Volume 103 Issue 11

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 Volume 103, Issue 11

TheFordhamRam.com

September 15, 2021

Fordham Sustains Flood Damages

Residential Life Hires Alex Fischer's Replacement

By ISABEL DANZIS

By SEBASTIAN DIAZ

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The night of Sept. 1, the first day of Fordham’s fall semester, heavy rain and floodwaters from Tropical Storm Ida damaged facilities across the university’s Rose Hill campus.

The damage prompted university officials to cancel in-person classes for the rest of that week and temporarily close some areas on campus.

Fordham Public Safety issued a storm and flash flood warning to the Fordham community at noon on Sept. 1. The email advised students to avoid walking under large trees and through flooded areas during the approaching storm. Videos taken later in the evening by students show storm waters pouring into the basements and ground levels of residence halls, classroom buildings, offices and Walsh Library.

On Sept. 2, the day following the floods, John Carroll, associate vice president of Public Safety, announced that all Fordham campuses would be closed that day. This

SEE FLOOD, PAGE 3

COURTESY OF THE FORDHAM RAM

Father McShane, pictured above, announced that he will be stepping down as president of Fordham in June of 2022.

Father McShane Announces his Departure from Fordham in June

By DANA VATAFU AND ABBEY DELK Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, ​​announced in an email to the Fordham community on Sept. 2 that after 19 years, he will be stepping down from this position at the end of

the academic year.

“It’s time to step aside and allow someone else to have the great joy of leading Fordham into the future,” McShane wrote in his official statement.

In an email sent out to the entire Fordham community on Friday, Sept. 3, Robert Daleo, the chair of

Fordham’s Board of Trustees, announced that the university had hired the executive search firm WittKieffer “to assist the University in a national search for the next president of Fordham.”

Daleo said the firm’s conSEE MCSHANE, PAGE 3

Fordham Returns to In-Person Classes

By JULIANNA MORALES CONTRIBUTING WRITER

COURTESY OF THE FORDHAM RAM

Pictured above during the candle lighting ceremony, Fordham's class of 2025 is the largest class to enter the university yet.

Class of 2025: The Largest Class Year Fordham Has Seen Yet

By EMMA KIM

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This year, Fordham College at Rose Hill’s incoming freshmen made history as the largest incoming class in university history with over 1,300 students,

according to Dr. Robert Parmach, the faculty director and freshman dean at Rose Hill.

There are roughly 300 more students than in recent years, not including first-year students at the Gabelli School of Business, said Parmach.

In addition to being the largest class in the college’s history, the freshman class is unique in that its students have transitioned from high school to college during a global pandemic.

According to a national survey SEE FRESHMEN, PAGE 5

In March of 2020, schools and universities nationwide closed their campuses and moved courses online in response to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, a year and a half later, Fordham University is once again holding its normal load of in-person classes for the fall semester.

However, this return to classrooms on Fordham’s campuses has not coincided with any real end to the coronavirus pandemic, as the delta variant continues to present a risk even to fully vaccinated people, according to the CDC. In light of the ongoing pandemic, the university has maintained several significant COVID-19-related policies.

All Fordham students and employees had to be vaccinated before the start of the semester, though some religious and medical exemptions were SEE CLASSES, PAGE 5

In mid-March of 2021, former Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life, Alex Fischer, left Fordham. His replacement, Charles Clency, took over the position this past summer.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Clency completed his undergraduate education at the University of Alabama in sunny Tuscaloosa. He earned a graduate degree at Canisius College, which is located in Buffalo, another Jesuit school.

Before coming to Fordham, Clency worked in residential life at various universities. “This is my 24th year working with a focus on housing, residence life and student affairs,” explained Clency.

Most recently, Clency served as director of residential life at Manhattan College, where he worked for over two years.

Although Manhattan College is not a Jesuit institution, Clency said he is familiar with the values of a Jesuit education and is excited for that aspect of Fordham.

“My roots, in terms of my grad work, and my introduction to student affairs, were at Canisius College, so I have an in-depth passion and love for the Jesuit education,” he said. “[Coming to Fordham] complimented my career pursuits but more importantly, it allowed me to return back to the Jesuit education. I’m able to give back to students who are following the same path. [I’m able to] take some of the neat things I’ve learned and been exposed to and bring it into the Fordham system.”

As the director of residential life, Clency hopes to use his first year at Fordham to get to know the community better, as well as his team. “In the immediate year, it is really important to get more SEE CLENCY, PAGE 4

in this issue

Opinion

Page 6

New York's Reopening Should Be Reconsidered

Sports

Page 21

Name, Image and Likeness’ Impact on Athletics

Culture

Page 16

Ferragosta is an Italian Wonderland

NEWS

Page 2

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS September 9, 2021 E 191 Street and Bathgate Avenue 9:57 a.m.

A Fordham student was involved in a motor vehicle accident. There were no injuries as a result of this incident. The student stated he was pulling out of a no-standing zone at the intersection and was struck by a delivery car turning the corner. Both vehicles suffered minor property damage. Both drivers remained at the scene as the NYPD prepared an accident report.

September 10, 2021 Keating Hall 3:00 p.m.

A Fordham student reported that he left a grey reusable shopping bag containing a Wilson basketball and grey Nike sneakers (size 13) with a friend while he attended class. His friend left the property near room 120 in Keating. When they went to retrieve the property, it was missing.

The items have not been turned into the lost and found.

September 11, 2021 Finlay Hall 3:30 a.m.

The fire alarm system was activated in Finlay Hall, causing the building to evacuate and the response of FDNY. The panel indicated a “water flow” in the basement pump room. A small leak was observed on the building’s main water pump.

The panel was reset, and students returned to the building.

September 12, 2021 Fordham Road and Lorillard Place 9:00 p.m.

A student called Public Safety to report an apparently homeless man was aggressively panhandling.

The student stated the man had asked her and two others for money.

When they ignored him and kept walking, he shouted out a derogatory statement to them. A canvas

by Public Safety of the area did not locate the individual.

Follow us on Twitter! @TheFordhamRam

September 15, 2021

Fordham Students Recount Experiences of Hurricane Ida Flooding

By ZOE CATE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Wednesday, Sept. 1 — the first day of Fordham’s fall semester — Tropical Storm Ida brought heavy rainfall to the Bronx, causing damage and flooding to facilities across the university’s Rose Hill campus.

Students living both on and off campus shared their experiences of fighting off flood waters and dealing with damage in their living quarters.

In Queen’s Court, a freshman dormitory, students were evacuated to the McGinley Center during the flooding. Zachary Jones, FCRH ’25, remembers the process as confusing and chaotic.

“We were playing board games in one of the seminar rooms when the fire alarm went off and everyone started streaming out,” said Jones. “Some people said there was smoke coming from the elevator. I had no idea what was going on, but we were all herded into McGinley.

Some of the girls on the fifth floor were saying that there were some leaks.”

For Jones, this was certainly not how he expected his first day of college to go. The stress from class is expected, but not the stress from flooding in his residential hall where most firstyear students had just moved in the previous week.

“I’m not gonna lie, I was a little freaked out,” he said. “I was worried my stuff was gonna be destroyed because we don’t have an official renters’ insurance policy. But once we got the information that everything was okay, after about an hour of being in McGinley we were herded back in [to the dorm].”

While Jones said his first day of college was not ideal, he looks back on the event as a humorous bonding experience with his fellow classmates. “Honestly for me, it was this strange thing that happened that upset our first day of classes,” he said. “It wasn’t an extremely traumatizing experience that really impacted me deeply.”

In Walsh Hall, one of the upperclassmen housing options on campus, students were also impacted by floodwaters. Although many of the rooms remained unscathed, the basement flooded.

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Pictured above on Manhattan’s First Ave, Hurriane Ida rained down on and heavily flooded New York City on Sept. 1.

“In the safety of my apartment, it was calm with just seeing the rain falling outside and watching movies,” said Maya Dominguez, FCRH ’23. “But out in the hallway and especially in the lobby, it was chaotic because the resident assistants were all running around putting signs up on the elevators and floors not to go to the basement or use the elevators because of the sudden flooding.”

Dominguez said she was in the basement when the flooding began. “The flooding in the basement was so sudden,” she said.

“I had just gone down to finish my laundry when all of a sudden there was a puddle of water growing from the drain. I threw my clothes in my bag and went to the elevator, and while I was standing there the water came into the hallway and quickly rose to ankle level.”

Although Walsh has mostly recovered, there are still reminders of the flooding, she said. The basement is dry and accessible again, but the elevator is broken and students have been told that it could remain out of service for up to a month, said Dominguez.

Students living off campus in the nearby Belmont neighborhood did not escape the flooding either. For Kate McNicolas, FCRH ’22, what started out as some light leaking turned into water gushing out of her ceiling.

“Me and my roommate were chilling in our off-campus apartment around 10 p.m. and then our kitchen light started dripping,” said McNicolas. “We put a bucket under it and planned on calling the landlord the next day. It was no big deal. Then we were sitting back down ready to watch a movie and go to bed, but

we heard rushing water and next thing you know, my roommate’s ceiling was leaking so much water. We had to deal with it for almost an hour, filling up buckets and calling the landlord, who said he couldn’t do anything that night.”

The flooding became so extreme that McNicolas had to move her roommate’s belongings out of her room out of fear that they would be destroyed.

Her roommate also had to relocate for the night because her room was unlivable, an extreme example of the flood’s damages.

While not every Fordham student had to be temporarily relocated, like McNicolas’ roommate, the sudden flash flooding, ensuing damage and confusion ensured that the first day of this academic year will not be soon forgotten.

MYA NIKITAS/THE FORDHAM RAM

Flood waters from Hurricane Ida made their way into residence halls and buildings on the Rose Hill campus.

This Week at Fordham Wednesday Sept. 15

Thursday Sept. 16

Friday Sept. 17

Saturday Sept. 18

Sunday Sept. 19

CollegeDemocrats Kickoff Meeting

Jewish Student Organization Yom Kippur Break Fast

Hellenic Society Frappe Sale

Fordham Volleyball vs. St. Francis Brooklyn

CAB WAC Yankee Game

The Jewish Student Organization will be providing bagels from Russ and Daughters to celebrate theJewish tradition of breaking of the fast for Yom Kippur

Fordham Hellenic Society will be selling frappes and cookies to raise funds for the charity organization Ark of the World. The money will be donated in support of mothers and children.

The Fordham Women’s Volleyballl team will take on the St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers’ Volleyball on Saturday night. The game will be the second match of the Rose Hill Classic series.

Fordham Campus Activities Board Weekend Activity Committee is hosting a Fordham University student trip to the New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians game at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.

Dealy 201 8 p.m.

Fordham College Dems will hold its first meeting on wednesday in Dealy Hall. The meeting will provide an overview of the club’s purpose, planned events and future events.

Campbell Multipurpose Room 6 p.m.

Outside Dealy Hall 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Rose Hill Gymnasium 6 p.m.

Yankee Stadium 1 p.m.

NEWS

September 15, 2021

Page 3

Flash Flooding Closes Walsh Library, Among Others FROM FLOOD, PAGE 1

included various administrative facilities as well as the cancellation of all classes on Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.

The decision to cancel classes reflected the significant damage caused to New York City’s transportation infrastructure — including road and subway flooding and the suspension of Metro-North service — as well as the flooding of various classroom buildings, according to Dennis Jacobs, senior vice president of Academic Affairs.

“The decision to close Fordham's campuses was made in the interest of health and safety and in recognition that many commuting students and faculty and staff could not make it to campus during the two days following Hurricane Ida’s floods,” said Jacobs.

The flooding affected normal operations of Walsh Library, Quinn Library, the Law Library, University Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, fitness centers and the intercampus Ram Van shuttle, according to Carroll.

Damage to university facilities varied from building to building.

“McGinley Center did receive some flood damage but mostly recovered,” said Bob Howe, associate vice president for communications.

“There was flooding in several other buildings, including Duane, Walsh Residence Hall, Larkin and JMH, but damage was limited and those areas are mostly back in service.”

While many of the buildings that experienced the most flooding have

been repaired and are reopened for public use, the most damaged building, Walsh Library, will have limited access until it can fully recover from damages.

“Walsh Library’s ground level was most affected and will be out of service for some time, a couple months at least,” said Howe.

The sheer force of the floodwaters caused extensive damage to multiple facilities within Walsh Library, according to Linda LoSchiavo, the director of libraries at Fordham: after pushing through the existing floodgate, the floodwater rushed into the building through the loading area driveway and a window that had broken due to the pressure and weight of the water slamming against the side of the building.

“Everything in the staff areas (Cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials the EIC) was under four plus feet of water and destroyed,” said LoSchiavo.

“This includes furniture, books, journals, files, PCs, scanners, printers, etc. Almost nothing in any of these departments was salvageable.”

The flood damages also extended to the Flom Auditorium, damaging seats, and the EIC TV studio, making the cameras and equipment inside unusable.

The extensive damages will be difficult to recover from with the library’s lower level closed indefinitely. Current hopes aim for most of the lower level being reopened by Thanksgiving, explained LoSchiavo.

“The entire lower level must be

THE FORDHAM RAM/ MYA NIKITAS

Offices such as those of the paper and The Fordham Ram in the basement of McGinley were affected by the flooding.

dried out, the sheetrock that has been pulled from the walls must be replaced, carpets will be replaced, replacements for damaged equipment and furniture must be ordered, delivered and installed,” explained LoSchiavo.

Library staff members who usually work in the damaged departments have been relocated and restaffed to other parts of the library system.

However, their original desks (and thus every item and paper file in

them) have been completely destroyed. Large quantities of library materials have also been lost to the floods, including new books, reclassified books, various journals and multiple theses prepped for digitization, according to the library director.

“Flood waters do not discriminate in their path to destruction,” she remarked .

LoSchiavo said she was grateful for Fordham’s Facilities Operations Teams and called them “heroes” for

stepping in to help restore the library.

She also said library staff members have “worked tirelessly” in flooded conditions to salvage what little remained and continue to work.

While the majority of areas sustaining flood damages have been restored well enough to open for service, including academic buildings and residential halls, it may take months for Fordham University to be restored to its pre-flooding conditions.

Fr. McShane Resigns After Two Decades at Fordham FROM MCSHANE, PAGE 1

sultants, Robin Mamlet and Jean Dowdall, would hold a series of virtual town halls for students, faculty and staff to provide input and ask questions about the search process. The first of these meetings was held on Monday, Sept. 13 via Zoom for Fordham students.

Daleo also said the university would form a search committee composed of trustees, faculty, staff, and students.

“The Board expects the search committee to identify its leading candidates by the end of 2021, and the Board will announce the new president of the University in the spring of the new year,” wrote Daleo. “The Board and search committee look forward to this process and receiving input from you about the search for Fordham’s 33rd president.”

In his email, Daleo outlined the Board of Trustees’ hopes for the next president of the university. “Through this process, we will seek strong, collaborative candidates with experience heading dynamic institutions to lead Fordham into the future,” wrote Daleo. “Among the firm’s and search committee’s charges is to uphold a firm commitment to the university’s Jesuit mission and character. Any successful candidate must thoroughly understand and firmly embrace that mission as central to the University’s identity and operation.”

Father Thomas J. Regan, the Superior of the Jesuit commu-

nity at Fordham who has served as part of the Board of Trustees for almost nine years, spoke very fondly of the departing university president. Regan said he has attended a number of diploma ceremonies for graduating seniors and said McShane “just knows everybody by name” and “knows more about [your] hometown than you do.”

“It’s almost like he tries to make everyone feel like they are the most important person in the world,” said Regan.

Regan complimented McShane for his efforts to bring Fordham through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for retaining all employees during lockdown, “down to the cafeteria workers and the people who cut the grass.”

Donna Rapaccioli, dean of Gabelli School of Business, expressed gratitude and respect for McShane, who she felt did not have an interest in “balancing the budget at the expense of anyone in the community.”

“Father McShane has led Fordham with empathy and a drive for excellence, from his decision a few years back to welcome students from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina to the recent care for our community during the pandemic,” said Rapaccioli. “His leadership has allowed Fordham to thrive and improve across the spectrum in extremely difficult times.”

Christopher Rodgers, assistant vice president and dean of students, said, “We have relied

PHOTO COURTESY OF FORDHAM NEWS

Father McShane has been president at Fordham since 2003, making his tenure at the University nearly 20 years long.

since 2003 on Father McShane's inspiring ability to explain our mission as a university in the Jesuit tradition to generations of students as well as fellow profes-

sionals in student life. Those of us who have heard him speak at orientation, at commencement... have always learned something and been motivated in our strate-

gic and daily work by his words."

Father McShane will continue his time as president of Fordham University until the end of the spring semester in 2022.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FORDHAM NEWS

Father McShane became president at Fordham after the previous president, President Joseph O'Hare, stepped down.

Page 4

NEWS Charles Clency Takes Over as Director of Residental Life

September 15, 2021

FROM CLENCY, PAGE 1

familiar with the student body here, and the culture of this campus, in terms of things that students are passionate about,” said Clency.

In addition to being the new director of residential life, Clency is also serving as assistant dean of students.

“In terms of my assistant dean of students role, [I hope to] take the matters that may be most compromising for students to indulge in and make them teachable, developmental moments for students to learn and grow from,” he said.

Along with helping guide students, Clency also hopes to find beneficial opportunities for them. “[I also want to help] give students opportunities to take leadership positions on campus where they can give back to their college experience, which will naturally give them some transferable skills in whatever field they are studying,” said Clency.

The continuing spread of the delta variant, issues such as student quarantine and changing COVID-19 precautions are still present for the residential life staff.

Clency said his experience working at another university’s residential life department during the last two years has helped him prepare for the upcoming year.

“One of the distinctive advantages from coming over from Manhattan College is that some of the things that have [happened] on this campus [in the past year or so] are shared on that campus,” he said.“[One of those shared experiences was] being in the epicenter of the whole COVID experience and experiencing the way it hit this city and community.”

This year, the university is encouraging students who become infected with COVID-19 to complete the isolation period at home as opposed to on campus.

“If there should be a need for a

MYA NIKITAS /THE FORDHAM RAM/

The golden and gently beckoning lights of Loschert, which holds the Office of Residential Life, are pictured here above.

quarantine or isolation circumstance, our first choice and preference is for students to go home, especially if they live within a two-hour radius,” said Clency.

“We do have things in place to support students who may need an isolated space, but again our first choice is for them to go home,” said Clency. “Of course,

for our folks coming from out of state or internationally, we can support them because we understand that they can’t necessarily go home.”

While this school year does pose some unique challenges, Clency looks forward to the year ahead.

“I’m here to serve, I want to

build a [residential life] team that will continue to serve the students as best we can, providing them with the things and exposures that are going to help them in their growth and development while also complementing their academic pursuits,” he concluded.

20 Years After 9/11: A Look At Fordham’s Coverage

By HASNA CERAN FEATURES EDITOR

A sunny day with highs over 80 degrees, the anniversary of the Carol Burnett Show, Brian de Palma’s 61st birthday and the New York City mayoral primary: these were the highlights of the day that WFUV morning host Claudia Marshall listed off on the morning of September 11, 2001.

At 8:51 of that morning, the broadcast cut to a breaking news report of a large explosion in the South Tower of the World Trade Center — the cause is still yet unknown to the public. The broadcast continues as the second plane hits, despite the lack of information coming into the station.

In the span of just over two hours, Claudia Marshall’s narration transitions from an account of an explosion in the World Trade Center to a terrorist attack on both Twin Towers and the Pentagon, a permanent change in the New York City skyline.

The publicly-available archive of WFUV’s historic broadcast ends with Darren Devivo, the midday host’s, chilling words: “Our world has collapsed.”

George Bodarky, the current news director of WFUV and assistant news director at the time, remembers that he’d been recovering from a long night of election coverage at WFUV when the first plane hit. As the situation was developing, he traveled to lower Manhattan with his photography equipment to capture the news from ground zero.

“It was really this ‘firefighter’s mindset,’” said Bodarky. “Where you’re running into where everybody else is running out of.”

He described his difficulties getting there, as the subways, the Metro-North and large highways such as the FDR Drive were closed. He recalls that there was “horrendous” traffic on his way to Brooklyn and described an eerie experience of hearing the radio blaring from open car windows all around him, as everyone was listening to the news.

