Love Laid ‘Bare’
tcnjsignal.net
TCNJ Musical Theatre presented a heartfelt play about young love under fire. See A&E page 12
Visit us online!
catching some air
Sigma Pi’s Fall Fest featured a performance by professional skateboarder Chris Springer. See Sports page 21
The College of New Jersey Student Newspaper since 1885
The Signal @tcnjsignal Get up-to-the-minute news and exclusive content.
November 30, 2011
No. 12
Vol. CXXXV.
National Champions Field hockey defeats Middlebury to win NCAA
Division III Championships, ends season with 24-2 record By Brandon Gould Staff Writer They’ve seen the trophies, they’ve heard the stories, and they’ve prepared themselves for this moment all season, but no one was quite sure how to react when the final seconds ran off the clock against Middlebury College and the ultimate dream — a National Championship — became a reality. Senior defender Alex Okuniewicz joined Assistant Coach Robin Selbst at midfield and helped raise their trophy in triumph, junior defender Camille see CHAMPS page 19
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
Jack’s Mannequin frontman Andrew McMahon wails a poppunk tune.
Jack’s Mannequin makes its tuneful debut at College By Shaun Fitzpatrick Arts & Entertainment Editor
Lisa Nitzsche / Staff Photographer
Police escorts offered to residents only By Kelly Johnson News Assistant
In keeping with its ongoing theme of pop-punk, high school throwbacks, the College Union Board welcomed Jack’s Mannequin and Secondhand Serenade to the Kendall Hall Main Stage for the annual Fall Concert on Friday, Nov. 18. Andrew McMahon, formally of Something Corporate and now the creative force behind Jack’s Mannequin, was a bundle of energy wrapped up in a plaid shirt. Despite being the pianist for the group, he didn’t let his instrument confine him to one portion of the stage. Instead, throughout his set McMahon danced around the stage, see JACK page 12
In Case of Emergency: The College’s safety nets
College students venturing out after dark need not do so alone. Campus Police offers a 24-hour escort service that dispatches officers to drive or walk with students to their residences. Unless, that is, they live off-campus. According to Matthew Golden, vice president for College Relations and Advancement, any area off-campus, regardless of its proximity to the College, is out of the jurisdiction of Campus Police. “Due to safety and liability reasons,” Campus Police is unable to offer rides or escort services to private residences offcampus, Golden said. According to Golden, if students live off-campus and fear for their safety when
Escort service
Blue Lights When students need to reach Campus Police immediately, they can press the emergency button on one of several “blue light” phones located around campus. The phone system will automatically connect to Campus Police’s dispatch office. Each “blue light” phone is equipped with its own extension and location identifier.
Campus Police offers a 24-hour escort service for residents walking around campus after hours. They will also give rides in select situations. Call 609-771-2345.
24-hour swipe access Dorms are kept locked 24 hours a day, with access provided by a swipe system accessible by student ID.
Information courtesy of College Relations, photos by staff photographers Kate Stronczer and Vicki Wang
leaving campus, Campus Police will call the municipal police. If there is an officer at the College available, he or she will be dispatched to wait with the student until police arrive. At its Nov. 16 meeting, Student Government announced it will be
Why Ron Paul sticks out
Nursing an itch to travel
investigating the service through a student survey to see how much the system is used and how students feel about it. Students can request escorts by calling the Campus Police communications desk at 609-771-2345.
Waltz of the Flowers
An opinions writer weighs in on Eight nursing majors will take a trip to El Salvador. Paul’s standing in the election.
Roxey Ballet brought ‘The Nutcracker’ to the College.
See Opinions page 10
See A&E page 13
See Features page 11
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
Secondhand Serenade opened the show.
INSIDE
Nation & World Editorial Opinions Features Arts & Entertainment Fun Stuff Sports
7 9 10 11 12 20 24
page 2 The Signal November 30, 2011
TCNJ Holiday brings you a variety of ethnic/holiday foods, horse and carriage ride, iceless skating rink, make your own stuffed animal, photo snow globes, crafts from various student organizations, and much more!
saf funded
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 3
NYC holiday trip for freshman class funded
By Andrew Miller Staff Writer
The Student Finance Board granted the freshman class $2,400 to fund a holiday trip to New York City on Saturday, Dec. 3. “The purpose of this event is to promote unity among our class,” said class president Brian Garsh, freshman chemistry and secondary education double major. The two buses are scheduled to leave the College at noon and return at 8 p.m. “The council should have a schedule for the day to let people know where they are at all times,” said SFB Executive Director Alexa Kaminsky, senior accounting major. SFB agreed to fund the trip as long as the freshman class council draws up such a schedule. SFB also allotted $1,087 to Indian Student Association to fully fund the annual ISA Coffeehouse. “ISA Coffeehouse is meant to bring students together from all over campus to enjoy performances from many different aspects of campus life,” said Foram Shah, junior biology major. “It’s also a nice break from studying.” ISA requested funding for On the Border food, delivery and coffee. SFB debated whether delivery, which cost $55, was necessary, but ultimately concluded that transporting $700 worth of food would inconvenience the ISA executive board. SFB also fully funded Black Student Union’s Black Music Celebration Week, which will begin Thursday, Dec. 1. SFB granted BSU $855 to run the event.
Matthew Mance / Photo Assistant
SFB executive director Alexa Kaminsky, left, and administrative director Warren Samlin, center, debated funding Water Watch’s film screening. “Last year, Black Music Celebration Month was successful, but we received criticism that our events were too spread out. That is why we are proposing that the event last a week,” said Lynette Barnes, senior psychology and women’s and gender studies double major and president of BSU. The Sarah Street Band will perform during meal equiv on Friday, Dec. 2. “The band plays soul music. It will show that black music is not just Lil Wayne,” Barnes said. “It has history.” BSU also plans to show films about black culture during the event. Also showing a film will be the environmental club Water Watch, which received $15 from SFB to publicize a showing of the documentary “Tapped.” “‘Tapped’ exposes the secrets of the
plastic water bottle industry and promotes alternatives to it,” said Jessica Serpico, sophomore psychology major and treasurer of Water Watch. Water Watch expects 120 people to attend the event. It obtained the movie rights to “Tapped” for free, so the organization requested funding for 120 Branders aluminum water bottles. “We want to give students an incentive to come out to watch this documentary that would also promote environmental awareness,” said Serpico. “Everybody will see these water bottles on campus after the event.” Some SFB members argued the event shouldn’t need to offer an incentive to draw a crowd. “This may set a bad precedent. Many
other organizations, like Cure for Camden, have shown movies,” said senior finance and political science double major Warren Samlin, SFB’s administrative director. “By funding this event, we send the message that if other organizations can tie something into their event nicely, we should fund it.” “If an event needs incentives, that calls into question how good it will be,” Kaminsky added. After much debate, SFB voted to fund publicity for the event but not for the green water bottles, which were deemed superfluous. Literary club ink presented its proposal to bring two authors, Ben Marcus and Laura Kasischke, to the College on Feb. 21. “These two writers are big names in the creative writing world and can relate to the community,” said Samantha Zimbler, junior English major and president of ink. Zimbler requested funding for posters and travel expenses for both authors. One SFB member, however, expressed concern that the event didn’t have broad appeal. “This appeals mainly to creative writing people,” said Brian Hurler, freshman economics major and SFB freshman class representative. “It’s not mainstream enough for the student body.” Samlin countered Hurler’s argument, saying, “Members of ink are passionate about what they do, and there are not a lot of events on campus that reflect their interests.” SFB was not sure how to rule on this matter, so it proposed a “motion to table.” The creative writing group will revise its plan and present it to SFB on a later date.
SG to survey students about police escort service
By Kelly Johnson News Assistant
Student Government announced that it will be sending out a survey to students regarding the police escort service during its meeting on Wednesday, Nov, 16. Members anticipate that the service will most likely need to be updated and hope that the student feedback will provide them with a sense of direction of what to do with the service. SG also voted to recognize the Thakaat Foundation, a nonprofit global relief program. Members of the club will discuss issues around the world and will work with services such as Project ReBorn in Africa, where volunteers provide mothers with adequate medical care to ensure a safe pregnancy and birth. The group will hold events, such as a gala, with the money raised going to charity. The organization also plans to hold a bone marrow drive at the College. SG also voted to recognize the Association of Music
Production and Discussion (AMP’d). The idea of the club is to bring musicians and producers together to collaborate. AMP’d is open to any student interested in music production and musicians who want to be recorded. Club members identified a recording studio in the Art and IMM Building that is not highly utilized, which will be their room for regular meetings. SG was in agreement that the group is unique among campus organizations and will be using a space that was not used before. SG also granted club status to the American Society of Civil Engineering, a professional organization meant to provide members with professional and educational opportunities. The club will hold seminars to educate members and the community about civil engineering. The group also plans on holding community outreaches at local schools and organizations to speak about what civil engineering has to offer. Although not in total agreement, the majority of SG members agreed that the organization’s mission was
Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor
SG recognized the nonprofit Thakaat Foundation, music club AMP’d and a civil engineering group.
worth approval. Vice President for Equity and Diversity Adam Fisher announced his resignation from his position at the end of this semester. SG is now accepting applications for the position for next semester.
Two bikes nabbed, creepy texts Mathematics fanatics By Shaun Fitzpatrick Arts & Entertainment Editor
A Red 271 Gear Schwinn Mountain bike was stolen from outside of Cromwell Hall after its owner left it unsecured and unattended next to a trash can around 9 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6. Reports say the male student returned for his bike at roughly 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14 and could not find it, even after searching the area and other bike racks on campus. The bike, along with its lock, is worth $160. … A purple women’s “Roadmaster” bike was stolen after being left unsecured at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11. The female owner said she left her bike on a lamp post near the bike rack outside of Eickhoff Hall’s entrance facing the Library. Reports say that after eating lunch and leaving it alone for about a half hour, she
discovered the bike was missing. The bike is worth approximately $100. … A male student was issued a summons for underage drinking at 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17 in Travers Hall. Police say an officer was dispatched to the fourth floor of the building after a disturbance was reported. The accused student stated that he had consumed approximately 12 ounces of rum. According to reports, he also said he had vomited in the sink in his room, which upset his roommate and started a verbal confrontation between the two outside in the hallway. … A female student reported getting harassing text messages from an unknown number at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The victim said the original message was alarming because the person knew her name.
Matthew Mance / Photo Assistant
Assistant Professor of Mathematics Farshid Safi presented his research at the Nov. 18 School of Science Faculty Research Colloquium. Safi’s research focuses on mathematics education for children and teens.
page 4 The Signal November 30, 2011
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 5
Campus Town construction will Hi, this is London affect about a dozen houses calling … via Skype
By Juliana Fidler Copy Editor
Construction of the upcoming Campus Town will require the relocation of several College offices and houses, according to Stacy Schuster, executive director of College Relations, and several students. The 14-acre site will be along Pennington Road, “directly south of main campus entry gate,” Schuster said. The area is “bound on the east side by Metzger Drive” and on the south side by Hausdoerffer and Phelps Halls. Currently on the site, “there are approximately a dozen houses that are owned by the Trenton State Corporation,” Schuster said, but also among the houses on site are those that belong to the Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement, ROTC and the Municipal Land Use Center (MLUC). These three offices “will be moving into other buildings on campus,” she said, and the move is “very likely to happen in winter months.” In an email, Schuster added, “The schedule for site preparation is in the process of being prepared, and demolition of buildings on the site may be done in a phased approach; some of the buildings will remain until May/June.” The future on-campus locations
Image courtesy of Stacy Schuster
Campus Town construction will affect buildings within the dotted line’s perimeter.
of the Bonner Center, ROTC and MLUC are still uncertain, according to Schuster. So far, all that the College has determined is that these offices will be moving into existing buildings. The groundbreaking on the Campus Town site is planned for Spring of 2012, Schuster said. “The date we are aiming to be open and have (the Campus Town buildings) be usable is Fall of 2013, so we’d like to have them operational by August of 2013,” she added. While Schuster did not mention student College houses in her email,
to students living near the mentioned offices, it seems inevitable that their houses will be affected. According to senior fine arts major Ceire Parker, who lives in a College house on Pennington Road, students who live in the houses on the building site have not been informed of what to expect. This might be because the College doesn’t actually own the College houses, Parker said. Rather, the Trenton State College Corporation (an off-campus real estate management group) owns the buildings and rents exclusively to the College. “Technically they didn’t tell us that the house will be affected, but … our house is right next door to the Bonner Center, so it seems to be pretty much a given that it will be knocked down after this year,” said Parker. “I can’t be sure though, because the College doesn’t actually own the College houses … it seems to be somewhat complicated.” Parker also said she would be sad to lose the house for nostalgia’s sake. “I’ll just be sad if they end up having to knock down our house. I love this house, it’s awesome,” she said. “And it will just be a shame that no one else will ever get to live in it.” Laura Herzog contributed reporting.
