. Both parties exchanged information.
The cause was steam from a shower, and the panel was reset.
November 3 - Police received a smoke detector activation from North Hall. The cause was a humidifier, and the panel was reset.
November 4 - Police received a panic alarm at the front desk of North Hall. The alarm was accidentally tripped, and the panel was reset.
November 3 - Police received a call from a person in Building E who wanted to report fraud against their credit card. The case is under investigation.
November 4 - A person reported damage to a room in Morrow Field House. The case is under investigation.
November 4 - Police observed a person stumbling on Kiester Road out in front of a bus. Kristofer Eichner, 21, was transported to the police station, cited with disorderly conduct and released to a friend. November 4 - Police received a smoke detector activation from Building B.
November 4 - An incident on Oct. 30 was resolved. Sean Imler, 18, and Hannah O'Donnell, 18, were cited with drug violations. November 6 - Police were called about an accident on Harmony Road. The car was removed from a ditch by police. No injuries were reported.
November 6 - Police were called about a theft at Boozel Dining Hall. The case is under investigation. November 7 - A person reported a fraud on their account. The case is under investigation. November 7 - A person reported that they were being harassed. November 7 - Police were called about a suspicious person in the lobby of Building B. Police spoke with the person who was looking for their son. The son was never located, and the person left campus without incident.
COMPILED BY HANNAH SHUMSKY
Veterans Commission explores new initiatives By Haley Potter Rocket Contributor
The President’s Commission for Veteran and Military Affairs at Slippery Rock University has new initiatives to go into effect for military students and student veterans. There are over 100 students at SRU who identify as veterans as well as close to 350 military-affiliated students who are members of the reserves, active duty military, ROTC cadets or dependents of military families. The commission and their plans are to support these respective groups. The President’s Commission for Veteran and Military Affairs is a new commission and behaves like the other presidential comissions, but advocates for veterans and military members and their families. Alumni member and veteran Shelby Kemery said that this commission was formed last spring and was incorporated by then interim University President Dr. Philip Way. “It was created as a way for the university to take an additional step
into helping the lives of veterans and their families who are trying to reach their educational goals,” Kemery said. Catherine Massey, professor of psychology and co-chair of the commission, said that there is a lot to expect in the future because of their recent approval as an official commission of the president. “We have a very active commission already and we have set up subcommittees to continue building and also creating policies that affect the veterans and military students,” Massey said. Massey said that she was a former military member herself, serving in the U.S. Air Force and also assisting with committees previously at SRU that have helped support veterans and the military. She also said that the commission is currently comprised of 20 people. This includes students, staff, faculty, administrators and former students like Kemery. “The commission is still affecting me, because even though I am now an alumni, I can still serve in helping veterans on campus, which
should be a goal for everyone on the commission,” Kemery said. Massey said that students in the military and ones who have served have issues that no one else can really relate to, and that is why she feels that it is important for the commission to help in any way that they can. She said that some of the plans to better focus on the veterans and military-related students is to make changes to the classroom attendance policy for students called for active duty or other military obligations. She also said that they are looking to relocate the Medal of Honor Room, currently situated in North Hall, and bringing back “Green Zone” training. “Green Zone training is designed for faculty and staff to receive training about issues potentially facing active service members, student veterans and their families,” Massey said. Massey said that there is still plenty of work to be done, but that the commission is taking a step in the right direction with all of the dedicated members.
PHOTO BY PARIS MALONE ROTC students from Slippery Rock march in the annual Homecoming Parade. A new clubhouse for ROTC students is part of the renovations on the Strain Safety Building.
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CAMPUS LIFE
CAMPUS LIFE Simple Plan rocks the house — and the ballroom
From diverse cultures to the dazzling runway
UPB brought the iconic rock band to perform classic teen angst anthems for a crowd of SRU students.
International Club represented an array of diverse cultures in their annual fashion show Monday night.
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PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET
LEFT: Slippery Rock University choir members perform during the choir concert Wednesday night in Swope Recital Hall. The theme of the concert was "Americana," and featured gospel, spiritual and classic arrangements. MIDDLE: President Behre holds his dog Oscar during the Student Government Association's event Paws for a Cause. This event kicked off Behre's inauguration celebration on Thursday, Nov. 1. RIGHT: Students pose at the end of the runway during the International Club's annual Fashion Show Monday night. The International Fashion Show was part of Behre's inauguration celebration.
By Megan Bush Campus Life Editor
On Friday morning, Dr. William Behre will officially be inaugurated as Slippery Rock University's 17th president. In true SRU fashion, The Rock is expressing its excitement with a 17-day party, featuring concerts, football games and even pet parades. The celebration kicked off Nov. 1 with a Paws for a Cause event sponsored by the Student Government Association. Senior sport management major and SGA President Dallas Kline said the inauguration planning committee wanted to start the celebration with a service event, so they partnered with the Butler Humane Society for Paws for a Cause. BCHS representatives brought binders with pages displaying pets at the shelter and their names, ages and quirks to the Aebersold Recreation Center for the event. "We were teaching students about responsible adoption, how to go about it, and answering questions like, 'Can you really have a dog in college?'" Kline said. "We also collected supplies for the BCHS like paper towels, toys, food, all sorts of stuff, and if students brought something in, they got a coupon to the bookstore." At 3 p.m., the Pet Parade began with President Behre's dogs Oscar and Sadie leading the other pets around the ARC, giving Behre and his wife Leah Ingram the chance to show off their beloved furry friends. Kline said 15-20 students brought their pets out for the parade, and every pet owner was entered to win a leash from SGA. Kline said she and David Wilmes, associate provost for student success, were part of the planning committee representing the students' voice. Kline also works with President Behre often, as he is her counterpart through SGA. They meet monthly to discuss the SGA meetings and other business, and Kline said she also sees him as a kind of mentor, and he advises her in terms of leadership and student affairs. "My favorite thing about President Behre is that he's very honest; he'll tell me straight up, whether I want to hear it or not, what he's feeling," Kline said. "Like, if I had a bad meeting or something, he'll tell me, 'This is what you did wrong, but this is how to make it better.' I really appreciate that because sometimes people like to just save face in those positions but he's very honest."
Recently, Kline met with Behre to talk about his involvement on campus during the 17-day celebration because he's been active and has attended at least one event every day. Kline said he loves what he does, and really enjoys attending all the events and learning about what SRU students are up to on a day-to-day basis. He began his career in higher education as a professor and moved his way up through administration and finally to university president, so it makes sense that he's inclined to be interested in student life. "He's always like, 'We don't tell the world enough of what we do here at Slippery Rock University,' so maybe he can help us share what we're doing," Kline said.