One tower had fallen by the time Bodarky arrived in Brook-

lyn. He looked right towards the skyline of New York City, only to see billows of smoke. Unable to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, he attempted to get in the back of a police car or ambulance but was refused. He said that one police officer told him that “if you have to get over there for your job — quit your job.” The devastation in Manhattan was not quite visible from Brooklyn — except for when the evacuees brought it with them.

“It was the kind of situation where the story was coming at you,” recounted Bodarky.

He described a river of people crossing the bridge coming in from Manhattan covered in white dust, some bloodied and injured.

“They were streaming over the bridge like zombies,” he said. Interviewing them, he heard stories of people caught in debris and watching their coworkers jump out of the buildings.

However, official radio stations like WFUV were not the only ones covering September 11 on Fordham’s two campuses. Student journalists at student-run publications like The Fordham Ram and The Observer also ventured forward to provide information to the public during a time when information was so scarce.

The issue of The Fordham Ram published on the week of September 11 was published on Thursday, Sept. 13, giving the news team two days to write and print their coverage of the event. The paper published an article detailing Fordham University’s response to the tragedy and the stories of students dealing with the emotional impact, as well as an article on two members of Fordham University Emergency Medical Services) (FUEMS) who were called in to volunteer at ground zero.

Rebecca Cooper, FCRH ’02, news editor of Volume 83 of The Fordham Ram in 2001, was contacted for an interview about the Ram’s coverage that week.

In response to a comment regarding the difficulty of printing the newspaper only a day after the tragedy, Cooper said, “I didn’t think about it until you mentioned it, but the turnaround time, the

COURTESY OF FLICKR

On Tuesday, Sep. 11, thousands of New Yorkers saw the iconic New York City skyline altered as the Twin Towers collapsed.

schedule was the same. We were putting it out on Wednesday night after it happened Tuesday morning.”

“There was no daily web coverage or anything like that, so we actually got time to process a little bit — I certainly did — I kind of turned off my phone and needed to just take a break after we were able to leave our rooms and everything,” she continued.

“I couldn’t face having to work on this yet. I remember I was laying on Eddie’s trying to figure out what to do — I remember because the sky was completely empty of planes.”

Like WFUV, the Ram was dealing with a similar issue of not being able to get information in the first few weeks. “It was slow,” Cooper said. “It was several issues later before we published a list of the missing or dead, because it was so difficult to find out who [was missing].

Everybody, not just the university, was looking for people they couldn’t get a hold of.”

She pointed out that members of the staff that weren’t a part of the news team had begun news reporting and interviewing people. “It was probably the first time we dealt with

a breaking news event, the way a newsroom has to triage a situation,” she explained. “Everyone did news, even if it wasn’t their thing.”

“I interviewed the FUEMS students who took the ambulance down there. I had to convince them to talk to us,” Cooper said, referring to the previously-mentioned article on two members of FUEMS volunteering downtown.

“It was very instructive for me as a young journalist: how to get somebody to trust me and talk to me about that.”

Cooper stated that experience writing for the Ram that September helped form her feelings toward journalism at a young age.

“I think I realised at that moment that I could imagine being a professional journalist,” she said. “It certainly kind of forced you to face whether or not journalism was a path you wanted to take. I think there's a lot of people in the profession who will never have to face covering something that difficult and to do it so young.”

“I look back on it, and I’m surprised I stuck with it, to be honest, but I see echoes of it now, too,” Cooper said. “Maybe instead of processing that trauma I just worked through it, that’s how I

see a lot of people of my generation addressing it, for better or for worse.”

For two weeks afterwards, the news coverage of The Ram focused largely on the impact of September 11, and the opinion section similarly consisted largely of calls for hope from the student population.

Unlike The Fordham Ram, The Observer, Lincoln Center’s school newspaper, had a gap in coverage following September 11 spanning nearly a month.

In their Oct. 1 issue, the first issue following September 11, The Observer similarly covered the coming together of the Fordham community through avenues such as blood and clothing drives, residence accommodations for commuter students and counseling and prayer services.

After 20 years, Fordham has just crossed the threshold into the point where the majority of its undergraduate population was not even born when the historic moment occurred. As a generation that has never seen the Twin Towers grows older and goes off to university, it is more important than ever to look back on the public’s reaction to the scarring event as it happened.

NEWS

September 15, 2021

Page 5

Fordham Welcomes its Largest Freshman Class Ever FROM FRESHMEN, PAGE 1

from Student Voice released in June, 23% of freshmen felt very unprepared for college because of the pandemic, while 35% felt at least somewhat unprepared.

While this survey was conducted on college freshmen who had half a year of online classes, this year’s incoming students have been through a longer period of high school education affected by the pandemic.

Mirei Fukushima, FCRH ’25, said she feels like adjusting to college life has been different than past years. “I would consider my transition from high school to college during a pandemic as atypical,” said Fukushima. “From what I saw as an underclassman in high school, seniors seemed to have the most fun and productive year, which was taken away. Because of that, I felt that my high school career was incomplete.”

Despite the strange transition to college this fall, Fukushima said she is glad to be on campus. “My past week at Fordham seemed unreal but having made it here also seems like a huge accomplishment,” she said.

The move from high school to college has also caused more stress than usual for freshmen who spent the majority of their last two years in high school taking virtual classes.

“I personally was remote almost all of my senior year [of high school], so I definitely felt

THE RAM ARCHIVES

Martyr's Court LaLande/Goupil is the largest freshman dorm on campus, where the majority of the Class of 2025 reside.

a bit more anxiety going back to in-person classes in a completely new environment,” said Ilana Dryfe, FCRH ’25.

However, Dryfe said she personally feels that being mostly online during her last year of high school will not affect her academic success this fall. “I was also really excited [to be back in-person], and overall, I do not feel any less prepared for college material.”

The university has programs

in place to help freshmen students adjust to college life, explained Parmach, including its extensive new student orientation which took place during the three days before classes began. Core advising, individual and cohort meetings are more things that are in place to help students adapt to their new surroundings, said Parmach.

“Throughout the semester, there will be different opportu-

nities. There is a dean for student support and success, Dean Garcia, who is also helped by Dean Manzino,” he said. “We will also update the students about events to encourage them and get them involved in campus life.”

Faculty also have similar opportunities to help their firstyear students make a successful adjustment to college life after such a strange end to their high school careers. “We do a lot of support and professional devel-

opment for core advising faculty members, so they can best support and work with our students,” Parmach said.

Fordham’s Office of Residential Life also had to accommodate the large number of incoming students. “Residential Life was alerted at the start of summer to anticipate a historically large first-years preferencing housing this year,” said Charles Clency, assistant dean of students and director of Residential Life.

“Most of our first-year residents are admitted with guaranteed housing, so our Residential Life team committed to meet this Fordham obligation,” said Clency. “I am pleased to report we were able to assign every student who met the housing application deadline … In fact, Residential Life was even able to assign all but a handful who did not meet the deadline and are working to house everyone who still requests housing.”

Clency explained that his office had to change the normal composition of residential housing on the Rose Hill campus. “Residential Life made several preparations which involved converting Finlay Hall first floor to first-year housing, converting all of Tierney Hall to first-year housing and creating a limited number of triple rooms within our first-year residence halls,” he said.

Rams Triumphantly Transition to Mask-to-Mask Education FROM CLASSES, PAGE 1

permitted, according to communications from Marco Valera, the vice president for administration and COVID-19 coordinator.

Masks are required in all public indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status according to another communication from Valera. Like in the fall and spring semesters of the previous academic year, Fordham students and faculty must continue to complete daily health screenings with the VitalCheck service.

Johnny Brennan, a professor in the philosophy department, said he approves of the safety guidelines still in place and feels comfortable returning to in-person classes. “For the most part, I felt safe, and here’s why: we live in a state that has pretty good vaccination rates that are higher than the national average,” said Brennan. “We are in a liberal state that has more mandates for not only masking but for vaccines, Fordham instituted a vaccination policy … I knew the chances of me being in a room with unvaccinated students were relatively low.”

Though masks are an important protective measure, they do come with their own set of challenges, said Greg Licciardi, a professor in the Gabelli School of Business. Students may struggle to hear their professors and vice versa. It is also difficult to read expressions and learn faces with masks on.

“Facial expression is so impor-

tant when you’re teaching, to see if someone is smiling or if they’re understanding what you’re saying and that comes from me too, I smile a lot when I speak,” said Licciardi. “A lot of that gets lost by having the mask on, but hopefully that’ll change soon.”

For students returning to in-person classes after so many semesters in online and hybrid courses, the start of the fall semester could feel a bit surreal. “It’s completely different even just walking around now like the atmosphere is so different, last year was like so dead,” said Vinny Vitanza, FCRH ’24.

Vitanza said he noticed that more of his peers were taking online classes in the spring last year than in the fall and wondered whether the ease of staying home had led to a more empty campus last semester. “The first semester, [the number of students on campus] was definitely more than the second semester,” he remembered.

“At the end of the first semester, I think a lot of people had enough of not being able to do anything and just ended up staying home for the second semester.”

Vitanza, an orientation leader this fall, said it was immediately clear that the upcoming semester would feel like a completely separate experience from the previous year. “By the end of orientation, I was like ‘This is not at all what college was last year,’” he said.

After many students spent most of last year attending class virtually, there are concerns that these

COURTESY OF FLICKR

The university returns to fully in-person classes and campus activity for the first time since leaving on March of 2020.

modified courses might not have prepared them for new classes. “Almost all of my classes this year are an upper level of my classes from last year,” said Cece McNeely, GSB ’23.

“I’ve noticed already in the first week and a half that sometimes [professors] ask us questions and are like, ‘Oh you learned this in financial management.’

Even though I loved my financial management professor, I didn’t really absorb as much information as I probably would have had I been in person.”

Despite the awkward transition the return to masked inperson classes may present,

McNeely says it is a preferable alternative to the hybrid model many of her classes adopted last year.

“It was really hard having half of our class be physically in person and half be virtual,” she said.

In her business classes, group projects were particularly difficult, she explained. “This didn’t happen with my small group, but I know for a lot of other small groups, they would have three people who were only virtual and then three people that were in person so just having to coordinate like that is really difficult,” said McNeely.

Fordham faculty and admin-

istrators have expressed excitement about returning to in-person classes and activities on campus. In an email to students at Fordham College at Rose Hill, Dr. Maura Mast, dean of the college, wrote, “I am so delighted to see our campus springing to life as the new and returning students find their way. I’m so excited that you are here and I look forward to seeing you on campus.”

Dr. Jon Friedrich, a professor in the chemistry department, stated that after having taught for so many years the pandemic has shown him that in-person classes are “the way it should

OPINION

Page 6

September 15, 2021

New York’s Reopening Should Be Reconsidered

COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul needs to reconsider mask mandates or another choice to encourage vaccination and safety.

By MADELINE BYRNE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On June 15, as New York lifted its COVID-19 restrictions, America was in a completely different state. With vaccination rates rising and COVID-19 cases decreasing, the end of the pandemic finally felt within reach.

Under the motto “hot vax summer,” New York and the rest of America were able to envision a return to normalcy and a world without the fear of the virus. As autumn approaches and a new wave of COVID-19 emerges, it’s

time to reexamine the state of the pandemic and if measures need to once again be taken to curb the virus and its latest variant.

At the time of reopening, New York’s choice wasn’t received too eagerly; if anything, it was considered drawn-out. In many of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s press briefings, he repeatedly stated that New York would reopen after 70% of the state population had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

This milestone was based on the epidemiological idea of herd immunity, which is the indirect

protection of unvaccinated or vulnerable populations through having a more significant percentage of the population vaccinated against the disease. For most of the pandemic, many infectious disease experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, believed that the target herd immunity for the COVID-19 virus would be around 60-70% of the population. So when New York reached this vaccination rate, it seemed reasonable at the time to get rid of some COVID-19 restrictions.

However, things are beginning to change again as the

virus spreads with the more infectious delta variant, and vaccination rates throughout the United States have started to stagnate. Local and state governments must reckon with the idea of bringing back restrictions as herd immunity becomes more unlikely. The new delta variant has become the predominant strain in the United States; it is both more infectious and poses more risks to the unvaccinated.

While not as prevalent in New York as in other states, the new strain is still problematic due to New York’s position as a tourist destination. As Dr. Parikh of NYU Langone said, “The variants are outpacing us. The … problem is it’s New York, where people are coming from all over the country … we have visitors who might be unvaccinated. So that throws another wrench in the whole herd immunity. It’s not isolated.”

Another element that has emerged is the rise of childhood COVID-19 infections. While children still account for lower hospitalization rates than adults, the record high numbers are still a concern.

Currently, children under the age of 12 cannot get vaccinated, making them a vulnerable population that we must protect. Dr. Thomas Tsai summed it up best by saying, “What really protects children are the interventions directed at the rest of society.”

What can be done to keep all New Yorkers safe amid the new

outbreaks of variants? There are several ways we can tackle this issue.

First, New York could reinstate mask mandates and other restrictions on indoor activities.

While it might be an unpopular choice, masks at indoor activities can help decrease the spread of COVID-19, even with the new variants. Second, New York can follow New York City’s direction with the Key to NYC program.

The mandate, similar to mandates abroad, was announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio in August and requires people to provide proof of at least one dose of the vaccine to dine indoors, utilize gyms and enjoy entertainment.

The point of the mandate is to protect unvaccinated people and put increasing pressure on those who are hesitant to get vaccinated. In his news conference announcing the mandate, Mayor de Blasio said, “If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated. It’s time.”

It is time to reconsider a change in restrictions. New York Governor Kathy Hochul needs to reconsider mask mandates or some other radical choice to encourage vaccination and safety. The circumstances have changed; the way New York fights them needs to change, too.

Samantha Scott, FCRH ’24, is an international political economy and development major from Columbus, Ohio.

Hurricane Ida Proves Mother Nature Cannot Be Left on Hold

By MARY CACEVIC

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Numerous videos of Fordham University campuses flooding were posted on social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram after Hurricane Ida. On Sept. 1, Fordham Public Safety sent out an email warning everyone on campus to be cautious of the anticipated storm damage.

Public Safety’s premonitions about the coming storm were correct, as the severe gale force winds and lightning was lifethreatening, resulting in closure of all Fordham campuses and cancelation of all in-person meetings and classes.

Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on the surrounding Bronx region, with hundreds of reports of flooded basements and collapsed

buildings such as the Glory Shoe store on Third Avenue and 153 Street. New York City broke its record for amount of rainfall in one hour, reporting 3.15 inches of rain in a single hour.

Although Fordham seemed to recover quickly despite the hefty damage sustained, people are rushing to scrutinize the faulty infrastructure and its inability to sustain a world plagued by cli-

COURTESY OFTWITTER

Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on Fordham’s surrounding Bronx region with flooded basements and collapsed buildings.

mate change. By taking a broader look at the devastation of the hurricane, it should become clear that this devastation requires a statewide movement to address climate change and outdated infrastructure.

States such as New Jersey are now eligible for federal assistance thanks to Biden’s disaster declaration. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has taken over disaster relief and recovery efforts by providing those affected with shelters and other resources.

There are also federal programs providing loans for businesses and properties. To reach or request assistance, one can access it online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800621-3362.

Counties in New York are now starting to qualify for federal aid as well as individual aid, specifically in Suffolk and Sullivan counties, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced. This comes after other New York counties became eligible for federal assistance after 18 people died across the state, most found trapped in their flooded basements across NYC boroughs.

The tragedy of Hurricane Ida has ushered in an unprecedented amount of support and aid from the federal government with

drafts, bills and proposals already under consideration in Congress.

Although we have learned from mistakes during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, such as the negligence of many survivors by FEMA, specifically in lower-income areas, it is good to see that this agency has now stepped up in helping those that have been displaced by the floods.

However, this does not guarantee that we have made all necessary efforts in reducing the severity of these storms. This is a problem of climate change and infrastructure.

Climate change has been threatening our future existence on Earth, and the effects are quite conspicuous. Much of the infrastructure in the U.S. was not designed to withstand the increasingly severe weather we have faced. Such concerns should be regarded as top priority for constituents and legislators as well, since the viciousness of Mother Nature cannot be left on hold. It is time that people and communities come together and work closely with their politicians in bringing about reform, as more weather devastation is to come.

Mary Cacevic, FCRH ’23, is an international political economy major from Nyack, N.Y.

September 15, 2021

OPINION

Page 7

Superwoman of the White House: Dr. Jill Biden Can Do It All

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Dr. Jill Biden has set the precedent for having a full-time job in conjunction with her role as first lady.

By KEAGAN OSTOP

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In recent history, women have been able to step out of their traditional role of caretaker to pursue their passions and a career.

However, women putting aside their career aspirations to raise a family so their partners can pursue their dreams is a sacrifice still seen today. By making it a priority to continue to teach, First Lady Jill Biden, who has one of the most underappreciated roles in the U.S. government, is setting an example for women everywhere.

Jill Biden will be continuing her occupation as an English

professor at Northern Virginia Community College, an educational role that should be highly respected in this unprecedented time. Dr. Biden will be the first first lady to have a full-time job outside of the White House.

The role of first lady has changed drastically throughout history. The title originated as that of the hostess for the White House, handling social events for dignitaries and photo ops for special events. Many first ladies also served as trusted advisors to their Presidents, albeit in an unofficial capacity.

The Clinton presidency saw a shift in expectation. Bill Clinton

would often joke on the campaign trail, “Vote for me and get two for the price of one.” Hillary Clinton endured heat while under the spotlight, saying, “I suppose I could have stayed home baked cookies and had tea, but what I decided to do was fulfill my profession.”

As first lady, Clinton used her platform to advocate for universal healthcare, children’s issues and women’s rights worldwide.

Michelle Obama continued on the path of expanding the role of FLOTUS, being the nation’s first woman of color first lady, advocating for healthy lifestyles and veterans, and acting as “Mom In

Chief ” with her parenting platform.

What used to be seen as simply the president’s wife is now a powerful platform of its own.

Throughout recent presidencies, the role of first lady has grown and developed into more than a superficiality. Dr. Biden is continuing that pattern.

Dr. Biden earned two master’s degrees and received her doctorate in 2007 before starting work at Northern Virginia Community College in 2009.

“Teaching isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am,” says Jill Biden.

Why should Dr. Biden give up what she loves most in this world for her husband’s occupation?

She shouldn’t, and she will not.

Dr. Biden has said it will be difficult, but she’s going to try to balance life in the White House and in the classroom.

The Wall Street Journal published an article in December 2020 diminishing Dr. Biden’s degree and profession. The writer, Joseph Epstein, addressed Dr. Biden as “kiddo” throughout the article, degrading and dismissing her hard earned title.

Epstein asked her to forget about her title and the occupation she loves to just be the first lady. This repulsive mindset is exactly what Dr. Jill Biden is working to change.

Dr. Biden’s example of fulfill-

ing the role of first lady and leading a separate career can change the expectation that the first lady should always be at the side of the president. Her accomplishments should not be diminished, but held up and respected in society.

This repulsive article is the exact mindset against which Dr. Biden inspires other women to revolt.

Dr. Biden is continuing to do what she loves. In the past, first ladies would often quit their jobs to work by the president’s side.

Jill Biden is destroying this narrative to show it’s possible to be there for family while remaining a working professional.

To women and girls around the world, this act is empowering. Dr. Biden models the importance of creating a path and life of your own and that no matter what, you never have to live in the shadow of a man.

Dr. Biden clearly does not need to be working, but it is something she is passionate about, and this career makes her who she is. Her dedication to continue what she loves even if it brings challenges is an inspiration. Our first lady can do it, and so can you.

Keagan Ostop, FCRH ’25, is a journalism major from West Hartford, Conn.

Shooting in Florida Emphasizes Need for Gun Reform

By CAROLYN BRANIGAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Gun control is one of the nation’s most polarizing issues, with no unifying policies in sight.

But with the recent escalation of gun violence, ignoring the issue is no longer a viable option.

There may be no better example of this than the recent altercation last Sunday with a former Marine in Florida.

Gun violence is like a virus, popping up and infecting people from all walks of life. Friends, family, neighbors and strangers alike are suffering from the lack of current gun regulation.

