December 12, 2018
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Campus Calendar WEDNESDAY 12/12 Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine and Center for Integrative Proteomics Research presents “Building High-Throughput Expression Libraries From Genomes” from noon to 1 p.m. at Center for Integrative Proteomics Research on Busch campus. This event is free and open to the public. Robert Wood Johnson Medical School presents “Neurology Grand Rounds” from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Clinical Academic Building on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public. Mason Gross School of the Arts presents “Fall 2018 Visiting Artists Series: Diamond Stingily” at 6:30 p.m. at Civic Square Building on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public. Mason Gross School of the Ar ts presents “Rutgers Chamber Jazz Ensembles” at 7:30 p.m. at Stephanie Morris Marr yott Music Building on Douglass
campus. This event is free and open to the public. Catholic Student Association presents “Christmas Party” from 8 to 11 p.m. at Catholic Center on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public. THURSDAY 12/13 The Department of Nutritional Sciences presents “Sensory Neuromodulation of Pancreatic β Cells” from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Food Science and Nutritional Sciences Building East on Cook campus. This event is free and open to the public. Center for Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program and Psychiatric Services presents “Mindfulness Meditation” from noon to 1 p.m. at Douglass Student Center on Douglass campus. This event is free and open to the public. Rutgers Recreation Department presents “Twilight Yoga” from 5 to 6 p.m. at the College Avenue Gym on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public.
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December 12, 2018
Rutgers continues to debate over free speech RYAN STIESI NEWS EDITOR
The Rutgers community plunged into discourse and debate as free speech issues arose on campus this semester. From contested speakers to the University eventually ruling that James Livingston, a professor in the Department of History, did not violate its discrimination policy when he posted racially-charged Facebook comments
“To call me an ‘Islamophobe,’ is slanderous and preposterous.” LISA DAFTARI Editor-in-Chief of The Foreign Desk
over the summer, Rutgers had to make some important decisions. While many issues came up this fall, the decision to postpone Lisa Daftari’s speech stands out due to the twists the story took during its development. Rutgers Undergraduate Academic Affairs (UAA) booked Daftari, a foreign-affairs journalist, for a speech titled “Radicalism on College Campuses” that was originally scheduled for Oct. 16 at the Douglass Student Center. Approximately one week prior to the event, Adeel Ahmed, a School of Arts and Sciences senior and co-president of RU Progressive, started a change.org
petition calling on the University to prevent Daftari from speaking, according to The Daily Targum. In the petition, Ahmed said that Daftari’s speech at The Heritage Foundation was Islamophobic. Ahmed said that Daftari said the following in that speech: “Islamic terror takes its guidance and teachings from the Quran, which is Sharia law ... When you go to the mosque and you are part of a community, and you want to feel important and relevant, and want to give back to the cause — (ISIS) recruits you. You say, ‘I can be an ISIS wife.’” The petition received more than 1,000 signatures. In a statement to the Targum, Daftari responded and disputed the claims made against her. “To call me an ‘Islamophobe,’ is slanderous and preposterous,” she said. “If those students took the time to look at my background and the breadth of my coverage, they would see that not only am I Iranian, but I have dedicated my time to mainly defending human rights in Muslim countries on TV, radio, on D.C. panels, government briefings and even at the United Nations where I spoke about the plight of Syrians recently.” After initially supporting Daftari and the decision to have her speak, UAA backtracked just a few days later, according to the Targum. At the time, University spokesperson Neal Buccino said the event had been postponed indefinitely and did not comment on what lead to this decision. Following this, another Rutgers student started a separate petition
Lisa Daftari was supposed to speak at a University-sponsored event titled “Radicalism on College Campuses.” Originally scheduled for Oct. 16, the Rutgers Undergraduate Academic Affairs postponed the event for a later date. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS aimed at bringing Daftari back to speak, according to the Targum. That petition also received more than 1,000 online signatures. On Oct. 15, Rutgers Director of Public and Media Relations John Cramer sent an email to the Targum that said the University had offered Daftari four new dates to speak on-campus: Wednesday Nov. 14, Monday Nov. 19, Monday Nov. 26 and Wednesday Nov. 28. Cramer also said that UAA Vice Chancellor Ben Sifuentes-Jáuregui apologized for any confusion. “Please know that Rutgers values the free and open exchange of all viewpoints and that you are welcome to speak here,” Sifuentes-Jáuregui said at the time
according to the email. “I understand, in fact, that you may have been invited by student groups to speak at the University as well as the event that was scheduled for tomorrow night.” Daftari rejected the offer and said the University shared the aforementioned information regarding their correspondence without her knowledge, according to the Targum. In a statement sent to the Targum, she shared her email response back to the vice chancellor: “Dear Professor Sifuentes, Thank you for your email. With all due respect, in all of our previous correspondence and communication, it was clear that the
University unilaterally decided to cancel the event. To come back after the damage has been done to my reputation and suggest that this was some misunderstanding and to continue with the premise that the event was merely postponed, lacks the integrity and respect that I would have hoped for from my alma mater. Just as the University was sensitive to the concerns of a group of students who slandered my good name based on falsified quotes, I would hope that the University would now demonstrate the same level of consideration as we move on. I wish you and the Rutgers community much success in all your future endeavors.”
