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RUTGERS UNIVERSITY—NEW BRUNSWICK
THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2019
Athletics raises $100 M. for new facilities
Israeli Olympic judo team talks about its experiences
BRENDAN BRIGHTMAN NEWS EDITOR
CATHERINE NGUYEN NEWS EDITOR
On Tuesday, three members of the Olympic Israeli judo team came to Rutgers to speak about their experiences with the sport, as well as their diets and the challenges they faced while competing. The event, which was organized by Scarlet Knights for Israel as well as the Jewish National Fund, began with each athlete discussing how they first became involved in judo. SEE EXPERIENCES ON PAGE 4
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The three Israeli judo team members came to the Rutgers Hillel House. The event was organized by the Scarlet Knights for Israel, as well as the Jewish National Fund. CATHERINE NGUYEN / NEWS EDITOR
Rutgers Athletics announced that it has accomplished its goal of raising $100 million toward the R Big Ten Build, a fundraising campaign for athletics facilities, according to an Athletics press release. The initiative, which began in January 2016, has had 4,000 supporters and will support approximately 650 student athletes. Football coach Chris Ash and men’s basketball coach Steve Pikiell both provided donations of an undisclosed amount to push the fundraiser over its goal, according to the release. “It’s only fitting that coaches Ash and Pikiell put us over the top, as it reflects our shared commitment to
create an optimal student-athlete experience,” said director of Athletics Pat Hobbs in the release. “We are exceptionally grateful for their support and for the many who invested in our future. We are just beginning to realize our potential.” The campaign was kick-started by $25 million in tax credits under an Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant from the New Jersey state government, according to the release. The largest such donation was $15 million for the Gary and Barbara Rodkin Academic Success Center by the namesake benefactors, according to the release. The center will serve SEE FACILITIES ON PAGE 4
Rutgers football players mentor young athletes in both Newark, Piscataway JACOB TURCHI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rutgers football players have recently been involved in a mentorship program with local public schools, serving as role models and teaching younger athletes how to make it in the world of college sports. For approximately 5 to 6 weeks, the players spent time talking to students in schools such as Belmont Runyon Elementary School in Newark, Arbor Intermediate School
in Piscataway and Franklin Middle School in Somerset. Roosevelt Boone, the assistant director of Player Development, said he has been involved with the mentorship program for the past two years. He wanted to bring the University’s football players to the local community because they were held to a “high regard” within the state. The program was also important because the players had the opportunity to learn their own values by making efforts to set a good example for young kids and seeing
how their actions were reflected throughout the state, he said. “The way they carry themselves will be evaluated by kids in the community. Having them give back to those kids is a positive experience and puts everything they’ve accomplished in perspective,” Boone said. “I’ve always been involved in mentorship programs as a former athlete, and it’s something that these guys can really learn from.” SEE ATHLETES ON PAGE 5
Roosevelt Boone, the assistant director of Player Development, said he plans on expanding the current mentoring program to more New Jersey schools in the state. SCARLETKNIGHTS.COM
U. is promoting student access to bus Wi-Fi ANNIE KIM CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Rutgers Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) has been updating the Wi-Fi feature on its buses, a program that was launched in the Fall 2018 semester. But how well known it is still remains open to debate. As par t of the University’s 2030 master plan to update all college facilities, this is a small step in polishing the Rutgers transit system to better handle the heavy influx of student traf fic for the 15-year plan. As a response to the technical issues that arose with the previous transit provider, NextBus, the
DOTS has since switched over to TransLoc to prevent any further problems with the bus scheduling for Rutgers students. “We implemented the Wi-Fi when we added our new tracking system to all our vehicles for more accurate arrival times,” said Assistant Director of Transit Ser vices John Karakoglou to The Daily Targum. It was also added as a cour tesy to students so they could stay connected and be able to check email or do quick searches while traveling between campuses. Karakoglou said that this switch to TransLoc provides more data SEE WI-FI ON PAGE 5
Wi-Fi was added to the campus buses at the same time a tracking system was implemented for more accurate arrival times. Recently, a newer tracking application named TransLoc has been released to provide even more accurate estimates of where buses are. THE DAILY TARGUM
VOLUME 151, ISSUE 43 • UNIVERSITY ... 3 • OPINIONS ... 6 • INSIDE BEAT... 8• DIVERSIONS ... 9• SPORTS ... BACK
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April 11, 2019
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Campus Calendar THURSDAY 4/11 Institute for Research on Women presents “Storytelling and Social Change” from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Ruth Dill Johnson Crockett Building on Douglass campus. This event is free and open to the public. Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers presents “Picturing Limits and Pushing Boundaries: John Marin’s Drawings of New York City” from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Murray Hall on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public. FRIDAY 4/12 Rutgers Athletics presents “Rutgers Baseball vs. Michigan State” at 2 p.m. at Gruninger Baseball Complex on Livingston campus. This event is free and open to the public. Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology presents “Fermentation Seminar: News from the Zylstra and Boyd labs” from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Marine Sciences Building on Cook campus. This event is free and open to the public. SATURDAY 4/13 Rutgers Gardens presents “Spring Festival” from
noon to 4 p.m. at Rutgers Gardens on Cook campus. This event is free and open to the public. SUNDAY 4/14 Rutgers Gardens presents “Spring Festival” from noon to 4 p.m. at Rutgers Gardens on Cook campus. This event is free and open to the public. Catholic Center presents “Roman Catholic Mass” from 11 a.m. to noon at Catholic Center on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public. MONDAY 4/15 Department of Genetics and Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey present “Genetics Seminar with Speaker Deanne Taylor, Ph.D.” from noon to 1 p.m. at Life Sciences Building on Busch campus. This event is free and open to the public. Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences presents “Production, Export and Oceanic Impacts of Greenland’s glacial meltwater” from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. at Marine Sciences Building on Cook campus. This event is free and open to the public.
If you would like to submit an event for the Campus Calendar section, please email marketing@dailytargum.com. For more information please visit www.dailytargum.com. Due to space limitations there is no guarantee that your event will be listed.
CORRESPONDENTS MATTHEW HOWE, ALEXANDRA FABUGAIS-INABA, ROBERT SANCHEZ, COBY GREEN, CLARISSA GORDON, JAKE MCGOWAN, EAMONN O’NEILL STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS CASEY AMBROSIO, CURSTINE GUEVARRA, MICA FINEHART
CORRECTIONS The Daily Targum promptly corrects all errors of substance. If you have a comment or question about the fairness or accuracy of a story, send an email to eic@dailytargum.com.
