The Signal: Fall '15 No. 7

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Vol. XLIII, No. 7

October 7, 2015

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

Tuition cost: Journalist Soledad O’Brien talks diversity Where it’s really going

By Chelsea LoCascio Opinions Editor Lofty loans. Government grants.

Searching for scholarships. Many students had to seek several alternatives to money in order to attend the College this fall. In just the first semester, many freshmen already find themselves in the hole a hefty sum, yet do they really know for what they are taking the money out?

The looming debt does not scare freshman physics and secondary education double major Kevin Shaw, as he knew this was coming from day one.

“I haven’t necessarily felt anything different. I always knew this was happening and I knew that I was going to have to pay some ridiculous amount of money at some point in my life for a period of time,” Shaw said. “Maybe in a couple years, I’ll actually feel it once (the debt) triples or quadruples, but right now it’s really not anything.”

According to collegescorecard.gov, 52 percent of freshmen at the College had to take out loans. Shaw is one of many that have accepted the challenge of paying see BILL page 5

Kimberly Iannarone / Photo Editor

O’Brien speaks to students following her discussion on journalistic practices.

By Kimberly Ilkowski Arts & Entertainment Editor

In the early 1970s, Soledad O’Brien posed for a family photo on the front lawn of her home in the suburbs of Long Island, dressed head-to-toe in polyester stripes and sporting a thick afro. Her black and Cuban mother, white and Australian father and five equally afroed brothers and sisters were not the picture of the average American family at the time.

No matter how much they tried, the

O’Brien family did not blend into the exclusively white community where they lived, yet it allowed Soledad to realize something much greater about herself and her upbringing.

“It taught me that you didn’t have to be accepted,” O’Brien said. “You didn’t necessarily have to go with what everyone else was doing and how they were doing it.

You could decide the life you were going to lead and you could be successful if you had the guts to do it.”

Ever since, the award-winning journalist,

documentarian and producer has forged her own path in the industry, sharing personal stories of her journey to tackle the less publicized issues of America during her lecture, “Diversity: On TV, Behind the Scenes and In Our Lives,” at the College on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Kendall Hall.

After a multitude of anchor and correspondent positions including CNN, HBO and Al Jazeera America, O’Brien is now focusing her sights on Starfish Media Group, an organization she founded that is known for highlighting individuals’ lives in the hopes to empower viewers and bring to light issues of race, class, poverty, opportunity and more.

According to O’Brien, only 1 percent of all news stories are about Latinos, with most of those stories focusing on illegal immigration and crime.

“A journalist’s responsibility is to look at the issue in the context of what the issue really is,” O’Brien said in an interview with The Signal. “While there is a lot of conversation around immigration, if you look at the voting block, which is a very important voting block, their big issue is not immigration. Reporters need to look further and not just cover the immigration story as the easy thing to do.”

Latinos make up roughly 17 percent of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, yet rarely any news coverage is dedicated to issues that are relevant see O’BRIEN page 3

ACT proves ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ Pfluger hits record 1,000th coaching win

Heiner Fallas / Photo Assistant

A small cast of students showcase talent with four nights of comedy.

By Elise Schoening Review Editor

For four nights, the Black Box Theatre in Kendall Hall rung loud with endless laughter as members of the All College

INDEX: Nation & World / Page 9

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Theatre, also known as ACT, put on another memorable performance for students, faculty and the public.

The talented theater group brought Oscar Wilde’s timeless and comedic play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” to Editorial / Page 11

life with a small cast consisting of only nine actors. The show ran from Wednesday, Sept. 30, to Saturday, Oct. 3, with a number of sold-out performances. Students who were unable to attend one of the showings truly missed out on the showcase of student talent here at the College.

“Even on nights that weren’t completely sold out, the laughter and enjoyment that was present with every audience was more than enough to make us all proud of what we had accomplished,” said history and secondary education major Rachel Friedman who starred in the show as the charming Miss Prism.

Set in England during the late 1800s, “The Importance of Being Earnest” tells the story of two gentlemen who develop a bad habit of bending the truth and the resulting downward spiral that arises when these lies finally catch up with them. According to Friedman, ACT put on a number of more serious plays during the past year and therefore chose “The Importance of Being Earnest” for its comedic relief.

“When the organization was deciding on its season for this year, we wanted something lighter and, ideally, comedies,”

By Julie Kayzerman Editor-in-Chief

Sharon Pfluger stepped foot on Lions’ Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 1, just like any other day.

The Lions’ field hockey coach prepared to coach her team against Gwynedd Mercy, just as she had for every other game during her 31 seasons coaching at the College.

Pfluger, a graduate of Trenton State College in 1982, had no clue that she was about to achieve a legendary accomplishment — but everyone else knew.

When the final whistle blew signaling that the Lions defeated Gwynedd Mercy, 6-0, players, alumnae and coaches ran out to congratulate Pfluger — and that’s when she first realized she had just reached her 1,000th career coaching victory.

“I don’t keep track… I really didn’t know, and I don’t want to know those things because that’s not where my mind ever is,”

see ACT page 18

Opinions / Page 12

Features / Page 14

see WIN page 23

Arts & Entertainment / Page 18

Sports / Page 23

AEPi Barbeque Fraternity hosts 24-hour philanthropy event

Brown Bag Campus professors give lecture on art history

Hockey comeback Lions score four in 10 minutes to win

See Features page 14

See A&E page 21

See Sports page 28

page 2 The Signal October 7, 2015

SFB allocates funds for silent disco dance party

By Jackie Delaney Production Manager The Student Finance Board funded a glow-in-the-dark “Silent Disco Latenighter” as well as several INK events at its weekly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The College Union Board was fully funded $18,103 for its “Silent Disco Latenighter,” set to be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The event, which will be held outside on Green Lawn, will feature a silent disco. Each student will receive a pair of headphones that “wirelessly transmit music” from two live disc jockeys, according to the information packet. CUB will also provide various glow-in-the-dark items, such as bracelets, necklaces and metallic tattoos.

Next, INK, the College’s creative writing organization, presented for several events to bring published and successful writers to campus. All of the events were fully funded by the board, and will take place over the course of the fall and spring semesters.

INK received funding for “The Goods,” an all-day event held bi-annually that offers students a chance to “showcase their talents,” which include reading written work, playing music, giving lectures or even performing circus routines.

Their fall semester event was allocated $2,500 to bring Rachel Kann, a spoken word and slam poet who has also read poetry for TEDx, to headline the festival.

“We think she would be a good fit for our end-of-the-semester festival,” INK President Rachel Friedman said after explaining that slam poetry has become popular on campus.

“The Goods” event to be held in the spring was allocated $350 to bring poet, historical writer and journalist Anthony Buccino to perform. Buccino, who has been awarded for his journalistic blogs, is

a local writer from Nutley, N.J., according to Friedman. She stressed that by bringing in a local writer, “we want to definitely showcase what is available for students outside of the College.”

For $7,530, INK will bring published poet, author and essayist Meena Alexander to the Visiting Writer Series to be held on Monday, April 11.

“Her work is taught within the TCNJ classroom, so she is relevant to the curriculum,” Friedman said.

For the Visiting Writer Series to be held on Thursday, March 10, INK was funded $1,000 to bring Sarah Blake to perform. Blake, an alumnus of the College, recently published a book of poetry on Kanye West.

“We love to showcase what our school has to offer in terms of what you can do after you graduate,” Friedman said.

Blake has a background in the publishing industry, according to Friedman.

Chi Upsilon Sigma returned to present for the “Making an Achievement Continuous” Conference. Last week, the board tabled the request because of concerns about the food and decoration budget. The sorority returned with a quote from Sodexo, as well as additional requests to bring workshop facilitators to the conference.

The $8,650 request was partially funded at $8,267, eliminating funding for centerpieces for the conference.

The board also discussed storage for these items after the event. Chi Upsilon Sigma does not currently have storage space at the College, according to the sorority. If there is no oncampus storage for a presenting group, the board cannot fund the items.

The senior class council was allocated $1,840 for buses to bring seniors to the Mercer County Food Truck Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17. The council wanted to provide “an opportunity for seniors from various groups to hang out together” at the popular event, according to the information packet. The trip would be part of

David Colby / Staff Photographer

The board partially funds Chi Upsilon Sigma’s request after storage concerns. the Senior Year Experience.

Later, All College Theatre was funded $2,255 for “An Evening of Shorts,” its annual production of four student-directed, one-act plays. The shows “offer a wide array of opportunities for actors, directors and stage managers, as well as other production positions,” according to the request. The event will be held in Kendall Hall on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The Mathematics and Statistics Club was allocated $842.50 for a trip to visit the National Museum of Mathematics in New York City. In the information packet, the group said this trip would “allow students at TCNJ to further explore the hidden side of mathematics and hopefully develop an even deeper love for the subject.” The trip will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, from noon to 5 p.m., and tickets are $9 each.

TMT’s “Broadway Night,” a cabaret performance the theatre group holds every fall, was funded $150.88 by the board. The event gives the group’s members an opportunity to “sing songs from any Broadway show either alone, in pairs or in groups,” according to the information packet. The show will be held on

Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17, both at 8 p.m., in the Library Auditorium.

The Asian American Association was then allocated $3,937 for its annual Multicultural Buffet, an event that showcases food from various Asian and non-Asian cultures. The event will also feature performances from TCNJ Taiko, CSA Dragonflies, TCNJ JIVA and the circus club.

The event will allow students to “try new foods from cultures other than their own and develop an appreciation for cuisines of various cultures,” according to the information packet. It will be held in the Decker Social Space on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Finally, the Chinese Student Association was fully funded $1,503.36 by the board for its MOCA and Chinatown Bus Trip. The trip will include a visit to the NYC Museum of Chinese in America, as well as offer students a chance to explore Chinatown. It will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. *Even though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee these events will take place. The approval only makes the funds available.

Self-proclaimed ‘ass’ with poor grammar graffitis van Birthday hijinks: It’s my party and I’ll throw up if I want to

By Colleen Murphy Managing Editor • A wallet valued at $45 was stolen from the benches in front of the Travers and Wolfe towers between 9 p.m. and 9:25 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, according to Campus Police.

The student was sitting on the bench eating food and went to his Cromwell Hall dorm room when he finished. As soon as he realized he had left his wallet on the bench, he returned to the spot and could not find his wallet, police said.

• An intoxicated student was issued a summons for underage drinking on Wednesday, Sept. 30, Campus Police said. At 1 a.m., police were dispatched to Travers Hall where they saw the student sitting on the floor with a small trash can in front of him. The student said that he had consumed 16 ounces of vodka and was unable to stand on his own, according to police reports. Campus Police said the student vomited three times while they were on the scene. After TCNJ EMS provided care and evaluated the student, he was transported to Hopewell Medical Center, according to Campus Police.

• A Travers Hall community advisor (CA) called Campus Police after a student who was believed to be intoxicated was not responding to any knocks on his door, according to police. At 2:57 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, Campus Police met with the CA in the floor’s lobby where she told them that she had been informed by her residents that the male had vomited in the hallway and appeared intoxicated. She told police that she had knocked on his door several times with no answer and called police because she was worried

about the student’s well-being. Campus Police went to the student’s room, unlocked the door and announced their presence. Both residents were in their beds and appeared to be sleeping, police reported. The male in question identified himself and was asked if he was OK. The student said that he had been at a party on Hawthorne Street and had a lot to drink, Campus Police said. The male was moved to the elevator lobby to get evaluated by TCNJ EMS. While there, the student told police that he had about 10 red Solo cups of beer while celebrating his 19th birthday with his teammates, according to Campus Police. The student was issued a summons for underage drinking and returned to his room.

Svedka vodka at a party was in need of medical attention on Sunday, Sept. 27, according to Campus Police.

At 12:15 a.m., police responded to Travers Hall where the student was vomiting and already receiving treatment from TCNJ EMS. The student was issued a summons for underage drinking, Campus Police said.

• A report of a suspicious person near Forcina Hall was called in at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, according to Campus Police. A police officer on routine patrol who had seen the described individual a few minutes earlier on his route, returned to where the suspect was. The officer stopped the man and asked what he was doing. The man acted confused and, at times, was “evasive in answering basic questions,” Campus Police said. The subject then said he had mistakenly entered Centennial Hall looking for a match or lighter for his cigarette. At this time, Campus Police checked for any warrants the male might’ve had and found that he had an outstanding warrant from Ewing for $250. The man was arrested for contempt of court, police reports said.

• Between 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, and noon on Monday, Sept. 28, someone scratched the words “Im a ass” on the right door of a school van, according to Campus Police. The act of criminal mischief was committed at the rear of the Facilities Building where the van had been parked.

• A student who had five beers and a couple of shots of

• On Saturday, Sept. 26, a student was found sitting in a chair behind Travers Hall vomiting and unable to walk, according to Campus Police. The student told police she had an unknown amount of vodka at an offcampus party. TCNJ EMS provided care and evaluated the student, and she was then issued an underage drinking summons, Campus Police reported.

• A male and female were seen running away from a golf cart and toward the Decker/Cromwell halls area on Friday, Sept. 25, Campus Police reported. As the officer approached the cart, he saw that the vehicle was left on, but did not have a key in its ignition. The defining feature of the girl is “long, brown, wavy hair,” Campus Police said.

Anyone with information can contact Campus Police at 609-771-2345.

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 3

O’Brien / Growing up in racially-charged times

Heiner Fallas / Photo Assistant

O’Brien’s biracial parents couldn’t legally marry in 1958. continued from page 1 to their interests.

“You would think every Latino across America goes home at night and all they’re talking about at their dining room table is immigration,” O’Brien said about the media’s misrepresentation of Latino’s core issues.

With an air of confidence and grace, O’Brien candidly recalled her time growing up in a biracial home, her experiences in the newsroom and her most recent venture as a documentarian.

“I learned the most as a reporter on documentaries whether it was ‘Gay In America,’ ‘Muslim in America,’ ‘Latino in America,’ (or) ‘Black in America,’” O’Brien said in her lecture. “As a journalist, it offered an opportunity to have a conversation that we as a country weren’t having. You could tell an in-depth and granular story about a community, (but)

if you left out communities, then you really couldn’t tell the story of America very well or fair, (and) certainly not a story that was nuanced and authentic and novel.”

In O’Brien’s eyes, trying to engage these conversations and tell everyone’s story was not a fleeting chance to expand viewership.

“You created trust if you were willing to have uncomfortable stories about real issues, if you were willing to say, ‘Some of these things are what people are really talking about and we’re not going to whitewash it. We’re going to talk about it frankly and openly, undergirded with fact,’” O’Brien said.

Journalists must take particular care in the ways they speak about their subjects, as language has a profound impact on viewer’s understanding of the news.

Oftentimes, a particular word or phrase that is rooted in a racist or classist stigma can alter the viewer’s perception of a story.

“It is really important, the words we use to describe people, and (using) ‘thug’ does matter,” O’Brien told The Signal. “We use ‘thug’ very specifically. We don’t use thug for some people (and) we have to ask ourselves why. When you do (use the word), you dehumanize people. As a reporter, it’s terrible because it’s not descriptive. It’s really important to think about the ways you describe people so that your words have a use.”

O’Brien noted that there are many code words in the media that differentiate those from disparate backgrounds. “‘Oh, she grew up in the ghetto, her mom is a crack addict and her dad is an alcoholic,’” O’Brien said, referring to the initial characterization of Glorious Menefee by producers on “Black In America.”

“But that’s not Glorious. Clearly she came from a very dysfunctional family, no one would deny that, but I would never describe a friend through what their parents do or how they are.”

O’Brien believes this descriptive tactic is atypical when speaking about the middle class youth.

While they are often imbued with phrases that highlight their passions and goals, children living in poverty get the shorthand.

O’Brien also touched on the racial climate of Baltimore, Md., in 1958 when her parents first met.

They would both attend a daily Mass, and each day, her father would offer to give her mother a ride to church. For months she turned him down until finally she said yes and agreed to go on a date.

They planned to go out to

dinner, but every restaurant they went to turned them away because, as her mother said, “interracial dating was frowned upon.”