Dutta resigns, Barchi to stay 2 more years BRENDAN BRIGHTMAN STAFF WRITER
It has been a full semester since Rutgers—New Brunswick Chancellor Debasish Dutta announced his resignation. In July of this year, The Daily Targum reported that Dutta would resign from his role as chancellor and instead transition to a distinguished professor position. Dutta began his service as chancellor on July 1, 2017. Before coming to Rutgers, Dutta was the former provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Purdue University. Dutta said that serving as chancellor had been rewarding, but his vision going forward differed from that of the University. “During this time it has become clear that my vision for the chancellorship is not in alignment with that of the University,” he said. “It is only fair that I step aside and let the University select a new leader for the New Brunswick campus.” Dutta added at the time that University President Robert L. Barchi accepted his resignation and has since named Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development Christopher J. Molloy interim chancellor of Rutgers—New Brunswick.
Dutta reiterated at the time that everyone in the Rutgers community has his full support as they work to improve the University. Molloy had previously served as vice president from December 2013 until taking the interim chancellor position. Before that, he was the dean of the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, the interim provost for biomedical and health sciences and the interim chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Barchi said in a statement when he first announced Molloy as chancellor. “The past year, as chancellor of the flagship campus at Rutgers, has been immensely rewarding,” Dutta said. “Serving in this role at one of America’s oldest and most prominent land-grant public universities has been a distinct privilege.” Molloy said there is not a search committee to replace Dutta currently, and Barchi has not announced that there will be one. The Daily Targum reported in September that Barchi announced he will be staying on as University president for at least two more years. “I expect to be in this role for some time, whether it converts to permanent or not that’s really up to the president and the board, but it is possible that that may happen.”
Former Chancellor Debasish Dutta said his vision for the future differed from that of the University. Before he came to Rutgers, he served as a provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Purdue University. CASEY AMBROSIO / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
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December 12, 2018
Rutgers receives donations for research CATHERINE NGUYEN
$1.4M FOR ALZHEIMER’S AND ELDER ABUSE
STAFF WRITER
$4.2M FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
At the end of October, the Rutgers School of Health Professions received a $4.2 million federal grant to train health practitioners as part of a nationwide effort to improve mental health ser vices. The University plans on using the grant to turn research into practice. In support of the grant, the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling is creating a regional Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, which will be 1 of 10 in the countr y. Kenneth Gill, chair of the department and the grant’s principal investigator, said the center is expected to be fully operational by 2019. The center will cover New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas where there have been increases in depression, anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to Rutgers Today. It will determine development needs by working with people from teachers and families to health care providers, as well as provide in-person and online training, said Ann Murphy, program director of Rutgers School of Health Professionals and grant project director. The center will also create English and Spanish online sites for information, materials and resources to focus on the needs of the Hispanic population, she said. Rutgers will then be part of a national network of centers established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a new national approach to make effective mental health treatments, support services and evidence-based practices more available to those with mental illness. “If the research-based practices are better implemented, there
Kenneth Gill, chair of the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling and the grant’s principal investigator, said the $4.2 million federal grant will be used to build a regional Mental Health Technology Transfer Center. RUTGERS.EDU will be better outcomes for people with serious mental illnesses,” Gill said.
$2M FOR GUN RESEARCH
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and for-
in Arizona. News networks initially reported that she was dead, Kelly, who was in Houston when the shooting occurred, said. Although Giffords sur vived the attack, she suffers permanent brain damage and apha-
gun violence,” said former Gov. James J. Florio (D-N.J.). “As with any other epidemic with the need for education and the need for remediation.” Their organization not only tries to combat campaign funding
“We plan to use quantitative and qualitative methods to understand culturally appropriate ways to assist the victims and devise sound prevention strategies.” XINQI DONG Director of the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research
mer astronaut Captain Mark Kelly announced on Oct. 24 a $2 million grant to conduct research on gun violence at the Gov. James J. Florio Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Public Policy Lecture, hosted by the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. Seven years ago, Giffords was the victim of an assassination attempt and mass shooting while she was meeting with constituents
sia, which makes language and speaking difficult. Since the attack, Giffords and her husband have devoted their lives to preventing gun violence, advocating for stricter gun control by creating an organization to promote their cause. “They have (Giffords and Kelly) been showing a way for people to understand the problems associated with the epidemic of
by the National Rifle Association (NRA), but also conducts research. The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, part of the organization, did a report on New Jersey’s gun laws and found that the state has one of the lowest death rates in the nation. The grant will be funded through the Center for Gun Violence Research, awarded by the State of New Jersey.
In late September, the Rutgers’ Institute of Health, Healthcare Policy and Aging Research received approximately $1.4 million in federal grants. In a joint press release earlier that month, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) announced that the University would receive more funding to “research and develop strategies to protect vulnerable older Americans.” The funding will go toward protecting elders with diseases such as Alzheimer’s or elders subject to neglect, abuse and financial exploitation. The goal is to enhance services in these communities and launch studies on how to reduce the possibility of elder abuse, according to the press release. Named the Elder Justice Innovation Grants, they were established by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in 2016. These grants, which will last for two years, “seek to improve the well-being of abuse survivors,” according to ACL’s website. Dr. XinQi Dong, director of the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, is the leader of the elder abuse research effort. “We plan to use quantitative and qualitative methods to understand culturally appropriate ways to assist the victims and devise sound prevention strategies,” he said. The ACL only awarded eight grants in 2016 and five in 2017, each grant undergoing a rigorous evaluation. Jhon Pezo-Cordova, a School of Arts and Sciences senior, has a close relative who suffers from Alzheimer’s. He said increased funding would result in more programs focused on helping older adults. “I think that giving more funding to programs for adults is a big change to organize and implement programs for the well-being and health of older adults, in particular for mental and social health,” he said. “This is a great opportunity because many statistics show that there is an increase in the population of older adults in America.”
