The Slate 3-2-21

Virtual learning creates challenges, B1

Alumnus marries TikTok stranger, C1

Electronic group disbands, D1

Meehan remembers Wise, E1

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Volume 64 No. 14

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

SGA candidates address student body Siobhan Sungenis Asst. News Editor

The Student Government Association (SGA) held officer candidate speeches Thursday over Zoom. Executive Leadership Committee (ELC) candidates, Riley Brown, Jordan Newsome-Little, Imani Cameron, Christopher Higgins, Skylar Walder and Chase Slenker gave prepared speeches and answered questions about their future plans for SGA. Newsome-Little and Brown are running for the position of SGA president.

In her campaign speech, Newsome-Little said, “If elected, I will continue to fight for equity, transparency, compassion and accountability.”

Brown echoed her sentiments and emphasized the need for a united campus.

“We will only be successful if we listen, empathize and act,” Brown said.

In the question-and-answer portion, student viewers and members of SGA asked about each candidate’s plans to encourage diversity on campus, helping students through COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic regulations and why they are fit for the position of president. Both candidates agreed that communication and transparency were important factors in supporting minority groups on campus.

Newsome-Little cited her fearless attitude and determined mindset as quali-

ties that set her apart from the opposing candidate.

“I want to bring the campus together and create a family,” Brown said when asked what effect he wishes to have in office.

In addition to presidential speeches, candidates for officer positions also gave speeches.

“As vice president, I will emphasize the importance of SGA and Ad Hoc committees,” Imani Cameron, the candidate for vice-president of internal affairs, said in her speech.

Skylar Walder is the candidate for vice president of external affairs.

See “ELECTION,” A2

File Photo/The Slate

University officials ‘table’ winter commencement decision Shippensburg University officials struggled to create a safe environment for the spring 2020 graduation ceremony because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, eventually holding it last August in the commuter parking lot next to the Ship Rec. With the pandemic still raging last fall, which meant an indoor ceremony would be impossible, and the logistics of holding an outdoor ceremony difficult to manage, it was decided to forego the December 2020 ceremony.

Now, after a rumor began circulating on campus, many students are concerned about the cancellation of future winter graduation ceremonies.

According to Kim Garris, vice president of external relations and communications, the university’s budget and finance council discussed eliminating winter commencement a year ago.

This was one of many ideas brought up during a discussion about how to balance the university’s budget, Garris said.

No decision was made and the idea was “tabled,” according to Garris.

“No final decision would be made without and discussion and consultation with students,” Garris said.

Garris added that details and the date for the spring 2021 commencement are on track to be announced in March.

Photo courtesy of Jordan Newsome-Little

Photo courtesy of Riley Brown

Jordan Newsome-Little is running for the position of SGA president in this week’s election.

Riley Brown is running for the position of SGA president in this week’s election.

PASSHE Chancellor to visit SU virtually March 8

Absences result in unfinished SGA business at first public meeting

Noel Miller News Editor

Daniel Greenstein, the chancellor of the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education will be visiting Shippensburg University over Zoom on March 8, according to an email sent to SU students last week.

The open forum will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. and cover the PASSHE system redesign, the SU website said.

The redesign began in the 2017-18 academic year and has three phases according to PASSHE. PASSHE is currently in Phase 3 which includes university integrations.

Six state universities will be combined into two

multi-location universities as part of the integration phase, the a PASSHE press release said.

Momentum is building toward successfully integrating the universities, Greenstein told the Board of Governors in a press release.

“The dedication and belief of so many colleagues — students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and so many more — is inspiring and propels us toward our ultimate purpose, which is to create integrated institutions that expand student opportunities and set the stage for enrollment growth,” Greenstein said.

See “PASSHE,” A2

Zoom link for chancellor’s visit

Noel Miller and Hannah Pollock News Editor; Editor-in-Chief

The Shippensburg University Student Government Association (SGA) met publicly for the first time this semester on Thursday but took no action on any business because there was not a quorum.

Only 16 of 24 members were able to attend the meeting, preventing the body from voting on any motions.

The following members were absent from the meeting: Stephen Washington (president), Lance Hines-Butts (vice president of external affairs), Brenda Aristy (vice president of budget and finance), Imani Cameron (non-traditional students senator), Jose Lopez (class of 2024 senator), Jordan Newsome-Little (Residence Hall Association (RHA) senator), Abdulomar Tucker (National

Pan-Hellenic Council) and Bridgette Wentz (Collegiate Panhellenic Council).

SGA members who were present were unable to vote on any motions due to not meeting the two-thirds roster attendance minimum, as traditional Robert’s Rules of Order dictates, SGA President Stephen Washington explained in an interview Saturday. Washington missed the meeting due to a medical emergency.

After committee and board reports, Seth Edwards, student trustee on the SU Council of Trustees, announced the impeachment trial of a senator, Jose Lopez. Lopez represents the Class of 2024.

In an interview Saturday, Edwards explained the situation.

“We have a senator who has led to a point where we now need to call the impeachment process,” he said.

SGA’s constitution calls for a pub-

lic meeting at which both the SGA and the individual at risk for impeachment plead their cases. There will be two additional public meetings, one on Thursday, March 4, and another on March 11, to serve as impeachment trial dates for Lopez. SGA members will officially vote to begin the impeachment process at the March 4 meeting. The next meeting will host the actual trial.

“At that meeting, the vice president of internal affairs is going to explain and provide detail on Sen. Jose Lopez’s strikes and negligence of office that led to this impeachment trial,” Edwards said. “At this meeting, Sen. Lopez will be able to represent himself before the rest of the Senate and Executive Leadership Committee and make their case.”

See “SGA,” A2

Provost announces the pass/fail grade scale for spring semester Siobhan Sungenis Asst. News Editor

As the 2020-2021 academic year enters its final semester, Shippensburg University Provost Tom Ormond is once again offering students a pass/fail grading option.

This is the third consecutive semester with the option. According to an email announcement sent Feb. 11, students can elect to replace the letter grades A, A-, B, B-, C+, and C will be replaced with a PASS, while grade D will be replaced with PASS*.

All failing grades will remain. Students’ GPA will not be affected by a PASS option but will still be decreased by an F grade. This option can be applied to one or more of a student’s courses, according to the email. After final grades are posted on May 28, students may choose their preferred grading method. Students will have five days to decide which option

they are choosing. Directions for the change will be emailed to student accounts from the registrar in early May. In the announcement, students are strongly encouraged to contemplate the decision and reach out to their advisers to discuss the best option according to their needs. Ormond urges students to consider their own academic needs when choosing the pass/fail option, due to its effect on scholarships, student athlete requirements and career requirements, among others.

Ormond emphasized the university’s understanding of the conditions presented to students as the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to affect their lives.

Faculty intend for the grading option to relieve stress from the circumstances that have continued for the last year, the email said.

NEWS

A2 From “ELECTION,” A1

In her speech, she empathized with students who are dealing with stress from the pandemic and promised to help those on campus and online find a home at Shippensburg University.

Christopher Higgins is running for vice president of student groups.

Higgins addressed issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and explained his desire to restore campus morale through stuFrom “SGA,” A1

SGA uses a “Three Strike Policy” which lists what parameters in which senators must abide. Senators may receive strikes for failing to alert SGA officials of a meeting absence 24 hours before the meeting, failing to submit typed minutes from committee meetings and failing to attend the required number of public relations events each semester.

The SGA will then publicly vote on the status of Lopez’s impeachment, according to Edwards.

Washington and Clarence Johnson, who serves as vice president of internal affairs, both emphasized the process SGA goes through before reaching impeachment.