Something substantial should have been done long ago to secure the safety of the American people, but at this point, even a partial solution is better than allowing these crimes to continue unabated.

Current gun laws and regulations are in need of a serious update. Despite the potential counterargument that it could be discriminatory, gun sales need to be strictly regulated. Those wishing to purchase firearms should be subjected to a rigorous psychological screening. It is necessary to ensure individuals are fit to carry such a dangerous weapon.

Similarly, individuals with prior convictions of any kind, whether or not the cases are sealed, should have to undergo further investigation before obtaining the right to purchase a firearm.

Another measure that should be implemented in the gun-obtainment process is mandatory counseling courses in order to purchase a gun. These courses should begin at the date of purchase. They should continue until the counselor or counselors are sure that the gun owner is of sound mind and understands the risks that come with owning a deadly weapon.

Aside from current gun laws, the police force needs to readjust their policies when it comes to dealing with gun violence. In the recent attack on Sunday, the Florida Police Department received ample notice two hours prior to the shooting that a suspicious man was lurking around the neighborhood where the shooting occurred. Although the man had left by the time police arrived, officers should have made it a priority to track down the man and question him.

Had the police officers made more of an effort to localize this dangerous individual, all four

victims could have survived. It is utterly shocking to me that this crime occurred when such a simple solution existed.

As a police officer, these individuals should treat their job with the utmost importance. The work that they do can be the difference between life and death. Yet in cases like these, it becomes apparent that police forces across the U.S. lack the necessary cohesion and will to defend innocent people.

As it currently stands, American gun laws are facilitating brutal mass murders. Though one can not hope to cure the gun violence epidemic with a quick and simple fix, allowing things to proceed as they have thus far would be an abomination to the American people.

The shooting that occurred last Sunday was not an isolated incident, which should be another clear indicator that change is necessary. If gun violence was a rare occurrence, perhaps we could get away with leaving our current practices in place.

However, the frequency with which these kinds of incidents occur is far too alarming to ignore. Change needs to happen now, rather than merely spoken of.

Mental health reform is a logi-

cal first step, but stricter laws are imperative. Many people are fiercely protective of any infringement on their Second Amendment rights. It is time they sit down and take a moment to evaluate whether or not their

desire for freedom matters more than the lives of their neighbors.

Carolyn Branigan, FCRH ’24, is an English major from Tinton Falls, N.J.

COURTESY OF FLICKR

A recent shooting in Florida shows a dire need for gun reform.

OPINION

Page 8

R

Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918 The Fordham Ram is the university journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published and distributed free of charge every Wednesday during the academic year to the Rose Hill, Lincoln Center and Westchester campuses with a readership of over 12,000 and a web readership of over 300,000.

Website TheFordhamRam.com Email Address theram@fordham.edu Editor-in-Chief Rachel Gow Managing Editor Dylan Balsamo Editorial Director Erica Weidner Multimedia Director Hunter Benegas Business Director Aidan Youngs Production Editor Vanessa DeJesus Copy Chief Megan Dowden Assistant Copy Chief Ginny Belt News Editor Abbey Delk Features Editor Hasna Ceran Assistant News Editors Sebastian Diaz Isabel Danzis Opinion Editors Emma Lipkind Taylor Herzlich Culture Editors Ava Erickson Sara Tsugranis Assistant Culture Editor Hanif Amanullah Sports Editor Alexander Wolz Assistant Sports Editors Michael Hernandez Kaley Bell Digital Producer Collette Campbell Digital Director Katie Morris Visual Director Pia Fischetti Photo Editor Mackenzie Cranna Graphics/Illustrations Cory Bork Faculty Advisor Beth Knobel Editorial Page Policy

The Fordham Ram’s editorial is

selected on a weekly basis and reflects the editorial board’s view on a campus issue.

Opinions Policy The Fordham Ramaccepts submissions to fordhamramopinions@gmail. com. Commentaries are printed on a space available basis. The Fordham Ram reserves the right to reject any submission for any reason, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. The Fordham Ram reserves the right to edit any submissions. The opinions in The Fordham Ram’s editorials are those of the editorial board; those expressed in articles, letters, commentaries, cartoons or graphics are those of the individual author. No part of The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without writte consent.

September 15, 2021

From the Desk | Alexander Wolz

Paving the Way Forward

It is an interesting time right now in the world. That is something I could probably write anytime, about anything, whether that is due to the effects of climate change, political strife or the constant challenges of adapting to an evolving pandemic.

The latter is what is on my mind today. I say that because, on one hand, things have never felt so normal. We are fortunate enough to be spending time with friends on Fordham’s campus, producing a print newspaper in-person, taking notes in a classroom rather than on Zoom and visiting New York City on the weekend.

There are still face masks, of course, but everything beyond that feels largely the same.

And that is especially true in sports. Take this weekend, perhaps the biggest of the year, as a primary example. Right here in that same city devastated by the pandemic one year ago, 43,144 people — around 1,200 above capacity — gathered at Citi Field in Queens to remember the tragic events of September 11 and celebrate the game that helped New Yorkers grieve through it.

One day later and one state over, another 74,000 filed into MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands to kick off the NFL season. America’s biggest game that saw empty seats in its 2020 season witnessed full stands in its opening week.

Then there is the sport dependent on fans more than any other: college football. Fans are not just a part of Saturdays, but the lifeblood.

Look at ESPN’s “College Gameday,” back on the road again with Lee Corso making his iconic mascot

choice for the week’s biggest game.

Look at the packed Ohio Stadium with over 100,000 on hand to watch their Buckeyes fall to the Oregon Ducks in the season’s biggest game yet.

There was a time when I actually enjoyed the concept of fanless sports, as crazy as that might sound, and the opportunity to just focus on the game in a sterile, untarnished environment.

And there were certainly moments, whether they be racist taunting in the soccer world or the constant fans seen running on the field in Yankee Stadium, where I questioned if fans even deserved to be in attendance.

This weekend proved, as silly as it may sound to some, that I was very wrong. The moments contained within a short three-day period will remain etched in time in my mind because of the people that made them happen. These moments would not have been as special without them.

At the same time, though, I have a hard time looking at these realities with rose-tinted glasses. There is still a relative uneasiness when seeing such stadiums amid the current pandemic. It is the same uneasiness I’ve gotten when in a crowded subway or restaurant or when the thought goes through my head of whether the person beside me is sick.

Those thoughts, however, have not stopped me from doing those things, from going to those very stadiums.

Perhaps that is because this is a city with a very high vaccination rate or that I am a 19-year-old, low-risk individual. It is not just about me, though; it is about thinking of how we could be making a better effort.

We could set an example like the NFL, enacting the strictest vaccine mandates of any professional sports league. There are shortcomings in its protocols to be sure, and the end goal is likely the bottom dollar rather than player safety, but it is a move that will likely have both effects. Despite all the pushback surrounding it, the vaccination rate has surged above 90%.

Take certain stadiums, like those of the New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders or Seattle Seahawks that will require a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination before attending a game.

Again, it seemed harsh at the time, but now, a majority of fans might even prefer it. I certainly do when visiting a restaurant or theater here in the city.

It makes me question why venues like Yankee Stadium ever removed such mandates in the first place.

COVID-19 is not disappearing

anytime soon; that much has become apparent. The issue is only becoming magnified by the lagging vaccine rate both in this country and across the world. Vaccination is the best route forward. Mandates might just be the way to achieve that.

I think of one story that popped up on Twitter the other day that referred to an Oregon Ducks fan that received the COVID-19 vaccine solely to attend home football games after Autzen Stadium’s vaccine mandate. That might be what it takes.

Stadiums and leagues have an opportunity to make an impact. They are watched by many and can inspire millions. I can only hope that more people begin to understand that influence and make the decisions that will help this country move forward, and that other industries soon do the same.

From the Desk | Sara Tsugranis

There Is a Necessary Healing for Women in Christianity In the United States, there are fewer members of the Christian community than there ever have been, with Pew Research Center reporting a continuous decline in people identifying as Christians.

Since 2007, there has been a decline in those identifying as Protestant or Catholic. Some might argue that it is because of the secular, scientific world we are living in. But if you look closer at who is leaving the church and why, you will find some of the story left untold.

People might be leaving the church in great numbers, but they are not leaving Christianity. The maintenance of unequal power structures in the church is what is driving people out.

One major factor responsible for the decline of Christianity in the United States is the exclusion and mistreatment of women in the church. Despite the vital role of women in early Christianity and the radical love that Jesus had for women, they are undervalued and excluded from integral leadership roles in the church. Though certain denominations have begun to allow for the ordination of women, major denominations like Catholicism and Orthodoxy do not allow women to participate as ministers.

Women who follow these denominations are left to decide to ei-

ther convert to other denominations or try to change seemingly stagnant institutions. As a result, more women than ever are simply leaving the church and identifying as “nonreligious,” one of the fastest-growing groups in America.

To feel excluded by people who are supposed to be part of a community that honors Christ’s radical inclusiveness is an unexplainable pain for many Christian women.

Sociologist Katie Gaddini recalls a Faith and Feminism panel where a young woman asked, “I’m so tired of fighting Christian church leaders to be treated equally, but I don’t want to leave the church. So, what do I do? … How do I stay?” Young, single women are feeling neglected by the Church, so it makes sense why they are the group most likely to leave Christianity.

Solving the institutional, magnanimous problems women face in the church will take time and patience, but they should not lose hope. Like any social movement, a cultural shift will be necessary. In the case of being more inclusive of women in the church, this is not a progressive issue, but a traditional one.

Women held leadership positions in early Christianity and were among the first converts. Women even participated in ministry and were ordained as deacons in early

Christianity. In Paul’s letter to the Romans in the New Testament, one of the first people he addresses is St. Phoebe, the deaconess, praising her effort and work in the Christian community. It is ironic how we view progress as linear, but the early church was more liberating for women in many ways that it is not today.

Aside from questioning what the church should offer women, we should also acknowledge that the

church is losing so much by losing its women. Women run Sunday school, typically help keep the faith at home and raise the next generation of Christians. To continue to survive and thrive through the secular age and beyond, Christianity needs to make a targeted effort to include and comfort women. After all, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28).

OPINION

September 15, 2021

Page 9

Editorial | Return to Normal

Finding Our Way Back to Normal at Fordham The start of any fall semester is a period of transition. We come off our summer break high and crash into our fall classes.

Typically, that transition is most apparent for freshmen. It takes some time to adjust to college life after high school: you’re not living at home anymore, you’re responsible for doing your own laundry and you’re struggling to embrace the insane amount of freedom you have as a college student in New York City.

This fall, we are under unique circumstances. For the first time since March 2020, all students are attending full-size, in-person classes. The promise of going “back to normal” has been our carrot on a stick for the past year and a half, and it seems we finally caught up to it. We’ve longed for normalcy for a long time; however, it’s impossible to ignore

the way our lives have shifted.

Every Fordham student is going through a transition as our college lives once again transform into a new normal.

The transition back to normal affects freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, albeit in different ways. Fordham’s Class of 2025 is the largest in the school’s history, composed of students who graduated high school in 2020 and 2021 when the pandemic was at its peak. The Class of 2024 shares a similar experience. For some sophomores, this is the first semester they’ve spent on campus; for all sophomores, this is the first time they’ve experienced Fordham at its full capacity. Even upperclassmen find themselves navigating an unfamiliar world. The past month saw sophomores, juniors and seniors reuniting with friends who

opted to stay home last year and friends who took gap years.

Even for those of us who are familiar with Fordham’s campuses, this is a significant transition. Things have been abnormal for so long that we no longer remember exactly what normal felt like. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by the crowds of people descending staircases in Keating, stressed out by the endless lines for Urban Kitchen or exhausted by a single in-person class, you’re not alone. Life has been quiet for a long time. Even if we spent all that time missing the noise, its sudden return is shocking.

Moreover, we’ve changed. As college students, we’re already at a transitional stage of life as we grow from children to adults. In the past year and a half, we spent a lot of time in our own company.

Quarantine made us self-ref lect

like nothing else ever could. We got to know ourselves, for better or worse, and some of us learned new, surprising things. None of us are the same people we were before the pandemic, and we shouldn’t try to be.

Everything is going back to normal, but it’s okay not to feel normal. Regardless of what year you are or how long you’ve been at Fordham, we’ve all lost over a year of our lives to the pandemic.

It’s foolish not to acknowledge its role in our lives, and it’s dangerous to hold ourselves to standards we cannot achieve.

If you’re reading this editorial in print, you’re holding a copy of the first full-length issue of The Fordham Ram since March 4, 2020. For months, we published exclusively online. This spring, we published four “baby papers” with a limited number of arti-

cles. We are also going through a transition as we move back to full-size production: our older editors are remembering how to print a newspaper, and our new editors are learning for the first time. We have new writers publishing their first articles, new copy editors reading things over and new photographers snapping pictures. And with over 2,800 Fordham freshmen, we have scores of new readers, too.

We are happy to have you — each and every one of you — with us for the transition to a post-COVID Fordham. We urge you to be kind to one another and kind to yourself, to recognize how much you’re capable of without setting unrealistic expectations, and most importantly, to stay safe and enjoy your college experience as much as possible.

Page 10

OPINION

September 15, 2021

To Boost or Not to Boost?

COURTESY OF TWITTER

As new data emerges, the need for vaccine boosters is uncertain, but we must still discuss booster distrubution.

By TINA SAVVAIDES

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Since the start of the pandemic, it has been clear that vaccines provide hope of preventing severe infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19. Since Pfizer and Moderna’s rollout in December 2020, followed by Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine in February 2021, over 379 million doses have been administered in the United States. New data is emerging regarding the necessity of vaccine boosters for the general public, and although scientists conclude that it is not needed right now, it is still important to consider booster distribution for when the time comes.

While vaccine boosters may seem like a great idea for all people, we must confront many ethical

questions about their distribution: Who should get them first? What about countries that still do not have enough doses for the first two shots? These questions and more are factors behind the hesitancy of rolling out widespread vaccine boosters.

We also should consider the rampant vaccine hesitancy that still pervades society. While vaccine mandates are being enforced, such as the latest mandate for children over 12 years of age in Los Angeles schools, we need to start focusing on vaccine education. Fears over side effects and the legitimacy of the clinical trials, as well as misinformation from the media, can drive people away from getting vaccinated.

For these reasons, we should focus on implementing vaccine boosters — a type of nanopharmaceutical

intervention — alongside education programs to combat the misinformation about vaccines.

Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, says that vaccine boosters should not be given to all Americans until further data is compiled.

He continues to state that the immunocompromised, people over 60 and healthcare workers should be the only people allowed to get the third dose.

Data from a study of veterans suggests that people over 65 years of age are the most likely to have decreased vaccine efficacy, although it is unclear whether this is due to the time elapsed since the first two doses or the delta variant. Looking at scientific data, it is evident that boosters are a good idea for those most vulnerable, including

the elderly. For these populations, the boost could be one of the best defenses in preventing hospitalization, especially when considering new variants.

The question that we are left to ponder is whether the rest of the population should also be allowed a booster shot, and if so, when that should be. Topol thinks that all other Americans should instead take nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as masking and social distancing. These precautions, along with being fully vaccinated, are an effective defense against new variants.

Since children under 12 are not eligible for a vaccine, nonpharmaceutical interventions are crucial for keeping them safe and preventing the spread of the virus.

Trusting the science and data at hand is vital to increasing the number of people fully vaccinated and keeping all people safe from infection due to increasingly contagious and harmful variants.

Additionally, many other countries still do not have enough doses to fully vaccinate their citizens.

Matshidiso Moeti and officials from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention argue that booster shots being distributed by wealthier countries is a move that completely disregards vaccine equity. In fact, less than 2% of people in Africa have been fully vaccinated, stressing the need to hold off on widespread boosts.

Knowing that billions of people around the globe remain unprotected should prompt countries with large numbers of doses to contribute to bridging this significant gap, as well as helping with vaccine education efforts.

Back in July 2021, the United States partnered with several African countries to donate 25 million COVID vaccines. However, this effort is not enough. More aid should be granted to countries in need. Forming more partnerships, such as the one between the United States and African nations, might be the best way to ensure vaccine equity and prevent variants from forming abroad.

Being fully vaccinated is still, on average, 80% effective in preventing hospitalization in adults over 65, and 95% effective for those 18 to 64. We should continue advocating for booster shots for the most vulnerable. We should continue taking precautionary steps for less vulnerable populations and encouraging vaccination. However, our efforts should not stop there. We must ensure that all nations can fully vaccinate their population in a timely manner before more new variants arise and compromise safety. Hopefully, these combined efforts bring us closer to a post-pandemic world.

Tina Savvaides, FCRH ’22, is a chemistry and theology major from Norwalk, Conn.

Texas Abortion Bill Erases Autonomy

By MORGAN SPILLMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Women’s abortion rights have been repeatedly compromised by the state of Texas since 1977, four years after the Supreme Court case Roe v.

Wade passed into law.

Texas has created several abortionrelated laws. The most recent bill, known as the “Heartbeat Bill,” was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott and went into effect on Sept. 1. This law blocks an abortion at six weeks gestation, which some argue is the time when the embryo’s heartbeat can be detected in an ultrasound.

This new law weaves its way around the 24-week federal precedent deemed by Roe v. Wade case and Casey v. Planned Parenthood.

Due to this, the new ban is not only inaccurate but also immoral. The only likely way to save women’s autonomy over their bodies is if Congress intervenes.

To provide context for this new bill, it is important to examine the history of reproductive law in Texas.

The Hyde amendment was one of the first laws to obstruct women’s freedom. Rep. Henry Hyde himself, among other members against abortion, “revealed their contempt for and mistrust of women.” The amendment “includes exceptions for life, rape and incest, but not for the health of the mother.” Despite not protecting the health of the mother, the amendment was deemed constitutional.

According to AVOWtexas, “The Hyde Amendment (1977) withholds abortion coverage from those qualified and enrolled in Medicaid health insurance program.” States had

been allowed to use funds from Medicaid to cover abortion; Texas cut off said funds immediately. Due to lack of coverage from the Hyde amendment, many women, like Rosie Jimenez from McAllen, Texas, died from unsafe abortion complications.

With the Casey v. Planned Parenthood case (1992), the Supreme Court ruled that states could regulate and restrict abortion, as long as the restrictions don’t impose an “undue burden” on abortion access. An undue burden, as defined by the court, is a “substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion before the fetus attains viability.” This case, along with Roe v. Wade, states that a woman has the right to abortion any time prior to fetal viability, which is around 24 weeks.

In 2004, Texas passed the “Women’s Right to Know” act, which required doctors to provide booklets dissuading women from having abortions, as well as sponsoring anti-abortion organizations for counseling 24

hours before a woman’s abortion. This act made it difficult for patients to go through with their decisions comfortably. In 2005, the 24-week ban was enacted, banning abortion care after 24 weeks since the patient’s last menstrual period.

That same year, Texas would fund anti-abortion clinics through the Alternatives to Abortion program, offering services to pregnant people that promoted pro-life sentiments. Services included “Counseling, mentoring, educational information and classes on pregnancy, parenting, adoption, life skills and employment readiness.”

Programs like these spawn anti-abortion propaganda since they encourage patients to follow through with pregnancy to delivery whether or not they are ready to sustain a child.

Texas passed a law in 2005 that required pregnant teens under the age of 18 to get parental consent in order to receive an abortion. This was significantly difficult for young teens who did not want to tell their parents out of

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The “Heartbeat Bill” went into effect in Texas on Wednesday, Sept. 1.

fear of being disowned or kicked out, thus placing an undue burden upon them. Planned Parenthood helps teens in that exact situation.

On their website, the organization provides step-by-step guidance on what pregnant teens can do if they do not want to tell their parents. However, in 2011, under the Affiliate Ban, Texas cut state funding to Planned Parenthood’s family planning clinics and did not include them in the Medicaid Women’s Health program. This made it even more strenuous for pregnant women to receive care.

In 2013, Texas passed a four-part HB2 Omnibus Abortion Bill which included even more restrictions on pregnant patients. Half of this bill required abortions to be performed in ambulatory surgical centers and that doctors had to have active admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles. However, these two major provisions were struck down by the Supreme Court due to the undue burden on women.