Former President Barack Obama, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-N.J.) and her husband Mark Kelly met in the Oval Office at the White House. Seven years ago, Giffords was the victim of an assassination attempt. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
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December 12, 2018
Controversies spark several on-campus protests, rallies BRENDAN BRIGHTMAN STAFF WRITER
This semester the Rutgers community initiated multiple protests and demonstrations on campus:
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Last week, The Daily Targum reported that students and faculty picketed outside Winants Hall on College Avenue before and during the Board of Governors meeting on Dec. 6 to demand a $15 minimum wage for all University employees and raise awareness of the state of current contract negotiations between faculty unions and the Rutgers administration. The picketing was organized by the American Association of University Professors and American Federation of Teachers (AAUPAFT), which represents more than 7,000 faculty members at the University. Deepa Kumar, the
president of the AAUP-AFT and associate professor in the Departments of Media Studies and Middle Eastern Studies, said at the time that those who were non-tenured do not have the same academic freedom as tenured professors. Blake Ritchie, a part-time lecturer in Mason Gross School of the Arts, said she did not know if she would be reappointed for the next semester. During the Board of Governors meeting, students in the organization United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) donned Santa hats with “$15” written on the front. While University President Robert L. Barchi was speaking, students broke out into holiday carols parodied to advocate their cause. One of their chants parodied the traditional Christmas song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” lyrics being “Rudolph the low-wage worker / had a very
U. handles crime this semester CATHERINE NGUYEN STAFF WRITER
IMMIGRATION POLICIES
On Nov. 5, a South Brunswick man was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and handing over fake identification, according to an article from Telemundo. The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) confirmed in an email that two of its officers arrested Luis Alberto López on Sept. 29. The email also included that University policy requires it notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of
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On Oct 30, former Rutgers student and football player Izaia Bullock was arrested on multiple charges. DECLAN INTINDOLA / PHOTO EDITOR
any person arrested for a serious crime found in connection with immigration issues. Activists took issue with how the RUPD handled the situation, which constituted holding López
long work day / and if you ever saw him / he needs a living wage.”
LISA DAFTARI
The Targum reported in October that the University decided to postpone the speaking event with Lisa Daftari, the editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk and a regular on Fox News, after students voiced their opposition. The event, titled “Radicalism on College Campuses,” spawned a change.org petition that ultimately received more than 1,600 signatures. The announcement also came after the Targum reported that Rutgers University Student Assembly (RUSA) voted to denounce the University’s decision to have Daftari speak at a sponsored on-campus event.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
The Targum reported earlier this semester that Rutgers was
for approximately 10 hours before handing him over to ICE. They claimed officers did not note López’s legal status prior to the arrest, according to Telemundo. Later that month, The Daily Targum reported that President Robert L. Barchi’s office issued an update from his statement in December 2016 calling Rutgers a “safe haven” for undocumented students. The update reaffirmed previous policies, but also addressed the RUPD’s responsibilities in cooperating with ICE. It reinforced advocacy for the continuation of DACA and not disclosing private records of undocumented students without a warrant, subpoena or court order. It also outlined resources students have on campus. A day after the update, the Targum reported that New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal (D-N.J.) issued a directive to all state, county and local law enforcements
among the institutions across the country affected by the Senate’s inability to confirm or deny then-Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh and the sexual misconduct allegations made against him by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Survivors of sexual assault and harassment, along with advocates for spreading awareness about sexual violence, gathered in a demonstration called “Rutgers Speaks Out For Survivors” at Brower Commons on the College Avenue campus. Anjanette Vaidya, the founder of the organization Rutgers Students With Children, said the evening’s rally was an answer to the trauma that survivors of sexual assault had been experiencing in regard to the Ford-Kavanaugh hearings. “Tonight was about making room for a public kind of reclaiming of this institution as a place where our voices can actually be heard,” she said at the demonstration.
to limit the types of voluntary assistance to federal civil immigration authorities such as ICE. In the update, Barchi said the RUPD would follow the guidelines directed by the state attorney general.
RUTGERS WEB SERVICES ATTACK
On Oct. 29, the Targum reported that Paras Jha, a former Rutgers student, was sentenced to six months of home confinement and payment of $8.6 million in restitution for his role in a computer attack on the University. Two years ago, Jha used his coding skills to disrupt access to web services, such as Sakai, internet access and overall network infrastructure at the school. He was identified as the perpetrator of these attacks in January 2017 and pleaded guilty to the charges of both writing and marketing the botnet in December 2017.
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TRANSGENDER RIGHTS UNDER TITLE IX
The Targum reported in late October that several Rutgers LGBTQ+ organizations held a rally on the steps of Brower Commons from 5:30 to 6 p.m. in response to a memo from President Donald J. Trump’s administration that proposed gender would be identified either male or female based on one’s genitalia at birth. The administration proposed the change because key government agencies need to adopt an explicit and uniform definition that is objective and administrable, according to an article from The New York Times. Participants of the demonstration started multiple chants, including “We have power, we have pride, trans people united side by side!” Another was “Hey, hey! Ho, ho! Transphobia has got to go!”
MURDER PLOT
On Oct. 30, Izaia Bullock, a former member of the Rutgers football team, was arrested on two counts of attempted murder in the first degree and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, according to a press release from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. He was charged following an investigation from the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office that determined he initiated a plot to murder the family members of an acquaintance earlier that week, according to MyCentralJersey. It was later revealed that he created a murder plot to kill his ex-girlfriend’s parents in an attempt to win back her affections. Bullock was dismissed from the team the same day he was arrested, and his page on the 2018 roster no longer exists.