“The internal affairs committee has a disciplinary board that reviews the case-

dent groups.

Chase Slenker is running to be the vice president of finance.

“I am willing to make SGA more accountable to student needs through our financial policies and annual operating budget.” Slenker said.

Voting began on March 1 at 8 a.m., and continues until March 4 at 4 p.m. Students can vote using the online election system. For more information, visit the SGA website at ship.campusgroups.com/sga/about

by-case basis and they make a decision. It is not only made up of senators, but also atlarge members of the student body. Vice president Johnson works with the committee — there is a process that we do,” Washington said.

Johnson added, “Senators have the option to appeal strikes. They must contact the vice president of internal affairs within 24 hours after receiving it [the strike]. They present themself and their case, then the internal affairs committee will review it and make a decision.”

Johnson said these strikes could include the absence at a mandatory meeting or event or failing to attend a minimum number of public relations events.

During the meeting, Chase Slenker, Class of 2023 senator and committee member, motioned to keep the activity

fee the same for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Slenker said the fee is currently $272. There was no vote due to SGA member absences.

When asked about the motion, Washington said, “The budget and finance component, that will be looked over and reviewed over by the ELC.” The ELC will make a decision, have a private conversation with the full SGA and inform the student body, according to Washington.

“As far as the other matters such as committee appointments, those will not be made by the Executive Leadership Committee. Those will wait and move forward at the next public meeting,” Washington said.

The next regular SGA meeting is scheduled for March 11 at 4 p.m. on Zoom.

State Police Briefs Shippensburg man arrested for DUI State troopers responded to a suspicious person report last Thursday at 3:43 p.m. After contacting the 46-year-old Shippensburg man, troopers determined he was driving under the influence. He was arrested on the scene and the investigation is ongoing pending toxicology reports.

State troopers respond to property damage report According to police, Sterling Property Management reported broken single-pane window at 23 Richard Ave. in Shippensburg. The investigation is ongoing.

Cyclist injured in alleged hit-and-run accident Monday evening on Earl Street near campus

March 2, 2021

Your World Today

Commentary: The Slate wins seven Keystone Media Awards •

Hannah Pollock Editor-in-Chief

Last week amid the crazed first Monday night production of 2021, I decided to refresh the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Keystone Media Awards webpage.

I had been doing this since mid-January but this time I saw the word “results.” My heart started racing as I downloaded and tried to print them.

Our office printer — which is notoriously on the fritz — hummed and eventually spit out a few pieces of paper. I took the paper and with a highlighter in hand went into the hall adjacent the newsroom to pore over the results.

I was so excited when I saw “The Slate” listed. We won first place in the editorial category with our submission of three “The Slate Speaks” staff editorials.

• The Slate Speaks: From graduates, “Ship this isn’t it” A message from The Slate’s spring 2020 graduates about their perspective of the final months of their senior year.

• The Slate Speaks: Student newspapers essential to defending campus culture The story of how a college newspaper played an important role in aiding sexual assault survivor Rose McAvoy to get the college to hear her voice.

• The Slate Speaks: Students will be affected by the chancellor’s directives An explanation of how the state system chancellor’s “directives” to aid in saving money impacts the student experience.

These editorials each cover different subjects yet made an impact in our community.

As my eyes moved down the page, I was excited to see 2019-20 Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Bergmueller’s three “Your World Today” columns listed as first-place recipients in the column category.

Your World Today: Community must continue push for transparency • Your World Today: Communication, transparency vital to system redesign • Your World Today: Four changes Shippensburg University must make to protect students’ freedoms I immediately called him and said, “I would like to be the first to congratulate you on your first-place Keystone win.”

“You’re lying,” he responded.

While he may have been in disbelief, I knew he was deserving. Afterall, I read and copy edited most, if not every column he wrote last year. A lot of Jon’s columns focused on communication, transparency and advocacy of freedom of speech — all of which are still ongoing issues. We must continue to advocate for ourselves on-campus, in the community and beyond.

I was so happy (but not surprised) to then see Multimedia Editor, Carmine Scicchitano’s name not once, but twice. Carmine won first place in both the feature photo (Glo Celebration) and news photo (Chief Lee at SU BLM Demonstration) categories. This photographer never ceases to amaze me with his work.

Carmine is a photography and videography wizard. When he first showed me the Glo Celebration photo, I knew it was going to win. The colors, the smoke and the silhouettes of college students outside dancing, temporarily free of the burdens of a pandemic brought me joy.

Carmine is always running to breaking news, and when community members gathered at the Black Lives Matter demonstration on the Academic Quad, he was there. The photo of SU Police Chief Michael Lee captured the moment in time which our community and society found.

When I told Carmine he won, he simply responded, “WOOHOOOO!” While still on the phone with Jon, I saw News Editor Noel Miller had also won.

Noel received honorable mention in the photo story category for “Voters celebrate in Washington, D.C.” After Election Day, Noel was determined to find a

way to D.C., much against my motherly instincts. She and fellow Slater Emma Tennant took the Metro into The District on the Saturday following Election Day. Little did they know, they would find themselves in the middle of the streets as multiple media outlets projected then Democratic candidate Joe Biden to win the presidency. Noel called me with excitement as she found herself covering national breaking news.

Since Noel was in the office working on her news pages, I called her into the hall to share the good news.

After a few moments blankly staring at the results, Noel finally realized she won and promptly screamed, hugged me (sorry COVID protocol) before picking me up completely off the ground and spinning us both around.

I hope she never loses that passion for a good story, and always remembers that sunny Saturday in Washington.

A few lines below Noel’s honor, I found my own with an honorable mention for the layout and design category. The graduation insert in the Aug. 18 edition was something I wanted to do for the spring 2020 seniors.

It was a small gesture, but I wanted to do what I could for the class that lost so much.

The Slate as a whole also won first place for its website, theslateonline.com.

Our entire staff works hard to keep our online presence fresh, even during summer and winter breaks.

These awards recognize a staff that has worked throughout the pandemic.

Our world was turned upside down after our March 3, 2020, edition and we very easily could have thrown in the towel. But instead, we decided to keep pushing to fulfill our mission of serving the community.

The Slate staff is grateful for the support of SU officials, including our beloved Communication/Journalism Department faculty and staff members. Thank you for every copy edit and for teaching us news values, ethics and active versus passive voice.

We would especially like to thank our adviser, Michael Drager, who sees his students as the journalists they can be and for bringing an indescribably wonderful energy to the newsroom.

From “PASSHE,” A1

Attendees can submit questions for the chancellor through a form at ship.edu/about/ leadership/president/chancellor_visit/. Questions can be submitted until noon March 3 according to university officers.

Carmine Scicchitano/The Slate

Read more at theslateonline.com

The bicyclist was hit near the intersection of Lancaster Drive and Earl Street.

SGA senator seat vacancy appointments

Class of 2021 Recommendations: Noah Steinfeldt, Steven Belmonte Exploratory Waiting on recommendations Male Athletics Recommendation: Cody Willoughby

Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) Recommendations: Waiting for IFC appointment

International students Recommendation: Jazmin Petrantonio Residence Hall Association (RHA, one seat available) Recommendations: Waiting on RHA appointment *Senators will be confirmed at a later SGA meeting

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

B1

Opinion

The Slate Speaks Students, faculty must work together in online learning When the COVID-19 coronavirus first gripped the nation, educators across the nation had to quickly adapt to a continuously changing world. Students needed to continue learning but traditional delivery methods were not an option.