Buy my vote, philosophy prof says By Meghan Coppinger Correspondent
People can sell clothes, food and cars …Why not votes? A lesson on the legalization of voting markets was given by a College philosophy professor at the last politics forum of the semester on Thursday, Nov. 17. Associate Professor James Stacey Taylor challenged the illegal concept of candidates “buying” support from voters in an election. “How many vote to influence the outcomes of an election?” Taylor asked the audience. “Poor, misguided people,” he said to the students who raised their hands in response. Taylor believes that the vote of an individual person is very unlikely to influence the final outcome of an election, and therefore people don’t gain anything from voting, he said. However, the professor gave his audience a new idea: People would gain something through voting if candidates were allowed to purchase votes. When asked if this was a good idea, not one audience member raised a hand. “Most people would be made better off,” Taylor said of the idea of buying and selling votes. Markets in voting do not exist at this time, but people would be more likely to vote for a particular person if money was an incentive, he said. Taylor then asked audience members if they would be willing to vote for a party with unconventional ideas, such as the Neo-Nazi party, if the candidates were willing to pay voters more money than Republicans and Democrats. The audience responded that they would not because of their unpopular values. Taylor said he believed the audience had responded like most people would.
According to Taylor, voters would consider the values of political parties offering lower amounts of money to pay voters. People will look at the price and policies, he noted. “You won’t sell your vote to the party offering the highest price,” Taylor said. With this agreement, voters would still be paid to vote for candidates with similar values, and the candidates would receive votes to win, according to Taylor. Therefore, everyone is satisfied. “It’s a beautiful situation,” he said. If markets, such as voting markets, are banned, people do not have access to options they might wish to pursue, Taylor said. Voters would rather have a small amount of financially and politically beneficial choices, he said, than have a large amount of choices from which they do not receive anything. “I think we’re in the worst of all possible worlds,” Taylor said. “We have a coercive government and no markets in votes. … The best option would be to have no markets in votes, but we get rid of governments.” “It was eye-opening,” sophomore Steve Campeau said following the lecture. “I thought this was very interesting. He made a great point.”
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor
Alumni shared travel experiences in person and via Skype.
By Danielle Leng Correspondent
in business practice and culture in Brazil compared to the U.S. The places are very different, he noted. Four alumni — two via web “There are multiple ways to get chat — returned to the College on things done,” he said. Wednesday, Nov. 16 to tell students However, there are challenges and faculty about the benefits and and obstacles when working challenges faced in international abroad. business as well as their personal The language barrier was the experiences being abroad. biggest one for Matt Johnson, a They all have traveled around 2006 finance graduate who spent the world to places such as Tokyo, two years in Tokyo and now works Japan and Rio, Brazil. for Morgan Stanley. He explained All four alumni said they that although English is mainly agreed that studying abroad is very spoken in the office, Japanese is important in future careers, as the what he heard out on the streets. world is becoming more connected. Another difficulty is separation “Everybody does it, so it is a from family and friends. critical component,” said Dave Johnson had to leave his Lewis, a 1998 graduate from girlfriend when he left for Japan. the College with a MBA from There was trouble communicating Columbia University. because of the time zone difference, Studying abroad also enhances he said. Nevertheless, Johnson is resumes for applying now happily married “ P e r s o n a l to his girlfriend. to graduate school or a job, he said. Despite these travel helped Lewis used to work my career. … challenges, the benefits for Coca-Cola, and to outweigh the You have to seem through the company, negatives, according he was sent to Brazil. take a long- to the alumni, and He told the audience term view.” Johnson said that via web cam from Rio one must embrace that he always wanted — Matt everything about the the opportunity to McCann ’08 experience. travel and work. Matt McCann, “Every day is a a 2008 graduate personal venture,” Lewis said. Not working for Goldman Sachs, also only does traveling provide cultural told the audience via web cam from experience, which was what Lewis Bangalore, India that going abroad said he always wanted, but it is also is important. a learning experience. “Personal travel helped my Greg Gatesman, a 1997 career,” McCann said, adding alumnus with a MBA from Penn that “you have to take a long-term State, said that he is able to see the view.” different ways businesses work in Ashley Attinello, freshman other countries. He is now working accounting major, said that the as COO for the international wealth panel discussion enhanced her and investment management group interest in studying abroad. at Merrill Lynch. “I considered going for a “Everything enhances (your) minor in Spanish, so this kind of experience,” Gatesman said. encouraged me to pursue possibly Reviewing his time in Brazil, studying abroad even more than I Lewis talked about the differences did before,” Attinello said.
Are you paying attention? Have a news tip for the last issue? Email us at signal@tcnj.edu. Follow tcnjsignal on Twitter, like The Signal on Facebook, and visit tcnjsignal.net for breaking news and videos.
page 6 The Signal November 30, 2011
Nation & World
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 7
Egyptians wait in lines to elect a parliament CAIRO (AP) – They waited in long lines for hours to vote, despite a new wave of unrest, fears about a sharply divided society and uncertainty over the nationʼs future. For the millions of Egyptians who cast ballots Monday, the first parliamentary elections since they ousted Hosni Mubarak were a turning point in history — if for no other reason than they were finally getting a chance to be heard after decades of rigged voting. “I have hope this time,” said Amal Fathy, a 50-year-old government employee who wears the Islamic veil, as she patiently waited to vote. “I may not live long enough to see change, but my grandchildren will.” Since the uprising that forced out Mubarak nearly 10 months ago, Egyptians had looked forward to this day as a celebration of freedom after years of stifling dictatorship. Instead, there has been deep disappointment with the military rulers who replaced the old regime and a new wave of protests and clashes that began 10 days before the vote. Adding to the disarray, the multiple stage election process, which will stretch over months, is extremely complicated. Some of the key political players complained they did not have enough time or the right conditions to organize for the vote. If there was little jubilation, there was hope — and even defiance — with many determined to either push the military from power or vote against the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups who are expected to dominate the balloting. “This was simply overwhelming. My heart was beating so fast,” Sanaa el-Hawary, a 38year-old mother of one said after she cast her vote in Cairo. “This is my life, itʼs my babyʼs life. Itʼs my country and this is the only hope we have now.” Female voters appeared to outnumber the men by far, shattering widespread notions in a society whose women are mostly dismissed
or taken lightly. Women waiting for five hours at one polling center chanted: “We will not give up, we will not give up.” In Cairoʼs crowded Shoubra district, 34year-old Toka Youssef explained why she was voting for the first time in her life. “Before, there were no real elections. It was all theater. Now Iʼm optimistic in the future. These are the first steps toward democracy,” she said. “Itʼs a bit confused and chaotic because weʼve never seen this many people vote. No one cared this much before.” Ever since an 18-day uprising toppled Mubarakʼs regime and brought the military to power, Egypt has gone through violence, splits in society, a worsening economy and a surge in street crime. Still, people were eager to cast a free vote, even though much is unclear about what will happen next, whatever the outcome. Many liberals, leftists, Christians and pious Muslims who oppose mixing religion and politics went to the polls to try to reduce the scope of the Muslim Brotherhoodʼs electoral gains. Also weighing heavily on votersʼ minds was whether this election will set Egypt on a path of democracy under the rule of the military. Protests this month have demanded that the generals step down immediately because of fears they are trying to cling to power and not bring real reform. The parliament that emerges may have little relevance because the military is sharply limiting its powers, and it may only serve for several months. However, the vote will give Egyptians and the world an accurate reading of the strength of the political forces at work in the Arab worldʼs most populous nation. A reliable political map of the nation would also have an impact beyond Egyptʼs borders, serving as a guide to whether the close U.S. ally will continue to be the main source of
News Bits
European leaders rushed Monday to stop a rampaging debt crisis that threatened to shatter their 12-year-old experiment in a common currency and devastate the world economy as a result. One proposal gaining prominence would have countries cede some control over their budgets to a central European authority.
A judge on Monday used unusually harsh language to strike down a $285 million settlement between Citigroup and the Securities and Exchange Commission over toxic mortgage securities, saying he couldnʼt tell whether the deal was fair and criticizing regulators for shielding the public from details of the firmʼs wrongdoing.
A U.N. investigation concluded Monday that Syrian forces committed crimes against humanity by killing and torturing hundreds of children, including a two-year-old girl reportedly shot to death so she wouldnʼt grow up to be a demonstrator. The inquiry added to the mounting international pressure on President Bashar Assad, a day after the Arab League approved sweeping sanctions to push his embattled regime to end the violence. Democratic Rep. Barney Frank, also a gay political pioneer, announced on Monday plans to retire at the end of his current term, his 16th in Congress. The Massachusetts liberalʼs name as well as fingerprints are on last yearʼs sweeping bill regulating Wall Street. Information from AP Exchange
AP Photo
A veiled Egyptian woman casts her ballot in Maadi, a suburb of Cairo, Egypt on Monday, Nov. 28. The vote is a milestone many Egyptians hope will usher in a democratic age after decades of dictatorship. moderation in the region and assume the mantle of a key advocate of Middle East peace. The election is the fruit of the Arab Spring revolts that have swept the region in the past year, toppling several authoritarian regimes. In Tunisia and Morocco, Islamic parties have come out winners in recent balloting, but if the much larger Egypt does the same, it could have an even greater impact. Some voters brought their children along, saying they wanted them to learn how to exercise their rights in what promises to be the fairest and cleanest election in Egypt in living memory. The biggest complaint Monday was the long wait, with polling stations opening late or running out of ballots. There also was campaigning outside polling centers in violation of the law.
“If you have waited for 30 years, canʼt you wait now for another hour?” an army officer yelled at hundreds of restless women at one Cairo polling station. Supporters of the Freedom and Justice party, the Brotherhoodʼs political arm, were seen with laptop computers helping voters with information on where they should cast their ballots but writing the information on large cards with the party logo on one side and the name and photos of its candidates on the other. Party supporters also appeared to be allowed to maintain security at some places or help the elderly vote. “I never voted because I was never sure it was for real. This time, I hope it is, but I am not positive,” said Shahira Ahmed, 45, waiting with her husband and daughter with about 500 other people.
Woman alleges long affair with Cain
WASHINGTON (AP) – In an explosive allegation, a Georgia woman said Monday she and Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain had a 13-year extramarital affair that lasted nearly until the former businessman announced his candidacy for the White House several months ago. “Here we go again. I didnʼt do anything wrong,” Cain said in a pre-emptive denial that lumped a detailed claim of a consensual affair in with earlier allegations of sexual harassment. But the woman, Ginger White, said in an interview with Fox 5 Atlanta that over the years, Cain bought her airplane tickets so she could join him in cities as far-flung as Palm Springs, Calif., and Atlanta. “It was fun,” the 46-year-old White said. “It was something that took me away from my humdrum life at the time. And it was exciting.” Cainʼs candidacy was soaring in the polls until he was hit less than a month ago with accusations that he sexually harassed several women and groped one while he was a high-ranking official at the National Restaurant Association. He has since fallen back in the public opinion surveys, and been eclipsed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich in the race to emerge as the principle conserva-
AP Photo
In this Oct. 3 file photo, Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain stops to address the media as he arrives for a meeting with developer Donald Trump in New York. tive alternative to Mitt Romney. At her apartment in Dunwoody, Ga., White declined to elaborate on her statements during a brief interview with AP. “I canʼt make any comment on this,” she said. “Weʼre trying to be slightly sensitive.” In its report, the television station said White had Cainʼs name in her cell phone contacts, and when its reporter sent a text message to the number, he called right back. “He told us he knew ʻGinger Whiteʼ but said he was trying to help her financially,” the station said. In a written statement released immediately after the story aired, Cainʼs campaign said detractors were trying to “derail the Cain
Train with more accusations of past events that never happened.” Later, at a fundraiser in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., Cain avoided reportersʼ questions. In his initial denial, televised on CNN, Cain vowed to remain in the presidential race, as long as he has the support of his wife, with whom he said he had discussed the most recent allegation. In her interview, White said she decided to come forward after seeing Cain attack his other accusers in an appearance on television. “It bothered me that they were being demonized, sort of, and being treated as if they were automatically lying, and the burden of proof was on them,” she said. “I felt bad for them.”