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December 12, 2018 FOOTBALL HIGH HOPES CRUSHED BY 11-GAME LOSING STREAK
Knights’ 1-11 record, winless in Big Ten with Ash COBY GREEN SPORTS EDITOR
It was a hardening and humbling season for the Rutgers football team this year, as it seemed that no matter how much it tried, nothing went its way. The Scarlet Knights finished the season 1-11 overall and winless (0-9) in the Big Ten for the second time in three years — the same duration of time that has passed since the arrival of head coach Chris Ash to the Banks. Rutgers rode an 11-game losing streak that left students, faculty, alumni and fans mind-boggled as it went another year at the bottom of the conference. The season began with high hopes from both fans and the media alike with the arrival of new offensive coordinator John McNulty from the NFL ranks, and the arrival of four-star freshman quarterback Artur Sitkowski — who made a big impression on the team by beating out fifth-year senior Giovanni Rescigno for the starting spot during training camp this summer. But looking back from where things are now, it’s hard to describe the confusion and heartbreak that this season delivered. Just looking at Sitkowski’s numbers is tough. In the 11 games played — he was benched for the season finale at Michigan State in favor of Rescigno — Sitkowski went 134-273 (an abysmal 49.1 percent) for 1158 yards, 4 touchdowns and had nationwide tying lead for interceptions with 18. But growing pains can be expected for such a young quarterback, and it was a good experience for the student athlete that he will surely learn from in the coming seasons. Despite the rough season, the Knights actually performed much better down the stretch, and surprisingly against much stronger competition. After easily handling Texas State in the season opener, Rutgers proceeded to get blown out in three consecutive games by scores of 52-3 (at then-No. 4 Ohio State), 5514 (at Kansas for one of the worst losses in program history) and 4213 (against Buffalo).
Head coach Chris Ash now has a career 7-29 record in three seasons on the Banks. He is set to make $9.8 million through 2022 . DUSTIN NILES / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / NOVEMBER 2018 The Knights’ offensive woes led to extra drives for a defense that was already hurting from losses in the depth chart due to suspensions and injuries, possibly none bigger then the injury of senior cornerback Blessuan Austin, who tore his ACL after intercepting a pass in the opener — the same ACL he tore in 2017 that kept him out of the majority of that season as well. As the season waned on through the end of September until mid-October, Rutgers still suffered some bad losses against Indiana, Illinois and Maryland as Big Ten play began to heat up. In the 24-17 loss to the Hoosiers, sophomore placekicker Justin Davidovicz hit a 52-yard field goal that tied for the fourth longest in program history and was the longest kick ever made at HighPoint.com Stadium. The Knights had one of their best chances at winning a conference game against Northwestern on Oct. 20. The team held a 15-7
lead over the Wildcats with 10 minutes to play in the third quarter, but Rutgers couldn’t hold, falling 18-15 to the eventual Big Ten West winners. Then came arguably the toughest November in the nation, which featured four games against four teams which at some point of the season spent time in the top 25 rankings — Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State. The Badgers weren’t ranked when they hosted the Knights in Madison, Wis., and it showed a bit as time moved for ward in the game. Wisconsin only went into halftime with a 10-0 lead thanks in part to senior safety Saquan Hampton having one of the best performances of his career in the first half — Hampton picked off quarterback Alex Hornibrook twice and seemed to be all over the field. Still, the Badgers escaped with a 31-17 victory over Rutgers that kept
them without a win in the conference through six Big Ten games played to that point. The Knights then hosted the then-No. 4 Wolverines a week later, and played tightly with the same team that crushed them 78-0 just two years ago. Freshman running back Isaih Pacheco ran off an 80yard touchdown on his first carry of the game to keep the score at 7-7 after the first quarter. Pacheco’s run was the longest ever by a Rutgers freshman, the longest for the Knights since joining the Big Ten and the longest against Michigan all season. Despite this, the Wolverines were still a top-5 team in the nation, and proceeded to shut out Rutgers for the remainder of the game. The most highly anticipated matchup of the year against the then-No. 16 Nittany Lions marked the end of the Knights’ season at HighPoint.com Stadium, and the last time its seniors would compete in front of the home crowd.
Down 13-0 after halftime, Rutgers had a chance to make it a one-possession game when sophomore running back Trey Sneed threw a perfect ball to Rescigno on fourth and goal, but the quarterback dropped the wide open pass to turn the ball over. The Knights couldn’t get back into things and ultimately fell 20-7 in what seemed like a tight game overall. The season finale was possibly the toughest to stomach, as a potential win was in sight up until the last offensive play of the game. Rescigno was given the starting nod in his final game over Sitkowski, and he certainly came to play in his home state. Rutgers held a slight 10-7 lead over the Spartans with less than 8 minutes to play after Rescigno connected with sophomore tight end Travis Vokolek for a touchdown and Davidovicz kicked in a 34-yard field goal. Michigan State scored to go up 14-10, but the Knights’ offense still had time to score again, driving the ball all the way down to the Spartan 21 yard line. But, Rescigno threw an interception with 1:32 left on the clock to seal the game in Michigan State’s favor. The overall MVPs on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball go to sophomore running back Raheem Blackshear and senior linebacker Trevor Morris. Blackshear led Rutgers with 143 carries, 586 rushing yards, 44 receptions, 367 receiving yards and 1136 all-purpose yards — which helped him receive an honorable-mention All-Big Ten by coaches. His return next season will be a key to the Knights’ success. Morris finished his career ninth overall in tackles made in program history with 335, including 109 in his final season. He had six games this season with double-digit tackles, had 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, as well. Rutgers will be back for spring training soon and will boast a whole new group of recruits in the coming months. For updates on the Rutgers football team, follow @cgreen204 and @TargumSports on Twitter.