Most medical professionals and reproductive health experts say that an embryo does not have a developed heart at six weeks. For example, Dr. Nisha Verma, a physician and fellow at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said in a Texas Tribune interview that “the activity measured on an ultrasound in early gestation is electrical impulses, not a true heartbeat.” This would render the law medically inaccurate.

In addition, most women aren’t even aware that they are pregnant at the six-week stage. According to CNN, about 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, and people can’t even get an accurate pregnancy test until

six weeks. Women also don’t know they’re pregnant at the six-week stage because of the lack of symptoms and because periods can be extremely unpredictable. The combination of these factors should be enough to discredit the law.

However, the law’s format creates a loophole allowing private citizens to enforce the law by suing “anyone even remotely connected to getting someone an abortion … excluding the pregnant person” according to a Los Angeles Times article. These private citizens could be anyone objecting to said abortion. Cases where the woman was impregnated due to rape or incest are not exempt from this bill either.

If Congress codified the tenets of Roe vs. Wade, it would prohibit any loopholes. The House and the Senate both put out the same bill: “The Women’s Health Protection Act — which would not just guarantee the right to an abortion but would outlaw the absurd and unnecessary restrictions that states have on [people] and abortion providers.” These bills have not yet been voted on, but the House bill has 205 cosponsors, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The new abortion bill seems to do more harm than good as it once again compromises the rights of women.

Abortion restrictions are often disguised as “protectors of life,” yet they undermine the autonomy of women’s lives. In terms of weaving around legal loopholes, this new bill is a snake in the grass.

Morgan Spillman, FCRH ’23, is a journalism major from Los Angeles, Calif.

OPINION Biden is “Building Back” Trumpism as Approval Ratings Crumble September 15, 2021

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Biden’s approval ratings are sinking, due in part to his withdrawal of troops.

By NOAH OSBORNE STAFF WRITER

America, along with the rest of the world, was a different place a year ago as the nation’s most contentious presidential election in history kept Americans and world leaders on the edge of their seats. On Nov. 7, Biden’s win was enough to send many Americans jumping from their seats in celebration of the end of the Trump era. After more than eight months in office, it is clear just how much voters’ stance on the Biden administration has changed.

During the 2020 presidential election, a sentiment many Americans held was “anyone but Trump,” which led to support be-

hind Democratic candidate Joe Biden. However, when Americans’ honeymoon phase with Biden ended, individuals still found themselves faced with the COVID-19 pandemic running rampant.

The Biden administration remained determined to tackle COVID-19 with stringent mandates and to revive what was left of the economy in the wake of the pandemic. As if COVID-19 was not already enough of a defining challenge for the Biden administration, the world had yet to witness Biden’s disastrous withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

The decision alone was enough to draw disapproval from

Republicans. Senator Lindsey Graham called it “a disaster in the making.” Biden’s sinking approval ratings paint a larger picture of national ire. Following the botched withdrawal of American troops and Afghan allies, Biden’s rating plummeted to a meager 50.7%, down 10% since early August. Biden’s approval rating seems to have fallen alongside Afghanistan.

World powers remain shaken at the resurgence of the Taliban, which has effectively been given free reign in Afghanistan due to America’s withdrawal.

As if this was not harrowing enough, 13 U.S. service members were killed due to the violence at the Kabul airport as American troops and Afghan allies desperately tried to flee the now Taliban-run country. The tragedy that unfurled in Afghanistan was so catastrophic for Biden’s presidency that a new survey by Rasmussen Reports suggests Trump would defeat Biden by a six-point margin if the election were held today.

An election rematch between Biden and Trump seems increasingly likely, as Trump continues to comment on the cumbersome Afghanistan troop withdrawal, insisting he would have done a better job. Truthfully, there are areas where the former president particularly excelled over Biden, one of which being the handling

of Middle Eastern relations. Specifically, Trump was able to continue the Obama administration’s trend of scaling back the presence of ISIS in the Middle East. In a historic feat, Trump successfully had ISIS leader Al-Baghdadi executed in Syria. This sent the message that Americans would not be intimidated by acts of foreign terrorism.

While President Biden is improving America’s fragmented economy, Trump oversaw a flourishing economy before the arrival of the pandemic, with recordbreaking GDP and substantial job growth. Trump also focused on cultivating a stronger military presence. Even if the move was a rhetorical one, Trump effectively communicated the might of the American military so opposing world powers were made aware of its strength and power.

President Biden is currently failing at maintaining this power move with the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

President Biden has superseded Trump by leaps and bounds in several other key areas, the most notable being his pandemic response.

Where Trump reprehensibly downplayed the severity of the pandemic, Biden worked swiftly to make vaccines widely available to the public, and more than half of Americans are now fully vaccinated.

President Biden is also navigating the partisan divide better than his predecessor. Biden managed to garner the support of 19 Republicans for his $1 trillion infrastructure deal, highlighting the possibilities of bipartisanship. Infrastructure is another area where Biden holds the high ground over Trump. Not only is Biden focusing on passing a massive infrastructure bill, but he is dedicated to rebuilding areas ravaged by crises such as Hurricane Ida. It is understandable that some Biden voters are expressing a sort of “buyer’s remorse” following his troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, but to suddenly hail Trump as the answer to America’s problems is questionable and asinine.

The fall of Afghanistan exposed the Biden administration’s weak point in foreign affairs.

This was already made apparent when swarms of immigrant caravans forced their way through the southern border with a feeble response from Vice President Kamala Harris.

Immigration was the foundation of Trump’s campaign in 2016. In 2021, it is destroying Biden’s reputation and may be what reignites Trumpism in 2024.

Noah Osborne, FCRH ’23, is a journalism major from Harlem, N.Y.

Taliban’s Weapon Parade Symbolizes Failure of Afghanistan War

By MICHAEL SLUCK

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Wednesday, Sept. 1, the Taliban celebrated their victory in Afghanistan with a parade in Kandahar.

It wouldn’t have been that shocking of an event were it not for the main spectacle of the parade — captured military vehicles and weapons, many of them financed by the United States. The captured hardware includes armored vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, drones and guns. The sight of the Taliban parading around with America’s weapons was a disheartening one.

It is disturbing that the Taliban possesses powerful weapons that might fall into the hands of other terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and could eventually be used against Americans.

The risk of this, however, seems minimal compared to the fact that many of these devices, such as Black Hawk helicopters, are complex machines not easily used without training. Additionally, the Taliban possesses neither the materials nor the expertise to repair these devices should they become damaged. Nonetheless, it is still a threat that they will use these weapons with disastrous effects on the international community.

It is disturbing that many of the less complex weapons, like the smaller arms and night vision goggles, might be used against anti-Taliban forces in Afghanistan. Despite their promises to be a more moderate regime, the Taliban has already begun cracking down on internal dissent and attacking protesters who demanded women’s rights. Any attempts at revolution will be hindered by the Taliban’s vastly superior weaponry gained from the United States.

The idea that other foreign powers, namely China, might gain access to this technology and use it to discover U.S. vulnerabilities in weapons and technology is also concerning.

Besides the physical components of these weapons, much of what the U.S. left behind contained vital information about the nature of our cybersecurity and communications systems.

To say the retreat from Afghanistan was humiliating for the United States is an understatement. It’s not so much that we chose to leave — 63% of Americans were in favor of the decision to remove troops — but rather the way in which it was carried out. Instead of a smooth, orderly transition of power, the retreat ended

up becoming a mad dash to the exits, leaving thousands of Afghans who worked for the U.S. stranded.

The weapons we provided to the Afghan army ending up in the hands of the Taliban only underscores the point that the entire war strategy was flawed. On the world stage, the United States looked ineffective and weak, much to the glee of Iran, China and Russia.

The most disheartening part of this entire scene is not the actual threat that these weapons pose: the images of the Taliban sporting these weapons is a symbol of what an enormous waste the war in Afghanistan was.

The United States spent 20 years in Afghanistan. During that time, we spent $2 trillion on the war, or roughly $300 million a day. More than 6,000 Americans were killed, along with thousands of our Afghan and NATO allies. Thousands more returned home injured and traumatized. Millions of Afghans were displaced from their homes.

Looking at photos of the mess and destruction, we must ask ourselves: for what?

An analysis by the Council on Foreign Relations concluded that the Taliban is stronger now than it has

been at any point in the last 20 years.

The Taliban have already begun segregating college classes by gender, banning women from playing sports and beating and whipping protesters.

Currently, 61% of Americans believe the war in Afghanistan wasn’t worth it, the same percentage who believed that in 2014.

We fought in Afghanistan to stop it from being a base for terrorism. We sacrificed lives to establish a democratic government with equal rights for women. We spent trillions of

dollars setting up the Afghan government so that when we inevitably left, they would be able to protect themselves.

One only has to look at the images of the Taliban soldiers, holding American weapons and parading through city streets, to know that we failed.

Michael Sluck, FCRH ’24, is a political science and computer science major from Verona, N.J.

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On Sept. 1, the Taliban celebrated its victory in Afghanistan with a parade.

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CULTURE

September 15, 2021

Editor’s Pick | True Crime

When a True Crime Case Keeps You Up at Night

BY VANESSA DEJESÚS PRODUCTION EDITOR

In the week leading up to writing this article, I was agonizing over what new tv show I should write about to fit what the Editor’s Pick column usually covers. But really, other than rewatching old episodes of SVU, most of the media I consume is centered around one thing: true crime. I have spent many a night down the Reddit rabbit hole, and during the Zoom university days I would always surf murderpedia.com during my dryer lectures. This obsession started with true crime podcasts like My Favorite Murder and Histoires and Mysteries (formerly Fat, French and Fabulous), but has since branched out to literally any media about crime I could get my hands on. So, I have decided to share with you of the most gruesome, haunting, confusing and frustrating cases I have ever come across: the disappearance of The Yuba County Five.

On the evening of February 24, 1978, five friends, Jack “Jackie” Huett, 24; Gary Mathias, 25; Bill Sterling, 29; Jack Madruga, 30 and Ted Weiher, 32 piled into Madruga’s turquoise 1969 Mercury Montego and went to a college basketball game at California State University, Chico.

The men, colloquially referred to by their family as “our boys,” never returned home that night.

This case is often called “The American Dyatlov Pass Incident”

because of some of the striking similarities between the two cases.

The Dyatlov Pass Incident refers to the unsolved deaths of nine hikers in the Ural Mountains in what was then the Soviet Union. These men went missing on February 1, 1959, the hikers were found absolutely ravaged by an unknown force: one was missing their eyeballs, one their tongue and another their eyebrows, among other bizarre and traumatic injuries. The six other men died of hypothermia. But that’s another absolutely terrifying case.

Police began searching for the boys almost immediately. On February 28, authorities found Jack Madruga’s car on a long winding mountain road, deep in the mountains of the Plumas National Forest, well past the snowline. The car was found almost three hours northeast of Chico, the exact opposite direction of the boys’ hometown of Yuba City. There was no evidence of foul play at the site. In fact, the police found that the car was still operational, and had a quarter tank of gas left. However, the car was found unlocked and one window was rolled part of the way down.

There was also no damage to the car, which led investigators to believe that whoever drove the car up the mountain would have had to know the route well enough to anticipate every bump and turn in the unlit and rugged terrain.

Inside the car, the police found candy wrappers, empty milk cartons

and programs from the basketball game the boys had attended that day.

They left the basketball game in Chico, drove in the exact opposite direction of home (Yuba City), abandoned the slightly perturbed car in a snow drift in the remote Plumas National Forest and were never seen alive again. According to the boys’ parents and the police, there is no feasible or obvious reason for the boys to have driven further away from home.

In fact, the boys, who were a part of a recreational basketball league, had a championship game the next day and by all accounts, would not have missed it for the world.

The initial search was unsuccessful in finding anything beyond the car, was called off prematurely because of inclimate weather, and was postponed until the first thaw. After the snow melted in June 1978, the search for the Yuba County Five was resumed and the heavily decomposed bodies of Madruga, Huett, Sterling and Weiher were found 20 miles from where the Montego was discovered months ago, in and around a forestry services trailer.

The bodies of Madruga and Sterling were found about 11 miles up the road from where the car was abandoned. There was evidence of animal scavenging, and autopsies concluded that the two men had died of hypothermia.

They likely never made it to the trailer. Jackie Huett’s body was found by his father, only two miles from the trailer. The police urged Huett’s fa-

ther not to participate in the search for the boys, but he would not be deterred.

Unfortunately, when he uncovered and retrieved the jacket that Jackie was wearing that day his spine fell out of the jacket. The police think that Jackie made it to the trailer and left to find help for his friend, Ted Weiher. Perhaps the most puzzling aspect of this case is how Ted actually met his demise. Inside the trailer Weiher’s body was found on a bed with eight bed sheets stretched and wrapped around him, completely covering his body and head, but leaving his lower legs exposed. His feet were badly frostbitten and gangrenous. His shoes were nowhere to be found.

The forestry trailer that Weiher was stocked with enough food and provisions to support five men for almost a year. There were lockers full of food rations, fuel, propane heat, a fireplace, heavy winter clothes and blankets.

There was no sign of Gary Mathias among the bodies or in the trailer except for his sneakers, which were found in the trailer. A medical examiner determined that Ted had lived for 8 - 13 weeks after his disappearance, based on his beard growth and almost 100-pound weight loss. There had been no attempt at making a fire, despite the freezing temperatures at the time and for months after their disappearance. On the table next to him were some of his personal effects, and a gold watch, missing its face, which none of the boys’ fami-

lies recognized as his.

There are countless theories as to exactly what transpired on the night of the boys’ disappearance and what the circumstances of their demise were. Many of them are not worth their salt. But one thing is generally agreed upon: that the boys must have seen something either at the basketball game or elsewhere that frightened them and made them flee into the mountains. One of things that bothers me the most is that Ted Weiher seems to have died of starvation, in a trailer surrounded by food and suffering from severe frostbite in a trailer equipped with gas and heat.

One of the reasons that this case has not gotten the media attention it deserves is that all of the missing men suffered from developmental delays, intellectual disabilities and/or psychiatric conditions. The sad reality of this case is that, at the time, society would have considered it a lower priority to locate these men, because of their disabilities. I mentioned this at the very end of my article so as not to take away from the more pertinent facts of the case. Because he was never found, many people have jumped to blame Gary Mathias for the suspicious deaths of the other four boys, but given there is no substantial evidence that suggests foul play, I don’t buy it. I also don’t hold with passing the blame on someone simply because of their mental illness.

Gary Mathias is presumed dead, but remains a missing person. He would be 68 today.

Obama Portraits are Extraordinary Yet Accessible

BY JOSEPH ROUKA

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Since their unveiling in 2018 at the National Portrait Gallery, the portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama have served as a destination for visitors across the country and around the globe.

After donning the walls of Chicago’s Art Institute — the site of the couple’s first date — they have now made their way to New York, settling from Aug. 27 until Oct. 24 within the charming con-

fines of the Brooklyn Museum, the second stop of a five-part tour of the country. They will travel to Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston before returning to Washington D.C.; they will be accessible to millions who did not have the chance to visit them previously.

Not only is the pair of portraits historic because they depict the first Black American president and first lady, but the artists themselves — Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald — are the first African

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The Obama portraits are currently on view at the Brooklyn Museum until Oct. 24.

Americans to be commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to create any official presidential portrait.

According to the exhibit’s walls, Wiley, the New Yorkbased portraitist of the former president, is known for depicting “everyday Black sitters.”

This mimics the subjects of traditional paintings in Europe, made to look grand, bold, and valiant.

In a short clip on display, Wiley states that he “paints the powerless,” glorifying his subjects like heroes while simultaneously underlining the fact that “Brown and Black people have been written out of mainstream history.”

“I was always struck,” the former president said in an interview regarding Wiley, “by the degree to which [the portraits] challenged our conventional rules of power and privilege.” The latest presidential portrait does just that.

While Wiley depicts Obama as the powerful and influential man he is, he slouches forward in his chair, his wedding ring is on full display and he abandons a tie. Two of the buttons on his shirt are even undone.

He is approachable and compassionate, but it is also clear he holds great accomplishments.

Wiley’s expertise highlights

that, even in art, the former president is a man of the people.

Obama is engulfed in a backdrop of lush foliage. The colorful flowers behind him symbolize different aspects of his background, subtly telling a story of his life. The white jasmine references Hawai’i, Obama’s birthplace and childhood home; the African blue lilies are an homage to his Kenyan father, who died when he was 21 years old; and the bright chrysanthemums are the official flower of Chicago, the city where his political career commenced, as well as where he met Michelle.

Sherald, the artist chosen for Michelle, is known for painting Black subjects from her community. Her work is usually done on solid backgrounds in order to accentuate the subjects. Sherald paints skin tones in greyscale, inspired by historic black and white photographs, which, according to the Art Institute, she remembers as the first time she had seen Black Americans highly represented in art.

Upon their first meeting, the former first lady immediately knew that she wanted Sherald to complete her portrait.

“There was an instant connection,” she said during an interview on display at the exhibit, “that kind of sister-girl connection,” a bond that lasted

throughout the entire process.

Michelle’s portrait is drastically different from her husband’s but just as powerful. She is placed on a solid pale blue backdrop, sitting confidently with a hand thoughtfully beneath her chin. The lower portion of the painting is filled by the skirt of her dress, abstract and geometrically patterned, mimicking the quiltmaking traditions belonging to Black women in Gee’s Bend, Alabama.

Her wedding ring, just like her husband’s, is also visible to the viewer. The billowing folds of the dress, delicate pose and soothing tones depict the former first lady as a political Aphrodite, making clear that femininity is no barrier for American influence.

“We see our best selves in her,” Sherald claimed. It is clear she is someone “women can relate to—no matter what shape, size, race or color.”

It is necessary for young boys and girls, specifically young boys and girls of color, to be able to gaze at the walls of a museum and see somebody who looks like them, which is exactly what the tour of these portraits — portraits that so beautifully depict Black excellence — allows, opening the door for so many young people to behold.

“One visit, one performance, one touch” Michelle observed, “and who knows how you could spark a child’s imagination.”

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September 15, 2021

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Michael K. Williams’ Legacy Lives On

By Taylor Mascetta STAFF WRITER

During his time on HBO’s “The Wire,” actor Michael K. Williams would have one question for the producers before the start of each season. “Why are we even doing this?” he asked, aiming to cement a sense of meaning behind his craft. Finding the answer to this question defined Williams’ storied career, as he wanted his work to resonate with his audiences, giving them something to relate to and learn from.

Therefore, his death on Sept. 6 left a void in the entertainment industry. Authorities found him in his Williamsburg, Brooklyn apartment at about 2 p.m., according to the NYPD. At the moment, authorities are treating his death as a suspected drug overdose, but nothing has been confirmed. He was 54.

Even though the world lost an immense talent that day, Williams’ legacy is already making an im-

pact. Projects from the early 2000s often reeked with colorism and homophobia, and Williams played a huge role in unearthing these hateful stigmas.

Williams always considered Brooklyn his home, having spent his youth in the Vanderveer Projects of East Flatbush. He never envisioned himself leaving his borough, but he eventually left to enroll in the NYC-based National Black Theatre as a teenager. While Williams did work with pharmaceutical companies for some time, his heart always remained with the arts. He quit his job and stopped by various record labels and dance companies, searching for his big break.

Williams reached stardom through a series of unforeseen circumstances. On his 25th birthday, Williams found himself in a “barroom brawl” on Jamaica Avenue where someone slashed his cheek with a razor blade. The attack result-

ed in Williams’ signature scar, which stretched across half of his face. His intimidating appearance brought him a lot of attention, as casting directors saw him as a perfect fit for tougher, “thug” roles in music videos.

The late rapper Tupac Shakur discovered Williams after coming across a Polaroid picture of him. “I hated Polaroid ’cause you could never see me, and I had this dark purple sweatshirt on that had the word “gravy” on it,” Williams told The Hollywood Reporter in 2011. “He saw that, he said he could see my scar, and he said, ‘Yo! Go find this dude — this dude looks thugged out enough to play my little brother!’” The rest is history — Williams booked the role in Tupac’s film “Bullet,” which led to guest-star appearances across a multitude of shows such as “Law & Order,” “The Sopranos” and “Deadline.”

