Vol 98 issue 20

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 Volume 98, Issue 20

Dems, Repubs Debate

FordhamRam.com

November 9, 2016

Donald Trump Elected President

By VICTOR ORDONEZ STAFF WRITER

In the midst of the presidential election, College Democrats and College Republicans found themselves on two far ends of the political spectrum during a heated debate.

On November 3rd in the Flom Auditorium, ideologies clashed as Fordham continued to see the polarizing effects of this election cycle.

The debate between the clubs lasted nearly two hours as they sparred over a wide range of domestic and international issues.

Father Anderson, associate chair of the department of African American studies, moderated the event.

The debaters spoke to American policy regarding Syria, climate regulation and free speech on college campuses with each topic followed by 10 minutes of questions from the audience.

The first two acts of the debate remained within the time allotted and the level of civility allowed by the moderator.

Republican Jacob Floam, FCRH ’20, and Democrat Kimona Dussard, FCRH’20, argued that it was America’s civic duty to involve SEE DEBATE, PAGE 5

By LAURA SANICOLA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Donald Trump became the president elect early Tuesday morning after Secretary Clinton conceded the race.

By ERIN SHANAHAN MANAGING EDITOR

After a highly contested evening, just before 3 a.m., Donald Trump was elected as President of the United States. Electoral votes won in the state of Wiscon-

sin pushed Trump over the necessary 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

In a historic upset, Trump, a former Fordham student, captured 276 electoral votes while his competitor, Secretary Hillary Clinton earned 216. Trump also

Michael Kay Returns to Rose Hill

ANDREA GARCIA/THE FORDHAM RAM

“The Michael Kay” show came to Fordham, and with it came debates over New York sports.

By SAM BELDEN SPORTS EDITOR

Fordham Rams past and present converged at Keating Hall on Monday afternoon. There, New York Yankees broadcaster and radio personality Michael Kay, FCRH ‘82, hosted a special edition of “The Michael Kay Show,” culminating with an hour-long back-and-forth billed as “The

Law Professor Loses in Congress Race

Great Sports Debate” between Kay and co-host Don LaGreca.

Moderated by Kay Show ensemble member Peter Rosenberg, the debate allowed Kay and LaGreca, a backup play-by-play man for the New York Rangers, to expound on a number of different topics from around the world of sports.

The show began with some alma mater pride, as Kay briefly

reminisced about his time at Rose Hill and mocked LaGreca for attending Ramapo College in New Jersey. Kay is an alumnus of WFUV sports from back in the days when the station was entirely student-run and graduated in 1982 — with a 3.5 GPA, he later added.

As things got underway, the conversation centered around a variety of current events in New

held the popular vote 57,274,259 votes to 56,333,030 votes.

Trump won key battleground states including Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Iowa. He also secured the usual republican strongholds such as Texas, Mississippi, and SEE TRUMP, PAGE 3

York sports. Topics ranged from the Giants’ recent win over the Philadelphia Eagles to the Jets’ struggles to the latest developments in the Mets’ offseason plans. Along the way, the hosts spoke to a number of notable callers, Jets head coach Todd Bowles, former Giants defensive end Justin Tuck and Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young.

After three hours of regular discussion, the debate began. Despite relatively frequent admonishments from Rosenberg, the lively crowd applauded, laughed and jeered for the duration of the broadcast, adding to the competitive atmosphere of the final installment.

On hand to select the winner of the debate were four judges: Rick DiPietro, Bill Daughtry and Chris Canty of ESPN’s “The Hahn & Humpty Show” and Drew Casey, FCRH ‘17, WFUV sports broadcaster and former managing editor of The Fordham Ram. Casey got a spot on the panel thanks to his position as sports manager at WFUV. “Being up there with those guys was nerve-wracking, but it was cool,” said Casey. “The coolest part about it is that they were really relaxed. They recognized that we were all doing the same thing and having fun. They treated me no differently than they treated each other, which was really cool for the hour that we were on the SEE KAY, PAGE 22

In the midst of an impassioned election night, Fordham Law professor Zephyr Teachout fell to her Republican opponent John Faso in her bid for Congress in New York’s 19th district. Teachout received 46 percent of the votes while her candidate received 54 percent.

Teachout ran a promising Congressional campaign, receiving an October endorsement from former president Barack Obama.

“I’m proud to endorse Zephyr Teachout for the United States House of Representatives,” Obama said in a statement. “In Congress, Zephyr will be the kind of reformminded leader we need to build on all of the progress we’ve made over the last eight years to create a stronger, fairer country for our children.

Zephyr is an independent fighter for working families and will help create an economy that works for everyone in this district…”

This comes as blow for the Democratic political figure, who ran for governor in 2014 against the incumbent Andrew Cuomo. Though Teachout lost, she stole one-third of the vote, forcing Cuomo to accept a mere 54 percent of the popular vote.

In the latest poll before election night, Faso held a six-point lead over Teachout in 19th Congressional District race, which was the largest margin either candidate led by in the New York Race. Faso led 48-42, according to a Time Warner Cable News/Siena College poll of likely district voters on Sunday morning.

New York’s 19th Congressional District spans across 11 counties including the Hudson Valley and Catskills. It is known as a battleground district and unsuccessfully flipped from Republican to Democrat in this race.

Teachout ran her campaign with a wealth of assistance from Bernie SEE CONGRESS, PAGE 6

in this issue

Opinion Page 7 Voters Should Prioritize Local Elections

Culture Page 11

McShane Shares Bucketlist During Ignatian Week

Sports Page 17

Seniors Step Up in 24-20 Over Colgate

NEWS

Page 2

November 9, 2016

Chuck Todd Discusses Millennials and Media An Interview with the Moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press”

By THERESA SCHLIEP CO-NEWS EDITOR

Since 2014, journalist Chuck Todd has served as the host of NBC’s news program, “Meet the Press,” and currently acts as the political director for NBC News.

Like most members of the news media, Todd has spent much of this past year covering the presidential election. In a phone interview with The Fordham Ram on Thursday afternoon he discussed the role of young people in politics and the current popular perceptions of mainstream media.

Todd also outlined some of the problems he sees in the American political system.

What is millennial engagement like?

It’s clear millennials are less engaged in this election. I don’t want to say engaged is the right word. For me, if you choose not to vote, that doesn’t mean you’re not engaged — you can be disgusted. I don’t want to say not voting is synonymous with not being engaged. I think millennials are turned off, and I understand

why they’re turned off. I think there is a larger issue here. I think millennials have never been more engaged in some ways, in problem solving in this country and social justice. One needs only to look at the Black Lives Matter movement for one example of millennial political empowerment.

I believe millennials are extraordinarily engaged and I think the two major parties have done everything they can to dissuade millennials from believing that American politics is a good calling, and that Washington is a place to go to solve problems. I think millennials look at Washington right now and see nothing getting done.

I can start my organization here, build my own atmosphere, go to Silicon Valley, go to a million other places to fix a problem I think needs fixing, but I go to Washington and get stuck.

This has got to change, because the lack of millennial innovation and millennial engagement in our political process right now is very dangerous. I’ll give you a statistic that has been haunting me for a year now: The federal government work force is only

seven percent under the age of 35.

What does that tell you? The best and the brightest don’t see Washington as a destination anymore.

In 1989, when I was looking at schools, I applied to every school in the DC area. I wanted to go to Washington, I was obsessed with going. It was a draw to me, and I don’t think I was alone. There isn’t a compelling draw right now.

I understand that there isn’t. One of the “criticisms” of millennials right now is impatience. I kind of see it as a positive attribute. I’d like a lot more impatience from Washington. I think millennials don’t view Washington as a place to solve problems, so why do we expect them to be engaged? In the millennial mind, you might think I may prefer Clinton over Trump, but is she really going to get anything done? You might be less offended by Clinton than by Trump personally, but I think that millennials have higher expectations for what they want out of political leaders. Politicians have failed that test big time.

Does this apply at the local level?

Of course it applies. Congress is broken. That counts double for Congress.

What do you think is the issue most important to millennials?

I’ll give you one that I don’t think is getting talked about enough: Governing reform. Before we have to solve problems, we need good infrastructure. Our political infrastructure is totally rotten, our voting methods are a mess. Politicizing voting, voter ID laws, we’re still technologically behind in civil engagement.

The way we fund campaigns, the way congressional districts are drawn, the way Congress is organized, the way the whole government works — we need a massive overhaul. The point is, our bureaucracy is stagnant and broken.

Sometimes you have a house that you can knock down but use the same old foundation and rebuild.

There are some parts of the government that need rebuilding.

We just need the guts to say we’re gonna knock it down. Government does not appear responsive and innovative. That has turned off millennials, and turned off the

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Chuck Todd talked with The Fordham Ram about the 2016 election and how the media and millennials affect politics and what needs to change in Washington.

country as a whole.

Has that resulted in the popularity of non-traditional political campaigns?

I’ve talked to people who have said “Trump offends me, but I’m voting for him.” I had a person say to me, “Donald Trump is my middle finger to you,” meaning the media and the whole political press. That’s what has kept Trump afloat. Any other candidate would have been chased out of the race right now. Trump is a protest vehicle. I think political leaders in Washington survive this, and don’t realize this, and say that Trump was an accident of history and once Trump goes away all of this goes away — no. We need to address the concerns of the Trump voters. I think that is something that if Hillary Clinton wins, and she doesn’t truly make every effort, we’re not going to fix this anytime soon.

Do you think the media has done this election justice?

A. I always answer this question with, “Can you define media for me?” How did InfoWars get mainstream? Yes, we are somehow, and this is mostly the fault of some on the right who have let this happen, we have mainstreamed too much innuendo, agenda-driven journalism — which isn’t even journalism. It’s a way to push an innuendo. I hear the criticism that the media has failed. I think some of this fault lies inside the two parties, I think some lies in each individual news organization. I can defend a lot of our coverage, but don’t make me defend what brand x and brand y are doing. I am glad to work at a news organization that does not make me do some uncomfortable defending.

I think its very dangerous when both sides hit us and say we both have failed, because it has led to all media being distrusted. Eventually, they’re not going to listen to you at all. I think transparency and openness are important. I can only be responsible for what I do, and I do my best to do that. We all try to help each other, and we can kind of earn credibility back one viewer at a time. We mainstreamed the need for fact-checking, and I will take that as one positive outcome of this election.

This Week at Fordham Friday Nov. 11

Friday Nov. 11

Sunday Nov. 13

Monday Nov. 14

Tuesday Nov. 15

Stringer, Old Table and Rest Ashore Concert

Documentary Film, The Bridgeroom, Showing

WAC November Bingo Keating First 9 p.m. — 11 p.m.

Suicide Squad Film Showing

Tognino Hall 8:30 p.m. — 11:30 p.m.

A Night of Poetry

Campus Activities Board will host the showing of the documentary The Bridgeroom in celebration of Diversity Month. After the viewing, there will be a discussion held on the subject of human rights and acceptance.

Campus Activities Board will be hosting the monthly WAC Bingo.

Students can attend and win various prizes during four rounds of bingo. The first board is free and each additional board is $1.

Campus Activities Board will be hosting a viewing of the 2016 film Suicide Squad. The DC superhero film was directed by David Ayer and stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto.

Rodrigue’s Coffee House 8 p.m. — 11 p.m.

Rodrigue’s will be hosting a free concert featuring three bands. The show will have Stringer, an indiepunk band, Old Table, a longtime New York-based act and Rest Ashore, a math-punk group.

Flom Auditorium 3 p.m. — 6 p.m.

Rodrigue’s Coffee House 8 p.m. — 10 p.m.

Rodrigue’s will be hosting students from FET’s Black Sheep Performance Poetry along with two professional poets, Ashley August and Mercy TullisBukhari.

NEWS

November 9, 2016

Page 3

Race May Divide Residents, Commuters

THE FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

Interviews with non-white commuter students revealed a complicated dynamic between race and residency status.

By BEN ST. CLAIR STAFF WRITER

Nemesis Dipré, FCRH ’18, has commuted to Rose Hill from her parents’ home in University Heights since her freshman year.

Accustomed to being among the racial majority in high school, Dipré, who identifies as Hispanic, said that her transition to Fordham was an adjustment process.

“Everyone around me was white,” she said. “I didn’t know I had a Spanish accent until I got here.” Dipré added that she used to assume that the non-white students at Rose Hill were commuters like her, while the white students all lived on campus.

After a highly public racial bias incident last year in which a freshman student carved a racial slur onto a black student’s door, Ford-

ham has looked to confront issues of diversity on campus. Last December, Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, established a task force charged with reviewing existing programs and making recommendations to enhance the school’s diversity.

The Task Force’s report is due later this semester.

According to enrollment numbers provided by the Office of Institutional Research (OIR), one of the university’s main hurdles may lie in the racial composition of its residence halls.

OIR’s analysis shows that undergraduates on the Rose Hill campus are 70 percent white, 13 percent Hispanic, nine percent Asian and three percent black.

However, 78 percent of students living in residence halls are white, eight percentage points higher

than the share of white undergraduate students on campus.

Interviews conducted by The Fordham Ram with seven commuting students who identify as a race other than white indicate a complicated relationship on campus between race and residency status.

Students who commute to campus make up a disproportionate percentage of Rose Hill’s nonwhite enrollment, as the numbers from OIR show. Even though they represent 24 percent of the freshman class, commuting students comprise roughly 48 percent of the class’s non-white students.

Commuting students as a whole make up nearly 60 percent of Rose Hill’s non-white students, despite representing 45 percent of students on campus. (Since OIR defines a commuting student as

someone who does not live in university housing, the data does not differentiate between students living in off-campus apartments and those commuting from their parents’ home.)

Grace Molina, FCRH ’18, who commutes to campus from her home in the Belmont community, says she sees a difference between students who live on campus and those who commute. “I can definitely say there is sort of a divide between residents and commuters,” she said.

But Molina does not think the divide is intentional, and according to Abdullah Adnan, FCRH ’17, the divide is not necessarily racial. Rather, it stems from the inherent differences between a student who lives on campus and one who commutes.

“I think it’s more of a passive divide than an active divide,” Adnan said, pointing to the differences in schedules and how commuters are forced to plan their days around travel.

According to Dipré and Deanna Ford, FCRH ’18, these differences are accentuated by Fordham’s off-campus nightlife. Both said they rarely “go out” at Fordham and have felt out-of-place when they have gone to parties in the past. “We literally live in two different worlds,” Dipré said referring to the different musical tastes of white and non-white students.

“There’s a barrier between white and black students,” said Ford.

For I’aliyah Wiggins, FCRH ’18, the effects of race and residency status are often intertwined. “It’s hard to separate the two,” said Wiggins, who identifies as Afro-Latina and commutes

from the Bronx.

Paola Joaquin Rosso, FCRH ’17 and vice president of the Commuter Students Association (CSA), thinks part of the divide may stem from the fact that commuting students do not have many resident student friends. “I had to go out of my way to meet somebody,” added Dipré, noting that freshman students have a set community in their resident halls.

Dipré said she’s rarely been inside any of the residence halls.

Justin Muzzi, assistant director of residential life for leadership, development and training, told The Fordham Ram that he hopes Residential Life can work more with the CSA and explained that resident assistants attempt to build community among their residents.

“I think increased diversity in the residence halls will help better prepare our students to be leaders in a global society,” said Muzzi.

Ultimately, the Office of Undergraduate Admission has more control over campus’s diversity.

In an email, Director Patricia Peek said that while the university works with several programs to help recruit a diverse class each year, the process can be challenging with other schools doing the same. “It becomes more difficult to increase the diversity of students at the enrolled stage with so many strong universities nationwide in competition,” Peek wrote.

In the meantime, getting to know one another better may be the answer, says Bianca Odle, FCRH ’18 and director of public affairs for CSA. “The only way to bridge that gap is if everyone becomes more sociable,” she said.

Trump Defeats Clinton in Historic Election

Wins Over Necessary 270 Electoral Votes FROM TRUMP, PAGE 1

Arkansas.

“While the campaign is over, our work is just beginning,” Trump said during victory speech at Trump Headquarters

in New York City.