SWIMMING AND DIVING KNIGHTS UNDEFEATED THROUGH 6 MEETS
Under Maccoll, Rutgers has early season success ALEC SPECTOR STAFF WRITER
This season, the Rutgers swimming and diving team has had great success in the opening four months of the schedule. The Scarlet Knights are undefeated on the season, so far. A big part of Rutgers’ success this season has been the addition of head coach Jon Maccoll. After being selected as the team’s coach halfway through this season, he has done a great job of changing up the swim program. His coaching has helped the swimmers improve in the pool. By changing individual swimmers’ training programs, Maccoll has made his swimmers think differently about their performances. He has also focused more on the individual
component rather than the team element in swimming. With these changes, it’s evident that the Knights have benefited from Maccoll’s change in strategy. Junior Francesca Bertotto’s success in the long-distance events this season has helped the team reach new heights. She has consistently placed in first, particularly in 1,000yard and 500-yard freestyle events. Freshman Terka Grusova has performed especially well and is a noteworthy swimmer on the team. She has started her first year on the Banks with a splash, as
There are still aspects of Rutgers’ performances in the pool that need improvement, particularly regarding the team’s flip turns. Better flip turns could help improve times as well efficiency when bouncing off the wall. Over winter “It’s hard to be nit-picky, break, the Knights we’re undefeated, will have several training trips in we’ve won all our meets. which they will The divers have been amazing.” prepare for the second half of the season. From Dec. JOHN MACCOL 28 to Jan. 5, they Head coach will travel to Puerto Rico for their style event, the Knights have per- first trip. The next day, the team will formed well against their competi- head to Coronado, Calif. until Jan. 8. On Jan. 11, Rutgers will face off tors, often scoring in the top three against Villanova and Princeton at spots in the event. she consistently places well in the backstroke events. Rutgers’ relay teams have been very consistent this season. In events such as the 500-yard free-
the Rutgers Aquatic Center. The next day, it will make the short trek to Princeton, N.J., where it will compete against the same two schools. After these two tri-meets, the Knights will take on Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb. from Jan. 25 to Jan. 26. Following this meet, Rutgers will compete in the Big Ten Championships from Feb. 21 to Feb. 24. Then, the team will compete in the awaited NCAA Championships from March 21 to March 23. To end the season, the Knights will head to Stockholm, Sweden for the Swim Open from April 12 to April 15. For updates on the Rutgers swimming and diving team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
DIVERSIONS
December 12, 2018
Mark Tatulli Horoscopes
Lio
Page 9 Eugenia Last
Happy Birthday: Memories will surface urging you to reconnect with your past and those you haven’t seen for some time. Going back in time will give way to closure and the ability to use the experiences you have had to help you engage in new beginnings. Use your charm to encourage those you love to share your journey and to grow with you. Your numbers are 6, 10, 17, 24, 32, 38, 47.
Over The Hedge
T. Lewis and M. Fry
Non Sequitur
Wiley
Pearls Before Swine
Stephan Pastis
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do your best to help. Pitching in will ward off criticism and complaints. Learn from those with more experience; they will open up a passageway to the success you crave. Personal change should be looked at carefully before you begin. 4 stars TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Put some thought into the relationships you share with others. Consider what you can do to make life better for those going through a tough time. What you share will bring you more joy than what you give. Live, love, laugh. 2 stars GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Tidy up loose ends and you’ll enjoy the remainder of the month. Don’t trust anyone else to take care of your responsibilities for you. Be open about what you want, how you feel and what you are willing to do. 5 stars CANCER (June 21-July 22): Let’s get creative and end the year on a high note. Step up and offer solutions. You’ll be able to transform some of the difficulties you face into accomplishments you can be proud of. Romance is on the rise. 3 stars LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Speed things up a bit and you will accomplish all you set out to do. Spend time with your lover, plan activities with youngsters or shop for little treasures you want to share or give to others. 3 stars VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A good plan and a steady pace will help you keep the peace. If someone overreacts, keep moving forward. What you accomplish and the changes you make will have a positive impact on your life when you finish what you start. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Participate and explore new possibilities. You may not please everyone, but it’s time to enjoy life with people who share your interests and your opinions. Don’t miss out to avoid a dispute with someone who doesn’t know how to have fun. 5 stars SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Communicate to avoid a misunderstanding. Don’t let an emotional incident at home ruin your day. Get out and pick up something special for someone you love. You don’t have to spend a lot; it’s the thought that counts. 2 stars SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take a deep breath and follow your heart. It’s OK to walk away and say no. Take the high road and refuse to let anyone lead you down a path that does not feel right or doesn’t sit well with you. 4 stars CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Personal gains look promising. Don’t let someone interfere with your plans by taking over. A physical change you make will draw attention and compliments. Romance will improve your personal life and make you feel good regarding prospects. 3 stars AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Make a point of taking care of your chores and responsibilities yourself. A change of pace or environment will do you good. Recognizing what you have will get you in the spirit of giving to those who are without. 3 stars PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Sign up to help out in your community. What you learn about those who have fallen on hard times will help you appreciate people from all walks of life. An unusual relationship will develop with someone you least expect. 3 stars