"My favorite thing about President Behre is that he's very honest; he'll tell me straight up, whether I want to hear it or not, what he's feeling." Dallas Kline SGA President While a few events were created specifically for this celebration, like Paws for a Cause and a President's Brunch, many events were just included in the celebration, recognizing that SRU is well-rounded and features all kinds of students, from artists to musicians to sports stars and everything in between. A few events included on the 17-day itinerary include the Chad Williamson Memorial Vocal Competition, which took place on Nov. 2, Monday night's International Fashion Show, the Order of Omega's Apple Polishing event Wednesday night, and the upcoming PSAC championship football game on Saturday. In addition to being considered part of the party, Behre has also attended a majority of the events on the schedule, displaying his excitement and dedication to the SRU community. President Behre was honored Wednesday night by Sigma Tau Gamma during Apple
Polishing, an annual event hosted by the Order of Omega, Fraternity and Sorority Life's honor society. Historically, each Fraternity and Sorority Life organization nominated one faculty or staff member each to receive an award for outstanding service and support. This year, three nominees were chosen to receive awards and the others were recognized as nominees; Behre was one of the three to receive an award. The President's Brunch, Kline said, is a chance for presidents of various on-campus clubs and organizations to gather with President Behre to discuss leadership and things going on within and outside of the organizations. The brunch will take place on Sunday morning in Boozel Dining Hall. The event will also give organization presidents the chance to compile a list of events happening so they can encourage their members to participate and build upon the community. Kline mentioned that Behre actually spends a lot of time at Boozel Dining Hall, eating and talking with students. "He eats in Boozel a lot, and he loves to talk to students, so if you ever want to talk to him, just go wait at Boozel, he'll show up eventually," Kline laughed. The inauguration itself will take place Friday morning at 11 a.m. in the Morrow Field House, featuring delegates from other institutions, representatives from SRU organizations and departments, and faculty members. "It's going to involve a lot of different moving parts, kind of like a graduation ceremony, with speeches and musical performances," Kline said. "It's all about welcoming Dr. Behre and officially swearing him in. I'm really excited for it." One thing of note Kline mentioned about Behre was how adamant he was during the planning process about spending as little money as possible; he wants all the money to go back to the university and, ultimately the students. Kline said while she herself is excited about the inauguration, she hopes the rest of the student body is, too, because of how important and rare this event is going to be. "Hopefully, Dr. Behre will be here for more than 10 years, so the next generation of students won't necessarily see an inauguration, so I hope students will come out to it," Kline said. "This doesn't happen often, I hope everybody's excited."
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PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET
Simple Plan rocked the Smith Student Center ballroom Friday, Nov. 2 thanks to the University Program Board. The concert opened at 7:30 p.m. with Pittsburgh-based rock band Punchline. SRU students filling the ballroom sang along to classic teen-angst anthems like "I'm Just a Kid" and "Addicted," and Simple Plan even used an acoustic guitar belonging to Cord McKenna, senior history and political science major, during the show.
Diverse cultures represented on the runway By Hope Hoehler Asst. Campus Life Editor
The International Club held their annual International Fashion show Monday night in the Smith Student Center ballroom as part of the 44th International Week which runs from November 4 to the 10. International Week is co-sponsored by The Internation Club, the Office for Global Engagement and the Study Abroad Club. International Week is a celebration that aims to offer educational entertainment and a variety of cultural events to promote the diverse heritage and culture of SRU’s international student population. The International Fashion Show featured international and American students that modeled
PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET
Jason Goodman, sophomore exercise science major, avnd Partosadat Bahreini, junior chemistry major, strike a pose at the end of the runway during the International Fashion Show Monday night. Goodman and Bahreini wore fashion representing Africa.
clothing from various regions and cultures including: Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Africa and America. This show allowed international students to show off their traditional dress from their home countries. The International Fashion Show, as well as International Week, is a great way to experience different cultures and learn a little about different traditions, food, and other cultural aspects. Students spent three hours the day before the event and four hours the day of the event rehearsing. Prajwal Ghimire, sophomore computer science major from Nepal and one of the hosts for the evening said, "It’s a great opportunity and you get to know people and you can talk, speak up and make friends. This is a really good opportunity to do something like this if you want to be involved in the club." "You don’t have to be international to walk in the show," said Jason Goodman sophomore exercise science major. "You can talk to anyone in the international club, they are all cool and accepting and would be happy to answer any questions." Carla Cintron Aquino, a junior biology major and model in the show, represented Puerto Rico. "My family is from Puerto Rico, I’m first generation here in the continental United States," Cintron Aquino said. "[My favorite part of the show was] getting to express myself and wave around my flag and represent my country." Koki Kawaguchi, a junior athletic training and exercise science dual major and President of the International Club said, “My favorite thing about the International Fashion Show was it gave us a chance to show our traditional clothes and to get even domestic students to experience to wear traditional clothes from other foreign countries.” Kawaguchi participated as a model from the American region. Models strutted down the runway at the International Fashion Show, representing their country or region in culturally significant attire. For some models, the performance hit close to home. "My dad plays the congas which is a traditional drum for Puerto Rican music and my parents used to be in a band, so my mom had all the dresses and everything from dancing in the band," Cintron Aquino said. “Being an international student is sometimes tough because of the cultural difference, language barrier or separation from the family. However, all of the
PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET
Carla Cintron Aquino, junior biology major, rocks fashion representing Puerto Rico, where her family is from. Cintron Aquino walked in the International Fashion Show Monday night and said she was excited to express herself and represent her country.
international and domestic students in our club are like one big family. We support each other, have fun and spend a lot of time together. Our club is just giving them a place where international and domestic students get to know each other better and to unite as a big family,” Kawaguchi said. The International Fashion Show is one way that the International Club promotes diversity on campus. This show gives international students and American students the opportunity to come together and showcase clothing from different cultures all around the world while learning about traditional clothing from the designated regions represented in the show. If you want to learn more about the International Club, follow them on Twitter @sruinternations or on Instagram @sru_ internationsclub.
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OPINION
Our View
Thank you, next
Slippery Rock basketball deserves better leadership
OPINION Volume 102, Number 4
220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:
(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 therocketnewspapersru@gmail.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Eric Davies
Editor-In-Chief
Adam Zook
News Editor
Stephen Cukovich Megan Bush
Sports Editor Campus Life Editor
Heather Donat
Copy/ Web Editor
Paris Malone
Photo Editor
Thomas Fabian
Multimedia Editor
Hannah Shumsky
Assistant News Editor
Oscar Matous
Assistant Sports Editor
Hope Hoehler
Assistant Campus Life Editor
Sarah Allen
Assistant Copy/Web Editor
Jack Hopey
Assistant Photo Editor
Dr. Brittany Fleming
Faculty Adviser
ADVERTISING STAFF Lauren Ault
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 Rocket receives approximately 5 percent of its funding from the SGA Student Activity fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 738-2643 or by emailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.