page 8 The Signal November 30, 2011
You’re invited to…
WHAT: An international dessert night & study abroad event WHERE: BSC FOOD COURT WHEN: Wednesday, November 30th from 8:00 to 10:00 pm COST: FREE
SAF Funded
COME JOIN US* AS WE… -‐ Sample delicious treats from around the world -‐ Get to know the cultural groups on campus -‐ LEARN ABOUT STUDY ABROAD! o If you are interested, there will be TCNJ global ambassadors on hand, ready to talk and answer any questions you may have about spending a semester in another country *Polish Club -‐ Italian Club -‐ ISA -‐AEPi -‐ Union Latina -‐French Club -‐ I-‐House -‐J-‐House -‐Russian Club –Intentional Studies club
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 9
Editorial
OK Commuter
How a four-year alien found a campus home Did you know there’s a special lounge for commuters? This is not a joke. It’s in the student center. It houses a fridge, a little TV and a computer that barely works. It’s a glorified hole in the wall, but the people inside are awfully friendly. When I was a freshman, I spent more than a couple afternoons there. Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor As a commuter, I missed out on the instant, floor- Commuters need not simply come and go in their cars — Editor-in-Chief Matt wide community that my classmates found in Cromwell, Huston explains how, as a commuter, he found reasons to spend time on campus. Travers and Wolfe. So, I made friends with a handful of Quotes of the Week other commuters — they were in the same boat. Years later, I still chat with them in the hallways. But it wasn’t until I really jumped in, through extracur“We have How did you meet most of your current friends? riculars, social sorties and an obnoxious amount of phone struggled through calls, that I began to realize there was a place for me at the a tremendous - My freshman floor. College. I just had to search a little harder for it. - A club/campus organization. Take heed, young commuters. amount of In my fourth and final year of commuting to the Col- They’re really just my friends from high school. challenges, and lege, I’m more than comfortable here. I don’t feel like an - Through my part-time job. those challenges outsider anymore. I spend most of my week on campus. I - Classes ... we can study together! made us really bug friends for a place to crash. The College has become a second home, even if it took a bit longer for me than it tough.” cast your vote @ did for most. tcnjsignal.net — Field Hockey Head The following things didn’t hurt: Coach Sharon Pfluger Last week’s results 1. Adopt a floor. My FSP involved a lot of song-sharing on winning and drum circles, so it wasn’t hard to get along with my the National What do you honestly think about all these “Occupy” residential peers. Wolfe 10 became my unofficial floor. Championship movements? When I was stuck on campus, I’d head to the towers for a glimpse of “the freshman experience.” It was sort of bit-The protestors are just causing more problems. 49% tersweet, but it was nice to know that some small corner -I’m glad they’re taking a stand. 29% “Poor, misguided of the campus community knew I existed. Due to my thin-Doesn’t matter, they won’t accomplish anything. 17% ly veiled obsession with Radiohead, some of them called people.” -I’m part of it! 5% me “OK Commuter.” I discovered this last weekend. — Associate Professor 2. Join a club. The Signal became my most important James Stacey Taylor link to campus life. I made some of my best friends there, to students who said I got along with the editors, plus reporting gave me an they vote in order to excuse to go to dozens of cool events I never would have influence an election tcnjsignal.net bothered with. A club is a solid place to carve out your niche, because, after all, you’re surrounding yourself with Mailing Address: Telephone: The Signal Production Rm - (609) 771-2424 like-minded people. And in my case, people with a simic/o Brower Student Center Business Office - (609) 771-2499 “I just sing about larly absurd sense of humor. And pizza. The College of New Jersey Fax: (609) 771-3433 P.O. Box 7718 my problems and 3. Get a job. Working at the College gave me a legitiEmail: signal@tcnj.edu Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu mate reason to spend most of my weekdays on campus. sing them as loud Editorial Staff Julia Corbett The wandering ceased. I no longer felt like I was floating as I can, and I’m Production Manager in and out of the College bubble. Whether you take a job Matt Huston Tom Ciccone good” in an office, the Library, the Rat or wherever, a campus Editor-in-Chief Nation & World Editor huston4@tcnj.edu Juliana Fidler job will give you a foothold you didn’t have before. — Secondhand Brianna Gunter Melissa Easaw 4. Don’t lose hope. It’s true. Commuters don’t get the Serenade frontman Managing Editor Copy Editors same experience that residents do. But that doesn’t mean gunter2@tcnj.edu Kevin Lee John Vesely on using Emily Brill Sports Assistant freshman year has to suck, either. There are thousands of his music for personal News Editor Kelly Johnson interesting and fun-loving people at the College. One of therapy. brill3@tcnj.edu News Assistant/Copy Editor them could be your new best friend. There are hundreds Laura Herzog Brendan McGrath News Editor A&E Assistant of groups. One of them shares your passion. Somewhere, herzog2@tcnj.edu Annie Montero there’s a place for you. “Every day is a Alex Wolfe Features Assistant
The Weekly Poll:
— Matt Huston, Editor-in-Chief
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.
Sports Editor wolfea1@tcnj.edu Jamie Primeau Features Editor primeau2@tcnj.edu Shaun Fitzpatrick Arts & Entertainment Editor fitzpa28@tcnj.edu Danny Pazos Opinions Editor pazos2@tcnj.edu Tom O’Dell Photo Editor odell3@tcnj.edu
Janika Berridge Ashley Long Matthew Mance Photo Assistants
Emilie Lounsberry Advisor Business Staff Dan Lisi Business/Ad Manager Natalie Schiavi Business Assitant
personal venture.”
—College alumnus Dave Lewis, ‘98, on traveling and working abroad.
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 10
Opinions The Signal says ...
Stop: forgetting to write that paper, leaving your phone around, letting your laptop die, pepper spraying people Caution: the last few days of classes, warm weather, Thanksgiving h a n g o v e r , Christmas music on every station, Cyber Monday v.s. Black Friday Go: write a letter to Santa, study for finals, try a new dr in k , listen to a new song, walk a mile in someone e l s e’ s shoes.
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. The letters section is an open forum for opinions. Submissions that announce events or advertise in any way will not be printed. All letters should be sent via e-mail to signal@tcnj.edu. Handwritten letters should be sent to The Signal, c/o The Brower Student Center, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718 Ewing, N.J. 08628 or placed in our mailbox in the Student Life Office. Letters must be received by the Friday before publication and should not exceed 300 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All letters must be signed, with a phone number and address of the author. Requests to withhold the author’s name will be honored only if there is a legitimate reason. All materials submitted become the sole property of The Signal. The editors reserve the right to edit or withhold all articles, letters & photographs. The Signal willingly corrects factual mistakes. If you think we have made an error, please contact The Signal at (609) 7712424, write to the address listed
Why Ron Paul should be your choice
By Frank Orlich The year is 1796. America is in its infancy, just 20 years removed from the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington has declined a third term, and is delivering his farewell address to the nation. In it, he vehemently warns against the development of political parties. He argues that the party system distracts the public, enfeebles the government, opens the door for corruption and outside influence, and agitates the people with illfounded jealousies. In conclusion, he felt the nation’s policy and will became the policy and will of another, and that this was certainly not what democracy was all about it. It was his farewell message after 45 years of service to the nation. It’s the legacy he wanted to leave behind —don’t form political parties. Look at us now. As 2012 nears and the race heats up, it becomes clearer that we are no longer voting for a candidate, a platform, or an ideology. We’re voting for a party. Republican or Democrat. Left or Right. However, there appears to be one candidate who doesn’t blindly support left or right. His name is Ron Paul, and I strongly believe he will get my vote in 2012, whether he runs as a Republican, Libertarian, or he drops out and I have to write his name in. He predicted the bursting of the housing bubble and the financial collapse of 2007. He did not vote for the PATRIOT Act or the War in Iraq. As a 12-term, ideologicallyconsistent Congressman, he’s never once voted for an unbalanced budget, or to raise taxes, or to increase the scope of the executive branch. While Rick Perry was getting D’s in Economics, he was writing books on Austrian Economics. While Bachmann was campaigning for Jimmy Carter, he was one of four Congressmen to endorse Reagan in 1976. For the first time in my young career
Letter to the editor
In response to “Penn State’s Grave Mistake” To whom it may concern, Since my freshman year in the fall of 2009, I have read The Signal, or at very least parts of it, since I learned of its existence. I have always revered the publication as a professional-minded publication that was a source of pride in my school. However, I fear the actions of a writer, and one of your paper’s appointed editors, nearly derailed my overall respect for this publication entirely. In your last issue (Vol. CXXXV, No. 11), Alex Wolfe, the sports editor of the paper, attempted (and I use that term loosely) to give his opinion on the horriffic events on the Penn State scandal. What I had come to expect from The Signal was a detailed, well thought-out report and opinion. However, my eyes were instead
AP Photo
Many times Ron Paul finds himself at odds with his own party. Whether or not this will be helpful to his campaign in the long run will be up to voters. as a voter, I don’t feel like I’m voting for a party or a politician, but rather a citizen of the same country who seeks a greater existence. Paul has often been defined as a libertarian, or someone who upholds liberty and seeks minimal government intervention, socially as well as economically. As such, Paul primarily supports fiscally conservative agendas, such as free markets, low taxes, and minimal regulations, as well as liberal social values such as gay marriage and the legalization of marijuana. Paul’s stance on foreign policy is consistent with noninterventionism. He strongly believes the United States should not engage in wars of aggression or entangling alliances, but rather should maintain diplomacy abroad. He is against foreign military bases as well as excessive airport security, believing excessive sending over-seas or restricting civil liberties at home will do nothing to deter terrorists. Paul’s political positions put him at odds with both liberals and conservatives. He openly bashes conservative social
policies while simultaneously knocking government spending. With no party to truly call home, Paul is rarely featured in mainstream media and is often ignored on major programs. It’s sad to think someone like Rick Perry or even Mitt Romney could win the nomination over Paul, but this is not only likely, it’s probable. Americans, especially those not endorsing Obama, should take a long look at the candidates and decide who they truly want to lead their country. We’re at a crossroads and this election will most definitely define our future. Just as in 1796, we are again faced with a great decision. And I for one believe that rather than blindly voting for a party, a politician, a set of talking points or statistics, we should look deeply into who is going to lead this country in the right direction. Paul’s consistent voting record made one Congressman remark, “Ron Paul personifies the Founding Fathers’ ideal of the citizen-statesman. He makes it clear that his principles will never be compromised, and they never are.” I think the above would make George Washington proud.
greeted by a knee-jerk, profanity-laden rant on how a beloved leader who was thought to be omnipotent attempted to cover up the footprints of a monster. While I understand that the case is ongoing, I believe your writer failed to understand what the scandal is really. You see, all of this controversy, riots and ignorance is based on a football program, more specifically its coach, who had been nearly established as a deity. This is the basic failure of many Penn State students and supporters and Mr. Wolfe himself. This scandal is about over a dozen children whose childhood was already marred by a broken home, and then were made the prey of the world’s worst kind of predator. Not once in the “Cheap Seats” article did Mr. Wolfe mention the victims, and the real subject, of this case. What troubles me the most is that not only did Mr. Wolfe self-
approve his own article, but it was approved by you as well. This is such a sensitive subject, and for the words “fuck you,” “Penn State is run by a bunch of idiots” and “To the Penn State Board of Directors: fuck you” to show up instead of “please keep the victims of these awful allegations in your thoughts” is both a black mark on what I thought to be a journalistic release of high integrity, but a sign of utter disrespect and arrogance on Mr. Wolfe’s part to not reach out and at least attempt to help his fellow human. Mr. Wolfe is entitled to his own opinion, even if it is one I do not agree with, but given the position he has been appointed, I feel as though he could have chosen his words a whole lot better, instead of using his own personal soapbox to spew his anger. A concerned reader, Donald Wagenblast
He knows when you’re sleeping. Do you want to know what happens when you don’t send your opinions to The Signal? Didn’t think so. Send yours to pazos2@tcnj.edu
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 11
Features
Nurses to travel to El Salvador this winter By Kelly MacNiven Correspondent
While most students are going back to their hometowns to relax this winter break, a few of the College’s nursing students will be packing their bags for a trip to El Salvador to provide medical relief in the country’s health clinics. Eight nursing majors will be heading to the Central American country on Jan. 8 and returning on Jan. 15. There they will be shadowing nurses, helping care for people in the facility, providing health education to families in the community and spending a day with kids to teach them how to take care of their health and hygiene. The trip is being arranged with the help of the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children, a national organization that focuses on providing health care for children in undeveloped countries. FIMRC will be organizing the students’ transportation, housing and food, but will not cover the cost. The students are therefore depending on fundraising to help pay for their travels. Originally 40 students signed up to spend the week in El Salvador, but money has held them back, and now only eight will be going on the trip. “We’re fundraising on our own, which has been the biggest struggle,” junior nursing major Ankita Patel said. The students have been circulating Joe Corbi’s pizza order forms around campus to raise money and have also been selling T-shirts to support their cause. The Student Nurses’ Association also helped by donating $1,000 worth of supplies, and the Student Finance
merriam-webster.com
Eight nursing students will go to El Salvador this January to help with medical relief.