Fast forward a year later, and students are still learning in what would be considered “unconventional ways.” Many students, including those at Shippensburg University, find themselves logging on for Zoom classes, attending in-person classes at a minimal scheduled basis, or are working at their own pace in asynchronous classes.

Attending Zoom classes five days a week is overwhelming to say the least. Between academics and expected extracurriculars to diversify our resumes, students are spending a lot of time in front of their computer screens.

If a student has a full course load (five, three-credit courses, 15 credits total) of classes that require regular Zoom meetings, they will spend 750 minutes or 12.5 hours in class a week. Now this may not seem like a lot, but most professors tell students during syllabus

week that in order to be successful in their classes students should plan on spending two additional hours studying for each class meeting. For a student who takes three courses that meet three times a week and two courses that meet twice a week, add on at least 26 more hours of work outside the classroom.

We are here to become experts in our prospective fields. It is why we pay thousands of dollars in tuition to be here — whether it is in-person, virtual or otherwise. But there needs to be effort and participation by both the students and the professors.

Most professors are making a good-faith effort to ensure their students are getting a somewhat comparable educational experience. However, there are miscommunications, and because the online learning environment for both students and professors is not easy, things fall through the cracks.

Students are feeling additional stress because more of the teaching responsibility is thrust upon us. We are working with less of an understanding than we would have if we were learning in-person. Some classes are

#Ask The Slate’s Twitter Followers

Do you feel online discussion boards are an effective learning strategy in your classes?

Yes: 13%

easier than others but many Slate staff members are teaching themselves in classes where they do not have any prior knowledge in the subject matter. For example, students signed up for a synchronous class hoping for lectures and direct professor instruction. These classes evolved into a meeting once every couple of weeks and a lot of individual teaching.

Some professors refuse to teach information and repeatedly refer students to textbooks, rather than taking time to explain over a Zoom call. This feels as if our professors are disregarding students’ needs.

One of the most frustrating elements for students is the dreaded discussion boards with our peers. Understandably, professors want to use this tool as a mode of conversation when situations do not permit for in-person or synchronous online classes. But discussion boards are not really enriching — both before the pandemic and now. We find ourselves waiting for peers to post (some of which never do) so that we can earn our participation points by “thoughtfully” responding to three other posts.

Commentary: ‘The Lorax’ should be preserved in National Film Registry

No: 87%

*23 surveyed in poll

Matthew Unger Staff Columnist

I am sure the majority of us have heard of the name Dr. Seuss. Over the course of his life, Theodor Seuss Geisel wrote and illustrated dozens of classic books that have immortalized his name in children’s literature. And to celebrate what would have been his 117th birthday today, I would like to talk about his famous book “The Lorax” and its 1972 short film adaptation.

For those who don’t know, “The Lorax” is Dr. Seuss’ 1971 children’s book featuring a small, orange creature with a bushy mustache who “speaks for the trees” and protests against the “Once-ler,” a businessman who cuts down trees to make his product called a “Thneed.” The overall moral of the story is about protecting the environment and how greed can lead some to destroy it for personal gain. The year after the book was published, CBS produced and aired a short film version. This cartoon version almost exactly follows the plot line of the book as the script was written by Dr. Seuss himself.

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The views and opinions expressed in this section are those of the writer and not of The Slate or University.

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The unsigned staff editorial, “The Slate Speaks,” represents the views and opinions of The Slate as an organization. Participating editors help shape the staff editorial.

Students need professors to teach, not assign readings that will not be discussed, discussion boards and “fluff” assignments that do not get graded. We need feedback on work, questions answered and tough concepts explained Professors are not immune to the trials of the coronavirus pandemic. Their lives were turned upside down, too. Some have lost family members, fallen ill themselves or have families who need them at home. Our lives are no longer as simple as showing up maskless to a lecture hall for a few hours a week.

We as students need to have the patience and understanding with professors that we expect in return.

But together, both students and professors must put forth our best efforts. Students chose to attend college to become experts in their field. Good professors chose to teach because they love their field so much that they wanted to pass along the passion and information to future generations. Neither of us are meeting our goals with baseless discussion board questions and untaught lessons.

Not only is the short film a joy to watch but it is also very thought provoking. In my opinion, I think it is one of Dr. Seuss’ best stories as it conveys a message that is very near to reality. If you look at the news every once in a while you will undoubtedly see stories about deforestation, endangered animals and climate change. When the Lorax confronts the Once-ler in the film about his greedy behavior causing animals to flee their homes and the environment to be polluted, the Once-ler states that it would be “bad economics” to shut his factory down.

I have often heard this mindset when it comes to the debate over people’s jobs versus caring for the environment.

And considering that this film was made back in 1972, it really shows us that not a lot has changed since then.

Now, all of this brings me to my main point. Every year, the United States National Film Preservation Board selects a variety of films deemed culturally or historically important enough to be preserved in the National Film Registry. The registry was founded in 1988 and has since preserved hundreds of important full-length films, shorts and documentaries (among others). Last year, the registry preserved some well-known films such as “Shrek,” “Grease” and “The Dark Knight.”

The only true criteria to be considered for preservation is that the film must be at least 10 years old. This year is the 49th anniversary of “The Lorax” short film, and yet it has never been preserved in the registry. Considering that the film is practically a mirror image of the well-known Dr. Seuss book and produces such a powerful message about taking care of the environment, I believe that the film deserves to be preserved in the registry to ensure future generations can enjoy and learn from this powerful animation based off of a classic American author’s work.

Management slate.ship@gmail.com Hannah Pollock...................Editor-in-Chief ........................................Managing Editor

THESLATEONLINE.COM Reporting truth.

Serving our community.

Contact Us slate.ship@gmail.com (717) 477-1778 Mailing Address The Slate - Shippensburg University CUB Box 106 1871 Old Main Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257 Office Location Ceddia Union Building Room 250 Shippensburg University Adviser Dr. Michael Drager About The Slate The Slate is a weekly, independent, student-run newspaper printed by the Gettysburg Times. Its print edition is published on Tuesdays and its website, theslateonline.com, is maintained 24/7.

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News slatenews@gmail.com Noel Miller....................................... Editor Siobhan Sungenis...................Asst. Editor Opinion shipspeaks@gmail.com Chase Slenker...........................Columnist Maria Maresca...........................Columnist Adam Friscia..............................Columnist Noah Steinfeldt..........................Columnist Matthew Unger...........................Columnist Ship Life slate.shiplife@gmail.com Chaela Williams......................Asst. Editor Morgan Barr............................Asst. Editor Sports slatesports@gmail.com Christian Eby................................... Editor Isaiah Snead...........................Asst. Editor A&E slateae@gmail.com Ryan Cleary......................................Editor criminate against anyone based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, political philosophy etc. Undergraduate and graduate SU students are hired based on skill, dedication and loyalty to the values and principles of journalism.

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Tuesday, March 2, 2021

C1

Ship Life

Ship alumnus marries a stranger from TikTok Morgan Barr

Asst. Ship Life Editor

When many people think about marriage, they think of marrying the love of their life, someone they’ve known forever — or at least that they feel like they’ve known forever.

But not Gunnar Michels.

The Shippensburg and Theta Xi alum recently went viral on TikTok for his search to find a stranger willing to marry him in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day. But where did the idea to marry a stranger come from?

“So I made a video before that one, where I got a tattoo with a stranger. And this is my first tattoo. And I kind of wanted to do it with someone random. And I wanted to do it again. But I wanted to up the scale. So that’s where I came up with the kind of ridiculous idea of getting married to someone,” Michels said.

