Daily Targum 1.24.18

NJ TRANSIT Murphy’s audit may indirectly impose financial burdens on students

see opinions, page 6

JUUL New vaporizer has skyrocketed in popularity due to its sleek design

see InSIDE BEAT, page 8

Wrestling Nick Suriano becomes the first No.1 ranked wrestler in Rutgers history

SEE Sports, back

WEATHER Mostly clear High: 42 Low: 22

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2nd annual Dream Week brings civil rights activist to Rutgers Erica D’Costa Staff Writer

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that the day our lives end is when we fall silent about the things that matter. His teachings were echoed during an event for the second annual Dream Week, last night at the Busch Student Center.

Hosted by the Cultural Center Collaborative, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Major Events and Programs, the event is part of a week-long celebration dedicated to remembering and honoring the work of King and what he fought for.

Dr. David Jones, the director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, said that he hopes that this event will help students redefine how they will continue King’s legacy.

The highlight of the night was signature keynote speaker Dolores Huerta, who, for 50 years, has worked as a community organizer and social justice activist. She is a two-time United States Presidential Award Recipient: winning the Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a civilian can receive, and the Eleanor D. Roosevelt Human Rights Award.

The National Women’s Hall of Fame inductee’s expansive

background was evident as she discussed a range of social and political issues, including race, the new tax plan, labor unions, the LGBTQ community and President Donald J. Trump’s proposed border wall.

In regard to the recent Women’s March on Washington, D.C. she said that women must march to the ballot box and have their voices heard.

When talking about immigration policy, Huerta spoke about America’s responsibility to help other countries in need.

“If we actually want to stop people from coming to this country, to the United States of America ... we should really help those other countries build up their economies like we did after World War II ... It’s so often that people seem to forget that this country was built by immigrants,” she said.

During a question and answer session, she answered a student’s inquiry about student worker wages on campus.

“They need to get a decent wage or a union wage for the work they do ... If the students get involved, the workers are going to win ... I want to ask everybody, especially the students, to please get up and See activist on Page 4

Dolores Huerta, civil rights activist and keynote speaker of the night, spoke about a number of sociopolitical issues at last night’s event. Women’s rights, minimum wage at Rutgers and immigration were among the topics mentioned. GARRET STEFFE

Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences names new director Stephen Weiss Associate News Editor

The Rutgers Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) is adding a new director to its administration — Helmut Zarbl, a professor in the Department of Environmental & Occupational Health.

Zarbl is the author of more than 80 research papers and book chapters. He centers his research around understanding the molecular, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to toxicity, genetic susceptibility and other like subjects, according to the EOHSI website.

“My vision is for EOHSI to become the leading environmental and occupational health research institute in the nation,” Zarbl said in his strategic plan.

EOHSI is recognized internationally as a resource that supports basic, clinical research in environmental health sciences and exposure assessment. It also fosters programs in environmental health education and public policy, according to the EOHSI website.

Previously serving as the director of the Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease, Zarbl has experience serving on several re-

view, advisory and editorial panels for national research, according to the institute’s directory. He is also known for his contributions to the study of toxicogenomics, chemical carcinogenesis and technology.

“We look forward to the energy and enthusiasm that Dr. Zarbl brings to his new position,” said Brian Strom, chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Zarbl will aid EOHSI in extending its reach to include Rutgers faculty who are interested in environmental health, Strom said.

In order to successfully improve EOHSI, Zarbl’s main strategy includes recognizing areas within the institute that need improvement in order to take advantage of “missed opportunities.” Through this, he wishes to not only better develop the institute as it exists now, but to improve it for the future generations, according to his plan.

His strategic plan includes competing for a Superfund grant, working with other Rutgers entities to create research initiatives and allotting more resources to the institute itself.

“My metric for success is handing to (the) next director a world class research and teaching institution that has significant impact on environmental health worldwide,” Zarbl said.

Newly appointed director, Helmut Zarbl, professor in the Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, plans to bring the Rutgers institute to the forefront of environmental and occupational health research. RUTGERS

­­VOLUME 149, ISSUE 132 • University ... 3 • opinions ... 6 • INSIDE BEAT... 8 • Diversions ... 9 • SPORTS ... BACK

January 24, 2018

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Campus Calendar Wednesday 1/24 The Department of Nutritional Sciences presents “Chemical contaminants in food: the impact of prenatal exposures on children’s development” from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Food Science and Nutritional Sciences Building East on Cook campus.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Center for Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program and Psychiatric Ser vices presents “Mindfulness Meditation” from noon to 1 p.m. at the Rutgers Student Activities Center on the College Avenue campus.

This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday 1/25 The Center for Teaching Advancement & Assessment Research and the TA Project present “Basic Web Design” from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. at the Center for Teaching Advancement & Assessment Research on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public.

The Center for Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drugs Assistance Program and Psychiatric Ser vices presents “Mindfulness Meditation” from noon to 1 p.m. at the Douglass Student Center on Douglass campus. This event is free and open to the public.

The Department of Women’s and Gender Studies presents “Brown Pride, Black Love: On Musical Matter’ Lecture” at 4 p.m. at the Ruth Dill Johnson Crockett Building on Douglass campus. This event is free and open to the public.

Rutgers Cinema presents “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” from 7 to 10 p.m. at Rutgers Cinema on Livingston campus. This event is $5 for student before 6 p.m.

Friday 1/26 The Department of Animal Sciences presents “Dietary Polyphenols and Metabolic Disease” from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. at Foran Hall 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.

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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.

January 24, 2018

University

Page 3

Student surveys help professors find new ways to improve teaching Jacob Turchi Staff Writer

For the last 25 years, the Student Instructional Rating Survey (SIRS) has helped faculty members shape their teaching approach while giving students a chance to express their opinions and criticisms.

Interested in maintaining a high level of education, Rutgers created a set of data to observe certain trends in departments and reward good teaching, said Monica Devanas, the director of Faculty Development and Assessment Programs at the Center for Teaching Advancement and Assessment Research (CTAAR).

Devanas said that the SIRS usually contains approximately 10 questions that fall into two categories.

The first eight questions are described as “formative questions,” which ask how professors can improve their teaching quality and relationship with the class. The last two are personal questions — asking students to rate the instructor and the course, she said.

“Faculty that are coming up for reappointment or tenure collect this information over their entire time at Rutgers,” Devanas said. “It provides as evidence for their effective teaching, their successful teaching and the quality of their teaching.”