Trump, who attended Fordham in the 1960s but did not graduate, was not the favored candidate of Fordham students, alumni and faculty according to a study conducted by The Fordham Ram

between Oct. 22 to Oct. 29. According to the study, which had a sample size of 412 community members, 66.2 percent of respondents planned to vote for Clinton, 24.1 percent planned to vote for Trump, six percent planned

United Student Government Updates Club of the Month USG suspended club rules to nominate three student umbrella political clubs: Fordham Political Review, College Republicans and College Democrats. The nomination was in light of Voter Education Week and other recent events the clubs hosted around the presidential election.

Senator of the Month

USG nominated Sara Brown, USG ’19, for her work with dining services.

Proposals

Sean Todd, FRCH ’19 and Joaquin Russo, FCRH ’17, Commuter Student President, asked USG for help Commuting Students Association forming a relationship with Bronx Community Board USG committed to raffling off a prize at USG’s 6. Part of this proposal includes sending a USG sena- Thanks-give-away. They will raffle off tickets to ice tor to Bronx Community Board meetings. USG wants skating in Bryant Park, Serendipity 3 and Metro to include this idea in the Diversity Action Coalition. Cards.

to vote for libertarian candidate Gary Johnson, four percent planned to vote for Green Party candidate Jill Stein and 2.7 percent planned to vote for other candidates.

Students at Fordham’s viewing party expressed negative sentiments about the incoming results.

“Living in New York City, I don’t feel that we will be safe if Donald Trump wins,” said Amirah Brown, FCRH ‘17. “With all of the backlash that will come from, not only other countries but our own country and individual neighborhoods as well, it’s not going to be safe.”

Mana Hasegawa, GSB ‘19, said his election proves ordinary Americans are disillusioned with the political process.

“For me, this is proof that there is giant disconnect between the average joe and the political beliefs of this country,” said Mana Hasegawa, GSB ’19. “This is an expression of working class people being angry at the system.”

Another student did not even consider a Trump election.

“I didn’t actually except that this was a possibility until now,”

said Laura Lynch FCRH ’19.

“The fact that Donald Trump’s candidacy is clearly a possibility proves that I have a lot to learn about the american people.”

The 2016 campaign was characterized by strong voter interest, but widespread dissatisfaction.

According to research done by the Pew Research Center, overall satisfaction with the choice of candidates has never been lower in past 20 years. The Pew Research center report found that only 43 percent of Democrats and 40 percent of Republicans were satisfied with their choices for president.

About 41 percent said choosing between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was difficult “because neither would make a good president.” Only 11 percent reported that the choice was difficult because “either would make a good chief executive.”

This year’s presidential campaign was also viewed as excessively negative and not focused on important issues. According to the Pew Research Center, Only 27 percent of Americans felt that the campaign is “focused on important policy debates.”

NEWS

Page 4

November 9, 2016

Fordham In The Bronx

Voters Pay Respect to Suffragist

Stanton’s Plot Adorned with Voting Stickers

THERESA SCHLIEP/THE FORDHAM RAM

The cemetery put up a poster for visitors to put their “I Voted” stickers on to preserve Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s grave.

By THERESA SCHLIEP NEWS CO-EDITOR

Some voters who waited in line to vote for a presidential candidate Tuesday afternoon did not mind waiting in line twice. Woodlawn Cemetery saw a decent amount of foot traffic as voters visited the grave of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an abolitionist and suffragist famous for presenting the Declaration of Sentiments at the Seneca Falls Convention held in 1848.

Visitors left flowers, took pictures with the monument and placed their “I Voted” stickers on a poster placed next to the grave.

One visitor left a note with pictures of her daughter and thanked Stanton for her impact on the women’s suffragist movement.

Another left a bouquet of flowers and a Hillary Clinton campaign button.

The membership manager at the cemetery, Anastasija Ocheretine, said most of the visitors were women, and that the cemetery had not seen this kind of traffic in

elections of years past.

In an effort to maintain the marble facades of Stanton’s grave, Ocheretine said they put up posters for people’s stickers. Management placed posters next to the graves of three other famous female abolitionists at the cemetery: the graves of Carrie Chapman Catt, Mary Garrett Hay and Alva Vanderbilt Belmont.

Ocheretine credited a lot of the foot traffic to a New York Times article about the grave sites in the Bronx cemetery.

She said that early voters trickled in during the past week and visitors all had different backgrounds of knowledge on the suffragist movement.

“Lots of people are referencing the article, and at least one person came in saying ‘I read about some famous grave and want to see it, but what did she do?” said Ocheretine.

One of the visitors to Stanton’s grave was Meredith Atickinson from Chelsea. She said she visited the cemetery to give thanks to

Stanton on the day of this “historic election.”

“Its kind of crazy to me that

women have not even been voting for 100 years in America,” said Atickinson. “I’m very grateful for her and the suffragettes. They risked their lives and were beaten, and the fact that I got to vote for the first woman president was very humbling.”

Hayley Williams, also from Chelsea, said it was her first election voting, and it was a poignant one after studying the suffragette movement both in the United Kingdom and in the United States.

“I was talking to my mom about how crazy this is, and she was talking about her mom and grandma and how crazy this is,” said Williams.

Another visitor to the grave was Emma Pfeiffer from Queens.

She visited the cemetery because she was inspired by a visit to Seneca Falls, the location of the first women’s rights convention in the United States.

“There, people put “I Voted” stickers on [the graves] during the New York primary in April at Susan B. Anthony’s grave in Rochester,”

said Pfeiffer. “I realized Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s grave was here in New York and I wanted to pay my respects. It has been very moving to be here and be a part of living history.”

Pfeiffer wore a pantsuit to show her support for Clinton, a self described “pantsuit aficionado.”

Stanton was not unique in her admirers. Anthony, the face of the American suffragist movement, received hundreds of admirers at her grave in Rochester, New York, forcing the cemetery to extend their Election Day hours.

Ocheretine said people often associate Stanton with Anthony because of their work together.

“There is rarely an image where the two of them aren’t together,” said Ocheretine.

The cemetery is planning to celebrate Stanton’s 200th birthday on Nov. 12, as well as the hundredth anniversary of the suffragist movement.

Republican candidate Donald Trump won the presidential election early Wednesday morning.

THERESA SCHLIEP/THE FORDHAM RAM

Visitors dropped tokens such as flowers and campaign buttons and took photos with the famed suffragist’s grave.

Campus Briefs & Bites Workshop Teaches Law Students Civility

Fordham Hosts Panel on Peace in Colombia

Art Exhibit Focuses on Politics in Movie Posters

Concert Honors Founder of Bronx Arts Ensemble

As political parties continue to grow more polarized, discussing current issues has become more divisive. On Nov. 1, as a part of Ignatian Week, Fordham Law School hosted a workshop in order to promote civility among the student body. The workshop, “Dialogue and the Difficult Questions,” was held at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus and was hosted by Amy Uelmen, lecturer at Georgetown University Law Center and founder of Fordham Law’s Institute on Religion, Law & Lawyer’s Work, and Charles Camosy, Ph.D., associate professor of theology at Fordham.

The workshop gave students guidance on how to talk about difficult issues, such as abortion and gun rights, with those who may not agree with their opinions. Uelmen and Camosy emphasized that the point of discussing divisive issues is not necessarily to reach an agreement, but to reach a point of understanding and acceptance.

In August 2016, Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, announced that a peace deal had been reached between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). A national referendum took place in October to finalize the deal, but it was voted down by about one percent. On Nov. 1, Fordham hosted a large public event on the subject with the goal of reaching out to the Colombian community. The event was entirely in Spanish and was hosted by Fordham’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, the Latin American and Latino studies department and the Fordham College at Rose Hill assistant dean’s office. Panelists discussed what divided the vote, such as geographical location of voters, how about 62 percent of eligible voters did not end up voting and the fact that Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October for his efforts in organizing the peace accord.

A new exhibit at Fordham’s Ildiko Butler Gallery focuses on the portrayal of politics in movie posters throughout film history.

The show, “Politics: Movie Images from Posteritati,” was organized by Mark Street, associate professor of visual arts. The gallery, located at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus, highlights posters from major studio films and more independent ones. It also showcases both political dramas, such as the 1976 film All The President’s Men starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford, and political comedies, like the 1998 film Bulworth starring Warren Beatty. The various posters use different techniques, such as irony or paranoia, to get a point across visually. The gallery uses the posters as a way to understand the contemporary political climate in America and this year’s election. Other directors featured in the gallery include Stanley Kubrick and Robert Altman. The show runs until Dec. 1.

On Nov. 4, The University Church at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus honored the life of William J. Scribner, founder of the Bronx Arts Ensemble. Scribner died on Sept. 16 at the age of 77. Scribner was a bassoonist involved in groups such as the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. In 1972, The Bronx Arts Ensemble received union status and became involved with various Bronx-based institutions. The ensemble had a strong relationship with Fordham and has had artist-in-residence status at the university, since 1979. The ensemble performed a fall music series and played in holiday and spring concerts.

When funding for music programs in Bronx schools was cut in the 1980s, the ensemble helped by bringing music to local classrooms. The Bronx Arts Ensemble continues to be a major presence in the community and performs at various concerts.

NEWS

November 9, 2016

Page 5

College Dems, Repubs Talk Syran, Free Speech FROM DEBATE, PAGE 1

itself in Syria’s civil war, which has produced roughly 4.8 million refugees since 2012.

“It goes against the founding values of our nation to stand idly while men, women and children die,” Dussard. “I am not making the claim that we have a perfect and neat solution to this atrocity.”

She recommended America’s implementation of a no-fly zone in the region, which Ali Idrissi, Democrat FCRH ’20, and Sebastian Balasov, Republican GSB ’18, rejected.

“A no-fly zone would lead to more casualties, and worse — a war with Russia,” said Balasov. Not convinced American intervention would help based on America’s past interventions in Iraq, Balasov found that any interaction would cause more harm than good.

Idrissi said that using the loss of life as an excuse to intervene in Syria would be “pure hypocrisy,” similar to the U.S. backing the current Yemen regime which kills its own citizens.

Democrat Daniel Joy, FCRH ’20, and Republican Matthew Johnson, FCRH ’17, debated climate change, which Joy called “unparalleled in human history.” Each of the first six months of 2016 set a record as the warmest respective month globally in the modern temperature record, which dates back to 1880, according to scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York.

Joy described climate change policy as an investment, one that would save the taxpayers money in due time.

Johnson promoted a more conservative solution to climate regulation based on free market capitalism and free market enterprise.

“That is how we promote green and renewable energy,” Johnson said. “We cannot just funnel all of our money into one government policy ... we need to trust the free market economy.”

Though agreeing that Johnson’s

approach would work over time, Joy argued that it would not change soon enough.

“If we have government backing from the beginning, the free market will have government research and funding,” Joy said, “thus helping the free market develop clean, renewable energy.”

Addressing freedom of speech on college campuses, Republican Representative Alex Johnson, GSB ’18, and Democratic Representative Devin D’Agostino, FCRH ’20, clashed on stage and advocated for their own interpretations of First Amendment rights, exceeding the time allotted.

Johnson perceived that “political correctness” has muddled free speech.

“You being offended doesn’t give you more rights than me,” Johnson said. “The beautiful thing about free speech, is that you’re allowed to say whatever you want, even if someone doesn’t agree. It creates intellectual dialect in a good debate.”

D’Agostino disagreed, arguing that hate speech has no place on a college campus.

“Opinions that can be supported logically are fine,” he said. “However, there is no logic behind hate.

Hate speech is said to ostracize and offend a specific group.”

D’Agostino argued that speakers who promote hate should not be allowed to speak on a college campus. “Hate speech promotes intolerance,” said D’Agostino.

Johnson countered with the argument that hate speech, by definition, was too vague. “The waters are very muddied when it comes to hate speech,” said Johnson.

Hate speech in itself, according to Johnson, is a byproduct of political correctness, and that as a left leaning institution, Fordham would have different classifications of hate speech.

“It is not hard to believe that a liberal school like Fordham would say conservative speakers or their ideas [are products of] hate speech,”

Johnson said.

D’Agostino rebutted that although hate speech is an attack on someone’s dignity, it should not be generalized and in agreeing with Johnson should be understood on a case by case basis.

This topic personally affected the Fordham community and brought the issue to national attention when Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, condemned the College Republican’s decision to host Anne Coulter back in 2012.

McShane argued in a university wide email that “there are many people who can speak to the conservative point of view with integrity and conviction, but Ms. Coulter is not among them. Her rhetoric is often hateful and needlessly pro-

vocative.”

Some attendees were confused as to why the debate did not address the current presidential elections.

“I don’t entirely understand why the presidential candidates weren’t topics of discussion,” said Lauren Winn, FCRH ’18, who attended the debate and claimed no party affiliation. However, she found the debate educational, stressing the need to hear student viewpoints different from one’s own.

The omission was intentional.

Both club party presidents agreed prior to the debate that neither of the U.S. Presidential candidate would be mentioned and that discourse regarding the two would be avoided entirely.

“We don’t need to talk about the candidates anymore, after a year and two months we want to talk about other issues” said Johnson, who came up with the idea. “At this point, who cares? No one is changing their minds at this point.”

College Democrats President Thomas Palumbo, FCRH ’17, would rather have referenced them.

“We are two political clubs five days out from the election,” he told The Fordham Ram. On Wednesday morning, Donald Trump was elected president of the United States.

College Republicans did not endorse Trump while the College Democrats endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton last week.

Trump won the presidential election early Wednesday morning.

ANDREA GARCIA/THE FORDHAM RAM

College Democrats and Republicans debated the economy, Syria and free speech in their annual debate.

Students Completing SEEQs at Low Rates

By THERESA SCHLIEP NEWS CO-EDITOR

Student data on the quality of Fordham courses and professors is becoming increasingly difficult to collect. Students are completing end of the semester Student Evaluations of Educational Quality (SEEQs) at a much lower rate since the university digitized the forms, according to Susan Perciasepe, senior executive secretary for John P. Harrington, dean of faculty of arts and sciences.

Perciasepe said the colleges are “lucky” if they have a student response rate of 55 percent since the evaluations digitized in 2013 — down from a 70-80 percent response rate when evaluations were handed out on paper. The evaluations are distributed in the weeks before final exams start so as not to have final student grades affect the responses. Professors are supposed to use them to adjust their teaching based on feedback.

David Kovacs, professor of philosophy, gives time in class for his students to complete SEEQs. “Formal student evaluation

are very important for teachers to assess their own strengths and weaknesses,” said Kovacs. “Students might not always know that. So I think when professors explain this in class and provide in-class time for their completion, they are more likely to get fuller results.”

Kovacs said that when he provides time in class for the evaluations, he gets nearly a 100 percent rate of completion.

Allan Gilbert, Ph.D, professor of anthropology, was chair on the Faculty Evaluation Committee when paper forms were discontinued.

Gilbert noted that since the transition, most students fill out the surveys outside the classroom as opposed to when they were on paper and typically distributed and retrieved during class time.

According to Gilbert, completing the SEEQs in class typically results in higher rates of completion.

Monika McDermott, a political science professor, said SEEQ completion outside of classes becomes problematic because students do not feel like they need to

complete the forms.

“This then becomes what we call a ‘collective action’ problem.

Students assume other students will participate, so that they themselves don’t need to,” said McDermott. “But the more students that feel that way, the less correct the thinking since participation rates drop. It’s pretty much a vicious circle.”

In response to the drop off in participation rates, the university is looking to improve completion percentages in part by orienting SEEQs for a more mobile student body.

“We are initiating a new set of questions and we’ve re-calibrated our system to be re-optimized for tablets and cell phones,” said Davidson. “We are casually optimistic.”

McDermott said faculty are working on adding incentives for SEEQ completion.

“We believe that if everyone understands the benefit of the SEEQs, participation will increase” said McDermott.

In a Fordham Ram article covering the transition from paper to online SEEQs, Gilbert said the

minimally acceptable rate of completion is 60 percent. Anything lower, he said, can be inaccurate in their portrayal of professors.

McDermott said students can benefit from participation in SEEQs, but only if all students complete them. “But if the SEEQs aren’t representative because not enough students take part, that benefit goes away,” said McDermott.

Gilbert said that low SEEQ participation rates were a twofold problem.

First, instructors use SEEQs as feedback. More often than not, professors adjust their instructing based on comments and criticisms received.

“Low participation is problematic is the meager and possibly unrepresentative amount of anonymous comment that could lead to improvements in the presentation of individual courses,” said Gilbert.