CORRECTIONS
GRAPHIC BY JACK HOPEY
Slippery Rock University head men's basketball coach Kevin Reynolds was placed on administrative leave on Nov. 2 for reasons yet to be disclosed by the university. Ian Grady, an assistant coach for the men's team since 2009, has been appointed as acting head coach during this time. Despite multiple attempts to gain information, university administration, assistant coaches and players on the team have refused to comment. The Rocket Staff feels strongly that Reynolds should not be relieved of his suspension and should be terminated as head coach. Since being appointed to the position in May of 2008, Reynolds has enjoyed a great deal of success on the hardwood. He is the secondwinningest coach in program history (118-109) and was named PSAC West Coach of the Year for 2008-09. He led the 2012-13 Rock squad to a record-tying season of 23 wins and a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. However, Reynolds' praise
should stop there. What might appear as a decade of resounding success for a previously floundering basketball program has been mired by controversy and stained by internal corruption. Prior to him being put on administrative leave, reports surfaced of players boycotting practice in opposition to Reynolds. Sources close to the team said that Reynolds verbally abused the team on a regular basis, lashing out and attacking the players individually. There is a stark difference between motivation and abuse, and Reynolds' long history of falling on the wrong side of that distinction is damning. In 2013, when Slippery Rock basketball player Jack Hill, Jr. died during practice after entering cardiac arrest, Reynolds' coaching methods should have been reevaluated. Reynolds' mindset not only harms his players on the hardwood, but also in the classroom. Only 43 players have earned a bachelor's degree during his 10-year coaching tenure. His recruiting methods see
In the Quad By: Tom Fabian
consistently high roster turnover, as the team did this season when only one player returned from last year's team. Reynolds not only shows no regard for classroom performance, but appears to view his athletes as assets that can be added or dropped at his will. The authoritarian method of recycling players in pursuit of athletic success violates the purpose of being a studentathlete. It is for these reasons that we believe it is time for Slippery Rock men's basketball to move on from the Kevin Reynolds era. The players and university community deserve a better representative of the values in place at SRU. The Rocket is in support of leadership that values player safety and morale while also encouraging academic success. We believe this goal is attainable and that these attributes are necessary for the next men's basketball coach at Slippery Rock.
This week’s question:
What is your opinion of the Slippery Rock football team?
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.
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.
Damion Reed Junior Early Childhood and Special Education Major Monroeville, Pa.
Samantha Hartz Senior Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism Major Weatherly, Pa.
Malcolm Roberson Graduate Student Adaptive Physical Activity Master's Program Westchester, Pa.
“Things have been coming around. Last year, toward the end of the season, things started getting a little bit rough with injuries. It was one of Lutz's first few years coaching and your first few years as the head coach could go a little bit shaky, but things are finally coming around. They got a bunch of good transfers in that are showing and paying off and they're just playing very well this season - great for the school and great for the community.”
"I think they're having a really stellar season. I think that they're making another run for the PSAC Championship and hopefully they can repeat as champions again and have a good playoff run."
"They felt a lot of diversity and I've seen a lot of reports that they weren't supposed to do what they did this year, so I'm really proud of that fact. They just kept battling and kept proving everyone wrong and now they're PSAC West champs, so that's a plus there. They're going up against my hometown, so there's a little controversy in my mind but you know, whoever wins, wins. It should be a good game this week."
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S SPORTS
INSIDE SPORTS Women's basketball slatted to finish 4th
Men's basketball sees late coaching change
Rock brings back top five starters for 2018-19 season.
Till only men's returning starter from last season.
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Two time All-PSAC honoree Brooke Testa finishes final season second on the team in goals
By Karl Ludwig Rocket Contributor
Fresh off winning a closely contested The Rocket October Athlete of the Month poll and being named an All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) third team member, senior forward Brooke Testa of the Slippery Rock women’s soccer team has a moment to take a step back and relax but only for a second. “It’s always nice to get recognized by the PSAC conference and the school as well,” Testa admitted. “I definitely couldn’t have done it without this team and what we’ve done this year.” While sports—soccer and basketball especially—have played a major part in Testa’s life since childhood, academics have never been pushed aside. In fact, academics have arguably been the driving force in Testa’s life as she looks to graduate with a degree in biochemistry and begin her physician’s assistant schooling upon graduation. Slippery Rock head coach Jessica Griggs has formed a special bond with her star forward over the past four years and Testa’s hard work in the classroom has not gone unnoticed by Griggs who lauded Testa’s efforts in the classroom. “One of the proudest things I have of Brooke is her academic pursuit,” explained Griggs. “Which I think came on really strong after her sophomore year. She kind of changed her mentality, not that she had a poor mentality, and was like, ‘I’m going to be really big time in the classroom too.’” In between being a two-time All-PSAC player, second team as a junior and third team as a senior this season, Testa found it challenging to maintain her coursework but never used soccer as an excuse to push her education into a secondary role in her life. “It’s definitely hard but I try to stay focused. I do stuff on the bus when we go away and in the hotels, and I definitely always stay on top of my homework. It’s tough but manageable,” Testa said. Ranking 11th in program history in assists (16) and 19th in points (48), the path to stardom was not always easy for Testa. Starting off with a depth role as a freshman, Testa missed time due to injury in her sophomore season and was unable to orchestrate a true breakout season. Until her junior year, at least. Testa led The Rock with 21 points on six goals and nine assists while also leading the squad in shots (37) and shots on goal (24). Second team All-PSAC and PSAC Scholar-Athlete accolades followed. Starting slowly for own standards this season, Testa was the driving force for the Green and White down the stretch, with a PSAC tournament spot on the line. With only a goal and four assists in her first ten games as a senior, Testa went on a tear over the last eight games with four goals and two assists to lead The Rock to the eighth seed and a spot in postseason play. While the matchup with no. 1 seed Bloomsburg in the PSAC quarterfinals ended in heartbreaking fashion, a 1-4 defeat in which The Rock squandered a halftime lead, Testa reflected upon the game and looked back over the season on a positive note despite the tough finish. “The moment that stood out to me is the switch where I
realized that this was going to be the last game with these players, so I definitely tried to enjoy the moment at that point,” Testa commented. “Definitely always the times on the bus and in the locker rooms before games. Those were the best times with these people.” Griggs, in her fourth year with the team, has watched Testa grow through all the aches and pains of collegiate soccer from an unproven freshman rotational player to a veteran senior star. As a member of Grigg’s first full cycle with SRU, their relationship has always been productive but tumultuous. Griggs said that while not always completely agreeing, their bond is deep. “It’s really special having your first four-year classes that you coach and Brooke has been one of my first four-year kids here. Her transformation from her first year until now has been really fun to watch and it’s been a challenge,” Griggs laughed. “She and I have had some moments that have tough conversation moments but good ones that help the growth of not just our relationship, but the part of my job to help these girls become more mature and all that.” As a hardworking, energetic forward dashing up and down the pitch for the past four seasons, Griggs said that while Testa does not always show up in the score sheet, her link up play with her teammates has been the glue to hold the team together—through the highs and lows. “Brooke’s presence can be really threatening, she’s really good at working off of her midfielder,” said Griggs. “I think one of her best qualities is her ability to link up play in the
final third. She might not be the one scoring all the goals, but she certainly links up very well to help everyone on her team contribute.” While her playing days may be winding to the end, Testa has already received an offer to continue to utilize her soccer knowledge as a coach. “My dad actually asked me to coach soccer with him, so I have to definitely think about that,” Testa laughed. “But I plan on going to a physician’s assistant school after graduation, so we’ll see.”