In 2002, Williams auditioned for a new HBO series called “The Wire,” a crime drama that ex-

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Michael K. Williams’ resilience and expertise paved the way for countless Black creators in the entertainment industry.

plored the relationship between law enforcement and constituents of the city of Baltimore. After a single audition, producers immediately gave him the role of Omar Little, a notorious stickup man known for his thievery.

Omar was only supposed to appear as a minor character in seven episodes, but from the moment that he stepped on screen, he immediately won over fans’ hearts and prompted the showrunners to prolong his presence on the show. Williams shed a new light on a character that would, presumably, be considered the epitome of masculinity, instead bringing a sense of tenderness to the criminal. Williams wanted to keep Omar both vulnerable and volatile, all while maintaining his intelligence and commitment to his “moral code.”

“My only job was to make him — you were gonna feel him,” Williams explained. “You may not like him, you may actually hate him — that is your decision — but one thing my job was to do was I was gonna make damn sure you were gonna feel him.”

Williams’ commitment to representation and defying heteronormative standards is what made Omar Little so special. The character was a feared man walking the streets of Baltimore, but he was so much more than his reputation. He was also openly gay, unashamed of his identity and took pride in his relationships.

To Williams, showcasing Omar’s sexuality was personal. “I saw a lot of homophobia in my community,” Williams explained to the New York Times back in

2019. “Omar definitely helped soften the blow of homophobia in my community, and it opened up a dialogue, definitely.”

After “The Wire’s” conclusion in 2008, Williams went on to portray more gay characters, such as HIVpositive activist Ken Jones in “When We Rise” (2019) and father-figure Montrose Freeman in “Lovecraft Country” (2020). “What was really amazing about Michael K. Williams was that he was unafraid of playing Black gay men in Hollywood,” Emil Wilbekin, a former editor for Vibe magazine, told NBC News. “That was taboo then and still is today. He was willing to play those roles and push back against heteronormativity in Hollywood.”

Nevertheless, Williams still faced his own demons, which took the form of a drug addiction. Overwhelmed by “The Wire’s” successful first season, Williams went into “an emotional tailspin,” resulting in severe substance abuse. However, Williams remained transparent about his struggles, hoping that his story would resonate with others experiencing a similar struggle.

Michael K. Williams’ resilience, expertise and openness paved the way for countless other Black creators in the entertainment industry, showing the world that showcasing vulnerabilities and one’s true self is completely okay. Akiba Solomon, Slate journalist, said, “Without Omar, there is no Tyler the Creator, Young Thug, or Kid Cudi wearing a Kurt Cobain– inspired dress on Saturday Night Live without major repercussions.” Williams is survived by his son, Elijah, and a legacy that will last for years to come.

Welcome Back: Ram Crossword Across 1. “Go Fordham ___” 5. Japanese metropolis or tennis star 10. Singer in Mamma Mia sequel 14. The Magic Flute highlight 15. Buddha Day, formally 16. Int’l. economic org. (CODE anagram) 17. Sharp wire or Minaj fan 18. Rights in an atlas 19. Wrestling surfaces 20. Founder of Outlier fashion house 23. Of a sort or genre 24. Narrowing of the spinal canal 26. Explosive abbr.

28. Absurd 2020 Nolan film 30. Domino effect (4 words) 36. ___ or nothing 37. California/Nevada border lake 38. “And I ___” 39. Different interests saying (4 words) 44. Greek name meaning “thorn” 45. Edible fish eggs 46. Bose products 51. Bovine faucet 55. Mergings of minority and majority customs 57. Foldable beds 59. Papal homophone, or what the Pope is 60. Earlier (abbr.)

61. Air of mystique 62. Sir ___ John 63. Barcelona-based transport org. (abbr.)

64. Jump into the _ 65. Notes counterparts, musically 66. Snake’s emanation Down 1. Moroccan capital 2. James Joyce short story 3. Mission impairment report (PRIME anagram) 4. Keep holy the ___ 5. ___ the Hedge 6. Sewn joints 7. Possibly frozen liability antonym 8. Tokyo 2020 standout Ledecky 9. 9-digit ID in Seward’s folly (2 abbrs.)

10. Cry upon a visible discovery 11. “Spiderwoman” jazz band (3 words) 12. Electroconvulsve therapy for those under anesthesia (abbr.)

13. Aves. alternative 21. Thin arm bone 22. Where bad movies are released direct (2 words) 25. University in South Orange, NJ. 27. Tight; Nimble (antiquated) 29. One-third of a tbsp.

30. Soothing plants 31. Queen of the Nile

32. ___Geo 33. Ahh counterpart 34. Friend or ___ 35. Energy efficiency implementation rate (abbr.)

36. Communications giant (without the &) 40. English class assignment (2 words)

41. FBIs counterparts 42. Beat decisively 43. Rex in a Sophocles play 47. NFL Draft analyst Mel 48. French author Zola 49. Not-quite-peaceful protests 50. Anagram for yoga flower pose

52. The Golden Notebook author Lessing 53. TENSE anagram 54. Responds to an invitation 56. Common protein coding gene (abbr.)

57. Much-maligned Fordham eatery (abbr.)

58. Yours and mine

Page 16

CULTURE

September 15, 2021

“80 Blocks From Tiffany’s” Celebrates the Bronx

By Ilaina Kim

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Imbued with grit and stamina, Shellyne Rodriguez brings the entity of the Bronx to unadulterated technicolor life in “80 Blocks From Tiffany’s: The Insistence of Life on the Periphery of Empire.” This online exhibit by artist, community organizer, educator and writer Shellyne Rodriguez is available through the Bronx Museum of the Arts as a kaleidoscopic homage to New York City’s northernmost borough.

Perusing the exhibition, we first find ourselves under the guarded gaze of young men on the Pugsley Avenue stoop in “Neighborhood Watch.” Our ears nearly buzz with the sound of the Cross Bronx Expressway, deeply striated by delivery boys on their bikes.

Mr. Softee fills the streets with a familiar sweetness as women roll a winning 4, 5, 6 in a game of Ceelo. Yet, beneath street level and oil on canvas, Rodriguez paints a narrative of the unabashed sense of survival that persists against subjugation and erasure. Her raw depictions of still life, neighbors and families are an homage to the stewardship of communities within the Bronx — there is no room for voicelessness despite speculation and displacement from beyond its city borders.

“Hillary Paints a Banner” is a colored pencil depiction of the FTP3 protests in the Bronx. Upon release of the movie “Joker,” many flocked to the step street connecting Shakespeare and Anderson Avenues on West 167th Street where Joaquin Phoenix made his descent into villainhood. As tourists began to congregate, the “Joker Stairs” became a scourge for Bronx natives. Contributing to Rodriguez’s grand narrative of identity erasure, “Hillary Paints a Banner” is a critique of the hypocritical gentrification and reappropriation of criminalized ethnic communities.

“Neighborhood Watch” and “Uptown Vinyl Supreme,” in all their candid splendor, are archives of conversation on the streets of the Bronx. Though the former is initially mundane in appearance, the viewer falls under its gaze as if they were walking past the stoop themselves. They conduct their own surveillance, self-made and maverick. Perched on the “periphery of the empire,” those who come and go are kept under a watchful eye. The stoop itself has transcended it’s architectural confines — it’s a safe haven, a soapbox and a piece of real estate for fortuitous friendships. Similarly, “Uptown Vinyl” immerses us in the communion of music. Rich in hip

hop and rap history, through this archiving of local deejays “Uptown Vinyl Supreme” is an ode to music as a way of life. A mosaic of cultures, the population boom in the 1960s led to the whimsical fusion of Black and Latino influences. From immigrants to the youth cultivating playlists for apartment parties, hip hop became a means of creating art forms as defiance in the face of those who wanted to silence them. Music has leveled the playing field for people of color, a message that echoes as we hear Afrika Bambaataa booming in passing cars and samba jazz within the windows of bodegas.

“May we outlive our oppressors,” Rodriguez writes in her description for “Three Card Hustle.”

Grit is an underlying motif in the artist’s canon, a quality that manifests itself into the daring and unabashed navigation of life that’s absolutely necessary for survival.

Lisa Ortega, a Nuyorican community organizer for Take Back the Bronx is depicted rolling a 4, 5, 6 — the winning numbers for a game of Ceelo. Poised at the table, she contemplates the dice before her as she brandishes a switchblade. The next roll may not be as lucky, as Rodriguez writes, “she is a survivor and a fighter and has had to navigate a life where the stakes have been high.” Despite

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Rodriguez’s “Mr. Softee,” a colored pencil drawing, depicts an ice cream truck.

the odds, she braces herself from within the walls of her pre-war apartment. Full of life, the underground economy is lived through street-card games on the block. “Three Card Hustle” is a silent celebration of the ingenuity in these diverse communities.

Though varied in archetypes, the locals are united by a sense of street smarts and awareness that has become a character of

its own.

Poised yet visceral, sampled and remixed, Shellyne Rodriguez’s depiction of the Bronx is a narrative like no other. Rooted in intimacy, she creates a portrait of the borough through the voice of its inhabitants and still life. Healing, breaking, fighting — the Bronx is an emblem of those who simultaneously survive and live with unabashed vibrancy.

Ferragosto Is an Italian Wonderland

By James Smythe

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I came to this university on a whim. After an informational session in Duane Library and skipping the walking tour, my father and I went to Pugsley Pizza — thanks to a recommendation from the Bathgate guard. It was there that I first heard it. In their booths, on the patio and behind the counter, I heard the voice of Italian America. I was compelled to go to the neighborhood. I had to be here. I had to get to know these people. I had to taste their food, dance to their music and listen to their stories. Thanks to COVID, freshman year didn’t give me much of a chance. But,

come September of sophomore year, the Ferragosto Festival was in full swing, and I got what I came for.

Traditionally, the Ferragosto Festival celebrated the end of the harvest season, where weary Italians fled their cities to relax with the fruits of their labor.

Now, it’s a yearly festival of food, song and jumping from spot to spot in New York wherever Italians are found. It was held on Arthur Avenue this past Sunday, Sept. 12.

Most attendees are Italian Americans from the Bronx. But, if you look closer, you’ll see people from all walks of life. Repre-

sentatives from all five boroughs have come to join our little parade, and from the looks on their faces, they’re better for it.

There’s not a solemn face in the crowd. Maybe they’re still riding Italy’s victory in the Euro Cup final, or maybe they’re just happy to have the festival back. I reckon it’s a combination of the two.

The Ferragosto Festival starts from 187th Street at Full Moon Pizza and ends at 184th right at Prince Coffee. In between, there isn’t a dull spot. If you haven’t seen the Bronx before, you will here. Never in my life have I seen more gold chains draped over graphic tees. There’s a lot

JAMES SMYTHE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

The Ferragosto Festival took place on Sunday in the Bronx. Visitors sampled a wide variety of Italian foods.

of love in this festival, but a lot of business as well — business that doesn’t like being interrupted. Upon asking a cigar vendor his thoughts on the festival, he waved his arms at me saying, “Forto, forto. Forto!” I know that word doesn’t mean “leave,” but that’s certainly what he meant.

That’s not to suggest that people I met at Ferragosto were not friendly, quite the opposite. The people I met in my brief tour showed me some of the greatest hospitality one can show to a stranger. One lovely couple, after taking my picture, offered me a cappuccino. Asking for nothing in return, they went on their way. Nico Toliano, spokesman for The Wooden Spoon, offered me a delightful conversation and an authentic wooden spoon with my name engraved.

Taking a left at 185th, passers-by came en masse to listen to Graziana Maria Lazzaro. “Ay Mambo! Mambo Italiano!” she sings. There’s some light clapping from some of the older onlookers. It’s clear they know the song and are pleased with the rendition.

A little further down, you get a tasteful rendition of “Uptown Funk” in front of Gene’s Beans.

“I’ll say it again, is the Bronx in the house?” Similar activities take place outside Pasquale’s Rigoletto. Festival goers, young and old, boogie down to Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” sung by a man in a pompadour. In between the two, outside Mario’s

Restaurant, entertainers sing “The Way You Look Tonight” to a newly engaged couple. “Are you Italian?” the singer asks the groom-to-be. “No, but my fiancé is.” “Well, you’re Italian now.”

By far, the greatest musical performance came from the dynamic duo Angelo Coppola and Luigi Trombetta, an accordion player and tambourine player, respectively. Strangers danced and spun and dipped. Words cannot describe the immense pleasure I received from Angelo playing the accordion. I didn’t know it was possible to shred one of those things, but Angelo found a way.

If you haven’t had enough of what Ferragosto has to offer by now, treat yourself to one of the local food vendors. Just make sure you bring cash. Little Italy in the Bronx, a local sauce company, handed out free samples of their sauces. I had the best marinara sauce I’ve ever had in my life. Go and ask for Janet and Mike; they’ll fix you up.

As I sat down reflecting on the day, I looked over towards 184th and saw three f lags gently wav ing in the breeze— two Italian and one American.

They looked at peace, almost as if they were meant to fly together. No one said it better than Angelo Coppola, the accordion player: “Keep the Italian tradition going.” Ferragosto is the perfect way to honor that.

September 15, 2021

CULTURE

Kat’s Mental Health Column | Kat Timofeyev

Coping With “Eco Grief” With the rise of climate change related stress, students should keep their mental health and safety in mind.

Over the past two weeks, students moved into their dorms and breathed a sigh of relief as they prepared for their first ‘normal’ semester since the beginning of the pandemic. Many were excited to get back to traditional classes and activities. Students and professors alike got ready for a fully in-person semester and were set to start classes on Wednesday, Sept. 1. This was a relatively light day for Fordham as most upperclassmen do not have classes on Wednesdays, so for them Thursday would have been the true start. But sadly, the hype of a fully in-person semester was brutally disrupted by Hurricane Ida, which flooded campus and resulted in a two-day closure.

As the University scrambled to repair the damage caused by the storm, students and professors once again met on Zoom instead of in the classroom. Beyond the disappointment, many simply had no desire to be online for class again. Some professors tried to brighten their students’ moods by making jokes about never thinking they’d be on Zoom again, while others cancelled class entirely and hoped that they’d see their students in person the following week.

Of course, having the start of the school year disrupted like this may have brought up some of the unpleasant feelings of the pandemic. Many may have been reminded of the isolation and the fear they felt during the pandemic, not knowing what would come next and when things would return to normal again. Others may have simply felt discouraged, having amped

themselves up for an in-person experience that was once again going to be taken away from them.

These feelings are not exclusive to Fordham students who were unsettled by a rocky start to what they hoped would be a return to normalcy.

The prevalence of natural disasters has been increasing throughout the world, leading to an increase in anxiety in many individuals.

Some are describing the distress associated with experiencing climate change as “eco grief.” This can refer to the sadness one feels as animals go extinct, the horror one experiences watching the raging California fires on TV or the anxiety one faces as they think about the changing climate. According to the American Psychological Association, around 70% of Americans described themselves as anxious about the effect of climate change. Considering this poll was from almost exactly a year ago, it’s likely that this percentage has increased given the constant disasters we have been witnessing.

It is also important to consider the

combined toll of “eco grief” with the physical harms individuals are facing with the rise of climate change. Even at Fordham, in a location that typically does not get such severe weather, the basement of Walsh Library was completely flooded, as were several other campus buildings and even student apartments. In many cases, and increasingly so, climate disasters are not just something we watch on TV; they are something we personally experience and must cope with. The stress of receiving a severe weather alert is becoming more and more frightening as climate change starts to hit closer and closer to home.

At the end of the day, there unfortunately is not much that can alleviate the pain that comes with climate change, nor can a single individual stop climate change themselves. The best advice one can give is to do your best to cope and do what you can to keep yourself safe. The reality is that we will continue to face these situations and cannot combat climate change ourselves, so do what you can and cope how you can in the meantime.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

The basement of Walsh Library was flooded during Hurricaine Ida.

Page 17

Tacos El Bronco II Serves the Perfect Taco

By Elizabeth Wertz

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Tacos El Bronco II is a mustvisit taco truck in the Bronx.

Filled with many remarkable restaurants, Arthur Avenue is host to many great but expensive spots. Still, I have struggled to find an affordable taco spot that I really enjoy. So, in pursuit of good Mexican food that did not break the bank, I ventured a little bit further away from Fordham and discovered the food truck Tacos El Bronco II. Tacos El Bronco II is approximately a 30-minute commute from campus but well worth the trip. Located on the corner of White Plains Road and Lydig Avenue, students can choose to make the 30-minute walk or take the Bx22 bus to shorten the trip.

At first sight, the food truck does not look like much on a street corner under the MetroNorth tracks. There is little to no atmosphere around the truck and no seating, which may seem like a concern at first. However, Tacos El Bronco II’s location provides easy access to Pelham Park, allowing students to take their food to-go and picnic in the park.

When you walk up to the truck, the employees inside are focused, efficient and friendly.

The truck was relatively busy when I went; however, I only waited about five minutes for my food.

The menu is limited, which

makes ordering very simple. Tacos El Bronco II only offers tacos. However, they have a wide range of meat options, allowing the customer to mix many different flavors into their meal. Each taco comes in two corn tortillas and topped with cilantro and onions. For drink options, the food truck offers Coke products, water and Jarritos Mexican soda — a personal favorite.

I ordered one chicken and one fried pork taco. Both were excellent, and the varying meats meshed different flavors. Additionally, the tacos came with green salsa and red salsa. Even though the tacos were simple, they had an abundance of flavor, which appears to be lacking in Fordham food.

Notwithstanding the savory tacos, the main selling point of Tacos El Bronco II is the price.

Each taco costs $2.50, and the drinks range from one to two dollars. My order of two tacos and a can of soda came out to $6, making this one of the cheapest meals I have had during my time at Fordham. The food truck is cash only, which is worth the sacrifice for an inexpensive and highquality meal.

Tacos El Bronco II is the perfect restaurant if you are looking for a break from the Fordham food or craving authentic tacos.

The low prices of the delicious food make it the perfect meal for you and your friends.

Who’s That Kid? | It’s Christopher Zissimatos GSB’23!

Gabelli Junior Dreams of Working in a Fashion House

By Michael Hernandez

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Hofstra, Saint John’s, American University and Fordham. Those were the choices that Christopher Zissimatos, GSB ’23, faced three years ago when deciding on where to go to college. However, the moment he received a letter of acceptance from Fordham, he cancelled the four other college applications and committed to Fordham University. When asked about his decision to join the Ramily, he said that he chose Fordham because of “the school’s various business programs and connections, as well as its proximity to the heart of the city.” His father also received his MBA from Fordham, so he already had a connection with the university.

Zissimatos, who is 20, was born in Manhasset, New York and currently resides in Queens. As a junior, he lives on campus in Finlay Hall. Zissimatos attended Chaminade High School, where he was a member of various clubs, but his proudest achievement was becoming a member of the National Honor Society. He was also the president of the Culinary Arts club, where students learned how to prepare a variety of dishes. In addition, he participated in the Debate club. Here, Zissimatos learned how to formulate

arguments and articulate them to other people.

Zissimatos is currently majoring in Public Accountancy and minoring in Business Law and Ethics. He has high aspirations after his time here at Fordham. After he finishes Fordham’s five-year Accounting program & obtains a CPA, Zissimatos wants to return to Fordham for law school. Upon completing law school and passing the bar exam, he wants to get a job merging his accounting and legal knowledge, such as in mergers and acquisitions: “I’ve always wanted to become a lawyer and honestly, I haven’t considered any other career paths.” Zissimatos’ ultimate goal is to obtain a career at a fashion house such as LVMH. He cites watch-industry pioneer JeanClaude Biver & Blackrock CEO Larry Fink as two of his personal business heroes. A major part of his aspirations for fashion are attempting to solve fashion’s major carbon footprint by finding sustainable ways to produce fashionable clothing and accessories. His major focuses are on traditional menswear and luxury watches. He is also an avid suit collector and has a special record at his high school.

Zissimatos is the only student to have participated in the faculty v. senior basketball team while wear-

ing a three-piece suit. When asked about this peculiar record, Zissimatos said that he did it because he was “bored.”