When O’Brien asked what she meant by “frowned upon,” her mother responded, “You could get shot.”

Undeterred by those around them, her mother and father decided to get married in Washington, D.C., as interracial marriage was illegal in Maryland where they lived, as well as 16 other states.

O’Brien recounted a moment when she asked her mother what it was like walking around the streets of Baltimore in the early 1960s with her toddlers. Her mother responded, “Lovey, they used to spit on us.”

Shocked by this statement, O’Brien asked what she would do about it. “Nothing,” her

mother said. “We knew America was better than that.”

Those words would eventually frame for O’Brien all the reasons she became a reporter.

“This idea that they knew their existence could move towards a change and they still loved America but they were intent on living the lives that they wanted to live and making change along the way,” O’Brien said. “There is a special bravery in deciding that you’re going to sit firmly on the right side of history (and) my parents were my very first example of forging on, even though people around you are saying no. They knew, despite the judgments of others, that in the way they lived their lives — they lived with dignity and respect for others — that eventually, people would follow.”

Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor

O’Brien speaks with students and faculty after her talk.

Germany plans to allow immigrants in for asylum Leibrecht discusses European migrants’ destination

By Jennifer Goetz Staff Writer The more the merrier.

The German government agreed to accept one million refugees in the midst of the European immigration crisis. Harald Leibrecht, president of the Cultural and Educational Programs Abroad foundation and former member of Bundestag, Germany’s legislative assembly, spoke to students on Tuesday, Sept. 29, to provide a German perspective on the matter.

Leibrecht, also a former German politician, explained Germany’s reasoning behind accepting the migrants and explained the situation at large.

According to Leibrecht, one of the biggest problems facing the world today has been the immigration crisis in Europe. Hundreds of men, women and children have died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea in hopes of finding salvation in a European country.

Many of these migrants are fleeing their countries to start over with a clean slate and have a better shot at success in the future.

Their own countries have been strained with economic and political turmoil, and some need to escape for the sake of their own safety.

“It was nice to hear from an actual German politician,” senior history major Evan Moran said.

Germany’s current population is around 85 million, while Munich, a city in Germany, has 80,000 citizens.

“It will not be easy to cope with,” Leibrecht said, but Germany looks toward the rest of Europe and the United States for support.

“Germany was in a comfortable position.”

Germany is not on the European border, however, it is surrounded by other European countries. If the refugees seek political asylum in one of the first countries they make it to, such as Italy or Greece, they will have to stay there. The European Union has been

working to amend these immigration policies, but until then, refugees are encouraged to wait to obtain asylum until they have reached countries, such as Germany, that are willing and capable of accepting them.

Even if it is a burden, Leibrecht believes having refugees in Germany will be helpful for the country in the long run. The refugees arriving — particularly the Syrians — are educated and Germany is “desperately in

Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor

Leibrecht thinks Germany will benefit from allowing migrants in.

need of quality, intelligent people,” he said.

The German economic system is booming right now, slated as one of the strongest economies today with the current rate of unemployment being around 2 percent.

Germany also runs on a pension system, according to Leibrecht, and soon enough people will have to retire and the younger generation will help support the previous one.

Most of the migrants are in that younger generation. Germany is trying to focus on how to accommodate the refugees with housing, and will then focus on how to properly integrate them into the German society, according to Leibrecht.

While the German government has agreed to take these refugees into the country, there are still officials and groups that disapprove. Some advocate for the exact opposite approach: to close the borders. These government officials believe that there are too many people to allow such an influx of refugees into their country and that it is not worth the risk to security.

“Our enemies might find themselves in the heart of Europe,” Leibrecht said.

He knows that ISIS members will likely blend in with the other refugees. The NeoNazi political party in Germany is strictly against foreigners coming into the country and have been protesting. However, Leibrecht said that many people are willing to take on the refugees with open arms.

“No one will be left out for the fear that not-nice people will make it in,” he said.

page 4 The Signal October 7, 2015

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 5

Bill / Analysis of student tuition highlights allocations Some students concerned with cost of hefty loans continued from page 1 for their education, but these students want something in return: clarity and transparency.

Shaw, alongside other students in debt, turn to the “Account Inquiry” section of PAWS and cannot understand what the loans they will be paying off for years are actually going toward during their time at the College.

According to tcnj.edu, there are 6,580 full-time students with 95 percent of them being from New Jersey. For this reason, any references to prices refer to the majority: full-time and in-state students.

Sticker versus Net Price The reality of tuition costs might not hit until students or their parents are staring at the upcoming semester’s bill for the first time.

“People say that this college is very reasonable,” Shaw said. “But it doesn’t feel very reasonable because it’s (approximately) $24,000 plus (other expenses).

The fact that this is a reasonable college and it’s so expensive is just silly.”

“I only got to (fully use) the student center for a year and that makes me uncomfortable because I’m paying for something now... and I don’t get to use it as much.”

—Soniya Reddy

sophomore accounting major Like Shaw, some students may feel misled upon entering what they thought was a fairly priced college. There may be some discrepancies between the perceived price of attendance (the sticker price) opposed to what students actually pay (the net price). However, the final prices are determined by senior management in consultation with the Board of Trustees, according to Director of Media Relations Mark Gola.

“The Board of Trustees takes very seriously its responsibility to review the annual TCNJ budget proposal, including the establishment of tuition and fees,” Gola said. “We are very sensitive to the financial burden on families as the cost of higher education increases.”

Gola assures that the College utilizes resources to provide students with tuition support.

Board of Trustees Chair Jorge Caballero expressed similar views to Gola, explaining how the College allocates its resources. “(We have) excellent academic and support service programs that prepare students for employment and graduate school, and support the fifth highest fouryear graduation rate of public institutions of higher education in the United States,” Caballero said.

When looking at the costs to attend the College on its admission website, students must part with an estimated $12,000 for room and board as well as another $15,446 for tuition and fees each academic year, according to tcnj.edu. Yet Student Accounts’ itemization of meal plan prices shows that the net price of the eight different total room and board fees actually ranges from $10,231.06 (room plus the a la carte apartment plan) to $13,271.42 (room and the carte blanche meal plan).

The actual price of tuition for the 2015’16 academic year is $10,878.96, but the other miscellaneous fees total $4,587.12, according to Student Accounts. For Shaw, the makeup of room and board as well as tuition is common sense, but for others it may not be so clear.

According to Gola, tuition pays for things like the faculty and staff salaries, grounds and building maintenance and scholarships and waivers. In other words — forms of financial assistance that do not require repayment.

If tuition comprises about 70 percent of the College’s estimated $15,446, then what fees make up the remaining 30 percent?

Bill Breakdown Though it may seem clear to some students what they are paying for every semester, others, like Shaw, are not confident in what those miscellaneous fees on the bill mean.

“There are a couple (fees) that are obvious, a couple that aren’t so obvious,” Shaw said as he looked at his bill in PAWS. Students can find definitions of these fees on the Student Accounts website.

According to Student Accounts, the student service fee funds for health services and athletics, among other organizations.

The student activity charge is collected and handled by the Student Finance Board. SFB allocates the student activity fee funds to different clubs and organizations to host activities, conferences and programs on campus that benefit the entire student body.

Then there is the card service fee, which is used toward card access across campus, according to Student Accounts.

“The College pays an annual maintenance fee for the Blackboard software system, which enables students to use their card to access meal plans, residence halls, library services, admission to events etc.,” Gola said. “If the card is lost, there is (an additional) replacement

Student Center Fee $126 $124.50

$124 $122

$120.87

$120 $118 $116

$118.50 $116

$120.87

$118.50

$116

$114 $112 $110 Fall 2012

Spring 2013

Fall 2013

Spring 2014

Fall 2014

Spring 2015

Fall 2015

Information courtesy of PAWS

The student center fee increases while the building is under construction.

$137.70

Other Fees $10.00

$229.03 $124.50

$372.44

$1,419.89

General Service/ Capital

Student Service

Student Center

Computing Access

Student Activity

Card Service Information courtesy of Student Accounts

The Student Accounts site breaks down the ‘mandatory fees’ per semester. fee to re-issue a new card.”

Though these other fees seem clear, Soniya Reddy, a sophomore accounting major, finds Student Accounts’ definition of the computer access fee too vague and does not understand why some students have to pay for it even if they use their own laptops.

Student Accounts states that the computer access “is used partially to fund the computing infrastructure throughout the campus... this fee enables the College to provide critical access and other technology services necessary for students to succeed in their academic majors.”

However, according to Gola, the College is in the process of improving the WiFi access across campus, which this fee helps fund. “(The fees) all seem to make sense, except for maybe the general service one,” Shaw said after looking over Student Accounts’ definitions. “I don’t know exactly what it does.”

“I feel like it shouldn’t be so expensive... You kind of need (college) to (get) ahead or that’s what people assume.”

—Kevin Shaw

freshman physics and secondary education double major

While confusing to some, the office defines the general service fee as the one that funds “the annual debt service requirements relating to educational and general (E&G) facilities, in-addition to funding the capital plan that addresses the continuing asset renewal of existing E&G facilities.”

“The general service fee funds the construction, restoration and maintenance of various student and academic facilities on campus,” Gola said. “It’s also used to fund the annual debt service (principal and interest) when (the College) borrows money to finance construction or renovation of academic, administrative or athletics facilities.”

After learning that her money partially goes toward campus construction, Reddy was disappointed.

“They shouldn’t be using (our money) for construction without telling us,” Reddy said. Though the definition states

that this fee does go toward construction, Reddy did not think this was explicit.

The fee that struck the biggest nerve for Reddy was the one for the Brower Student Center, as students’ money goes toward the operations, as well as its construction. “(It’s under) construction, so we don’t even go there a lot,” Reddy said. “They took out The Rathskeller and… we don’t really go there that much now. I honestly feel like they should cut down the fees after (starting construction) last semester.”

According to PAWS, the student center fee is at an all-time high of $124.50 for the fall semester.

“I only got to (fully use) the student center for a year and that makes me uncomfortable because I’m paying for something now… and I’m paying for it next semester and the following semester and I don’t get to use it as much,” Reddy said.

In response to similar comments made by other students, Gola explained the increased cost.

“The student center fee was increased as a result of the student center budget development process,” he said. “Current renovations taking place do cause some temporary inconveniences, but once the project is completed, it will provide additional amenities for students to experience.”

The student center is not anticipated to be complete until summer of 2017, according to the Student Center Manager Seth Zolin in a previous Signal article from Wednesday, Aug. 26.

While some have expressed concern and anger about having to pay for the student center while it is no longer as easily accessible, others don’t appear to mind.

“I don’t necessarily care,” Shaw said. “(However), I don’t think I should have to pay for things that I don’t use,” Shaw said.

The Bill’s Burden Attending college in America has become synonymous to inevitable lifelong debt for some students who cannot pay the price for their education upfront. “(The College) should cut down the costs of pretty much everything,” Reddy said. “I feel like it’s just a little too expensive.”

While students can understand why tuition is pricey, it doesn’t make the cost of paying off loans any easier.

“I feel like it shouldn’t be so expensive... you kind of need (college) to (get) ahead, or that’s what people assume,” Shaw said.

For students like Shaw who will have to personally pay off his debt, he cannot fathom why prices have become so high.

While students like Shaw and Reddy understand why they are charged these fees, the burden still takes a heavy toll on them and other students alike, here at the College.

page 6 The Signal October 7, 2015

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 7

SG debates bill to hold members ‘accountable’

Heiner Fallas / Photo Assistant

Left: Nicasio and Dowling debate bill B-F2015. Right: Junior class council Treasurer Kyle Holland shares his opinion on the proposed bill.

By Alyssa Sanford Web Editor Student Government cabinet and general body members debated the passage of a bill that would redefine what it means to be a general member on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The bill in question, B-F201506, will hold general members “accountable,” according to Vice President of Governmental Affairs Ceili Boles, who introduced the bill.

At present, the process to become a general member is simple: prospective members send an email to the Student Government account and are assigned to an internal committee. Under the new bill, general members would have to attend either general body meetings or internal committee meetings in order to earn five “positive points” that would grant them full general membership status, according to cabinet members.

With the passage of the bill, which would take effect at the beginning of spring semester, general members would have more responsibilities.

“They would not be able to vote in general body (meetings), but they’d be able to vote in committee meetings,” President Casey Dowling said.

Boles referred to the bill as a “clean slate,” as it would change protocol for general membership next semester.

Ultimately, the bill was tabled indefinitely so that unclear sections could be clarified. The four bills tabled for later discussion at the previous general body meeting were also tabled for another week so that SG members could meet with their constituents and vote with their interests in mind, Dowling said.

Next, Executive Vice President

Javier Nicasio discussed the funding for Homecoming 2015, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Lot 4. The $8,385 that SFB allotted to SG will go toward a breakfast in the tailgating section, water bottles for students, speakers and other professional sound equipment and three disc jockeys.

“We’ll be able to hear everything,” Nicasio said of the improved sound equipment.

Tyler Holzer, vice president of Finance, mentioned an “exciting meeting” with the College’s Vice President of Administration Curt Heuring that dealt with paving the loop around campus.

While Holzer previously announced that efforts to pave the two-mile loop in order to keep walkers and joggers out of the road would not be possible, he cited two reasons that the College

Career Fair opens doors

By Morgan Lubner Staff Writer The College held its annual fall Career Fair this past week, where students had the chance to speak with professionals and learn about potential job opportunities.

Held in the Student Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 2, the large all-purpose room was filled with companies offering internship and job availabilities, providing students with a centralized opportunity to plan their future.

Students of all ages were buzzing around the fair, scanning for a company that would fit their desires. Even at the 11 a.m. start of the fair, it was already brimming with hopefuls dressed in their best outfits.

“It’s important for students to see graduate programs and certifications, especially depending on the field, because getting a masters can make yourself more marketable,” senior Spanish and special education double major Lauren Lagriola said.

“Students can explore their options postgraduation or for internships here and get their name out there to start networking.”

Her first time at the fair, Lagriola was running the Office of Graduate Studies booth, which included information on both the summer and winter programs.

Lagriola touched on the main reasons students come to the fair — to find internships and jobs and to get their name

out there with companies they may want to work for in the future.

“I found a lot of opportunities and two possible internships,” sophomore computer engineering major Andrew Yoon said. “I’m really hopeful.”

While most found the fair to be wellrun, others felt it was disorganized and extremely hectic. Some students, like freshman physics major Ian Reed, felt the fair was slightly overwhelming and said they would like to see it sectioned off and organized differently in the future.

“The fair was a little haphazard because there was so much variety,” Reed said. “If it were sectioned into opportunities per major, that would be better. It was a good thing overall.”

On the opposite end, seniors preparing to graduate in a few months searched the room for jobs, handing out their resume left and right to potential employers.

Senior finance major Jillian Hughes said she has used the fair in the past to get an internship.

She interned at New York Life Insurance this past summer, which she said was a great experience that taught her a lot.

Thanks to the Career Fair, Hughes said she is hopeful on her job hunt this year.

For those who may have missed out, the College has another fair in the spring for anyone wishing to find out more information about summer internships, graduate programs and prospective employers.

couldn’t take on the project: first, because it would be “very expensive,” and also because the area behind Decker Hall belongs to New Jersey’s wetlands and therefore the College can’t build a path for joggers through that area.

“The best solution is to cut through the campus,” Holzer said.

He spoke to Heuring about creating a “bike lane” with painted markers that would allow bikers, joggers and walkers to exercise on campus without risking their safety.

Holzer and Heuring will organize a committee with members of SG, the Bonner Institute, cross country athletes and faculty and staff at the College to address these issues. The committee will draft a proposal for construction at an undetermined date since the project is in early planning stages.

“The sharp turns around the loop are unsafe,” Holzer said. “We’re going to be revisiting the loop and

how TCNJ thinks about it.”

Boles, of Governmental Affairs, announced that her committee will stream the next presidential debate for the campus community since the GOP’s second debate on CNN attracted a large audience. The next debate, which will focus on the Democratic Party’s candidates, will be on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Later, senior class President Emily Montagna announced that the class will hold a food truck festival on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Mercer County Park that is only open to seniors.