Board allocated $1,050, but money is still tight. The College’s nursing department usually doesn’t partake in events of this size and is hoping the trip will spark the interest of other students to join the nursing major. Because the nursing program has such a packed curriculum, its students don’t usually have the option to study abroad, Patel explained, which is why short trips like this are especially exciting for those in the program.
Men: Think yoga is only for women? Think again
By Samantha Sorin Columnist
Girly. Too easy. Too hard. Too much chanting. Just stretching. For flexible people. I don’t have a mat. I’d rather actually be doing something productive. I can’t twist myself into a pretzel. I can handle my chronic lower back pain. I like being wound tighter than my Aunt Agnes’ belt after Thanksgiving dinner. These are the empty excuses I get from guy friends when I ask them to come to my yoga class. NFL players will tell you otherwise. NBA players, Olympians, NHL players and the like swear by it. So why the stigma? Yoga is extremely beneficial for men, and not for the frilly stretchy reasons men think women do it. Now, I’m not telling you to quit lifting all day every day, or to stop running each morning, but yoga is truly a great supplement to a workout. Firstly, yoga works the entire body. Compared to certain sports that only utilize 10 to 15 percent of the body, yoga works every muscle, joint and organ. Additionally, you are working every system: endocrine, muscular, skeletal and cardiovascular. Many types of workouts leave the body tired and depleted of energy. Yoga revitalizes you and oxygenates the blood. This energy can be used for many things, such as the next benefit of yoga for men — sex. As mentioned in my last article, yoga is very advantageous know-how in the bedroom. Specifically, yoga helps to increase cardiovascular endurance. Yoga breathing has been shown to increase stamina in marathon runners by twice the distance in just one class — think of how that endurance can be applied not only to those 26.2 miles, but to bedroom activities as well. Another aspect of yoga that aids in this long-lasting effect is focus. Being pushed to focus on learning poses, moving your body into poses and holding the poses for a period of time helps one to shut the mind off to the ego and thoughts about how the girl in front of you looks in those yoga pants. With this focus comes a greater sense of
awareness, a sense of clarity, through both the body and mind. Yoga breathing actually calms your brain waves (allowing you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep). Furthermore, many yoga poses help to reset the body and cleanse the adrenal system, so you are not so anxious or grouchy. And although there are other activities that allow you to work your entire body, you do not lose a lot of toxins that build up in the body that nestle into our fatty tissues, organs and blood. To help rid yourself of such unwanted guests, you should breath deeply and be upside down. Many yoga poses are done so that your heart is above your head. This cleanses and detoxifies the body. Finally, the most important benefit for men, in my opinion, is that it helps to prevent injury. When the body is stretched properly, strengthened using opposing muscle groups and given a greater sense of awareness and movement, you increase your range of motion. This increase in range leaves little room for injury. Fewer muscles are pulled, fewer ankles are rolled and fewer lower backs are strained. Yoga helps to lubricate the joints, so when an injury presents itself, you can not only prevent it, but if it does occur, you can recover faster. Once you set aside the excuses and try it, you will be able to see the benefits for yourself. Maybe you will find your mat will serve you just as well as your weights.
The students are hoping that traveling to other countries to help with health care will take place more often in the future. “We’re trying to make it annual,” Patel said. The trip to El Salvador planned for January wasn’t approved until October, so the students are at a rush to get everything organized. They hope in future years that planning will go more smoothly. “We can start fundraising earlier and plan better,” said Brielle Roller, junior nursing major, when discussing how to improve the process for future years. The students and faculty are hoping to add trips like these to the nursing curriculum so that students can earn credits for their travels and encourage other students to join the nursing program. “I think it could make people more interested in the nursing program, because a lot of people don’t really know that you can go to other countries to be a nurse,” freshman nursing major Jenna Mowinski said. As for now, though, El Salvador is only a little over a month away for these future nurses, and they couldn’t be happier. “I’m so excited. It’s going to be so much fun,” Roller said. Patel, who has been wanting to do something like this since her freshman year of college, said, “It’s worth it. All of our hard work will be worth it.” If interested in purchasing a shirt or making donations to contribute to the nursing students’ aid trip to El Salvador, please contact Ankita Patel at patel223@tcnj.edu.
Campus Style clothing or accessory? My ring that my grandmother gave me when I was 13. I never take it off. And this friendship bracelet that my friend made for me that I also have never taken off. Where does inspiration for your style come from? Blogs, classic fashion, menswear, my dad’s closet. I see something inspiring and put my own twist on it.
Photo courtesy of Carly Koziol
By Carly Koziol Columnist Laura Mendez, sophomore psychology major with a law concentration What are you wearing? A knit pull-over from Forever 21 with an olive-colored tank top underneath, corduroys from T.J. Maxx, thrifted Polo buck shoes and an Urban Outfitters backpack. How would you describe your style? I put on whatever I feel like wearing that day that’s comfortable. I try to stay away from trends.
Samantha Sorin / Columnist
Despite stereotypes, yoga is just as beneficial for males as it is for females.
Where do you like to shop? T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Forever 21, Banana Republic, and I recently became addicted to thrifting. Do you have a favorite item of
Are there any fashion blogs in particular that you follow? I just tumble all the time. Do you have any fashion secrets or tips? Don’t over-accessorize. When girls put on 12 necklaces or earrings, it’s not a good look. Focus on the little details. Any must-haves for the upcoming cold weather? More corduroys in every color! I hate jeans, so I try to avoid them at all costs. Do you have any fashion mishaps? When I was in eighth grade, I would wear neon pants and extremely colorful dunks with my neon pink hoops. It was pretty typical childhood ghetto-fab. If you could give the College a style tip, what would it be? Stop wearing sweats and UGGs. Leave that for finals week, and put some effort into what you wear.
page 12 The Signal November 30, 2011
Arts & Entertainment
Jack / Students take ‘holiday from real’ at concert Jack’s Mannequin ended the sold-out show with two old reliables from its debut album “Everything in Transit.” “Dark Blue” and “La La Lie” had audience members on their feet and singing along in an attempt to match McMahon’s infectious energy. Despite his return from Japan the night before the concert, it was impossible to find any sign of jet lag in McMahon’s performance. This could be credited to a little liquid energy: The band admitted to stopping by Slocum’s before the show, going so far as to make up a rap in honor of the local Ewing bar. Secondhand Serenade opened the show in a blaze of skinny jeans and V-neck T-shirts, a palatable feeling of teen angst in the air. “Welcome to the party, people!” lead singer John Vesely called to students, some of whom were still filing into the theatre at the beginning of the set. Although Secondhand Serenade began originally as a solo acoustic venture by Vesely, he was backed by a full band. Vesely did his best to get the audience out of their seats and into the music. “Feel free to stand up and stuff, ’cause this is a concert,” he reminded them. The band played hits such as “You and I,” a cover of Tim Lee / Staff Photographer Coldplay’s “Fix You” and the acoustic “Vulnerable.” Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin brought During “Vulnerable,” students returned to their seats, a bit of Southern California to the College stage. apparently associating acoustic music with sitting. Vesely continued from page 1 watched the mass movement with a slightly confused look on his face, only to see them stand once again after the end climbed on top of his piano and even made his way into of the song. the crowd. The biggest response from the crowd came when the Although the band is currently promoting its newest band played “Fall For You,” a radio single familiar to fans album, “People and Things,” its members and new listeners alike. still made sure to throw in some old This song, a ballad from a Visit tcnjsignal.net to watch lovesick favorites. Standouts included “Holiday singer to the object the full interview with from Real” and “The Resolution.” of his affection, seemed fairly During “Swim,” the rest of the band John Vesely of Secondhand representative of Secondhand went offstage, leaving McMahon alone Serenade’s music. Serenade! to serenade the temporarily mellow and When asked in an interview seated crowd. whether it was difficult for him The crowd didn’t remain seated for long, however. to write and sing about personal subjects, Vesely replied,
“No. I mean, the way I see it, it’s always kind of been like a free form of therapy… Everybody likes to forget about all their problems and sing in their car. I just sing about my problems and sing them as loud as I can, and I’m good.” Vesely has also acted as a producer for some of his music. The added level of control, however, is both a blessing and a curse for him. “I will say that it’s really difficult when you don’t have other opinions circulating through the room, because you second guess everything you do. And it’s hard to ever feel like you’re done,” he said in an interview. “If I’m working on a song, I could keep on thinking that I would have more to add or want to change something, but eventually, you just have to say, ‘This is how it is.’”
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
John Vesely of Secondhand Serenade uses his music as a form of therapy.
TMT presents heartbreak, suicide and gay lovers, plus music By Emily Brill News Editor
I saw TCNJ Musical Theatre’s production of “Bare” on Friday. I almost went back Saturday to try to figure out how TMT pulled it off, but I didn’t know if I could put my emotions through the wringer again. “Bare” broke my heart, and judging by the number of damp faces that left the Don Evans Black Box Theatre with me, it wounded quite a few others’ as well during its Nov. 16-19 run at the College. “Bare,” here directed by senior special education and English major Mark Accardi, tells the story of two gay teenagers, Jason and Peter, attending a Catholic boarding school. They’re dating — in secret — as each grapples with his sexuality and fights (or succumbs to) forces trying to tear the couple apart. It’d be heavy stuff without a script and a soundtrack. Add those, and it’s easy to see how “Bare” could veer into melodrama in the wrong hands. It often did. But although the play turned maudlin at times — it’s difficult to conduct a play about high-school students without frequent bursts of angst — it was carried by several on-point actors who lent nuanced voices to their characters. This is particularly true for junior civil engineering major Joey Tible and junior religious studies major Chrissy Isola. Playing the charismatic but unsure Jason McConnell and his sardonic but wounded sister Nadia, respectively, the two delivered charming and humane performances in difficult roles. Their
scene together, during which Nadia sings “Plain Jane Fat Ass” — a song about herself — was one of the lighter moments in a show characterized by histrionics. Then there were junior economics major Joe Fillari (Matt Lloyd) and senior computer science major William West (Peter Simonds). As jilted lovers, the two weren’t given roles that endear them instantly to the audience. This was particularly true in Fillari’s case; in fact, he was saddled with a role that required him to shout an ugly epithet midway
through the play, simply because he was angry about being second best. But the pair carried the gloom of their submissive roles believably. Fillari’s Matt was jaded, skulking, angry — but also cowardly. Although in a lesser play he may have been cast simply as a villain, in “Bare,” he was more than that. This is a testament to Fillari’s portrayal as much as it is to the writing and directing. (It would have been nice to see more of Fillari in the play.) West’s Peter was sweet, haunted, nervy and sad. One of the major characters, he
Janika Berridge / Photo Assistant
The cast of ‘Bare’ puts on a drug-fueled rave, complete with glowsticks, during one of the musical’s scenes.
appeared frequently. His character wasn’t as bright a star as his counterpart, Jason, but the sadness that came through his eyes was compelling. West and Fillari shined while singing the song “Are You There?” together. Sung after the characters had gone to a party during which each was left by his lover, it was poignant without being over-the-top. Last of the lead characters was sophomore communications major Monica Blumenstein. She did a nice job as Ivy, the resident “hot girl,” but her character nonetheless occasionally lapsed into stereotype. Scenes in which Ivy ached alone while belting out wrenching songs (in a lovely voice) were meant to add depth to the character, but it still seemed like Ivy fit the “misunderstood popular girl” stereotype to a tee. The ensemble parts fleshed out the play, adding the melodramatic backdrop against which scenes featuring individuals could shine. “Bare,” a love story about two men, drew its tension from the fact that the lovers were cast against a disapproving crowd. That crowd needed to make an impression — to wield its power — to be believable as a force standing against the men. It made that impression during intense and occasionally overwhelming ensemble scenes (“Epiphany,” “Rolling,” “Two Households,” to name a few). The two men themselves — West as Peter and Tible as Jason — were excellent in their scenes together, which came across as neither forced nor cliché. Overall, the play was a well-cast, well-executed production — and one that left quite a mark on its audience.