Devanas said that SIRS is taken seriously by faculty, and many professors take their reviews personally. Sometimes professors will obsess over one negative review and completely neglect the 50 positive reviews they got from the same class.

The professors are constantly aware of the criticisms that they receive and are constantly working to improve themselves.

The surveys are interpreted solely by a professors’ own department. She said this compares professors to other instructors teaching the same or similar courses.

The surveys are completed at the

Monica Devanas (left), the director of Faculty Development and Assessment Programs, said the Student Instructional Rating Survey (SIRS) was created so the University can observe trends in different departments and reward good teaching. TWITTER end of every semester and are formative part of the survey is no- there are options for a department to add questions as it feels necesseparated by department with a ticeably low. sary, she said.

10-digit code.

Devanas said O n c e that they have forms are “ SIRS can give you an insight into whether or not you approximately 25 evaluated, templates availinstr uctors are accomplishing your goals.” able for faculty, are given the which allows data for their Steven miller them to add quesown sections Director of Undergraduate Studies in Journalism and Media Studies tions that pertain as well as the to their departmean scores ment. Faculty can in their department. Devanas said professors Every department gets the add questions to the SIRS on the are confronted if a section on the same 10 questions for the SIRS, but online and the print versions.

By obser ving the sur vey data, Devanas has been able to notice certain trends in different types of classes. Smaller classes tend to get a higher score because the class is more intimate and the professor can spend more time on individual students, she said.

The biggest trend she noticed is that classes in the humanities get a much higher score than science classes, Devanas said.

“The driver of this trend might be the more quantitative nature of a class. The more math heavy a course is, the lower the scores will be,” she said.

“Ever yone is math-phobic, and you can definitely see this trend in students, especially in the United States.”

Steven Miller, director of Undergraduate Studies in Journalism and Media Studies, said that he finds the SIRS useful as both a teacher and a director in his depar tment.

“I can’t teach well unless my students are open and honest with me and receptive to what I’m saying, but also I need to be receptive to them,” Miller said.

“SIRS can give you an insight into whether or not you are accomplishing your goals.”

He said he observes all of the results from all of the people who teach in his department.

This gives him insight into how others are teaching in the department and ways to help both professors and students, Miller said. The surveys give him and his fellow colleagues a chance to gauge their performances and figure out the best way to approach their students.

“Our job is, and should be, to convey knowledge to our students, to help make them become better students and better citizens,” he said. “If we’re not doing that well and we’re not looking at the methods that we use to do that, why bother?”

The SIRS asks approximately 10 questions that help professors gauge student opinions in their class. The first eight questions are “formative questions” — ­ asking how professors can improve their teaching — and the last two are personal questions. THE DAILY TARGUM

January 24, 2018

Page 4

ACTIVIST Huerta said that Rutgers should include diversity in curriculum continued from front

Huerta discussed gender equality and female empowerment — how important it is for women to vote and have their voices heard. She also spoke about the importance of diversity and weighing the voices of all parties in political discourse. GARRET STEFFE

support the workers on campus,” Huerta said.

When speaking about racial issues, she said there is an “abysmal ignorance” in the country.

“Racism is a cancer. It’s destructive ... No one is born racist.

That’s something they get from their parents,” she said.

Huerta emphasized the importance of diversity. She said that any room in which politicians are making decisions, if there is not a female or a person of color present, the wrong decision will be made.

“Try to reach them. Try to educate them ... with a lot of patience,” she said in regard to starting an open discussion between both parties.

In further discussion about diversity, she said, “we need to get

people’s stories into the curriculum” and that there needs to be “diversity not only in terms of the population, but also in the content of the curriculum.”

Carimer Andujar, a School of Engineering junior, said that it is important that Rutgers students care about and attend events like these.

“I feel like conversations such as these are so essential — especially during our political atmosphere — to kind of catapult students into action and demonstrate that one passionate person can truly make a difference,” Andujar said.

Huerta said it is society’s duty to stand as one when dealing with these issues, which started the chant, “We’ve got the power” across the room.

“We only have one human race — homo-sapiens,” she said.

Page 5

January 24, 2018

U. helps students create connections with employers Saige Francis Copy Editor

University Career Services provides students with tips and tools to make the task of job networking a little less daunting.

LinkedIn, a business-oriented networking site that connects job seekers to potential employers, helps facilitate the traditional job search process and kick-starts student exploration.

“The more students can connect with either employers or alumni who are working at different companies, the better shot they have of finding out directly from an individual person what that company might value,” said Andrew Seguel, a career education specialist at Career Ser vices.

By searching for individuals who work at specific companies, students can tailor their applications using inside information gathered throughout the website, he said. After they build a relationship with someone from within the company, there is a higher likelihood that the individual will vouch for them — creating new job opportunities.

If students want to make lasting connections, they first need to establish a solid profile — one that is tailored to a specific goal, he said. Their profile should communicate career goals and include relevant work skills.

“If you want an overarching tip, don’t just write about what you’ve done, write about it with a lens looking at (a) specific target goal you have,” Seguel said.

In order to cultivate a good profile, students must understand that their online presence matters,

he said. They should make sure their profiles are stocked with good work examples.

“You want to make sure there’s good stuff for them to find by showcasing your achievements, having a nice crisp professional picture. The brand you showcase needs to be high quality,” Siguel said. “They can make sure that your application is pulled from the pile, so to speak, and seen much more readily.”

Students can use LinkedIn to stay in touch with contacts that they meet in person and follow up with later on during career fairs and other business events, he said.

Career Services is offering a tour for first-year students for the upcoming career internship fair before it opens, said Melissa Blake, associate director for Strategic Communications & Marketing.

“It can be intimidating to even go to our career fair and network with employers who happen to be alumni,” she said. “Andrew (Seguel) and his colleagues are giving At University Career Services, students find help bridging connections between their academic an inside tour … it’s like coach- experiences and desired career paths — creating new relationships with alumni, employers and ing new students about how to graduate schools. CASEY AMBROSIO / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER talk to people and have that face to face interaction, because it can students the opportunity to prac- students, including CareerKnight have opted into this system,” tice what they learn in person, and the newly released Stu- Seguel said. be intimidating.”

He wants to ensure that the dent-Alumni Career Connect In preparation for the career Seguel said.