Additionally, senators for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences said that Dean John Sisko is open to the idea of introducing advisor evaluations so that students who are dissatisfied with their advisement experience have a platform for expressing their concerns.

Upcoming Events Visiting Writers Series featuring Michael Dickman Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Library Auditorium Coming Out Monologues Thursday, Oct. 8 Doors open 8 p.m. in the Library Auditorium CUB’s Fall Concert featuring Bleachers and Modern Baseball Saturday, Oct. 17 Tickets are $5 each and there is a limit of two per TCNJ ID. Tickets will be on sale weeknights at the box office in Kendall Hall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

CUB’s Philadelphia Zoo Bus Trip Sunday, Oct. 18 Meet in the Student Center at 10:45 a.m.

Tickets are $17 each and there is a limit of two per TCNJ ID TCNJ EMS HeartSaver First-Aid Class Sunday, Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Administrative Services Building room 103 Fee: $60. To register email TCNJ EMS at lionsems@tcnj.edu

page 8 The Signal October 7, 2015

TCNJ Day of Service: Celebrate Trenton and its Possibilities In honor of Pat Donohue’s legacy of service and his contributions to our campus and the greater community

Saturday, October 17, 2015 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Service opportunities include: Painting Gardening Neighborhood clean up Food pantry organization … and more!

Breakfast, lunch, and transportation will be provided.

Sign up today at celr.tcnj.edu/DayOfService

Supported by the Center for Community Engaged Learning, Division of Student Affairs, Faculty Senate, Office of the President, School of the Arts and Communication, Staff Senate, and Student Government.

Thanks to our community partners: SAGE Coalition, Mill Hill Garden, OTN Gardens, Habitat for Humanity, Homefront, 1867 Sanctuary, A Better Way, PJ Hill Elementary School, Children’s Home Society, Trenton Central High School

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 9

Nation & W rld

NASA discovers flowing water on Mars

By Catherine Herbert Correspondent

On Monday, Sept. 28, NASA made the announcement that there is definitive proof of water on Mars. While scientists have had theories about there being water on Mars for some time now, there had not previously been any validated proof of this until NASA’s report.

The hypotheses about water existing on Mars were studied thoroughly using Imaging spectroscopy, which “refers to measuring the intensity of light as a function of its spatial position, while spectroscopy detects the dependence of intensity on the wavelength of the light,” reported CNN. This imaging gave scientists a clear look at “mysterious dark streaks” running down the slopes referred to as recurring slope lineae, according to NASA. It was Georgia Institute of Technology undergraduate student Lujendra Ojha who first noticed the mystifying streaks, now called recurring slope lineae, back in 2010.

He was studying images produced from

the HiRISE camera attached to the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, reported National Geographic. Ojha was unaware of just how vital his observation would be in leading to the discovery of water on Mars.

Imaging spectroscopy alluded to the possibility of water. However, it took examining the culmination of four years of data from the HiRISE camera to confidently come to the conclusion that there is in fact present day water on Mars.

What led scientists to be able to confirm that the dark streaks shown in the summer months on the slopes of Mars was flowing water was the discovery of the presence of a certain type of salt. This salt is called perchlorate salt, and the presence of it is so important because this type of salt is hydrated, or composed of water, according to NASA. These perchlorate salts are pointing to contemporary water, and not ancient water, as was previously theorized.

Ojha and his colleagues found these hydrated crystals to be present at multiple locations of recurring slope lineae, but they were only present when these dark streaks were wide, and

AP Photo

Mar’s Orbiter shows 100 meter-long streaks allegedly caused by salt water. seemingly disappeared when the streaks were not as prominent, reported NASA. Following this discovery, questions such as ‘where does this water come from?’ were asked.

What this means exactly for the scientific world’s future is not crystal clear, but overwhelming international excitement has ensued following this discovery.

Russia launches attacks in Syrian civil war

AP Photo

Turkish protestors denounce Putin’s involvement in Syria.

By Candace Kellner Staff Writer

Russia carried out new airstrikes in Syria on Thursday, Oct. 1, a day after it entered the Syrian civil war, fighting on the side of

President Bashar al-Assad.

“Russian Aerospace Forces engaged another four #ISIS facilities in #Syria this night,” Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Twitter, along with a video that captured large explosions. The

strikes were carried out by eight Russian aircrafts, which claimed to hit ISIS “terrorist staff,” according to CNN. However, as the military campaign progressed, Russia’s aims started to target those who oppose President al-Assad, including more moderate factions that are supported by the United States and other western countries.

While Russia claims to be working against terrorist groups, it appears to be intent on supporting the Assad regime, a Syrian official stated after Thursday’s attack.

Russians are fighting alongside the Syrians to destroy not only ISIS, but also all of the other Syrian rebel groups, the Syrian ambassador to Russia, Riad Haddad, told CNN. Haddad said to CNN that all of the rebel groups, including ISIS, share a common goal: “to spread terror.”

Haddad told CNN that the impact of the recent Russian airstrikes have been more effective than all

of the coalition airstrikes so far combined. He said that the Syrian army and the Russian army have been working very closely together, sharing intelligence and data.

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) told CNN that he could “absolutely confirm” that the initial Russian airstrikes were “against our Free Syrian Army or groups that have been armed and trained by the CIA, because we have communications with people there.”

He called the Russian strikes “an incredible flouting of any kind of cooperation or effort to conceal what... Putin’s priority is. And that is of course to prop up Bashar-al Assad.” Russian officials had said they were attacking ISIS, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was careful to indicate that the targets in Syria were not limited to that group.

“At the request of the Syrian

government, we’re helping them to fight ISIS and other terrorist groups,” Lavrov said.

U.S. officials are questioning whether ISIS is active in the areas hit by the Russian strikes, around the city of Homs, in western Syria near the border with Lebanon.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said that the Russian attacks did not appear to hit targets under the control of ISIS, which operates in the north and east of the country, according to CNN. A Washington-based think tank known as the Institute for the Study of War, also cast doubt on Russia’s strike.

“Local Syrian sources claim that the airstrikes exclusively targeted rebel positions, including the headquarters of Free Syrian Army-affiliated, Western backed TOW anti-tank missile recipient al-lzza,” the group reported on its website.

Treasure hunters search for elusive ‘gold train’

By Gabrielle Beacken Nation & World Editor

There is a legend that during World War II, Hitler ordered the construction of a secret underground city that would be filled with gold, gems and jewels. As the Soviet Army progressed in the last days of the war, it is rumored that a Nazi train, filled with treasure, was left behind in the underground works.

According to the New York Times, two explorers, Piotr Koper and Andreas Richter, have claimed to have found this enigmatic train in early September, while more recently, a third explorer, Krzysztof Szpakowski, has claimed to have found the complex of

underground tunnels. The tunnels are allegedly a part of Hitler’s “Project Riese,” meaning “Project Giant,” where Nazis were supposed to seek security if there were to ever be a nuclear attack, reported the Guardian.

Thousands of people have traveled to the Owl Mountains in Walbrzych County, Poland, where the treasure and tunnels allegedly reside, reported the Times. Over 100 media outlets from around the globe have taken residence and filled the popular tourist-attraction, Ksiaz Castle. The Castle lies only four miles from the alleged underground city.

Old cemeteries, battle grounds and various archaeological sites near the

supposed underground city have been vandalized, said Barbara Nowak-Obelinda, the conservator of monuments in Lower Silesia, reported the Times.

Local officials have reported that a 35-year-old man fell and died in Walbryzch when he tried to break into the tomb of a German owner of a Silesian textile empire that was rumored to be filled with treasures, the Times said.

Owl Mountains has not been considered a popular tourist spot in Poland, despite its picturesque views, yet this new discovery puts the city “back on the map,” according to the Times.

“If the city wanted to pay for this kind of primetime advertising, we estimate that

AP Photo

Polish soldiers check for traps and explosives at alleged tunnel’s location. we would have to spend 100 million zloty ($26 million),” said Anna Zabska, director of the Old Mine Science and Art Museum, reported the Times.

The museum has taken advantage of the flood of explorers

by selling T-shirts, mugs and other small gifts with the image of the “gold train.”

Verification of the tunnels is “months away,” said the Times. In the meantime, Polish soldiers are heavily

guarding the area.

“The thaw for unearthing the secrets of our region has begun,” said Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, governor of Walbrzych County, reported the Times.

page 10 The Signal October 7, 2015

SPRING 2016 REGISTRATION APPOINTMENT PERIOD Initial Registration Period for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Tuesday, November 3 Through Friday, November 13



Your enrollment appointment reflecting the first time you will be eligible to register for the Spring 2016 semester can be accessed via your PAWS account. To view your scheduled enrollment appointment, visit the Enrollment Appointment section in the PAWS Student Center. Once eligible, students remain eligible throughout the registration period. Undergraduate students who do not register by 11:59pm on Sunday, November 15, will be subject to a late registration fine. Graduate Students have until Tuesday, December 15: Late Registration Fine Undergraduate: $150 Graduate: $125



The Spring 2016 Schedule of Classes is available on PAWS and can be viewed by using the Search for Classes button. Both Winter 2016 and Summer 2016 registration are also open along with Spring 2016 registration. Check PAWS frequently for any updated winter/summer course offerings and consult with your advisor for appropriate course selections.



Visit the PAWS HELP website for complete information on how to log-in to PAWS, search for classes, browse the Course Catalog, view your Holds, add courses to your Shopping Cart, and register for classes: http://pawshelp.pages.tcnj.edu/



Use the Validate feature directly from your PAWS Shopping Cart to check for potential pre-requisite issues before registration! For more information on the Validate feature, visit: http://pawshelp.pages.tcnj.edu/files/2011/07/validate.pdf



Check PAWS early and frequently for Holds that will prevent you from registering. All Hold Flag information can be viewed under the Holds section in the PAWS Student Center.



Access your Academic Requirements Report on PAWS to view your degree requirements via the Advising Tools link.



Make an appointment to see your advisor to discuss your Academic Requirements Report. Your advisor’s name and email address can be located in your PAWS Student Center.



Double-check call numbers and course sections prior to your registration appointment for schedule changes and periodic updates.



Graduate Students: If you are a non-matriculant who is applying for Spring matriculation, you should not register during this timeframe. If accepted for matriculation, you will be invited to register during the Graduate Orientation session in January.

THE OFFICE OF RECORDS AND REGISTRATION Green Hall 112, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 11

Editorial

Why Facebook is still relevant to college students

Imagine a world without Facebook. Wouldn’t it be weird? For so long, our lives have had Facebook in it. We used to write and tag each other in those stupid notes, have conversations on each other’s walls and actually update our “About” section. Today, we don’t really use Facebook in those ways anymore. Instead, the website is our place to share pictures of study abroad trips and apple picking, message people about group projects and share news articles. Perhaps most importantly, Facebook is a place where we can stay up-to-date on all events that are happening around campus.

Imagine college life without Facebook. Wouldn’t keeping track of all that is going on be impossible? Yes, we have Lion’s Gate now, as well as advertisements around the school, but let’s be honest, Facebook is still the hub of knowing what parties, concerts, plays and random events the College community is having. Facebook is not as prevalent to us as it once was in our high school days, but it definitely still plays a vital role in our educational and social lives. Facebook events let you know who else is going to an event, provide you a space to ask questions about the event and even sends you reminders about the event you clicked you were going to. I don’t think Lion’s Gate does that. (I mean, it might, but who knows how to actually use that thing to its fullest potential.)

Pretty soon, students at the College might not have a Facebook because most students in high school and in lower grades no longer have one. It’s not “cool” to have one because their parents have accounts. (Gross. Old people.) Their go-to social media app is Instagram. But how the heck do they plan on staying connected with what events will be happening at their schools when they get to college?

Instagram doesn’t give you a space to create and invite people to an event. Maybe this is when programs like Lion’s Gate will especially be useful — when virtually no students have a Facebook. Or who knows, maybe by then another social media platform will be the place where students will get their information.

But until then, we should all be thankful for the organization that Facebook provides for us. Not only does it serve as a trip down memory lane of your awkward high school self, but it also acts as a way to keep you in-the-know with all that is going on at the College.

Thank you for providing a nifty calendar for us to keep organized.

Thanks for letting us know how many other people are attending an event to so we can make sure we’re not the only loser who will be going. Thanks for sending reminders about upcoming events so we don’t forget. Thanks for always having our backs, Facebook.

— Colleen Murphy Managing Editor

Editorial Content Unsigned editorial opinions are those of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing, News, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Opinions, Photo and Sports editors and the Business Manager, unless otherwise noted.

Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.

AP Photo

Facebook is a great source for students at the College to keep track of upcoming events on campus. Without it, remembering events would be more difficult.

Quotes of the Week tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Business Office (609) 771-2499 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu

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Mailing Address: The Signal c/o Forcina Hall The College of New Jersey P.O. Box 7718 Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Gabrielle Beacken Nation & World Editor beackeg1@tcnj.edu Elise Schoening Review Editor schoene1@tcnj.edu Jackie Delaney Production Manager delanej2@tcnj.edu Alyssa Sanford Web Editor sanfora1@tcnj.edu Olivia Rizzo Kelly Corbett Social Media Editors rizzoo1@tcnj.edu corbetk2@tcnj.edu

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“There is a special bravery in deciding that you’re going to sit firmly on the right side of history.”

— Soledad O’Brien, award-winning journalist, documentarian and producer and campus speaker for Hispanic Heritage Month

“The sharp turns around the loop are unsafe. We’re going to be revisiting the loop and how TCNJ thinks about it.”

— Tyler Holzer, Student Government vice president of Finance on talks with the College to make the loop more safe

“When I’m retired I’ll be thinking about all the great things the players did... but I don’t think ‘where am I’ in the statistics.”

— Sharon Pfluger, field hockey coach on her legacy at the College after winning her 1,000th career coaching win

page 12 The Signal October 7, 2015

Opinions

Opponents plot to defund Planned Parenthood Assumptions about abortion hurt organization

Protestors rally in support of funding Planned Parenthood.

By Ellie Schuckman News Editor American politics has become the hub for brash arguments and idiotic comments, resulting in several field days for the media.

The ongoing, heated battles between Republicans and Democrats has reached a new level of insanity — fighting once again about defunding Planned Parenthood.

The nonprofit organization saw roughly $528 million in 2014 from the federal government, nearly one third of its $1.3 billion yearly budget, according to The Washington Post. However, it’s important to note that the federal funds are not used for the service at the heart of current debates — abortions. The organization instead uses money from private donors and foundations to fund the abortion services, according to the same article.

AP Photo

The majority of the money received from the government currently comes from Medicaid, the health care program typically used by low-income Americans. That money is not even legally allowed to be used for abortions. Defunding Planned Parenthood will therefore not stop abortions, it will merely cut other resources used for men and women such as cancer screenings, STD testing, medical treatment and contraception.

The center of this argument does not even rely on federal funding — it has relatively nothing to do with the federal government.

So then why has the fight nearly shut down the government and become a leading issue for politicians?

Blame that on the 2016 presidential election that has already consumed the media.

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, during the second Republican primary debate, candidate Carly

Fiorina made comments claiming that she saw a video showing a fully-formed fetus being kept alive to harvest its brain. When confronted about the supposed video, Fiorina refused to step forward with the footage and fact-checkers have been unable to find the video as well, according to ABC News.

Many Democrats are opposed to defunding the organization and are defending Planned Parenthood, which has repeatedly stated no such video exists and those which have surfaced are misrepresentative and have been doctored.

No matter the validity of the videos, the underlying issue made prevalent is the fight over abortions. Republicans — most of whom are against them — do not want to see government funds going toward abortions. A reasonable request some may say. However, what gives those individuals the right to decide how others make their personal, medical decisions? What gives any person the right to decide what health care choice a woman should make? Why must there be a reason given when a woman walks into a clinic?

Abortion is the only medical procedure in which “how did it happen?” (them getting pregnant) has been the issue. If someone has a broken bone or needs a shot, they will get treated with relatively no judgement or questions asked. With abortions, however, lawmakers are continuously blaming women.