Michels’ search for a wife quickly blew up but even with over 1,000 girls interested in marrying him, one girl stood out the most. Danielle Ellinad posted a video applica-

tion that received more than 7 million views, and included showing off her ambulance, which she converted and lives in.

“Before I looked at her profile, I saw that she did van life. I’ve kind of been dreaming about living out of a van for a really long time. So that was obviously like a massive turn on. And then she posted the video saying that we can take her ambulance and I’m like, I gotta talk to her. So after we FaceTimed, it was like, it had to be her,” Michels said.

After deciding to marry Ellinad, Michels traveled to Pittsburgh to propose and meet her family.

The proposal was the first time the pair had met, aside from FaceTiming every day.

After Ellinad accepted his proposal, the two went out for dinner after which Michels met her family.

“Her mom is absolutely phenomenal. And her dad is a lot like my dad. He doesn’t like to talk as much, but they were very accepting,” Michels said.

Soon after that, the pair headed off on an almost week-long road trip across

the country to Las Vegas.

Along the way, they stopped in Nashville, Tennessee, and even made a pit stop to see the Grand Canyon, where Michels met his best man the day before the wedding.

The wedding was held at the Fabulous Las Vegas sign, and afterward they enjoyed a nice dinner compliments of MGM Grand Hotel.

The pair also hit the casino to celebrate, and of course filmed and uploaded content of their whole experience for their followers.

When asked about his relationship with Danielle moving forward Michels said: “We’re navigating our relationship now, obviously the intention was to get divorced.

That was the conditions that I made for everyone when I sent out the feelers. So I think we still intend on doing that. But that doesn’t mean that’s the end of us, you know what I mean? And our relationship together, whether that be romantic or platonic, I think that there’s definitely a future for us.”

Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Chip Cookies

This quick and easy recipe for chocolate chip cookies is perfect to make with friends and family.

Ingredients: -3 cups all-purpose flour -1 teaspoon baking soda -1 teaspoon salt -2 sticks unsalted butter, melted -1/2 cup granulated sugar -1 1/4 cups brown sugar -2 teaspoons vanilla -2 large eggs -2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Photo Courtesy of Gunnar Michels

Gunnar Michels married Danielle Ellinad this Valentines Day underneath the Fabulous Las Vegas sign in Las Vegas, Nevada. Below: Michels and his wife in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

5 books to add to your list this March

Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda and salt.

3. In the other bowl beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy, about 2 minutes.

Add the vanilla and eggs. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips.

4. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to make the dough to “marinate” for a better taste.

5. Take out dough and let it sit at room temperature just until it is soft enough to scoop.

6. Divide the dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls and drop onto prepared baking sheets.

7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes.

Chaela Williams/The Slate

Take time off from your busy semester and add new, exciting books to your to-be-read list. Reading is a great past time and stress reliever.

“This Golden Flame” “A Court of Silver Chaela Williams Asst. Ship Life Editor

Recipe and photo by Chaela Williams

As March deadlines and big exams slowly approach, take a few minutes of your day and unwind with a good book. We compiled five books to pick up at the bookstore that will help you escape your stress for a while.

“Lore” by Alexandra Bracken If you are a lover of the Percy Jackson series then you will love “Lore.” The story follows Lore Perseous trying to avoid Agon, a punishment that forces the Greek gods to roam the Earth as mortals and be hunted for sport. Lore ends up in an alliance with Athena to rid herself from the ceremony forever.

by Emily Victoria Karis tries to find her lost brother while forced to serve her nation’s scribes who are planning on unlocking an ancient magic from the automaton army. Karis is later hunted down by the scribes, calling her a traitor and goes on a quest with an automaton to find her brother.

Flames” by Sarah J. Maas Following the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series with Feyre Archeron, “A Court of Silver Flames” follows her sister Nesta Archeron and her misadventures with Cassain as they travel over the realm to battle monsters that threatened the lands.

“A Pho Love Story” by Loan Le Competing Vietnamese-American teens Linh and Bao have been at odds with each other as their families own a restaurant that rivals each other. But one day they fall in love and must deal with their families ongoing feud.

“These Violent Delights” by Chloe Gong A Chinese re-telling of Romeo and Juliet that takes place in 1920s Shanghai. The main protagonists Juliette Can and Roma Montagov are forced to make amends to save their families and rival gangs from a monster that is terrorizing the city.

SHIP LIFE

March 2, 2021

C2

Your March horoscopes Chaela Williams

Asst. Ship Life Editor

Looking for guidance in your life? Here are your horoscopes for March. Let us know if we got it right on social media @ShipUSlate.

Aries

Aries season is approaching, and your natural self is going to be in full bloom. Take advantage of this energy and tap into your productivity.

Apply for a new job and interview for a higher position. Do not be afraid to set up new goals for yourself.

Taurus Phoro courtesy of Farmers on the Square

Farmers on the Square offers a wide selection of fresh produce to help Carlisle residents during the winter.

Carlisle’s farmers market feeds the community Chaela Williams

Asst. Ship Life Editor

For a decade, Farmers on the Square has provided the Carlisle community with farm fresh products and goods. During the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the farmers’ market stepped up its game to continue to feed the town.

The market is located in the town’s center at the intersection of Hanover and High streets, every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m.

More than 27 vendors sell their produce ranging from baked goods, vegetables, gluten-free pizza and fruit.

Kali Boehle-Silva has been the head manager of the farmers’ market since February 2020. She brings previous market experiences including from Washington, D.C. “[Farmers on the Square] is really different than the

ones in D.C. in a lot of great ways. I think it’s because it is a community supported market that you do not always see in a big city,” Boehle-Silva said.

To make the food accessible to everyone the market accepts EBT food stamp cards and established the Farmers Market Nutrition Program where people get checks of $6 if they are a WIC recipient from a lower income.

During the coronavirus quarantine in March 2020 the number of vendors increased dramatically to fill in customer needs as food and products became scarce.

Boehle-Silva said the increased demand caused the market to move outside to the town square earlier than scheduled.

“When the pandemic happened a lot of businesses were closed farmers’ markets were classified as essential

because we were similar to a grocery store in that we are providing food for a community and the borough was really great about supporting us,” Boehle-Silva said.

According to Sustainable Food Trust, farmers’ markets have an integral part of not only the local economy but in the national economy as well.

The use of small local farms means less spent on land and equipment and its organically grown food can improve health.

The market implemented new safety measures to stop the spread of coronavirus to protect both vendors and customers.

Boehle-Silva and the Farmers on the Square board organized a new set of rules and regulations on how the market would function in the new normal. Market officials sought the vendors’ input before making the final decisions.

As a result, the market spaced out every vendor’s tent within 10 to 15 feet apart as they viewed the 6 feet apart rule inadequate for the number of vendors and customers the market had.

“All the vendors are masked. Some vendors wear face shields, and we provide hand sanitizer,” Boehle-Silva said. “We [also] rented a porta-potty and a couple of hand washing stations.”

The market also restricted vendors from displaying products to avoid any contamination. Customers were only allowed to touch what they were going to buy.

The market also created a curbside pick-up service and a pre-order system located on its website to cater to customers who wanted to avoid contact.

For the winter, the market is open Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m.

9 ways to get through spring semester

You are not the one for change but it does not hurt to open yourself to new thoughts and ideas.

Open your mind to new possibilities and a door might open.

Gemini

It is time to get yourself grounded on things that are bothering you. Avoiding your problems will only make matters worse, build up the courage and address the situation.

Cancer

Hold off from entering new romantic relationships this month as any suitor right now will be a major distraction from your academics. Focus on self-love and mental strength instead.