April 11, 2019
UNIVERSITY
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Professor says he is related to Henry Rutgers MADISON MCGAY CORRESPONDENT
Finding out that he was a direct descendant of Henr y Rutgers was a complete accident for Steven Walker, a professor in the Department of Comparative Literature. While researching the surname “Clarkson,” which was the maiden name of his maternal grandmother, Walker found a privately printed genealogy of the Clarkson family in the Princeton library. After looking through the family history, he found a line of descent connecting back to the Rutgers family. “This was quite a surprise for me,” Walker said. “To have taught for so many years at Rutgers and never having known of my relationship to the one who gave our University (its) name.” Walker said Rutgers “saved” Queen’s College, which was char tered in 1766, from financial ruin early in the 19th centur y. Rutgers ser ved as a trustee of Queen’s College in 1816, according to the University website. At that time though, there was conflict between the trustees and the church over governance, funding and curriculum.
Though Rutgers resigned in 1821 from his position, he hosted a meeting at his own house in order to resolve the dispute over the college’s finances. Walker said later in 1825, Queen’s College ended up being renamed after his honor. Previously, Rutgers was a wealthy Dutch American landowner in Manhattan, as well as a leading member of the Dutch Reformed Church, which was the denomination that originally founded the University, Walker said. Rutgers also played a par t in the American Revolution, which was why his title was Colonel Rutgers. As for Walker, he first began his teaching career at the University in 1971, but since he was unaware of his relationship to Rutgers, his familial ties played no role in his decision to teach at here. When he finally discovered that he was a descendant of Rutgers, his mother and grandmother had died, so Walker was unable to share the news with them. One of his grandmother’s brothers had been named Rutgers, but Walker said his family just thought that it was strange that a child would be named after a university.
In 1816, Henry Rutgers served as a trustee for then-named Queen’s College. After resigning from his position, he held a meeting at his home in order to resolve the financial disputes the college had. The college was then renamed in 1825 in his honor. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Now though, he said the name made sense since family names are sometimes given as first names to children. “While Uncle Henry is everyone’s uncle at Rutgers, he
is literally my own Uncle Henry,” Walker said. Though he said he was not completely sure what to make about his relationship to the namesake of the University, nor
how much it matters to him, he still finds it an interesting discovery. “In all events, it is certainly an amazing coincidence to wind up teaching at a university named after one of my ancestors,” Walker said.
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April 11, 2019
EXPERIENCES Muld says in Abu Dhabi it was clear his team was not wanted, but he knew they needed to compete CONTINUED FROM FRONT
“My story begins in Jerusalem,” said Or Sasson, an Olympic bronze medalist. Sasson first tried judo when he was 9 years old because he was inspired by his brother. He said the sport made him a lot stronger, to the point where he competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. During one of the fights against an Egyptian judoka, he recalled how his opponent refused to shake his hand. This was a moment that not only hurt Sasson personally, but also went against the values he was taught when it came to the sport. “Since I remember doing judo, the first thing I did right after a match is shake the hand of my opponent to show respect for him,” he said. The Olympics made Sasson an overnight sensation. He said he went from virtually unknown to famous, especially considering how few Israeli Olympic medalists there were. His next goal is to continue competing at the Olympic games next year in Tokyo. Peter Paltchick, another Israeli judoka who has won international awards, said he was actually born in Russia. He attributed his skills partially to the fact that he was born as a “big baby” at 5 kilograms, which is more than 11 pounds. When he was approximately 8 months old, he moved to Israel with his mother, but said he was mainly raised by his grandparents.
It was his grandfather, who was a Russian submarine officer, who encouraged him to do judo. Paltchick said that due to his grandfather, his role models growing up were fighters such as Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme. “I remember myself as a 5-yearold kid doing splits on chairs, it was crazy,” he said. Sagi Muki, who also competed in the 2016 Olympic Games, said his judo journey began when he was 12 years old. Since he was an energetic kid, his mother always had to run after him in the house, so she sent him to judo to relieve the pent-up energy. “It was love at first sight,” he said. As the years went on, what started as a hobby for Muki became a professional sport. Being an Israeli athlete, though, had its challenges, as Muki recalled the difficulties of competing in Abu Dhabi — the capital of the United Arab Emirates — in 2015. At Abu Dhabi, he said that it was clear that his team was not wanted, but he knew he needed to compete because it was an important competition before the Olympic games. He said that though it was hard navigating through security and the airport, he was proud to represent his country in the competition. Muki also described his experience at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. A month before he was set to compete, he injured his back, which he said
FACILITIES Rodkin’s donation comes after Board of Governors member Greg Brown donated CONTINUED FROM FRONT
all student athlete needs and provide a range of resources, including academic advising, learning specialists, 1-on-1 and group tutoring, as well as housing soccer, lacrosse and administration. It is set to have an opening ceremony this Saturday. The Rodkin contributions came after donations from Board of
Governors member and Motorola Solutions CEO Greg Brown and his wife Anna, noted real estate developer Steven Plofker and makeup mogul Bobbi Brown, and business leaders and philanthropists Jeff and Amy Towers, according to the release. “As we continue to build and relentlessly pursue excellence, we are so grateful for the many
Or Sasson won the bronze medal for his weight class in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He said his victory made him an overnight sensation, and that his goal was to also compete in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. CATHERINE NGUYEN / NEWS EDITOR cost him valuable training time. While his other teammates were training twice a day, he had to visit doctors, go to physical therapy and get injections for his back. Though his doctors recommended he stay home and watch the Olympics from a television, Muki refused. “I couldn’t think about it,” he said. “I decided I would do everything for myself to be there.” At the Olympics, he ended up winning several matches all the way up to the semi-finals. His opponent was someone who he had defeated in the past, but at the Olympics, he ended up losing. Following the talk, the three
members were asked questions about their diets, the definition of judo and how they prepared mentally for the sport. Sasson said especially since he was in the highest weight class, he had to eat more than 300 grams of protein a day, which usually meant eating one meal almost every hour. The three judokas also said that they were able to get their protein in by taking lots of supplements and drinking protein shakes. When asked about how to prepare mentally, Muki said he was intimidated during the Olympic games when he realized that he would be going
against one of the top judokas in the world. “Judo is like a jungle. The moment you show weakness, you’re done,” he said. Sasson said at this point, though, he expected the next Olympic games to be his last. He enjoys speaking to kids and teaching judo. He encourages them to pursue their dreams. “I wanted to encourage and motivate the young kids to chase their dreams, to follow their hearts, because most of the young students just do the same things as everyone else,” he said. “Maybe they’re not thinking to do the things they really want to do.”