In addition to his academic pursuits, Zissimatos is also heavily involved on campus, serving on the e-board of the Contemporary Science Fiction club as its event coordinator. Contemporary Science Fiction (CSF) is a club where students gather from 4-6:30 on Fridays in Keating Hall to play video games, Dungeons & Dragons and board games. “It really is like no other club on campus. It may sound really nerdy, but in truth it’s nothing more than a place where students can relax from their classes and make friends,” Zissimatos said. In his tenure as the event coordinator, he hopes to plan fashion club events that bring the club closer together and serve to help the new members become more involved. “For me this club was really the place where I made the most friends. I barely had any coming into my freshman year and this club really served as the place where I made all of my friends.”

In addition to CSF, he currently works as a luxury reseller and the inhouse fashion expert at an auction company. At the auction company, he manages the clothing lots, or-

ganizing them by styles, seasons and brands. Before his current job, he was an intern at the International Trade Administration, a subset of the Department of Commerce. Zissimatos was also a teacher’s assistant for the ground floor course, which is mandatory

for all freshmen in Gabelli. With Fordham now back in person after a year of mostly online courses, he is excited to continue his studies: “I’m looking forward to in-person classes and being able to interact with other students that isn’t over a computer.”

COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER ZISSIMATOS, GSB ‘23 FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Christopher Zissimatos, GSB ‘23, plans to go to law school after graduating.

SPORTS

Page 18

September 15, 2021

Fordham Sports Analytics Society Inks Partnership with Fordham Athletics

By ALEXANDER WOLZ SPORTS EDITOR

Look at any sports competition at the moment, whether a basketball arena or an MLB baseball game. It may look the same on the surface — the sights and sounds of an ordinary event — but players have a different approach, coaches have an eye toward another facet of the game and sports are beginning to lean in an entirely new direction: analytics.

What began as a hobby, likely some data-obsessed fans crunching the numbers on their favorite players, has evolved into a fully faceted part of sports. Teams now devote entire departments to tracking and compiling statistical data to gain a competitive advantage on their opponents. This phenomenon is not just the case for professional sports, but college athletics as well. Fordham Athletics recently announced that it will be partnering with the university’s student-run Sports Analytics Society for that very purpose.

Founded nearly one year ago in October of 2020, Fordham’s Sports Analytics Society is an undergraduate club dedicated to understanding analytics and providing a home for those who appreciate this new aspect of sports.

Current President Peter Majors, GSB ’23, founded the club.

“Interestingly, the idea for the club came from my wanting to join a similar club at Fordham that had gone defunct. The Sabermetrics (baseball analytics) club was a short-lived student organization that lost traction during the 2019 fall semester,” Majors said.

One conversation with current Vice President Connor Dwyer, Gabelli ’23, made the club a reality. Dwyer, the director of analytics for Fordham Baseball, instantly caught Majors’ attention, and sparked the club’s original focus.

“We originally intended for the club to focus only on baseball analytics, but quickly realized that we could reach a much broader audience by including all sports,” said Majors. “Finding the right people, from a club advisor to an executive board, was definitely our biggest challenge at start, but we’re extremely fortunate to have landed upon the group of people that we did.”

That group consists of Majors and Dwyer as well as a number of additional executive board members, all of which are an important

COURTESY OF TWITTER

After just its first year as a club, Fordham’s Sports Analytics Society already impressed Kull and Fordham Athletics.

2021 Spring Semester,” said Mapart of the club’s immediate sucanalytics starting to play a bigger jors. “They were just as eager to cess. Matt Stanzione, GSB ‘23, and bigger role in every sport, we work with us as we were to work as chief marketing officer, Sarah hope to be at the forefront of anawith them, and things just proDodds, GSB ’23, the secretary lytics in college athletics.” gressed from there.” and Niko Konstantellis, GSB All it takes is a willingness to The club’s success in that first ’22, the treasurer. It goes without accept it. Speaking on analytics’ year was undoubtedly worth nomentioning the club’s individual place, Stanzione said, “One does ticing. Overcoming the hurdles research heads, tasked with pronot need to be a mathematics or of establishing a club can be chalducing articles dedicated to incomputer science wizard to comlenging enough, but the club did depth analysis of professional prehend what drives the modern both that and thrived as well. sports, and now lead the charge sports front office. All that is reThis post from May 20 is a tesin working directly with Fordquired is an open mind and an tament to its accomplishments, ham Athletics. easily digestible method of conwith numerous blog posts genOfficially announced on Aug. sumption of the data at hand.” erating over 1,000 views, a to9, the partnership will position It is not just the students in tal of 23 meetings, including six Fordham as one of few universithe club who recognize that, but guest speakers ranging from Max ties in the country with access Fordham Athletics as well. The Greenfield to Sam Miller and the to a fully student-run analytics club did not offer their services. award for Fordham’s New Club of teams for its varsity sports. That The athletics department sought the Year. currently includes baseball, basout the partnership after seeing “This first year has truly been ketball and soccer, but there is an opportunity for themselves. wonderful,” said Dwyer. “I don’t an opportunity to expand just as “Believe it or not, we were think any of us thought the club analytics has. reached out to by the Fordham would grow to the point that it is “As we continue to grow, I Athletic Director Ed Kull and an today in such a short amount of think our biggest goal is to deassistant athletic director, Mr. Joe time.” velop analytics teams for as many Gilfedder, via Twitter, after they All of that work has already culD1 sports teams at Fordham as saw the club’s tweet detailing all possible,” Dwyer said. “With of it’s accomplishments from the minated in an official partnership,

one that the baseball program has already benefited from, and Kull believes the rest of the athletic department can as well. In the press release from Fordham Athletics, Kull said, “In the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, analytics plays a crucial role in the success of a program … I am thrilled to be partnering with the Fordham Sports Analytics Society to bring this technology to our Fordham Athletics programs.

Our Fordham students are full of innovative ideas and technical expertise and we are excited to collaborate with them to continue the Fordham Athletics tradition.”

At the same time however, this is a partnership that is in its infancy and only just beginning, as Majors looks toward a brilliant future for both the club and Fordham Athletics along with it. “For our varsity teams, I hope that this partnership will allow them to improve the performance of their athletes and improve their chances of putting a winning product on the field,” said Majors. “For our members who chose to participate in this initiative, I hope that working with real sports data will bolster their technical skillset and land them positions within professional sports organizations and beyond.”

That student element is crucial, as the club opened up the opportunity to work with Fordham Athletics directly to its members in its press release. Time will tell how many take advantage of it, but considering the club’s success, there is reason to be confident.

Confident not only in the club’s continued staying power and that of this partnership, but in analytics as a whole. “Analytics are not the future of sports, they are the present,” said Stanzione.

It is something represented across professional sports, and it will now become evident in the margins of college athletics. “All of these phenomena occurred because teams decided to make decisions based on what the data tells them … Smart teams merely make decisions that give them a greater chance to win,” Stanzione elaborated.

Both the club and Fordham see analytics as an avenue to winning and want to be at the helm of it. Stanzione sums it up nicely: “Analytics are for everyone, and we hope they continue to grow among sports fans. Because the reality is, they are not going away any time soon.”

Women’s Cross Country Shines in Fordham Fiasco

By KEVIN DINEEN

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This past Saturday, Sept. 11, Fordham Cross Country hosted its annual Fordham Fiasco meet at the historic Van Cortlandt Park. It was the men’s and women’s teams’ second race of the season, and both are off to promising starts. The women came out strong, placing first in the team standings.

The shorthanded men’s team took third.

The women’s race saw seven Rams cross the line in the top 15 finishers. Senior team captain Bridget Alex led the way with a fourth-place finish in a time of 19:49.7. She was followed by juniors Nicoleta Papavasilakis and Alexandra Thomas, who secured fifth (19:58.2) and sixth (20:04.6).

Another pack of Rams took home 11th through 14th place to lock up their first victory of the season.

Thomas said the win felt even better because it came on Fordham’s home course. “It feels great to be back at Van Cortlandt,” she said. “The energy at the meets here is like no other. Being able to practice and train on this course during the week makes it even more special.”

The men’s team finished third overall behind rivals Saint Joseph’s University and Manhattan College. The men were led by sophomore Steve Zucca, who secured a second-place finish in a time of 26:44.1. Zucca landed second despite some “course confusion” according to the team’s Instagram account. Joining

Zucca in the top 10 was freshman Rodolfo Sanchez, who finished eighth overall in his Van Cortlandt Park debut, crossing the line in 27:15.1. It was a solid finish for the men’s squad, which was missing key pieces during the event like senior team captain Brandon Hall and junior Colin Flood.

They will make their season debut at a later time.

Thomas said she expects even more success from the team this season. “We have a long season ahead of us,” she said. “So starting off the season like this gets us excited and eager for what is to come.”

Fordham Cross Country will return to Van Cortlandt this weekend, Friday, Sept. 17 for the Br. John “Paddy” Doyle Meet Of Champions hosted by Iona College.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

The men and the women both impressed in their home races.

SPORTS

September 15, 2021

Varsity Scores & Stats

NHL returns to the Olympics

By CHRIS HENNESSY STAFF WRITER

After only taking only one tournament off, the National Hockey League will return to the Olympics for the 2022 Games in Beijing. This is the result of an eight-year disagreement between the league and the players in which the NHLPA wanted to play for the gold medal and the league did not want to pause the season for two weeks. The players have gotten their way and the Russians will defend their gold medal with the help of superstars such as Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Artemi Panarin.

The US and Canada will both be in contention for the gold medal once again, and this might be the best chance the Americans have at their third gold since 2010. One star Connor Hellebuyck (Michigan) has taken a step forward and cemented himself among the league's top goaltenders.

Include a blue line stacked to the brim with elite stars like Seth Jones (Colorado), Zach Werenski (Michigan) and Ryan McDonagh (Minnesota), and the defensive core looks solid for the stars and stripes.

Up front is where Canada usually has the advantage, but the Americans will be able to throw out a forward unit that challenges for the best on paper. Starting down the middle, Auston Matthews (Arizona), Jack Eichel (Massachusetts), Dylan Larkin (Michigan) and Jack Hughes (Florida) will have a tough task against the Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby-led squad. The wings are commanded by Patrick Kane (New York) and the Tkachuk brothers (St. Louis/ Arizona). All in all, this is an extremely solid team that will have a chance to compete for the gold medal. The Rangers will likely have the most Olympians of the local teams. Panarin will represent Russia, barring any political issues. Adam Fox has a great chance to make the American team after his terrific season.

Mika Zibanejad will probably be the number one center for Sweeden and Igor Shesterkin has an outside chance of backing up Andrei Vasilevskiy for the Russia. Mat Barzal has quite the list of Canadian centers to leapfrog to make the team. Several of these stars are McDavid, Crosby, MacKinnon, Bergeron, O’Reilly and Tavares. His chances to make these games feel slim. Anders Lee and Brock Nelson are in the same position as Barzal with the American forward core. Varlamov and Sorokin are behind Vasilevskiy and Shesterkin on the Russian goaltending depth chart.

The only Devils with a chance to make the team are Jack Hughes, who will likely team up with his brother Quinn on the American team, and Nico Hischier for Switzerland. Younger players will have their chance in the future, but only the former top picks will make it this year.

NHL fans across the league are excited to see their favorite players don their international jerseys for the first time since the 2016 Hockey World Cup. While this might not be Bettman’s ideal situation, both North American teams will make a run at the medals and hopefully bring new fans into the league as well.

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Men’s Soccer Fairleigh Dickinson 1 Fordham 2 (FOR) Pangrazzi: 1 G, 1 A, 7 SH, 5 SOG Manhattan 1 Fordham 0 (FOR) Sloan: 3 SH, 1 SOG

Women’s Volleyball St. John’s 3 Fordham 2 (FOR) Urena: 13K, 13 DIG

Men’s Water Polo Fordham 12 California Baptist 13 (FOR) Zapatero: 3 G

Fordham 2 Army 3 (FOR) Urena: 18 K, 10 DIG

Fordham 14 RV St. Francis Brooklyn 10 (FOR) Papanikolaou: 4 G, 2A, 3 S

Fordham 1 Boston College 3 (FOR) Moody: 20 K, 9 DIG

Women’s Soccer Fordham 2 St. Francis Brooklyn 2 (FOR) Bornstein: 1 G, 4 SH, 3 SOG

Men’s Cross Country Fordham Fiasco 81-3rd (FOR): Zucca 2nd 26:44.1

Fordham 2 Quinnipiac 3 (FOR) Bornstein: 1 G, 3 SH, 1 SOG

Women’s Cross Country Fordham Fiasco 38- 1st (FOR) Alex: 4th 19:49.7

Princeton 13 Fordham 6 (FOR) Papanikolaou: 3 G Men’s Golf Ryan T Lee Memorial 594- T 10th (FOR): Davis/Kryscio 1449th

Athletes of the Week Ryan Greenhagen

George Papanikolau

Senior

Freshman

Football

Water Polo

With two Defensive Player of the Week awards to show for it, Greenhagen is off to a fast start in his 2021 season. The senior linebacker has racked up 59 tackles across the first two games of the season, including an NCAA-record 31 against the University of Nebraska. Greenhagen is now averaging 29.5 tackles per game, leading the nation.

George Papanikolau earned MAWPC Rookie of the Week honors tallying nine goals, eight steals and four assists at the Princeton Invitational and followed that up with a seasonhigh four against St. Francis Brooklyn and a hat trick against Princeton. In total, Papanikolau has 17 goals, 23 assists and 17 steals, all team-highs.

Each week, The Fordham Ram’s Sports editors honor two athletes for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.”

News & Notes •

Rams Earn Three Player of the Week Honors

After a competitive battle with Monmouth University, Fordham Football scooped up three GEICO football awards for individual performances this past week. Senior quarterback Tim DeMorat was Offensive Player of the Week and linebacker James Conway the Rookie of the Week. Senior linebacker Ryan Greenhagen has now opened his season with two consecutive Defensive Player of the Week honors, following up his record-setting 31 tackles against the University of Nebraska with 28.

•

Rebecca Gronsdahl Named Head Rowing Coach

Fordham Rowing has its new head coach, former Row New York’s Rowing Operations Manager and Director of Community Rowing, Rebecca Gronsdahl. Gronsdahl comes to the Bronx after two years with Row New York and previously served as an assistant coach at her alma mater, the University of California Santa Barbara, where she graduated with a degree in environmental studies and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports coaching leadership at Drexel University. As a rower, she was a four-year member of the Gauchos crew, winning multiple regional and one national title.

•

Michael Sowter Becomes Director of Tennis and Head Women’s Coach

Fordham Men’s Tennis coach of six seasons, Michael Sowter, has been promoted to director of tennis and head women’s coach.

Sowter has a dense tennis history, specifically at Fordham, leading the men’s squad to a 69-38 record over his tenure without a losing season. Just this past season, he led Fordham to a sixth seed at the Atlantic 10 Championship, the highest in program history. His experience stems back to the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he coached both the Highlanders’ men’s and women’s teams from 2008-2014, becoming the first team to win back-to-back Great West Conference championships in 2011 and 2012. Sowter was also a former player himself, spending a majority of his college career at Marist, where he was a two-time NCAA Tournament participant and later assistant women’s coach.

Where Fantasy Becomes Reality

By COLIN LOUGHRAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

How does one create a lasting legacy? What must be done to build the kind of life that seems like a fantasy? These are the kind of questions that sports seem to inspire. No athlete better encapsulated the pursuit of answers more than former shortstop and New York Yankee captain Derek Sanderson Jeter.

Just last week, the Pinstripe legend was officially inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

After a long delay due to COVID-19, Jeter finally had his day, and it was just as special as his entire career.

During his speech, the captain highlighted the ways in which family has impacted him.

For Jeter, “family” was not limited to his parents, grandparents, wife, daughters or other immediate relatives. Instead, his definition of family wholeheartedly included current Hall of Famers, teammates and members of the Yankee organization, such as the late Mr. Steinbrenner.

Jeter eloquently explained that all of these individuals uniquely helped him attain and maintain a high level of success in Major League Baseball. In essence, he connected all of these people to his boyhood fantasy of becoming the Yankee shortstop.

This is exactly the same kind of class and gratitude that Jeter displayed throughout his time in the big leagues. He always embraced the spotlight but was never so boastful as to claim every victory was solely his doing.

Even as Jeter gladly shared his induction into the Hall of Fame, it was hard not to recount the many moments in which he rose to the occasion on the field. Every Yankee fan has their favorite “Derek Jeter moment.”

Such signature memories include, “the flip” against the Oakland Athletics in the 2001 ALDS, “the dive” against the Boston Red Sox in 2004, “the Mr. November Home Run” in game four of a post 9/11 2001 World Series and — this writer’s favorite — “the grand finale” in which he hit a walkoff single during his last Yankee Stadium at-bat. Each of these moments helped define Jeter’s career, and cement his status as both an alltime Yankee great and a Hall of Famer.

So what creates a lasting legacy? More specifically, how did Jeter create his own? One could simplistically point to the previously mentioned moments of glory, his career 3,465 hits, five World Series championships or 14 All-Star game appearances.

However, to do so would underappreciate the reality Jeter was able to cultivate, and misunderstand why the captain was so beloved by New Yorkers.

As Mr. November himself explained to his daughters during his Hall of Fame address, “Your dad was far from perfect. I made my fair share of mistakes on and off the field, but through it all I tried to do the right thing and I found something I was passionate about and I worked harder than anyone else. I didn’t take any shortcuts to achieve it.”

Revered for his humility, work ethic and professionalism, Derek Jeter unequivocally proved that a fantasy could become reality. This could happen anywhere, even in a city as demanding as New York, so long as one is willing to be the hardest worker in the room, maintain a steady disposition — even in times of turmoil — and have an unrelenting belief that these habits will build a legacy worth remembering.

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Volleyball Drops All Three at Kaiser Classic

By GIGI SPEER STAFF WRITER

This past Friday and Saturday, Fordham Women’s Volleyball headed down to Queens for the Kaiser Classic, hosted by St. John’s University. The squad had a 2-4 record entering the tournament, losing all three at the Titan Classic at California State University, Fullerton, yet winning two at the Delaware Invitational.

The Rams faced the home team Friday at 2:00 p.m., and took the Red Storm to five sets, losing 25-18, 25-16, 21-25, 1625, 9-15 in the end with a set that was once tied 7-7. Senior Bella Urena led the team with 13 digs, her career high, and 13 kills. Sophomores Whitley Moody and Isabel Fitchel contributed largely with Moody adding 12 kills and 10 digs of her own and Fitchel posting10 kills. Another standout stat was Junior Megan Brzozowski’s season-high 40 assists with 11 digs.

Later that day against Army University, Urena beat her career-high set against the Red Storm and had 18 kills at a .293 clip. Both Moody and junior Aria De La Rosa had 11 kills, and junior Chloe Pejouan added four blocks, one of them solo. Junior libero Mallory Lipski had 26 digs, and both De La Rosa and freshman Megan Kinney had two aces.

Urena and the whole team’s individual performances were impressive enough to carry them through five sets, yet they ended up dropping the game 14-25, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18, 1315.

After her stellar performance, Urena said: “Over the past couple weeks we have been

growing as a program and are continuing to compete and get better every day. This weekend brought us closer together as a team to maintain competitive attitudes going forward. Our team put together some great performances and I’m excited for what this season has in store.

This is only the beginning!”

The next day, the squad fought hard against the Boston College Eagles, yet could not pull off the win, falling 30-32, 19-25, 26-24, 16-25. Moody matched her career high in kills with 20, and the entire team out-hit the Eagles .349 to .302 in the long first set. Pejouan hit her career best with 10 kills and a seasonhigh of nine blocks. The fourth set, however, saw six Fordham errors, ending their time at the Kaiser classic.

The Rams will welcome teams to the Bronx for the first time on Wednesday, taking on the Manhattan Jaspers at 7 p.m., before their hosting duties extend to the weekend in the Rose Hill Classic Friday and Saturday against Coppin State University and St. Francis Brooklyn.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

The Rams dropped all of their games.

SPORTS

Better Play on Sunday Leads to T10 Finish for Golf

By CHRIS HENNESSY STAFF WRITER

The Fordham golf team began their season at the Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury, Connecticut as part of the Ryan T. Lee Memorial. The Rams placed in a tie for 10th with a total score of 594 (+18), just one shot behind rival Manhattan College, who took ninth.

Boston College was the only team of the 16 at the event to shoot under par, a score of 572 (-4) for the tournament and 281 (-7) on the second day. Fairleigh Dickinson University came in second at even par followed by Sacred Heart University, Long Island University and a tie between Fairfield University and Hartford University to round out the top five.