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 13
walk the walk Holiday spirit comes early with ‘Nutcracker’ Can Rihanna and talk the talk? By Kelsey Leiter Correspondent
Five members of the Roxey Ballet previewed pieces from its 17th annual production of “The Nutcracker” on the Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall stage on Friday, Nov. 18, the last of the Brown Bag Series events to be offered this semester. After warming up at the event on Friday morning, Roxey Ballet hit Kendall Hall’s main stage starting on Nov. 26 with more than 100 professional and pre-professional dancers. The main show will also run Dec. 2-4. Mark Roxey, the founder of the ballet troupe, discussed the development of the production over the past 17 years. “When we started, it was a onethousand-dollar production. Now, it has grown to a nearly three-quarters-of-amillion-dollars production,” he said. The first piece at the Nov. 18 demonstration was a preview of Roxey’s adaption of Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet number “The Land of Snow,” in which the Nutcracker turns into a Prince and sweeps Cara, a young German girl, away to an enchanted forest where dancing snowflakes greet them. The majesty of the scene, which concludes Act One in the full production, was brought to life by dancers Jillian Mitchell, a ballerina since age three, and Sergio Alvarez, who originally studied ballet in his hometown of Bogotá, Colombia. The vibrancy of the Russian Cossack dance, which is part of the second act of the ballet, was embodied by dancer Se-Yong Kim, originally from Korea,
Lindsey Hardifer / Staff Photographer
The Roxey Ballet troupe gave the College a preview of its ‘Nutcracker’ performance. who has danced for Roxey’s company for more than six years. Kim braved the stage alone, although he is typically accompanied by nine other dancers in the full-length production. Dancers Julia Cobble, who began studying dance at age six, and Giovanni Ravelo, who, like Alvarez, also began dancing in Colombia, performed “Sugar Plum Pas De Deux,” the final scene Act Two, in elaborate purple and gold
The Philippines have talent at variety show
The Brower Student Center food court may lack the exotic qualities of the Philippines, but on Nov. 19 it was the closest thing College students could get. TCNJ Barkada’s Filipino Variety show, co-sponsored by the Asian American Association and Phi Sigma Sigma, featured performances and food that showcased Filipino culture and exposed students to a different way of life, one dance move and mouthful at a time.
Rihanna “Talk That Talk”
By Alex Wolfe Sports Edior There isn’t much to say about Rihanna that hasn’t already been said: She sings some raunchy songs, sex appeal is her main selling point, and, oh yeah, she’s actually pretty talented. But before her last album, “Loud,” a word that was not usually used to refer to Rihanna was “innovative.” Her songs were generally good, but with a sort of cookie-cutter quality to them. After “Talk That Talk,” innovative is now a pretty safe word to use when referencing the singer. Rihanna doesn’t take as many chances in “Talk That Talk” as she did in “Loud” (there is no “Man Down” or anything quite that un-Rihannalike on this album), but she did find the perfect balance between hip-hop, pop and R&B on this album (and even threw a shout-out to Metallica, sampling “Wherever I May Roam” in the song “Red Lipstick” on the deluxe edition). Overall, however, I found the most impressive aspect of the album was that it is almost exclusively starring Rihanna. The only track with a guest appearance is “Talk That Talk.” In a world where albums are often made or broken by guest appearances, it is a refreshing change of pace to see Rihanna carry herself. Focus Tracks: “You Da One,” “We Found Love,” “Talk That Talk,” “Cockiness (Love It),” “Red Lipstick”
Saxophones shine at night of College jazz By Gary Kehoe Correspondent
Jess Davis / Staff Photographer
costumes. Frank VanNote, a 1965 College alumnus who studied music, noted the tradition and timelessness of the “The Nutcracker” and asked Roxey, “Is there any leeway in the choreography?” Roxey explained to the audience that there is actually a lot of leeway, and that every production in America is different. “It’s based on the dancers, on the pairings,” he said. “They all have different talents and specialties, and we try to capitalize on that.” The Roxey Ballet dancers also showed off their talents in two pieces not featured in “The Nutcracker,” the first of which was from the fable “Jonathan Livingston Seagull.” The fable tells a story about a seagull and focuses on life, flight and self-perfection. Cobble and Kim performed the scene in which Jonathan is taught how to teleport. Mitchell and Alvarez concluded the show with a piece portraying a young couple that struggles with the fact that the boyfriend must take up arms to defend the country after 9/11. The music that guided the piece featured President Bush’s address to Congress: “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” Near the end of the piece, Mitchell was lifted onto Alvarez’s back, clinging to him as he shot off his rifle. The scene was intense and impactful. The intensity of the dancers in the pre-show was a testament to how spectacular the final performance of “The Nutcracker” would be when it premiered on Saturday, Nov. 26, and bodes well for the upcoming performances.
Smooth saxophones, hot percussion and cool bass transported the Kendall Hall audience back to Kansas City and the days of Count Basie, when swing and jazz were king, on Thursday, Nov. 17. The TCNJ Jazz Ensemble, fronted by special guest saxophonist Seamus Blake, presented a tight medley of contemporary and classic jazz. Both promising and professional musicians combined for a great night of music. Gary Fienberg, the ensemble’s director, began the night with a simple 4/4 snap of his fingers. With the beat set, he swung it over to a talented ensemble that carried the night much on its own. Fienberg offered brief cues and introductions, yet for much of the performance stood stageside, joining the audience in foot-tapping admiration of a wonderful sound.
A ’50s classic by Frank Foster called “Shiny Stockings” featured a chipper solo by trumpet section-leader and sophomore music education major Bruce Krywinski. A rendition of Bob Mintzer’s more contemporary piece, “Carla,” highlighted junior biology major Michael Readinger on piano, freshman music education major Dave McNally on bass and section leader and senior special education and psychology double major Stephanie Semanoff, who mastered a saxophone solo. Fienberg reclaimed center stage to introduce the next piece, which solidified the night as one of professional quality. The song, “Mr. Fien,” was written by Jeremy Fletcher, a College alum now living and working in the midst of the New York jazz scene. Fletcher, who made the trip from New York City to see the band’s performance, declared, “It was wonderful. They did a
Lindsey Hardifer / Staff Photographer
The ensemble played both contemporary and classical jazz to an excited audience.
Lindsey Hardifer / Staff Photographer
The TCNJ Jazz Ensemble was joined by guest saxophone player Seamus Blake. tremendous job.” Fletcher and the audience got a special treat, as it was on this number that the night’s special guest, renowned saxophonist Blake, took the stage. The prominent New York-based tenor saxophonist added a professional swagger that translated well through the ensemble. The saxophonist’s performance with the ensemble was certainly a privilege for the music program. Senior marketing major Zach Sollitto took it upon himself to call Blake in March of last year, requesting the honor of performing with him in his last concert before graduation. Blake responded in June, and with the help of Fienberg, the music department was able to make it happen. “To equate it to sports,” Sollitto said, “it was like getting to pick up Derek Jeter at the train station and
drive him back to campus to have a catch … definitely the highlight of my college music career.” The jazz ensemble said farewell to two of its veteran saxophonists, as both Sollitto and Semanoff will graduate this year. One hopes to see these two join accomplished alumni like Fletcher in future audiences, watching their own compositions performed by a new ensemble. The band closed with a fast shuffle piece entitled “The Git,” lead by drummer Ed Weldon. Weldon cut loose and ripped a fiery percussion solo, capping a night of splendid soloist performance. Fienberg introduced the song as a classic “barn burner,” designed to “chase the audience out of the theatre.” Despite this, Thursday night’s appreciative audience stayed long after the last symbol crash for pictures and autographs.
page 14 The Signal November 30, 2011
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 15
Alumna studies crossdressing saints at UPenn By Andreia Bulhao Correspondent
Some may say that the world of academia is boring; those people probably aren’t studying crossdressing saints of the Middle Ages. The Young Alumni Lecture held Wednesday, Nov. 16 in the Science Complex Physics building featured Courtney Rydel, a former student of the College. Rydel is now studying to get her Ph.D in medieval literature, with a dissertation titled “Legendary Effects: Women Saints of the Legenda Aurea in England 1260-1563.” She reflected on her experiences in graduate school, giving advice to future graduate students and explaining her current research. Rydel graduated from the College in 2006 with a B.A. in English. She is currently working towards her Ph.D. in English literature at the University of Pennsylvania. Rydel’s work explained the role of gender created in early English literature, using saints to demonstrate
this phenomenon. These literary works revolved around female saints who posed as men, concealing their gender for different reasons, some more distinct than others. According to Rydel, this representation of gender surprised her, simply because it was such an early time period. The idea of concealing one’s gender is not uncommon among great literary works, however. “People were always interested in this theme. It’s nothing new. It’s a trend that links up to being extraordinary,” Rydel said. Though it seemed as though she has found her passion, Rydel admitted that it didn’t come so easily. “I went in and people in graduate school were already so invested in what they work on. After a year at the University of Pennsylvania, I got myself working, casting about trying to figure out what my dissertation was going to be,” Rydel said. Rydel’s advisor had tried to convince graduate students to focus on the Legenda Aurea for a while. When Rydel realized
that it combined her interests in medieval literature and saints, it seemed like the perfect match. “It was very much about ‘not this … not this … yes, this!’ It was an instinctive and totally illogical falling in love,” she said. Now in her sixth and final year at the University of Pennsylvania, Rydel has become very familiar with its graduate program. So what was her advice for future graduate students? First and foremost, Rydel stressed using all of the resources the College has to offer, and valuing the skills developed here, emphasizing the use of fundamental research and professional skills acquired at the College. “You need all of these skills because graduate school requires you to learn differently,” Rydel said. “Speaking up in class now can prepare you to jump into that environment, because in grad school, it’s not about the basics.” The most important bit of advice Rydel had for future graduate students, however
Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor
Courtney Rydel took time off from her Ph. D work to talk to students.
was this: Get a life outside of the books. “Your work is really absorbent. You need outside activities to stay sane,” she said.
Comedian aims to end racism, one laugh at a time
Janika Berridge / Photo Assistant
Eliot Chang showed students that racism is no laughing matter in the funniest way possible.
By Brianna Pasquini Correspondent
Both laughing and learning took place during the twopart segment of “Eliot Chang’s Stand Up Comedy” and Q&A workshop on diversity issues on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. in the Mayo Concert Hall. The Asian American Association presented the event. Chang’s stand-up portion kept the entire audience in sidesplitting laughter, as many of his jokes were aimed at the stereotypes held of people of all backgrounds.
“Every race has that one thing we do to make fun of them,” he joked. “The only time racism comes in handy is in jury duty.” Chang finally made fun of racism altogether as he yelled mockingly, “I hate you for not controlling what you are!” Chang’s educational and interactive Q&A was based on the “power of the media,” which he described by saying, “Life is not based on reality, it is based on the perception of reality.” He then offered everyday solutions to combat the stereotypes in which society is so immersed because of the media’s power. “For example, Dec. 7, 1941, after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, anyone who was as little as 1/16 Japanese was imprisoned for two and a half years on American soil … not many people know that much about that, yet you all know about the Holocaust,” Chang said. “Why? Because it’s not in the media.” Chang also spoke of the portrayal of Asian women in the media as either “a sex object, a bitch or both,” the lack of positive role models for Asian women and how Asian men have become underappreciated by the media. He spoke of the formation of these stereotypes as sometimes inevitable: “If you’re … growing up and these are the things you’re repeatedly seeing in the media, what do you believe?” According to Chang, negative stereotypes seen in the media can be perpetuated, because by using derogatory slang words for other Asian people, “even with your friends, you’re saying it’s okay to disrespect yourself and your culture, and others think it’s okay, too.” To combat the negativity and racism prevalent in society,
Chang offered the audience some words of advice. “Never forget who you are. Be the best Asian doctor, be the best Asian lawyer. You are what you choose to be, not what the media forces you to be. Always stand by your family, your culture …and your school,” he said. Chang’s advice was directed towards more than just the Asian students in the audience, however. “Everyone in this room, learn your language and your culture. It is up to you to teach your children your legacy. Even if you’re white, you have a history and there’s no excuse not to learn it. It could take a few years or even your whole life,” Chang urged the crowd. Vice President of Public Relations for AAA and a senior accounting major Rebecca Moy described the diversity workshop segment as “a good way to incorporate an educational aspect into the entertainment at the same time,” noting that “when there’s comedic aspects, it’s more engaging.” Moy also said that the second segment of the show, about the way Asian Americans are portrayed in the media, is something “everyone knows but doesn’t really talk about.” Eddy Han, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, was particularly moved by the words of Chang. “I found it inspiring, because valuing and representing your culture is kind of in the back of your mind, but he more fully made me realize that whatever you do in life, you’re always representing your culture,” he said. Han planned to embody that representation of his culture, as he was proudly wearing a yellow t-shirt reading “SMART, SEXY, STRONG, AND ASIAN.”