The evaluations are also part of the reviews the faculty undergo during employment decision making. He said adjuncts are more often evaluated by a review of the SEEQs. Both adjunct

faculty and full-time faculty are evaluated by SEEQs. If there are problems with instructors, further action occurs.

“SEEQ participation also helps the departments and programs oversee instructional quality, so they can address systematic critiques received by students and do the best they can to make sure that courses receive generally favorable assessments by students in the various areas covered by the SEEQ questionnaire,” said Allen.

SEEQs are not mandatory.

Nestor Davidson, associate dean for academic affairs, attributed the voluntary nature of SEEQs to his thought that Fordham students are cognizant that these evaluations benefit students.

“I think our students are grown ups and they understand the importance,” said Davidson.

There are also no academic penalties for not completing SEEQs, though Davidson said they are of benefit to students and faculty alike.

“Our feeling is evaluations are very important, and the faculty take them very seriously,” said Davidson.

NEWS

November 9, 2016

COURTESY OF TWITTER

More Fordham students are studying abroad at Fordham’s London Centre, resulting in three new housing buildings.

Fordham London Centre Sees Enrollment, Programs Spike

By RYAN QUINN

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Fordham London program experienced a spike in popularity this semester and expects this trend to continue, according to the International and Study Abroad Programs office.

According to Rienti,36 percent of Fordham Students currently study or have studied abroad at some point in their college career. Students enrollment at the London Centre has increased by 20 percent in the past two years. In addition, the office

anticipates a 29 percent increase for 2016-2017.

To accommodate for London’s surge in popularity as a destination for students going abroad, the International and Study Abroad Programs Office added three new FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES buildings for housing. This sent the number of housing options from two to five, giving students a taste of five different neighborhoods — three more than last year.

Dr. Joseph Rienti attributes the rise in students in part to the increase in programs and facilities.

Fordham in London provides stu-

dents with four different programs: London Liberal Arts, London Dramatic Academy, Gabelli School of Business in London and London Internship Program. Through these four programs, more students than ever experience the benefits of these programs in the capital of England, according to the International and Study Abroad Programs office.

Fordham added the Sophomore Liberal Arts Program, encouraging students in their sophomore year to experience study abroad.

With more students comes

Page 6 larger class sizes. According to Danison, there are about 30 students per classroom in Fordham London. In contrast, classes generally had about 20 students last year according to previous Fordham London student, Monica Barton, FCRH ’17.

Rienti, however, said that classes in London are “fairly consistent” with those in New York, at about 10 to 20 students per class. To accommodate for more students, Fordham added sections to certain classes and resorted to using a teaching assistant for one section.

Fordham’s website boasts of “over 125 study abroad programs in 52 countries, on 6 continents” and, according to Rienti, the International and Study Abroad Programs office hopes that by the year 2019 more than half the student population will have studied abroad at some point in his college career.

Danison said when it comes to students abroad, it is the more the merrier.

“There is something nice about having so many Fordham students in London because you get to not only experience what it’s like to live in another country, but you get to do it with your friends and make new ones along the way,” said Danison.

Fordham started offering programs in London in 2003 when the university obtained Marymount College in London, along with the school’s study abroad programs. The current centre at Heythrop College in Kensington started in 2008.

Teachout Loses House Bid FROM CONGRESS, PAGE 1

Sanders supporters. She ran her platform in part on ending corporate influence over government and is pro-small business and opposed Citizens United — Supreme Court Justice Stevens cited her legal essay when dissenting the court case in 2012. She has routinely called out Faso on having wealthy Wall Street backers.

Republican John Faso was formerly in the State Assembly and ran on a platform of lowering taxes.

She moved to Dutchess County from Brooklyn in early 2015, and announced she was running the 19th District’s empty congressional seat earlier next year.

“I seriously did not expect this to happen,” she told the Washington Post at the time.

Teachout won her primary easily, raking in thousands more votes than her opponent, Will Yandik.

Her race against Faso, however, was closer.

Teachout is a Fordham Law professor, as well as a visiting assistant law professor at Duke University, a lecturer at University of Vermont, and a non-resident fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School.

Recycle The Ram

November 9, 2016

OPINION

Page 7

The Fordham Ram

Local Elections Deserve More Attention Too

By MARGARITA ARTOGLOU OPINION EDITOR

The 2016 Presidential Election saw more than its fair share of scandal and an incredible amount of media coverage. Many commentators have remarked at how bad this election has been in terms of mudslinging.

I am sure I am not the only person who was sick of hearing about Hillary Clinton’s email scandal.

I am definitely not the only one who was disgusted by all the accusations of sexual assault against Donald Trump. I never want to hear another breaking news story about the explosive language that comes out of his mouth.

I could go on and on with examples of the nastiness of this past election. But I will not, because it is over now. However, it is time to acknowledge how detrimental presidential election coverage is to the democratic process on the local level.

As a result of minute by minute presidential poll coverage, and hours and pages of airtime and newspaper space being allocated to the sexual assault allegations against Trump and Clinton’s email scandals, we have heard very little about the races for any office besides the Oval Office.

This year, my ballot asked me to choose a candidate for POTUS, US Senate, US House, New York Senate, New York Assembly

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) could become the Senate Majority Leader — but not many people are paying attention.

and Justice of the Supreme Court of my district. Of these races, the presidential race took up an overwhelming amount of media coverage.

Local politics are covered on a more local level — so the races for my district in Queens would be better covered by local newspapers. It is likely that the best way to inform myself about each candidate would be to go on each of their websites to read their platforms.

And yet, as someone who loves politics, I felt no inclination to do so, because by the time I remembered that I would be casting a vote for people other than Clinton or Trump, election coverage was no longer interesting. It had become bothersome and disheartening, and I wanted nothing to do with it.

However, local politicians arguably affect people’s everyday lives more than the president. Still, the candidates vying to represent

Americans in state assemblies and state senates have fallen between the cracks.

In New York, Democratic incumbent Chuck Schumer faced Republican challenger Wendy Long. And while a Schumer defeat was a long-shot, more people should have paid attention. During his time in the Senate, Schumer has done a lot for everyday New Yorkers and Americans, including championing assault weapons restrictions and getting health care

for 9/11 first responders who experienced health issues in the aftermath of the attacks.

As a result of obsessive presidential campaign coverage, many voters might not have been aware of these circumstances as they went to the polls.

While it might seem that media outlets should make more of an effort to bring audiences local news, many of them do cover local politics. These stories, however, were often overshadowed by presidential stories. It is up to readers to seek out local stories to make sure they stay informed.

We as news consumers must pay more attention to these smaller elections.

Our generation is especially reliant on social media when it comes to staying informed. While Facebook posts and tweets are important methods of informationsharing, the most viral stories are the outrageous ones. Policy plans specific to a small district are not nearly as shareable, but are still extremely significant.

In our internet culture of sharing, we need to remember, for the next local election, that being informed is vital. Next time, we must not let mudslinging get in the way of a fair democratic process.

Margarita Artoglou, FCRH ’18, is a communication and media studies major from Queens, New York.

Retiring MLB’s Racist Caricature of Chief Wahoo

By MATTHEW MICHAELS STAFF WRITER

Major League Baseball was on full display, as a tension-filled and exciting playoffs culminated in a dramatic win for the Chicago Cubs over the Cleveland Indians in a World Series that went on for a full seven games.

Television viewership reached quarter-century highs for a baseball game, and fan interest spiked severely as two bad luck franchises dueled for long awaited titles. Everything was perfectly set up for an immaculate postseason for MLB, but one blight spoiled the picturesque images of the Fall Classic — Chief Wahoo.

In 1928, the Indians featured a Native American on the breast of their home uniforms, but the following season, the patch moved to the left sleeve, where it stayed until the end of the next decade. Chief Wahoo became the logo for Cleveland’s baseball club in 1947, a year before the Indians’ most recent championship. In his first incarnation, Chief Wahoo appeared with a large nose, a wide grin showing his big, white teeth and a feather sticking out of his hair.

The logo has gone through several redesigns over the years, but the basic caricature has remained, save for a reddening of the skin.

Chief Wahoo was originally on players’ sleeves, but made it to the hat for most of the 1950s and jumped to the breast in 1963. The uniforms changed drastically in the 1970s, but by the 80s, Chief Wahoo was back on

jersey sleeves and returned to hats in 1986. The Indians’ ownership is very pleased with how much Chief Wahoo merchandise has sold over the past decades and the profit margin is clearly a factor in the logo’s continued use.

Aversion to the racist caricature is nothing new. When President Bill Clinton threw out the first pitch in Cleveland in 1994, he adorned his head with a cap containing a blockletter C. To a certain extent, the league and team are both aware of the unacceptableness of Chief Wahoo, as evidenced by his absence on Indians.com and mlb.com.

The organization seemed to be on the right path with a phase-out of Chief Wahoo, although his use would have been better off terminated with one swift removal. The block C has replaced Chief Wahoo as the team’s primary logo with presence on the batting helmet and hat, but the Chief remains on the sleeve.

For every playoff game this season, Cleveland reverted to wearing its embarrassing reminder of Native American racism on its hat. In national spotlight, the Indians on-field loss paled in comparison to the setback they served to mascots and team names that institutionalize Native American racism.

At one point in history, Chief Wahoo may have been viewed favorably, but he has no place on a major professional sports team’s uniform in the 21st century. His reappearance is unacceptable. Even worse are the

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Chief Wahoo is being phased out of professional baseball, but it is time to completely purge the MLB of the racist image.

Cleveland fans who attend games in red face paint with headgear containing feathers beating on drums. Spectators are adopting another culture’s heritage and misusing sacred symbols without recognizing the importance or acknowledging the impact of their actions.

Unlike Washington’s football team, the Indians’ name is not inherently problematic, but the iconography of the logo screams cultural insensitivity. Chief Wahoo’s increased use in the playoffs put pressure on MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred

to make a statement. Like a presidential candidate dismissing a topic as a state issue to avoid controversy, Commissioner Manfred deferred the matter of Chief Wahoo to the Indians citing that logos are “primarily a local matter.”

The Indians are scared to dismiss Chief Wahoo because of the revenue they will lose. Calls to history and team image fall on deaf ears as organizations change logos and names when it best suits their interests. Even if Cleveland is not willing to embrace the block C, which can be confused

with numerous other teams, they have an additional logo that is criminally underused. A cursive letter “I” appeals as a classy and traditional alternative and is also unique to the Indians. Whatever the Indians decide as the replacement, it will be an improvement over the outdated and racist caricature of Chief Wahoo that needs to be retired.

Matthew Michaels, GSB ’17, is a marketing major from Hightstown, New Jersey.

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 readershipi of over 300,000. The Fordham Ram office is located in the basement of the McGinley Center, room B-52.

Website FordhamRam.com Email Address theram@fordham.edu Mailing Address Fordham University - Station 37 Box B Bronx, NY 10458 Editor-in-Chief Laura Sanicola Managing Editor Erin Shanahan Business Director Zack Miklos Copy Chief Tara Martinelli Editorial Director Amanda Giglio Assistant Business Director Tyler Dikun Assistant Copy Chief Amanda Maile News Editors Mike Byrne Theresa Schliep Opinion Editors Margarita Artoglou Kristen Santer Culture Editors Bailey Hosfelt Libby Smislova Sports Editor Sam Belden Assistant Sports Editors Pat Costello Jack McLoone Photo Editor Andrea Garcia Digital Team Ellie Bruckner Meghan Campbell Anna Carey Faculty Advisor Beth Knobel

Editorial Page Policy The Fordham Ram ’s editorial and ramblings topics are selected on a weekly basis and reflect the editorial board’s view on a campus issue.

Opinions Policy The Fordham Ram appreciates 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 written consent.

November 9, 2016

From the Desk | Kristen Santer

Bringing on the Heartbreak: Saying Goodbye to The Ram I first joined the copy editing team of The Fordham Ram because I wasn’t sure what clubs I wanted to join. Like other students here (sorry guys), I had a resigned apathy to getting involved and participating in anything. I already had a solid group of friends and a decent GPA. I didn’t think I needed much else.

After a year of working disinterestedly at jobs and internships, it was time to turn my interest towards other extracurriculars. I decided to apply for a position as an editor for The Fordham Ram, mostly out of encouragement by our current editor-in-chief and my good friend, Laura Sanicola. I am hugely indebited to her because it made all the difference not only in my college experience, but also in my career and life plans.

I always enjoyed writing, and my ability to churn out five page papers in a couple hours is the only reason I get good grades. I never really thought that I could make a career out of writing. I believed my future would be in marketing, since it was at least a somewhat interesting career path

with a decent paycheck.

Well, I said goodbye to a decent paycheck and a good standard of living and decided to enter the competitive, low-paying and thankless field of journalism. Becoming involved in The Fordham Ram ignited my appreciation, respect and love for journalism.

Laura and I frequently traded media updates and inside jokes as we slowly pushed our way from internship to internship. As she started specializing in business journalism, I decided to ignore all realistic expectations and enter film journalism.

I love film, but I had always considered this passion more of a hobby than a potential career.

So I set it aside as a freshman and took on internships in marketing and public relations in rather dull fields (i.e. business services). My time and experience as an editor and writer for The Fordham Ram gave me the encouragement and necessary skills to apply for film journalism internships and I actually got them. I was completely shocked when this started to happen, and although nothing is se-

cure, I feel confident and excited about my entry into the field.

Discovering a dream career path is extremely important for a college student. I was worried that I would be stuck at a subpar job and unsure of what else to do.

I have to thank The Fordham Ram for helping me realize my dream, for God knows where I’d be without its influence and encouragement.

A lot of this support comes from the wonderful staff that I have come to know these past two years. Although I said goodbye to some good friends last year, I made some new ones among the incoming staff of this volume. As much as they can be supportive, they can also be very humbling. I know that I will see a lot of these faces succeed in journalism, and perhaps even compete against them for a job in the future.

I have to give special thanks to my Opinion Co-Editor Margarita Artoglou. I could have been stuck with an editor whom I consider an acquaintance, but luckily we have ended these two volumes together as great friends. Not only did she

revitalize my love of classic rock (throwback to Def Leppard), but she also helped me become a better writer and editor. Whichever position she holds in the next volume, I know she will continue to do a great job and encourage a new generation of budding journalists.

Thank you to everybody at The Fordham Ram and to the newspaper itself for helping me solidify my path in life. Please pray for me and the other seniors to receive great jobs and apartments at least somewhat bigger than water closets.

Editorial | Diversity

Dissecting the Reality of Diversity at Fordham The class of 2020 is the most “geographically diverse” in our school’s history, according to Fordham’s website. The university touts that more than 20 students are enrolled from each of the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. In addition, 192 international students hail from Brazil, France, Mongolia, China and other foreign countries.

Fordham is not diverse.

Our current student body is 5.3 percent African-American, 13 percent Hispanic, 9.5 percent Asian/ Pacific Islander, 3.8 percent multi-racial and 0.1 percent Native American. Caucasians make up 66.6 percent of Fordham’s student body. While students may hail from several different states, a large percentage of the student body is concentrated

in the tri-state area.

Clearly, there is huge disparity in diverse ethnicity and races.

These boasted statistics make us question our university’s definition of diversity. Although geographic location may contribute to racial and cultural differences that constitute a diverse society, Fordham has a largely homogeneous student body and students have very little control over the factors that would contribute to a diverse society.

What the entire student body does have control over, however, is our response to ideas, cultures and people different than ourselves. Instead of claiming how diverse we are, we should admit the lack of diversity on our campuses and plan ways to make a more inclusive university.

We haven’t proved ourselves in that area. The bias incidents that have taken place over the past year and a half indicate the

student body is lacking in its care for others, or cura personalis. To make this campus a more inclusive place, open to diversity we must first understand, deal with and end the bias incidents. One way Campus Activities Board (CAB) is trying to create a more inclusive environment on campus is through Diversity Month.

Fordham has a multitude of cultural clubs including ASILI: The Black Student Alliance, PRIDE Alliance, Fordham University South Asian Entity (FUSE), Hellenic Society and much more. However, while OMA and the cultural clubs have events throughout the school year, these events are often very ill attended. Open dialogues with groups on campus and talks about the lack of diversity do not generate interest on our campus, and that is concerning. Bringing groups together to celebrate the diversity that we do have on

campus is a way in which we can learn to understand differences and create spaces where diversity is fostered.