Rutgers supporters and R Fund members who have answered the call and helped to transform the academic and athletic experience for current and future student athletes,” said Carly Northup, senior associate athletic director of Development, in the release. Athletics also plans on opening the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, a 307,000-square-foot, four-story facility and parking deck to create a comprehensive sports medicine program for University athletes, students and communities throughout New Jersey, in addition to being a practice facility
for men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling and gymnastics. The Brown Family Locker Room, set to go in the Marco Battaglia Football Practice Complex for fall training camp, was from a $4 million donation by the Brown family, according to the release. The Daily Targum reported that Athletics ran a $47.4 million deficit in a $99.2 million budget last year. University President Robert L. Barchi said to the Targum in February that it is unacceptable that
academics have been budgetarily supplementing athletics. Once Rutgers is a full-equity partner in the Big Ten in 2020, the return on the investment will balance out the past budget restraints. “And we will be in a situation where Athletics is on a ship in its own bottom, basically,” Barchi said. “Hopefully, it won’t be too many years before there is a surplus from Athletics that goes back into academics. As it does in many, not all, academic peers.”
Pat Hobbs, the director of Athletics, said the campaign was first kick-started by $25 million in tax credits under a grant from the government. The largest donation Athletics received was $15 million for the Gary and Barbara Rodkin Academic Success Center. DUSTIN NILES / PHOTO EDITOR
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April 11, 2019
ATHLETES Football players’ mentorship programs give youths opportunities to play sports with them CONTINUED FROM FRONT
For the future, he has been looking to expand the program to more New Jersey schools and get more players involved in the upcoming years. Boone said he would also like to extend the mentorship period to more than 5 to 6 weeks as well as establish a summer program with his athletes. Christopher Baldassano, the principal of Arbor Intermediate School, said the student athletes at his school had been involved in the mentorship program for the past year. Considering how many
on how to succeed in college, both on and off the field. Football players in the mentorship program also have the opportunity to play sports with the kids, and the kids in turn are able to ask questions about the college experience. One of the most valuable parts of the program is the conversations players get to have with the students in order to build a personal relationship that will help them to grow, he said. “They get to have conversations about important subjects in a much more relaxed way,” Baldassano said. “Players share their own personal stories about
“The most valuable lesson that I can give these kids is to be confident and be respectful to your elders and try to learn as much from them as you can.” PAUL WOODS Redshirt Freshman Wide Receiver
students in Piscataway have gone on to play sports for Rutgers, he said he saw it as an opportunity to show high school students that they can be successful and eventually play in college. “We have been trying to show our students how to prepare for the future … what it takes to be successful both academically and athletically at the next level. We thought that the fourth and fifth-grade age range would be a really good place to start,” Baldassano said. He said the program is an opportunity to give younger kids role models by introducing them to successful players that had gone through the same school system that they are currently in. Since these football players are closer in age to the students than teachers, Baldessano said the kids would be more likely to relate to the players and listen to their advice
where they come from and how they got to Rutgers, all leading to a much more targeted conversation about how to succeed.” Redshirt freshman wide receiver Paul Woods has been involved in the mentorship program since he started as a player. He said that the program allows him to spend quality time with students in Newark schools by playing football with them. He also mentors them through important lessons, such as when it comes to bullying. He wanted to get involved in the program in order to help kids and give them the proper tools to succeed. “The most valuable lesson that I can give these kids is to be confident and be respectful to your elders and try to learn as much from them as you can,” Woods said. “There’s a lot of kids that look up to us as a team, and getting to be role models for them is a great feeling … getting to be a mentor is something really special.”
Christopher Baldassano, the principal of Arbor Intermediate School, said he saw the program as a way for high school students to be inspired on how to be successful in academics and also play a sport in college. TWITTER
WI-FI Elmohdi says he does not remember there being bus discussions at New Student Orientations CONTINUED FROM FRONT
and information to better predict the movement of students throughout the day. He also said that the transit provider will also work in conjunction with the DOTS in order to test and maintain the Wi-Fi system on the buses to make any appropriate updates that are needed. There has also been a release of a new tracking application for buses, also named TransLoc, that has a more accurate estimate of where the Rutgers buses are for the students. By installing Wi-Fi onto the buses, it provides a crucial amenity for college students rushing from one campus to the next. “Even though I’m really excited about the new feature on the buses, I’m kind of confused since I didn’t hear about it until now. I
feel like other people also didn’t really know about the free WiFi on the buses too,” said Rwan Elmohdli, a School of Arts and Sciences junior. Yet Karakoglu said that his office advertised the Wi-Fi on all the buses, and as the semester has gone on, they have been going to New Student Orientation (NSO) program sessions to talk about the DOTS and the new technology. While the DOTS did make advertisements known throughout their entire bus fleet, it inevitably slips by some students, as Elmohdli said. “I don’t really remember there being a discussion about the buses at the NSO events, but I could just have not really noticed myself. I do think it’s pretty cool that there’s Wi-Fi though,” Elmohdli said.
The Department of Transportation Services has been advertising the Wi-Fi on the campus buses, and have even gone to New Student Orientation program sessions to talk about the Univeristy’s new technology. THE DAILY TARGUM
OPINIONS
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April 11, 2019
Competition of NCAA is more thrilling than NBA
I
f you follow sports in any capacity, then you are aware of Zion Williamson and the Duke Blue Devils. JOSH VALDEZ The combination of a legendary men’s basketball program with one of the most hyped NBA draft prospects in recent memory is enough to be in the news constantly. It felt like ESPN was posting about them on Instagram every 10 minutes. So much so, in fact, that people in the comments section started saying things like, “What did Zion eat for breakfast?” and “What time did he brush his teeth this morning?” Duke was the talk of the town. It had the best team, with the best player in the country. So it obviously was going to win March Madness, right? Wrong. Instead, it lost to Michigan State in the Elite Eight quarterfinals. Then, this past Monday night, the University of Virginia went on to win its first-ever National Championship. As I watched the team celebrate among the confetti and screaming fans, I thought to myself, “Wow, good for them. That must be cool.” As the night went on, though, I realized something. This result is a perfect example of why college basketball is more fun to watch than the NBA right now. If you think I am exaggerating, hear me out. Of course, the professional players are better, and always will be. The stars in the league, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden, are capable of ridiculously good performances day-in and day-out. Of course, it is fun to watch Antetokounmpo ferociously dunk on someone and Harden score 50 points at will. But at the end of the day, we still know who is going to prevail in the end. As long as the Golden State Warriors maintain their current all-star starting lineup, they are going to keep winning championships. Ever since they signed Kevin Durant in 2016, the NBA has become very predictable. They have won the title three times out of the past four seasons, with the only exception being a Game Seven loss to LeBron James and the Cavaliers in the 2016 Finals. They will most likely win this year, too. As a result of their dominance, I have not watched the NBA nearly as much as I used to in recent years.