New movie is a triumph of the Muppet spirit By Justin Mancini Signal Movie Critic
“The Muppets” is rated PG Warning: this review contains spoilers
It’s good to see a franchise attempting a comeback when it’s as clever and fun as this movie is. It’s been six years since we’ve seen a Muppets movie (the TV film “Muppets’ Wizard of Oz”), and even longer since we’ve seen a theatrical version (“Muppets from Space” in 1999). Yet this film feels fresh, while retaining the feel of the long-running television and film franchise. Our story begins with Gary (Jason Segel) and his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) celebrating their ten-year anniversary in Hollywood. Along for the ride is Walter (voiced by Peter Linz), a fairly obvious Muppet who has been living his entire life in the “human” world. Happy as he is, the poor guy can’t help but feel a bit out of place. Walter felt a connection with the Muppets on their show, and so the trio visit the old
studio while in Hollywood. Problem is, the place is derelict when they arrive — its only denizen a particularly wry tour guide played by Alan Arkin. The trio soon become embroiled in a plan to save the Muppets’ studio from becoming another drill site by oil tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper). The old gang is back, and for the most part, given ample screen time (though one
objection: where’s Rizzo?) In the wake of the Muppet disbanding, Gonzo now runs a toilet business, and Fozzie Bear fronts an awful band called the Moopets (that’s Dave Grohl on tambourine/backing vocals). Of course, Muppet standbys Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are back, artfully downplaying the inherent creepiness of a frog-pig romance. The screenplay by Jason Segel and Nicholas
AP Photo / Disney Enterprises, Patrick Wymore
The gang returns, along with a few notable new members, for the first big-screen Muppets adventure in over 10 years.
Stoller (who wrote such films as “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek,” respectively) manages to capture the spirit of earlier Muppet ventures, while possessing charms of its own. One really appreciates the comic self-awareness. As the Muppets attempt to gather up their remaining fellows, for example, one of them remarks how a montage might make things less boring. I appreciate when the film acknowledges its own cheesiness, which it then plays up for comedic effect. There’s a great moment at the end of a huge dance number when the main characters have left the scene, and one of the extras screams “They’re gone!” before the troupe collapses in exhaustion. Yet at other times, said dance numbers overwhelm the smaller charms of the film. The story might not be particularly original, but the film has fun with it anyway. And that’s saying something when many family films of this sort rely upon the strength of the franchise they represent. Instead of simply capitalizing on the success of the Muppets, the film manages to have funny moments even when there’s not a Muppet to be found onscreen. It rests on its quality, not its legacy.
page 16 The Signal November 30, 2011
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 17
Wintersession 2012 Register now
www.middlesexcc.edu
3 WEEKS OF CONCENTRATED COURSES Choose from a wide range of courses that meet December 27-January 12 on the Edison campus. ‡ (DUQ FUHGLWV WRZDUG \RXU GHJUHH ‡ &RPSOHWH FUHGLWV LQ ZHHNV ‡ %HVW YDOXH LQ WKH UHJLRQ ² WXLWLRQ LV RQO\ SHU FUHGLW IRU 0LGGOHVH[ &RXQW\ UHVLGHQWV SUCCESS STARTS HERE Middlesex County College is a public community college in Edison, New Jersey offering 100 degree and certificate programs. Together, dedicated teaching faculty, small classes and stateof-the-art learning technologies prepare students for transfer to complete advanced degrees and for 21st century careers. Also available are contract training and numerous non-credit courses. At Middlesex, students receive the best value available for a quality education with low tuition and fees, scholarships and financial aid programs. Day, evening, weekend and on-line courses are offered for full-time or part-time students. In addition to the main campus, there are centers in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy.
:RRGEULGJH $YHQXH (GLVRQ 1HZ -HUVH\
SUCCESS STARTS HERE #19 Wintersession Ad - College of New Jersey.indd 1
Need Help Concentrating? Trouble Sleeping? Stressed by Classes? Teachers? Life?
YOGA CAN HELP! The beneďŹ ts of Yoga are vast, but even with just a few classes you will feel more relaxed, focused and able to meet life’s challenges with a more exible body and mind.
11/21/11 10:43 AM
Holiday Highlights at the TCNJ Center for the Arts! The College of New Jersey [TCNJ] is located at 2000 Pennington Road in Ewing, NJ. Calendar: http://tcnjcenterforthearts.pages.tcnj.edu/calendar/ Tickets: http://www.tcnj.edu/boxoffice Telephone: 609.771.2585
Roxey Ballet Company Presents "The Nutcracker�
View our schedule on-line & drop in to any class without registering life is hard enough - we like to keep it simple!
Special Student Rate: $10 per class (With Student ID) Ongoing Classes: * Meditation * Gentle Yoga * Hatha Yoga (all level) * Beginner Hatha Yoga* Hatha Strength & Tone w/resistance bands * Vinyasa Level I/II *
Kendall Main Stage Theatre Saturday, November 26, 2011 @ 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM Sunday, November 27, 2011 @ 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:00 AM Friday, December 2, 2011 @ 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM Saturday, December 3, 2011 @ 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM Sunday, December 4, 2011 @ 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Tickets: $10.00 ~ $50.00
TCNJ Choirs
I
Mildred & Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall [Music Building] Sunday, December 4, 2011 @ 4:00 PM Tickets In Advance: $5 ~ $10 Tickets At The Door: $5 ~ $15
TCNJ Orchestra Mildred & Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall [Music Building] Friday, December 9, 2011 @ 8:00 PM Tickets In Advance: $5 ~ $10 Tickets At The Door: $5 ~ $15
I
novate In
I terac In t
I
Inspire
Boheme Opera New Jersey Presents "Hansel & Gretel" Kendall Main Stage Theatre Sunday, December 11, 2011 @ 3:00 PM Tickets: $10 ~ $40
Eastern Wind Symphony Presents "Tis the Season"
Suburban Square Shopping Plaza 27 Scotch Rd., Ewing, NJ
(609) 882-YOGA(9642)
Mildred & Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall [Music Building] Sunday, December 11, 2011 @ 4:00 PM Tickets: $10 ~ $15
DanceVision Presents "The Snow Queen" Kendall Main Stage Theatre Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 7:00 PM Sunday, December 18, 2011 @ 2:00 PM Tickets In Advance: $15 ~ $20 Tickets At The Door: $20 ~ $25
I
ustai n S
I
page 18 The Signal November 30, 2011
TCNJ 5K MEMORIAL FUND FUN-RUN When: December 11, 2011 Registration: 10:00am-11:30am (Sun Dial Lawn) *$5 minimum donation to participate in run/walk or *
Race begins at Noon by Lions Stadium and ends on the track! You can also make your gift online at: www.tcnj.edu/give Remember to note in the section that you would like your gift to support:
TCNJ Club Sport Memorial Fund Memorial Code: FY12SCLUB
Help celebrate the lives and memories of 3 former Club Sport Athletes whom have passed away: Kathleen “Walshie” Walsh (Women’s Club Soccer), Jason “Control” Cairns (Men’s Rugby), & Ken “Flamer” Johnsen (Men’s Rugby) All monies collected will go towards the Memorial Fund in order to recognize two current student-club sport athletes on campus that display characteristics such as good character, sense of humor, academic excellence and good sportsmanship.
Classifieds Lovin Cookies is Hiring! Looking for drivers and cookie lovers. Ok, you don’t “have” to love cookies but you’ll make some and bring some to those who do! Call Robin @ 609-323-7546 or email info@lovincookies.com
Want to place a classified ad?
Email signalad@tcnj.edu
Sponsored by TCNJ CLUB SPORTS PROGRAM Email dsimpson@tcnj.edu or rheat1@tcnj.edu for more details.
Rider Connects Rider’s highly regarded College of Business Administration program provides the career-specific training that is essential for professional success. Financial aid available for qualified applicants through scholarships and graduate assistant opportunities.
To learn more about the how Rider’s College of Business Administration’s graduate programs can accelerate your career, go to www.rider.edu/academics.
College of Business Administration • Master of Accountancy • Master of Business Administration
Rider Connects
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 19
Champs / Lions take NCAA crown Field Hockey National Championship
continued from page 1
Passucci did her signature celebration dance, Head Coach Sharon Pfluger jumped into the arms of Assistant Coach Richard Cox, and senior goalkeeper Shannon Syciarz took a moment to take it all in before joining her team in celebration. “Being here for four years, this is obviously the goal in the beginning of every season,” Syciarz said. “Being able to end not only the season, but also my career, on a win and a National Championship is something that you can’t describe.” The 3-1 victory over the Panthers gave the College one for the other thumb, with this year’s title being the 10th NCAA title in program history and the first since 1999. “You hear the stories from the coaching staff and the alumna, but it’s something you have to experience to really know how it feels,” Syciarz said. It took everything that the Lions had this season to get to Dudley, Mass., and it took even more to leave unscathed. Each play seemed to be a make-or-break moment, and each was followed up by another one that carried even more weight than the last. “Neither team could let up for a second, because every possession was critical,” said Pfluger, who has now coached the College’s field hockey team to eight national titles. “We have struggled through a tremendous amount of challenges, but those challenges made us really tough.” The Lions’ toughness was tested against the Panthers when junior forward/midfielder Kathleen Notos was given a yellow card in the second half, while the score was tied at one. Notos, who knocked in the Lions’ only goal to that point, took a seat and watched as her team played at a disadvantage for five minutes. What seemed to be a burden quickly turned in the Lions’ favor, though, as they capitalized on a penalty corner soon after the card was handed out. Passucci sent a smooth feed toward freshman forward Erin Waller, who steadied the pass and then drove a shot into the back of the cage with 23:55 remaining. “Erin’s primary hits on corners are so important to our game,” Passucci said. “When she is able to score on a shot like
Documented Excellence
that, which is so beautiful, crisp and simple, it calms the team down. She has perfected her shot and it was so important because she was able to connect with the back of the cage.” Once the Lions got ahead, they got back to what propelled them into the title game — air-tight defense. Syciarz, who was honored with the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Award, led the defense as the Lions eliminated every obstacle thrown their way. The Panthers used their speed to create favorable scoring opportunities throughout the whole contest, but Syciarz was able to come out and cut off the initial threat while freshman midfielder Lauren Pigott denied any chance of a passing lane. “Lauren stayed steady throughout the entire game and did a great job of denying her girl the ball,” Syciarz said. “Knowing that she was behind me gave me a lot more confidence to come out of the cage and pressure the ball on fast breaks.” With the defense locking down the Panthers, Waller all but ensured the Lions’ victory when she scored off another penalty corner with less than six minutes left on the clock. After that goal, time was the only factor separating the Lions from the National Championship. Before meeting Middlebury for the title, the Lions defeated Urisinus College in similar fashion by a score of 2-0. Syciarz made a season-high 16 saves as she recorded her 11th shutout of the season, but she wasn’t alone in that effort. Her supporting cast played a big part in the goose egg, recording three defensive saves. The first came in the 12th minute of the game as Pigott put her body in harm’s way in order to reject a rebound shot by Ursinus’ Catherine Bitterly. Passucci added a defensive save as well in the second half, while senior defender Jessica Persicketti followed suit with a great diving save 10 minutes later.
“It’s a team of girls who would put their lives on the line for each other on the field and off the field,” Syciarz said. It’s that type of cohesiveness that helped the Lions stay steady over a two-minute span that included five penalty corners for the Bears, according to Pfluger. “The rest of the girls did a great job getting back,” Pfluger said. “They’ll do it for each other, and they’ll do whatever it takes in the fairness of play to get the job done.” The Lions scored both of their goals against the Bears in the first half with the cardinal goal coming a little over nine minutes into the game. Notos again got the Lions on the board by knocking in a touch pass from senior forward/ midfielder Leigh Mitchell. “We knew that we needed to score early and often,” Notos said. “Once I got that goal, which was a team effort, I was like, ‘Here we go, we need to keep it going.’” The Lions kept it going with yet another penalty corner situation later in the half, with Waller knocking in an assist from Passucci. Once the Lions got through the Bears, the only task left was to come out on top over the Panthers. There were some nerves, but the team was ready, according to Passucci. “We treated every game this past season like it was the National Championship,” Passucci said. “So, when we got there, we felt the same energy that we have felt all season.” Syciarz screamed, embraced her teammates and enjoyed every moment of the Lions’ National Championship celebration, but she still has to pinch herself to believe it all really happened. “It’s unbelievable. I pictured the moment over and over, but no words can really do the feeling justice,” Syciarz said. “It’s rare that a season ends with a win, so ending this season and my career with a win is the perfect way to go out.”
“We treated every game this past season like it was the National Championship.”
— Camille Passucci, junior defender
Photos by Staff Photographer Lisa Nitzsche of the Lions’ triumphant National Championship run
The team rushes the field after its 3-1 defeat of Middlebury College in the NCAA Championship.