Diversity is a component of the core curriculum: the pluralism requirement is an “opportunity to develop tolerance, sensitivities and knowledge” of different forms of diversity like race, ethnicity, class, religion and gender, while the globalism attribute is intended “to ensure that students come to respect, understand and appreciate the significant variations in customs, institutions and worldviews that have shaped peoples and their lives.” We need to be embodying what we learn in the promotion of inclusivity on campus.

Fordham is not diverse and there is not much the student body can to do change that. It’s time for us to step up in the area that counts: our understanding, compassion and acceptance.

Disagree with our editorial?

Email us at fordhamramopinions@gmail.com to submit your ideas!

OPINION

November 9, 2016

Page 9

Standing With “Standing Rock” on Facebook

By JOHN CHRISTEN STAFF WRITER

If you used Facebook last week, you have probably noticed that many of your friends “checked in” to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in Cannon Ball, ND. Chances are, they were not there.

Although Facebook users have previously used “check-ins” to draw attention to certain causes, the Standing Rock check-ins have popularized a new way of demonstrating and encouraging solidarity with others.

The protests started a few months ago on the grounds that the pipeline would violate sacred burial grounds and taint water supplies on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. The pipeline is being constructed to cut the cost of U.S. crude oil and natural gas demand by reducing the amount of rail and truck transportation necessary.

“The pipeline will enable domestically produced light sweet crude oil from North Dakota to reach major refining markets in a more direct, cost-effective, safer and environmentally responsible manner,” reads the website provided by the pipeline’s investors, daplpipelinefacts.com.

The protesters are not buying it. Hundreds of Native Americans and many other supporters have come together to prevent the desecration of the reservation land.

People are using Facebook’s “check-in” feature in an attempt to confuse law enforcement that may be using Facebook to target protesters. North Dakota’s Morton County police department denies this use according to the New York Times. While it is unknown whether the area police have the capa-

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People used Facebook to show their solidarity with Standing Rock protesters.

bility to analyze Facebook’s data in this manner, users’ “check-ins” have undeniably raised awareness of the issue. The Dakota pipeline protests have popularized an entirely modern method of showing solidarity with others.

Regardless of whether the “check-ins” actually accomplish the intended purpose of misdirecting law enforcement, the attention the protesters received made the massive social media gesture a success.

Publications across the country have covered the Facebook Standing Rock “check-in” solidarity phenomenon, drastically increasing the number of people that understand the protesters’ concerns.

Just as media coverage of Donald Trump’s childish tweets has augmented supporter base and his follower count, the media’s recent focus on the increasing amount of Standing Rock “check-ins” has helped the issue receive the crucial attention it deserves.

Several celebrities have stepped into the spotlight to support DAPL protesters’ efforts as well. People

magazine recently reported that many Marvel superhero actors, including Mark Ruffalo, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans, are pledging their support. These stars are a small drop in the large bucket of highprofile DAPL protester advocates like Leonardo DiCaprio, Shailene Woolley and Susan Sarandon.

High-profile support and the issue’s growing presence on social media have sparked the public’s interest.

This newfound public interest in the Sioux Native Americans’ qualms with the construction of the pipeline prompted on-site protesters to utilize other social mediarelated methods of sharing their struggle with the rest of the world.

This past weekend, many protesters took advantage of Facebook’s live video feature, which allows users to broadcast live video into their followers’ feeds. NBC News reported on Sunday that “videos recording violent clashes between police and protesters have attracted upwards of four million views on Facebook alone.”

Clearly, social media has become a powerful force for those whose concerns would normally be silenced. The positive effects of the Facebook “check-ins” and the protestors’ recent online live video broadcasts are widespread.

Despite the pipeline’s investors’ encouraging claims that the project will create jobs and help reduce the costs of the train and truck transport of Bakken crude oil to the United States, protestors have good reason to push back against the pipeline’s construction. Not only does the pipeline’s path directly cross through sacred burial grounds on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, but it also threatens the water supply and ecosystems of thousands of miles of land.

The argument for the completion of its construction is, also, very convincing. In that the pipeline’s construction would reduce energy bills for millions of Americans and create thousands of temporary heavy construction and engineering jobs.

Its completion would be economically advantageous for the United States in the short-run.

However, the United States would be better off investing larger portions of its wealth into clean energy projects that do not rely on fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas. Although protesters have a variety of reasons for objecting the pipeline’s construction, the most important one is the negative environmental impact of the pipeline in the longrun. The U.S. would be better off investing in energy solutions that will work for generations, not those that will just work for now.

John Christen, FCRH ’19, is undeclared in his major from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Kathryn Wolper Nutella’s Healthiness Enigma During a week in which the American public is fed up with government, a government agency has spoken up about one of the country’s favorite culinary accouterments: Nutella. Ferrero, the company that makes Nutella, is lobbying the Food and Drug Administration to classify Nutella as a sweet spread, like honey or jam, instead of a dessert topping according to NPR. The classification has implications for the way the food’s nutritional facts are labeled because these categories have different serving sizes. A change in the serving size of Nutella could radically change the way people view its healthfulness.

Such a battle highlights the ways in which government influences people and the ways in which companies present their products to the public. Although the semantic battle in which Ferrero is engaged seems low-stakes, the reasons for it are understandable. Furthermore, the debate gives Nutella fans a chance to express themselves by

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Nutella’s push to be classified as a spread instead of a dessert topping could have some not-so-sweet implications.

discussing how they use Nutella.

NPR reports that a 2012 survey of Nutella users revealed 74 percent used it with bread or toast. However, Nutella is also a common ingredient in milkshakes, dessert crepes, ice cream sundaes, hot chocolate and other baked goods. Truly, it defies categorization.

How the FDA chooses to label it will not limit users’ creativity, nor will it change the popularity of the treat. It will, however, change the way that the nutritional value of Nutella is portrayed. NPR reports that if the FDA reclassifies the dessert topping as a spread, the fat and calorie count listed on the packaging could be cut in half. Naturally, spreads are labeled with smaller serving sizes than dessert toppings.

Such implications do have real effects on the purchasing behaviors of health-conscious consumers.

Re-labeling Nutella could trick consumers who look at the caloric bottom line of the product without paying attention to serving size into thinking that Nutella is a bit healthier than it really is.

Ultimately, it is up to the consumer to make informed choices about the nutrition of food products, but making these choices requires some math and honesty use. Many consumers trust a company’s labeling of nutrition facts in order to make their decisions.

This debate over categorization and labeling raises questions and concerns about how other products are labeled in a way that is

inconsistent with their common uses. When serving sizes are unrealistically small, nutrition facts are dishonest.

To mitigate this, companies like Ferrero should engage in surveys about the use of their products.

Such information can help them properly label their products, and it can also help them position themselves more accurately in the market. If, for example, Ferrero found that most users were using Nutella as a dessert topping, it wouldn’t make sense to advertise a family serving a wholesome breakfast using Nutella as a spread. Surveys are a step in the right direction to helping companies make informed choices in the best interest of their consumers.

Marcelle Meyer Voting on Gender

In April of last year, I wrote an article titled “Candidates More than Just a Face,” in which I expressed my frustrations about being told to vote for Hillary Clinton because “we need a woman in the White House.” I argued that this should not be a positive or negative attribute of candidates, for it assumes that all women have the same interests and issues that they would like to see represented. I was wrong.

I am unashamed to admit, as this election has progressed, that I am willing to cast my ballot based on gender. Of course, if a candidate disagrees with me on most issues or does not have a good platform, I would not vote based solely on gender. However, it should be a factor because gender does matter. Saying that all candidates are the same, regardless of gender, denies years of oppression and unbroken glass ceilings. It suggests that, now that we are technically equal under the law, sexism does not and has never existed. It ignores important qualifications that only a female candidate could have.

I don’t just want a woman in the White House. I want someone who has been cat-called on the street and felt that she couldn’t do anything about it. I want someone who has had her life goals questioned because of her gender. I want someone who understands that women’s issues extend beyond paid maternity leave and access to birth control. I want someone who understands that sexual assault is not an issue that we can put off addressing and that laws saying that women are equal do not mean that women are treated equally.

Sexism was a major issue in this election as more and more women come forward with allegations against Donald Trump, along with a number of his statements that have offended women across the country. I am, in some ways, glad that this has forced society to internalize the fact that sexist behavior in the office, home and other social settings is not uncommon or an exception to the rule. While some were appalled at the statements made in the video released of Trump and Billy Bush, many women came forward to say that this behavior is something that they see frequently.

However, Trump’s sexism is not what changed my mind. Put against any other Republican nominee, or even against any Democratic candidate, I still considered gender to be at least one factor in my vote. This is because, no matter what a male candidate’s platform is, he does not personally understand what women experience daily. There are certain issues that are only understood by the groups that they affect, and this is why we should be seeking to understand, not advise, minority groups in their struggle for justice and representation. Just as I would never expect to be able to understand the perspective of people of color, I would also never expect a male candidate to be able to understand the inequalities I have witnessed and experienced.

I supported Hillary Clinton for many reasons. One of those reasons is because she is a woman. And I do not believe there is anything wrong with that.

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November 9, 2016

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CULTURE

Page 11

The Fordham Ram

McShane Shares Bucket List With Students

By DIANA NELSON STAFF WRITER

To kick off Ignatian Week at Fordham, Rev. Joseph M. McShane, president of the university, told students 20 things he said they should do before they graduate.

The first item on the list, which he called “corny and obvious,” is for students to thank their parents before graduation. “You have no idea how much your parents want to hear that,” McShane said.

“They have given up things so that you could have the education and life that you have,” he said.

McShane told students to appreciate their friends, too. The second task on the bucket list is to take your best friend out to dinner and pick up the tab. “At this stage in your life, friendship is a large part of your existence,” he said. “Take them out.”

McShane suggested trying an ethnic restaurant that serves food a student has never eaten. “You’re in New York, with thousands of restaurants...eat something that’s different from what you were brought up with,” he said. “Take a walk on the culinary wild side.”

McShane recommended going to Staten Island before graduation, adding that there was only one correct mode of transportation to get there: The Staten Island Ferry.

“When you do this, you finally get a sense of what made New York great,” he said. “When you

come back, you experience the Statue of Liberty the way it was intended to be experienced.”

“Go twice. Once during the day with a bunch of friends. Eat a dirty-water dog when you get off.

It’s horrible and great at the same time. Go out at sunset and come back at night. It’s one of the most romantic things you could possibly do. It’s a cheap date, but it’s a great date,” he added.

McShane also recommended visiting Yankee Stadium. “It throbs with history and greatness. It’s our cathedral,” he said.

Roosevelt Island, McShane said, is “cheap and romantic...and an exciting place to be.”

McShane also advised students to visit the financial district on Sunday mornings to avoid tourists. “And then go to Times Square around 10 at night when it’s all lit up and bright as day. Then you have a sense—this is the crossroads of the world,” said McShane.

Also included on his list was Ground Zero, where he recommended Fordham students pray.

“We had 39 members of our family who died that day,” said McShane.

McShane advised visiting Harlem to see the “extraordinary beauty and to be in a community that’s filled with faith.” Outside the city, McShane said students must see the Atlantic, the Hudson Valley and the Bronx Zoo. McShane recommended getting involved on campus by doing volunteer work. He said, “If you

CAROLINE O’KANE/THE FORDHAM RAM

As a part of Ignatian Week, Father McShane told students 20 things they should do before graduation.

graduate from Fordham without doing volunteer work, you’re not Fordham,” he said. “Service is the rent you pay for living on the earth. Make it a habit.”

He also advised attending a Fordham basketball game and making the rafters shake. “Go to a women’s game. Go to a men’s game. Make the place really rock,” he said.

McShane recommended students who want to connect more closely to God visit the Goshen retreat house in downstate New York. “You can grow in your relationship with God,” he said. “It’s one of the greatest things that Jesuits can offer the world,” said McShane.

McShane ended his list with two things he thought Fordham

students should learn before they leave: To give and to give thanks. “Train your heart to be open, to be vulnerable, to listen to the needs and the cries of other human hearts,” said McShane. “[Gratitude] defines a person of character and a person of quality.

One that understands that when he or she receives... it’s an act of grace.”

Popular Fashion Brands Embrace Body Positivity

By KWAMESHA JOSEPH STAFF WRITER

In the midst of social justice and women’s empowerment movements, people are becoming more aware of the ways in which influential clothing and lifestyle brands contribute to societal issues such as body shaming and the degradation of women.

Joining brands like Dove and Modcloth, world acclaimed lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle’s lingerie Aerie have been making headlines because of their recent actions that seem to advocate for a more body positive shopping atmosphere.

Body positivity has been a popular topic in mainstream media over the past few years. With the

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Victoria’s Secret released a photo of Jasmine Tookes, stretch marks and all.

rise in the facility and popularity of online shopping, people often complain about seeing the same kind of unrealistic and unattainable body shapes when shopping for clothing.

Many bemoan how retail stores use heavily altered photos of their models and, in doing so, create unrealistic body standards that are detrimental to the self-esteem of women and young girls. “I’m kind of at the point where I just assume that everything I look at is Photoshopped, and even if it isn’t, you can tell that companies pick the most conventionally attractive person they can find,” said Kayla Sanchez, FCRH ’18.

Some students believe that the way in which a brand showcases their products affects how many people actually choose to add items to their online shopping carts. “I think that most people look at the advertisements for clothing holistically, and the more realistic the models looks, the more likely people will be to buy it,” Alexandra Kopec, FCRH ’17, said.

In 2014, Aerie launched a new campaign called AerieReal that was intended to combat and “[challenge] supermodel standards.” The brand chose to do that by featuring models in their natural glory. The models are said to be un-photoshopped in order

to celebrate the different shapes and sizes that women come in.

“The team got together and just said, ‘What’s happening today with millennials and the next generation?’ Aerie’s president, Jennifer Foyle said in an interview with Business Insider. Since that year, sales have continued to skyrocket as the Aerie customer base is growing and becoming more inclusive.

Iskra Lawrence, AerieReal’s brand ambassador, later said in an interview with US Weekly, that the brand is providing young girls with the opportunity to “be able to relate to a mainstream campaign.” Today, Aerie continues to release un-photoshopped images of their models to the public and the brand continues to see an increase in sales revenue.

In terms of brands that advocate for body positivity, Victoria’s Secret is usually never at the top of the list. In fact, Victoria Secret has been widely criticized for being a notoriously exclusive brand that does not appreciate and represent the many body types that women have.

In a recent photoshoot for the brand’s new three million dollars Fashion Show Bright Night Fantasy Bra, the brand released a photo of Victoria’s Secret Angel, Jasmine Tookes, that was not as unrealistic as people might have

expected it to be. The model has visible stretch marks on her thigh in the photos, which is something that is typically not seen on the brand’s website and magazines.

While the brand has not issued any statement regarding the release of Jasmine Tookes’ photos, some students see what could have potentially been an oversight as a step in the right direction.

“I think that photographing women and releasing untouched photos is what should have been taking place for years now,” body positive advocate, Natalie Erasme, FCRH ’18 said. “The media and fashion industry puts a lot of pressure on individuals to have a perfect body type that doesn’t even exist. Women have stretch marks, women have love handles.

I think that these untouched images are a step forward because representation really matters.”

This shift in cultural attitudes has changed how the fashion industry is building and maintaining its customer base. The way in which people perceive beauty is evolving rapidly, and there has been a surge of people who are commending retail stores for beginning to repair the toxic relationship with body image many people have found themselves in because of the unrealistic beauty standards they convey.

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November 9, 2016

Sweet ‘n’ Sour | Caitlyn Letterii and Patrick Hood

Webster Cafe: Time Spent in Breakfast Diner Paradise Join Caitlyn Letterii, a manic pixie dream girl, and Patrick Hood, a hooker with a heart of gold, as they explore and critique the cheap eats available around the Bronx and Rose Hill campus.

Since Pete’s Cafe’s tragic closing in 2015 the Fordham population wants breakfast goes to M&G’s I or II on Arthur Ave. to satiate their desire for the most important meal of the day. Since these spots are always pretty crowded and hectic, Sweet ‘n’ Sour, noted enthusiasts of unwindulaxing, hoped to find a more chill breakfast spot at Webster Cafe on Webster Avenue.

CL: With the yet to be determined election looming like a dark, ominous cloud over our heads, Patrick and I decided to escape it all this past weekend by remembering what really makes America great: kitschy diners.