Leo

You like to be a center of attention in order to hide your crippling insecurities and self-doubt, it is time to be honest with yourself and do some shadow work. Take some time from the spotlight and talk to your shadow-self and heal from your past.

Virgo

You will not admit it but you are struggling mentally and emotionally during this time and it will only get worse if you do not express your feelings. Do not be afraid to talk to a friend or a council about your concerns in the future.

Libra

Stop chasing relationships that are not meant for you. You are having relationship issues because you refuse to raise your standards. Delete Tinder and refocus on what you want in a partner and write down your ideal relationship.

Scorpio

Send messages to your loved ones and keep in contact with friends during this month. You are drifting away socially, and it is time to reel yourself back.

Sagittarius

Your attitude is annoying everyone around you, and you need to reevaluate how you talk to people and fix your rude mannerisms.

Capricorn

The existential crisis that has plagued you is almost over. Peace and stability are coming but you have to be prepared to finally let go and go on this path.

Aquarius

Morgan Barr/The Slate

With the remote learning and difficult changes happening in the semester here are nine ways to stay on task.

Morgan Barr

Asst. Ship Life Editor

Each year the fall semester seems to fly by while the spring semester drags on. It is the annual feat of trying to stay motivated through the last few months of the school year and not slack off and just go through the motions.

This school year is especially difficult with classes being a mix of face to face or online.

There is the temptation of just Zooming into class from bed instead of going to campus or even just turning the camera off and taking a snooze during Zoom class.

But there are many ways to stay motivated and keep yourself on track for the spring semester.

1.Go to class (if you can) If face-to-face is an option for your courses, take the opportunity to go and actually sit in class and listen.

While this might seem obvious, and takes slightly more energy, you will retain more information sitting in the

classroom rather than in your bedroom surrounded by distractions.

2. Take notes

Another slightly obvious tip, but if classes are fully online, it is easy to sit through a Zoom class and not take a single note or pay attention to anything the professor says.

Grabbing a notebook and pen will not only improve your ability to pay attention in class, but the notes will be helpful when it comes to future tests, papers or quizzes.

3. Give yourself a mental health day Taking a full load of classes can be exhausting. When feeling down, or burnt out it is OK to take a day for yourself and just relax.

Do something enjoyable, like binging a TV show or sleeping in an hour later than normal.

4. Stay engaged on campus Whether it be through virtual events or clubs take time to get involved on campus.

While this seems like it could

add more stress to your daily schedule, these things could be a relief and something to look forward to outside of class and homework.

5. Write everything down Staying organized and managing your time is key to not getting overwhelmed between class, homework, jobs and extracurricular clubs and activities. Grab a planner from the Dollar Store and start writing down due dates and events.

6. Set aside time for homework

When trying to manage time, it is important not only to write down your current schedule, but to block out time for studying and homework.

This can help prevent procrastination and help relieve stress when it comes to submitting assignments on time.

7. Make time for your friends Classwork can be exhausting, and with busy schedules sometimes it is hard to prior-

itize time for the people close to you. But it is just as important to maintain friendships and relationships. Take some time each week to catch up with friends.

Whether it is through a group FaceTime or meeting up for coffee, even something small can help keep friendships afloat.

8. sleep

Get

enough

Sometimes sleeping seems impossible between late night due dates and a mountain of assignments to complete, but being well rested is important. A good night’s sleep will give you the energy you need to power through all of those assignments.

9. Stay hydrated

Reaching for another coffee may seem like a good idea when you’re hitting the midday slump. But drinking some water may be more beneficial in the long run. Staying hydrated actually increases energy and brain function which will be helpful when trying to study for class assignments.

Your self-image is damaged due to your crippling self-doubt and scrolling through your social media excessively. Delete all social media apps for two weeks and work on building your confidence back up. Journal out what makes you insecure and figure out how to heal from it.

Pisces

You will have a lot of luck on your hands this month. Continue to put yourself out there and the universe will award you with prosperity and possibly a new lover.

Looking for more Ship Life?

Read more at theslateonline. com

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

D1

A&E

Photo courtesy of Netflix “The Prom”

James Corden was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Film Comedy/ Musical for his controversial performance in Netflix’s “The Prom.”

Commentary: Is LGBTQ+ in Hollywood stepping backward with representation?

Adam Beam Staff Writer

Although the Golden Globes have come and gone, the award show represents an ageold problem in Hollywood that still persists today.

James Corden was among the nominations for Best Actor in a Film Comedy/Musical for his performance in Netflix’s “The Prom.” The performance was almost universally panned by critics and audiences. Corden played narcissistic Broadway actor, Barry Glickman, who is an openly gay man. However, Corden, who is a straight man, was lambasted for playing the part in an offensively stereotypical manner, a performance that was ultimately labeled as “gay face.” Despite this, he was the only actor to be nominated for the film.

His nomination was another prime example that Hollywood has a hard time correctly representing LGBTQ+ actors and characters.

Do not get me wrong, major progress has been made since the olden days of Hollywood. More actors and performers are able to be open about their sexuality, like actor Elliot Page who recently came out as transgender.

LGBTQ+ content like “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” and “Queer Eye” still dominate the ratings and correctly portray what it is like in the LGBTQ+ community. However, that doesn’t mean the industry has entirely been successful in representing the community properly.

Hollywood’s major issue is the industry’s

choice to cast straight actors for gay characters and using gay characters as a marketing tool.

The most familiar culprit is Disney. Considered a company that puts on the face of being progressive, Disney has continued to write gay characters as outdated. In 2017, the company announced that Lefou would be gay in the “Beauty and the Beast” live action remake. The company implied that it would be a major part of Lefou’s character, but upon release, this revelation was relegated to the very final scene of the film for a total of five seconds. The same can be seen in 2019’s “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which proclaimed that the film would have the first onscreen same sex kiss for the “Star Wars” franchise. Once again, it was a two-second moment relegated to the background of the final scene.

Actress Kristen Stewart said during an interview.“I have fully been told, ‘If you just like do yourself a favor, and don’t go out holding your girlfriend’s hand in public, you might get a Marvel movie.”

Not all performances by straight actors are offensive, and most of them are not intended to offend. The problem with these perfromances is that they rob talented LGBTQ+ actors of opportunities to be represented in their most true form.

Read the full story at theslateonline.com.

Commentary: Electronic group disbands after 28 years of music Ryan Cleary A&E Editor

Famous French, electronic group, Daft Punk announced on Feb. 22 that the duo was splitting for good.

The duo released a YouTube video titled “Epilogue,” depicting the French group in a desert as they say their last goodbyes to each other. At the end of the video, a graphic of the groups logo with the title “Daft Punk: 19932021,” confirmed the group’s split.

The video attracted the attention of more than 22 million people, with nearly all of them mourning the loss of a powerful band.

The group, created by friends, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, helped define the definition of house music not only in France, but all over the world.

Their debut album titled “Homework,” which is now considered a dance music staple, consists of famous hits like “Around the World” and “Da Funk.”

I discovered Daft Punk back in 2013 when I was going through my teenage-middle school phase, trying to find my sound. I remember watching “TRON: Legacy,” which featured Daft Punk on the whole album. “TRON: Legacy” was a futuristic film involving motorbikes that had built-in futuristic weapons meant to kill an opponent, with the addition of another weapon, the circular discs used in order to survive. It wasn’t until their 2001 album “Discovery” when I decided to fully in-

vest time into listening to them. The album also includes staples of electronic and dance music, including “One More Time,” “Harder Better Faster Stronger,” “Digital Love” and “Aerodynamics.” In fact, Daft Punk created an animated film “Interstella 5555,” which features songs from “Discovery.”