THE POWER OF AN OPEN MIND
“All we can hope for is that one day, the super team trend in the NBA slows down. Then, and only then, will it can become an epic, edge-of-your-seat event like March Madness.” The good news is that they might break up next year. There are rumors that Durant, in particular, will leave in free agency. If this happens, this will finally level the playing field, making the league interesting again. It would be nice to not know who is going to win the finals before the season starts. I have almost forgotten what it feels like. Here is the thing, though – in today’s NBA, there is always the potential of a few stars teaming up and forming a near-unstoppable super team. Before the Warriors, it was the Miami Heat in the beginning of the decade. Who is to say another team will not start dominating the league? Maybe James will recruit someone to the Lakers. Or Durant could start another super team somewhere else. Who knows? In the NCAA tournament, though, there is no chance of that happening. There are no free agency or trades. No big-money contracts. Just a bunch of highly motivated players giving it their all, every game. Some teams are more talented than others, but there are always upsets. For example, did anyone predict that Virginia was going to win this year? Most of the predictions I saw were Duke or North Carolina winning. Furthermore, most of the games come down to the last minute. Duke’s loss to Michigan was a thriller. I remember my roomates and I were in shock when RJ Barrett missed a crucial free throw in the final seconds. We were saying things like, “They really lost after all that hype?” and Oh my god, they are actually going to lose!” We could not believe it, but at the same time we could. This is exactly the type of thing that happens all the time in March Madness. Sure, someone could upset the Warriors this year. But it is unlikely, and I bet the playoffs and finals will be nowhere near as entertaining as that Duke game. You know why? Because even though the Blue Devils were the favorite, it was not guaranteed that they would win. The Warriors winning the finals this year is as close to a guarantee as we will ever see in sports. Where is the fun in that? All we can hope for is that one day, the super team trend in the NBA slows down. Then, and only then, will it can become an epic, edge-of-your-seat event like March Madness. Josh Valdez is a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore majoring in journalism and media studies and minoring in creative writing. His column, “The Power of an Open Mind,” runs on alternate Thursdays.
UNIVERSAL UCLICK
We must intervene in fate of frogs, potential extinction of amphibians
F
or me, the most main factor for the decline of frogs is deforestation interesting frog and pollution. COMMENTARY Lake Titicaca, the lake with the highest elevation, is in the world is the JONATHAN ROTH gastric-brooding frog. home to the Titicaca water frog. This species of frog is As its name implies, it known for its extremely baggy skin, which allows it to has an extremely unique method for reproduction. have the optimal surface area of skin to absorb water Once the female lays her eggs, she then consumes through and stay oxygenated at such high elevations. the eggs and stores them in her stomach. In order Lake Titicaca is known for being a popular tourist desto stop the eggs from being digested, during the tination but has a nearby town and mining facilities laying process the eggs contain a specific chemical that pollute the lake. One day, approximately 10,000 dead frogs washed that halts the production of hydrochloric acid within up on the shore, unable to cope with the ongoing polthe stomach. Then, after some time has passed and the babies lution in the lake. The Titicaca water frog is now clashave hatched, the now proud mother frog begins sified as critically endangered. It is without question to regurgitate her live young. Unfortunately, being that this massive die-out could have been prevented. able to witness this event occur in nature has be- If things continue as they are, more and more species come impossible. All known gastric-brooding frogs of frogs will cease to exist. Frogs are vital for the food chain and are important are dead. Their species has ceased to exist in this world. bioindicators for gauging the health of ecosystems. They also act as For tunateminiature chemly, there is a ical factories — similar frog “With extinction, frogs take with them their they transform — the norththe chemicals ern Darwin’s chemical knowledge that will never be unearthed. from the bugs frog — which Therefore, we must now take action and actively they consume stores its into their own eggs in its preserve the currently known and undiscovered potent poisons. vocal sacs. Recent research But, like the species of frogs. We must join them in their fight has been probing gastric-broodagainst the apocalypse they face.” the efficacy of ing frog, the these poisons to northern act as medicinal Darwin’s frogs are all dead. They, too, have become extinct. therapeutics. The phantasmal poison frog produces Extinction is becoming more and more of a reality a chemical called Epibatidine, which has been deterfor frogs with 41 percent of all amphibian popula- mined to be 200 times more effective than morphine tions being at risk. One of the main factors for the with a likelihood of being less addictive since it is not decline in frog populations is a fungus called Batra- opioid based. There are many other chemicals produced by frogs chochytrium dendrobatidis. A fungus may not seem so menacing, but frogs drink and absorb nutrients that are being researched to benefit mankind, but chemicals produced by undiscovered species that are through their skin. The spores of the fungus latch onto the skin of now extinct can never be researched. With extinction, the frogs and clog up their pores, effectively block- frogs take with them their chemical knowledge that ing the frog’s intake of nutrients until it undergoes will never be unearthed. Therefore, we must now take cardiac arrest and dies. The chytrid fungus has action and actively preserve the currently known and been deemed a contributing factor for the extinc- undiscovered species of frogs. We must join them in tion of the gastric-brooding frog, and northern their fight against the apocalypse they face. Darwin’s frog and has decimated the populations Jonathan Roth is a School of Arts and Sciences gradof other frogs, such as the Panamanian golden frog that almost became extinct in the wild. Another uate student.
April 11, 2019
Opinions Page 7
Billie Eilish: Breaking stereotypes while creating good music AN OPTIMIST’S OPINION ANUSHA KEMBURU
A
t 17 years old, Billie Eilish has made a place for herself in the music industry with a style of music that is distinctly different from what we are used to hearing from the genre of pop. Born in Los Angeles, Eilish is the daughter of Maggie Baird and Patrick O’Connell, two individuals who have had their fair share of experiences in the entertainment industry, and her sibling is Finneas O’Connell, who has worked with her on almost all of her musical projects. Her rise to stardom was both accidental and unconventional. Her first hit song “Ocean Eyes” was written by Finneas O’Connell and sung by Eilish. It was originally intended to be the soundtrack for one of Eilish’s dance routines. After uploading it onto SoundCloud for her dance teacher, Finneas O’Connell and Eilish’s song became viral, and the release of its music video only amplified her popularity. After that, success seemed to follow Eilish wherever she went. A couple of EPs, several singles and one very successful debut album made her into a star. “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and Eilish herself has made history as the youngest solo female musician to top the albums chart. A large reason for this following is not only because
she is insanely talented, but also due to how genuine and honest Eilish is to herself and to her audience. Eilish has made it quite clear that she knows who she is, or better yet, how she wants to be perceived: “I just like dressing out of my comfort zone. I want to dress in a way that if I was in a room full of people wearing regular clothes, I would be like, ‘Oh I bet everyone’s looking at me’ … I love being judged. I’m here for it.” Both her style and music have proven to be different and the kind of thing that garners people’s attention, as is her intention.