PH: We’d never been to the Webster Cafe (WebCafe, for the initiated) and so we decided to broaden our brekkie horizons. Right away, we were impressed with the fun fall decorations they had: pumpkins, leaves and fake turkeys! I was in November heaven, baby! God, I love fall!

CL: You said it, sister. Webster Cafe has that traditional diner feel that we all know and love. There were small tables, a large booth reserved for groups and a classic diner counter. So this is a great spot for dining solo, impressing a date or spilling tea with your gals.

PH: It was like something straight out of an Edward Hopper painting.

Nighthawks!

CL: But there was no creeping sense of disillusionment here. WebCafe was all smiles! One thing that really set this place apart was the wonderful and speedy service.

COURTESY OF PATRICK HOOD

Hood awarded his dining experience at Webster Cafe with a high rating of 4.8.

Within minutes, I had a cup of hot black tea in my hands. I’m a young urban professional – PH: Scum.

CL: – who is always is on the go, so when I go to a diner, I’m looking for efficiency so I can get my grub on and go collate some spreadsheets.

PH: This diner has traditional fare you would expect from such establishments, anything from pancakes to burgers to eggs, cooked just how you like ‘em.

CL: I like ‘em runnier than a nose in February! If you want a little treat for your peepers, be sure to turn the menu around and give the kid’s menu a gander. It was decorated with so much superhero clipart that I thought I had hacked into my older brother’s LiveJournal circa 1999.

PH: When you were four years old?

CL: I’ve always been a hackergrrrl. Anyway, I decided to order what I believe to be the true litmus test for any diner: two eggs any style with home fries and toast. Hot insider tip: this meal is on every diner menu and is always the way to get the most bang for your buck. I recommend going with eggs over easy and rye toast, as I always do.

PH: Just like my hero Barney the purple dinosaur, I like pumpernickel bread best. But Cait’s always been a rye witch.

CL: Guilty!

PH: I decided to embrace my proud Irish heritage and go with a classic Irish breakfast. White pudding, black pudding and sausage — the works! It also feels like a small and weird thing to note, but the toast was really quite good.

The whole platter was savory and scrumptious, especially the toma-

COURTESY OF CAITLYN LETTERII

Letterii ordered a diner classic: two eggs with home fries and toast.

toes and black sausage. They were an even better combo than Mac Daddy (RIP) and Daddy Mac of Kriss Kross!

CL: My meal was also really tasty.

The eggs were the easiest of overs and the potatoes and toast were just what I needed to start my day right.

PH: Well, I think that just about covers it. You ready to drop another hot Sweet ‘n’ Sour rating on the masses?

CL: You bet your bottom dollar I am, Pat! Honestly, it’s not too complicated. This place was fun, fast and a rip-roaring good time for the whole family. I have no complaints and will certainly be coming again!

Okay, well I actually have one complaint, I asked for tap water and never received it. But overall everything was great, so I give it a Sweet 4.5 out of 5 rating.

PH: I agree completely Caitlyn.

The cafe got the job done and did it well to boot! The service was superb, the food was filling and it had that homey atmosphere that you always want in a breakfast joint.

M&G’s better watch out because the WebCafe might just steal me away.

For all of this, I award the Webster Cafe a Sweet rating of 4.8 out of 5 since there’s always room for improvement.

Recommendations: Try the toast, black pudding, eggs any style and the home fries.

Pass on anything from the kids’ menu if you hate superheroes and fun.

General Info: Webster Cafe Address: 2873 Webster Ave, Bronx, NY 10458 (Across from Tinkers) Phone number: (718) 733-9634 Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Editor’s Pick | DUMBO, Brooklyn

DUMBO Offers Peaceful Beauty in the Busy City

By ANDREA GARCIA PHOTO EDITOR

There are millions of places to see in New York City, but this little Brooklyn neighborhood always leaves me dumbfounded.

Even though I make the effort to visit monthly, I still remember the first time I ended up here with my two best friends. About a year ago my childhood best friends wanted to walk the Brooklyn Bridge during sunset for her birthday, but our ill-fated voyage brought our little trio through the trashridden cobblestone streets to discover Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Although I share that memory with two of my best friends at the time, it’s still my favorite place in the world to just be alone. I never remember which subway stop gets me there fastest, but the second I step into the neighborhood, instinct pulls me closer to the riverbed.

The whiff of the East River saltwater is as familiar during sunset in DUMBO as it does when the sunrises during rowing practice.

After navigating through street corners lined with Insta-worthy coffee shops and independent art galleries, you’re given a big Brooklyn welcome to an closeup view of lower Manhattan. No matter how

ANDREA GARCIA/THE FORDHAM RAM

The Brooklyn Bridge offers stunning views at all times of day, but the sunset remains a special one for Andrea Garcia.

many times I’ve come across the Manhattan skyline, it will always be something astonishingly beautiful to me, especially from this park.

I’ve gazed at this same landscape in every season, in the sweltering summer sun and the biting winter breeze, but this spot is particularly special in the fall.

The energy is entirely different as the crisp air contradicts with the warm-colored leaves in the park.

Ferries and commercial boats float on by, and it’s comforting to watch as the wakes roll closer into

the embedded rocks and further out towards the concrete jungle.

It’s bewildering, yet mesmerizing to just hear the crashing waves drown out city traffic.

The people passing by are just as interesting as the park itself.

Families of tourists who are admiring the scene for the first time in their lives. Runners gasping for air as their heels strike the pavement. People walking their pets in the fresh air. Kids giggle and run carefree on the playground. Photographers investige the area for the perfect shot. They all exist in

this space around me, but I love isolating myself in the midst of all of this hustle and bustle.

A whole island away from Fordham, I let go of any anxieties and empty them out with an ink pen into my sketchbook. I put in my headphones and throw on whatever I’m listening to at the moment, and just stay still. I draw, I write and drink a familiar cup of coffee. Once, I dragged my guitar with me. I allow myself to think of anything other than what’s going on at school. Anyone who knows me understands how rare of a mo-

ment that truly is. And no one around would ever dare to interrupt me.

No matter why I end up at Dumbo on any given day, I always have my camera tucked in my bag so I am always ready to capture the perfect moment. It’s my favorite place to take photos. I can take photos of identically framed landscapes, but they’ll always exhibit a different fleeting moment in time.

There’s always something new to take photos of that I haven’t already. Every time I go to the park, there’s a new angle of it that I haven’t yet discovered.

If you stay around Dumbo long enough, you’re guaranteed to witness a jaw-dropping sunset. I’ve found that sunsets along Brooklyn Bridge Park are just as unique as snowflakes. Each time I visit, a different array of colors grace Manhattan, and a whole new set of clouds hug the skyscrapers.

Camera in hand, sunsets along Brooklyn Bridge Park are the most calm I’ll ever feel.

I fall in love with New York City more each time I witness the sun fall behind the Brooklyn Bridge and past the skyscrapers. One by one, the building lights turn on as the sky continues to get darker. I reflect on the day I’ve had, and the night is only beginning.

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November 9, 2016

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Playlistism | Meredith Nardino

New and Noteworthy Songs for November Listening As the year comes to a close, it is evident that the music industry is entering a vastly eclectic phase.

Chart toppers have spanned all genres, from cookie-cutter pop to groundbreaking indie. The end of each week brings an almost overwhelming array of new content, a never-ending cycle that keeps my ‘must hear’ list constantly updated. It’s hard to narrow down a solid list of new and noteworthy music, but this selection sums up the best new releases of the last few months.

1. “Dead Alive” – The Shins After years of silence, The Shins released a new single and chilling music video just in time for Halloween. “Dead Alive” is a textbook Shins tune, complete with jangly guitars and distant vocals. The understated melody and vaguely foreboding lyrics recall the Albuquerque natives’ pre-Port of Morrow work.

Wistful and introspective, the tune takes a psychedelic turn to embrace “figments of imagination.” Lead singer James Mercer claims his songwriting is stronger now than ever, leaving fans desperate to hear more of the upcoming album.

2. “Boyish” – Hippo Campus As the first single off Hippo Campus’ debut album, out in February 2017, “Boyish” is a demonstration of growth through its obvious youthfulness and whimsy.

Jack Luppen’s vocals have become stronger thanks to a full year of touring, his range expanding and less reliant on the trademark growl

of the band’s earlier EPs. With lyrics as eloquent as “our stucco arms are forever tied loose, your velvet touch sends me back to the moon,” it’s hard to believe these band members are in their 20’s. The band is unapologetic in its exportation, still cultivating its musical identities with each song it releases.

3. “Cross My Mind” – ARIZONA In a style comparable to altpop powerhouses like Bastille and Imagine Dragons, this New Jersey trio masks heartsick anthems beneath upbeat electronica. The group has garnered more than 16 million streams on Spotify in a few months, proving the power of passionate individualism.

“Cross My Mind” is a slow-burning pop phenomenon, starting off almost acoustically then bursting to life. ARIZONA is an exciting addition to an already diverse group of alternative-pop crossover artists with a remarkable capacity for lyrical clarity.

4. “I’ll Make It Worth Your While” – Artificial Pleasure Artificial Pleasure is new to the London alternative scene but has made an outstanding first impression with this track. Lyrically, this is a less compelling version of The 1975’s hit “Love Me,” but the obvious 80’s influences are nearly identical.

Front man Phil McDonnell cites his own self-consciousness as inspiration for the song’s unabashed, bombastic attitude — sometimes it’s best to lose yourself in the

music and just dance. With an infectious melody such as this one, that goal is easy to achieve.

5. “Loveless” – Lo Moon Though this song is seven minutes long, its atmospheric and minimalist tone make it

brilliantly easy listening. Lo Moon is still relatively under the radar, though the L.A. trio have begun to be classified with big names like The xx and Beach House.

Well-timed crescendos and precisely placed moments of silence

keep you in a trance through all seven minutes. “Loveless” is an ambitious debut, but one that instantly becomes the soundtrack to the fake movie you cast yourself in while pensively staring out the window of the subway.

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Jack Luppen’s vocal strength has only improved after a year of touring in preparation for Hippo Campus’ debut album.

Review | Comedy

Diversity Month Features Comedian Aparna Nacherla

By KATHRYN ROBERTS STAFF WRITER

On Monday night, comedian Aparna Nancherla performed at Keating Hall as a part of the Campus Activities Board’s (CAB) Diversity Month.

For Diversity Month, CAB has been working diligently to create events appealing for everyone.

Such functions include, bingo, a cultural affairs raffle, a unity walk and a lecture from Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL player.

All events are created to promote diversity across the Fordham campus and bring people together.

With her career on the rise, Nancherla did not fail to entertain students on Monday.

The comedian has appeared on “Inside Amy Schumer” and “Conan,” has written for “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “Totally Biased” with W. Kamau Bell.

This past summer she released her own album Just Putting It Out There. Nancherla’s hilarious content is what truly makes her stand out from other comedians.

For years Nancherla has been battling with anxiety and depression, but she has been using her comedy career as a method of coping. In an interview with NPR, the comedian said in reference to her mental health, “It was at a time when I was sort of in a rut and struggling with anxiety and de-

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Aparna Nacherla’s act was a relatable and hilarious addition to Campus Activities Board’s Diversity Month.

pression in a real way.” She decided to bring her illnesses into her comedy when she had writers-block, as a way to incorporate more reality to her work.

Nancherla spoke about her anxi-

ety and depression in her set on Monday. By doing this she not only breaks a lot of stigma that surrounds these diseases, but she puts herself out there as a performer, making her comedy

stronger.

In her set, Nancherla joked that when people hear she has depression, the typical response is, “Wow, you really can have it all.” Fordham’s campus and loca-

tion were also the subject of many jokes. Nancherla primarily spoke about the city, which every audience member was able to relate to.

From cat-calling to online dating, she had the crowd laughing endlessly to her real life experiences. Lilly Engeler, FCRH ’20, said, “I thought that it was funny how she used her everyday experiences in NYC in a lot of her jokes. That made it relatable, especially to us Fordham students.”

Nancherla’s comedy was relatable, but the laid-back vibe she gave off was what really provided for a comfortable show. Dressed in a baggy sweater and patched jeans, she casually walked across the stage spitting out jokes that were so true to life. It made the show very enjoyable.

Tying into the theme of diversity month, Nancherla also spoke on topics surrounding her ethnicity and gender. She spoke shortly about her Indian background and also included jokes about women’s rights. Not only did her material speak to the audience, but Nancherla herself interacted with students. Throughout the bit she asked the audience many questions, even calling on students and hearing what they had to say.

With her resume growing, her career in comedy is taking off. It was certainly a pleasure to hear the genius, hilarious mind of Aparna Nancherla at Fordham.

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November 9, 2016

Who’s That Kid? | Anja Asato, FCRH ’18

Junior Juggles Her Responsibilities With Ease

By MEGHAN CAMPBELL DIGITAL EDITOR

For many students, transitioning into college can be tough, es-

pecially when you’re moving far away from home. But for Arizona-native Anja Asato, FCRH ’18, shifting into the Fordham lifestyle has been practically seamless.

COURTESY OF ANJA ASATO

Anja Asato successfully balances all of her responsibilities.

During her three years here, Asato has managed to stay exceptionally busy, juggling a job, academics, clubs and a internship.

Originally intending to major in communication and media studies, Asato has since added on a journalism concentration and a sociology major to her course load thanks to Fordham’s diverse core curriculum. “I took a service learning class that I really liked, and a lot of the concepts had to do with sociology,” she said. “I decided I would do a double major in communications and sociology.”

Along with academics, Asato devotes a lot of her time to work.

For over a year now she has been working in Manhattan as a personal assistant for a celebrity manicurist and beauty industry expert.

In this position, she gets to help with the development of luxury beauty products and various business ventures. Through this job opportunity Asato has been able to be a part of some once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as attending this year’s New York Fashion

Week.

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” she said. “I get to see a lot of different aspects of her business, and I like to see all of these pieces coming together.”

When she’s not making the most of her own Fordham experience, she’s encouraging others to make the most of theirs.

Through her fellowship with the Manresa Scholars Program, an integrated learning community for freshmen living in Loyola, Anja gets to work on marketing and programming, planning a number of programs for the Loyola residents relating to the Jesuit beliefs and the Manresa mission. Most recently, she organized a retreat for Manresa students to focus on personal and communal reflection. “Service and community are really important to me, so I’m thankful this fellowship gives me the opportunity to share this passion with others,” she said.

These aspects of Jesuit ideals contributed to Asato’s decision to come to Fordham. “Fordham’s

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Jesuit values really spoke to me.,” sshe said. “Since coming here, I’ve been involved in various service activities.” Along with organizing service programs for the Manresa Scholars Program, Asato has tutored at Part of the Solution (POTS) and volunteers her time to give tours to families, showing prospective students what it means to be a member of the Fordham community.

As an Outreach Ambassador for Rose Hill Society, Asato focuses on connecting with students who are thinking about attending Fordham through various social media outlets such as Twitter, Instagram and the school blog, “iamafordhamram.”

“It’s nice to share my personal Fordham experience with others and help them make the important decision about where to go to school,” she said.

And the advice she offers these future Rams? “Explore your interests, find out what you’re passionate about, and always practice kindness.”

SPORTS

November 9, 2016

Tennis Competes at Navy

By ALEXANDRIA SEDLAK STAFF WRITER

Over this past weekend, the Fordham men’s tennis team played in its last tournament of the Fall season. This was the Navy Invitational in Annapolis, Maryland. It was a long weekend.

Over the course of a couple days, each team member played up to six matches. There were a number of other colleges and universities at the meet, including George Mason University, Saint Joseph’s University, Georgetown University, Navy and Air Force. It was a very tough competition, which pushed the Rams to fight hard and never give up.

There were more singles matches than doubles matches with a number of losses and wins.

Sophomore Victor Li played first singles, which included three matches. He lost his first match to George Mason 4-6, 2-6. His next match was extremely close and he fought till the end, but he ultimately lost to Georgetown in a three set match of 5-7, 7-5, 2-6.

His final match was against Saint Joseph with an end score of 4-6, 1-6.

Freshman Allen Thornes played in the sixth singles bracket.

He lost his first match to George Mason 2-6, 0-6, but he fought back in his next match, pushing it to three sets. This three setter was against Georgetown, with an end score of 6-4, 1-6, 3-6.

Fellow freshman Jeremy Chung competed in the 10th singles spot.