In 2013, Daft Punk came back into the spotlight and partnered up with numerous artists to create the now Grammy award-winning album, “Random Access Memories.” The album included collaborations with some of the greatest artists in the music industry, such as Nile Rodgers, Paul Williams and Pharrell Williams. Hit songs included “Lose Yourself to Dance featuring Pharrell Williams,” “Get Lucky featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers” and “Instant Crush featuring Julian Casablancas.” The album won album of the year at the 2013 Grammy Awards and earned a plaque outside of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California.

The two performances that struck my interest were from the group’s live album, “Alive: 2007.” One noteable song from that album is “Around the World/Harder Better faster Stronger.” The second perfromance was from the 2013 Grammy’s in which Daft Punk partnered up with Stevie Wonder to perfrom “Get Lucky.”

Billboard Top 10 1. Drivers License - Olivia Rodrigo

6. Save Your Tears - The Weeknd

2. 24+35 - Ariana Grande

7. Mood - 24kGoldn feat. iann dior

3. Calling My Phone - Lil Tay feat. 6LACK

8. Go Crazy - Chris Brown & Young Thug

4. Blinding Lights - The Weeknd

9. Levitating - Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby

5. Up - Cardi B

10. Positions - Ariana Grande

The Music Corner What has A&E Editor Ryan Cleary been listening to this past week?

Songs

Artists Jacob Collier, Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign

1. All I Need 2. Around the World

Daft Punk

3. Get Lucky feat. Pharell Williams & Nile Rodgers

Daft Punk

4. Harder Better Faster Stronger

Daft Punk

5. I Feel It Coming feat. Daft Punk

The Weeknd

6. Soldier, Poet, King

The Oh Hellos

Read the full story at theslateonline.com.

SUTV Preview

Follow SUTV on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all segments throughout the semester and check out their website at SUTVNews.org.

Monday: Sports

Wednesday: World News/ Entertainment

Thursday: Ship News/Weather

E1

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Sports

Baseball, E2

Softball, E3

In remembrance

Meehan recalls fond memories with Wise

Photos courtesy of Bill Smith/SU Sports Info.

Julia Wise made 48 starts playing lacrosse for the Raiders for three seasons (2015-17), serving as a captain in her senior season.

Christian Eby Sports Editor

“She was one that would walk in the room and the entire room would light up,” said Shippensburg University head lacrosse coach Nicole Meehan of her former player Julia Wise. “She was one that had a present personality.

You always heard her voice somewhere.”

Julia Wise, an SU alumna and former Raiders’ lacrosse captain, was diagnosed with metastatic Stage 4 breast cancer not even a year following her graduation from SU in 2017. She died Feb. 11, surrounded by her family, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was 25.

A Greenwood, Delaware, native, Wise graduated from Polytech High School before attending SU. In her freshman year, Wise appeared in 10 games as a reserve defender for the field hockey team. She joined the lacrosse team her sophomore season, eventually suiting up for the Raiders in 49 games (48 starts) and being named captain her senior season.

Following her diagnosis, Wise returned to campus

Feb. 16, 2019, for the SU basketball teams’ #WiseWillRise fundraiser at their games. On March 23, the lacrosse team held its #WiseWillRise game, displaying an impressive defeat over nationally ranked Mercyhurst University at the time, 13-11.

“It was such a special day.

The stands were filled, and a lot of the alumni came back for it,” Meehan said. “That is undoubtedly my favorite game to date. Not just because we had a big win, but for the reason of the game.

We were able to honor her.

We were able to honor parents who have gone through breast cancer in general, and that just made my heart happy.”

Wise is not only remembered for her defensive capabilities on the lacrosse field but also how she carried herself. Meehan said it was her caring nature, determination in everything she pursued and positive outlook on life that resonated with everyone who got the chance to be around her.

When Meehan first accepted the SU head coaching position in 2017, she said she distinctly remembers Wise

being the first player to come to her office to speak with her.

“I remember when I first got this job, she was the very first person on the team that came in and just plopped herself down in the office and started to get to know me, and that allowed me to start to get to know her,” Meehan said. “That’s a conversation I definitely will never forget because she was never afraid to put herself out there.

“She was someone who was never afraid to try something new and learn something new,” she added. “And I think that’s something her teammates saw in her as well.”

And Wise’s leadership carried beyond the teammate setting. She represented the lacrosse team in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was heavily involved in SU’s exercise science program, in which she earned her bachelor’s degree.

From Meehan’s perspective, Wise’s personality was not just tied down to strong leadership. She was a good friend to all, someone you wanted to be around. Some-

one who would crack a joke, but at the same time, knew when to be serious and unite the team.

“She knew how to communicate with everybody,” Meehan said. “She knew when to be serious when she needed to be serious, whether that would’ve been in a game or practice. But she also knew how to break that gap or

break that bridge of being a captain and was there for her teammates when they needed her most.”

“But at other times, it was hard to get Julia to be serious because she just had that fun-loving personality,” she said.

Meehan said even after Wise left SU, there are still some traits and lessons of hers that have stayed within the program: Cherish every day and live life to the fullest.

It was something she illustrated well before her diagnosis.

“Julia was one that saw the positive in everything,” Meehan said. “I think just seeing what she’s gone through and living her life out even with battling the last few years…

I think that’s something that has transpired and was something that we talked about as a team. Just live each day as if it were your last because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

“She was one that always had a smile on her face. She was always one trying to be a good teammate and would carry on conversations and just made people laugh all the time,” she added. “And I think that’s what stuck hard

with her passing, is that her personality was so vibrant and that’s what people loved about her.”

In the end, Meehan said she is thankful for the countless memories she shared with Wise.

“I think the last memory of Julia that stands out to me was that next fall she came back for our alumni game.

She was deep into treatments and was out there as if you had no clue, she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer and was having the time of her life,” Meehan said.

“That was around the time when we had implemented a shot clock into our game, and she was out there yelling out the wrong shot clock times and was just making everyone laugh because it was such a Julia thing to do. And it was in that moment that I knew this was something I was going to remember forever.”

Those wishing to remember Wise are asked to donate to one of the following organizations in her name in lieu of flowers: Metavivor.org, TheBreasties.org, Delaware Hospice or The Blood Bank of Delmarva.

Wise returned to campus on Feb. 16, 2019, for the basketball teams’ #WiseWillRise fundraiser.

Macknair, men’s XC race to first place, women tally third at Lock Haven Christian Eby Sports Editor

Shippensburg University sophomore Chayce Macknair made Saturday’s 5K road race at the Lock Haven Winter Classic look effortless.

Macknair, who earned All-PSAC First team honors in his freshman campaign, tallied a first-place finish for the Raiders in 14:51, besting East Stroudsburg University’s Casey Ellis by 1.3 seconds.

Macknair’s improbable time propelled the men’s cross-country team to a first-place curtain as well, starting off their truncated season on a high note. SU won with 21 points; 31 points ahead of home favorite, Lock Haven University.

Macknair was not the only speedy sophomore to show out Saturday afternoon. Drew Dailey, 2020 PSAC Men’s Indoor Track and Field Freshman of the Year, notched a third-place finish with a 15:06 time, making him the team’s No. 2 runner.

Behind Dailey, two other Raiders cracked the Top 5. Freshmen Hayden Hunt and Aiden Gonder made their SU debuts, with Hunt finishing fourth in 15:11, and Gonder not far behind, hitting a 15:32 time to claim fifth place.

Sophomore Alexander Ermold marked as the fifth Raider to reach the Top 8, finishing in 15:38 and obtaining the eighth

spot.