©2018 By Eugenia Last distributed by Universal Uclick
Universal Crossword ACROSS
DOWN
1 Distressful cry
1 Himalayan cryptids
5 Handy tools for cobblers
2 Layer up high
9 Iraqi port
3 Was an author
14 Cornell founder’s first
4 LeBron James’ squad
15 “Silent Night,” for one
5 Opposed one
16 Wrinkly tangelos
6 Thing on a hook
17 Inspected the rails?
7 Large rural field
20 Time between events
8 Covered with ooze
21 Titles for Japanese emperors
9 Thing in a well
22 Dealers in futures
10 Title used in Turkey
23 Classify, as blood
11 Winter toy
24 Move crabbily
12 “Copacabana” figure
27 Stonefaced
13 Presents posers
32 Cul-de-___
18 Poisonous flammable gas
35 Strapped for money
19 Wins, barely
37 Invisible emanation
23 Very boring 38 Vehicle that makes huge splashes? 25 Easy chair site 42 Soon, way old 26 Response to “Shall we?” 43 Seed spreader
28 Blade making waves
44 Olympics chant
29 Hawaiian gala
53 Goose with a black neck
45 Given a new role
30 Pupil site
54 All birdy
48 Unwarranted, as pressure
31 Delany of TV
55 Annoying gossiper
50 Chart-topping songs
32 Movie headliner
56 Fancy rims
52 Enclose in a hollow
33 Outstanding rating
57 Fit of shivering
56 Bond’s order
34 Gator? No, close
58 Commando incursion
60 Witness
36 Sign of boredom
59 Tiny-castle flooder
62 Bad place to lean?
39 Chain letters, to geneticists
60 Resistance figures
64 Instruction book
40 Fronted, as a parade
61 Ultimately better?
65 Fashionable borders?
41 Most factual
63 “High” drink
66 Pesky insect
46 Black eye, slangily
67 Feast celebrating the Exodus
47 British pantry items
68 Pointed direction?
49 Become prominent
69 Erupter in Sicily
51 Collection plate insert
Yesterday’s Solution
Yesterday’s Solution
Page 10
December 12, 2018 FIELD HOCKEY KNIGHTS GRAB NCAA TOURNAMENT BERTH FOR 1ST TIME SINCE 1986
Rutgers finishes fall with most wins in 10 years MATTHEW HOWE CORRESPONDENT
Three Big Ten-All Americans. Five wins over ranked opponents. An NCAA tournament berth. All are accolades that describe the Rutgers field hockey teams’ 2018 season. The Scarlet Knights (13-6) finished with the most wins in program history since 2008. The NCAA Tournament berth was the teams first since 1986. The team returns a roster next season that is graduating two seniors.
This season, the roster featured two First Team All-Big Ten players, and one Second Team-All Big Ten. Sophomore goalkeeper Gianna Glatz and sophomore midfielder Daphne Groothuis were named to the first team while senior backfielder Linde van Schaik earned second team honors. Glatz played phenomenally all season long. The only goalkeeper to be named to the First TeamAll Big Ten list, she certainly was deserving. Glatz boasted nine
shutouts, tied for the nations’ lead. Her .811 save percentage was second best nationally and first in the conference. With Glatz in goal, Rutgers allowed just 18 goals in 18 games, fifth least in the nation. After receiving second team honors last season, Groothuis led the team with 12 goals, 13 assists and 37 points this season. She was first in the Big Ten with 2.06 points per game and her assist total was good enough for fourth nationally.
Sophomore midfielder Daphne Groothuis was named to the All-Big Ten First Team in her second season on the Banks. GARRETT STEFFE / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / SEPTEMBER 2018
Van Schaik earned her third career All-Big Ten accolade by being named to the second team this season. She was third on the team with seven goals and added six assists for 20 points this season, a new-career high. None of those goals were more important than the ones she scored against Northwestern and Michigan State, which were both game winners. She finishes her career ranked top ten in program history in goals and points. “These awards are a great reflection of the hard work and dedication of the team this season,” said head coach Meredith Civico, according to scarletknights. com. “Daphne, Gianna and Linde have worked tirelessly day-in and day-out, and they have pushed us to new levels. It’s awesome that they have been recognized by the Big Ten for their on-field efforts.” After an impressive regular season came to an end, the Knights had a tough first round draw in the Big Ten Tournament, meeting Ohio State on the road, a team they had lost to in shootout fashion earlier in the season. In that game, Rutgers fell, losing 1-0 in double over time. At this point in the season, their NCAA tournament hopes were jeopardized. But, one of the most exuberant moments of the season happened on the night of Nov. 4, when the Knights gathered together to watch the NCAA Tournament selection show.