Before someone can have an abortion, counseling is often required. Imagine needing a simple operation to repair your

shoulder after falling. The doctor walks in and questions how the injury happened, and then starts judging you because you slipped in the rain. They then refuse to operate and say you must live with the consequences.

You then begin to feel guilty.

It’s really that simple.

Regardless of political beliefs, this is a private issue grown large by religious and spiritual beliefs. Once again, we are seeing faith intertwined with politics and the government overstepping the boundaries of personal freedom.

Last week, the government nearly shut down because politicians couldn’t reach an agreement. While eventually a deal was passed to avoid another shutdown, temporarily funding the government through Friday, Dec. 11, the issue hasn’t been solved.

It’s simply been put off to be dealt with at a later time.

The House of Representatives, with a Republican majority, still managed to pass a separate measure to defund Planned Parenthood, according to CNN. These ongoing battles need to stop. What’s the point in having a government when politicians can’t stop fighting each other long enough to actually do something to benefit the people they’re empowered to serve?

Personal beliefs are terribly intertwined with how politicians conduct themselves and the issues they see fit, and this needs to end.

Give individuals their individual rights and leave out personal bias.

Immigrant students are the future of America

By Marisa Gonzalez Marisa Gonzalez, ’11 alumna, first started teaching for Teach For America corps and now teaches bilingual third and fourth grade students at Maude I. Logan Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas.

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month and my fourth graders are reading about immigration. In our bilingual classroom, culture and language always play a starring role, but this time of year — and this year in particular — the emphasis feels particularly essential.

Every day, my Mexican-American students get bombarded with media messages about the “problem” of immigration. Over the coming months, as the political season heats up, the barrage will get worse, not better. As a teacher, I feel responsible for equipping my students with the knowledge and confidence to endure and, ultimately, change the conversation. Immigrants built our country.

They will continue to shape us.

As Americans, we all have a role to play. When I first thought about becoming a teacher, I never imagined that I’d get to do it in a classroom like mine. My kids are expected to be able to read, write and think at a high level in both English and Spanish, which makes teaching complex and challenging.

However, it also validates their cultural identities, ensures their families can be active participants in their education and prepares my students to be competitive in a

global workplace. Being bilingual is a tremendous leg up for talented students. At the national scale, Latino students have not been given the opportunities to excel at the highest level. We see it at every stage — from lower test scores to lagging high school graduation and college-going rates.

When we read texts like “Mi Diario de Aqui Hasta Alla” (“My Diary from Here to There”), “Going Home” and “La Colcha de los Recuerdos” (“The Keeping Quilt”), we’re making strides toward changing this. I have to equip my kids with hard skills, like reading and writing, as well as softer skills, to make them curious thinkers, passionate advocates and creative entrepreneurs.

When I first applied to Teach For America, I saw it as an opportunity to make an impact on others, while growing personally. I was aware of the gaps in educational opportunity in this country and wanted to be part of ensuring that more students got the same chances I did. From a purely practical standpoint, I also wanted to make sure that I got a running start in my post-college years. I knew that Teach For America would train me, and teaching would push me.

So I moved to Dallas-Fort Worth and got my start.

During my time in Texas, I’ve developed passions I never expected to, abilities I never thought I would have and relationships that make my life rich, interesting and full. As I look back, I’m grateful to my 21-year-old self for listening to her gut.

And as I work for excellence in the classroom and aspire to one day lead a school serving low-income students here in Fort Worth, I know I owe my 21-year-old self a big

AP Photo

Immigrant students learn to read and write.

thank you.

This work isn’t easy but it’s essential. In the coming months, as the national dialogue continues to undermine hard-working kids and families across the country, I hope we’ll all think hard about the roles we might play — as teachers, mentors and those who stand up for communities that are the lifeblood of this nation. Day in and day out, my students are working hard on their part, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll do.

Policies The Signal is published weekly during the academic year and is financed by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and advertising revenue. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors.

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October 7, 2015 The Signal page 13

Students share opinions around campus Is immigration a problem? Defund Planned Parenthood?

“I don’t think it’s a problem I’m an immigrant, I’m from West Africa (Mali).

If you do (immigration) the right way and do it in a legal way, it’s a good thing.

If you try to cheat then it becomes a problem.”

“I don’t think (defunding) should happen. (Planned Parenthood) is very beneficial as a whole to the population.”

Photo courtesy of Abby Cossaboon

Chelsea LoCascio / Opinions Editor

Abby Cossaboon, sophomore psychology major.

Kadidia Sylla, freshman biology major.

“If they were legally here, then it’s all right.

America has so many problems and so many deficits to deal with (that) immigration should (not be a problem).”

“I think (Planned Parenthood) is needed. I think it’s a good option for whatever (people) need help (with).”

Chelsea LoCascio / Opinions Editor

Chelsea LoCascio / Opinions Editor

Rankita Sinha, freshman biomedical engineering major.

Stavroula Kontogiannis, senior math and secondary education major.

The Signal asks...

Should the College get rid of cable?

Kadidia: “Personally, I don’t use it. I use the Xfinity Go App on my iPad, but if people need cable… then it would be great. It’s not necessary.”

Stavroula: “Personally, I have a T.V. in my room.

It’s nice to turn it on. I usually just use Netflix.”

Abby: “I don’t have a T.V. on campus — I only know one other person that has one… most of us have Netflix, HBO (or) Hulu.”

Rankita: “I don’t think it’s necessary… we’re all too busy in general.”

Raphaëlle Gamanho / Cartoonist

Students find alternative sources of entertainment in a world without cable.

page 14 The Signal October 7, 2015

Features

Fraternity fosters funds for philanthropy

Samantha Selikoff / Staff Photographer

The BBQ raises money for the Heroes to Heroes foundation.

By Melissa Natividade Correspondent

Armed with plenty of food — and hopefully energy drinks — the brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) held their annual 24-hour barbecue fundraiser for the Heroes to Heroes Foundation on Tuesday, Sept.

29, on the TW lawn.

Staying true to their pledge selling food for 24 hours straight, the event began at 10 a.m. and stretched through the night into the next morning. Rain poured down as thunderstorms began, but the brothers pulled through to their 10 a.m. mark without having too many soggy bun incidents.

Being stacked against one of the strongest thunderstorms since school started, the members of AEPi still went into this fundraiser with the motivation to surpass their record of $2,000 set in the spring, but knew it would be a bit of a longshot.

While they didn’t reach their goal, raising $1,050, they were still proud of the funds they raised this semester.

“Last year was definitely our biggest year so we’re really hoping to match that,”

junior history major and AEPi brother Tyler Switsky said. “But I also think the most important part is that no matter how much money we raise, we still focus on the concept and the foundation. It was fantastic that we raised $2,000 (in the spring), but being back here no matter what we raise is still really important to us.”

Nationally, AEPi has 10 different philanthropies focusing on issues from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to bone marrow and blood transplants. Heroes to Heroes is the fraternity’s foundation of choice for this particular fundraiser. The foundation aims to provide all combat veterans — regardless of conflict — who suffer from moral injury and PTSD with spiritual healing, suicide prevention and peer support through a year-long healing process, beginning with a group trip to Israel.

During the trip to Israel, 10 Americans, five Israelis and two team coaches — all of whom are veterans — undergo several spiritually, socially, physically and emotionally intensive activities. They help veterans redevelop skills that can be inhibited by trauma and depression but are necessary

in transitioning back into civilian life. Further information and means of donating to this cause can be found on the Heroes to Heroes website.

“A lot of us connect with this philanthropy,” junior criminology major and AEPi brother Daniel Khazen said. “Not specifically because of family ties but because mental illness is such a big issue today, especially on campuses. Not a lot of people focus on the mental illness from the stress of war and we feel it’s also important to help the people who fight for this country and their families.”

Usually taking place in the spring, the 24-hour barbecue has become a tradition according to sophomore accounting major and AEPi brother Sam Salerno, who proposed the additional fundraiser opportunity this fall and set up the Facebook page to promote their fundraiser. On Facebook alone, there were 377 people signed up to attend, a number that does not come close to the actual turnout, considering the fraternity’s foolproof location outside of the towers, one of the busiest hubs on campus.

“People just start swarming in at 2

a.m.,” Khazen said. “It’s the craziest time since everyone starts getting back from mixers and T-Dubs is closed by then.

They had music at one point last year and there were 30 people just hanging out outside and getting food. That was probably the highlight of my experience.”

The members of AEPi seem to be big fans of the no-sleep fundraising method, with plans already set for Rockathon, their next philanthropy event this fall. Contrary to how it may sound, AEPi’s Rockathon is a punny take on music-oriented fundraisers, in which one brother sits in a rocking chair for 48 hours straight outside of the Brower Student Center. Money is raised solely on wristband sales and canning.

Despite the fun and entertaining nature of their fundraisers, the main point the brothers want students to take away from their events is that “it really is important to get involved and see how fraternities and sororities operate and do more than just the stereotypical things, because philanthropy is really a huge part of what we do,” Switsky said.

Samantha Selikoff / Staff Photographer

The brothers serve delicious hotdogs and hamburgers to students.

Love Your Melon provides warmth for cancer patients

Twitter

TCNJ Love Your Melon has a Twitter students can follow.

By Sierra Stivala Correspondent

We pull at split ends. We grunt at tangled knots. But mostly, we take it all for granted. Thousands of children do not have the privilege of these inconveniences.

Their battle runs much deeper.

Each year, more than 15,000 children will be diagnosed with some form of cancer that causes them to lose their hair — this is where Love Your Melon comes in.

Zachary Quinn and Brian Keller, college students at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., founded the apparel shop as a means to reach out to these young warriors.

Love Your Melon uses the

proceeds from each hat sale to provide the same one to a childhood cancer patient. Put simply, “Love Your Melon is an apparel brand run by college students across the country on a mission to give a hat to every child battling cancer in America,” according to its website.

Quinn and Keller decided to make their organization nationwide, establishing a network of college students called Love Your Melon Ambassadors. According to the Love Your Melon website, 2,500 college students at over 225 different schools across the country have signed on as ambassadors to help donate hats.

The College’s Love Your Melon

crew leader, junior art education major Emily Vogel, affirms the mission, “Remember not all superheroes wear capes, but they do wear hats!”

However, when a product is purchased, customers give a child far more than just a hat — they give them a memory. Each hat is delivered by college students dressed as superheroes. The hats are given to children everywhere, including hospitals, long-term stay facilities, camps and households.

According to the Love Your Melon website, a portion of the proceeds goes to research and support partnerships. Love Your Melon donates 25 percent of the net proceeds to CureSearch, a nonprofit organization that funds nationwide childhood cancer research. CureSearch is renowned for its exceptional panel of doctors and first-rate research initiatives.

In partnering with CureSearch, Love Your Melon leaders have the opportunity to see the money they raised being put to work by attending conferences and touring lab facilities.

In addition, 25 percent of Love Your Melon’s net proceeds go to the Pinky Swear Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides immediate support to childhood cancer patients and their

families. Their mission is to help alleviate some of the stresses that families endure throughout the treatment process. In doing so, the organization has a positive impact on the survival rate of the children themselves. Its efforts include providing relief for rent payments and home mortgages as well as supplying gas cards and funds for therapeutic programs, according to its website.

Over the course of three years, Love Your Melon has reserved hats for over 45,000 children. These 45,000 hats will be officially delivered by the year’s end along with an astonishing one million dollar donation between the two organizations.

Still, Quinn and Keller see no intentions of downsizing in sight.

The two recently launched the Love Your Melon Campus Crew Program. This initiative allows schools across the country to join in on the efforts. Participating schools receive credit for each item sold under their crew name.

As the first week of sales comes to a close, the College has earned eight credits. Vogel stated that the school’s goal is to reach 100 credits, signifying a superhero household donation.

Those interested in joining Love Your Melon’s cause can enter a

waiting list to become an official crew member. While there are only 20 crew member positions available on the College’s campus, the organization is looking for additional volunteers for its special events.

Even more, anyone can support the cause by going online and purchasing a cap, wristband or T-shirt. For the College to receive credit, all you have to do is select the school under the drop-down bar.

The uniqueness of this charity is its universal appeal. From a product standpoint, there’s a beanie, baseball cap, visor or shirt for everyone. From a charity standpoint, no one can argue the strength of the cause. Junior psychology major and crew member Maria Ciccone describes the organization in one word — unity.

“I believe it brings everyone together to fight the same cause,” Ciccone said. “Adults, teenagers, boys, girls, are all wearing Love Your Melon gear. It does not leave anyone out.”

Crew members are working hard to create awareness and spread Love Your Melon’s precious mission. They encourage everyone to go online and see what it’s all about. After all, it’s never too late to put on a cap and save the day.

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 15

: Jan. ’10

Students’ debt a burden

Jessica Ganga / Features Editor

The College’s debt rate surpassed Princeton University in 2010.

By Jessica Ganga Features Editor In this week’s issue, Opinions Editor Chelsea LoCascio reports on the break down of tuition that students pay at the College. In an excerpt from a 2010 article

by Kelly Johnson, she highlighted how students at the College graduated with a large amount of debt. The College’s student debt was higher than the state average, which brought on concern for both students and faculty.

A recent study revealed that 2008 graduates are burdened with an average student debt of $22,088, while the overall average for college graduate in New Jersey stands at $20,169.

The Project on Student Debt’s latest report showed the College’s student debt exceeds others in the state, including Ramapo College, Rutgers University, William Paterson University, Felician College and even Princeton University.

However, this debt is topped by New Jersey Institute of Technology, where students had a debt average of $27,930, Rider University with $33,156 and Georgian Court University with $33,620.

Georgian Court graduates have the highest student debt in the state, according to the report.

“There is a concern this year because unemployment, especially for young people, is at its worst levels,” Edie Irons,

communications director of the Debt Project, said.

The Project on Student Debt is an initiative of the Institute of College Access and Success. According to its Web site, the Project on Student Debt is designed to help students find cost-effective solutions to paying off loans, as well as increasing “public understanding” of borrowing for tuition.

The project has been tracking New Jersey student debt since 2004 and reports that the student debt load has increased 24 percent.

The national student debt exceeds New Jersey’s with $23,200, but New Jersey has a wide range of averages from Princeton University with $5,955 to Georgian Court University with $33,620.

“There is some comfort in knowing that the New Jersey citizens and students at (the College) on average bear a lower debt load on graduation than the U.S. average,” President R. Barbara Gitenstein said.

However, Gitenstein also said the average debt of graduate from the College is still “troubling.”

Gitenstein said the Office of Financial Aid, in combination with the Center for Institutional Effectiveness, “pays close attention to patterns of student need,” and “is very attentive to individual student need, providing individual advice and support.”

According to Gitenstein, the development several years ago of the EOF

Celebritease

AP Photo

It is cheekily noted that major weather events are linked to baby booms nine months later, so it is only fitting that babies have been all over Hollywood this week as Hurricane Joaquin passed through.

Macklemore showed that he

By Patricia Wilcox Columnist As often as silver and gold may be paired together, I highly recommend you make a choice between the two metals while accessorizing. To get it right every time, use this trick: Turn over your wrists and look at your veins. They will either be green, blue or some sort of combination of the two. (If they are anything different I would consult a doctor before executing the next step.)

Healthy? OK, now determine the color of your veins. If they are green, that means that your skin has a more golden tint to it and that you fall under a “warm” skin type. Go gold!

If your veins are blue, that means your skin picks up rosier undertones and you have a cooler complexion that is more complemented by silver.

If you have a combination of both green and blue veins (like me), that means you have a neutral skin tone, and whichever metal you choose to accessorize with, will complement your outfit.

When trying to decide on an outfit, if you choose to wear coffee browns or olive greens — any earth tone, really — gold accessories will really highlight those fall colors. Blues and purples are the complementary colors to yellow and orange — gold hues — so I recommend gold accessories there, too.

For bold colors, go silver. Silver will not distract from your bold choices, but rather enhance them. Pastels, such as your delicate Tiffany blues and lighter colors, will also be worn very well with Promise Award and more recently, the decision to delay payment deadlines for tuition bills are ways the College has responded to student debt.