The team smiles for a group shot.
Syciarz poses with the new hardware. Head Coach Sharon Pfluger goofs around with the team after the win.
For more great photos of the Lions’ National Championship run, visit tcnjathletics. com, the official athletics website of the College.
The team collectively lets the world know its rank in D-III field hockey. Syciarz, Waller and Pfluger answer questions for the press after the victory.
page 20 The Signal November 30, 2011
Last minute catering? No problem! You can count on Mama Flora’s for your group parties and functions.
Phone: 609-434-1188
Order online at: www.mammafloras.com or follow us on Facebook! Sunday: 12 p.m.- 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Our Place or Yours! ____________ Contact us about fundraising opportunities!
Mamma Flora’s
Mamma Flora’s
2 Large Pies for $18.50
$5 off $25 or more OR $10 off $50 or more
Pick up or delivery
Pick up or delivery
Expires 12/24/11
Expires 12/24/11
A Wee Bit O’ Fun Stuff
kick ME! Start here!
If we get 20 pictures of people with “Kick Me” signs on their backs, next week’s issue will be entirely Fun Stuff. Send your pics to signal@tcnj.edu. We may even post them in the last Fun Stuff of Fall semester!
End here!
Help Bam shred the gnar!
Commence gnar shredding on arrival!
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 21 Skateboarding
Pro skater shreds halfpipe at Sig Pi Fall Fest By Mike Pietroforte Staff Writer
Courtesy of Andrew Spada and Sam Weingarten
Pro skater Chris Springer (bottom) skated along with students (top).
Red Bull’s Mini Ramp Tour rolled through Sigma Pi’s Third Annual Fall Fest on Saturday, Nov. 19. Fall Fest has become an annual celebration for students before they crack down on their last few weeks before finals. This year Sigma Pi stepped up the event, enlisting the help of Red Bull. Skaters, both pro and student, dropped in all day to tear up the mini ramp while students watched and danced to the music supplied by the Red Bull MXT, a tank-sized truck equipped with a full DJ booth. Red Bull-sponsored professional skater Chris Springer made an appearance. Springer got his start during the Pro-Am Dew tour back in 2009, after Red Bull got a chance to see some footage of Springer on his skateboard and offered to sponsor him. “I was so stoked to be skating for such an established company,” the skater said. Springer also explained how excited he was to be on the tour. “The mini ramp tour has been sick. It’s
something new in every city,” Springer said. Springer went on to say how much he enjoyed the atmosphere at the College. “Fall Fest was ill. I loved the atmosphere,” Springer said. “No huge crowds, no pressure, just doing what I love to do with my homies. I got the chance to meet a lot of cool people, not to mention some beautiful ladies. The DJ was killing and that just added to the vibe. All in all, it was a great experience, and hopefully we get the chance to come back next year.” According to Springer, skating on the mini ramp tour can be different than the street style of skating. “If I’m skating a rail or a ledge I will plan a line in my head and won’t be satisfied until I land each trick perfectly,” he explained. “However, mini ramp skating to me is more about the flow and transitions. It’s a little more spontaneous in the sense that there is constant adjusting and reacting. If I can maintain a good flow while hitting some difficult tricks, I’m satisfied.” When asked what his mindset is while skating, Chris replied, “What goes on in my head when I’m on the ramp, I honestly couldn’t tell you. That’s why I love it. You
Swimming and Diving
Lions work by NYU, continue undefeated streak By Chris Molicki Staff Writer
In a meet that came down to the wire for both teams, the College’s men’s and women’s swimming teams picked up huge victories over New York University by securing their wins in the final event. The men won by a score of 151.5-142.5 while the women squeaked by with a score of 143-138, both incredibly close contests. The win put both teams at 5-0 this season. For the men, the two sides were tied at 138.5 with just the 400-yard freestyle relay left. The Lions pulled through, grabbing first and third in the event while the Violets got second and fourth in what was a wild finish. The winning team of the race consisted of senior Ryan Clark, sophomore Philip Hawley, junior Adam Schneider and senior Jesse Taylor, who had a time of 3:10.83, just over two seconds faster than NYU’s 3:12.90 time. “Everyone knew what was at stake, and we had a quick team meeting right before and everybody got fired up and ready to race,” sophomore Stephen Tarnowski said. “Our guys really brought it home and sealed the win for us.” The Lions got off to a fast start, getting first and second in the first race, the 200-medley relay. Freshman Aleksander
Burzynksi, sophomore Michael Oliva, Schneider and Clark were on the winning side of the race with a time of 1:36.79. Hawley, sophomore William Kasper, Tarnowski, and Taylor finished right behind them, posting a solid time of 1:38.09. Tarnowski had a particularly stellar day, winning three individual events: the 100-breaststroke at 1:01.29, 200backstroke at 1:57.18 and 200-individual medley at 1:56.61. “We knew coming in that NYU had really game up this year, so one thing we talked about is swimming with energy,” Tarnowski said. “I was able to bring some energy to my
races and swim well.” Other top performers for the Lions included Taylor in the 200-yard freestyle at 1:45.82, Burzynski in the 100-back with 54.35, Schneider in the 50-free with a time of 21.59, and junior Michael Caputo, who won the 1,000free at 10:01.14. The women’s team had an exciting ending as well. They needed to place at least second in the 400-yard freestyle relay, the meet’s final event, to secure the victory. They did just that with the relay team of senior Melissa Hessler, freshman Summer Thomas, sophomore Ashley Conroy and junior Kayleigh Shangle, who finished
Lauren Del Turco / Staff Photographer
The men’s and women’s meets had some close finishes, but both beat NYU.
in 3:42.69 and got the second place that clinched the victory. “It was a really exciting meet and it was the most challenging team we went against so far in the season,” sophomore Maria Ciaralli said. “Everyone was swimming great times.” This win marked the 17th consecutive dual meet victory for the Lions that started the last time they beat NYU, back in January. The College was led heavily by senior Laura Pierce, who won the 200-yard freestyle at 1:56.19, the 100-free at 53.42 and the 100buterfly at 59.01. She also teamed up with Conroy, Shangle and senior Danielle Morrone to win the 200-medley relay with a time of 1:52.75. The Lions instrumental in getting points were Shangle, winning the 100 and 200 breaststrokes at 1:08.06 and 2:27.43, respectively, Hessler winning the 500-free at 5:20.41 and Brennah Ross getting the victory in the 200-yard fly with a time of 2:14.47. The success for both teams showed that the Lions continue to dominate the NJAC. “The team has been training really hard so the close win against NYU was definitely a great way to start off the season,” said Ciaralli. The Lions return to action on Dec. 2 when they host the three-day TCNJ Invitational at the College’s Aquatic Center.
Cheap Seats
The NBA is back, and (hopefully) better than ever before By Alex Wolfe Sports Editor
I can honestly say that I have never received a Christmas present in November. That all changed on Saturday, Nov. 26, when I woke up and realized that the NBA was going to have a season this year, beginning on Dec. 25. I was absolutely giddy. It was the equivalent of seeing that one toy that I was lusting for when I was 10 years old (yeah, I used to try to sneak peeks) and not being able to receive it until Christmas day. The “t’s” haven’t been crossed and the “i’s” haven’t been dotted yet on the new labor agreement, but the deal is pretty much done to bring NBA basketball back for this season. As a Knicks fan, this is thrilling for me. There was a legitimate possibility that the newly formed dream duo of Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony were going to have to let a year of their prime waste away while sitting at home. For someone who hasn’t seen a Knicks team get past
the first round of the playoffs in over 10 years, that was a pretty scary thought. As a basketball fan overall, I’m also ecstatic. Last season was one of the best ones I can remember ever watching, and I couldn’t imagine not getting another chance to see LeBron fall on his face in the playoffs again. Jokes aside, though, I just love watching the game of basketball, Knicks or not, and I can’t wait for it to begin. I must say, I’m also glad they came to a deal that wasn’t a complete fleecing of the players by the owners as had previously been tossed around by media outlets and the owners themselves. Some of the deals that the owners had proposed were essentially going to make it so that teams that were willing to spend money wouldn’t be able to, which would have ruined free agency for the next 10 years. Under the new deal, many of the same stipulations from the old agreement are in place (allowing teams like the Knicks and Heat to build around their stars), while at the same time,
AP Photo
NBA players can don uniforms instead of suits now.
new minimum-spending-limit sanctions have been put in place to stop small-market owners from sitting on their money (and hopefully restoring the competitive balance to smaller teams). Overall, I’m just really excited to hear that the NBA is back. November hasn’t felt like November without seeing teams work off their rust and gel together. However, I’m not going to complain, because now I get to watch my favorite sport on Christmas day. I hope someone I love gift wraps my remote for me, because all I want this Christmas is some NBA basketball.
page 22 The Signal November 30, 2011
4 6
LIONS
AROUND THE
DORM 5 3
Johnny Sisto “The Ref”
Chris Molicki Staff Writer
Bryan Bellanca Correspondent
Kevin Black Correspondent
In the second round of the Around the Dorm playoffs, the “Ref,” Johnny Sisto, challenges Staff Writer Chris Molicki, Correspondent Bryan Bellanca and Correspondent Kevin Black to answer questions about the next MVP-worthy pitcher in the MLB, the chances the College will be taking home another field hockey National Championship next year, and the likelihood that Allen Iverson plays in the NBA this year.