Critics and other artists have been quick to applaud Eilish’s album, but in the same place that success and fame is bred, hate also grows. She has been called overrated, annoying and the very persona that brought her fame is also what some dislike about her. I understand that at that level of fame, there will be people who dislike her and not everyone is obligated to love her, but in the past couple of years I have observed a phenomenon that I call the “teen girl effect.” The “teen girl effect” is when an artist’s main demographic primarily consists of
“Our society as a whole has made the assumptions that teenage girls are shallow and superficial, that they are too young to know what real feelings are and that they jump on bandwagons and do not necessarily have opinions of their own.” Eilish’s look consists of colored hair, baggy clothes, minimal makeup, gothic and gaudy necklaces and rings. Her music and music videos follow suit in terms of her unconventionality, with inspirations ranging from Tyler the Creator to Lana Del Ray, filled with her soft tone, hard beats and dark images. In her first album, Eilish explored topics considered taboo: “xanny” questions the irresponsible use of the drug Xanax — which is known for being used recreationally — and “listen before I go” is centered around suicide.
teenage girls, so the artist is more likely to receive hate and their work or success is more likely to be discredited by the public. This happens to male artists more often, and with male artists, people assume that teenage girls are fans of them solely due to their looks, not their music. In Eilish’s case, people assume that teenage girls are fans of her because of how “different” and alternative she is. People even dislike her because she herself is a teenage girl.
Our society as a whole has made the assumptions that teenage girls are shallow and superficial, that they are too young to know what real feelings are, that they jump on bandwagons and that they do not necessarily have opinions of their own. What makes this even more interesting is the fact that the music or likings of teenage males, in comparison to that of teenage girls, are barely ever commented upon or made fun of. Why this is the case I cannot really say, other than it may be a notion deeply ingrained in society that women and their opinions are less than those of a man’s. This can be seen in multiple facets of our culture. For years, girls have been made fun of for the things that they like, whether that be Uggs, Starbucks or “Twilight.” And God forbid they like something that is considered to be something “only” a man likes, like video games or sports. Girls are then considered imposters or forced to prove that they are true fans. But you see, I think that teenage girls are so great because they are never afraid to make their love for an artist seen and heard. Their passion is true and they never think that they are “too cool” to show it. And who better to love than a teenage girl who is breaking stereotypes and creating amazing music all at the same time? Anusha Kemburu is a School of Arts and Sciences first-year majoring in political science. Her column, “An Optimist’s Opinion,” runs on alternate Thursdays.
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Page 8
April 11, 2019
'Peak TV': How streaming changed which shows live or die EAMONN O'NEILL CORRESPONDENT
Today, there are more ways to watch television than ever. Turning on the “TV” has taken on new meaning with new shows popping up from several different delivery systems. Obviously, Netflix has become a content machine, pouring more than $10 billion into programming this year. Other streaming services like Apple, Amazon and Hulu also plan to spend billions on creating shows for anxious eyeballs this year. Cable TV is still not going away with the endless hours of prestige programs airing on channels like HBO and FX. It is estimated that more than 500 original shows will premiere by the end of 2019. This phenomenon has been dubbed “Peak TV” by FX’s CEO John Landgraf. Recently though, he said the landscape has shifted to what he calls the “Gilded Age of Television.” This new term connotes bloat. The massive amounts of television means that while shows may be well-done and entertaining, they will not find their audience. The sheer magnitude of content means some things will get lost in the shuffle. There is only so much time in the day for television
— even if you don’t peel yourself away from the screen, there are still only 24 hours in a day. The glut of the television industry leads shows to get canceled. A lot of those shows that no one has heard of are critical bombs. Cancellations have been around since the days when we only had three channels. But now, why do shows even need to be canceled? If the companies behind them have unlimited
coffers, as they do, and do not care about profits, as they do not, why cancel anything? Those are the questions being asked by fans of the Netflix sitcom “One Day at a Time.” The show, a remake of a 70s Norman Lear sitcom, follows a Cuban American family in Los Angeles. A critical darling, “One Day at a Time,” tackled contemporary issues like immigration, mental illness and
homophobia. It was 1 of 2 traditional three-camera sitcoms to get unceremoniously canceled (see “The Carmichael Show”). Not only was “One Day at a Time” critically revered but it starred a Latin American cast primarily filled with strong female characters. Even with the abundance of television, there are few Latin American led shows in both comedy and drama. When Netflix
The Netflix reboot of Norman Lear's "One Day at a Time" was a hit on Netflix, but inevitably got booted from the platform anyway. Now, the show is in talks to move to CBS All Access. TWITTER
chose to axe the show, the internet ruptured. As Netflix has gained recognition for prestige and is increasingly expected to turn a profit, they decided to cut costs. This led to similar premature cancellations of “American Vandal,” "The Break With Michelle Wolf" and “Lady Dynamite.” Netflix also canceled all of its Marvel shows after Disney announced a rival streaming service. “One Day at a Time” feels different. It featured an underrepresented cast, critical praise and was definitely cheap. These are the shows that should survive in “Peak TV.” “One Day at a Time” may not be lost forever. In the streaming age, shows never really die. Every season there seems to be a show plucked from the chopping block, only to appear on Netflix. In fact, one of Netflix’s first original shows was the fourth season of “Arrested Development,” which was canceled nearly a decade earlier. CBS All Access has reportedly offered to pick up “One Day at a Time.” Even if it does not find a new home, the show itself will live on forever. More people will find it, and hey, maybe in 30 years there will be another reboot.