System — Rutgers community knows that fair — taking which allows these resources are at its disposplace from Jan. “We want to help students feel more comfortable students to al. The role of Career Services is 30 to Jan. 31 to help students navigate over the video chat with — Career Serin that in-person setting. Our whole goal alumni in vari- hurdles of the job-search process, vices will host a is to support students.” he said. ous fields. two-part Linke“We want to help students “ ( S t u dIn workshop Melissa Blake d e n t - A l u m n i feel more comfortable in that for students Associate Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing Career Con- in-person setting. Our whole to strengthen nect System) goal is to support students,” their profiles For those who cannot attend is basically like a homegrown Blake said. “This is why we are and online presences.

Each workshop is an active these workshops, a wide array of version of LinkedIn where we here — (to) help them achieve learning experience, giving online resources are available for have alumni from Rutgers who their career goal.”

CRIME TRENTON — Jerard Perdomo Santana, 25, of Philadelphia has been identified as 1 of 3 men who were killed in a shooting in Trenton, Monday afternoon. Authorities are working on identifying the two other men who died during the 2:20 p.m. shooting. The killings are the city’s second and third of the month, and year.

WARREN TOWNSHIP — Juan Rodriguez, 37, of Sacramento, California was arrested on Jan. 1 after police spotted him transporting 28 pounds of marijuana along with $10,500 of cash at a traffic stop in Warren Township. Rodriguez has been charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and possession of marijuana over 50 grams. Authorities said the officer could smell and see quantity of raw marijuana in his passenger seat. Rodriguez was held in the Somerset County Jail.

CAMDEN — Twenty-one-year-old Cafee White, 20-year-old Eshae Copling, 19-year-old Derrick Jackson, along with two unnamed 17-year-old suspects were all charged with first-degree felony murder, first-degree armed robbery and a conspiracy charge for the death of Harrison Javier, 17, of Camden. On Jan 8., Javier was sitting in a parked car when

all five members of the group rushed towards him, according to the prosecutors office. Police found Javier at about 1:20 p.m. and he was pronounced dead about half an hour later at Cooper University Hospital.

MORRIS COUNTY — Bajram Leka, 58, of Blairstown, owner of Adams Hot Bagel and Grill has been accused of molesting three of his male employees. Leka turned himself in to the Mount Olive Township Police Department after being contacted by detectives investigating the claims. The victims said he had approached and touched them “inappropriately” when they worked at the shop. Leka was pending a court proceeding, but is slated to be released from custody on Tuesday.

KEARNY — Gina Neri, 50, of North Arlington, who was a bookkeeper for the town’s Board of Education, has been charged on Monday with stealing approximately $200,000 from the district.

Neri is officially charged with theft by deception for negotiating checks drawn from the Board of Education’s account between 2011 and 2017. The investigation is ongoing, but Neri has since been suspended and resigned from her position, and is expected to return all of the stolen funds.

OPInions

Page 6

January 24, 2018

Inspiration can be drawn from obscurity

R

ight beside McCormick Residence Hall is the ongoing construction of SRUTI BEZAWADA the Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering. It is an architectural marvel. The exterior is sleek steel and large, open glass windows. A long metallic hall juts out the side of the main entrance in an eccentric tilt and a large, circular room bulges from beneath. Activity on the construction site had begun just before I enrolled at Rutgers as a first-year and is slated to end this fall. Once the structure is completed, it will rival the Business School on Livingston campus.

I have seen the building daily since I first unpacked in McCormick on move-in day. I am woken at 7 a.m. by the melodious tune of hammer clanging against metal and the sirens of vehicles lugging construction material.

While attending classes during my first day at Rutgers, I felt almost unlucky. At that time, the Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering was just a spindly, steely framework. There was not even a sidewalk in front. It certainly did not evoke the secure, solid sense of a finished building. The task would be monumental — its projected capacity is approximately 100,000 square feet and it looked like it was getting nowhere. But, as my family got ready to leave, my father guaranteed, “I’m telling you, it’ll be done in no time.”

I had returned to Busch campus after several afternoon and evening classes on the College Avenue campus. To my astonishment, the workers were still diligently driving trucks around, pouring cement and erecting steel beams. An American flag fluttered in the wind at the very top of the structure, like a climber who had just reached the peak of Mount Everest, as if in testament to the hours of hard labor the workers spent on the project.

And every day since (except weekends), rain or shine, from early morning to mid-evening, workers toiled on without fail. In the rapidly changing environment of college, where people are always attending classes, clubs, jobs and internships, crisscrossing the Raritan River in a tight-knit, interconnected network, the clanking of hammers and whirring of cranes makes me feel at home. Now, I cannot believe that what I had seen at the start of first semester was real. Fleshed out, decked with lighting and looking closer and closer to the computer-generated image of the final product, I find myself increasingly awed and even more-so inspired.

The steady progress of the Hall of Engineering is a prime example of

TRAIPSE THE FINE LINE

“It is not the destination that makes us happy but knowing we tried our best at every moment.” the time-tested merits of hard work, dedication and patience. Success does not come from nothing. No matter how long it takes, despite what anybody else says, regardless of your own mood, as long as you spend a set duration on your passions or studies daily, your effort is bound to bear fruit. After all, every expert was once a beginner, every towering tree began as a tiny seed buried deep in soil and every professor was once a student. Your unyielding allegiance to your proclaimed interests exhibits the epitome of self-respect and responsibility.

But of even greater importance is appreciation — to be able to look back and say, yes, now that I have reached here, I know I enjoyed every moment along the way.

The Hall of Engineering is named after Richard N. Weeks, an alumnus of Rutgers University. He has earned the Rutgers Medal of Excellence from the Rutgers School of Engineering and in 2017, was admitted into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Weeks is the chairman of Weeks Marine, a corporation specializing in maritime construction. Founded in 1919, it boasts almost a century of experience in the industry. It has acquired assets of major construction and marine companies and steadfastly maintains its reputation for progress.

Considering the company’s massive reach, it is difficult to imagine how it started. But it definitely started small. It originally possessed two wooden cranes capable of holding only two materials: coal and ballast.

Come World War II, the company seized the newfound opportunity to modernize, replacing the wood with steel and expanding its crane count to seven. Ever since its unassuming beginning, the company steadily continued to work and grow, capturing whatever opportunity it could and making as much out of it as possible.