He won his first match against Saint Joseph 6-2, 2-6, 6-2, and then he lost the next two matches to George Mason with a close score of 6-7 (4-7), 3-6 and to Air Force with a score of 2-6, 4-6.

Freshman Gabriel Mashaal played the 11th singles spot, first falling to Navy 2-6, 1-6, and then losing to Georgetown 2-6, 4-6. However, in his final singles match, he came back with a vic-

tory over Saint Joseph in a three setter with a score of 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Junior Joseph Kavaloski was in the 13th singles position. In his first match, he lost to Air Force with a score of 2-6, 2-6. He came back to win against Saint Joseph, crushing his opponent by a score of 6-1, 6-2. The final block of singles matches was 14th singles, played by Fordham’s sophomore Cameron Posillico. He won his first match against Navy 6-3, 7-5, but then lost to Saint Joseph with a score of 2-6, 2-6. In his final match, he brought it to three sets, but he ultimately fell to Saint Joseph with a score of 6-4, 1-6, 1-6.

The doubles matches saw similar results and styles of playing. Sophomore Victor Li and freshman Allen Thornes lost to George Mason with a set score of 6-8, and also to Georgetown with a score of 5-8. They came back to win their last match against Navy, 9-7, in the third doubles spot.

The freshman team of Jeremy Chung and Fabian Mauritzson played in the seventh doubles spot won their first match, defeating Saint Joseph 9-7. They continued this winning streak, claiming victory over Navy with a breezy score of 6-2. However, they fell in their final match to Air Force with a score of 8-2.

This was definitely a long, tiring weekend for the team, but they worked hard and kept going. They held onto each set and made sure they played their best, no matter the results. This was the final tournament of their Fall season, and from now until their next match in January, the Fordham Rams will be practicing, training and perfecting their skills so they can have an even better spring season.

The men’s tennis team hits the courts again on Jan. 28, when they host Davidson College at Life Time Athletics in Harrison, N.Y.

Page 15

Rams Split Last Two Home Games

By TYLER FREIRE STAFF WRITER

As the Fordham Men’s Soccer season draws to a close, the Rams welcomed the University of Massachusetts and St. Bonaventure to Jack Coffey Field as Fordham ended their year on a two game home stand.

First was UMass on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd. The Minutemen put pressure on the Rams early and often, but a pair of defensive stops by junior forward Cole Stevenson and sophomore defender Owen Lawrence would keep the match scoreless through the first 54 minutes.

After multiple scoring chances, the Minutemen finally got on the board as Fordham’s sophomore goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu fouled a cutting UMass player in the box awarding a penalty to the Minutemen. Ty Goncalves took the penalty kick and scored to the right side of the net for his fourth goal of the year.

UMass would strike again five minutes later, as Goncalves’ corner kick was headed into the net by Josh Jess for his fourth of the season giving UMass the 2-0 lead. For the remainder of the match the Rams failed to create chances and scoring opportunities as Jorge Becerra made three huge saves for the Minutemen to secure the 2-0 victory. Nuhu had one save for Fordham.

Following that disappointing loss against UMass, the Rams certainly did not want a repeat performance on Senior Night as the Rams hosted St. Bonaventure. Fordham did not waste any time getting on the board as sophomore forward Janos Loebe made a run down the left sideline, crossing the ball to the top of the box for a one-timer by Stevenson. Stevenson glanced the shot off the crossbar and in from 17 yards out, giving him his fourth goal of the season and giving the Rams the 1-0 lead.

Shortly after the first goal, Fordham struck again, this time on a corner from the left side by Stevenson.

Fordham had multiple chances inside of eight yards, with junior midfielder Eric Ohlendorf getting a shot blocked and then the ball came back

OWEN CORRIGAN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Dantae Greer’s shot went right through the St. Bonaventure goalie’s legs.

to freshman defender Joergen Oland, who buried a shot from 10 yards into the lower right corner for his first career goal.

The Rams were not done yet, as Fordham picked up their third goal of the game in the 45th minute. Junior forward Jannik Loebe made a run right down the center of the field, slipping a pass left to freshman forward Dantae Greer. Greer then placed a perfect shot right through the St. Bonaventure goalkeeper’s legs for his second goal of the season, giving the Rams a 3-0 lead heading into the locker room.

The seniors started the scoring in the second half with the final goal of the game in the 54th minute. Right after subbing into the game, senior midfielder Ole Sandnes laid off a pass to fellow senior defender Andrew Hickey, streaking toward the box on the left side. Hickey’s cross found Jannik in front of goal for the perfect finish from six yards out. It was Jannik’s fifth goal of the season, completing the scoring for the day and giving the Rams the 4-0 victory in the season finale.

A trio of Fordham goalkeepers posted the shutout on Saturday, as starter Nuhu made three saves over

the first 65 minutes, while junior Jordan Black and sophomore Dan Miklos wrapped up the final 25 minutes without allowing a goal.

“We were disappointed as a team to lose to UMass at home, so it was very important to come and play well in our final home game of the season,” said head coach Jim McElderry. “The players were motivated to perform well from the kick off. I was proud of the way the entire team was focused on the match and played well for 90 minutes.”

The Fordham men’s soccer team now turns their attention to the 2016 Atlantic 10 Championship, which begins on Thursday, Nov.10th, at Davidson’s Alumni Soccer Stadium in North Carolina. The second-seeded Rams will face the seventh-seeded Duquesne Dukes at 5 PM. “We have had a good A-10 season this year. Finishing second in a 13 team league is a good accomplishment,” said McElderry. “But now we understand is simply a three-game tournament. We are only concerned about our match on Thursday. We are preparing for that game only. We will have three good days of training leading up to the Thursday match and will focus all our efforts on that match.”

Water Polo Splits Final Road Trip

By TOM TERZULLI STAFF WRITER

OWEN CORRIGAN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Victor Li was unsuccessful in his singles matches at the Navy Invitational.

With its final home game in the books and the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Championship on the horizon, Fordham Water Polo hit the road for its final two matches of the regular season, splitting the pair 1-1.

The first trip was a short one, to Staten Island to take on the Wagner Seahawks in a battle of the boroughs. In what was a close encounter throughout, the Rams outlasted their Staten Island counterparts to take the match 8-6.

That result came in spite of Fordham being down several important players: “We were short a couple of players, some of the guys recovering from serious injuries,” said head coach Bill Harris. “So, everybody had to do their job and we just told them to come out and play with an intensity and they did.”

Neither squad could gain any separation in the first half as the score was even at three after one and deadlocked at five at the end of the half.

Senior R.J. Simmons found the back of the net with 6:35 remain-

ing in the third to put Fordham up 6-5. After the Seahawks tied it at the 4:12 mark, freshman Jake Miller-Tolt scored his second goal of the day to put a 7-6 Rams advantage on the board going into the final quarter.

There, the Rams tacked on another marker with Miller-Tolt’s final goal and staved off Wagner to end the contest.

Defense was the catalyst, as the Rams held the Seahawks to just eight goals. “We knew they only had two or three big scorers,” said Harris. “We knew that if we could stop them, we could control the game. We didn’t score a lot of goals, we won with defense.”

The Rams would need all the defense they could get in their final regular season matchup, a date with the 13th-ranked Bucknell Bison. They did not get it, giving up 18 goals to the Bison in an 18-13 defeat. “The result proved we could score, but we need to defend better against a high level team…against a top 15 team, you just can’t give them looks because they put the ball in the goal at a higher rate than most teams,” said Harris.

The Bison were putting the ball in

the goal early and often, going up 5-2 after the first frame and 9-4 at the half.

It was in the third that the Rams’ offensive prowess came to light.

Miller-Tolt led the five score outburst with another three goals, but Fordham also gave up six tallies in the period to make it 15-9 Bison.

In spite of Miller-Tolt finding the net another three times, within five would be the closest the Rams would get.

Miller-Tolt culminated a stellar regular season campaign with a season-high eight goals, while fellow freshman Tristen Knoflik contributed a pair. Sophomores Magnus Sims and Samuel Varshinsky and freshman George Maltby rounded out the scoring.

The Rams finished up the year with a 14-12 overall record and a 4-6 mark in conference. Next week, they will match up with Wagner once again— this time in the first round of the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Championship at, coincidentally enough, Bucknell University. The players will hit the pool at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18.

SPORTS

Page 16

November 9, 2016

Men’s Basketball Looks to Progress in Second Year Under Neubauer

By TYLER FREIRE STAFF WRITER

After losing in the first round of the Atlantic 10 Championship to the University of Richmond by a score of 70-55, the Fordham men’s basketball team finished last season 17-14 overall with a 8-10 record in the Atlantic 10. This year, the Rams will look to take the next step.

Head coach Jeff Neubauer is entering his second year with the team, and he certainly has the team moving in the right direction. However, with the departure of seniors and leading scorers Ryan Rhoomes and Mandell Thomas, the Rams will have to adjust. Rhoomes was a double-double machine, while Thomas provided steady leadership even after suffering an ankle injury.

Rhoomes, the lone Ram to start every game in 2015-16, averaged 14.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, both team highs, while recording 11 double-doubles, including five in the final six games.

He also led the team in field goal percentage (.649) and blocks (50).

Furthermore, he led the Atlantic

10 in field goal percentage and was second in the conference in rebounding. Across NCAA Division I, he was second and 39th, respectively, in those categories.

Rhoomes pulled down 907 career rebounds for Fordham, good for seventh in the school record books. In addition, his total of 139 career blocks ranks fifth.

Replacing that level of production will not be an easy task, but there are some positive signs for this team heading into the season.

Reigning A-10 Rookie of the Year Joseph Chartouny will look to take the next step and assume a leadership role in this Rams offense.

Chartouny became the fifth Ram to earn Rookie of the Year honors, joining Bevon Robin (1998), Bryant Dunston (2005), Chris Gaston (2010) and Eric Paschal (2015).

He was named A-10 Rookie of the Week a school-record seven times last winter.

On the year, Chartouny averaged 11.0 points (third on the team), 5.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.

He led the Atlantic 10 and was 21st in the NCAA in assists per game while also ranking second in the

conference in steals per game (2.1) and fifth in assist/turnover ratio (2.3). His 148 assists for the season set a Fordham freshman record, while his 6.2 average led all NCAA Division I freshmen.

Another key element will be junior and returning starter Christian Sengfelder. The forward averaged 10.2 points (fourth on the team) and 5.2 rebounds per game (third) last year. He connected on 46 three-pointers, second best among all Rams last year, and his threepoint field goal percentage of .390 (46-118) was good enough for 15th in the A-10.

Sengfelder and Chartouny should play major roles in the team’s success this season, which starts this Friday at 7 p.m. on the road against East Tennessee State University. Look for the role players on the team, such as Perris Hicks, Antwoine Anderson and Nemanja Zarkovic, to be “glue guys” that will help this team gel moving forward.

The Rams will need to make some adjustments on the fly this year, but they have the depth to excel. Expect a drastic improvement from last year.

ANDREA GARCIA/THE FORDHAM RAM

Women’s Basketball Enters Season with New Blood

By SAM BELDEN SPORTS EDITOR

Coaching college sports is often a test of adaptability. With high levels of turnover compared to professional organizations, teams are forced to compensate for the loss of graduating players, which adds to the challenge of any given season.

But while the loss of eligibility is a part of the game, some departures are more significant than others. This will be Fordham Women’s Basketball’s first season without forward Samantha Clark since 2011-12, giving one of the Atlantic 10’s perennial powerhouses a drastically different look. Clark finished her career as a Ram with the eighthmost points and second-most rebounds in school history, as well as the third-most blocked shots. However, her leadership will not be missed, as she joined the coaching staff as the director of player development in the offseason.

More than anyone else, head coach Stephanie Gaitley knows how the loss of Clark will affect the team. The two have known each other since Clark was in the eighth grade, when Gaitley was coaching at Long Island University.

“We need to make up for Sam’s ability to protect the lane,” said Gaitley. “Defense and chemistry will continue to be the key to our success.”

Despite the loss of Clark, however, there is plenty of reason for optimism as this season gets underway. The Rams played efficient basketball in an exhibition game against Muhlenberg on Friday, downing the Mules by a score of 74-50 in the Rose Hill Gym. “Exhibitions are a great opportunity to find out your strengths

ANDREA GARCIA/THE FORDHAM RAM

and weaknesses,” said Gaitley, adding that this year’s team should bring a lot more scoring power to the table.

Statistically, senior co-captain and guard Hannah Missry led the way for Fordham. The New Jersey native scored a game-high 21 points, all of them coming from beyond the three-point arc. She added six rebounds, a block, a steal and an assist. A pair of fresh faces, freshman guard Anna Kelly and sophomore forward Mary Goulding, were also productive, joining Missry in double digits.

Kelly came off the bench to score 17 points, while Goulding added nine rebounds and four assists to her 10 points.

Senior wing Danielle Burns, sophomore guard Lauren Holden and freshman guard Kate Kreslina joined Missry and Goulding in the starting lineup. Other familiar faces, including junior forward G’mrice Davis, junior guard Asnate Fomina and senior forward Danielle Padovano will round out the main rotation.

A year ago, the Rams went 8-8 against A-10 opponents and 1417 overall; they eventually fell to Duquesne in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament after an overtime win against Massachusetts in the second round.

While it was by no means a bad campaign, it definitely marked a step down from Fordham’s es-

tablished standard of success — Gaitley’s team entered the season on the heels of back-to-back 11-5 performances, with a conference title coming in 2014.

The team will look to bounce back this year, but there are no guarantees in the difficult A-10.

The Rams’ conference schedule will start in earnest on New Year’s Day — they have a matchup with Duquesne scheduled for Dec. 1.

The Rams will see their first competitive action of the season this Friday, when they will play host to the Furman Lady Paladins. The contest is a first round matchup in the Preseason WNIT. If Fordham advances, it will play the winner of the simultane-

ous game between Notre Dame and Central Michigan early next week.

Later this month, the team will head south for the Miami Thanksgiving Tournament. It will also participate in the 10th annual Fordham Holiday Classic, scheduled for the days just after Christmas. But while these three events are the ostensible highlights of the fall schedule, Gaitley and her team plan on facing each and every game with the same mentality.

“As far as expectations, we want to be the best we can be,” she said. “If we can concentrate on this on a daily basis, winning will take care of itself.”

SPORTS

November 9, 2016

Jack McLoone The Cubs Have Ruined Baseball Well everyone, it’s been fun. Time to pack it all up. The Cubs have won their first World Series since 1908, and baseball as we know it is through.

Teaching baseball to a young kid for the first time generally follows a simple script. There’s a pitcher and a batter, the batter tries to hit the ball and run the bases, there’s three outs, and the Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908. But all of a sudden, someone is pulling on the loose thread in baseball’s fabric. Give it a couple more years and we’ll find ourselves in the middle of the street as the final thread of our shirt falls away and people run away in fear of our farmer’s tans. Do you see what you’ve done, Cubs? You have me thinking about standing in Times Square shirtless and now you have other people thinking about it and everything is awful.

I’ll be honest, I was rooting for the Cubs. I just kind of assumed that the Cubs were never going to make the World Series, let alone win one, in my lifetime or any lifetime. The Cubs were more than just the “lovable losers,” they were a baseball standard. Take that away and what do we have left?

Now every team is going to try and emulate the Cubs. They’re all going to want a smart manager that makes good decisions at least 90 percent of the time, but also has a lot of fun and is personable has his players dress in funky costumes. They’re all going to want an impressive group of young, home-grown players that can all mash. Everyone is going to be clamoring for curse-breaking general managers who can both swindle other teams in trades to amass talent but also aren’t afraid to spend money, and to do so smartly. All of the teams are going to try and snag an uber-attractive third baseman who is so freaking adorable that he smiles as he makes the final out of the World Series. Everyone is going to want a collection of both starting pitchers and relievers that lead the league in ERA by almost 0.4. And everyone is going to want a David Ross, a catcher resilient enough to play in the Cubs’ last two World Series appearances.

But we can’t be having that, now can we? We can’t be having baseball evolve in the face of ever-growing contracts and questions about its popularity. We can’t have baseball have some of its highest TV ratings ever as America’s new pastime, the NFL, is dropping in ratings. What will the United States do if, while trying to make itself great again, its finest art becomes appreciated as such?