Guatemalan poet Rebeca Lane discusses artistry, activism HAOLUN XU & JORDAN LEVY CONTRIBUTING WRITER & FEATURES EDITOR
Within the opening remarks of Guatemalan activist, poet and hiphop musician Rebeca Lane's talk Tuesday afternoon in Tillet Hall, she gave her sharp perspective on the presence of migrant caravans in the modern day, and spliced the issue together with current perils in her homeland of Guatemala. Against the backdrop of the expansive Mayan population of Guatemala, Lane spoke out against a history of colonization and cited the legacy of United States intervention to create a dangerous outside reputation of the U.S.'s "backyard." Lane's own background story describes the consequences of larger geopolitical powers wielding influence around the world with the smaller, domestic details of her personal life growing up. She spoke about an aunt who disappeared, likely kidnapped, with a level of straightforward tone and direction. Her parables describe a social landscape where hip-hop, a medium she has championed throughout her work in activism and poetry, serves as a potent and direct means of political action. Lane spoke about the bridge between hip-hop's roots in the Bronx in New York and the youth culture within 1990s Guatemala. The strength of the youth as an identity became a substantial platform for youth to respond to the
Too often, the unequal exclosing events of the Guatemalan Civil War as it reached its end in change of support, time and effort 1996. Lane described how youth led to moments of exploitation. “For knowledge, we would have disappearing was founded on a prejudice to their own causality to negotiate with our bodies,” Lane alongside an immensely frustrat- said. These negative interactions ing lack of power or public faith to with established artistic figures the age demographic, especially and experts created a harrowing cycle, speaking both about Guatefor young women. Hip-hop granted a solid plat- mala and sexual harassment that's form for Guatemalan youth, a rampant across the globe. Hipplace where they could show hop, as Lane described, became a pride in their heritage. "It was the space where artists could "name first place I didn't feel like I had our violence instead of normalizto come from money, or that war ing or internalizing it.”' Limits were found once again, had not touched me in ways it really had," Lane said. There within even in Western pedagogies of femthe music scene, the spirit of open inism. Lane described how some vulnerability and free discourse Guatemalan spaces don't lean too created a hopeful image for what heavily on words like “patriarchy” students and young activists because in Guatemala, these forms of feminism could achieve. "don’t exist by a Lane also “Hip-hop, as Lane book or a theomentioned ry, it was more the restraints described, became a survivalist and that existed space where artists active." She within these described fightcreative spaccould 'name our violence es, limits that ing aggressiveinstead of normalizing or ly for peace in women have to fight daily. life, far away internalizing it.'” In activism, from internal Lane deunrest. scribes being assigned "invisible "It is important to tell them work," silent work with capaci- that they are loved," Lane said, ties largely attributed to conven- describing women creatives. tional gender roles. These communal forces are rep"Men are very comfortable resented by groups such as the about women supporting them "We Are Warriors" movement. but not providing knowledge de- When asked why such a name spite sharing the same necessities was chosen after the war, she said and spaces," Lane said. that she "did not choose the war,
Rebeca Lane is following in the heavily political tradition of many hip-hop acts like Public Enemy and Mos Def. Her music is based in the Guatemalan experience. DUSTIN NILES / PHOTO EDITOR but she can decide and defend for (herself). It is in blatant contrast to ongoing Western pressure to conform and stay silent. “We are being colonized as we speak,” Lane said. Lane warned that any creative expression can be too focused on frustration to a cycle of violence and causality rather than an awareness of the safe spaces needed from violence, war and destitution. In hip-hop, Lane said, "making links between oneself and the wisdom of the space and ancestors," works in addition to fighting for
broader rights, encapsulating not just equal pay or individual rights, but also natural rights such as water. As the talk concluded, Lane described the concept of “self-funding," an imperative presence in a movement for economic independence. It's the importance of remaining separate from foreign industries that rally behind transnational corporate interests of companies such as Red Bull or Nike. How to finance one's own political power is the banner of her fight, for a homeland's territory and resources, and most importantly, its name.
DIVERSIONS
April 11, 2019
Mark Tatulli Horoscopes
Lio
Page 9 Eugenia Last
Happy Birthday: Your desire for change will increase. A strategic plan coupled with patience will serve you well when the time is right to move in a new direction. Plan your actions based on your ultimate goal, and take advantage of an opportunity that allows you to incorporate more of what you want to be doing in your everyday routine. Your numbers are 7, 18, 21, 26, 32, 37, 48.
Over The Hedge
T. Lewis and M. Fry
Non Sequitur
Wiley
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make a change for the right reason. Don’t let your emotions cloud your vision. Work with what’s being offered. You will be happy and surprised by the way your day unfolds. Moderation will help you avoid making a mistake. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep conversations light and positive. If you get into discussions about money, religion or politics, it will lead to regret. Be open-minded and willing to accept others for who they are and what they believe. Physical exercise will help relieve stress. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): An unpredictable pattern may excite you, but don’t go overboard. Have a plan in place to accommodate any pitfalls that occur. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Follow your heart only if you are positive it won’t be broken. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t worry about what you cannot change. Let go of the past and head into the future with optimism, ideas and good intentions. You have far more to gain moving forward than you do looking back or living in the past. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your impatience and desire to participate will cost you if you are too eager to help someone who is taking advantage of you. Consider how best to deal with situations that are overwhelming, excessive or could end up costing you. 3 stars CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t be shy. Say what’s on your mind and do what’s right. Now is not the time to sit back and let someone else take over. Do whatever it takes to make your life and the world around you better. 3 stars
Pearls Before Swine
Stephan Pastis
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): How you deal with others will determine the changes that take place around you. Take care of your responsibilities before you complain or criticize. It’s important to show consistency and discipline if you want to be a leader. 3 stars VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Participate in events that are conducive to mingling with interesting people. Learn from the conversations you have with experts, and share what you learn with people you want to work alongside. Much can be accomplished if you collaborate. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Make physical activity a priority and keeping busy your goal. Too much idle time or hanging out with people who are indulgent will not end well. Money matters should be handled with care. A problem with a sibling or partner is looming. 3 stars CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make a positive change at home or to the way you do your job. Getting along well with others will lead to the support and help needed to reach your goals. Take responsibility for your actions; rewards will follow. 3 stars AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Someone from your past will surprise you. Attending a reunion or reconnecting on social media with an old friend will bring back memories and prompt you to revisit a goal you have yet to accomplish. An opportunity is heading your way. 3 stars PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Open your door to friends and relatives. Listen to what others have to say to gain valuable information that will help you adjust to the changes that are going on around you. Romance will enrich your personal life. 5 stars
©2018 By Eugenia Last distributed by Universal Uclick
Universal Crossword ACROSS
64 Translucent mineral
1 Goodyear vehicle
65 “It’s all wrong!”