Down to the final at-large bid, Rutgers finally heard its name called. In a moment that was captured on video, the Knights sprung out of their seats and began screaming and hugging one another. “It was amazing, there was so much suspense building up to it especially since we were called nearly last,” Glatz said. “It was super emotional just to be with your best friends, your sisters, and have that moment of pure enjoyment, it was just fantastic.” Unfortunately, Rutgers fell short in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, losing to powerhouse UConn, 5-0. One thing is certain after this season. The bar for the Knights has been substantially raised, and this team expects even bigger things to come in the future. “I am incredibly proud of this team and the effort they put into not only today but the whole season. It’s obviously a very disappointing result, but being here, in the NCAA Tournament, and playing the defending National Champions was a great experience,” Civico said. “It’s one we will learn from, and hopefully we will use it to achieve even more in 2019. I’m so grateful to the players, staff, administration and family of the Rutgers Field Hockey program for a truly historic season.” For updates on the Rutgers field hockey team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
VOLLEYBALL RUTGERS DROPS 20 STRAIGHT TO BIG TEN OPPONENTS
Knights hope for improvement after tough season ALEX FABUGAIS-INABA & DELANEY ZUBRICK STAFF WRITERS
After playing 100 conference games since joining the Big Ten in 2015, the Rutgers volleyball team sits at an overall record of 1-99. In the Scarlet Knights’ 2018 season (0-20, 6-27), their 20 consecutive losses might look bad in the record book, but they’ve seen a lot of improvement over the past couple of years. The Big Ten is the most competitive volleyball conference in the nation. Seven conference teams were selected to the NCAA Tournament, and six of those teams made it to the Regional Semifinals. No. 3 Illinois and No. 7 Nebraska made it to the national semifinals and will play each other on Dec. 13. “The Big Ten is just a grind,” said head coach CJ Werneke. “You’ve got to be consistent and right now, we’ve shown that we’re not a consistent team. We have to play at a consistently good level. We don’t have to play great, just good.” Rutgers had a rocky start to its nonconference schedule, losing its first three straight games at the Molten Classic in California. The Knights were able to win six out of the rest of their ten matches before the start of the Big Ten season.
From last season’s 16-player roster, Rutgers dropped to 12 with seven returning players and five international freshmen — three from Russia, one from Israel and one from Germany. If the team is able to stick together, those relationships will soon develop into better communication for future matches. “We have the talent and the skillset and the ability that if we can just play good, consistent volleyball, that’s enough,” Werneke said. “Right now, we have too many peaks and valleys. We play some really great volleyball and we play some ugly volleyball. Sometimes we stay in that valley a little too long.” The Knights were most consistent with their defense this season, averaging 2.6 blocks per set. Junior middle blocker Jasmine Stackhouse led the team with a season total of 120 blocks, a school record for a single season since 25-point rally scoring began in 2008. Stackhouse has racked up a career total of 291 blocks to become 10th in Rutgers’ all-time record book. “We work hard on trying not to let the title of who they are dictate how we’re going to play,” Stackhouse said. “The mentality going in is it doesn’t matter who they are, at the end of the day, we still have job we have to do.” With such a successful season, she kept true to these words.
Also making her way into the record book was junior libero Karysa Swackenberg. She has a career total of 961 digs, good for 10th on the program’s all-time digs list. The Knights’ potential is there, but they still have a long way to go to become a hard-hitting team in the conference. One of Rutgers’ most noteworthy matches came in the middle of the season when the Knights won a set against No. 17 Purdue. The last time Rutgers won a set against a nationally ranked team was during the 2015 season. “We’ve proven, even against Penn State and the best in the conference, when we’re in system and in rhythm, we can really play with anybody,” Werneke said. “But the trick is, you know it’s going to break down at some point. Somebody’s going to make a play. You’re going to be a little bit out of rhythm, what do you do then? Are you still effective? Are you still executing at a high level?” The Knights have a long way to go before they can start consistently defeating Big Ten teams, but over the past few seasons, they have remained relatively stagnant. This freshman class may be the turning point. Again, with such varying playing styles, the freshmen bring something special to the team. But for next year, a main focus should be on staying positive.
Although head coach CJ Werneke’s team went winless in Big Ten games, the Knights ranked in the top 16 for blocks in October. GARRETT STEFFE / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / SEPTEMBER 2018
This season, when Rutgers would take a lead, it changed their dynamic significantly. But right when the Knights fell a point behind, they would get frustrated. “You’ve got to compete first before you can win,” Werneke said. “So now that we’re competing more regularly in the 20s against our opponents and 20-all, that’s just gaining valu-
able experience that we haven’t been there before. So now that we’re getting there and gaining this experience, now it’s time to go, ‘Okay, we’ve been there. We’ve done that. Let’s take the next step.’” For updates on the Rutgers volleyball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
December 12, 2018
Page 11 WOMEN’S SOCCER RUTGERS UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS RUNS OUT WHEN IT COUNTS
Knights fight through Big Ten in historic regular season JACKSON THOMPSON CORRESPONDENT
Three years ago the Rutgers women’s soccer team went on a historic postseason run that culminated in a shootout victory over the No. 1-ranked team in the country. It was the first time the program ever qualified for the College Cup and the Big Ten Championship and it happened in the same year. In 2018 the last remnants of that historic 2015 team walked off of Yurcak field for the final time. Seniors Kenie Wright, Adora Moneme and Brianna Scarola made their final appearances as Scarlet Knights in a bittersweet season that saw some history made of its own. After qualifying for the NCAA tournament each of the past four seasons, head coach Mike O’Neill led his team into 2018 with perhaps the highest expectations of his tenure. Returning upperclassmen like Wright and Moneme and juniors Chantelle Swaby, Taylor Aylmer and Nicole Whitley combined their all-conference veterancy with some of the state’s top recruits in freshmen Shea Holland and Meagan McClelland. O’Neill would also find the most truly dangerous piece of his lineup in reigning freshman of the year, sophomore Amirah Ali, the definitive difference-maker on a team that had to fight for everything it earned in 2018. By all accounts the roster alone made for a team with the potential to do a lot of damage in the Big Ten, but it did not come easy. After an undefeated 4-0-1 start to the season, Rutgers found their first loss just one weekend prior to the start of Big Ten play. In an upset loss to in-state rival Monmouth, The Knights suffered their first loss to an out-of-conference opponent since 2016. Eight days and two ties later, Rutgers found itself in a stalemate in the second overtime of what O’Neill called a must-win game against Iowa. With 12 seconds separating the team from their fourth straight game without a win, Ali delivered a game-winning goal in a moment that would be both defining and recurring in the 2018 season. The Ali golden goal against Iowa was a turning point for the Knights, sparking a historic streak that propelled the team to first place in the Big Ten. Rutgers