SPORTS
D-2
November 9, 2018
Acting head coach Grady confident in new team By Oscar Matous Assistant Sports Editor
Following a 21-9 record (.700) last season, the Slippery Rock University men's basketball team enters the season picked second in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West Division behind school rival Indiana University (Pa.). Acting head coach Ian Grady said he agreed with where his team was placed in the preseason rankings. "It's definitely one of the higher picks we have been in the preseason," Grady said. "We need to understand that we can't be satisfied. That's just a preseason ranking so we need to get out there and accomplish it out on the court." Heading into the final week before the start of the season, The Rock saw their head coach, Kevin Reynolds, placed on administrative leave by SRU athletic director Paul Lueken. Reynolds had been the head coach of the men since the 2008-2009 season and has been one of the most successful coaches in the PSAC since. He has compiled an overall record of 188-109 (.633) during his time at The Rock. No official explanation by Lueken or the University has been made due to a school policy of not commenting on issues with SRU personnel. Grady, Reynolds' assistant since coach, has been named the acting head coach during Reynolds' absence and is expected to lead the team until further notice. Although there is no confirmation on Reynolds' status, a source close to the team said his office in the Morrow Field House was in the process of being cleared out. In addition to the coaching change, The Rock has also seen a drastic change to their roster. Redshirt junior Micah Till remains the only player on the team that was on the roster last year. Till said that although it's odd, he is embracing being the only returner on the team. "I see myself as a leader," Till said. "Last year I was a transfer myself, so I am able to take what I learned from last season and to offer it up as advice to the other guys." In his first season with The Rock, Till put up impressive numbers, finishing third in the PSAC in total points score with 640 and averaged 21.3 points per game, which was good for fifth in the conference. His rookie season at The Rock saw him as a four-time winner of the PSAC West Athlete of the Week as well as earning an All-American Distinction from the Division II CCA. Grady acknowledged that the number of
new faces on the team this year might cause some people to become skeptic of the team. "We're obviously expecting big things from Micah this year," Grady said. "Some don't realize that we have Vinny Lasley returning this year from injury so we're hoping for a strong senior season from him. We have a strong freshmen class, in addition to a number of talented transfers, headlined by senior John Warren." John Warren II, a six-foot-six guard from Hopkins, Minnesota, played two full seasons for Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He sat out last season for an undisclosed reason. He is expected to have a significant impact on the team, Grady said. Lasley missed all of last season with a leg injury but should be ready to go this season, Grady said. During the 20162017 season, Lasley recorded 132 points, going 55 for 139 from the field (39.6%), with 145 rebounds in 28 games played. Defensively, The Rock finished the 2017-2018 campaign 11th in the PSAC, giving up 2,155 points (71.8 per game). Grady said he believes his team will be one of the top defensive teams in the PSAC this season. "Over the years, we have been one of the more solid defensive teams in the conference," Grady said. "Our guys have the height, so the biggest thing we have to work on is communication." Grady said the biggest challenge his team is going to face, particularly in the beginning of the season, will be trying to understand each other while also getting on the same page. "On the court, our goal is to be efficient," Grady said. "We have a lot of talent on this team so now we're focused on being a consistent team."
Grady said that with where the team is at, he won't be changing the coaching style the players were used to seeing from Reynolds. "I am not going to change much this far along," Grady said. "I want the guys to work hard, have fun, and represent the university in a first-class manner." Grady said that the NCAA Tournament bid begins Friday, despite conference play not starting for just under a month. "All the games count so we need to make sure we are giving 100% of
All-American Till to lead The Rock men By Brendan Howe Rocket Contributor
Last season, the awards just continued to mount for men's basketball's Micah Till. A transfer from Harford Community College in Maryland, the forward thrived on the court for the Rock. He collected both third-team AllAmerican and first-team All-Region honors from the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and was also named to the PSAC’s first team. Statisticswise, he paced the country in rebounds in the regular season. Also, he was the only D-II player to reach 600 points and 350 rebounds, an accomplishment that only five Division I players, including top NBA lottery picks DeAndre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III, could boast about. In speaking about his achievements after last season, Till said, “I think I had a personally good year this year, and I’m happy for that, but next year, it’s going to be more team-based. And that’s not to say that I was focused on myself last year, I wasn’t. It just turned out that way with personal accolades. Next year, I want the team to have the accolades.” As evidenced by his inclusion on the Street and Smith’s annual preseason AllAmerican team, Till is no longer being pointed out for his short time on the gridiron on North Carolina State. This year, though, the six foot, seven inch, 260-pound redshirt junior welcomes what is essentially an entirely new supporting cast. Redshirt senior forward Vinny Lasley, who did not see any time on the hardwood in last season, is the only other player on the roster that has previously worn a green and white uniform. This fall, Till arrived in Slippery Rock for school and preseason workouts in a situation similar to last year, having to grow
familiar with new faces on and off the court. “It’s been a little different [and] it’s been fun, but, at the same time, it’s been challenging getting to know my new teammates and learning what they like […] We’ve got to build chemistry quicker than other teams might have to because they have years or months of preparing together,” Till said. On the court, Micah has been trying to get used to the spots his teammates like to shoot from and what skill sets they each possess. “It’s a lot more challenging than just going out and playing, because that was all I was doing [last year]. I was just playing basketball,” he said. “But, this year, I’ve got to worry about playing and making sure my teammates are doing what they’re supposed to do, on and off the court- in the classroom, stuff like that. I’ve got to stay on top of, not just my stuff, but everybody’s.” In his free time, he has been working on building relationships with them by “going out, having lunch, dinner, together as a team. Hanging out, maybe going to a volleyball game or something like that. Spending time as team, together.” Ian Grady, who has been part of the team’s coaching staff for a decade and played a big role in Till’s recruitment, will lean on the forward’s leadership, both vocally and through his play. “I think that having him back is a big help,” the acting head coach stated. “Obviously, we want to get him involved as much as possible so that other guys can feed off of it and get opportunities through him.” Till has demonstrated leadership by showing up in Western Pennsylvania
noticeably lighter. His coaches have been pleased with the weight loss, knowing they can depend on his conditioning to help him to spend needed time on the floor. “He came in in better shape [for] the start of the season as compared to last year,” Grady said. “I think that has helped him in all aspects. That includes communication and being a leader on the floor.” “I feel a lot better, just working on speed, really,” he said. “That’s some of the problems I had last year was getting that second burst. I like to play hard, and I can’t play hard when I’m dead tired.” With improvement and another All-American title in mind, Till plans on continuing to trust his coaches and teammates. “Me scoring all of the points and rebounding is just me following the gameplan. As long as I do that and keep pushing, I should have an even better year this year.” Said Grady, “After having a year in the system, a year under his belt, I think that he can only get better. We expect big things from him.”