According to Irons, healthcare debate has all but stopped the progress of student aid legislation.

Progress has been made, however, in the House of Representatives, which passed a bill on Dec. 11, 2009 that would create a

AP Photo

Silver jewelry can accentuate your skin tone. silver accessories.

The next time you find yourself torn between your favorite gold statement necklace or that trendy silver cuff, use this trick and you’ll always be on top of your complementary fashion game. And on top of that, you’ll probably receive lots of compliments! new agency to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive financial products and services, including private student loans.

Part of this bill will allow schools the opportunity to consult with students prior to their acceptance of private loans.

According to Lauren Asher, president of the Institute for College Access and Success, “private loans are one of the riskiest ways to pay for college.”

:Baby names and hurricanes

Miley Cyrus hosts the first episode of ‘SNL’ this season.

By Mackenzie Cutruzzula Sports Editor

Campus Style

has the “same love” for fatherhood as he does for rapping on Instagram. The rapper posted a photo with his four-month old daughter, Sloane, bundled up in bed next to him with the caption, “There is nothing better.”

Kim Kardashian West made baby headlines appearing on “The Ellen Degeneres Show.”

The reality star sat down to talk

baby names for North’s soonto-be brother. Kardashian West admitted that she is a fan of the name Easton, but husband Kanye West is not so much. One direction the couple won’t be heading is South, as it makes Kardashian West roll her eyes when it is suggested. The couple believes they won’t be using the compass for inspiration this time around.

Also in the names category is the adorable way Kevin Jonas’ daughter, Alena, refers to her Uncle Nick. The 19-monthold baby can’t say Nick yet so he is called, “Uncle Geek,” the “Chains” singer revealed. Although career demands keep him away from the youngster, he said he loves to spoil his niece every time he gets to see her. *Swoon.* It was announced via Twitter on Friday, Oct. 2, that Renée Zellweger had started production on her latest film, “Bridget Jones’s Baby.” Patrick Dempsey

will be joining the cast and Colin Firth is returning as Mr. Darcy, giving my love life unobtainable goals.

Taylor Swift took to Twitter to let everyone know that, although she has found her own Mr. Darcy, they are in fact taking things slow. Rumor was that Swift purchased a Beverly Hills mansion around the corner from her disc jockey boyfriend, Calvin Harris.

To clear things up, Swift tweeted, “What the press says I’m doing: Buying a Bev Hills mansion, getting married in an English castle.

What I’m doing: Playing a show in St. Louis.”

While Swift enjoyed her time on stage, “Saturday Night Live,” with host Miley Cyrus, poked fun at the songstress and her ever growing girl squad in the show’s return from hiatus on Saturday, Sept. 3. In a spoof movie preview called, “The Squad,” the audience got a sneak peek of what a postapocalyptic world would look

like if the entire world joined her squad. It seems that you can try to run and hide, but in the end you can’t resist the temptation to join Swift and tan on American flag towels or walk on stage with models. Seriously, Swift, if you need another addition, a celebrity gossip columnist might be someone good to have in your corner.

Stripping down against the haters, Demi Lovato posed nude and makeup-free for her Vanity Fair photoshoot. The star revealed that in the midst of her upcoming album, “Confident,” her grandfather’s recent passing inspired her to live in the moment. She wants to inspire the world to have more body confidence by rebelling against societal norms and believes in her own acceptance, the world can mirror that sentiment. I’ll be using that as my excuse for all the food I bought in preparation for Hurricane Joaquin and now have to eat since it never hit.

page 16 The Signal October 7, 2015

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Blue and Gold Luncheon 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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Spirit Week Lip Sync and Dance Competition 7 p.m. – Midnight The Recreation Center

Main Stage 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Green Lawn Football Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

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Lions Stadium Pre-Game Tailgate 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lots 4 and 6

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October 7, 2015 The Signal page 17

ZTA raises money and awareness of breast cancer Martino’s mother will be a breast

Photo courtesy of Dominique Romenelli

ZTA sisters pose during Pink Out Week’s kick-off.

By Julia Pugliese Correspondent Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) hosted their annual Pink Out Week to spread awareness and provide education about breast cancer throughout the week of Sunday, Sept. 27, hosting different events on and off campus to raise money for their national philanthropy, Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.

Pink bagels were sold at Deli on a Bagel in Pennington, and 10 percent of the bill went toward their Pink Out Week goal. They also sponsored an Instagram contest for people to enter to win a $25 Deli on a Bagel gift card “Our goal is to do as much during this whole week to promote awareness as we can,” said Hope Peraria, a senior communications studies major and sister of ZTA. To Peraria and her sisters, making Pink Out Week a success

is a major goal for the sorority each year.

“We really do care about our philanthropy,” said Patricia Wilcox, a sophomore English secondary education major and member of ZTA. “And it really shows.”

To kick off Pink Out Week, a ceremony called Bubbles for Breast Cancer was held in the Science Complex. People could buy bubbles, ribbons, T-shirts and pink lemonade. People who bought ribbons wrote down memories, wishes and inspirational messages and tied them to the trees nearby.

“This event is very ceremonial to kind of remember those that we lost and to have hope for those affected by breast cancer,” Peraria said.

Early childhood education and English double major and ZTA sister Meggie Martino, along with her mother, shared their personal experiences with breast cancer.

November, which is amazing, according to her daughter.

Those who had purchased bubbles participated in the ceremonial bubble release after people spoke. In the past, balloons were released into the sky, this year, however, ZTA chose to use bubbles.

“The bubbles symbolize releasing worries and letting go of grief and celebrating life,” Peraria said.

On Monday, Sept. 28, the owner of Upper Cuts Barber Shop provided haircuts for $10 and the sisters of ZTA gave out pink hair extensions for $5 in the Brower Student Center. That same night, ZTA hosted a Pink Party where free pink cupcakes, donated by Sodexo, were given out along with ZTA’s Think Pink ribbons, in order to promote breast cancer awareness.

All day Monday, Sept. 28, people could grab some food at Applebee’s and a percentage of their bill would also go toward the cause.

“The cool thing about education and awareness is our money goes to research studies,” Peraria said. “However, a lot of the time, research studies can be inconclusive. With more donations, more studies are conducted so we know that our donations are impactful.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Alumni Grove students could attend Pink Parlor. Here, for any donation made to ZTA’s philanthropy, a student could enjoy a strawberry smoothie donated from Smoothie King

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in Hamilton.

The following night, a representative from Bright Pink, ZTA’s national partner, held an educational workshop called Brighten Up. The workshop, about the importance of breast and ovarian health, provided women with tools to use in order to assess their risk. Bright Pink is the only naprevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women.

“Bright Pink was founded when a woman in her 20s found out she had the BRCA gene. Everyone out if she would have cancer, but she decided that that wasn’t really a good method,” Peraria said.

“Bright Pink tailors their info for women in their 20s because that’s the age the BRCA gene affects. So it’s a really cool education piece for college students.”

ZTA continued their goal of educating young women by demonstrating how to give a self-breast exam. Nursing students in the sorority gave students information they needed and also showed the proper way to go about the exam.

“The School of Nursing allowed our Zeta Tau Alpha nursing students to demonstrate how to perform a self-breast exam, and how to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous lumps using breast mannequins that the school provided,” senior marketing major and ZTA President Theresa Holzheimer said.

Students that attended thought it

they learned something that night.

“I loved the session they had about breast cancer awareness and women’s health — it really helped me to learn about the signs and symptoms,” freshman nursing major Kayla Keane said.

ZTA also partnered with Colleges Against Cancer to hold a kickboxing course instructed by a member of Kappa Delta, on Thursday, Oct. 1.

This course stressed the importance of the link between physical activity and a decreased risk for breast cancer, Holzheimer said.

“Another aspect of keeping yourself healthy and making yourself not susceptible to any To end Pink Out week, ZTA held their second annual bowling competition, Strike Out Cancer, at Slocum’s Bowling Center.

Members of Greek life and sports teams played against one another for fun and to raise awareness.

The entire week worked to raise money and spread education about breast cancer.

“The planning for Pink Out Week begins as early as May,” Holzheimer said. “Sisters get extremely involved throughout the week as our philanthropy is a major reason they are so dedicated to our chapter. Some sisters volunteer to help plan and coordinate events, others volunteer at various small-scale events, and our entire chapter supports our largest events throughout the week.”

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page 18 The Signal October 7, 2015

Arts & Entertainment

ACT / Students perform in classic play ‘Earnest’ sells out comedic production

Heiner Fallas / Photo Assistant

Left: Munoz proposes to Alyssa Hess’ character, Gwendolyn. Right: Cohen and Hess compare diaries to clear up confusion about Earnest. continued from page 1 said Friedman. “‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ seemed to be the perfect comedy for our organization because it’s a classic comedy that would challenge us in many different areas, one of which being the time period in which the show takes place.”

Although the production staff began planning for the show during the summer moths, auditions did not begin until the very end of August. As such, the cast only had a little over a month to string the entire show together.

Despite the limited time, every member of the cast delivered a

stellar performance and together, put on a truly laugh-out-loud show for the packed audiences that filled into the Black Box Theatre each night.

Audience members may have recognized a number of the lead actors from the beloved comedic troupe on campus, The Mixed Signals. In fact, four of the cast members, including Friedman, belong to the group. Their comedic ability shined through in their strong acting and lively stage presence.

The best performances of the night came from the lead actors, particularly senior English and secondary education double major Steven Munoz and senior

computer science and interactive multimedia double major Matthew Steuerer as the two deceitful gentlemen at the center of the play. Any and all scenes featuring these two were truly exceptional, as they played off each other very well. In addition to this lead role in the play, Steuerer also served as the show’s producer.

Another notable performance was the small, yet delightfully energetic, presence of freshman psychology and elementary education double major Kira Cohen, who played young Cecily.

The overall talent amongst this student cast is undeniable and evidenced by the fact that three

of the four performances sold out, according to Steuerer.

“The show could not have gone any better,” Friedman said. “It’s amazing for everyone involved when shows sell out. It validates that what we are doing is something that other people enjoy.”

While only nine ACT members performed on stage, there were a total of over 40 people who worked continuously on the production staff and behind the scenes to make the show a success. The large amount of effort and time that went into the show could be seen in the great detail throughout, including the

spot-on Victorian-style costumes and seamless transitions between sets.

“The entire process was a true pleasure. ACT works to put on wonderful pieces of theatre like this each and every semester,” Steuerer said. “I am continually amazed by the final products. To the cast and crew, thank you so much for giving me opportunities, friends and a home.”

Steuerer and the other members of ACT will enjoy a short break before they get back to work.

Later this semester, the group will be performing “An Evening of Shorts,” followed by two other plays in the spring.

Students provide powerful poetry at ‘Slam’

By Tom Ballard Staff Writer

Senior communications major Porsche Lee Carmichael was proclaimed the victor of INK’s “Slam Down The Walls” poetry competition on Friday, Oct. 2, in the Bliss Hall lounge.

The contest featured three self-written poems per each of the three competitors who were evaluated by judges selected from the audience.

“It feels good,” Carmichael said about winning the contest. “I feel like I write very differently than many people at TCNJ (so) it feels good to know that other people like your (writing).”

Carmichael’s work ranged from her poem “Waiting,” which is about a dissolving romance, to “Dissonance,” a poem she wrote about the death of her grandmother this past summer.

“Usually, I don’t perform personal poems,” Carmichael said. “‘Dissonance’ is extremely personal because it’s my grandmother’s poem. I usually write a lot of poems and I decided this year that I was just going to perform a lot more.”

Kyle Siegel, the treasurer of the College’s creative writing club, INK, was supportive about Carmichael’s performance. “(Carmichael) has been meaning to

come out and do this for a very long time,” Siegel said. “(INK is) so happy that she finally (was) able to (perform).”

The other two competitors in the poetry slam were Zach Fuentes, a fifth-year senior English major, and Katie Van Pelt, a freshman open options pre-law major.

Fuentes performed his poems “Thoughts on a Tree,” “Required” and “Thoughts on Gravity.”

“I selected the one about trees because it seemed to have done well last semester,” Fuentes said. “I think ‘Required’ just shows the solitudes that are seldomly discussed and then ‘Gravity’ because I’m really into sci-fi and the environment.”

Van Pelt reflected on her past experiences and home environment in her poems “Danger,” “Ocean Song” and “Moon and Stars.” “(‘Danger’) was about a rough breakup I had with my first boyfriend,” Van Pelt said. “The last two (poems were about) times when I was feeling better, they’re about empowerment and how I felt when I feel strong. I live by the sea, so that’s why a lot of my things involve the water.”

Carmichael received a certificate with the signatures of the three judges and the offer from Siegel to record one of her poems into a spoken word poem.

Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor

Carmichael reads personal poems about romance and her grandmother.

The students in attendance weathered the damp and cold temperatures in order to pack the Bliss lounge.

“I think it was a wonderful turnout,” Siegel said. “We normally have 35-40 people, but I think this was an all-time high and the weather didn’t really impact our attendance that much.”

This event is the only poetry slam that INK will be holding this semester, however, they look forward to sponsoring a whole slew of other events, such as their Visiting Writers Series, featuring Michael Dickman on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Library Auditorium and a Halloween Coffeehouse later in the month.

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 19

Solo student exhibitions explore installment art

Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor

‘Built Environment’ experiments with distorted reflections.

By Roderick Macioch Staff Writer

If you don’t know what you’re looking at, you may think you have stumbled into the wrong room, or that you’re in the right room but the art is missing. When you look at the floor, you notice black streaks running across it. At first it looks like an accident — but this is no accident. This is installment art, and the room itself is the art.

In conjunction with the faculty art exhibition “Fluctuations” currently on display in the Arts and Interactive Multimedia Building art gallery, the installment art of three student artists is also on display now through Sunday, Oct. 11, in rooms 111, 118 and 119.

The three student artists being showcased, seniors Amanda Intili and Jessica Hargwood and junior Joe Arnold, have each been selected by the Art Department to present an example of installment art.

The exhibition had a lengthy application process, which involved presenting ideas to the Art Department in the form of written descriptions, sketches and models.

The installment featuring the black streaks along the floor is entitled “Invasion,” and was created by Intili, an art education major. This is her second solo exhibition at the College.

Installment art, also known as installation art, as explained by Intili, aims to “take an entire space into consideration” to make it “more like an experience.”

As opposed to a painting, for instance, installment art is more interactive. Rather than just a space on a wall, the wall becomes part of the artwork. Instead of just looking at the piece, the observer walks into it and can be surrounded, even engulfed by it.

Intili says her piece is intended to “play with the idea of comfort” and create a “subtle disturbance.” However, Intili feels the piece cannot be explained in any simple terms, or confined by making any single statement.

“It touches on a lot of things,” she said.

It can, for instance, be a commentary on society’s perception of hair.

“If hair is on someone’s head it is considered beautiful,” Intili said. “But in a

drain or on another part of the body it becomes taboo.”

However one may interpret it, Intili says the piece “continues to test the viewer’s comfort level through material choices.”

Lens-based art major Joe Arnold’s installment entitled, “Built Environment” “uses installation to investigate the ideas of the built and artificial environments in an already existing man-made space,” according to the exhibition’s Web page. It consists of 10 squares of various sizes that offer distorted reflections at different angles. The blue and green fluorescent lighting interacts with these reflections, making it all at once disorienting and cohesive.

A program quotes Arnold’s own interpretation of the piece as “a material, spatial and cultural product of human labor that combines physical elements and energy.”

Hargwood, a fine art major, presented her first solo exhibition, a fiber installation entitled, “My Overt Blackness.” The piece “explores the complexities of biracial identity through light and color,” Hargwood said.

In her own words, Hargwood designed the piece as a visual representation of her “biracial identity and how being biracial affects my views on society and how society views me.”

“My Overt Blackness” consists of pieces of tulle netting strung across the room like a web.

“You can see through it depending on the layers,” Hargwood said about the appeal of the medium. “It shows the relationship of colors intertwining in the space.”

When asked how the artist could know when a piece so abstract is finished, Intili said “You get to a point when you just feel like you can part with it.”