Now, I am sure that Weeks has looked back on his company’s history and said, “Yes, we have come a long way.” It is not the destination that makes us happy but knowing we tried our best at every moment. In fact, once the finished building stands tall in all its shining metal glory, I will certainly miss the familiar jarring of construction work whenever I return from class. But that memory will remain permanent, and it will remind me to not worry about the end as long as I work hard the whole way there.

Sruti Bezawada is a Rutgers Business School first-year double majoring in marketing and communications and minoring in Japanese. Her column, “Traipse the Fine Line,” runs every alternate Wednesday.

UNIVERSAL UCLICK

EDITORIAL

NJ Transit audit may affect students Possible fare spike would increase financial burdens

O

n Monday, newly sworn in Gov. Phil Murphy will be forced to front the whole transportation cost (D-N.J.) signed an executive order calling for themselves — a hefty price when it adds up. For exa full-scale audit of NJ Transit. The system is ample, it costs approximately $30 for a round trip tickseen by many as failing and was one of the hot-button et from New Brunswick to Penn Station in New York issues of November’s gubernatorial race, especially City. Go twice a week and that is approximately $240 a after Hoboken’s rail accident in 2016. From person- month, which is more than many students can afford. nel to infrastructure, NJ Transit is in need of a seri- And while there are student discounts for NJ Transit ous revamping, and Murphy is right about that. At fares, they are not exactly significant, and the cost can parts of the train station in Summit, for example, the still be a great burden for low-income students on top concrete was found to be crumbling. But while a rev- of all of their other daily living expenses.

Spiking transit fares as a result of the audit could olution is just what this transit system needs, change at the scale in question requires a large amount of result in less students taking internships far away, or even less students taking internships in general. one scarce and particular thing — money.

Since 2009, NJ Transit fares have risen 36 percent. This would look enormously bad for the University.

Many attribute this to former Gov. Chris Christie’s We want as many skilled and experienced students as possible here — (R-N.J.) mishanthat is part of what dling of the system, makes a school great. but it is a bit too late “Spiking transit fares as a result of the If more students apto point the finger ply for internships of blame. Some are audit could result in less students taking close by because they concerned that with internships far away, or even less students cannot afford to travel this full-scale audit taking internships in general.” far, that will create a will come even highsignificant increase in er transit fares. The competition between worry is that the students — specifistate will decide to raise fares in order to compensate for the expensive cally those who are low-income — possibly resulting but thorough examination, but during his campaign in less low-income students with internships and a Murphy was quite critical of NJ Transit and opposed perpetuation of the social and wealth inequalities that its rising cost. If the cost of transit gets too high, it those who elected Murphy thought they were fighting could potentially have serious academic and profes- against. Not to mention the fact that the internship positions many students strive to land are in Manhattan. sional implications on Rutgers and its student body.

There is really not much that we expect the adminisInternships are an important aspect of a college student’s life because they help people garner ex- tration can do to help defray the cost of students’ tranperience. Experience is a key aspect of resumes in sit fares. The University is already spread quite thin post-college life, and in many cases it is necessary for when it comes to funding, so to throw this on it would an employer’s consideration. Presumably, a large por- not make much sense and would likely be counterprotion of the internships that Rutgers students attain are ductive considering how much of its general funding not conveniently located on campus and require use of comes out of our tuition. In that case, our pleas lie with the NJ Transit system. If fares for transit continue to Murphy and New Jersey to prevent further burdenget higher, students who do not have paid internships some increases to the system’s transit fares.

The Daily Targum’s editorials represent the views of the majority of the 149th editorial board. Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.

January 24, 2018

Opinions Page 7

Democratic Party should focus more on progressive values UNVEILING THE TRUTH LUKE HINRICHS

W

e stand at a crossroads. America is plagued by inequality. People feel stuck and trapped in their socioeconomic status, yet a wave of activism is crashing across the country. People are mobilized in an effort of progress and hope is present in many. Now is the time for the Democratic Party to assert itself as not just the anti-Donald J. Trump party, but also the party of the working class, of economic uplifting and of liberty and justice for all. Times of racial unification of the diverse working class are times of growth and progress, but such times have been hindered by the maintenance of the power structure and establishment of political bases.

Driven by a desire for progress, justice and abolition of their subordination, in 1891, the Colored Farmers Alliance, was united with a number of industrial and agrarian-based organizations, including the Southern and Northern Alliances, to form the People’s Party, also known as the Populist Party.

Between 1892 and 1896, the Populists won a number of state governments. Populist achieved success by addressing the economic issues of the worse off, while also striding toward greater racial integration.

But alarmed conservatives of a party in-

habited by the elite undermined such progress. Conservatives sent out rallying cries of white supremacy, leading to violent attacks and intimidation aimed at smothering the potent alliance between working class white and Black Americans.

Sociologist William Julius Wilson noted that, “As long as poor whites directed their hatred and frustration against the black competitor, the (ruling elite) were relieved of class hostility directed against them.”

Aggressive campaigns of white supremacy and the enforcement of segregation laws enacted to establish sentiments of superior-

of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) in 1965, King said, “Our combined strength is potentially enormous … If we make the war on poverty a total war; if we seek higher standards for all workers for an enriched life, we have the ability to accomplish it, and our nation has the ability to provide it.”

King had also said, “Negroes are not the only poor in the nation. There are nearly twice as many white poor as Negro, and therefore the struggle against poverty is not involved solely with color or racial discrimination but with elementary economic justice.” Today, there are approximately

“Times of racial unification of the diverse working class are times of growth and progress ...” ity and power in lower-class whites strained the Populist Party and eventually broke its progressive coalition. During the movements of progress in the 1960s, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. saw that the plight of the working class were interwoven with the struggles of persons of color. Reverend King recognized the potential for progress when economic pain was not used to divide, but rather unify behind a common purpose — a lifting up of all.

In a speech to the Illinois branch of the American Federation of Labor and Congress

17.5 million white Americans living in poverty, approximately 8.7 million Black Americans in poverty and approximately 11.25 million Hispanic Americans in poverty.

Divisions within the electorate are constructed with the sole purpose to manipulate and maintain power in prevention of economic justice. The planters and ruling elite of the 1890s designed social institutions and a racial hierarchy to disrupt and dissolve the threat of a unified working class. In the 1960s, conservatives used coded rhetoric to suggest that big government

is simply a tool to help minorities at the expense of white working people. Former President Richard M. Nixon championed the Southern Strategy in which he tapped into feelings of economic instability and racial resentment, converting white Southerners to the Republican Party and radically altering the political coalitions in America.