what we have out there and focus on getting better each time we go out on the court," Grady said. At the moment, Grady said he is unsure with who the starting five will be for Friday's season opener. The Rock's 2018-2019 campaign begins on Friday as they take on Notre Dame College (OH.) as part of the Joe Retton Classic at Fairmont State University. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
November 9, 2018 #1 jr
Guard
D-3
Ray Hinton
Ray Hinton is a junior guard from Johnstown, Pa. He attended Ferndale Area High School.
#2 Rs.SO
Guard
6’1”
6’1”
200lbs
170lbs
#3
Donovan Walker
sr
Donovan Walker is a senior guard from Burtonsville, Md. He previously attended the University of Louisiana Monroe where he appeared in 16 games.
guard
6’0” 175lbs
#5 Senior
guard
6’3”
Nolen Gerald
Nolen Gerald is a senior guard from Jamestown, N.C. He attended USC Salkahatschie and Augustana University before The Rock.
185lbs
#11 Rs.Jr
FD
6’7” 260lbs
#14 fr
guard
6’3”
senior
center 6’11”
Micah Till
fr
6’7”
guard
6’6” 180lbs
#10 jr guard
5’10”
#12
Micah Till is a redshirt junior forward from Upper Marlboro, Md. He started all 30 games for The Rock last season. He averaged a double-double of 21.3 points per game, with 12 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
200lbs
jason fowlkes
#20
Jason Fowlkes is a freshman guard from Strabane, Pa. He attended Canon McMillan High School.
fr
guard
jr
guard
6’2”
Marice Wright Marice Wright is a senior center from Clarksville, Tenn. He attaned Alabama State, Florida Southwestern, and Wayne Community College.
#23 Rs.sr
fwd
6’6”
Will Bounds Will Bounds is a freshman forward from Gainesville, Va. He attended Battlefield High School.
#25 fr guard
210lbs
180lbs
guard
6’3” 195lbs
Jared Armstrong Jared Armstrong is a junior guard from Philadelphia, Pa. He previously played basketball for Butler Community College in El Dorado, Ks.
Nik Cazacu
Nik Cazacu is a freshman guard from Athens, Greece. He attended Knox School.
Nick Barney
Nick Barney is a junior guard from Midland, Pa. He attended the Community College of Beaver County for two years.
Vinny Lasley
Vinny Lasley is a redshirt senior forward from Tama, IA. He sat out last season due to a leg injury but started 23 of 28 games in 2016-2017.
210lbs
5’9”
jr
John Warren II is a senior guard from Hopkins, Mn. He previously played at Augustana University for three seasons where he started 62 of 99 games.
6’4”
fwd
#33
John Warren II
205lbs
215lbs
#24
sr
Andre Seadeu is redshirt sophomore guard from Centerville, Va. He attended George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College before The Rock.
185lbs
165lbs 2#21 05lb s 240lb s
#4
Andre Seadey
Zay Craft Zay Craft is a junior guard from Midland, Pa. He previously played basketball at Clarion University and at the Community College of Beaver County.
#44 sr center
6’10” 215lbs
Amante Britt
Amante Britt is a freshman guard from Wilkinsburg, Pa. He attended Woodland Hills High School.
Julius Palmer Julius Palmer is a senior center from Detroit, Mi. He previously attended Oakland University, McLennan Community College, and Harcum University before transferring to The Rock.