“Or when you can’t stand looking at it any more” laughed Hargwood, recalling the countless hours all three spent bringing their artistic visions to fruition.

The downside to this type of art is that, in this case, it can only exist temporarily.

Unlike a statue, which can last for centuries, these pieces will be dismantled after the exhibition closes on Sunday, Oct. 11. So see them, or rather, become a part of them while you can.

Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor

‘Invasion’ gives a commentary on society’s perception of hair.

Fetty Wap meets Green Day at student band night

By Andrew Street Staff Writer

On Friday, Oct. 2, students at the College were treated to the talents of their peers at the first student band night of the fall semester. The event, which was hosted by the College Union Board (CUB), provided a stage in the Brower Student Center for the College’s talented musicians to perform.

For this first event, three talented students boldly took the

stage to deliver a wide range of acoustic ballads and poppunk favorites.

The night began with an excellent acoustic performance of Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen.” The rendition of the chart-topping song, which was sung by freshman and early child education major Kira Lerant, was elegant and original. The entirety of her setlist mixed together popular hits such as The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather,” and acoustic staples like “First Day

Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor

Lerant performs an acoustic cover of ‘Trap Queen.’

Of My Life” by Bright Eyes.

She closed her performance with an excellent cover of the beautifully-written song “Hallelujah,” originally performed

by Leonard Cohen.

“I love it, to have the different artists of TCNJ come (together) is such a nice thing,” Lerant said following her performance.

The second act of the night began with an original piece titled “You and I.” The artist behind the song was Rob Colonna with his acoustic guitar.

Colonna, a senior history major, took the stage by himself using the accompaniment of pre-recorded tracks he made.

Colonna delighted the audience with a setlist composed of 2000s era pop-punk songs and some well-executed original work. He even surprised the crowd with what he referred to as “a throwback to middle school” when he performed “Face Down” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

Colonna, who has been playing shows for nearly nine years, put on an energetic and entertaining performance.

After his set, Colonna expressed his admiration for what CUB does with these student

Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor

Colonna’s set includes pop-punk covers and originals. events stating that “me and other seniors doing this since freshman year are proof it’s a great program.”

Following Colonna’s performance there was a brief intermission while the third and final act, known as Princeton Beggar, set up their equipment.

Once the three-piece ensemble took the stage, they immediately jammed out the familiar guitar riffs of Green Day’s “When I Come Around.” As the opening line was sung out to the crowd, numerous onlookers around the student center halted and looked

on to hear the pop-punk classic.

The band delivered an excellent set of rock songs, and their original sound was enjoyable thanks to the use of a keyboard.

While the rain may have affected the size of the crowd, those who were present were entertained by some of the College’s most talented performing artists. The sets as a whole offered a unique mix of songs and ranged from acoustic solos to three piece rock ensembles.

All in all, the performers and CUB managed to bring down the house on Friday night.

page 20 The Signal October 7, 2015

‘Volume’ imagines dystopian future

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 21

By Andrew Street Staff Writer

Gamers will likely remember the classic virtual reality missions featured in the first edition of “Metal Gear Solid.” The fun, and at times difficult, challenges provided additional content to the base game and enhanced gameplay. If you were a fan of the virtual reality missions then, you will happy to know that “Volume,” the latest release from game designer Mike Bithell, is bringing them back. The new video game takes this virtual reality mission concept and couples it with a unique narrative that lends itself to an even greater gaming experience.

At its core, “Volume” is a modern day telling of Robin Hood. Set in a dystopian future, the game focuses on a large weapons company that has overrun the city and the brave Robert Locksley, who challenges them. Instead of outright stealing from these rich and corrupt oppressors, Locksley uses a military training device known as a Volume to instruct others on how to take back what has been stolen from them.

Players are given complete control over Locksley’s character in a top-down, third-person perspective. They must traverse multiple different stages of the gameplay, all the while attempting to remain hidden from enemies. The levels start off simple and rise in difficulty as you progress further into the game.

Players eventually have to navigate through the stealth-based game despite security cameras, automated turrets and the more complex patrolling patterns of their enemies.

The game’s main campaign mode consists of over 100 missions. There were minor instances where some levels felt too easy, but the stages typically

offered a thrilling challenge. My main gripe with the game was that some of the levels began to feel a tad repetitive.

Certain levels felt far too similar to the ones before it. This would lead me to put the game down for a bit when playing. Nevertheless, I often found myself eager to jump back into the game after taking a break.

In addition to the main campaign, “Volume” also comes equipped with a full level-builder. These easy-to-use creation tools allow you to create and share your own custom-made stages that can be as difficult or obtuse as you so desire. Not only was I able to try out the levels handcrafted by my friends, but I was also able to experience some levels that Bithell himself created post-release. These types of level creators are always a great addition to the game, as they keep players coming back for more time and time again.

Without spoiling much, certain elements of Locksley’s plan to take down the weapons company seem to only work in order to move the plot forward.

Despite this, the game has a rather strong and thoroughly entertaining narrative. The script is wonderfully written and excellently delivered by the cast. In particular, Danny Wallace, who plays the artificial intelligence character of Alan, does a remarkable job.

From a graphical standpoint, “Volume” is one the prettiest indie titles this year.

The stylized and simplistic nature of the design is something to be admired. The game truly captures a dystopian sci-fi feel and as a result, pulls players completely into Locksley’s world.

“Volume,” which is Mike Bithell’s second independent gaming release, really demonstrates his talent as a creator.

Whether or not you were a fan of his previous hit, this one is definitely worth checking out. It is a perfect pick-up and play game that has a surprisingly decent story entwined within. Couple the enjoyable stealth gameplay with a beautiful design and the ability to create your own levels, and you have yourself one of the most enjoyable indie games this year.

Players control Locksley in a top-down, third-person perspective.

Youtube.com

Art history professors share their research

By Brooke Migdon Correspondent In spite of whipping winds and the looming threat of a torrential downpour, a large crowd of students and faculty gathered inside Mayo Concert Hall on Friday, Oct. 2, to listen to two of the College’s own faculty members speak about their research.

Lee Ann Riccardi, professor of art history and departmental chair at the College, spoke of her work in Greece during which she identified Greek and Roman portraits (stone-carved busts) in addition to her extensive research into and her practice of archaeological excavations. Deborah Hutton, associate professor of art history, discussed her studies of Indo-Islamic art in Southern Asia and the important connotations her studies have on contemporary society.

“For me, the story always begins in Athens,” Riccardi said. “As far as the scholarly work I do, it always begins with an object.”

For Riccardi, whose particular interests lie within the depiction of Roman royalty in the Greek world, that object is most often, and most favorably, a portrait. From examining these portraits, Riccardi has been able to identify numerous influential members

David Colby / Staff Photographer

Riccardi speaks of her time working in Greece.

of ancient Roman society — an invaluable contribution to the documentation and the modern world’s understanding of the history of the era.

In one of her many anecdotes about the importance of her work, Riccardi told the audience about the National Museum in Athens’ misidentification of a portrait as a Roman aristocrat Julia Mamaea, and how her own research helped to correct the error.

At the conclusion of Riccardi’s presentation, she stressed the importance of physical contact with the pieces the students in the audience may someday be working with.

“You lose a great deal by only studying photography,” Riccardi said. “You must interact with the art in order to keep art history relevant and alive.”

As Riccardi stepped off the stage and welcomed her colleague, Hutton lightheartedly stated that although her research revolves around Indo-Islamic art, “Greece will always have a soft spot in my heart.”

Hutton first spoke of her trip to the Deccan region of India, which is centered around the city of Hyderabad. Hyderabad, now a hub for technological advances and innovations, was once a center for Islamic court culture, now often long forgotten.

“Everyone knows Michelangelo and Da Vinci,” Hutton said. “My mission is to bring out the stories that have not yet been heard.”

Hutton stressed the importance of study in areas such as her own.

“Islamophobia is rampant,” she said. “When you study Islam and art history you are forced to take a second look at your own beliefs. In places like India, you discover a cultural and religious synthesis that makes you view the world in a completely different way.”

Riccardi, a Fulbright Scholar who spent three and a half years studying abroad in Greece, engaged the crowd with compelling tales of her research. Hutton, equally accomplished in her own field of work, was able to capture the attention of the audience with interesting yet informative narratives of her work. Both women strongly articulated the importance of art and art history in the modern world.

According to the speakers, the study gives the average member of the 21st century a window into the inner workings of forgotten civilizations, while still providing insight on contemporary societies across the globe and promoting an ideal of universal tolerance.

This week, Nick Landolfi, WTSR assistant music director, and Nelson Kelly, music staff member, highlight some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.

Band: The Dead Weather Album: “Dodge and Burn” Hailing From: Nashville, Tenn.

Genre: Weird Hard Rock Label: Third Man Records The Dead Weather, the side project of Alison Mosshart, Jack White, Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence, are a gritty and angry rock group. Some say this project merely serves as a means to unleash their pent up musical aggression. This idea is supported by their announcement to not follow this album up with a tour. With this in mind, it may pique your interest. Essentially, this album is a collection of new songs that emote raw, guttural anguish that the band members save just for the Dead Weather. It places this album in a unique and interest light. “I Feel Love (Ever Million Miles)” opens the album with a straight-up rock ‘n’ roll sound that serves as a motif throughout. This is an incredibly creative, dark and heavy album that sounds almost like a diseased travelogue.

Must Hear: “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles),” “Three Dollar Hat,” “Open Up” and “Mile Markers”

Band: The Arcs Album: Yours, Dreamily Hailing From: Akron, Ohio Genre: Garage Psyche Label: Nonesuch Records So Dan Aubach made a new album and didn’t tell anyone? It’s pretty surprising how little this album was promoted as it’s a side project of the frontman of what is arguably the biggest rock band in the world right now (The Black Keys). “Yours Dreamily” is very interesting because it sounds just like the Black Keys with the occasional horns thrown in for good measure. Several of the songs also have a Jack White/ Dead Weather — vibe to them, especially “Put A Flower In Your Pocket” and “Cold Companion,” which I’m pretty sure has the same riff as a White Stripes song. This is a pretty decent release, nothing too special here, but if you like the Black Keys you should definitely check this out. “The Arc” is probably the hidden gem of this album, so start with that or “Outta My Mind.”

Must Hear: “Outta My Mind,” “Put A Flower In Your Pocket,” “Pistol Made of Bone” and “Cold Companion”

page 22 The Signal October 7, 2015

Fun Stuff October Jokes

Q: What do skeletons say before they begin dining?

A: Bone appetite!

Q: Why don’t skeletons like parties?

A: They have no body to dance with.

Sudoku

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 23

Sports

Lions clinch spot at top of NJAC Women’s Soccer

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

Weeder earns her eighth shutout of the season against the Red Hawks.

By Michael Battista Sports Editor

The New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) has been a tight race the past few years, with both Montclair State University and the College making strong plays to become pack leaders. The Lions made strides in securing their lead in their last two conference games, tying Stockton University, 0-0, on Wednesday, Sept. 30 and beating top NJAC team Montclair State, 2-0, on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The NCAA 11th-ranked Lions came into the Stockton matchup 2-0 in conference games, but Stockton’s defense showed exactly why they are unbeaten in these games (0-0-3 record).

The Ospreys’ defense played like hornets during the match up, swarming any

Lion that entered their zone, giving the College few actual chances at a goal.

Sophomore midfielder Elizabeth Thoresen says Stockton was determined to keep them out.

“They were hungry for the ball,” she said. “They had four girls on the ball every time and cleared it out quickly.”

The Lions did get chances throughout, but Ospreys goalie Nicole Pallante blocked or saved every ball that came her way, including six in the second half alone.

The game broke into double overtime, and Thoresen had a chance in the closing moments of the match to win it for the team. However, the ball drifted wide left, leaving the game, 0-0.

Thoresen says this just gives her more to practice on.

“I need to focus on crossing in the

box, and also finishing from a ball in the air,” she said.

The College now has three ties this season overall, but still remains undefeated in the loss column—and they had one of their biggest challenges to that title on Saturday, Oct. 3, when they traveled up to Montclair, N.J., to face the Red Hawks.

The game was a rematch of last year’s NJAC final, which Montclair won, 3-2, on penalty kicks to secure the NJAC title. A year is a long time, however, and this Lions squad was a different beast entirely.

Sophomore midfielder Jessica Goldman said the team wanted to prove something.

“Obviously Montclair is a huge rival for us,” Goldman said. “We used our losses in the past to motivate us. We didn’t necessarily want revenge, we just wanted to prove how good we can be.”

Just three minutes into the game, junior midfielder Sarah Marion, off an assist from senior midfielder Christina Roach, put one behind the Red Hawk goalie to put the team up, 1-0 early.

Montclair still continued to prove why they are one of the top dogs in the NJAC, playing tight defense and pushing the Lions into their own zone multiple times. The Red Hawks put seven shots on goal against Lions goalie, senior Jessica Weeder, who finished the game to earn her eighth solo shutout of the season.

The College pushed through again during the 16th minute, when Goldman,

with an assist from Thoresen, buried a shot in the Red Hawk’s goal.

The second half was scoreless from both teams, with each getting a handful of chances at each other’s goals without being able to finish.

Goldman said the Red Hawks’ push in the second wasn’t any issue.

“They became a bit more offensive, and started to get in our half a little bit more, but I still think our will to win was greater,” she said. “Even when they started to get momentum we worked hard to shut it down quickly and regain our composure.”

The game ended, 2-0, and the Lions secured their place at the top of the NJAC Conference, with a conference record of 3-0-1, and an overall record of 7-0-3. They are still ranked 11th in NSCAA coach rankings, and could gain ground with a few more wins.

Goldman said after nine games, something has finally come together with the squad.

“Throughout this season so far something has seemed a little off, everything hasn’t been fully there,” Goldman said. “In the Montclair game something clicked, and it was great to see the team reach another level. We know now how great we can play, and we won’t settle for anything less.”

The team now looks ahead toward their next game at home, on Tuesday, Oct. 6 against Virginia Wesleyan College at 4 p.m.

Win / NCAA Legend Giants have top choices History in the making Fantasy Football

By Sean Reis Columnist

continued from page 1 Pfluger said in an interview with The Signal.

“When I’m retired I’ll be thinking about all the great things the players did... but I don’t think ‘where am I in the statistics.”

Pfluger is the first coach in NCAA history to reach the 1,000 career coaching victory milestone by leading two programs, in field hockey and lacrosse, according to a press release.

“I am the guide, I have the privilege of being the guide to these wonderful young women, and I am truly blessed to have that opportunity.”

She credits the accomplishment to all the players, alumnae, coaches, faculty, staff and administration who have been involved in the field hockey and lacrosse programs.

“I feel like it’s an accomplishment for everybody, it’s not just me, it’s never been just me, it’s always about all of us,” Pfluger said.

But according to senior field hockey captain Mikayla Cimilluca, Pfluger couldn’t be more deserving.

“Her first response when she won her 1,000th game was that it was the players who got her this far and she is just there to guide us,” Cimilluca said. “She creates such a family-like atmosphere for the girls and I truly think that is what draws so many girls to this program.”

Pfluger has earned 545 wins in field hockey and 455 with the lacrosse program and has won an astounding 20 NCAA Division III National Championships, according to the press release.

Her coaching record currently stands at 1,000149-10, a .863 winning average, in her 31 seasons with the Lions, the release said.

For Week Five, I again suggested the minimum players at each position below, but I also suggest drafting Carson Palmer, Karlos Williams or Torrey Smith, depending on your weekly budgeting.

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Pfluger has success in field hockey.

“I am so happy that I could be part of multiple historic wins with her because they are moments that you will never forget for the rest of your life and you look back and know that being a part of TCNJ field hockey or lacrosse are some of the happiest times of your life,” Cimilluca said. “You work so hard so that you can have games and experiences like those.”

Pfluger, who has continuously credited her accolades over the years to her players and coaches, has been tabbed as the New Jersey Athletic Conference Coach of the Year nine times. Just last season she was named the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division III National Coach of the Year, her second time in four seasons.

“It’s a credit to everybody that’s been involved in the program,” Pfluger said.