6 Rain can delay them, briefly
66 Right-angle extension
10 “Big Blue” tech company
67 Metal waste
13 Best Western alternative
68 Fairy tale antagonists
15 Funny Fey 16 Ghost’s sound
DOWN
17 Really stuck
1 Bramble: Var.
18 Bonanza for a fox (note the
2 Calrissian of “Star Wars”
first word)
3 Insect stage
20 On the razor’s ___
4 Regal
21 Way of walking
5 “Get a room” elicitor, briefly
23 Feedback
6 Set of principles
24 1975 John Wayne role
7 Link with
(first word)
8 Journalist Curry
27 Braxton or Morrison
9 Hindu titles of respect
28 ___ buco
10 Generic Advil
29 McCain’s running mate
11 Petty officer
32 Actress Jessica
12 Bubbly bottle name
35 Sis, bro, ma, etc.
14 Biotech giant
38 Classic paradox that this puzzle
19 Burden
seems to have an opinion on
22 “Thank U, Next” singer Grande
42 Trunk gunk
25 Honky-___
43 Tardy
26 Frisky farm animal
44 Word with “circle” or “child”
29 Some laptops, briefly
45 Tijuana currency
30 “I solved it!”
48 CEO or CFO
31 Cosmetic shading tool
50 Zygote (last word)
33 Park place?
56 Orange Muppet
34 Gentle wind
57 Eve’s first home
36 Leave to mature
58 Triceps exercises
37 Restaurant boss: Abbr.
59 Quibble (last word)
39 Wells’ blond race
61 Valley girl’s shocked exclamation 40 Hustled, quaintly 63 Giants star Manning 41 Creating a cryptogram, say
46 “Black Panther” villain
Yesterday’s Solution
Killmonger 47 Cooks, as mussels 49 Only element that starts with X 50 Lacy gown feature 51 German camera brand 52 Address label? 53 Energy 54 Slightly ahead 55 Ancestor of Windows 56 Three-sided sword 60 Zero, in soccer 62 “Milk me!”
Yesterday’s Solution
Page 10
April 11, 2019
Spotlight Knight Sydney Kaplan ALEX FABUGAIS-INABA CORRESPONDENT
From the moment she picked up a tennis racquet, she knew this was where she was supposed to be. For Sydney Kaplan, a freshman on the Rutgers tennis team, her natural ability to hit the ball over the net came at a young age. Kaplan’s brother is three years older than her and had a tennis lesson, which Kaplan watched. She was sitting on the sidelines, but wanted to try hitting the ball. Her brother let her try. Kaplan hit the first ball, and it went over the net. She hit another ball, and the same thing happened. Kaplan was a natural. She played soccer and basketball on the side, but tennis became a greater commitment than any other sport she played. She decided to play competitively before she turned 10 years old. Positivity and energy filled the tennis courts whenever Kaplan played. To this day, it’s a standard she continues to build upon while
“Looking at schools, to be honest, Rutgers was not on my radar at first. I thought I wanted to go far away, but I realized how much I’d be traveling for this sport.” The Knights are close to home, and if she wanted to, there was the option of popping by for a good home-cooked meal every once in a while throughout the semester. Location was ideal, but it was the coaches and team that got Kaplan signing her letter of intent to Rutgers University. “(The coaches and team) are very genuine,” Kaplan said. “The team seemed like such a family. The coaches really want to coach us to be better and help us in all the ways that they can. My teammates are so nice and supportive of each other.” When she moved on the Banks, Kaplan was thrown into the Big Ten gauntlet with fierce competition. She didn’t know what to expect, but quickly understood what it takes to win conference matchups.
“I went through a time where I wasn’t winning. I had moments where I said I wanted to quit, but not really meaning it. I’ve been through a lot of obstacles to get where I am now, so they were worth it. Tennis has taught me a lot, mentally and emotionally.” SYDNEY KAPLAN Freshman
playing at the collegiate level. But, like many student athletes, tennis wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. “I’ve definitely had my moments where it was emotionally and mentally a lot,” Kaplan said. “I went through a time where I wasn’t winning. I had moments where I said I wanted to quit, but not really meaning it. I’ve been through a lot of obstacles to get where I am now, so they were worth it. Tennis has taught me a lot, mentally and emotionally.” Sacrifices were made. Before becoming a Scarlet Knight, there were weekend competitions where she couldn’t hang out with her friends. When she did lose, she had to find ways to bounce back and be ready for her next match. Like any sport, tennis is hard work — it doesn’t come easy. Looking at colleges, Kaplan wanted a challenge. Funny enough, Rutgers wasn’t part of that list, but quickly made its way to the top. “When I was younger, I told my mom I really wanted to play for a Big Ten school,” Kaplan said.
“It takes being positive, and it takes wanting it more than anything,” Kaplan said. “Playing to win, and knowing that you’re playing for your team. It’s a good feeling to play on a team and win for them.” In her first season, Kaplan has captured three straight Big Ten singles wins against Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska — all at the No. 4 spot. She likes to push her opponents back and dictate the points. When Kaplan’s in control of the ball, she never wants to let that up. Kaplan’s natural ability at tennis landed her a spotlight on the Big Ten stage. She hopes for at least a .500 record — more wins than losses — by the time she leaves the Knights. With the streak she’s on, Kaplan is more than capable of getting above that goal set in her mind. “When I step on the tennis court, I feel at home,” Kaplan said. “I feel like it’s where I’m meant to be and belong. When I get on the court, I know exactly what I need to do and I just need to do it.”
Sydney Kaplan freshman record Singles (10-7, 3-4) Doubles
(7-7, 2-4)
April 11, 2019
Page 11
JUMP Knights finish season with program-high 7 Big Ten wins CONTINUED FROM BACK more competitive and relevant in the landscape of college basketball. In the 2018-19 season, Rutgers had a program-high seven wins against Big Ten opponents, and a record five sellouts, the most in a single season since 2002. Against Iowa, the Knights achieved their largest margin of victory against a ranked opponent
on the road in the program history, and they accomplished all these feats with a roster highlighted by underclassmen. The team only graduated one senior this past season in graduate student center Shaquille Doorson. Aside from him, all the contributors that put together Rutgers’ historic 2018-19 season will be back to build on that success next season.
SEASON Rutgers defeats Lafayette 10-3 in Easton, PA in non-conference game CONTINUED FROM BACK True freshman infielder David Soto doubled Rutgers’ lead with a groundout that allowed Bowerbank to tack on the second run of the day for the Knights. While Rutgers got off to a strong start, it could’ve put the game away early as it had the bases loaded with two outs in the second. Despite the opportunity, redshirt freshman infielder Tim Dezzi struck out on a full count pitch keeping the bases loaded as the Wildcats’ (11-19, 6-4) Mark Anderson was able to get out of a jam.