Title Fight Division champions meet at Mihalik- Thompson Stadium to battle for the PSAC championship
The Season By the Numbers
SRU
Team
WCU
415
Total Points Scored
360
41.5
Points Per Game
40.0
2071
Rushing Yards
1958
2831
PASSING Yards
2094
31
Total Sacks
41
10.9
Average Penalties
8.4
By Oscar Matous Assistant Sports Editor
The Slippery Rock University football team will look to win their third Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship title since the 2014 season on Saturday as they take on the West Chester University Golden Rams. The Rock comes into the game as champions of the PSAC West Division with an overall record of 9-1 and 7-0 while the Golden Rams boast a record of 9-0 (6-0). Despite the undefeated record in the East, West Chester head coach Bill Zwaan said the West is without question, the better conference. “There is talent in both conferences, no doubt,” Zwaan said. “But I don’t think there is much debate that the West is the more competitive of the two.” Rock head coach Shawn Lutz enters his third season leading The Rock and has compiled records of 7-4 and 8-3 in his first two seasons as head coach, but failed to reach the conference title game in each of those two seasons. Lutz said he is confident in his team’s ability to come out with the win over the Golden Rams. “I can’t argue with what West Chester has done this season,” Lutz said. “They’re a damn good football team and they’re going to give us a big test on Saturday.” Leading The Rock is junior quarterback Roland Rivers III. Rivers headlines a Rock offense that has put up 415 total points this season, which is 55 more points than West Chester’s 360. Rivers, who came in this season as The Rock’s third-string quarterback, took over for starter Andrew Koester and backup Taylor King, who both went down with injuries in Sep. 8’s loss to Shippensburg University. He currently has 1,987 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 144 completions on 235 attempts (61.28%). Lutz said the key to Saturday’s game is making sure Rivers is comfortable with all facets of the game. “We’re going to go with what works for [Rivers] the best,” Lutz said. “You have to make him feel good because if he doesn’t, that can easily cause West Chester to have the advantage.” One of Rivers’ biggest successes all season has been his ability to not just effectively pass the ball but to run the ball when needed. He is currently the team’s second best rusher this season with 437 yards on the season, behind running back Wes Hills’ 1,113 yards. Hills, a senior, is expected to give West Chester’s defense a run for their money, Lutz said. A transfer from the University of Delaware, Hills ranks in the top six in every major rushing statistic in the conference, according to the PSAC’s website. His 7.6 yards-percarry rank first in the PSAC, despite
him missing two more games than just about every other starting running back in the conference. Lutz said that Rivers and Hills combine to be one of the biggest offensive threats not just in the conference, but in the entire nation. Lutz isn’t the only one who recognizes this threat. Zwaan said West Chester’s defense has been preparing for over a week now for their matchup against The Rock. “There is not doubt that Wes Hills and Roland Rivers might be the best running back-quarterback duo in the PSAC,” Zwaan said. “And really, it’s not just stopping those two, but being able to break through the offensive line.” The Rock’s offensive line was considered to be The Rock’s “Achilles heel” heading into week one’s matchup against Kentucky State, Lutz said. But since then, they have become perhaps the most reliable aspect of the team, he said. Throughout a majority of the season, The Rock’s wide receiving core didn’t seem to have one go-to receiver. In recent weeks, however, redshirt sophomore Jermaine Wynn Jr. has seemingly filled that role. Wynn, a transfer from Alderson Broaddus University, has caught for 494 yards and currently leads all receivers in touchdowns with seven. “Earlier on in the season, it seemed like Henry Litwin was our go-to guy out there,” Lutz said. “Jermaine has really stepped up in recent weeks and it’s shown out on the field.” The Rock and West Chester currently boast the top two defenses in the PSAC. The Rock has given up 926 total yards, averaging 92.6 per game, and 12 touchdowns. West Chester’s defense has proven to be much better this season, Lutz said. The Golden Rams’ defense is led by a strong front seven that is highlighted by redshirt senior linebacker Tyler Morrissey and true senior defensive end Diquan Gilbert. Gilbert has seven solo sacks on the season for 76 yards, averaging at least one sack per game. “[West Chester] has some big boys on their defense,” Lutz said. “It’ll be interesting to see if our o-line can gain the upper hand on them.” Despite the infamous reputation that West Chester’s defensive line has, Lutz said his team’s defense is excited to get out on the field. “During the week, our boys don’t practice with full pads in order to prevent injuries,” Lutz said. “But our defense doesn’t like that because they just want to ‘kill’ people out on the field. They’re ready for Saturday.” The Rock defense is led by seniors Kyle Hall and Tim Soave, redshirt
junior Trey Blandford, junior Brad Zaffram and redshirt sophomores Chad Kuhn and Tim Vernick. Hall currently boasts a team-high five interceptions on the season. The trio of Kuhn, Blandford, and Soave combine for 20 sacks on the season for 145 yards. Both Lutz and Zwaan said that they wouldn’t be surprised if Saturday’s game came down to who has the stronger performance from special teams. “Whoever has the best special teams on Saturday will win the championship,” Zwaan said.
“Turnovers are a huge factor too, obviously, but it’s going to come down to special teams.” Lutz is confident in his kicker, junior Jake Chapla, to be able to make a game-winning kick if need be. Chapla currently boasts a 60 percent field goal percentage (12 for 21), with two of those coming from 50 or more yards. “Jake is one of the best kickers we have had in this program and he is only a junior,” Lutz said. “I am confident in his ability, as I have always been.”
The Rock’s matchup with West Chester will be the 19th time the two teams have met since 1929, according to Rock Athletics. The Green and White defeated the Golden Rams last season 49-42. The last time the two teams met up in the PSAC Championship was in 2015, when The Rock won the game 61-12. Kickoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium in Slippery Rock.
#14 ROLAND RIVERS 144/235 Completed/Attempted
21 Passing Touchdowns
1,987 Yards Thrown “It’s crazy that we [Hills and Rivers] were both able to come in here as transfers this season and make such an impact on this team.” - Wes Hills
# 4 WES HILLS +200 RUSHING YARDS 3 Consecutive Games
12 Touchdowns
1,113 Rushing Yards
SPORTS
D-6
November 9, 2018
Women slotted to finish fourth in PSAC West
PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET
Junior guard Brooke Hinderliter moves in on the basket during The Rock's match up with Clarion last season. Coach McGraw enters his fifth season at the helm of Rock women's basketball.
By Stephen Cukovich Sports Editor
Slippery Rock University women's basketball is set to kick off their 2018-19 season with some out of conference action when The Rock travels to Erie, Pa. this weekend to participate in the PSAC-CIAA challenge with matchups against Johnson C. Smith University on Saturday and Elizabeth City State College on Sunday. Johnson and Elizabeth are both part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Rock was picked to finish fourth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West in the annual preseason coaches poll with defending champion Edinboro University (27-4) picked to finish first. Indiana University (Pa.) (30-4) was picked to come in second, with California University (Pa.) (24-7) slatted to finish in third. "You know I can give you the coach speech and say that preseason rankings are a dollar twenty will get you a Twix bar," McGraw said. "But at the end of the day it is a big deal. That is our highest preseason ranking in 18 years. We are ranked behind three national powers." Head coach Bobby McGraw enters his fifth season at the helm of The Rock's women's basketball program, and has compiled a 45-66 overall record. Last season the Green and White went 12-16, landing themselves a spot in the PSAC Tournament for the second