In terms of the individual competition, senior Ryan Davis and junior John Kryscio tied for ninth overall with a two round score of 144 (E). Davis fired a one-under 71 to bring his score down to par, while Kryscio shot matching 72’s to maintain an even par score throughout. The low round of the week for the Rams was 71, shot by Davis and junior Andreas Aivazoglou on Sunday. Aivazoglou’s 11-shot turnaround was a huge part of Fordham’s climb up the leaderboard from 12th to T10 between the two rounds.

The individual champion was Boston College’s Mac Lee with a 139 (-5) over the course of the two days. He shot the low round of the tournament, along with Siena College’s Matt Ferrari and Bryant University’s Tyler Hahn, with a five-under 67.

Student-Athlete Column: Letter to the First Years

By KELLY BRIGHT STAFF WRITER

I am about to turn 23 and am still playing college softball. Two freshmen on my team are not even adults yet.

As I, and many other athletes who either redshirted or took advantage of their pandemicinduced extra year of eligibility, embark on our final season of play, this age difference is impossible to ignore.

In order to bridge the gap, I wanted to write a letter. So, without further ado, to my newest and youngest teammates, this is for you: Dear Freshmen,

You finally made it.

No more recruiting emails, travel tournaments or SAT prep. You are a college athlete. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve just accomplished something you’ve been dreaming about your whole life.

Unfortunately, after a few weeks of classes and practice, you’ve probably already realized it’s not exactly all sunshine and rainbows from here. That being said, I wanted to share with you a few things I’ve learned over the past four years that might help.

First of all, you are not a softball player. Well, you are, but you are so much more than that. Do not let playing time, stats or numbers define you. Your self-worth should be separate from your spot on the depth chart. Create an

identity away from the game.

Pick up hobbies, join clubs, try new things, meet new people. You’re only a student athlete once, but you’re also only in college once. The sport you play is just a game. Games are supposed to be fun. I promise when all is said and done, that strikeout you had in the third game of your freshman year isn’t going to be what you remember most. Time is going to fly by. Trust me, it feels like just yesterday I was brushing my teeth in the communal bathroom of South. So, try to make the most of every day while you can.

My second piece of advice is to lean on each other. Being a young woman, in college, on an athletic team, is extremely mentally taxing. The pressure you’re under is immense and real. You’re going to experience anxiety, heartbreak, failure, self-doubt and all those other bad things you thought you left behind in high school.

But you don’t have to go through these things alone.

Let me repeat myself — you are never alone. You are not a burden. Ask for help and don’t shy away from it when it’s offered. On the flip side, be there to listen. Reach out. You never know what someone is hiding behind their smile.

This team is your home away from home. We are all family, and you’d be shocked at how much a family can overcome.

Finally, remember that you are supposed to be here. Being a college athlete means being part of the one percent. It’s an honor and a privilege, but also

September 15, 2021

a testament to all of your hard work. If someone tries to say you’re not good enough, let your own voice ring louder.

The belief you have in yourself is going to carry you further than the opinions of someone else. You are beautiful. You are strong. You are talented. You are intelligent. You are capable. And you are enough.

Good luck this year. It’ll be a grind, but it’ll be worth it. If you need anything, I’m here.

Yours Truly, Kelly Bright P.S. No, the run doesn’t get easier. Five years later and I still don’t have tips for that one, sorry.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Kelly reflects on her freshman year.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

John Kryscio tied for ninth overall with a two round score of 144.

This was an overall positive performance for the Rams, who had two players finish among the top of the heap. However, it is the lack of consistency that continues to plague them. Now that the team has seen Aivazoglou fire a low round and newcomer Davis play to Kryscio’s level, they know what to expect going into the Hartford Hawks Invitational next week. The other two players at the event were juniors P.J. O’Rourke and captain Nicholas Manning, who finished T72 and T78, respectively.

The Invitational will happen over two days on Monday,

Sept. 20 and Tuesday, Sept. 21.

The 54-hole tournament takes place annually — last year excluded — at Bull’s Bridge Golf Club in South Kent, Connecticut, one of the top courses in the state. The Rams came in 14th out of the 16 teams at the event in 2019.

This is a solid start for the Rams. Despite no Atlantic 10 competition, Fordham topped some strong local teams and played a great round on Sunday. They are off to a solid start in their five-event fall schedule and will look to improve on their position and play more consistently as the fall slate pushes along.

Fighting for the Comeback

By KALEY BELL

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Last year, Fordham Women’s Soccer faced a lot of ups and downs. The Rams came back from COVID-19 scares and canceled games. They finished the season strong with a record of 4-3, stepping up when they knew it was time to get back into action. The Rams fought hard and closed the season, ready to fight again within a few months.

This year, there is hope that the season will be a regular one.

With the university’s vaccine mandate, pandemic-related interruptions may disappear, and the focus will return to the field again.

The season has gone as planned so far, but with a current overall record of two wins, four losses and one tie, it has not been as the Rams envisioned. However, the hiccups have been due to injuries within the team and, according to head coach Jessica Clinton, the lack of focus. She said, “We need to get back to basics to remember who we are as a team and a program.”

This weekend, the team faced the Quinnipiac University Bobcats on the home turf of Jack Coffey Field in the Bronx.

With this being the first game on campus since the Fordham community has fully returned in person, there was a sense of excitement and hope for the team to put on a show for the

254 fans in attendance.

Fifth year midfielder Milan Bornstein, was a particular standout, pounding the goal with three shots and finally putting one past the goalkeeper in the 82nd minute for her second of the season. Senior wingback Kendall Dandridge contributed another two shots, sophomore midfielder Alexandra Taylor added one and super-sub junior forward Caitlin Kennedy scored another goal. However, Fordham’s two on the day were not enough to overcome Quinnipiac. The Bobcats scored again, securing their victory against the Rams, 3-2.

With this added loss, the season has been a tough one so far, but coach Clinton is hopeful for the road ahead. “Our mentality becomes more focused on finding a way to be successful.” The Rams’ next chance to do that comes this Thursday in Philadelphia against La Salle University. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Kennedy continued her run of form.

SPORTS

September 15, 2021

Page 21

Name, Image and Likeness’ Impact on Athletics

By ALEXANDER WOLZ SPORTS EDITOR

College athletics changed forever on July 1, as the NCAA adopted an interim policy that enabled its student-athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness. The move, years in the making, suspended current restrictions on athlete’s identity, collectively referred to as NIL, amid a flurry of differing state laws as Congress pushes to create a uniform rule guiding the nation’s athletes.

In the meantime, every athlete, regardless of school, conference or state, can now capitalize on their own marketability. Countless athletes are already taking advantage of this, partnering with grassroots organizations in their community or on a much larger scale with national juggernauts like Barstool Sports or even professional teams including the Florida Panthers.

The pure breadth of deals has been quick and sudden, a product of an evolving situation with a very uncertain future, both for athletes and academic institutions. Fordham, right in the thick of this, is and was already prepared for it. That process dates back to July 30, 2020, when Fordham Athletics announced it was partnering with Jeremy Darlow, a renowned brand expert, to help athletes build their own.

At the time, Fordham was the first school in both the Atlantic 10 and the Patriot League to take on such an initiative. Fast forward to January of 2021, Fordham inked another partnership, this time with INFLCR. The five-year agreement was designed to help student-athletes curate their social media brand through access to thousands of media created by the Athletics department to share for their personal use. The A-10 proceeded to announce a multiyear partnership with INFLCR themselves just a few weeks ago, taken one step further to focus on NIL specifically.

Adding one more feather to its cap, both Fordham and the A-10 partnered with Team Altemus and Anomaly as well, describing it as a multi-year partnership consisting of “protective education,” built on both empowering student-athletes and surveying the landscape in front of them.

Collectively, all of these moves position Fordham quite positively within NIL’s early stages. The focus stems from Athletic Director Ed Kull’s previous involvement in the corporate space along with what he describes as the “New York advantage” Fordham possesses. Speaking on the legislative changes on July 20, Kull said, “The Name, Image and Likeness recent rulings and pending landmark legislation are not advancing at a time with any uncertainty in our department.”

However, there is a reason for such programs to exist in the first place: NIL is not so simple.

It is a complex juggernaut for student-athletes, administrators and organizations themselves that is only beginning and continually evolving. One person Fordham enlisted to take these educational initiatives further is sports attorney Dan Lust of Geragos and Geragos, who recently spoke to Fordham’s men’s basketball team.

To unpack the situation on a national scale, I did the same.

In addition to his practice, the Fordham Law alumnus and former president of the Fordham Sports Law Forum worked with the New York Giants and currently co-hosts “Conduct Det-

rimental,” the top podcast in the sports law genre. It is often described as a niche space, but one that Lust has come to dominate as he shared some of his early reactions and advice amid the ongoing developments to the NIL era. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for content and clarity.

The Fordham Ram: When this happened back in July for the first time, to me it was kind of sudden, but I also think it was something we were moving toward for a long time. When the rules first changed, what was your immediate reaction and how have you looked at the fallout of it since in the month that we’ve been here now?

Dan Lust: I had been following the NIL movement since California passed this legislation called “Fair Pay to Play” at the end of 2019. I’ve been watching other states adopt versions of it and I had been watching the NCAA’s response to it. For about a year and a half, the NCAA had some opportunity to prepare for this NIL era and by all indications, their plan was to create a handbook for NIL to apply to any school that didn’t have an applicable state law.

So, for those that were following, just coincidentally in the middle of all of this, a case called NCAA vs. Alston made its way to the Supreme Court of the United States in June. All eyes in the college world turned to the Supreme Court of the United States because they’re saying, ‘Hey, we passed legislation on the one hand, but if a judge comes down and changes our understanding of NIL, this will impact the entire world on July 1.’

So what did the court do there? They ruled in favor of the athletes, which was positive for the NIL movement, but it had some unexpected ramifications.

In the decisions, the judges wrote that the NCAA is ‘not above the law.’ So, in response to that, the NCAA seemingly threw it [the guidebook] out and put it in the garbage. They said, ‘if you’re a state that has NIL laws, great. And for the states that don’t have NIL laws, that book that we were going to give you, doesn’t exist anymore, go fend for yourself. Happy Wild Wild West day and we’re off.’

It wasn’t great to do to schools at the 11th hour to tear up what you’d been working on, but that’s what the NCAA did.

So that part certainly surprised me that the NCAA certainly left schools high and dry at the last minute.

TFR: You mention how it’s different between the state laws and the federal law and the different elements of it. And then you have the element where so many students have been taking advantage of this from day one and starting to get deals. There’s been some that have had different responses than others. What have you made of, not necessarily the school’s response, but the student’s response to it in the deals they have been pursuing?

DL: I love it. I love seeing [it] to the extent you’re able to. This is what NIL was designed to be.

It was designed to be a world where athletes that have a million or 100,000 followers, that those guys can cash in. Be it the Trevor Lawrences of the world, the Zion Williamsons of the world. Just that if you can demand an audience and you can demand some money, you’re allowed to do it.

So I think we all understood the high-level athletes are going to do really well, and then all eyes turned to the non-footballs and the non-basketballs. I think what we’ve seen is two-fold: If you have a lot of social media followers and you’re not necessarily going to be the number one overall pick in the draft, you can still make good money.

And then I think below that, if you’re not a star athlete or you’re not at one of these national programs, I think the deals are coming in at a local level. They’re maybe modest in comparison to some of their counterparts, but it’s money coming in the door that you were not allowed to have before.

Interestingly, it’s a little bit of an education on how to hold yourself as a professional. So I think our athletes are learning a lot about the world. They’re not in this little bubble of the NCAA for four years. They have to go out, recruit, hustle. That’s a little bit of the business world they live in. Part of life is going out and meeting people, developing contacts, developing business and our athletes are being asked to do that all of a sudden, which I don’t think necessarily is a bad thing, even if no money comes from it. I think going through the reps could be very helpful.

TFR: Talking about the student perspective, you’ve spoken to Fordham. When you come and talk to these athletes, are you giving them advice on what to look for? Is it more about navigating these laws? What has been your overall message that you’ve been telling student athletes when you speak to them?

DL: It’s a lot of what to watch out for. I tell them the deals, some of the more infamous deals that are occurring across the country just so they can think. I spoke to a lot of athletes. The only schools that I’ve spoken to — Rider, Manhattan, Fordham — all D1 programs, all basketball programs.

I explain, where should you look first in terms of trying to get deals? Alumni and local businesses, one and two. That’s part of my education and I explain to them my different stories of developing business, not necessarily a sports story but kind of have to get those reps.

But my legal advice is the contracts, the people, the businesses, the clauses in the contract to kind of watch out for.

If you’re gonna sign something, which is fine, just make sure you know what you’re signing.

You don’t have to necessarily retain a lawyer, I obviously would always recommend having a lawyer look at it, but you don’t want to sign your life away and you don’t want to sign potentially with the brand that’s beneath you and then lock yourself into some exclusivity that would prevent you from going to a brand that is maybe on your appropriate level and would make you more money.

So athletes have some leverage, and they just have to learn how to wield it accordingly.

COURTESY OF LINKEDIN

Dan Lust has become one of the most well-known names in sports law.

occurred is that the NCAA would clear companies as a whole. I’ve worked for big large law firms; they can clear a vendor and then lower attorneys down the line can work with the company, and you don’t have to go through all this different red tape to get something done.

The NCAA has kind of removed itself from the equation. So what I’m hearing is that compliance officers at different schools have to make these decisions on what’s allowed and what’s not allowed in a vacuum.

The NCAA is not playing the role of gatekeeper that many expected of them.

A lot of these NIL rules, and again this is gonna be different in every state and every school, but by and large, the school is not supposed to be involved in the procurement of NIL deals.

The athletes, in theory, are supposed to get them. Maybe they have some type of middleman or an agent that helps them secure a deal, but the school is not supposed to be involved with it.

Who gets to decide if athletes are going to sign with Barstool?

By and large, it’s the athlete.

Whether or not that deal is going to be allowed or allowed to continue without some form of potential punishment, that remains to be seen. But the initial decision to reach out to a business or to get reached out to by a business, that doesn’t seem to involve the school at all or the NCAA. So I’ve seen it one of two ways: the business can reach out, the athlete can reach out and then the third one, there’s a handful of these platforms where it’s almost like Tinder.

You sign up for a dating site and then the two people can find each other. That’s really the third level of this. I think that third level is where a lot of athletes are finding success. And these platforms, they’ll kind of pseudo-act as a gatekeeper. If you make it onto the platform as a legitimate business, I think athletes have a fair expectation that ‘Hey, this company is okay in my book.’

TFR: When it comes to who makes the decisions here, how much of it is a student athlete going to a company and wanting to work with them, and can a school choose whether they cannot or can they have any sort of say in that? Can the NCAA have any say in that? How much of it ultimately comes down to the decision making of just the student-athlete themselves?

TFR: You’ve talked a little bit about potentially partnering up with a company that could lock you in, about the compliance element. What of that conversation do you think is the biggest risk in all of this? I can just imagine that compliance has to be a nightmare as certain schools work through this NIL situation.

DL: If you told me to build the system from scratch, what I would have hoped would have

DL: It’s tough. I think it’s a nightmare for compliance, but I haven’t heard that many deals

being shot down. I know I mentioned Barstool, there was another issue with Lululemon but that’s really it. For the most part, schools have not wanted to be in the business of harming the creativity or entrepreneurial spirit of these athletes.

So letting a lot of things go for better or for worse.

Compliance people are not lawyers. They’re not designed to be able to look for deals.

Their job is not to look through the fine print of the contract and see if this is a good deal for you to sign or not. It’s just to say, ‘Hey, is this entity okay to do business with, is it some type of conflict with our school sponsors?’ For Fordham, right, if you’re a Jesuit school, if the actual brand does something kind of illicit, be it gambling or something with the adult industry, obviously the compliance is gonna flag that.

But when it comes to a company that could potentially lock you to the duration of your college career, they say, ‘Hey, if you post on our platform and you get 50,000 views, we’ll give you $50,000, but short of the $50,000 we’re gonna give you nothing and by the way you can’t sign up with any other [business].’”

It’s a complete hypothetical contract, but that’s the issue with exclusivity. If you’re gonna sign up for exclusivity, you gotta make sure you’re getting a ton coming back your way.

I’ve seen a couple of deals and exclusivity seems to be an issue with some of them.

TFR: It’s in the infancy of everything here with these policies and as college football seasons come back, I’m sure things are going to keep changing. So what do you think is the picture of this in the short-term, how NIL is going to impact college sports? But also more in the long term, are some of those issues going to start cropping up or is this all gonna just run smoothly over the next few years?

DL: I think there’s one more very big shoe to drop. I went to Fordham for law school, I’m 23.

I know what the drinking age is, right, the drinking age is 21.

I know that because it doesn’t matter where I went to school, it’s always going to be 21. That’s the national government stepping in and saying ‘this is the drinking age.’ Back in the day, there was a world where the drinking age in some states was 18, it wasn’t 21. It was kind of Continued on the next page.

SPORTS

Page 22 all over the place, similar to our NIL landscape.

At some point, the federal government stepped in, they said, ‘You know what, this doesn’t make sense. Doesn’t make sense that you could go to a house party across state lines and you have to go home to your state where the drinking age is a little higher.’ It’s not safe, it’s not sensical. Not to say that one state is doing it better than a different state, just make it one rule.

The federal government has convened twice with congressional hearings, I think on June 10 and June 17, to create a federal bill. And in our law, states can do whatever they want absent of federal law on the books in that particular area. So if the federal government passes a federal NIL bill, don’t worry about what Kentucky’s doing, don’t worry about what New York is doing, don’t worry about what Texas is doing, Ohio, California, the federal rule will take precedence.

So I think that’s the future. I keep predicting that it’s gonna happen at some point in 2021.

I spoke with people that would be in the know within the past couple of weeks, and the only thing that might change that is a world where the schools turn around and say ‘we actually don’t want a federal bill anymore because we can get away with more stuff.’

I would fear, if I’m a school like Fordham that has some outside influences, being a Jesuit school, that they would have some competitive disadvantage in that particular world. I wouldn’t think that would be fair so a world where there is a federal bill creates a level playing field and cleans up a lot of these weird deals that we’re seeing on a national landscape.

Different schools are going to have different tolerances, different ethical protocol. All the credit to Louisville for stepping out and saying, ‘Hey, Barstool doesn’t make sense, why would that be a company that’s allowed under Kentucky’s Llaw.

We’re gonna get out ahead of this and say it’s not allowed.’

I know behind the scenes a lot of schools applaud Louisville’s efforts. I hope that they don’t get knocked on a recruiting level because of that standpoint. I think schools are slowly but surely going to start stepping out and enforcing these rules. I think that’s the safest way for athletes. There’s rules in place, someone’s got to adhere to them.

TFR: I remember a year ago now there was such a huge conversation about college athletes getting paid, but now NIL almost seems like a replacement to that. But at the same time, could that be setting that stage for that future you just mentioned, where college athletes are getting paid in addition to NIL and really treated like professional athletes in a lot of ways? Do you think that’s something that could happen?

DL: It’s possible. I don’t want to say that it’s out of nowhere, because in that decision I mentioned, that NCAA vs. Alston case, there was different lines in the judge’s decision that kind of compared college athletes to employees. And employees get health benefits, they get insurance, they get a lot of different things that normally college athletes don’t get.

I think the Supreme Court of the United States obviously is just looking at this objectively, ‘Why are college athletes not viewed as some type of employees when they’re generating so much revenue for the school?’

Is that a world that’s possible?

Sure. I think we’re years away from it happening, but if you’re just watching the tides of college spots and you’re trying to predict 5-10 years into the future, I certainly think that’s a conversation that can occur.

And, not to mention, as I am a lawyer I should kind of leave you with this, there’s another case that’s pending right now called House vs. NCAA. And it’s a case basically seek-

ing to expand the definition of NIL to also include piece of television contracts. If people are like, ‘Hey, NIL is great, but I’m a lower level athlete at a big program, I haven’t been able to get a dollar, and it’s not great.’

To the extent you’re at a big program with a television deal, there’s a world where, the court at some point, again in the nottoo-distant future, could say, ‘School’s television money actually belongs in part to the players. Every athlete should get some sort of a check here.’