“I’m happy to be a part of this wonderful time, but I’m just a piece of it.”

Quarterback: Eli Manning ($6,800) — In the first four weeks, Manning has thrown seven touchdowns and only one interception, averaging 244 passing yards per game. This consistent Giants QB is not who we are used to seeing, but from a fantasy perspective, Manning suddenly seems to be a trustworthy play, especially at an average price against a struggling San Francisco defense in Week Five.

Running Backs: Le’Veon Bell ($8,500) — Despite being one of the most expensive RBs week after week, Bell now has to carry the load in Pittsburgh with Ben Roethlisberger injured so if you have the money left in the budget, spend it on Bell in Week Five. Bell has very high upside while running little risk in a decent

matchup against an OK San Diego defense.

Justin Forsett ($5,800) — The 2014 Justin Forsett finally returned to play this past week, rushing for 150 yards on 27 attempts. Although he is yet to prove himself as a consistent pick this season, I like his chances of continuing to perform well in Week Five, playing at home against Cleveland.

Wide Receivers: Kenan Allen ($7,200) — I went with Allen last week and he repaid with four receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown, having his third double digit performance of the season. It may be a tough matchup for Allen in Week Five, but Philip Rivers has played relatively well recently, which definitely helps justify the price for the risky reward.

James Jones ($5,700) — Davante Adams may or may not be back on the field for the Green Bay Packers in Week Five, but while Randall Cobb is covered, Aaron Rodgers will be looking for Jones to be open, especially in the redzone. At $5,700, I like Jones in Week Five at home, where Rodgers will find the holes in San

Diego’s defense.

Rueben Randle ($4,400) — Victor Cruz is yet to return from injury and Randle is starting to fill the void, scoring a touchdown in the past two games and doing the salsa as a tribute to Cruz in his Week Four celebration. While I cannot promise Randle will receive a touchdown pass in Week Five, I do like Manning a lot this week. And at only $4,400, I like Randle as well.

Tight End: Jason Witten ($4,500) — Without Tony Romo at QB, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled, but Brandon Weeden has continued Romo’s favoritism, always looking for Witten in tough times, which is all the time at the moment and why I continue to draft Witten frequently.

Defense: New York Giants ($2,900) — The New York Giants defense has not been the threatening pass rush we had grown accustomed to. However, in Week Five they will be playing in primetime, Sunday Night Football against an inconsistent San Francisco team, where I predict they should shine.

page 24 The Signal October 7, 2015 Cheap Seats

The eSports spectacle sweeps the States

By Sean Reis Staff Writer Sports are typically defined as activities involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another for others as entertainment. By definition, eSports — a term used for organized multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players — are not regarded as traditional sports due to the lack of physical exertion.

Nonetheless, video games do require skill, and eSports are where individuals or teams can hone their skills to compete against one another to entertain spectators. This is where commonalities between eSports and real sports end. However, similar to professional poker, eSports is merely a new realm of competition for fans to enjoy.

In late August, “League of Legends,” commonly referred to as “LoL,” — one of the world’s most watched video games — sold out Madison Square Garden for its mid-season tournament, an unprecedented event in the United States. This was one of many major steps in the past year, but as eSports continue to come to public prominence, “League of Legends” is currently in the midst of its 2015 World Championship.

Similar to the World Series of Poker National Championship, Riot Games — the creators

AP Photo

Fans pack Staples Center in Los Angeles to watch the 2013 League of Legends world final. of “League of Legends” — have also developed a worldwide professional circuit, which ends in a world championship at the conclusion of each season. The fifth season’s world championship began last Thursday, Oct. 1, and ran through Sunday, Oct. 4, in Europe and the competition, although only being in the first day of group stages, was already heating up.

The first team to play from North America was Cloud9, playing against AHQ eSports from Taiwan, in a game which would later be summed up perfectly in one SB Nation headline, “Cloud9 just stomped AHQ eSports, and nobody can believe it.”

Cloud9 was not expected to win, nor was the team even expected to

be competitive with AHQ eSports.

However, Cloud9 proved everyone wrong, rotating around the map with ease and always maintaining control as a team. Despite a welldrafted team from AHQ eSports, including champions (characters) such as Darius and Rengar, their team were no match for the underdogs from the United States, who gave North America its first surprise win in an unbelievably quick 24-minute victory.

The other North American team to play in Thursday’s games was Counter Logic Gaming, who won in a come-frombehind victory over Taiwan’s other team, Flash Wolves. Prior to the miraculous comeback, the competition had been back

Men’s Soccer

Lions struggle in NJAC race

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

Senior Greg Kaye scores.

By Otto Gomez Staff Writer

The Lions continued their season on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in a road conference game against Stockton University. While the team started out very well in the beginning of the season, inter-conference play has not boded well for them.

While undefeated outside of conference, the 3-1 loss against the Stockton Ospreys brought the team down to 0-3 against NJAC competition. The Ospreys moved to 2-1 against conference teams after Wednesday’s win, reaching an 8-3 overall record.

The game was similar to the Lions’ last loss, a 4-1 upset against Kean University

on Saturday, Sept. 26. Both losses came with an early score from the opposition, resulting in a loss of momentum. Stockton was able to net a goal in the 16th minute.

It was not even 10 minutes later, however, that the Lions responded with a goal of their own. Junior captain and midfielder Nick Costelloe was able to head in a pass from senior defenseman Greg Kaye to tie the game.

“Personally, I think every player on our team knows their role this year, and everyone is contributing,” Costelloe said when asked about what individual players can do to stop the losing streak and bring back the momentum from earlier in the season. “I’m excited with this group and I just hope to continue to bring energy that got the team going and help grind out wins.”

As much as Costelloe can do offensively, it was not enough in the end as the Ospreys were able to score twice more in the second half to close the game decisively. While the Lions only let up four shots on goal, they committed 15 penalties overall, leading to Stockton’s successful offense.

It does not get easier for the Lions in the near future, for they face yet another conference opponent, Montclair State University, at home this Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Both teams have more time to rest and prepare for the anticipated matchup after the game was rescheduled due to heavy rain. Tenth-ranked Montclair will bring everything they have for this NJAC bout. The game will take place under the lights at Lions’ Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

and forth for the first half hour of play until Flash Wolves managed to take control.

However, after Counter Logic Gaming caught a Flash Wolves player out of position, the team systematically began to make a sudden push to win. Nearly 40 minutes into the game, Counter Logic Gaming killed two more Flash Wolves players as they seized their opponent’s base, which would be secured for a 42-minute victory shortly after.

Following the first day of group stages, North America surprised the world, starting the championship undefeated, but with three more days remaining in the first weekend of the group stage, the favored teams of Eastern Asia

stepped up their game.

North America’s beloved Team SoloMid played against Korea’s KT Rolster to start Friday’s games and in a difficult matchup filled with Team SoloMid mistakes, the first loss for North America took place in devastating fashion. A losing trend continued all weekend for Team SoloMid, with the exception of a major upset Sunday morning when the team beat the top Chinese team LGD Gaming, both of which previously had surprising 0-2 starts.

As for the other aforementioned North American teams, Counter Logic Gaming ended their first weekend of group stages, 2-1, having an easy victory over Brazil’s paiN Gaming on Friday and a loss in a poorly played game against Korea’s KOO Tigers on Sunday.

Although 2-1 was a good start for Counter Logic Gaming, at the end of the weekend another North American team outshined the record. Cloud9 starred in a weekend of upsets, with two more wins after their first dominant win on Thursday.

Cloud9 not only upset Invictus Gaming from China on Saturday, but also upset one of the championship favorites, Europe’s Fnatic on Sunday, in a crazy comeback victory that ended with a pentakill from Cloud9 to secure the 3-0 record as the only undefeated North American team.

4 6

LIONS

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 25

AROUND THE

DORM 5 3

Matthew Ajaj “The Ref”

Connor Smith Correspondent

Mackenzie Cutruzzula Sport Editor

Kevin Luo

Staff Writer

In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Matthew Ajaj, asks our panel of experts three questions: Who is the biggest suprise in the NFL this year, can Derrick Rose return to his former status and who is the favorite to win the World Series this year?

1. Which NFL team has been the biggest surprise to you so far this season?

Connor: A number of last year’s playoff teams have begun the season off on the wrong foot, but the Indianapolis Colts have to be the most surprising of the bunch. The Colts were certainly one of the best teams in 2014, but Andrew Luck’s fourth season of the year has been shockingly pedestrian — Luck’s Quarterback Rating (QBR) is at the lowest it’s ever been, 65.1. Luck leads the league in interceptions at seven, and the team has struggled to score any points outside of the fourth quarter.

Luck’s QBR in the fourth quarter does skyrocket to 108.9, where he’s thrown four of his five touchdowns, but it does not excuse his sloppy play making in the other three quarters.

The Colts would be 0-3 had Luck not dialed it in against the lowly Titans, scoring 21 points in the final quarter of play, but Luck cannot rely on such inconsistency heading forward.

The team has a ton of opportunities to turn things around as they still lead the division at 1-2, but a weak division does not excuse the

AP Photo

sloppy football being played in Indianapolis this year.

Mackenzie: The Giants have been the biggest surprise this season and not in a good way.

The team has had year after year of rough starts, but I really did believe that this season would go differently. Eli Manning has never been my favorite player, but I could at least

respect the numbers he would put up. Maybe it’s the American Dream Construction getting to his head next to the stadium, but he can’t seem figure out what game he’s playing. He’s had one too many mistakes for my liking as a veteran, and that has been the biggest surprise.

Kevin: I would say the biggest surprise in the NFL this season has been the disappointing

Philadelphia Eagles. After an offseason roster shakeup by head coach and general manager Chip Kelly, many people in the NFL community, including one writer for CSN Philly, said the Eagles were going to dominate the NFC East and be a Super Bowl contender.

So far, Chip’s major roster moves have not panned out. Demarco Murray, their new running back, has struggled to break double digits in yards in a few games already this season.

Big money corner Byron Maxwell has looked like Bradley Fletcher at times, getting flat out torched by Julio Jones and Matt Ryan in Week One and even got burned for a touchdown by Terrance Williams and “elite quarterback” Brandon Weeden in Week Two. The offensive line has been atrocious after getting rid of Evan Mathis and Todd Herremanns. The biggest disappointment for Philly has to be new quarterback Sam Bradford. The people of Philadelphia wanted the pope to bless his knees, but they should’ve asked them to bless his right arm instead, because he hasn’t been as advertised.

Connor and Kevin each get 3 points for criticism of the underwhelming Colts and Eagles. Mackenzie gets 2 points for noting Eli’s mistakes.

AP Photo

2. Tacking on injury after injury, will Derrick Rose ever be able to return to his old superstar form?

Connor: Derrick Rose’s story has come to be one of the most disappointing tales in sports history. Rose’s 2010-’11 MVP

campaign is fading away in the rear-view mirror, and a laundry list of injuries has replaced a number of accomplishments Rose could have achieved had he not missed time throughout the last four years.

Healthy knees are core to playing the game

of basketball, and Rose has shown that his are prone to injury. The man has torn his right meniscus twice, his ACL once and now adds a left orbital fracture to his ongoing list of injuries that would give Amar’e Stoudemire nightmares. Although Rose is hopeful to return for the Bulls’ opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he hasn’t shown any ability to stay healthy for more than a season since 2010. Rose has all the tools to regain his throne as one of basketball’s best, but his history would leave me to believe there’s no happy ending for Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls.

Mackenzie: Having just turned 27 and being in recovery from another surgery, it doesn’t seem as though Rose can really bounce back into being the superstar athlete he was pre-first injury. Like any athlete getting older there starts to be bumps in the road — ask Eli Manning. But that’s not to say an older player can’t outdo their

younger self. Michael Jordan proved that, although not in baseball. If Rose sticks to the court and has the passion and dedication that Jordan did when he said, “I’m back,” than he should be able to take his place among the greats. Rose has always been a hard worker, deserving his MVP and Rookie of the Year trophies, so it would not be shocking if he hit the ground running post-injury.

Kevin: I don’t think Derrick Rose will ever return to his superstar form. The way he plays requires maximum explosiveness and his knees will simply not allow him to play how he wants to. His jump shot has always been mediocre at best and he’s never been a big assist guy in terms of point guards. I think Rose can be a decent player for the rest of his career. He might even make an all star game or two but he I don’t ever see him being a superstar or an elite point guard ever again.

Connor gets 3 points for telling it how it is. Kevin gets 2 points for mentioning Rose’s faults and Mackenzie gets 1 point for having hope.

3. MLB playoffs are here! Who’s your World Series pick?

Connor: The Blue Jays came into the trade deadline an underdog to even make the playoffs, but the acquisitions of David Price and Troy Tulowitzki have added much-needed depth to propel the Jays to the top. Josh Donaldson has been phenomenal this season, and Jose Bautista continues to rake. The Blue Jays also have seen a resurgence in former Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey.

Dickey holds an 8-1 record with a 2.80 ERA in the second half of the season. With two former Cy Youngs and a strong supporting cast of starting pitchers, the Blue Jays finally have the pitching to match their offense that has been more explosive than ever. As the Yankees and Cardinals will tell you, big hits reign supreme in October, and the Blue Jays own three of the top five home run hitters who are going to the playoffs. The team leads the League in runs scored, home runs, OBP and SLG. These statistics say a lot about the roster the Blue Jays will field come this October — with so many quality ballplayers on one team, the Blue Jays are my favorite to

win it all.

Mackenzie: My World Series pick is of course the New York Yankees. It’s a long shot, I know, but I have to believe in my boys.

Alex Rodriguez has something to prove and Chase Headley has taken on a role of seeming leadership that has been lacking without Jeter. It is the first season without the captain and the Yankees want to prove they are more than just one player. I think that attitude will help them get their faulty act together and take them through October.

Kevin: I think the Blue Jays will win the World Series. They have the best offense in baseball, led by Josh Donaldson and Joey Bats and they just got Troy Tulowitzki back.

The whole season, the biggest question mark for the Jays has been their pitching, but after acquiring David Price at the trade deadline, their pitching staff has been solid. Lastly, the Blue Jays, thanks to popular Toronto politician Norm, have been blessed by Lil’ B the Based God. Following an NBA season where the Based God seemed to curse every team but the Warriors, the Based God curse and endorsement is very real.

Connor gets get 3 points for laying down some great stats. Kevin gets 2 points for mentioning Based God and Mackenzie gets 1 point for having hope (again).

Connor wins Around the Dorm 9-7-4

AP Photo

page 26 The Signal October 7, 2015 Field Hockey

College’s undefeated season continues

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Junior Alexa Magnotta helps shut out the Ospreys.

By Miguel Gonzalez Staff Writer

An overall field hockey record of 546-99-9. An overall lacrosse record of 455-51-1. Twenty NCAA Division III National Championships (11 in lacrosse and nine in field hockey) and now 1,000 career victories. Coach Sharon Pfluger has done more than enough to cement herself as a legend in the College’s Athletics, but her greatest achievement will always be her guidance.

“She creates such a welcoming environment for us and allows us to believe we are capable of achieving greatness,” senior captain Mikayla Cimilluca said.

For the week of Sunday, Sept. 27, the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) named junior defender Lexi Smith as

field hockey defensive player of the week for her superb defensive effort during the Lions 3-2 double overtime victory against Salisbury University.

In the beginning of the week, freshman forward Elizabeth Morrison netted in two goals as the Lions pounced with a 4-1 victory against the Manhattanville College Valiants. After a couple of penalty corners from freshman forward Taylor Barrett, Smith scored from the top of the circle at the 27th minute. The Lions offense kept overwhelming the Valiants defense as Smith and Cimilluca recorded multiple shots.

However, Valiants goalie Kaitlin Halloran saved every single one of them.

The second period featured more offense from the Valiants.

Three minutes in, Smith earned

a defensive save for stopping a shot off penalty corner. In the 42nd minute, Morrison capitalized on a rebound to score her first goal as a Lion. The Valiants rebounded quickly when junior defender Bregje Smits shot high from the top of the circle with an assist from senior forward Rylee McGuire.