President Donald J. Trump, in 2016, built on the Southern Strategy by bringing together an explicitly racist message and an economically conservative platform. After a year of Trump’s administration, the Democratic Party has yet to make the necessary changes to its flawed establishment. The party’s identity is uncertain, its values lack clarity and its inconsistency is alarming.

Even though there was total disregard for truth or fact, the Trump campaign provided simple and clear promises that touched on the anger and uncertainty of many.

We need not be pitted against one another, for our pain is shared, our poverty is mutual, our uncertainty communal and thus, our purpose must be common. There is an opportunity for fear to be extinguished and hate to be peacefully combated. The unification of the past can drive the progress of the future. The future of the Democratic Party rests on progressive values and the working class.

Luke Hinrichs is a School of Arts and Sciences first-year majoring in political science and economics. His column “Unveiling the Truth,” runs on alternate Wednesdays.

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January 24, 2018

JUUL culture makes nicotine ‘cool’ again Jordan Levy Contributing writer

If you’ve spent considerable time on just about any college campus in the last five years, you’ve probably seen someone walking around blowing big plumes of vapor. E-cigarettes and vapes have exploded in popularity since being introduced to the United States in 2006, but in recent years a smaller, more discreet vape has had a meteoric rise.

The JUUL, described on their website as “an easy to use vaporizer designed for adult smokers looking for a genuine alternative to smoking cigarettes,” has skyrocketed in popularity. The website also explicitly states “JUUL is a switching product. It is not intended as a cessation or quitting product.”

Rechargeable through a USB, it truly can pass for a flash drive if seen at a glance. The sleek design of the vape is a real draw for those trying to avoid carrying around clunky vaporizers.

Sophomore in the School of Arts and Sciences and self-proclaimed “JUUL expert” Max Lazen explained his reasoning behind JUUL’s success.

“Cigarettes have always been an aesthetic choice, and people know

cigarettes are bad for you,” Lazen said. “But a lot of people are reluctant to switch to the large vape modules because they look so conspicuous and stupid. The JUUL offers an inconspicuous, sleek, smokeless cigarette alternative.”

The JUUL uses an e-liquid called JUUL nicotine salts, which is stored in 0.7 milliliter storage units called JUUL pods. The pods are 5 percent nicotine by weight, and one pod is approximately equal to one pack of cigarettes. A pack of pods costs $15.99 and comes with four units. In 2017, Time Magazine reported the average price of a pack of cigarettes as $6.16, so JUUL pods may be a smart fiscal choice for cigarette smokers.

JUUL has made a very self-contained product, as you can only use JUUL pods to vape with the device. Other vapes can mix all sorts of e-liquids of a variety of flavors. The JUUL website lists the five different flavors — Virginia Tobacco, Cool Mint, Fruit Medley, Creme Brulee and Mango.

“Even people that aren’t smokers are interested because it has appealing flavors.” Lazen said.

At Rutgers, vaping is following the popularity trends seen across the nation. It creates such good business that there are three com-

With its sleek design, pocket-sized frame and delicious selection of flavors, the JUUL has become an ideal vaporizor for both non-smokers and for those looking to quit. THOMAS BONIELLO bination vape and smoke shops are located just two blocks apart from each other on George Street, with two more on Easton Avenue.

“It’s probably the best seller, it’s up there with the best selling vapes. The appeal of the JUUL is that you can feel the nicotine,” John Moore-Alameda, an employee at Amsterdam Smoke Shop on Easton Avenue said of the JUUL’s popularity. “With a lot of vapes, you don’t feel the nicotine in the same way you feel it with the JUUL.” When asked about the daily sales of JUUL pods, it was evident that the product does incredibly well.

“A lot, more than I could even count. Individual pods, at least fifty or more,” Moore-Alameda said.

JUULs are popular among former cigarette smokers, but not everybody who tries them knows their

primary purpose. Toju Agbeyegbe, a sophomore in the School of Arts and Sciences, didn’t know what the JUUL truly was at first.

“At first, I just wanted to have a JUUL so I could practice smoke tricks.” said Agbeyegbe.

After realizing the nicotine content, he stopped using the vape.

“The nicotine levels are too high for me since I’m not a cigarette smoker,” Agbeyegbe said.

JUUL is an attractive vape as it remains subtle but is highly functional. The vape can also save smokers money over time, which can be an additional perk for the expensive habit. It seems like a great alternative for cigarette smokers, but those looking to “hit the JUUL” for aesthetic value should be wary of the high nicotine content and vape at their own risk.

Eat gourmet with fancy grilled cheese Elizabeth Leoce correspondent

Few sandwiches are more comforting than the classic grilled cheese. For many of us, biting into a grilled cheese sandwich is like taking a bite of heaven. It’s crisp, warm and gooey — practically irresistible.

The quintessential grilled cheese requires a slice or two of cheese between bread and butter, but why limit yourself to the constraints of American cheese on sliced white bread?

With the right ingredients, grilled cheese can be a flexible and versatile lunch option. Some unique combinations are the Brie and Apple grilled cheese, cauliflower grilled cheese, Mac and Cheese grilled cheese and the Hawaiian grilled cheese.

Here are just a couple of inspirational takes on every adult’s childhood favorite.

Avocado Grilled Cheese Ingredients: 1 avocado Juice of 1 lime Salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp of butter 2 slices of pepper jack cheese Directions: In a small bowl, mash avocado with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.

Heat pan to medium heat.

Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread, then spread avocado on the non-buttered side of one slice. Top with cheese and close sandwich.

Place sandwich in pan, then cover and cook until golden brown — 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook other side until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown — 2 minutes more.

Slice in half and serve

Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese Ingredients: 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 2 cups baby spinach 1 15-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 cup of shredded Gruyere 4 ounces (1/2 block) of cream cheese, softened Salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp of butter 4 slices of bread Directions: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant for 1 minute, then add spinach and cook until wilted for 3 minutes more.

Add spinach to a medium bowl with the artichoke hearts, shredded Gruyere and cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper and stir until combined.

Add 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Butter bread and add two slices to the skillet, then top with the spinach-artichoke mixture and remaining slices of bread.