Again, we’re in the Wild Wild West. Sports are kind of coming into put some order into this and help define these terms, but I think these are fair issues to kind of project out. I don’t think either of those, be it student-athletes as maybe being employees at some point or student-athletes being entitled to television or even, as crazy as it sounds, tickets. I don’t think that’s insane. Not to say I’m necessarily in support of it, but I certainly can see it.

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Lust speaks with sports law students.

Lust is currently teaching as a sports law professor at the New York Law School.

September 15, 2021

Beyond the Scoreboard How Baseball Unites A City

By MADDIE BIMONTE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Twenty years after the devastating attack on September 11, 2001, people across America look back on lost loved ones and the heroes that helped people throughout New York. In the wake of tragedy, communities heal through one of the only ways they know: sports.

The first professional New York sporting event after 9/11 featured the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. It ended in a thrilling finish with a home run from Hall of Famer Mike Piazza. New York finally breathed with relief after so much pain and destruction.

The 20th anniversary of the tragic events featured another matchup between crosstown rivals, the Yankees and Mets.

Before the game, Mets’ players continued the tradition of visiting local fire departments and remembering the sacrifice so many of these heroes made.

Mets and Yankees players such as Pete Alonso, Kevin Pillar and Aaron Judge debuted cleats depicting imagery of the Twin Towers, the New York skyline and the slogan “WE WILL NEVER FORGET.” Teams also wore NYPD and FDNY hats during the game. In a moving opening ceremony, 2001 Mets alumni stood side-by-side with first responders while former Yankees manager Joe Torre and former Mets manager Bobby Valentine threw out the ceremonial first pitches.

Valentine remembers that game on Sept. 21, 2001 vividly.

“The world stood still for that brief second in time for me where I literally saw the page turn. Some people think that was the end of something. In essence, that was the beginning.

That truly was the beginning of the healing process and of the elimination of fear, of the bad

guys, because the good guys prevailed as we and the Braves played such a great, absorbing game,” he said in an interview with the New York Post.

For one night, fans put aside the bitter rivalry between the two teams, uniting in “U-S-A” chants and standing side-byside with an American flag in their hands. It was a true reminder that no matter how petty sports rivalries divide us, baseball unites us.

Mets starting pitcher Taijuan Walker gave up five runs in the second inning, coming in the form of multiple home runs from Kyle Higashioka, Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge.

However, Yankees pitching struggled early on as well, and the Mets quickly put up four runs shortly after to keep the game within striking distance.

More runs came in the bottom of the sixth as catcher James McCann put the Mets ahead with a two-run blast.

History came full circle with a Mets catcher propelling the lead, but the Mets’ luck ran out soon after. Aaron Judge hit a monster home run to left-center, tying the game. All it took was one more at-bat in the top of the eighth and a forceout by Luke Voit, and the Yankees cemented their win, 8-7.

In the postgame conference, Brett Gardner discussed how meaningful and important the game was for fans. “It was definitely emotional,’’ Gardner said. “At the end of the day, we are all part of the same team, all part of the city.”

While both these teams needed whatever wins they could get to clinch a playoff spot, the winner of Saturday’s game did not seem to matter much. What clearly mattered most was the impact that baseball has had and continues to have on New York and those who live there.

Fans Bring a Historic Open Alive

By MICHAEL HERNANDEZ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

What comes to mind when you think of tennis? Often it is the four grand slams, the biggest tournaments on the calendar: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and last but not least, the U.S. Open. The best players in tennis head to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens to play on the hard courts and win a grand slam.

History was made in both this year’s singles tournaments.

That was true of the women’s final even before a champion was crowned. The finalists were 18-year-old Emma Raducanu from Great Britain and 19-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez. This is the first major final between two teens since the 1999 U.S. Open where Serena Williams defeated Martina Hingis.

As for the men, number one Novak Djokovic went against the second ranked player, Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic had the chance to complete the calendar grand slam, winning all four grand slam titles in the same year. The last time anyone had ever performed this remarkable feat was Steffi Graf back in 1988. In addition, winning the U.S. Open would give Djokovic 21 grand slam titles, a new record. He is currently tied with Roger Federer and

Rafael Nadal for first with 20 grand slam titles.

The women played first on Saturday with Raducanu winning her first career title in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. In addition to winning, Raducanu also set a few more records during her time in the Big Apple. She was one of the qualifiers for the U.S. Open, which meant that she had to play three more matches to even advance to the main draw. She became the first qualifier to both reach and win the final of a grand slam. She also became the first British woman to win a major singles title since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977, and the first to do so at the U.S. Open since Wade in 1968. She also won the entire tournament without dropping a single set. Before the main draw started, Raducanu was ranked 150 in the world. Expect that to change.

One day later, the pressure was on Djokovic, one match away from setting history. On the other hand, Medvedev was playing to win his first ever grand slam title. It was not meant to be for the number one player in the world, with Medvedev winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 for his first grand slam. Djokovic was sloppy from the get-go, making countless unforced errors that cost him big time.

I was fortunate to go to both

events, and the atmosphere for the men’s final was unlike anything that I have ever seen before. The crowd was pulling for Djokovic with history being on the line. The crowd is silent during the run of play in normal tennis etiquette, which includes when the player faults the first serve or during their serve motion.

However, in this match, all of that went out of the window.

The crowd was making noise to try and throw Medvedev off rhythm during his serve so Djokovic could perform a comeback in the final set. Every time Medevdev faulted, the crowd cheered and tried to get into his head, successfully at some points. I have never seen a crowd support one particular player to that capacity.

Djokovic attempted a comeback in the third set, but it was too little, too late. With this defeat, Djokovic’s attempt for a calendar slam will wait until next year as he remains tied for the all-time lead in grand slams with Federer and Nadal.

As the three reach the ends of their careers — Djokovic at 34 years old, Nadal, 35, and Federer, 40 — time is running out for the trio that has dominated tennis over the past decade. As both Raducanu and Fernandez showed, the future is bright as fans already look forward to the next tournament in the Australian Open.

COURTESY OF RICARDO HERNANDEZ

The crowd was the highlight of the final between Djokovic and Medvedev.

SPORTS

September 15, 2021

Page 23

Water Polo Learns From Stiff Competition

By JACK ROCHE STAFF WRITER

Just seven matches into the 2021 season, the Fordham Water Polo team currently stands as the 16th ranked team in the nation, according to the most recent Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference poll, with a 4–3 record.

A trip to Massachusetts to begin the season propelled the Rams to victory against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 16–5, followed by an 11–8 victory against No.11 Harvard University,. A 6–5 loss to Santa Clara University and an imposing 25–5 defeat over Mercyhurst University brought the team to 3–2 heading into the Princeton Invitational tournament.

On day one, No. 14 California Baptist University edged out the Rams by a razor-thin margin, 13–12. The Rams had an array of scorers, led by junior driver and California native Sebastian Zapatero with three scores., contributing to a convincing comeback effort in which the Rams trailed 13-9 down the stretch.

Sophomore attacker Nacho Ariste and freshman driver George Papanikolaou added to the late rally that ultimately fell short.

Fordham split on day two, defeating St. Francis Brooklyn 14n-

10 in the morning, while falling to No.12 Princeton University, 13–6. Papanikolaou led scoring in match one with four goals, while senior Dimitris Koukias and freshman Jacopo Parrella each added a hat trick. In the second match, Fordham started strong, leading Princeton 6–5 at the half. However, the Rams struggled to score on Princeton’s goaltender, Antonio Knez, who did not allow another goal, resulting in the 13–6 loss.

“We have unbelievable potential to be successful this season, and you can see that in our opening games,” said senior captain and goaltender Bailey O’Mara just seven matches into the new season. “It was a learning weekend for our team with a fresh roster of players. We’re a young team, and we will develop as the season continues. I’m very excited to compete in our league and solidify our position as a top program in the country.”

The Rams’ next competition is on the road at the two day Bison Invitational at Bucknell in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. They take on the host, Bucknell, on day one at 10 a.m. and then followed by Mercyhurst at 2 p.m.

On day two, they will go against Wagner College at 9 a.m. and Mount St. Mary’s University at 2 p.m.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Koukias scored a hat trick against St. Francis Brooklyn in a 14–10 victory.

Transfer Frenzy

By MICHAEL HERNANDEZ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

One of the biggest aspects of soccer is the transfer window, where clubs spend millions upon millions to get new players to bolster the squad and fit their ambitions. It is a hectic time, with various clubs fighting to sign key targets. The recent transfer window was no different.

There are two main types of moves: loans and transfers. In a loan, a player is loaned out to a different team for a set amount of time. Each loan may have an option or even an obligation to buy the player if the team is impressed with their performance or a certain condition is met. In a transfer, the player is sold for a fee that both teams agree to. However, there are transfers that occur without any fee, called free transfers.

Out-of-contract players are free agents, and no fee is given.

The most recent transfer window will be remembered for the quality of players that moved clubs. One of the biggest names in the sport, Lionel Messi, left his boyhood club Barcelona in a shocking move.

Both sides were happy to sign a new agreement but unable to due to the leagues’ financial restrictions. Messi ended up joining the French side, Paris Saint Germain (PSG), on a free transfer. And PSG was only getting started.

PSG also signed legendary Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos on a free transfer. He is widely considered one of the best defenders in the world, with four Champions Leagues, two European Championships and a World Cup among his various accolades. In addition to these star acquisitions in attack and defense, PSG also signed midfielder Georgino Wijnaldum without a fee from Liverpool and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from AC Milan. The 21-year-old goalkeeper was named Young Player of the Tournament at the 2020 Euros and is viewed as one of the best in the world.

Let that sink in. A single window handed PSG an attacker, midfielder, defender and goalkeeper. Each of them is considered one of the best in the world at their position. This not only puts them as heavy favorites to win the French league but one of the

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PSG’s superstars united after one of the greatest transfer windows of all time.

favorites to win the coveted Champions League as well, which features clubs from all of the biggest European leagues fighting to become continental champions.

There were many other rumored transfer stories about players linked to big money moves that never materialized. The main one involved Harry Kane. He wanted to leave his club Tottenham and there were endless rumors of him joining Manchester City, who were in desperate need of a striker. Tottenham refused any bids, even to the tune of 174 million euros. Instead, City spent 117.5 million euros on Jack Grealish from another English club Aston Villa, breaking the record for the biggest fee for a British player.

Another saga includes PSG’s Kylian Mbappe. He had been linked to Real Madrid for years, and they finally acted on it. Madrid sent several bids, one reportedly up to 200 million euros, but PSG blocked all of the offers and kept Mbappe.

Next year, the Frenchman will be a free agent which makes it even more surprising that PSG turned down 200 million euros for someone who could leave for free in 11 months. PSG had made various contract offers to Mbappe, who turned all of them down.

In addition, Chelsea paid 115 million pounds to bring in forward Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan. This marks a return to Chelsea for the striker after he was sold in 2014. This is Chelsea’s biggest transfer in history as Lukaku is undoubtedly one of the best forwards on the planet. Switching from the top of Series A and joining the European Champions is a

perfect match for Chelsea’s ambitions to win the league.

Another team that won big in the market was the otherManchester club, Manchester United. They landed winger Jadon Sancho for 85 million euros from Borussia Dortmund. This move was in the making from the start of last year and they were finally able to get the 21-year-old. In addition to that, they signed Ramos' former teammate and defender Rafael Varane from Real for 40 million euros.

But United saved the biggest win for last. Cristiano Ronaldo was at Juventus and wanted to leave. With days left in the window, Manchester City appeared to be the only team interested in signing him. This felt like an absolute betrayal to them, as Ronaldo was a United player from 2003 until 2009, where he became a star and a worldwide name.

However, in a span of 24 hours, City pulled out of negotiations and United hijacked the deal to bring him home.

United will pay an initial fee of 15 million euros that can rise up to around 23 million if certain circumstances are met.

The transfers made by Chelsea, United and City have all made them title favorites for the Premier League if they were not already.

This is one of, if not the greatest transfer window that has ever occurred. We saw both GOATs switch teams as well as teams break the bank to sign their players.

I cannot wait to see how the rest of this season plays out as these teams and their new signings fight for both domestic and continental success.

Varsity Calendar

Follow us on Twitter at @theram_sports

HOME AWAY Volleyball

Wednesday Sept. 15

Thursday Sept. 16

Friday Sept. 17

Saturday Sept. 18

Coppin State 6 PM

St. Francis 6 PM

Football

Tuesday Sept. 21

La Salle 7 PM

Hartford Hawks Invitational

Golf Water Polo

Monday Sept. 20

La Salle 1 PM

Women’s Soccer Men’s Soccer

Sunday Sept. 19

Bucknell 10 AM

Wagner 9 AM

Mercyhurst 2 PM

Mount St.Mary’s 3 PM

Florida Atlantic University 6 PM

SPORTS

Page 24

September 15, 2021

The Fordham Ram

Men’s Soccer Looks to Overcome Sluggish Start

By MICHAEL HERNANDEZ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The defending Atlantic 10 Conference champions have not had the best start to their season. After a 3-0 loss to Providence, the Rams’ next match was against the first ranked team, Georgetown.

Georgetown breezed to a commanding 4-0 victory. Fordham only had nine shots with three on target while Georgetown doubled down with 20 shots, nine of them on goal.

After the back-to-back losses on the road, it was time for the Ram’s home opener against Long Island University. Here the Rams played to a grueling 0-0 tie. In this match, Fordham took 15 shots; however, only one of them ended up on target. In addition to the Rams’ total shots, they also had 11 corners. When asked about the scoreless draw which saw the team attack the goal without success, head coach Carlo Acquista said, “Any game where you have a chance to score and win a few times in the match is a lost opportunity.”

However, when asked about the positives that came from the match, he praised his team’s ability to get into the opponent’s box. He also

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Men’s Soccer’s championship defense is off to a slow start but there is reason for optimism in what’s ahead. praised the team’s speed of play as well as being able to keep a clean sheet, the first of the season. When asked about the lack of goals in the season, he replied that goals come in bunches and that he was optimistic that sooner or later, it will start to “tilt our way.”

The Rams’ following match was against St. John’s University. Unfortunately, their winless streak continued with a narrow 1-0 defeat where, once again, Fordham had more shots than their opponent. In this match, Fordham recorded 12 shots with five of them on goal and nine corners. St. John’s scored the lone goal

of the match 11 minutes into the game, as a couple of quick passes between Lucas Bartlett and Brandon Knapp found Andrew Bennett inside the box to give them the victory.

The Rams’ next match was against Fairleigh Dickinson University. The team finally broke recent form and took their first victory of the season in a tight 2-1 game. The Knights kicked off the scoring in the 13th minute off a throw-in where Ideal Shefqeti blasted the ball into the back of the net for the early lead.

Fordham quickly equalized in the 24th minute when soph-

omore Max Rodgers played a ball to graduate student Matt Sloan. Sloan then played it for sophomore Galen Flynn who crossed it for graduate student Alberto Pangrazzi to slot it in for his and the team’s first goal of the season, In the 58th minute, Sloan and Pangrazzi linked up for the winning goal, with Pangrazzi crossing it for Sloan to strike the ball on the volley for his first goal of the season. The Knights pushed for the equalizer but were denied by two stops by redshirt sophomore Nick Bucholz, who came on at halftime to replace junior starter Callum James.

When asked about the first victory of the season, coach Acquista was excited but cautioned restraint since the season was just beginning. When asked if the team could use this win as a reset point, he replied, “W-e just take it one day and one match at a time.

We have a good, experienced group. They understand the college soccer ups and downs.”

When asked if the team could make it two wins a row against Manhattan, he replied with “Winning two games in a row in any sport is no easy task, but I am confident that the boys will play well.”

The Rams’ streak was shortlived as in their next game against Manhattan, they lost 1-0 where once again, they outshot their opponents 17 to six and had four shots on goal in comparison to Manhattan’s one. The goal came in the 59th minute from Oswald Annang, who slotted their only shot on goal into the net’s right side.

Fordham’s record is now 1-4-1 after their first six games which is a stark contrast to last year where at this point they had five wins and one draw.

Their next match is on Saturday against La Salle University at 7 p.m. With the season only just getting started, there is still a lot to play for as the 2021 season continues.

Football Makes Strides Forward but Falls to Monmouth

By DYLAN BALSAMO MANAGING EDITOR

Though Fordham lost one week ago to the University of Nebraska by a sizable 45-point margin, the game in itself was a victory for the Fordham program.

Not only did head coach Joe Conlin have positive things to say about how the squad performed on the field, but Fordham’s presence in a nationally-televised game against a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) school gave them incredible exposure.

But a week later, those positives could not translate into wins at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. The Rams fell on Saturday to Monmouth University 26-23 in their home opener at Jack Coffey Field. The loss put Fordham at 0-2 in the early season.

After a scoreless, and relatively quiet, first quarter, Monmouth got the scoring started in the second quarter with a 35-yard touchdown from quarterback Tony Muskett to wide receiver Gene Scott to put the Hawks ahead 7-0. The Rams responded with a nearfour minute drive that resulted in a 27-yard field goal by senior kicker Nick Leinenweber to bring Fordham within four points.

Five minutes later, the Rams grabbed the lead on an eightyard touchdown catch by junior wide receiver Dequece Carter from senior quarterback Tim DeMorat. However, that lead did not last long as

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Football took on a difficult task in the first three weeks of its season and hopes to carry those lessions into Florida.

Monmouth tacked on another score before the first half came to an end, this one coming from a three-yard touchdown run by Muskett. By the time the Rams and Hawks made their way to their respective Rose Hill locker rooms, Monmouth had itself a 14-10 lead for the remaining 30 minutes of play.

The second half is where Fordham had seemed to falter one week earlier, falling out of step against Nebraska. Conlin expressed hope earlier in the week that the difference in halves was something behind them.

“They played their hearts out,” Conlin said in a Ram Roundup after the Nebraska game, “but it was kind of [a] first game [that had some] lack of execution and some key moments that cost us big.”

The second half against Monmouth was significantly better, but still not enough.

Over the course of the third quarter, the Hawks extended their lead from four points to seven. Muskett ran in another touchdown himself, going for five yards to bring his team to 21 points. Late in the quarter, Fordham finally scored again when senior wide receiver Fotis Kokosoulis caught a nine-yard pass from DeMorat.

However, Fordham’s attempt at a two-point conversion to cut the lead to three turned south as Monmouth’s fifthyear defensive back Justin Terry picked off a pass and returned it a full 100 yards to secure the points for the Hawks.

That swing of momentum made it a 23-16 game going into the fourth.

Both teams scored in the

first 10 minutes of the final quarter, Monmouth on a 37yard field goal by kicker Nick Null and then Fordham on a 39-yard touchdown pass to Carter. With five minutes left, Monmouth took control of the ball and held onto it until there were 26 seconds left.

The Rams got the ball back 92 yards away from the end zone.

After moving his team up to their 44 yard line, DeMorat fired a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds that made its way to the end zone but fell on the ground as the game ended.

Monmouth walked out of Jack Coffey Field with a victory, putting them at 1-1 in 2021. The Rams fell to 0-2.

The night certainly had its bright sides. The fact that this was Fordham’s 2021 home opener made it the first football game played at Jack Cof-

fey Field with fans in more than 650 days. It was a sizable crowd, featuring a larger number of spectators, namely current students, than could be found pre-pandemic.

The night also began with an honoring of first responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks, of which Saturday was the 20th anniversary. The night was dubbed Salute to Heroes Night, and NYPD Officer Tyler Abelson performed the national anthem in front of the department’s color guard.

Football wise, another huge upside was senior linebacker Ryan Greenhagen. He continued a run of dominance the FCS has not often seen. After setting the NCAA record last week for total tackles made in a game with 31, Greenhagen recorded 28 this week. He was named the GEICO Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week, while his teammate DeMorat won Offensive Player of the Week and freshman linebacker James Conway was named Rookie of the Week.

Despite losing this week, the Rams displayed a plethora of talent and ability against Monmouth, and they hope to bring all of that into another difficult matchup. This week, they will travel to Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton for their second matchup of the year against an FBS opponent.

It will be another challenging game, but if the Rams have proven anything, they have all the right tools to succeed and are only getting better.