time under McGraw. The Rock went 10-12 in PSAC action last season. SRU returns five starters from last season including All-PSAC honoree junior guard Brooke Hinderliter who averaged 14.1 points per game last season with 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals. Hinderliter shot 43.7 percent from the field last season and 86.1 percent from the free throw line. "Brooke tries to elevate her game everyday," McGraw said. "Depending what time you walk in, day, night, whatever, she'll be out running, be in the weight room. Brooke Hinderliter is never satisfied with what she did the day before." The returning senior class is a bit thin with just two returning players in forward Morgan Henderson and guard Ciara Patterson. Henderson has competed in every game since her sophomore season, while averaging a career-high 9.3 points per game last season, with 18 blocks, and a field goal percentage of 48.8 percent. Patterson started 11 games last season and in that time averaged 15.8 points per game with 3.8 rebounds and 2 assists. "Ciara Patterson is the heart and soul of this team," McGraw said. "She brings the fire and it's a big deal to have her back." With just two seniors on the roster this season, coach McGraw feels there is still leadership looming in the locker room. "LeeAnn Gibson is going to be a three-year starter, two-year captain. Brooke Hinderliter is going to be a three-year starter," McGraw said. "We have a ton of leadership other than the two seniors on paper." Part of the core junior class includes forward LeeAnn Gibson who hasn't missed a game since first stepping onto the court her freshman year. Following a standout freshman year, Gibson averaged 6.6 points per game last season with 4.8 rebounds and shot 49.3 percent from the field. Last year St. Francis University transfer guard Madison Johnson made 22 starts last season in her first year with The Rock and averaged 9.2 points per game, including a 27-point performance against Shippensburg University, 17 points against Clarion University, and 18 points against Seton Hill University. The Rock welcomes a few transfer athletes to the program including junior forward Karington Ketterer from Pitt-Johnstown, sophomore guard Daeja Quick, and redshirt sophomore guard Kasch Harris. "Karington Ketterer is built like a cage fighter and she plays like one. She's strong, she steps on the floor with two goals in mind: to defend and to rebound," McGraw said. "Daeja Quick, electric is about the best word I can use. She averaged 16 points per game last year as a true freshman at the District of Columbia." Rounding out the rest of the PSAC West from the preseason coaches poll includes number five Gannon University (16-13), Seton Hill University (20-10), Mercyhurst University (10-18), Pitt-Johnstown (10-17), and Clarion University (7-21) in ninth. The way the conference looks from top to bottom, according to coach McGraw, any program can win on any given night with talent up and down the board in the West. "There really isn't a bottom half of this league and that's not coach speak," McGraw said. "Teams can get clipped in this league if they don't come ready to go every single night. The bottom really isn't there so to speak." The Rock won't get their first taste of conference play until Dec. 3 at East Stroudsburg, as they are set to face off against unfamiliar out of conference opponents until then. SRU's first opponent this season, Johnson C. Smith University finished last season with an 18-10 overall record. Tipoff for that game will be this Saturday in Erie at 1:00 p.m.
Women's basketball highlighted by light senior class By Karl Ludwig Rocket Contributor
The world of college athletics is a fickle business. Athletes are never guaranteed full collegiate careers and the number of those athletes who reach their senior seasons are becoming increasingly fewer. The two seniors from the Slippery Rock women’s basketball team are examples of seniors in a position to thrive but the way the two reached this point could not be more different. Senior forward Morgan Henderson came to The Rock as a freshman in 2015-2016 and played mainly off the bench, but appeared in every game, to contribute across the stat sheet. Senior guard Ciara Patterson took a more winding path to reach The Rock. Patterson originally committed to Wright State, in Fairborn, Ohio, and spent her freshman season at the Division I school. Henderson, a three-year letterwoman in basketball and volleyball at Seton Le Salle high school, has played in every game for the Green and White in her first three seasons and became a starter during her sophomore season. The early childhood/special education major has improved upon her stats every season in her career, putting up 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while leading the team in field goal percentage at 48.8%. Slowly climbing the leaderboards in career offensive rebounds and blocks, Henderson still finds it hard to believe that she is living out a childhood dream. “It’s honestly amazing,” Henderson said. “My goal starting out when I was super little was to play at the college level and be honored with all of that. It just pushes me this year to get even better.” Henderson said her coaches and teammates have created an atmosphere that has allowed her to excel in each of her previous three seasons for SRU. Ranking 12th in career blocks and 13th in offensive rebounds, Henderson should break into the top ten this season. Despite being the only two seniors for The Rock, Slippery Rock head coach Bobby McGraw said that the talented pair have no issues in practically running practice day in and day out for the Green and White. “With that veteran leadership, you see it on the floor every day. Practices now are on cruise control because the veterans take over,” commented McGraw. “Our drills not looking right? I hardly have to say anything because they take over.” Having that strong leadership foundation has helped McGraw transform the Green and White from a perennial Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference bottom dweller into a team projected by the media to finish just behind the nationally ranked trio of Edinboro University, Indiana University (Pa.) and California University (Pa.). Having
Henderson and Patterson play key minutes in an upset over defending PSAC Champion Edinboro and multiple wins over D-II powerhouse West Liberty over the past two seasons gives McGraw confidence for this season. “What’s great about having them here, besides how talented they are, they’ve been here for some of the big wins,” said McGraw. “They’ve been here when we’ve beaten West Liberty back to back years. They’ve been here for when we’ve beaten Edinboro and all that cool stuff.” Housing both women now, The Rock was not always home for Patterson and getting her to finally come play for SRU was enabled by a source McGraw would never have expected. “Ciara’s grandmother is a retired Pennsylvania state trooper. I know her grandmother and I used to be a state trooper, too. Ciara’s last coach at Wright State, when he took the New Mexico job after she had got her release, her grandmother gave me a call and said, ‘would you be interested in Ciara transferring?’ I said, ‘how about tonight?’” McGraw explained. Now that Patterson, originally a four-star prospect out of West Mifflin high school, has played a few seasons for The Rock – and excelled across all levels – the senior communication major said the laid-back atmosphere at SRU has allowed her to play her best basketball. “The atmosphere and the culture at Wright State were a lot more upbeat and up tone, there are a lot more people, a lot more to do on campus,” Patterson said. “Although, I do like it here at Slippery Rock, it’s laid back, so it gives me a lot more time to focus on school work and athletics.” Playing mostly off the bench for Wright State, Patterson put up 12.6 points a night in 2015-16 as a starter for the Green and White. Shooting 43% from three-point range, good for the fifth best single season percentage in school history, Patterson’s quick trigger from long range and quick hands nabbing 1.7 steals a game, which led the team, helped The Rock notch their best season since 2005-06. After sitting out the following season for personal reasons, Patterson returned for junior season and led the team in scoring at 15.8 points per game and recorded a team high 29 three-pointers in just 11 games. Ready for the first full, truly prepared season of her career, the sky is the limit for the talented guard from North Versailles, Pa. A deep conference tournament run will hinge on the star guard and McGraw knows Patterson is ready to carry this team. “We can go back to the Millersville game, she was the PSAC West Athlete of the Week. That was one of the
PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET
Senior forward Morgan Henderson moves the ball up the court during The Rock's 68-70 loss to Gannon last season. Henderson and Ciara Patterson are the only seniors on the team this season.
dominating performances I’ve ever been a part of,” McGraw recounted. “Ciara Patterson is the heart and soul of this team, she brings the fire.” While winning on paper is always easier said than done, Rock women’s basketball is set up for a true breakout season. The type of season which has not been experienced in decades and it all starts with Morgan Henderson and Ciara Patterson. “It means the world and any coach will probably tell you the same thing, veteran leadership… it starts there. That is the key to any successful season and we have it this year. Better than we’ve had in the previous four years.” McGraw proclaimed. The Rock will return to action this weekend for the PSACCIAA Challenge in Erie, Ohio with games against Johnson C. Smith University and Elizabeth City State College. The following Sunday will be the first home game of the season against Bowie State University at Morrow Fieldhouse.