Cook until it is nicely golden and cheese is melted — 2 to 3 minutes — then flip it over and cook for 2 minutes more. Serve hot.

DIVERSIONS

January 24, 2018

Mark Tatulli Horoscopes

Lio

Page 9 Eugenia Last

Happy Birthday: Helping others will in turn help you. Moving forward with other people in mind will boost your reputation and give you the power to incorporate what you would like to see transpire. Offering hope and a helping hand will lead to an opportunity to use your experience, physical attributes and open-mindedness to help others overcome obstacles and emotional setbacks. Your numbers are 4, 12, 19, 26, 32, 35, 46.

Over The Hedge

T. Lewis and M. Fry

Non Sequitur

Wiley

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Talking about what you want to do and actually getting things done are not the same thing. Bypass the promises and dive right into the doing. Your accomplishments will be recognized and rewarded. Tame your emotions and protect your health. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Do whatever it takes to secure your finances, legal issues or any domestic matters that have been causing concern.

How you handle situations that can disrupt your environment will have lasting implications. Use your intelligence to make wise choices. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll be torn between what you want to do and what’s expected of you. Take care of business first and you’ll find a way to pursue your dreams as well.

Organization and hard work will thwart disappointment. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Walk away from emotional situations that are ridden with inconsistency and empty promises. Focus on the present and how you can secure your position. Put your energy into building a solid base that can withstand any uncertainty that unfolds. Practice moderation. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Emotional matters will escalate if you hold back or keep secrets from someone close to you. Clear the air and make your position known. No one can help you if you don’t disclose what’s bothering you. A healthy lifestyle is encouraged. 3 stars CANCER (June 21-July 22): You’ll have a good plan that will help others. Lay down the ground rules and take a position of leadership. A partnership may crumble if you don’t agree on how to move forward. Follow your heart and don’t fold under pressure. 4 stars

Pearls Before Swine

Stephan Pastis

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Emotional problems will set in if you let your personal life interfere with your job.

Don’t make physical changes based on a whim or an emotional downturn.

Keep your money and possessions tucked away in a safe place. 2 stars VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You can make positive adjustments at home.

A stable environment will give you the courage and home base to build new beginnings and go after your dreams. Trust in your instincts and follow your heart. Don’t give in to emotional blackmail. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Let your heart lead the way. Try to consider what will make you happy and head in that direction. You can’t always please everyone, so do whatever it takes to please you instead. Personal change is encouraged. 5 stars CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): An emotional incident will leave you in a quandary if you can’t stabilize the situation quickly. Use your intelligence and experience to outmaneuver anyone who tries to disrupt the stability of what you are trying to accomplish. 2 stars AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take care of personal business. Avoid altercations with authority figures or those in a position to influence your future.

Use charm, not force, to win acceptance and support. Explore your options and abide by the rules. 4 stars PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Settle in to whatever jobs are assigned to you. Do your best and don’t stop until you are satisfied with what you have achieved. Go above the call of duty and the rewards you receive will be worthwhile. 4 stars

©2016 By Eugenia Last distributed by Universal Uclick

Universal Crossword ACROSS

62 Oil or ear source

1 Bodybuilder’s concern

63 Publicizes

5 Word with “false”

64 Great apprehension

9 Make meat leaner

65 All fours member

14 Section of a city

66 Squirrel nest

15 Inoperative 16 Visual representation

DOWN

17 Bore, to a hippie

1 Way up, for some

18 Newbie

2 Hit the big time

19 Had a bug

3 Flirtatious sorts

20 Grump’s causes of friction

4 Novella’s opposite

23 “The Lady ___”

5 Opposite of guest

24 Bolt or streak

6 Senior man in a group

25 Most mean-spirited

7 Shrek, e.g.

28 Plant over

8 Weaving apparatus

30 Swell kin

9 Much-liked princess

32 Black or green beverage

10 Issues

33 Staggered

11 Super-high voice

35 River critter

12 What some prefer to keep secret

37 Grump’s inconsistency

13 Legendary Williams

40 Earring sites

21 Hails

40 Be permissive

41 Change genetically

22 Flow back

43 Not me or them

42 Features of hammers

26 Eyeballed

45 Cure-all in a bottle

43 Small bark

27 Road goo

46 Like scary thunderstorms

44 Most hard-to-find

29 Marine bird of prey

47 Minute

48 Skin-deep art

30 Sick of it all

49 Nonsense song syllables

51 Farm female

31 Mine entrance

50 Was creepily looky-looky

52 Poe’s “Annabel ___”

34 Himalayan holy man

51 Nighttime noise

53 Grump’s disposition

35 Canadian capital

54 Pseudo

57 Right around here

36 Row after row’s creation

55 Black, to Mr. Fancy-Pants

59 Orchestra instrument

37 Prolonged unconsciousness

56 Fly-snatching creature

60 Yoked beasts

38 Thing to overcome

57 Hallucinogenic drug

61 La ___ University

39 Word with “beta”

58 Worker in the water

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

January 24, 2018

Page 10

program Jenkins, Carey, Cryor among transfers who have changed culture for Knights continued from back woes. So far this season, Scaife has carried the team without question, averaging 20.5 points per game. No other Rutgers player averages over 7.5 points per game, so Scaife is heavily relied upon offensively.

Scaife is also the team’s best free-throw shooter, nailing 81 of 96 attempts, good for an 84.4-percent mark on the season. Because Scaife is so heavily relied on to make shots, she chews up minutes for the Knights, averaging a team-high 27.8 minutes per game. Recently, Scaife became the third Scarlet Knight ever to score 2,000 career points for the women’s basketball team — a true milestone.

Another huge difference in this season compared to last is the group of transfers contributing on the court for Rutgers. After sitting out last season, this group has shown why Stringer was so excited about them finally being able to play.

Junior forward and transfer Stasha Carey from Pitt is one of those players. Carey is second on the team in scoring, averaging 7.5 points per game, as well as second in minutes per game, averaging 26.8. She also leads the team in rebounding (7.7 per game) and three-point shooting percentage (38.1).

Another key player has been junior forward Caitlin Jenkins, a transfer from Southern University at Shreveport, who leads the team in blocks per game with 1.6.

Jenkins also hauls in 7.6 rebounds per game, while averaging 5.4 points per game.