2017 baseball will not be my baseball. In fact, it probably won’t even be your grandparents’ baseball either, unless your grandfather is Grandpa Rossy. Instead, we are going to be watching the beginning of a revolution, one where the Cubs aren’t the holders of the longest title drought in professional sports and relievers have less strict roles.

I liked being able to pity-root for the Cubs. Their drought was everything good and bad about baseball rolled into one depressing package.

I’ll be dead before I do the same for Cleveland.

Page 17

Michael Kay Returns to Fordham FROM KAY, PAGE 1

Casey asked Kay and LaGreca whether instant replay in sports had gone too far. Other questions ranged from the direct (Has the Carmelo Anthony signing been a successful one for the New York Knicks?) to the existential (Would you rather be a Hall of Famer without a championship or a rank-and-file player with a ring?).

The latter topic inspired a fair amount of mock rage from LaGreca, leading to one of the highlights of the debate. In response to Kay’s statement that he would rather be a champion than an all-time great without a ring, he came to the defense of Canty and DiPietro, turning red as he tried to curry their favor. Canty won a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants back in 2012, but DiPietro, a former goaltender for the New York Islanders, has not won anything of note since a bronze medal at the 2003-04 World Cup of Hockey.

In the end, Kay was declared the winner. Canty supported LaGreca, while DiPietro, Daughtry and Casey cast their votes for Kay. Casey voted last.

“My vote would have either tied it or given Michael Kay the win,”

Another Chance for Alderson

ANDREA GARCIA/THE FORDHAM RAM

Don LaGreca (left) and Michael Kay put on their Monday show from Keating Hall.

he said. “I thought that Michael Kay deserved the win, being at Fordham, and a lot of what he said connected with me.”

Not everyone agreed with the judges, however. In a poll posted by the Michael Kay Show Twitter account, 61 percent of respon-

dents thought that LaGreca came out on top. Given Kay’s Fordham roots, the discrepancy was not a surprise — it hearkens back to a remark he made early in the debate.

“You know you’re the enemy here, right, Don?”

Cause for Celebration in Chi-Town

By MATTHEW MICHAELS STAFF WRITER

Misery does not endure eternally. If you want proof, talk to a Cubs fan.

Chicago’s lovable losers became America’s heartthrob, and with their backs against the wall, the Cubs did not fail to disappoint.

On Nov. 2, Chicago’s National League franchise squeezed out a nail-biting, extra-inning victory against the Cleveland Indians. The Game 7 win clinched the World Series for the Cubs, and by reigning as the supreme baseball team of 2016, the organization ended its 108-year title drought, a record for a major North American sports league.

It is difficult to put the Cubs’ playoff foibles into proper prospective. Few living people were sentient when Chicago last took home postseason glory in October 1908. Nonagenarian actress Betty White has been making light of her advanced age for years, but even she was born more than 13 years after the double play team of Tinker to Evers to Chance won the World Series. For fans of baseball’s north side team, the 2016 champions are the best thing since sliced bread, which was invented after the drought had commenced.

Aside from the Cubs winning the World Series, the sports world appeared vastly different in 1908. The fourth modern Olympic Games were held in London over six months of competitions.

While MLB was extremely popular by 1908, the NHL, NBA and NFL were all years away from being formed. That season, Tim Jordan of the Brooklyn Superbas, later Dodgers, led the league with a dozen home runs. Fordham attendee Ed Walsh paced the way with 40 pitching victories. Each of baseball’s two leagues consisted of eight teams for a much smaller

Sam Belden

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Starting pitcher Jon Lester was a big part of the Cubs’ return to glory.

competitive field than today’s 30 clubs offer, and the winner of each league automatically went to the Fall Classic. And of course, baseball was segregated for close to 40 more years. Since this was the Cubs’ first appearance in the World Series since 1945, 2016 was the first time black players were on the Cubs’ World Series roster.

The world itself has changed drastically since the Chicago’s repeat performance in the 1908 Series. The Ottoman Empire was still standing and the USSR was not even nascent. World War I was several years away. William Howard Taft won the Presidential Election by carrying a majority of the country’s 46 states. Fewer than eight million people, or the current population of New York City, voted for Taft, in large part because of the much smaller population and lack of women’s suffrage.

Wrigley Field is the oldest ballpark in the bigs, but the friendly confines were not yet built on Addison and Waveland in Chicago.

If fans wanted to follow along to the Cubs in the 1908 World Series, they would have had to have attended West Side Park, capacity 16,000. Television was a far-off dream and radio was not yet commercially available. The 1908 Cubs won the World Series in Game 5 in Detroit in front of only 6,000 spectators in a game that took one

hour and 25 minutes to complete, a far cry from the lengthy playoff games of today.

Cubs’ legends Ernie Banks and Ron Santo both passed away in recent years and along with broadcaster Harry Carey, they lived and died without their team ever being on top of the sport. Millions and millions of loyal fans also experienced this unfortunate fate.

Of course, the Cubs’ accomplishment means that Cleveland Indians fans are in turmoil. The Tribe now owns baseball’s longest title drought with its last series win coming in 1948. Sixty-eight years in championship purgatory is a miserable state to be in, but the Indians are unlikely to match the Cubs’ drought by going 40 more years without winning it all.

The Indians’ basketball counterparts, the Cavaliers, won the NBA title earlier this year to end the city’s title drought which encompasses all sports teams. Unfortunately, a pennant for the Tribe was still not enough, especially after blowing a three games to one lead in the World Series. But despite the agony of defeat, Indians fans can still find solace in their loss.

When the Indians finally do win it all, it will be that much sweeter.

In the meantime, they can enjoy the game that bridges generations, whether they are winners or losers.

Everyone loves a good redemption story, but sometimes the real world has different plans. In life, second chances are rare. In baseball, they’re even rarer.

But while the pursuit of perfection is a part of baseball, so is inevitable failure — remember, even the very best fail to reach base two-thirds of the time. In that spirit, general manager Sandy Alderson will get another crack at solving the Rubik’s Cube that is the New York Mets infield. Faced with a similar situation last year, he made a painful error that may have cost his team the NL East flag.

Let’s rewind. One year ago, the Mets were faced with an interesting dilemma: re-sign incumbent second baseman Daniel Murphy, or replace him with some new blood. This wasn’t a trivial decision. For the first time in years, the orange and blue had a legit roster, which they had recently ridden to the National League pennant. While he eventually faded during the World Series, Murphy put on a hitting performance for the ages in the postseason, going yard in seven consecutive games at one point and finishing up with a .724 slugging percentage. After the dust settled, the Mets extended a qualifying offer to their newly minted star, which he promptly declined.

At the outset of the off-season, many of the Flushing faithful hoped that Murphy would stick around — by the end of his seven years with the Mets, he had become a team leader and fan favorite. But Alderson had other plans, moving quickly to trade ancillary starting pitcher Jon Niese to the Pirates in exchange for Neil Walker, a Pittsburgh native and former Silver Slugger winner, on Dec. 9.

Without a home to go back to, Murphy lingered on the market for another month before signing a three-year deal with the Washington Nationals, the Mets’ chief division rival.

While the switch appeared to be reasonable at the time, one thing has become clear: Alderson made the wrong decision. Murphy put on a masterful performance at the plate in 2016, leading the league in doubles and slugging percentage while crushing 25 home runs and leading the Nationals to a division title. For his efforts, he finished in the top three in the MVP balloting. Walker had a fine year, but nothing special, and a back procedure in September kept him from helping his team in the wildcard race. Now that he’s a free agent, Alderson will get another chance to secure a long-term solution at the keystone.

Unfortunately, the Mets’ current situation isn’t doing him any favors.

Third baseman and team captain David Wright is under contract through 2020, but his spinal stenosis makes it difficult to plan for the long term.

Wilmer Flores is a quality utility infielder, but there’s no telling where he’ll need to play. Jose Reyes and T.J. Rivera are intriguing pieces, but little more than that.

This year’s free agent market is looking pretty thin, but a number of middle infielders are available on the trade market.

Will Alderson err again? We probably won’t know for quite some time.

But for the sake of his job security, he’d do well to start getting it right.

Page 18

Volleyball Falls to George Mason, Beats GW

By ANDREA GARCIA PHOTO EDITOR

After a five game away schedule, women’s volleyball was welcomed home to Rose Hill Gym to play its highest game in program history.

Exactly 1,264 fans cheered to give the Rams their first win since early October. However, the team only saw a glimpse of this victory in an ill-fated five-set match against the George Mason Patriots.

The first set was quick-paced, and neither team took on more than a three-point run. Fordham’s 10 errors were enough to help George Mason pick up the first set, 25-17. The Rams opened the second set with a short-lived 3-1 lead. The Patriots responded to two more Fordham points with a lucky seven-point gain of their own. The score tied at 7-7, George Mason’s hitters charged at Fordham to turnover the lead. Both teams sustained their rotations to find the score tied again at 15-15.

Within four rotations on their side of the net, the Rams were able to take advantage of Patriot errors and give their outside hitters a floor advantage, closing out the second set on a high note, 21-25.

Set three played out much like the first set, up and through the 19-18 turnaround when Fordham gathered up a four-point run, edging closer to victory at 19-21. Off a service error at 20-22, the Patriots pulled ahead in the final rotation with four kills and a Fordham hitting error to finally finish off the set, a tight 25-22. In what could have been the closing set for the Patriots, the Rams swung with more confidence than the prior sets of the night. Opening 6-1, Fordham fought for another winning set and secured another fivepoint run mid-set. This sustained Fordham lead postponed George Mason’s victory to a five set, closing 25-15. This shortened final set offered a lot of excitement for the sizable audience. The homefavorite pushed through a tight

set and squeezed a four-point run for a 7-12 lead, but the visitors surprised with an eight-point closing series. The Rams’ losing streak thus continued with the 15-12 final set.

Luckily, everything took for a better turn on Sunday, Nov. 6 when the Rams rallied in support of their only graduating senior, middle hitter Kristen Ostach.

The first set was tightly-played up to the 23-23 mark, in which a push-two situation would secure the regular match set on either side of the team. Fordham did just that, finishing off the first set with a kill and a Colonial error.

The second set was also closelycontested, but this time, the ball fell in George Washington’s favor at the 22-22 play. With three kills and a block, the Colonials pressed four points to finish the second set, 25-22. Action in the third set picked up in Fordham’s second rotation, the Rams putting forward a five-point run to take an early 2-7 advantage. The hosts kept this lead through the set, closing at 19-25. The Rams jumped into a fourth set with two bounce kills from their senior hitter. The set was close until the hosts pulled ahead to an early 5-10 lead, largely played out by three aces from Olivia Fairchild. Fordham grasped their lead aggressively and sought another four-point run mid-set to further their lead, 9-18. Point for a point, the teams kept siding each other out, and George Washington could not keep up. Winning the fourth and final set, 18-25, the Rams finally beat their five-week losing streak.

Women’s volleyball now stands 11-17 in their regular season and 4-9 in the Atlantic 10. Before heading off to next weekend’s Atlantic 10 Tournament, the team will finish off their regular season against the University of Rhode Island Rams at 2 p.m. this Saturday on their home court.

SPORTS

November 9, 2016

By PAT COSTELLO

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Sixers fans have not had much to get excited about during the past few years. The Sam Hinkie Era was years of horrible basketball in the hopes of striking gold in the NBA Draft. Season after season the Sixers were at the top of the board, waiting and hoping for a knight in shining armor to arrive. When they drafted Joel Embiid, a seven-foot-two-inch center, fans scrutinized the move and didn’t know if they should “Trust the Process” any longer.

The league had shifted away from the old days of basketball, where having a post presence was of the utmost importance, and transitioned to a fast paced, small-ball, outside scoring style. Throw in the fact that he had suffered a broken foot and back problems during the college year and Sixers fans felt as though their knight had not yet arisen.

Fast forward two seasons and Embiid finally made his “rookie” debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The buzz around the game was less about Embiid and more about the newly single Russell Westbrook. However, it was Embiid who was the star of the show. He impressed everyone, scoring 20 points and grabbing seven boards in 25 minutes. It wasn’t just that Embiid was able to score, it was how he was doing it and who he was doing it against.

He was guarded by Steven Adams, an Adam Morrison impersonator who has been touted as one of the toughest defenders in the league. Embiid was catching the ball on the wing and blowing

by Adams before he knew what had happened. If Adams chose to sag off, Embiid took and made outside shots, including a three pointer. The high skill level that the 22-year-old displayed shocked everyone.

If you follow the Sixers’ social media accounts, you would have already known about the skill Embiid possesses. He is frequently the subject of videos in which he is consistently knocking down 20-footers, or showing off his

fancy footwork in the post. His immediate success demonstrates that he is the total package on the basketball court.

Due to his size, most people assumed injuries would derail his career, just as they derailed the career of Greg Oden, but that hasn’t been the case. Sixers head coach Brett Brown recently said that Embiid is “like Shaquille (O’Neal) with soccer feet,” due to his incredible footwork down low, but that comparison is not the one on most people’s minds.

The more apt comparison is to Hakeem Olajuwon, who Embiid models his game after.

Similar to “The Dream,” Embiid didn’t start his basketball career until he was 15. Initially, he wanted to play professional volleyball in Europe, but he discovered basketball and shifted his focus.

Embiid stole Olajuwon’s famous “Dream Shake,” a post move that Olajuwon perfected throughout his Hall of Fame career. His ability to score around the rim is almost

identical to that of “The Dream” as well, with the ability to use finesse to get open, yet finish at the rim with tremendous power. Olajuwon wasn’t only a great scorer, but a fantastic defender as well.

He holds the record for the most blocked shots of all time. Embiid has already shown his ability to block shots, like when he blocked LeBron the other night. Technically, it was goaltending, but Embiid’s timing and athleticism on the play shows what he could become defensively.

Embiid has proved to be the knight the Sixers have been looking for. He has excited the Sixers fanbase already, though the team is still winless thus far and has already shown flashes of greatness, which will only be improved upon when fellow rookie Ben Simmons returns to the floor.

Embiid has nicknamed himself “The Process,” a nod to the motto from Hinkie Era. With him in the post, fans can get excited to trust The Process yet again.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Joel Embiid, now of the 76ers, has proven to be a quality player this season.

Varsity Calendar HOME AWAY

Thursday Nov. 10

Friday Nov. 11

Saturday Nov. 12

Tuesday Nov. 15

Men’s Basketball

ETSU 7 p.m.

NYIT 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball

Furman 7 p.m.

Preseason WNIT

Men’s Soccer

A-10 Championship URI 2 p.m.

Volleyball Cross Country Swimming COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Monday Nov. 14

Holy Cross 3 p.m.

Football

Senior Kristen Ostach was honored on Senior Day, but the Rams later fell to GW.

Sunday Nov. 13

Squash

Regionals 10 a.m.

Princeton Invite Navy Round Robin

Wednesday Nov. 16

SPORTS

November 9, 2016

Varsity Scores & Stats

Peter Valentino

The Best World Series Ever?

Last Wednesday, 40 million people tuned in to watch what many are describing as the greatest baseball game ever, as the Chicago Cubs ended their 108 year championship drought to the Cleveland Indians in Game 7. The game had everything that a baseball fan could ask for, as the Cubs prevailed in 10 innings, 8-7. Game 7 was the most watched baseball game since Game 7 of the 1991 World Series, a finale that many baseball writers consider the greatest World Series ever played. When it comes to the greatest fall classics in history, this year not only puts itself among the best, but it also may be considered one of the more important.

This year’s World Series vies for the top spot of Fall Classics because of its storylines. Both teams had a combined 176 years without a championship before Wednesday, and people knew before the series that either the longest or secondlongest drought was going to end after this year, which was the series’ main lure. The World Series also had a great managerial matchup, with future Hall of Fame skipper Terry Francona facing off against Joe Maddon, who was looking for his first ring as a manager. There were many times in the series where one could see their managerial abilities of their great managerial abilities, including not overworking the bullpen and putting in pinch hitters and runners for certain players. The two showed what it takes to be a capable strategist in the World Series. The series had star players on both sides, with the Indians’ Corey Kluber, Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis. The Cubs were also stacked, with potential MVP Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta. Many see this as the birth of a dynasty in Chicago, as the players are young and there is still money to spend.

As far as its place on the list of greatest World Series of all time, it’s got to be in the top five, probably only after 1986 and 1991. While it didn’t really have one stellar play, it was every bit entertaining, starstudded and nail-biting. More importantly, it can be seen as the most successful World Series of all time.