Women's Basketball is sponsored by South Rock Apartments – Where neighbors become friends.
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November 9, 2018
#1 rs. jr. guard
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madison johnson Madison Johnson is a junior guard from Knox, Pa. Johnson played two seasons at St. Francis (Pa.)University. Johnson averaged 9.2 points per game, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists last season.
Kasch Harris Kasch Harris is a redshirt sophomore guard from Philladephia, Pa. Harris transferred to The Rock prior to last season but had to sit out due to an injury.
5’5” #5 rs. SR
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ciara patterson Ciara Patterson is a redshirt senior guard from North Versailles, Pa. Patterson started 11 games last season averaging 15.8 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, and two assists.
Emily Fraser
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Emily Fraser is a freshman guard from Saxonburg, Pa. She attended Knoch High School.
guard
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Leeann gibson
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LeeAnn Gibson is a junior forward from Chicora, Pa. Made 22 starts, averaging 6.6 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, and shot 49.3% from the floor.
5’10”
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olivia Fusaro Olivia Fusaro is a freshman from West Shamokin, Pa. She attended West Shamokin High School.
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Skyla O'connor Skyla O'Connor is a sophomroe guard from Medford, N.J. She appeared in all 28 games, averaging 3.9 points per game, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.8 steals.
Brittany Andrews Brittany Andrews is a sophomore guard/forward from Pittsburgh, Pa. She attended South Park High School.
5’9” Brooke hinderliter Brooke Hinderliter is a junior guard from Seiminole, Pa. She started all 28 games last season, averaging 14.1 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
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Marissa Hopson is a freshman guard from Farrell, Pa. She attened Farrell High School.
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Marissa Hopson
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Daeja Quick is a sophomore from Coraopolis, Pa. She attended Cornell High School.
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daeja Quick
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Karington Ketterer Karrington Ketterer is a junior forward from Ellwood City, Pa. She attended Lincoln High School and played basketball for Pitt-Johnstown for the past two seasons.
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Nylla Crooks Nylla Crooks is a sophomore forward from Philadelphia, Pa. She attended Mastery Charter South High School.
#35 SR f o r wa r d
morgan henderson Morgan Henderson is a senior forward from Eighty Four, Pa. She made 25 starts last season, averaging 9.3 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, and shot 48.8% from the field.
6’2”
Women's Basketball is sponsored by South Rock Apartments – Where neighbors become friends.
November 9, 2018
SPORTS
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Rock defense ranks 11th in the nation in run defense heading into PSAC Championship
"[Zaffram's] just as good as advertised," SRU football head coach Shawn Lutz said. "He brings confidence, he brings a killer instinct and everybody really rallies around him." Zaffram is first on the team in total tackles with 61 this season with two sacks to boot. Since Zaffram reentered the lineup, The Rock defense has given up a total of 659 rushing yards in a nine game span, which comes out to an average of 73.2 yards per game. Last week during The Rock's 48-7 home win over Gannon University, SRU held one of the top running backs in the PSAC Marcus Jones to a grand total of 16 yards on 15 carries. Jones still averages over 100 yards a game with a total of 1,298 through 10 games this season. "We don't do much on defense, we're a very simple defense," Razzano said regarding trying to defend Jones last week. "If you're looking for an answer from a schematical perspective you're not going to find one. We sat in our base defense and those guys dominated the line of scrimmage." In the passing defense, The Rock truly stepped up their game in recent weeks for a few reasons. First with the return of sophomore defensive back Khadir Roberts who returned to the lineup against California University (Pa.) and has boosted the secondary that hasn't given up a passing touchdown in three weeks. Senior defensive back Kyle Hall who leads the team in interceptions with five which ranks second in the conference has also added some fire to the secondary in recent weeks, while also contributing 50 total tackles through 10 games. "This is the best that I've seen [Hall] and I've coached him his entire career," Razzano said. "He's really developed as a complete safety with in terms of his ability to cover the pass and defend the run. Its been exciting and humbling to watch him grow over the last four years." The Rock has also been able to tighten things up when opponents do reach the PARIS MALONE/THE ROCKET red zone with opposing teams finding the end zone on just 41 percent of their SRU's defense lines up during their 48-7 win over Gannon last week. The Rock defense has not given up a trips inside the 20, helping them rank 10th in the nation in the category. SRU passing touchdown in three weeks dating back to their 59-28 home win over Edinboro. has scored four defensive touchdowns this season as well which ranks them fifth in the nation, including their most recent score last week when sophomore By Stephen Cukovich linebacker Terrell Gabriel scored his second touchdown of the season off a 57 yard Sports Editor fumble recovery. "I really mean this, right now we're playing as well defensively in the past couple A lot can change in a single year in Division II college football for better or worse. The Rock defense has shown significant improvement since the 2017 season games than we have in a long time," Lutz said. This week in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship, to 2018, and that is without the college football sack king Marcus Martin in the The Rock defense might have their toughest test of the year against No. 9 West lineup. "Not one single guy is going to be able to replace a guy like Marcus," SRU Chester University. Quarterback A.J. Long has shown great efficiency completing 67 football's defensive coordinator Domenick Razzano said. "As a group though our percent of his passes for 1,767 yards for 18 touchdowns and six interceptions, while defensive line is as productive as we've been in a long time. That's something to also proving to be a threat in the running game rushing for 557 yards and six scores. "Nothing really changes from week to week," Razzano said. "We try to put the be said considering you've lost the all-time leading sacker in the history of college offenses in a kind of defensive mode and we're going to maintain that standard this football." The Green and White run defense through 10 games this season has surrendered week. We're going to attack the line of scrimmage with great physicality and effort." In total, West Chester's offense ranks third in the nation is time of possession, on average 92.6 rushing yards per game which ranks them 11th in the nation in third in passing efficiency, and 16th in scoring with 40 points per game this season. run defense. In week one against Kentucky State University, The Rock gave up 267 total yards Kick off is set for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday with national playoff implications on the on the ground, but since then just two SRU opponents have hit the century mark on line. the ground. Junior linebacker Brad Zaffram was absent during the week one game due to injury, who really has been a staple in The Rock's run defense this season.