With the talented transfer frontcourt of Carey and Jenkins leading the team in rebounds and blocks, the backcourt full of transfers has also proved to be useful.

Sophomore guard Ciani Cr yor provides the Knights with a scoring spark off the bench, as she is third on the team in scoring, averaging 6.2 points per game. Cr yor leads the team in assists, with 3.6 per game, while also being second on the team in steals with 1.8 per game.

Currently, Stringer sits just six wins shy of 1,000 career coaching victories, a milestone

in collegiate basketball. With eight regular season games to go, the number is still attainable, but look for Stringer to hit the record in Indianapolis during the Big Ten tournament.

The most improved team in women’s basketball can certainly make a run in the Big Ten tournament if it continues to rely on Scaife and its ‘55’ press defense, which bothers teams and forces a ton of turnovers.

With an impressive Big Ten tourney performance, Rutgers may very well find itself playing for it all come March in this year’s women’s NCAA tournament, somewhere the Knights have not reached since the 2014-15 season, where they were bounced in the second round.

For updates on the Rutgers women’s basketball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.

Fifth-year senior Tyler Scaife is having an incredible comeback season for Rutgers after redshirting last season due to a medical injury.

Scaife leads the Knights in points per game with 20.5 in 22 games of action. JEFFREY GOMEZ / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR / DECEMBER 2017

IN BRIEF

F

ifteen years ago, on Oct. 29, 2003, an 18-year-old kid drafted No.1 overall out of high school from Akron, Ohio made his much-anticipated NBA debut. In 42 minutes, he scored 25 points and added nine assists, six rebounds and four steals against the Sacramento Kings. That kid was LeBron James, according to an ESPN article.

Last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers forward picked up his 30,000th point after scoring 28 points against the San Antonio Spurs. James is just the seventh player in NBA history to eclipse the 30,000-point total and joins Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki as the only current players to reach the milestone.

James drew a lot of criticism on social media yesterday after posting an Instagram picture congratulating himself for scoring his 30,000th point before he had even achieved the feat.

But in his age-33 season, James is showing no signs of slowing down and is having perhaps his best season to date, currently averaging 26.8 points per game, 8.7 assists per game and 7.8 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are 27-19 and third in the Eastern Conference.

With his 28 points on the night, James now has 30,021 for his career.

January 24, 2018

Page 11

battle Rutgers needs to play more consistently if it wants to compete against Nebraska continued from back Scoring troubles have been a constant issue for Rutgers this year, dictating the end result regardless of its usually stout defense.

Against Iowa, the Knights shot 54 percent and offset a strong 3-point shooting performance from the Hawkeyes.

Just a few days later, Rutgers traveled to Ann Arbor and faced an underperforming Michigan side, one that still finished the day with a 15-point win over the Knights.

It is indicative of the seesaw trend Rutgers has put together through most of its Big Ten slate — winning one, losing one, coming close to knocking off a ranked team and losing to another.

On the other hand, the Cornhuskers have kept up a stable pattern over the last few weeks, winning three of their last five games, one of those being a 20-point win over the Wolverines just a couple of days before they tripped up the Knights.

Three of Nebraska’s last four losses — dating all the way back to December — have come against ranked teams, only falling by an average of 5 points in those games.

And statistically, there really is not much reason to believe the Cornhuskers would have knocked off then-No. 14 Minnesota or held then-No. 13 Kansas to only a 1-point win.

Nebraska comes into Wednesday’s game as the only

team in the Big Ten with a negative rebounding margin — and by a large measure. The team does not shoot well — both in and out of the arc — only ranking above Rutgers in field-goal percentage. And that also leads to a low assist count, posting a 13.7 assists-per-game mark, good for 12th in the conference — still higher than the Knights’ last-place 11 assists-per-game line.

But the team has simply found a way to get things done, in part because of guard James Palmer Jr., who stands seventh in the Big Ten in points per game with 16.6.

On the other hand, individual play has not led to the same success for Rutgers. A team that frequently reverts to an isooffense, the leaders — junior guard Corey Sanders, fifthyear senior forward Deshawn Freeman and freshman guard Geo Baker — have not been able to put together strong enough individual performances to carry the team over the edge when the side is not shooting well.

An inability to adjust midgame has left the Knights out of the picture in games they really should be competitive in.

On Wednesday, they come up against a Nebraska team that has made a season out of playing a meaningful 40 minutes almost every time out there.

For updates on the Rutgers men’s basketball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.

rankings Newly-named No. 1 Suriano is 18-0 so far this season, including 9-0 in dual matches continued from back October. “This is my home, so I’m ready to light it up for New Jersey wrestling fans and fans all across the country that have followed me throughout my career.”

Last year with the Nittany Lions, Suriano was an NCAA qualifier as a true freshman after going 16-3 in the regular season, including 12-2 in duals and 8-1 in the Big Ten. Two of Suriano’s losses came from injury, while the other was to Iowa’s Thomas Gilman, who was the 2017 Big Ten Champion and NCAA runner-up at 125 pounds.

Overall this season, the Paramus, New Jersey native and former Bergen Catholic superstar — who went a perfect 1590 during his high school career — has secured seven tech falls, five major decisions, five decisions and a pin in his first year on the Banks.

Suriano’s high school career was nothing short of perfection, going undefeated, while also winning four NJSIAA state championships. Suriano is also just the fourth four-time state champion New Jersey has produced, and is the only wrestler in state histor y to match his four individual titles with four team titles.

The timing of Suriano’s jump to No. 1 could not have come at a better time, as he and the rest of the Knights will host Penn State at the Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC) on Sunday afternoon in front of a sold out crowd.

After Sunday’s match, Suriano and Rutgers only have five more matches remaining — all duals, four of which are conference matches — before the 2018 Big Ten Championships kick off on March 3 in East Lansing, Michigan.

Some people have suggested that Suriano should remain at No. 2 once Tomasello fell on Sunday, and that Darian Cruz from Lehigh —who was then No. 3 and is now No. 2 under Suriano — should be No. 1, considering he won the NCAA title at 125 pounds last season.

Suriano will finally get to prove himself to whatever critics he might have at the 2018 NCAA Championships, starting on March 15 in Cleveland, Ohio.

“There’s a lot of names, a lot of ranks,” Suriano said. “I don’t get caught up with that honestly, because I’m my own person. I’m me.

If I’m at my best, I don’t have to worry about them.”