Other notables for SU included redshirt-junior Nate Kaplon (16:03), sophomore Kevin Wagner (16:10) and freshman Ryan Scicchitano (16:28). The trio ranked as the other Raiders to notch a Top 20 finish.

Sophomore duo Cole Harris and Nathan Harding finished nearly side-by-side with times of 16:43 and 16:45, collecting 24th and 25th place tallies. Junior Andrew Feldman finished 29th in 17:08.

For the women, Saturday’s race also resulted in an impressive outcome. SU tallied a third-place finish of 76 points behind Lock Haven and Gannon University, with several freshman making statements in their debut run.

Freshman Belle Weikert burst onto the scene, placing as the Raiders’ No. 1 runner. Weikert notched a 18:52 time, earning fifth place overall.

Sophomore Isabelle Gulgert, a 2019 All-Atlantic Region and All-PSAC First Team honoree, finished 10 seconds shy of her teammate, with a 19:02 time and claimed sixth place.

Freshman Leah Moffit sported a 19:05 time in her debut, tallying an eighth-place mark and rounding out the Raiders’ top runners.

Sophomore Mackenzie Kurtz and junior Sydney Sirois were the remainder of SU representatives to crack the Top 30, running in 20:54 and 20:57, respectively. Kurtz completed the

race in 28th and Sirois in 30th.

Sophomore Amanda LaVana clocked a time of 21:00, earning her 33rd place. Freshman Shelby Hay finished 35th with a time of 21:12.

Senior Ava Franklin, junior Olivia Sommers and freshman Emily Velez concluded the Raiders’ day with 39th, 40th and 46th placings.

Both teams are scheduled to wrap-up their 2020 regular season Saturday on the home course at the Shippensburg Invitational.

Photo courtesy of Bill Smith/SU Sports Info.

The men’s cross-country team placed first at Saturday’s Lock Haven Winter Classic. The women’s team set a similar performance, finishing third behind Lock Haven and Gannon.

SPORTS

E2

March 2, 2021

Baseball eyeing brighter 2021 season Christian Eby Sports Editor

The 2020 season did not end as the Shippensburg University baseball team hoped but their chance at a clean slate for the 2021 season starts Saturday with a double-header at Seton Hill University.

Head coach Matt Jones returns for his 15th season with Raiders and his 22nd overall as a collegiate head coach. Under Jones, SU finished its short-lived 2020 campaign with a 6-12 record. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic stifled the Raiders’ season to a mere 18 games, despite 48 originally being scheduled.

The 2021 schedule looks a bit different than years past, with 36 contests slated. The schedule is composed mainly of weekend home-and-series — a new component added this year in order to stem the spread of COVID-19. One team will host a double-header Friday and the other school, Saturday.

SU’s 2021 roster features 16 returning players and 13 newcomers. Key losses from last year either to graduation or the NCAA transfer portal include Zack Zoller, Jacob Pollock, Noah Inch and Scout Knotts.

Hitting Highlighting the 2021 roster are returning 2020 team captains sophomore Tony Vavaroutsos, and junior Ben Werkheiser.

Vavaroutsos, a Toronto, Ontario, native, proved to be a major threat in the heat of the Raiders’ lineup in his first two seasons. The 2019 PSAC Eastern Division Freshman of the Year and 2019 All-PSAC Eastern Division Second Team honoree boasts a career .318 batting average, 12 home runs and 53 RBIs. His 1.000 fielding percentage in 2019 was also among the team’s best.

Werkheiser is looking to build off his hot start from his Raiders’ debut season. Starting in all 18 games, Werkheiser totaled a team high .369 batting average and 25 RBIs, while matching the team lead in home runs (five) and doubles (seven). He spent his two previous collegiate seasons at the University of Delaware.

Another returning mainstay from the Raiders’ 2020 lineup is freshman Joe Barbera. Barbera shined in his debut campaign, sporting a .387 batting average over 12 hits and mixed in an impressive .500 on-base percentage. He cracked the starting lineup in nine of his 14 game appearances.

Junior Chase Zurawski and sophomore Justin Darden are other familiar faces returning to the Raiders. Zurawski owns a career .292 batting average and .991 fielding percentage in his SU tenure. While serving as the team’s primary third baseman, Darden has launched six career home runs and totaled 29 RBIs. Other notable returnees include sophomores Nick Zanic and Lake Lloyd. In 10

Photos courtesy of Bill Smith/SU Sports Info.

The Raiders finished their 2020 campaign with a 6-12 record. Their 2021 season starts Saturday, featuring 16 returning players and 13 newcomers.

games last season, Zanic tallied a .263 batting average, while sprinkling in two RBIs. Lloyd, the other Raider to appear in all 18 contests, notched a .196 average, while scattering 11 hits and 10 RBIs. Redshirt-freshman Andres Garcia and freshman Braden Petty round out the returnees. Graduate transfers JuJu Cason and Jordan Yoder head the new hitters, with sophomore Christian Lent, redshirt-freshmen Morgan Wyatt and Justin Byler making their first appearances in Raider uniforms.

SU will also feature three incoming freshmen in the hitting department which include California native Jackson LoBianco, New Jersey native Jafari Williams and Dover (York, Pennsylvania) High School graduate Andrew Chronister.

appearances (two starts and two relief appearances) in 15.1 innings of work. Over the course of his two starts, versus Queens (N.Y.) and Wilmington University, Horst did not allow an earned run.

Sophomore Noah Nabholz, who owns starting experience, allowed one earned run in 4.2 innings of relief last season. He also to-

did not see any game action last season.

The remainder of the pitching staff is loaded with freshman talent. Local standout and Greencastle-Antrim graduate Ethan Miller heads the promising freshman class. Behind him, Jones brings in Gabe Stotler, Eric Bohenek and Ray Winter.

Pitchers On the mound, the Raiders showcase a young squad.

Graduate student Kyle Lysy will lead the starting rotation after a career senior season.

Lysy tossed for a 2.76 ERA in 29.1 innings of work and tallied a team high 28 strikeouts.

His 2020 campaign also featured a complete game shutout against Queens (N.Y.), en route to a 2-3 record.

Redshirt-sophomore Kiernan Higgins should also slide into a rotational spot. Despite a rocky 2020 showing, Higgins totaled 18 strikeouts over 19.2 innings. Higgins fastball is also known to touch the 92-94 mph range, according to a post on his Twitter account from January.

Junior Christ Horst enters as the other tenured SU pitcher. In 2020, Horst made four

Sophomore Lake Lloyd covers first base in a game against Pitt-Johnstown last season.

taled six strikeouts.

Out of the bullpen, freshmen Austin Labarre, Chris Douglass and Andrew Haynes return. Labarre made the most relief appearances out of the trio last season (six), compared to Douglass’ four and Haynes’ three.

Kaleb Sophy is the other returning arm, who

Editor’s note: With the 2020 season ending abruptly, the NCAA granted all spring sport athletes with another year of eligibility. It is not counted as a redshirt season.

Bass fishing club to “set the hook” on 2021 season

Photo submitted by Alex Kapres Shippensburg University bass fishing club president Alex Kapres poses with a smallmouth bass.

Blake Garlock Staff Writer

The Shippensburg University bass fishing club is preparing for its 2021 fishing season

after a one-year layoff from competition because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Alex Kapres, bass fishing club president, said although tournaments in 2020 still oc-

curred, the team could not fish in them.

“Private schools could compete in them,” Kapres said. “Since our school is state-funded and all state-funded travel was canceled, we couldn’t fish them.”

Although the tournaments met social distancing guidelines, Kapres said the club team still could not fish in the tournaments.