1. Justin Verlander just won the AL MVP, the first time a pitcher has done so in almost 20 years. Out of all of the pitchers in the majors (other than Verlander), who do you think stands the best chance to win MVP? CM: Winning the MVP award for a pitcher is incredibly difficult, and you need to be as dominant as Verlander was to even be considered. There are not many pitchers who have the potential to win it, but I would say that Clayton Kershaw stands the best chance. Kershaw led the majors in ERA at 2.28 and had 21 wins, despite the fact that the Dodgers were just over .500 and not a playoff team. His lineup didn’t help him that much, scoring four runs or less in more than half of his starts. With 248 strikeouts and only 54 walks, it shows he was a monster. Kershaw is still very young, and the best may be yet to come. He is oozing with potential and would probably have had identical numbers to Verlander had he been with the Tigers. With Matt Kemp on that team, Los Angeles may be due for the playoffs very soon, so don’t be surprised if we wind up discussing this for Kershaw in a few years. BB: The pitcher with the best chance to win MVP other than Justin Verlander is Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw won the NL Cy Young award this year even though his team was not near the playoffs. Kershaw had numbers almost identical to Verlander’s this year with the only big difference being the amount of wins. The Dodgers went through a lot with its owners’ divorce and lack of money. But under new ownership, the Dodgers will be able to go out and get a big-time bat to put in the middle of the lineup, which will only help Kershaw win more games, something that a pitcher needs to do to make himself stand out in the MVP race. Kershaw is only 23 years old and is already one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. He had the lowest ERA in the league this past season. As a pitcher, you are often not considered to be in your prime until around 28 or 29, so it is safe to say that Kershaw still has a lot of room to grow — which will be very scary for all major-league batters. KB: I would have to say it could be Ian Kennedy. He was the driving force in the Diamondbacks’ winning the division and making the playoffs in the same way that Verlander was for the Tigers. Only suffering four losses all season, Kennedy was second in the entire league with 21 wins and 11th in ERA with 2.88 in only his fourth season. He was in a division that had the previous World Series champions, and I believe that pitching has become a huge emphasis in the National League among some pretty good pitchers. Kennedy is on an upand-coming team in Arizona that doesn’t have many standout names, and if he becomes a solid 20-plus game winner and keeps the same
AP Photo
ERA next season, it will be hard to keep him out of the race for a NL MVP Award, which I believe he will one day win. JS: Three points for everybody. All three answers are valid and the reasons are very similar. Chris and Bryan picked the same pitcher and reasoning and all of the responses involved the pitchers’ young ages and high potential along with the pitcher’s role on an average team. Consider this an early Christmas present. 2. Give me the chances the College’s field hockey team repeats as national champions, on a 0-100 percent scale. CM: Many people may think that it would be incredibly difficult to repeat, like it is in pro sports. However, there have been six times that a Division III field hockey team has won the championship after winning it the previous year. Twice that has been the College, in 1990 and 1991 and in 1995 and 1996. Another factor that will help the Lions is that the majority of their top players will be returning. Only four of the 26 members of the field hockey team are seniors. The rest will be back to make another National Championship run, especially freshman Erin Waller and junior Kathleen Notos, the goal scorers for the Lions in the National Championship game. That being said, it is still never easy or a sure thing to repeat, but the Lions have all the pieces and are set up nicely to win the title again. Taking all of that into account, I would say there is a 75 percent chance that the field hockey team repeats. BB: Repeating as champions in any sport is one of the most difficult things to do, but with that said, I do give the College a 40 percent chance of repeating as national champions. Looking at the past Division III field hockey champions since it first became a collegiate sport back in 1981, there have been a few repeats as champions, with the College doing it twice back in the ’90s under the coaching of Sharon Pfluger. So, she
is no stranger to coaching a team back to the championship. The College is only graduating four seniors from this year’s championship team, and only one of those seniors finished in the top five on the team in scoring. Granted, the team is losing its starting goaltender from this year, but the most important thing that next year’s team will have is experience. Experience is priceless when trying to win a championship, and since almost the entire team will know the pressures of trying to win, they will know how to handle it. Plus, it doesn’t hurt when your head coach has the highest winning percentage of all Division III coaches. KB: Sixty percent. Granted, winning anything back-to-back in college is difficult to begin with, but I feel this team could find a way to repeat. Most of the core will remain intact since they will be only losing four seniors to graduation. That leaves a ton of the team with championship experience. While they may be a bit younger, they will go into the new season knowing they had one of the top defenses in the country, which gave up only 17 goals the entire season. That averages out to less than a goal a game. It also helps that the team’s top two goal-scorers will be returning. Camille Passucci and Caitlyn Jenkins combined for a total of 31 of the team’s 88 goals, so firepower will be back. They may be young and competition may get better, but you have to like their odds to repeat as national champions. JS: Bryan gets 3 points for his emphasis on the importance of experienced players. Chris gets 2 points for mentioning that the College has been able to repeat in the past, but to say they have a 75 percent chance of doing it again is a little too optimistic. Kevin gets 1 point because he put too much emphasis on statistics from this season. 3. Allen Iverson is planning a return to the NBA, but what are the chances that anybody actually signs him? CM: I think there is a good chance Iverson gets signed by an NBA team. His final stint in Memphis got ugly as he was forced to come off the bench, and it left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. But this is still Allen Iverson we’re talking about. The man is a scoring machine, averaging 26.7 points in his career. He has also been to the playoffs many times and could use that experience to help a team win a championship. However, the biggest reason why Iverson may get signed is the lockout. Many teams are not going to have a lot of time to prepare for this shortened season and will need to get all hands on deck right away. I think Iverson can provide a spark for a team and help it not lose a step because of the lockout. He can return to a young Philadelphia team and make the Sixers an elite Eastern
AP Photo
conference team because of his veteran leadership. BB: I don’t think anyone will sign Allen Iverson nor do I think anyone should. The guy had to go to Turkey back in 2010 because no one wanted him then, and now, it’s a year and a half later and Iverson hasn’t gotten any younger. His last stint in the NBA was not good at all with Memphis, and he had to go back to Philadelphia, where he still was bad. He blames his poor play on his divorce and his daughter being sick, but the reason for his poor play is his poor attitude and his age. Normally teams bring in veterans as leadership and to mentor the younger players, but bringing in Iverson would do the complete opposite of that, and for that reason I do not believe any team will offer him a contract. KB: Twenty-five percent chance. The advantages of having a 66-game season (assuming the vote goes through) will give Iverson 16 less games to worry about staying healthy for. That said, I don’t think there is much of a chance of any team signing him, but there is a chance. This is one veteran the Miami Heat will pass on signing. There’s a slim chance someone like Sacramento or Toronto could do it, but it would be mostly for publicity for them, as they will not be in contention for much more than lottery picks and will use it to garner publicity. He is also 36, and going up against younger point guards like Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Kyrie Irving and others will challenge his body. Most importantly, you have to worry about him practicing. Not the game that he loves and goes out there and dies for. We’re talking about practice. JS: Bryan gets 3 points for pointing out that no coach would want Iverson to be a role model for his young players. Chris gets 2 points for mentioning how the scramble after the lockout could help his chances of getting signed. Kevin gets 1 point because he felt the need to mention practice.
Bryan wins the second round of the AtD playoffs, 9 - 7 - 5.
Winner’s Circle “Philly sucks!” - Bryan Lisa Nitzsche / Staff Photographer
November 30, 2011 The Signal page 23
LIONS ROUNDUP Lion of the Week
This Week’s Fantasy Football Picks Kevin Lee (499) Alex Wolfe (491) Brandon Gould (437) Adeel Abbasi (560)
Quarterback
Running Back
Wide Receiver
Sleeper
Eli Manning
Matt Forte
Greg Jennings
Hines Ward
Tony Romo
Frank Gore
Percy Harvin
DeAngelo Williams
Tom Brady
Fred Jackson
Wes Welker
Jermaine Gresham
Matthew Stafford
Frank Gore
Calvin Johnson
Jermaine Gresham
Hannah Tait
Basketball Senior Hannah Tait had a big weekend at the Turkey Shootout hosted by Methodist University. Tait scored 10 points and recorded eight rebounds against Methodist. She also scored 12 points, including three 3-pointers, in the final game of the tournament against Ferrum College. For the season, Tait is averaging 10.4 points per game, which is fourth for the 3-2 Lions.
Men’s Basketball
—Kevin Lee, Sports Assistant
This Week In Sports Men’s Basketball Nov. 30 vs. Rowan University, 8 p.m. Dec. 5 vs. Drew University, 7 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball Nov. 30 vs. Rowan University, 6 p.m. Dec. 3 @ William Patterson University, 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 vs. Delaware Valley College, 7 p.m.
Trivia Question
Swimming and Diving Dec. 2-4 vs. TCNJ Invitational, TBA
Answer to Last Issue’s Trivia Question: 97 players Aaron Rodgers is arguabaly having the best season of any quarterback in NFL history. Through 11 games, his passing rate is 128.8, which would be the highest if the season ended today. Rodgers has also thrown 33 touchdowns and has a legitimate chance to break the single-season passing touchdown record. In 2007, Tom Brady broke Peyton Manning’s singleseason touchdown record, but with how many touchdowns?
Wrestling Nov. 30 @ King’s College, 7 p.m. Dec. 3 @ York College, 9:30 a.m.
AP Photo
SignalSports
Lions’ Lineup November 30, 2011
Women’s basketball starts strong Posts a solid performance at Turkey Shootout By Kevin Lee Sports Assistant The women’s basketball team spent the holiday break at the Cross Creek InnKeeper Turkey Shootout, hosted by Methodist University. After coming into the tournament with a 2-1 record, the Lions left with a 3-2 record, winning one game and losing the other. The Lions’ 3-2 record is a step up from their 2-4 start last season. “This is a really fun, young group,” said Head Coach Dawn Henderson. “We have really good leadership and that makes a big difference with a young team. They work really hard and enjoy each other. All of that adds up to positive outcomes.” In its first game of the tournament, the
Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Jessica Imhof has been a scoring force.
College beat Methodist University with a late-game surge. With seven minutes left and the score tied at 47-47, the Lions scored seven straight points, giving them a comfortable lead. The team never looked back from there, sealing the game at the 2:20 by making all six of its free throws en route to its third win of the season. “Road games are always tough,” Henderson said. “I was happy that we were able to play the home team and come away with a win. We want to be as fundamentally sound as possible and above all else, play as a team. That’s how we were able to come back late for the win.” Senior guard Jessica Imhof led all scorers with 17 points, while drilling three threepointers. Senior guard Hannah Tait chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds. Overall, it was the Lions’ clutch three-point shooting that gave them the win, as they made 50 percent of their shots from the three-point line. In the final game of the tournament, the women’s squad played Ferrum College in a tough game. The Lions saw themselves down by an early 12-point deficit in the first half, but closed the gap to a 46-40 deficit at the break. Throughout the remainder of the game, the Panthers never relinquished their lead. Senior forward Kelsey Kutch hit a pair of back-to-back field goals in the second half to narrow the lead to four points. This was the closest the Lions ever came, however, as the Panthers responded with a 15-8 run to end the game. “The Ferrum game was probably our most disappointing game to this point,” Henderson
said. “We just didn’t play well, and Ferrum has a terrific team. Less than our best wasn’t good enough to beat this team. I thought we worked hard, but our decision-making wasn’t what it needs to be. We also shot poorly from the floor and free throw line and gave up too many points in the first half.” On the bright side, sophomore forward Liz West finished the game with a career-high 19 points and recorded nine rebounds. Her performance earned her a spot on the all-tournament team. “It was definitely a fun and successful weekend, even though we had hoped to be 2-0,” Henderson said. “We have a big week this week with the conference play beginning. We are looking forward to our first home game Wednesday.”
Inside
46 53 Around the Dorm page 22
Field hockey wins the big one page 19
Skaters invade Fall Fest page 21
Swim teams still unbeaten page 21
Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Senior Hannah Tait is a team standout.
Cheap Seats page 21
Lions win one, drop two Wrestling takes first win Cancillieri is an early standout
By Peter Fiorilla Staff Writer
Following a season in which its record didn’t impress and it lost arguably its best player, the College’s men’s basketball team started this season on a fairly positive note, going 1-2 in its first two games. After a disappointing 4-21 season last year, the Lions are now fielding a very young team, with many freshman and sophomores getting significant minutes. The team opened with a loss to New York University in the NYU Tournament, 84-66, but bounced back the next day by defeating Colby College 59-45. “It is nice to get a win at any time of the season, especially with a young team with different players from last year,” Head Coach Kelly Williams said. “If we can get a couple more wins before the first semester ends, it will go a long way with our young players’ confidence and knowing how to win.” Freshman forward/center Kyle Cancil-
Bouncing back from a tough season-opening loss, the College’s wrestling team pounded Hunter College 27-10 on Nov. 17 and put in a solid performance at the Central Jersey Open three days later. The victory against Hunter gave Head Coach Joe Galante his first win at the helm of the 20th-ranked Lions (1-1). “It was a pretty interesting meet, a hard-fought match,” Galante said. “The guys were excited about the win. We can definitely build on it.” The Lions took several close bouts en route to six consecutive victories to start the meet, including a 2-1 win by senior Chris Lombardi (149-pound weight class) and a comeback win from sophomore P.J. Schmidt (133), which gave them a commanding 18-0 lead. Wins by decision came from Lombardi, Schmidt, freshman Joey Dicarlo (125), senior Brian Bollete (141) and sophomore Zach Zotolo (165), while junior John Darling (157) and senior Mike Denver (184) pinned down their opponents. The Lions continued their good form
By Alex Wolfe Sports Editor
Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Smalls has provided leadership.
lieri has helped the young team get its footing, anchoring the middle in the absence of 2011 grad Steve Siracusa. Cancillieri has managed 10.7 points per game as well as 9.3 rebounds, similar to what Siracusa brought to the table last year. “It is nice to see (Cancillieri) get off to a good start for us,” Williams said. “One of the areas that I was concerned with was filling Sircusa’s production over the last couple of years for us. (Cancillieri) is doing an outstanding job rebounding and producing points in the paint. (His) strengths consist of his athletic ability and his ability to score around the basket. He is probably the most athletic forward that this program has had over the last several years.” Along with Cancillieri, junior guard Donovan Smalls has continued his strong play, and other young players have stepped up as well. Sophomore forward Alex Fox has averaged 8.3 ppg, good for second on the team, and sophomore guard Matthew Rista has averaged eight ppg, which is tied with Smalls for third on the team. “Right now our newcomers have found a way to contribute to our start, which is a plus for our team,” Williams said. “It takes some of the pressure off our key players, especially early in the season. It also gives our newcomers an opportunity to find their role in our system. For us to be successful this season, we are going to have to use our depth, and at this point (freshman Emmanuel) Matlock, Fox, Cancilleri and (sophomore Skyelar) Ettin are maximizing their minutes.” The team’s home opener will take place Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. against Rowan University.
when they hosted the Central Jersey Open on Nov. 20. Denver went undefeated through five bouts to win the 184-pound weight class in convincing fashion, beating opponents by a combined score of 161-13 and earning a pin-down in the final. Bollete went 4-1 to reach the final in the 141-pound weight class, Schmidt earned a third-place finish in the 125-pound weight class, and junior Trevor Salvatore (285) reached the semifinals by winning four bouts, two by pin-down. The positive performances marked improvement for the Lions, psychologically and technically. “I was impressed with all of our guys. Our mental toughness has improved,” Galante said. “They are looking to win, to control the match, control their positions, scoring techniques.” The Lions are still looking to get better, though, as they start a two-month road trip on Wednesday, Nov. 30 with a meet at King’s College. “The guys are working on their weaknesses,” Galante said. “We are improving, but we aren’t where we want to be.”
Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Senior Mike Denver won his weight class in the Central Jersey Open.