For updates on the Rutgers wrestling team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.

Freshman guard Geo Baker has started all 21 games for Rutgers in his first year on the Banks, averaging 11.5 points per game. JEFFREY GOMEZ / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR / JANUARY 2018

TWITTER: @TargumSports website: DailyTargum.com/section/sports

rutgers university—new brunswick

SPORTS

Quote of the Day

“This is my home, so I’m ready to light it up for New Jersey wrestling fans and fans all across the country that have followed me throughout my career.”

— Sophomore 125-pounder Nick Suriano

wednesday, january 24, 2018

ONLINE AT DAILYTARGUM.COM

WRESTLING NO. 1 SURIANO UNDEFEATED THIS SEASON

MEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Knights get set for battle with Cornhuskers

Transfers bring new life, pace to RU program

Jon Spilletti

Matthew Howe

Sports Editor

Staff Writer

In a lot of ways, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are exactly what the Rutgers men’s basketball team wants to be.

A team that has exceeded expectations in the one metric that matters — wins — during an early conference schedule that very few teams would envy, coming up against six ranked programs.

For a team that entered the season ranked close-to-last in numerous Big Ten preseason polls, taking two of those ranked matchups — by double-digits, no less — would undoubtedly constitute a successful season.

Staying competitive in virtually every other game and winning three more conference games to boot is just icing on the cake.

On Wednesday night, the Scarlet Knights (12-9, 2-6) welcome Nebraska (14-8, 5-4) to the Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC) in a battle between a team that has made slight improvements from last season and one who has steadily progressed from game to game.

Rutgers is the former, a team whose lack of consistency has hampered its progress this season. In the thick of the team’s Big Ten schedule, it has hardly been able to string together consecutive good performances.

That came up yet again last time around, following up a dominant win over Iowa by struggling mightily on offense against thenNo. 23 Michigan, finishing the day shooting 33 percent from the field.

“We couldn’t score today,” said head coach Steve Pikiell, after the Knights’ loss to the Wolverines Sunday. “Their defense was terrific. If you can’t score, you can’t win, especially on the road in this league against a ranked team.”

Turn back the calendar exactly one year from today, and take a look at the Rutgers women’s basketball team. This time last year, the team was 6-15 on the season, and without star and then-senior guard Tyler Scaife, who was taking a redshirt season due to a medical issue.

The Scarlet Knights had a semi-talented roster, but most of their talent remained dormant on their bench, having to sit out the entire season due to NCAA transfer rules. The talented transfers could only wait, and had to watch their team struggle on the court, while not being able to help.

That 2016-17 team ended its season on an 11-game losing streak, and finished 6-24 on the year, the worst record of head coach C. Vivian Stringer’s illustrious career, ranging over 40 seasons.

Stringer would go on to describe that season as “gut wrenching” during the 2017 media day, and something that she never hopes to go through again.

Fast forward to today. The year is 2018, and Rutgers is 17-5 on the season, with a 5-3 Big Ten Conference record. It is also playing phenomenally at home, going 12-1 so far this season in games at The Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC).

The talented transfers are playing, while Scaife is back and better than ever. Stringer has a deeper bench than she has ever had before, constantly rotating fresh legs on the court to execute her full court press, which she calls her signature ‘55’ press defense.

Before Sunday’s home loss to Nebraska, the Knights came into the game ranked No. 25 in the country.

So what has been the difference? Certainly Scaife has been an answer to last seasons

See battle on Page 11

Sophomore 125-pounder Nick Suriano is the first ever unanimous No. 1 wrestler in program history for Rutgers. JEFFREY GOMEZ / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR / JANUARY 2018

Suriano named No. 1 in weight-class rankings Coby Green Correspondent

Head coach Steve Pikiell needs to see more consistent play. JEFFREY GOMEZ / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR / JANUARY 2018

For the first time in program history, the No. 16 Rutgers wrestling team has a unanimous No. 1 ranked athlete in its locker room, as sophomore 125-pounder Nick Suriano has moved up one spot to No. 1 in the nation.

Suriano, who spent the first half of the season ranked at No. 2, now sits at the top spot of the ranking boards, including InterMat Wrestling and FloWrestling. Suriano is on a roll this season, currently sitting undefeated overall at 18-0 — 9-0 in duals — and has defeated five other wrestlers that currently sit on the InterMat ranked list.

“I have high expectations for myself,” Suriano said. “To me, it’s just another match …

I’m ready to see how far I can take it.”

The No. 1 spot was up for grabs after this weekend, when then-No.1 Nathan Tomasello from Ohio State was upset by then No. 6

Spencer Lee from Iowa, in the teams’ dual last Sunday. Tomasello now sits at No. 4, while Lee has now risen above him and sits at No. 3.

At just one meet, Suriano defeated thenNo.10 Ronnie Bresser from Oregon State, then-No. 12 Sebastian Rivera from Northwestern and then No.18 Zeke Moisey, to become the first ever Knight to capture a Midlands Championship title.

With a team-high total of 249 individual points compared to 61 against him, Suriano has contributed 38 team points to the Scarlet Knights (5-4, 1-3) so far this season.

Suriano is midway through his first year of collegiate wrestling in New Jersey, after transferring to Rutgers from Penn State, which is currently ranked as the No. 1 team in the country.

“This is what I wanted,” Suriano said at the team introduction press conference back in See RANKingS on Page 11

Boston New Jersey

3 2

Carolina Pittsburgh

1 3

Colorado Montreal

2 4

Nashville Tampa Bay

3 4

Philadelphia Detroit

2 3

St. Louis Ottawa

3 0

ADAM CHARALAMBIDES,

sophomore attackman on the men’s lacrosse team, will miss the 2018 season after suffering an injury in preseason practice.

Charalambides also missed all of last season with an injury for the No. 7 Scarlet Knights..

Junior forward Caitlin Jenkins is part of a transfer trio for Rutgers. JEFFREY GOMEZ / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR / DECEMBER 2017

knights schedule

EXTRA POINT

NHL SCORES

See Program on Page 10

MEN’S BASKETBALL WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

vs. Nebraska

Terrier Classic

N.Y. Armory Invitational Dr. Sander Invitational

Tonight, 7 p.m., The RAC

Friday, All Day, Boston, Mass.

Friday, All Day, Bronx, N.Y.

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Friday, All Day, Bronx, N.Y.