“It’s fishing, you’re with one person on a boat. You’re not with a crowd of people,” Kapres said. “The only time there is ever a crowd at a tournament is during the weigh-ins, but they implemented rules saying there couldn’t be crowds.”

Despite being unable to fish in their tournaments, the club still made progress. Kapres said the club added 15 new members last year, and they now have 35 registered members. Although the club could not fish during the 2020 season, Kapres said that the club met regularly while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

“I’d communicate with the team about new updates and what was going on through the school,” Kapres said. “We would also talk about new sponsorship deals, so we still met about twice a month.”

The bass club is sanctioned through the Northern Conference of the Major League Fishing Abu Garcia College Fishing series.

Kapres said the university has given the team permission to begin competing in the series during the 2021 season. The team will compete in all three of the Northern Conference tournaments scheduled for this season: • Smith Mountain Lake, April 30 • Potomac River, June 4 • Detroit River, Aug. 20

According to Major League Fishing’s rules, teams can begin fishing at 7 a.m. but must arrive back to the boat launch for weigh-ins by 3 p.m. Additionally, bass must be at least 12 inches to qualify for weigh-ins; and teams can keep up to five fish to weigh-in. The team with the most pounds weighed-in wins the tournament.

Kapres said performing well in a conference tournament could earn the club a spot in the national championship tournament.

“The Top 10 teams from each conference get a spot in the national championship,” Kapres said. “So, we’ll have three tournaments for the Northern Conference. If we land in the Top 10 in any of those tournaments, we can fish in the national championship at the end of the year.”

Although the ongoing pandemic prevented the club from competing in 2020, it continues to affect how SU conducts classes, which could benefit the club during the 2021 season.

“With having online classes this semester, hopefully we can go to the lakes and practice fishing longer than normal. The more time you can practice, the better you can figure it out,” Kapres said.

SPORTS

March 2, 2021

E3

Marsteller shines, softball splits opening weekend Isaiah Snead

Asst. Sports Editor

The Shippensburg University softball team began its season with a non-conference doubleheader split at Seton Hill University. The Raiders took Game 1 8-5 but the Griffins won Game 2 with a 3-2 score.

The first game of the series was built on patience, as the two teams combined for 291 pitches and 11 walks. At the plate in Game 1, SU drew 10 full counts and reached base on eight of those at-bats.

The first run of the season was anticlimactically driven in on a walk with the bases loaded from freshman Taylor Myers in the second inning.

The Raiders scored four runs with two outs in Game 1, including two in the third inning. In the bottom of the fourth inning, freshman Emma Flattery made her collegiate pitching debut and struck out her first collegiate batter on three pitches to end the inning.

With one out in the fourth inning the bases found themselves loaded again for sophomore Hannah Marsteller who broke the game open with a grand slam.

SU led 8-2 in the game but the tying run got to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning for Seton Hill. Sophomore Tressa Kagarise was up for the challenge though and closed the door on the Griffins with her 10th strikeout of the game.

SU took a 2-1 lead into the fourth inning in Game 2 after a solo home run from Marsteller and an RBI-triple from freshman Bridget Sharkey.

In the bottom of the fourth, however, the Griffins got an RBI-triple of their own to tie it and what would end up being the game winning run scored in the same inning on a wild pitch. Freshman Maelynn Leber made her collegiate debut in the game and threw a complete game in the loss.

Each team had six extra base hits in the series and five Raiders had multiple hits in the series. Taylor Radziewicz and Alyssa Nehlen each recorded three hits in the series.

Marsteller matched her home run total from last year’s shortened season in just one day and finished with five RBIs and two walks.

The Raiders will hold their home opener this Friday at 2 p.m. against Bloomsburg in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division opener.

Photo courtesy of Bill Smith/SU Sports Info.

Head coach Alison Van Scyoc has led the Raiders to 87 victories in her five years as softball’s top coach.

Headen finds new home at SMU

Photo courtesy of Bill Smith/ SU Sports Info.

Headen (far left) totaled 80 receptions for 909 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his three years at SU. He served as the main slot receiver in the SU offense under head coach Mark Maciejewski.

Christian Eby Sports Editor

It is time for Charles Headen III to “pony up.”

The former Shippensburg University wide receiver and current graduate transfer is taking his talents to Dallas, Texas, to join the Southern Methodist University Mustangs. He made the commitment official via his Twitter on Dec. 18.

Headen becomes the second SU wideout this year to make the leap to the Division I level. In October, former teammate and fellow Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native Winston Eubanks announced his transfer to Penn State University.

Both entered the NCAA transfer portal back in July following the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s (PSAC) decision to suspend fall sports competition. All fall sports championship seasons, besides cross country, are now canceled per the PSAC’s announcement on Nov. 11.

But for Headen, the move to SMU benefits him from all angles. His chances of pursuing an NFL career are now greater than ever.

At Shippensburg, Headen served as the primary slot receiver in Coach Mark Macie-

jewski’s offensive scheme. Over his threeyear tenure for the Raiders, Headen racked up 909 receiving yards on 80 receptions and found paydirt on 14 occasions. He also was featured in the kick return game, tallying 273 career return yards in that department.

SMU is known for churning out NFL-level talent at the receiver position, especially from the slot. Players like New Orleans’ Emmanuel Sanders, Buffalo’s Cole Beasley, Denver’s Cortland Sutton and NFL hall of famer Raymond Berry are a few to come through the highly touted program.

“Seeing names like those [Sanders, Beasley and Sutton] gets me excited and ready to get down there,” Headen said.

Additionally, the transition to SMU presents Headen with the opportunity to earn his master’s degree. He was recently accepted into the school’s sports management program.

“SMU has one of the best master’s programs in the country and it gives me the opportunity to finish my football career and at the same time, when I’m done, come home with a master’s after one year,” he said. “So, for me, it was a no brainer.”

And with the jump to Division I football, Headen gets the chance to prove he can hang

with the “big dogs” of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). SMU typically finishes in the top half of conference standings.

With Headen sliding into the Mustangs’ roster, his speed and route running ability could be a cause for headaches for opposing secondaries.

“Everything I learned on and off the field at Ship, I want to take that with me to SMU. I know all I can do is get better and improve from here.

And from what I’ve learned at Ship, it’s already gotten me a long way.”

Charles Headen III Former SU Wide Receiver

“Everything I learned on and off the field at Ship, I want to take that with me to SMU,” Headen said. “I know all I can do is get better

and improve from here. And from what I’ve learned at Ship, it’s already gotten me a long way.”

The only concern moving forward comes from off the turf. It is the distance between home and SMU, which is quite the hike. In fact, it is halfway across the country — a 21hour drive or a four-hour flight.

While the distance may seem daunting, Headen is intrigued by the change of scenery.

“I realize I will be 21-22 hours from home and that was definitely something I needed to consider,” Headen said. “However, I realized it’s going to let me explore the world a bit more. Not many get an opportunity like this.”

“But in the end, I know this move will not only help me as an athlete, but as a man,” he added.

“This will be the first time I’m truly on my own and away from home. I knew a long time ago I wouldn’t be in Pennsylvania my whole life and this is just a step in the right direction. I’ve always been one to accept change and I couldn’t be more ready to take on this challenge, continue to learn, and build on and add to the connections I already have.”

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Tuesday, March 2, 2020

Gallery

A snowy welcome back to campus

Last week, students had a snowy greeting as they returned to campus for the spring semester. About 3 inches of snow fell Monday morning in Shippensburg before warmer weather moved in and quickly melted it later in the week.

Photos by Carmine Scicchitano and Heather Ross