The pressure seemed too much for Anderson, as he was taken out of the game after just two innings. His reliever David Giusti also didn’t last long, as he stayed in for the third inning before being taken out as well. Lafayette took control of the game in the fourth inning, as the Wildcats’ Spencer Rouse got to first base off a fielder’s choice and allowed true freshman left-handed pitcher Jared Bellissimo to get Lafayette’s Richard Villa out at third. Trey Durrah was able to put the Wildcats on the board. The
Sophomore guard Geo Baker, sophomore guard Peter Kiss, true freshman guard Ron Harper Jr. and redshirt freshman forward Myles Johnson comprise that young core the Knights will take into next season and the season beyond. The nation’s most improved program from a year ago made a soft exit from contention last season, losing its final three games, including the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, leaving even more room for improvement come next postseason. For updates on the Rutgers men’s basketball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
Head coach Steve Pikiell is entering his fourth year at the helm of the men’s basketball program. The team made an early exit from the Big Ten Tournament. GARRETT STEFFE / MARCH 2019
next batter, Lafayette’s Jake Sniegocki, tied the game with a RBI single to bring the Wildcats’ Dan Leckie home. Rouse wanted to join his teammates and cross home plate as well, but got antsy and was caught stealing to end the fourth inning to keep the score a 2-2 draw after four innings. The next inning, Lafayette took the lead as head coach Joe Litterio took Bellissimo out of the game to bring in junior right-handed pitcher Steven Acosta with two outs. Villa won the battle as he mustered a single off of Acosta to bring home the Wildcats’ Michael Landry to put the Wildcats in front 3-2. Fortunately for the Knights, this would be the last run Lafayette would score all afternoon.
Rutgers had a dominant seventh inning performance in which it scored 6 runs off of four hits. The scoring streak started with a double from junior infielder Kevin Welsh in which sophomore infielder Mike Nyisztor was able to run all the way from first to home plate to tie the score at three. Dezzi added on to the score with a RBI single to take the lead. The inning continued as Bowerbank scored another run as he was walked by the Wildcats’ Kyle Subers. On the next at-bat, Valderrama reached first base off an error from Lafayette’s Zach Savage. Blum notched a 2-run single to put the Knights up 8-3 to conclude a stellar seventh inning team performance.
Rutgers’ pitching was solid after the fifth inning, as Acosta and true freshmen right-handed pitchers Garrett French and Parker Scott gave up just two hits combined from the sixth to eighth innings before senior right-handed pitcher Serafino Brito closed the game in the ninth to cap off a 9-3 victory. The Knights notched 10 hits off of the Wildcats, which was more than enough to snatch their 10th win of the season. Rutgers is on a roll as it returns to the Banks to face Michigan State this weekend. The Spartans (8-22, 0-5) come in with an under .500 record. For updates on the Rutgers baseball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
TWITTER: @TargumSports WEBSITE: DailyTargum.com/section/sports
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY—NEW BRUNSWICK
SPORTS
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“When I step on the tennis court, I feel at home. I feel like it’s where I’m meant to be and belong.” — Freshman Sydney Kaplan
THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2019
ONLINE AT DAILYTARGUM.COM
MEN’S BASKETBALL KNIGHTS ARE MOST IMPROVED POWER 5 CONFERENCE TEAM
Rutgers makes 70-point jump on KenPom JACKSON THOMPSON SPORTS EDITOR
When head coach Steve Pikiell was hired back in 2016, he inherited a program transitioning into one of the biggest conferences in the countr y, recovering from a head coaching scandal only three years prior, and following its lowest win total in 28 years. Now, three years later, the program finds itself in the aftermath of its most fulfilling season since joining the Big Ten. It’s a condition most recently vindicated by the recent Ken Pomeroy ratings. The Rutgers men’s basketball team had made a 70-point jump, the largest jump of any program in a power five conference, according to kenpom.com. “In some ways it’s not surprising given how hard this team works. I get to see them ever y day in practice tr ying to get better and tr ying to improve their skills,” said athletic director Pat Hobbs. “It’s also a young team that will only get better in the years ahead. Ever yone should be excited about the future of men’s basketball.” This past season the Scarlet Knights crossed off a number of program milestones, ones that signal a shift toward being Athletic director Pat Hobbs hired head coach Steve Pikiell back in 2016 after spending time at Stony Brook. The Knights finished with a record of 14-17 overall record. CURSTINE GUEVARRA / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / MARCH 2019
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BASEBALL RUTGERS 9, LAFAYETTE 3
Knights tame Wildcats for 10th win of season MATT SIRIANI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Fresh off a victor y over Iowa, the Rutgers baseball team traveled to Easton, Pennsylvania to take on Lafayette, a team with a record slightly better than the Scarlet Knights (10-19, 2-4). But, Rutgers was more than ready for the challenge to keep building up its momentum to finish the season strong and gain confidence for the Big Ten Tournament. The Knights are on pace to do just that as they bulldozed through their opponent for the second game in a row. Rutgers drew first blood in yesterday’s contest off the bat of senior catcher Tyler McNamara, as he sent the first pitch of the second inning out of Kamine Stadium for a solo home run to make it 1-0. From there, the Knights were piling it on. Following McNamara’s blast, senior outfielder Luke Bowerbank started a hitting sequence with a single on a 0-2 count, followed by a single from true freshman outfielder Victor Valderrama and a bunt from junior outfielder Kevin Blum loaded the bases with no outs. SEE SEASON ON PAGE 11
Senior catcher Tyler McNamara went 2-for-3 and added an RBI in Rutgers’ 6-point win over Lafayette on the road. McNamara has a .226 batting average this season. CURSTINE GUEVARRA / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / MARCH 2019
EXTRA POINT JUSTIN PRICE, head coach of the rowing team, and Rutgers will compete in the Big Ten Double Dual this Saturday, as they face Michigan State and No. 5 Michigan at Ohio State. The Knights are ranked at No. 16 in the nation, earning their first ranking in history.
KNIGHTS SCHEDULE
MLB SCORES
TRACK AND FIELD
Metropolitan Championships
Tomorrow, All Day, Bauer Track and Field Complex
Cleveland Detroit
1 4
BASEBALL
vs. Michigan State
Tomorrow, 1 p.m., Bainton Field
Tampa Bay Chi. White Sox
9 1
SOFTBALL
at Penn State
Tomorrow, 6 p.m. State College, Pa.
San Diego San Francisco
3 1