Nearing the last 10 minutes of the period, Morrison extended the Lions’ lead when her shot deflected into the post, off an assist from Smith. With less than 30 seconds left, senior forward Alicia Wagner scored off a rebound shot, with another assist from Smith. In all, the Lions’ defense limited the Valiants to only three shots, while the offense recorded 19.

With accomplishing Pfluger’s 1,000th career victory in front of the home crowd in mind, the Lions roared through a 6-0 win against the Gwynedd Mercy University Griffins on Thursday, Oct. 1. Junior midfielder Douglas and Smith led the offense with two goals each. In the eighth minute, Smith scored off a penalty corner pass from Douglas.

Wagner, Douglas and Smith followed up with a combined five shots. However, Griffin goalie Samantha Soscia was able to stop every shot. Despite Soscia’s goalkeeping, the Lions penetrated through the net three times for the rest of the period. Within the 24th minute, Douglas scored off an assist from Wagner. Four minutes

later, freshman midfielder Sidney Padilla scored a solo goal. Afterward, Douglas immediately scored her second goal of the match. The Lions’ offense continued their dominance in the second half while sophomore goalie Christina Fabiano maintained a shutout. In the 45th minute, junior midfielder Danielle Andreula scored off an assist from Smith.

After a couple of shots from Morrison, Cimilluca and Wagner, Smith scored her second goal of the match with another assist from Douglas. Fabiano recorded three saves as she foiled a later counterattack from the Griffins.

The Lions’ offense finished with 22 shots while the defense only allowed eight, with seven combined saves from goalies Kelly Schlupp and Fabiano.

On the road last weekend for their first NJAC Conference matchup, the Lions closed off the Osprey’s offense for a 3-0 win on Saturday, Oct. 3. The Lions were held scoreless in the first period as their offense struggled to find the net despite a series of penalty corners from Douglas.

In the 14th minute, Osprey sophomore goalkeeper Emily Sorochynskyj saved a shot from Barrett. Afterward, Smith merely missed a goal when her shot hit the post. Toward the end of the first period, Osprey goalie Sorochynskyj kept the scoreboard even by saving shots from Morrison and Wagner.

With the game still tied, the Lions broke away with three goals. In the 38th minute, Morrison utilized Douglas’ penalty corner to score from inside the circle. After Barrett substituted for Douglas in the 50th minute, Wagner tipped in a goal with an assist from Smith. Less than a minute later, Morrison extended the College’s lead when she poked in a goal from her own rebound. From there, the Lions challenged the Osprey’s defense with plenty of shots from Morrison, Wagner, Padilla and junior defender Shannon Coweles.

Once again, Osprey goalie Sorochynskyj halted the Lions’ offense in a midst of recording 12 saves. In all, the Lions’ offense flourished with 24 shots and 16 penalty corners while the defense did not allow a single shot.

“We’re really doing a good job of playing as a team and using our strengths to our advantage,” Cimilluca said. “We’ve faced some tough competition thus far and we take each game and learn from it so that we can better ourselves.”

Currently, the Lions are on an uncharted 24-game winning streak. At the beginning of October, the team has scored a whopping 39 goals and only conceded five goals. The Lions await for an out-of-conference matchup against the 8-1 Eastern University Eagles on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Lions’ Stadium.

Cheap Seats

MLB’s ‘respect for the game’ controversy

By Matthew Ajaj Staff Writer

Baseball is rooted in American tradition: it has survived two world wars and the Great Depression, it has subsisted through scandal and steroids, it has broken hearts and broken the color barrier. Founded in 1903, Major League Baseball has been an enduring part of American culture for over a century. Although today it has been overshadowed by football and basketball to an extent, the appeal of modern baseball largely subsists through its rich history.

The annals of MLB read almost like a fairy tale: Lou Gehrig’s farewell address, Don Larsen’s perfect playoff game and Hank Aaron’s 715th home run are truly magical moments that seem surreal to those who were not able to experience them in person.

Legendary players like Babe Ruth and Willie Mays are perceived with grand reverence in baseball lore as their dominance would seem preposterous if it were not for some grainy footage to serve as evidence. Through these mythical moments and players, fans of all ages and eras have come to love the sport and have adorned baseball as “America’s National Pastime.”

With such a title comes a requisite of respect. As with any great tradition, its participants are expected to hold their custom with veneration and deference. In MLB’s long lifespan, no player was ever too big for the sport — every competitor was and is expected to follow the unwritten rules of the game. So what exactly does “respect for the game” mean? There are many specifics, but the overall message is that players must show respect for their fellow competitors and carry

AP Photo

Former Brewer Gomez and ex-Brave Reed Johnson fight in 2013. themselves with an air of humbleness.

When a player hits a home run and stares arrogantly at their shot while flamboyantly flipping their bat in the air, this is taken as a sign of disrespect to the pitcher, the opposing team and towards the game itself. Other common occurrences of disrespect include trash talking, refusing to run out weakly-hit balls and running up the score when having a big lead. These actions of disrespect are often met with retaliation, which usually comes in the form of plunking the offenders with a fastball to the midsection. Pitchers are often tossed out of the game for intentional beanballs, and habitually the benches will clear and a brawl may start because of these matters.

Recently, some baseball writers have commented that there are notions of nativism and racism within the game today. These remarks derive from studies which state that

most of baseball’s heated altercations in recent years have occurred between players of different ethnicities — every incident in 2015 was between players of dissimilar ethnicities. These commenters have been quick to lay the blame on the white players and their supposedly outdated notion of “respect for the game.” This is an unfair criminalization which aims to attack the sport and players at the macro level — in reality, this is an individual-based problem.

Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Gomez, whose arrogant attitude is unwelcomed by opposing teams, and Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura, who does not take kindly to giving up hits, are at the forefront of the issue. These two players have combined to cause the benches to clear seven times in the past four years.

Time and again, scuffles will arise from their lack of respect toward the other team,

usually because of Gomez’s admiration of his home runs and Ventura’s constant jabbering at opposing hitters. Some may say that these actions do not necessitate retaliation as they are innocuous acts that are stigmatized simply because they do not meet white players’ standards. These cynics fail to realize that “respect for the game” is not a white philosophy but rather a collective policy in American baseball. Blacks, whites, Latinos, Asians and players of any other race or ethnicity have always been obliged to respect their fellow players and the game itself since they joined America’s major leagues.

“Respect for the game” exists because it safeguards a key piece of American culture. MLB’s unwritten code is an essential element of the game. When a player steps onto a baseball field, he must acknowledge and respect the established culture of the ballpark. For example, the Korean leagues are often much more flamboyant as home run hitters are encouraged to flip their bats in extravagant celebration. That is all well and good in its own right because that is customary of these players’ respective league. American baseball, however, has developed a much different culture with a distinct ethical code.

American ballplayers’ willingness to uphold the culture of their sport is not an act of nativism nor racism, contrary to what some critics might say. Rather, it is a measure of players’ dedication to a game that has brought them great joy and transcended generations of Americans. Like it or not, “respect for the game” is a defining feature of American baseball and it is not going away any time soon.

October 7, 2015 The Signal page 27 Cheap Seats

Murray’s passing sparks national conversation

AP Photos

Left: Murray’s memory strikes a chord locally and nationally. Right: A high school student receives medical care for a concussion.

During one of the country’s countless high school football games last Friday night, in the small town of Washington, N.J., as students cheered from the rafters, the Warren Hills Regional High School quarterback — 17-year-old senior Evan Murray — was struck in the backfield during the second quarter. He was holding his side as he walked to the sidelines.

A short while later, he collapsed and was brought to Morristown Medical Center by an ambulance. There, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Doctors have since determined that Murray’s spleen had been swollen, and the heavy hits he sustained during the game had ruptured it.

Murray was one of three high school players to die from in-game injuries in September. The other two were Tyrell Cameron

of Franklin Parish High in Winnsboro, La., who died of a neck injury and Ben Hamm of Wesleyan Christian School in Bartlesville, Okla., who passed after a week in a medically-induced coma from a head injury.

According to the 2014 Survey of Football Injury Research, of the six direct fatalities that occurred in a football game during the ’14 season, which include deaths related to tackling and head-to-head collisions, five were high school players.

Of the 10 indirect fatalities, which covers things like heart-related and deaths caused by heat stroke, eight were from high schools.

These numbers show a steep rise from the 2012 season, during which zero high school deaths were recorded.

As these numbers rise, people are asking the question — should we allow our kids to play this sport?

While Murray’s death has struck a chord with his small community, an online poll seems to indicate that the majority

of people in the area do not think banning football is a viable solution.

According to a poll on Lehigh Valley Live’s website, almost 70 percent of the 793 people who voted said they still support keeping high school football as an option for students.

Although many would like a scapegoat, the deaths of these three young men were nothing but tragic accidents. If Murray’s spleen had not been swollen, he might’ve been able to walk away from those hits. The sport of football itself cannot be blamed for these problems.

Even so, the fact that high school football fatalities are so much higher than college and professional football fatalities indicates a problem under those Friday night lights.

Kevin Guskiewicz, founding director of North Carolina’s Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center, said the source of this problem lies in the players’ age.

A teenager’s brain is still developing, Guskiewicz told USA Today for an article about high school football fatalities last year,

and so, while their bodies can take high-velocity hits, their brains become susceptible to concussions and serious brain injury.

These injuries can happen especially on a field of younger players who may not have the experience to perfect techniques.

In an interview on NJ 101.5 about Murray, ex-Giants punter Sean Landeta said that high school players are more cavalier about injuries, especially with something like an enlarged spleen.

He said if he were in high school and a doctor told him he couldn’t play due to an enlarged spleen, he would play anyway because he wouldn’t feel any pain.

“At that young age, you don’t realize how that’s something that could kill you,” Landeta said.

Murray was laid to rest Thursday, Oct. 1, while hundreds of mourners paid their respects. He was an honors student and also played on the school basketball and baseball teams.

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By George Tatoris Staff Writer

Signal

Sports

Hockey pulls off the ultimate comeback

Julie Kayzerman / Editor-in-Chief

Left: The team celebrates scoring four goals in 10 minutes. Right: Liebers prepares to defend the puck against St. Joe’s.

By Julie Kayzerman Editor-in-Chief With 10 minutes left in the third period and the Lions down, 4-1 against St. Joseph’s University, coach Andrew Ducko changed his strategy.

Ducko installed a cherry-picking forward to stay up at the blue line in St. Joe’s defensive zone. It was a risky move, but it worked.

The ice opened up with four -onfour play in the neutral zone and the resilient Lions broke through, scoring four goals in 10 minutes to secure an epic 5-4 comeback on their home ice at Louck’s Ice Center on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 8:30 p.m.

“It shows that they fight through adversity,” Ducko said.

“They came up in the clutch.”

It was senior defender Steven Czachor who finally put the

College up on the scoreboard with 4:24 left in the second.

Czachor blasted a shot past the Hawks goalie from the point, off an assist from senior forward Tyler Viducic.

“We played very poorly in the first period and for much of the second, so finally getting one on the board was vital,” Czachor said. “But we were still down, 3-1, so there wasn’t much time or reason for celebration, there was a lot of work to be done, still.”

The Lions took the ice in the third down, 4-1, but continued to come out flat, being significantly outshot by the their opponent.

However, the defensive pair of senior captain Matt Martin and freshman Matt Liebers held the College tight, while goalie David Laub proved to be solid, with point blank saves on breakaway opportunities to

keep the Lions in it.

With 9:49 left in the third, the first line of senior forwards Salvatore DiBrita, Evan Herrington and junior Kevin Collins sparked the comeback.

Collins got the puck to DiBrita skating up center ice, who dished it off to Herrington for a one-timer into the net.

“Sal and Kev always come up big and we had a huge game from Herrington tonight,” Ducko said.

Herrington was newly moved up to the first line after freshman forward Will Dimock received a concussion the night before in the Lions’ 2-2 tie against Monmouth University.

Two minutes later, the College finally capitalized on a power play, with DiBrita deflecting in a shot from sophomore defender Dylan McMurrer, who powered a

slap shot on net from the point.

“I would love to say that I knew we were going to come back all along, but being down by three goals with 10 minutes left had a lot of us feeling down on the bench,” Czachor said. “Our first line put us on their backs in the last 10 minutes.

Getting that second goal from Herrington got us all back into it and then our captains, Sal and Kev, took over with aggressive forechecking and timely finishing.”

With St. Joe’s visibly confused

by Ducko’s cherry-picking strategy, the open ice proved beneficial to the Lions, as they played their best 10 minutes of hockey this season.

With 4:52 to go, it was captain Collins who tied it up at 4-4, driving through the counter defense to score off a McMurrer assist.

Collins completed the storybook finish with 19 seconds remaining,

sniping a rocket in the top left pocket of the net, with assists from DiBrita and Martin, to secure the 5-4 win.

“A comeback win like that builds character and brings us closer together,” Czachor said. “You can just tell from the overall atmosphere on the bench and in the locker room afterwards what kind of impact this had on our team, from the coaching staff to the captains, all the way down to our newer guys.”

Ducko credited the win to the positive attitudes of his players and the resiliency they displayed in the final minutes of the game.

“They come to practice, work hard and stay after,” Ducko said.

“That little stuff, late in the game, it shows.”

The Lions hit the road for two away games before returning home on Friday, Oct. 16, to take on Seton Hall University at 9:30 p.m.

Lions XC takes on the best of the East Coast

By George Tatoris Staff Writer As foreboding rain swept the East Coast this Friday, over 100 of the region’s finest cross country teams, scattered across all three Divisions, gathered at Lehigh University for its renowned Paul Short Invitational.

The College’s women’s team was among those competitors.

“This is the biggest meet on the East Coast,” coach Justin Lindsey said. “They have three college sections with 45 teams of 10 athletes in each section.”

The women’s cross country team ran a strong race: the Lions finished 18th out of 45 teams — beating out nine Division I programs — with a total of 424 points.

They were the sixth highest Division III team out of 18 and had the same amount of points as Division I contender, Siena College.

Division I Saint Joseph’s University finished in first with 166 points.

The Lions ran in the Brown section, the second toughest of the three (Gold, Brown and White).

According to Coach Lindsey, the coaches and captains of the men’s team decided not to

Lions’ Lineup October 7, 2015

I n s i d e

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Faith runs in the competitive Paul Short Invitational.

compete in the Paul Short this year.

Andrew Tedeschi, a junior on the men’s team, said the decision was made to give the men a break before other competitive meets.

The most common problem for the hundreds of young runners that would compete in these races was the muddied course, but that did not deter the fastest Lion of the race, freshman Erin Holzbaur.

“Cross country is truly about running through any type of weather,” Holzbaur said.

“Finishing the race covered in mud proves that you worked even harder.”

Holzbaur took 27th out of 385 runners with a finishing time of 22:10. She was the fifth Division III runner overall.

“I knew it was going to be a highly competitive race and that I had to have a fast start to be in a good position,” Holzbaur said.

Behind Holzbaur, fellow freshman Madeline Tattory placed 67th with a time of 22:39.

The last Lion to finish in the top 100 was

freshman Abigail Faith, who took 92nd place with a time of 22:53.

Behind this freshman trio, junior Laura Straub finished 117th with a time of 23:05.

Just behind Straub, two freshmen — Natalie Cooper and Alyssa Kramer — crossed the finish line in tandem to take 121st and 122nd place, respectively, both with times of 23:07.

All five Lions finished in just under a minute ­of each other— only four other teams in the top 20 finishers had shorter spreads.

Short spreads are a result of the Lions’ pack running, which both the men’s and women’s teams stress during training. Running together helps the Lions boost morale and gather points at big meets such as the Paul Short.

“Heading into the meet I felt we had a strong chance to improve on our pack running,” Lindsey said. “And I believe we accomplished that today.”

It wasn’t just that the team had a great showing at the meet, as many Lions broke personal records on Lehigh’s course.

“I think overall we had a great showing, all most everyone ran their season best times,” Holzbaur said. “The meet definitely made everyone excited for the championship season.”

46 53 Around the Dorm page 25

Fantasy Football page 23

Men’s Soccer page 24

Field Hockey page 26