Sophomore forward Amirah Ali scored back-to-back golden goals in overtime against No. 14 Northwestern and Illinois. She had 20 goals in a season where she was named to the All-Big Ten First Team. DUSTIN NILES / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / SEPTEMBER 2018
found itself in the thick of school on one of the best defenses in officially scored more goals history, having gone undefeat- the country. Her performances in overtime than they had in ed over a program record nine against Northwestern and Illi- regulation since the start of nois earned her Big Ten defen- conference play, and would not straight overtime games. The Knights was the story of sive player of the week honors score another goal in regulathe conference and at the center and proved the transfer’s impact tion until the last game of the of it all was Ali, who delivered on a team that had climbed to season. While the team seemed the game winner in four of Rut- the top of the conference and a to thrive in overtime, the extra gers’ first five conference wins, national ranking that reached as periods were taking their toll on en route to scoring a then confer- high as 21. the durability of the players. ence leading 10 goals. In spite of all this, the Knights For those three magical weeks Ali’s rising stock as a collegiate it seemed that the Knights just sat alone in first place in the Big super star was accompanied by a couldn’t lose, but along the way, Ten, and in control of claiming the young teammate on the defensive inefficiencies in the offense be- program’s first ever regular season side of the field. title. In their McClelland who final road trip “It’s just a humble and hungry group. was named the of the seastarting goalkeepson, Rutgers That’s the key to success, er just prior to the would face the you have to be humble and start of the seatwo teams beson, establishing hind them in you have to be hungry.” herself as one of the standings the conference’s in Ohio State MIKE O’NEILL most efficient and postseagoalkeepers. In son nemesis Head Coach low-scoring strugPenn State. gles against Minnesota and Wiscon- came more apparent. The identity The Knights would play to a sin, McClelland tallied five saves in of the team to that point had been scoreless tie against the Buckback-to-back games, a pair of per- stout defense and timely scoring eyes in the game that officially formances critical to two huge wins by Amirah Ali and a handful of marked the record-breaking that kept the Knights undefeated in other forwards, a recipe that was ninth straight overtime game, conference play. As a freshman, Mc- working against Big Ten oppo- setting up the most important Clelland finished 2018 with a confer- nents. While the offense was by no game of the season at Universience-best 0.60 goals-against average means the best in the conference, ty Park. and the most shutouts with eight. It would be the eighth meetthey found the back of the net with As a transfer from Central less frequency the deeper they got ing between Rutgers and Penn Michigan, senior Madison Poga- into the schedule, particularly for State in only the past three rch came to Rutgers in her final players not named Amirah Ali. years, the latest entr y in a rivalyear as a Big Ten newcomer, but After the 1-0 win against r y between two teams that have solidified herself as a key player the Fighting Illini, Rutgers had met in the postseason ever y year since 2015. The three seniors that were a part of the historic 2015 team went into that game remembering ire of the defeats to Penn State in the 2015 Big Ten Championship game and then in the college cup quarterfinals only one month later. Of f the heels of nine straight over time games, O’Neill led his team into Jef fer y Field on a windy Sunday afternoon in October. The Knights and the Nittany Lions sat atop the Big Ten standings at a dead even tie, the winner would take sole possession of first place and control its own destiny to a regular season title. But this game wouldn’t make it to an extra period, Rutgers’ streak of overtime games would come Freshman goalkeeper Meagan McClelland was an All-Big Ten selection in her first season. She led to an end against Penn State and the conference in goals-against average. DUSTIN NILES / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / SEPTEMBER 2018
with it would their undefeated status in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions handed the Knights only their second loss of the season in a 1-0 game. The team that had bested O’Neill three times in the playoffs already had now gotten the best of his team in an important regular season game as the Nittany Lions took control of first place and would on go to win the Big Ten regular season title. Penn State would be the beginning of the end for Rutgers’ 2018 season. While they finished the regular season with back to back wins against the two teams at the bottom of the conference and go into the Big Ten tournament with the second seed it be all for naught. The Knights would be upset at Yurcak field in the first round of the Big Ten tournament by Minnesota, becoming a footnote in Minnesota’s 2018 conference championship run. The fatigue of their excess of overtime games may have reared its ugly head as their star Ali saw limited time in the game after going down with injury in the first half — an injury that may have cost them a chance to advance. After watching Minnesota go on to win the whole thing, O’Neill and his team had another chance at postseason success after it was announced that they had qualified for the NCAA Tournament — the program’s seventh straight year of qualification. But their qualification would simply lead to another first round exit in a 1-0 loss to Duke. This year would be the first year that the program went winless in the postseason under O’Neill’s leadership, as the three seniors who were part of the 2015 team finished their Rutgers’ career with a loss in North Carolina. But the emergence of Ali, McClelland, Holland and a number of other young players gives O’Neill a lot of promising pieces to work with as they will look to make up for missed opportunities in 2019. For updates on the Rutgers soccer team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.