Forty million people tuned in, not to watch the World Series, but to watch what should be viewed as a historical event, and it lived up to all the hype. The last time the ratings for a World Series were this high were in 2004, when the Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918. It wasn’t long ago when in 2012, the Giants and the Tigers produced the worst viewership for a World Series since it started tracking ratings in 1984. While it is unknown whether or not next year’s World Series will produce the same ratings, one thing is certain: with the number of people who watched Game 7, the sport may have gained some new viewers for next October. No matter where this World Series is ranked in history, moving the sport into the future may be just as important.

Page 19

Men’s Soccer UMass 2 Fordham 0 (MASS) Goncalves goal, ‘55 Fordham 4 St. Bonaventure 0 (FOR) Stevenson goal, ‘11 (FOR) Oland goal, ‘17 (FOR) Greer goal, ‘45 (FOR) Loebe goal, ‘54 Women’s Soccer Rhode Island Fordham (RI) Hamilton goal, ‘15 (FOR) Salmon goal, ‘89 (RI) Mitchell goal, ‘97

Women’s Basketball Fordham Muhlenberg

2 1

74 50

Volleyball George Mason Fordham (GM) Espinoza 19 digs (FOR) Fairchild 23 kills

3 2

3 1

Fordham George Washington (FOR) Fronk 44 assists (GW) Clark 12 kills Water Polo Fordham Wagner (FOR) Miller-Tolt 3 goals (FOR) Simmons goal

8 6

Bucknell 18 Fordham 13 (BUCK) Joksimovic 10 goals (FOR) Miller-Tolt 8 goals (FOR) Knoflick 2 goals

Football Fordham 24 Colgate 20 (FOR) Cantelli 58 yds, 2 TD’s (FOR) Anderson 27-42, 3 TD’s (COL) Melville 124 yds, TD (FOR) Washington 2 TD’s

Men’s Tennis Navy Invitational (FOR) Chung 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 (FOR) Mashaal 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 Squash Fordham 8 Sienna 1 (FOR) Yuen 11-7, 11-4, 11-4 (FOR) Patel 11-7, 11-7, 11-9 Vassar 6 Fordham 3 (FOR) Shinnick 11-1, 8-0, ret.

Athletes of the Week Jake Miller-Tolt

Brooke Salmon

Freshman

Sophomore

Water Polo

Soccer

Jake Miller-Tolt played phenomenally in the final two matches of the regular season. He scored three goals against Wagner, lifting the aquatic Rams to an 8-6 victory. He followed that performance with an even better one, netting a season-high eight goals against 13-ranked Bucknell.

Salmon scored her third goal in as many games in a devastating 2-1 loss against George Mason last Thursday.

With the Rams down 1-0 in the 89th minute, she stepped up and drilled a shot into the back of the net. The goal was her team-high sixth of the year.

Each week, The Fordham Ram’s Sports editors honor one male athlete and one female athlete for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.”

News & Notes • Fairchild Named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week Fordham Volleyball’s Olivia Fairchild was

• Atlantic 10 Honors Four Women’s Soccer Players Four women’s soccer players earned At-

• Squash Team Splits Two Matches to Open Season The squash team opened its season with a

• Chase Edmonds Close to Career Rushing Milestone Junior running back Chase Edmonds al-

named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week following two tremendous matches against George Mason and George Washington. The freshman tallied 41 kills during the two matches, including 23 in the four-set win over George Washington. The honor is Fairchild’s fourth of the season. She has also earned A-10 Co-Player of the Week once this year. Fairchild is also only 15 kills away from taking second place in program history for kills in a single season.

pair of matches against Sienna and Vassar.

The Rams impressed in the first match against Sienna, with eight players winning their personal matches and only one faltering. The second match, which was against Vassar, was a different story. Only three Rams took their personal matches, dropping six to their opponents. Junior Peter Yuen won both of his matches, defeating Sienna’s Faizan Rahim 117, 11-4, 11-4 and Vassar’s Vincent Mencotti 11-9, 11-7, 11-5. The team takes the court again on Nov. 11 for the Navy Round Robin.

lantic 10 recognition prior to their 2-1 loss against George Mason in the A-10 Tournament. Senior captains and backline mates Nicole Bates and Ally Doyle earned First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors, while sophomore forward Brooke Salmon was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team. Freshman midfielder Maggie Roughley was also honored, receiving a spot on the A-10 AllRookie Team.

ready owns the Fordham records for career rushing yards (4,985), career touchdowns (62) and career rushing touchdowns (55).

He also has the Patriot League record for rushing yards in a single game with 359.

Edmonds currently needs 15 yards to pass the 5,000 mark for his career. He currently sits in second place and is only 636 yards away from Jordan Scott’s total of 5,621. Edmonds plans to return next season for his senior year.

– Compiled by Pat Costello

Alvin Halimwidjaya

Wish Upon a Shooting Star Two weeks into the 2016-2017 NBA season, players are still riding high on adrenaline, and the wear and tear of an 82-game season has yet to take its toll. Consequently, statistical trends will regress by the time February comes around. However, despite this inflation at the beginning of the season, this year’s campaign in particular has provided an unprecedented wealth of offensive prowess, mainly due to the rise of the solo statistical workhorse.

Despite everyone’s complaints about the popularity of the “super team” around the league, with it comes the chance for “hero ball” scorers to take the league by storm.

You’ll still have Stephen Curry scoring 23 points in a quarter and LeBron James coasting through the regular season at an annoyingly elite level.

Kevin Durant, the latest superstar to join a team instead of beating them, is tied for fifth in league scoring with a cool 30 points per game. However, with teams like the Warriors, the Cavs and even the Wolves stacked with talent, you also get teams like the Pelicans, where Anthony Davis has the luxury of playing alongside quaint unknowns like Solomon Hill and Tim Frazier.

Anthony Davis has dropped off since scoring 95 points in the first two games of the season, settling for 30 points per game through six games. Due to the lack of talent on the Pelicans’ roster, most of the offense is run through Davis, who has been taking almost 21 shots and 12 free throws per games. Another example is Phoenix Suns swingman Devin Booker, who recently became the youngest player to score 38 points in consecutive games.

On teams with quality players, but only one elite offensive player, success has come in spades. With Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry struggling with his shot at the start of the season, backcourt mate DeMar Derozan has picked up the slack and then some by leading the league with 33 PPG, becoming the first player to start the season with five straight 30-point performances since Michael Jordan and defying statistical expectations by making way too many contested midrange jumpers. Damian Lillard continues to make an MVP case reinforced in steel and willpower on the Portland Trailblazers by scoring 32 PPG, good for third in the league, along with a bevy of deep threes that rivals Curry’s bag of tricks. James Harden as a point guard is also a success so far, as he is averaging 31 point and 12 assists per game for the Rockets under coach Mike D’Antoni.

Most importantly, we can’t forget about Russell Westbrook, who continues his wrecking ball campaign on the rest of the league. Even with talented players like Steven Adams and Victor Oladipo, Westbrook has chosen to take everyone’s chips on his shoulders and run straight into the 29 other NBA teams, averaging 33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists per game. With the Thunder only taking one loss in six games, Russell Westbrook remains as the best example of solo stardom in the league.

In a few months, these players’ averages will most likely drop off. However, we can still appreciate these players putting their teams on their back, and at the very least, may see Westbrook average a triple double.

Page 20

SPORTS

November 9, 2016

The Fordham Ram

Seniors Step Up in 24-20 Win Over Colgate

By JACK McLOONE

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

You could not write a better Senior Day script than Fordham Football’s 24-20 victory over the Colgate Raiders on Saturday. Colgate was knockec Fordham out of Patriot League title contention last season in a thriller, and this installment was just as exciting.

The Rams had revenge on the mind this season, coming back from being down 10 early in the second half to score 14 unanswered points primarily on the back of their senior leaders to take the victory.

The Rams honored over 25 senior players and student staff members prior to kickoff.

“This is the class that has now won 38 games, has won 25 games at home, been to three playoffs, has only lost three Patriot League games in their career,” said Breiner. “To believe in a vision, to come and take action to carry that vision out, I think that is what makes this senior class really special.”

The Fordham offense started their Senior Day with points when Makay Redd hit a 41-yard field goal to cap-off the opening drive.

The defensive side of the ball for Fordham had issues finishing their opening drive. On the first play from scrimmage for Colgate, senior defensive lineman Justin Vaughn and senior linebacker David Barletta teamed up to take down running back Keyon Washington in the backfield to get the Rams started on the right foot. However, quarterback Jake Melville was able to convert on two third downs on the drive, and Washington eventually found the end zone on a 16-yard rush to put Colgate up 7-3.

After trading punts, the Rams found themselves deep in Colgate territory thanks to an explosive return by sophomore Corey Caddle, who took the ball to the Colgate 29 as the first quarter ended. The Rams continued to be victimized by penalties, and it looked as though the Fordham offense

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Robbie Cantelli caught the first of his two touchdowns with a defender draped on his back.

had squandered an opportunity, staring a fourth-and-11 in the face on the Colgate 30. Breiner decided to gamble and go for it. The decision paid off, as Anderson found graduate student tight end Phazhan Odom for a 30-yard touchdown, earning a 10-7 lead.

It looked as though the Rams lead would hold into halftime, as the defenses for both sides stepped up considerably. Fordham was able to hold the Raiders to short drives, while Colgate was able to contain junior running back Chase Edmonds better than any team this season.

That all changed when Colgate found themselves with the ball around midfield with just a little over a minute left to play in the half. The Rams’ defense made a costly error, breaking contain on the left side on a handoff to Washington, allowing him to break free for a 43-yard touchdown and a 1410 Colgate lead.

Colgate received the opening kickoff to start the second half, and did not waste any time. Melville called his own number on the Raider 37, tucking and running first to the outside and then using his speed to cut across the field and outrun the defense for a 63-yard score.

But from that moment on, the Fordham defense did not let up another big play on the ground, and only

allowed one more through the air. On the day, the defense only let up 134 yards on the ground outside of the big 42- and 63-yard rushing scores. The unit also held the Raiders to just 106 yards through the air.

“It wasn’t so much a schematic adjustment. It was just playing fundamental football,” said Breiner. “We played our gaps, which you have to do when you’re playing that type of offense, and we tackled the ball carrier.

We didn’t let another big one out.”

The Rams were able to make their comeback thanks to the stellar effort of a senior they have relied upon all season: receiver Robbie Cantelli, who tore his ACL against Colgate last season.

Towards the end of the third quarter, the Rams had moved deep into Colgate territory when Anderson looked to his favorite red zone target, firing a rocket to a tightly covered Cantelli in the end zone. Cantelli fought off his defender to make the catch and get the score, pulling Fordham within three.

By this point, the Rams defense had come alive. They constantly forced short drives, including multiple threeand-outs and a failed fourth down conversion in their own territory.

But while the defense continued to step up, the Ram offense was unable

to get anything going, due in large part to Colgate’s fourth-ranked rushing defense, keeping Edmonds in check for just 73 yards on the day and forcing him to fumble earlier in the fourth quarter. But late in the fourth quarter, Breiner was not afraid to call on his start player to keep the Rams alive.

Fordham had finally gotten itself deep into Colgate territory with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but found itself facing a fourth-and-2 on the Colgate 24 and a tough decision to make: attempt a field goal to tie or try and convert, knowing that if you fail you might not get the ball back. Breiner once again decided to gamble and trust his offense, and Edmonds did not let him down, picking up four yards and the first down.

“If its fourth-and-2, no matter how many times he’s fumbled, I believe in Chase Edmonds, and I will always hand the ball to Chase Edmonds in a critical situation,” said Breiner.

Just one play later, the gamble paid off in spades and, once again it was Cantelli making the big play. Seeing that Cantelli had lost his defender with a double move, Anderson lofted the ball towards him in the back of the end zone. The pass appeared to be way too high, but Cantelli was able to climb the ladder and bring it down while also managing to get a toe down in bounds

for the score and the lead.

“It was super special,” said Cantelli.

“Four years coming to a head right now in my last game at Coffey Field was unbelievable. The emotions were running high and I was just so excited that I could make that play for my friends and my teammates.”

Cantelli’s circus catch and the ensuing PAT gave the Rams a 24-20 lead, but there was still 4:55 left for the Raiders to answer.

Melville and Colgate moved across midfield at the 2:17 mark on a long completion to the Fordham 31-yard line, but the senior defenders stood tall one last time at Jack Coffey Field. On first down, Vaughn applied pressure to Melville and forced an underthrow towards the end zone that was batted away by Pretlow. On second down, Barletta stuffed a Washington run for just a yard. On third down, senior linebacker George Dawson stepped in front of a pass and knocked it down, forcing a fourth-and-9. The entire defense played their best down of the season, leaving no one open and resulting in an overthrow towards nobody and the 24-20 revenge victory.

“I’m really proud of the football team,” said head coach Andrew Breiner. “I’m really proud of how they responded and proud of the energy, the passion, the emotion that they played with today.”

Unfortunately, the Rams were eliminated from Patriot League title contention during the game — the leagueleading Lehigh won while the Rams were still early in the fourth quarter.

However, next on the docket for Fordham is the most anticipated game of the season, the Ram-Crusader Cup game at Yankee Stadium on Nov. 12 at 3 p.m.

“To play in a venue like Yankee Stadium is really special. I’ve told some people this: baseball was, is, always will be my first love,” said Breiner. “But like I’ve said — and I’m not trying to take the air out of it — once the ball is kicked off we’re playing football.”

Women’s Soccer Falls in First Round, 2-1

By PAT COSTELLO

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The women’s soccer team finished its season last Thursday in heartbreaking fashion. After the normally impenetrable Department of Defense allowed a 15th minute goal to slip through, the Rams faced an uphill battle against a formidable George Mason team. The Rams knew how good the Patriots’ defense could be after tying them 2-2 in their previous encounter. It took almost the entire game for the Rams to break through, but they did eventually equalize the score. In the 89th minute, sophomore forward Brooke Salmon scored her team-high sixth goal of the season, sending the Rams into a frenzy and the game into overtime. “I was planning on moving Brooke next season to another position, but I may need to rethink that,” said head coach Jessica Clinton.

The goal was nearly a mirror image of the season before, when senior defender Brianna Blunck pulled off a similar feat against the same team. “I just really think that it’s a belief,” said

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Brooke Salmon scores a late goal to send the Rams A-10 matchup against George Mason to overtime.

Clinton. “A belief that however long it takes, it takes, and when seconds are counting down, we as a team could do it. It just so happens that it is always against (George) Mason.”

Clinton knows that the sophomore is a tremendous asset. “Brooke Salmon has really taken on a terrific role within the team,” she said.

“We’ve seen her development on a daily basis. She is playing like a junior and senior and we constantly remind ourselves that she’s only a sophomore.”

Unfortunately, the Rams’ defense was unable to hold back the Patriots’ offensive attack, allowing a 97th minute golden goal, which ultimately proved to be the fatal blow for the season. The Rams finished with a 10-5-5 record, while going 5-2-4 inconference.

The loss marks the final game the seniors would play for the Rams.

Clinton knows just how important the senior class has been to the ongoing achievement of the team. “I think I’ve said a lot to the seniors privately,” she said. “Their development, com-

mitment and willingness has been a reason why the team has been so successful.”

“They were second semester, first year players when I took over the program and I’m not sure they really knew what they were in for,” Clinton continued. “They didn’t complain, but it took some time for them to believe in what we were trying to accomplish.”

Clinton cited the work ethic of the seniors as a main reason for the team’s character. “The success of the team has really been on this class. Each

class is unique and each class builds upon something,” she said. “But this senior class was the ones that wore the hard hats each day. They became prepared for everything and were very good at what they did. They took care of a lot. They didn’t have to, but they wanted to.”

“If you dissect what a leader or what leadership looks like, it was this senior class,” Clinton said.

Clinton knows that the freshmen she has now have the potential to be great as well, but is something that will have to come in time. “We watch our first year players and say, ‘Okay, we have three more seasons with them, this is what they need to get better at or we need this player to be able to do this by next year,’” she said.

“It’s a growing process.”

As to whether or not she has started thinking about next season, Clinton said she’s not quite ready yet.

“No, certainly not. I’m still enjoying the moment with the current team,” she said. “We still have things to do with this team. We still have much to celebrate and I’d like to celebrate that as much as possible.”