The Cord January 31, 2018

THE CORD THE TIE THAT BINDS WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY SINCE 1926

VOLUME 58 ISSUE 19 • JANUARY 31, 2018

Hawks heat up at the perfect time Men’s basketball wins four of their last five matches as they gear up for the playoffs Sports, page 20

CLASSROOM ACCESSIBILITY

PAST LEADERS REFLECT

PRESIDENTIAL PLATES

#LETSTALK MENTAL HEALTH

WBASK TAKES WATERLOO

Looking at the pros and cons on campus

Looking back at the last ten SU presidents

Digging into candidate’s dishes

Anecdotal hypocrisy & Bell Lets Talk

Morrison shines in latest local rivarly

News, page 7

Features, page 8

Arts & Life, page 10

Opinion, page 18

Sports, page 19 TANZEEL SAYANI/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

2 •

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

VOCAL CORD In your words, why is it important to vote Jan. 30-Feb. 1?

The Cord

@cordnews

@cordwlusp

CordNews

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

“Because the SU has a lot of control over your money.”

–Alex Kligmann, thirdyear kinesiology.

“To have my voice heard and to have a say in the Laurier community.”

–Sam Mello, first-year undeclared arts.

TANZEEL SAYANI/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Wilfrid Laurier University men’s basketball head coach, Justin Serresse, looks on in suspense as his team moves to secure another pre-playoff victory.

Hey you, fellow Golden Hawk!

“Because they represent our voice.”

- Eric Chiu, third-year business administration.

There is no deadline to apply for a volunteer position at The Cord.

We are always looking for new writers, photographers, graphic designers... copy editors... the list goes on.

If you have a skill, we will put you to work.

If you don’t, we will teach you. thecord.ca/volunteer

Compiled by Erin Abe Photos by Sadman Sakib Rahman NEXT ISSUE FEBRUARY 7, 2017

CORD STAFF

FEATURES EDITOR Karlis Wilde features@thecord.ca

LEAD REPORTER Erin Abe news@thecord.ca

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Shyenne MacDonald arts@thecord.ca

LEAD SPORTS REPORTER Abdulhamid Ibrahim sports@thecord.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kurtis Rideout editor@thecord.ca

OPINION EDITOR Emily Waitson opinion@thecord.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanzeel Sayani creative@thecord.ca

SPORTS EDITOR Pranav Desai sports@thecord.ca

WEB DIRECTOR Garrison Oosterhof online@thecord.ca

GRAPHICS EDITOR Alan Li graphics@thecord.ca

NEWS DIRECTOR Safina Husein news@thecord.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Luke Sarazin photos@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Jake Watts news@thecord.ca

VIDEO EDITOR Sarah Tyler video@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Nathalie Bouchard news@thecord.ca

WEB ASSISTANT Kate Weber online@thecord.ca

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Sadman Sakib Rahman photos@thecord.ca SENIOR COPY EDITOR Michael Oliveri copyeditor@thecord.ca SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Danielle Deslauriers socialmedia@thecord.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Vidish Parikh Aaron Hagey Victoria Berndt Caitlyn Lourenco Megan Pitt Sara Burgess Tyler Currie Luke Burrows Dominic Asselin Koltyn Wallar Tina Nori Will Borys Nirupam Singh

“Accessibility at Laurier” by Safina Husein

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES All advertising inquiries can be directed to Care Lucas at care.lucas@wlusp.com or 519-884-0710 ext. 3560.

COLOPHON The Cord is the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community.

Started in 1926 as the College Cord, The Cord is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors.

Opinions expressed within The Cord are those of the author and do not necessarily refl ect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. All content appearing in The Cord bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent.

The Cord is created using Macintosh computers running OS X 10.10 using Adobe Creative Cloud. Canon cameras are used

for principal photography.

The Cord has been a proud member of the Ontario Press Council since 2006. Any unsatisfied complaints can be sent to the council at info@ontpress.com.

The Cord’s circulation for a normal Wednesday issue is 4,500 copies and enjoys a readership of over 10,000. Cord subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada.

The Cord has been a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) since 2004.

PREAMBLE The Cord will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly.

The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy.

The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly.

When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: JAN. 31 1606: Guy Fawkes jumps to his death moments before his scheduled execution for treason after conspiring to blow up the British Parliament building.

1865: House of Representatives in the United States passes the 13th amendment, aboloshing slavery.

1950: President Truman announces the creation of the H-bomb.

1979: The Clash begin their first North American tour in Vancouver with Bo Diddley as their opening act.

1990: First McDonald’s opens up in the former Soviet Union.

reply at the earliest time possible.

Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff.

The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on Wilfrid Laurier University, and the community of Kitchener-Waterloo, and with a special ear to the concerns of the students of Wilfrid Laurier University. Ultimately, The Cord will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate.

The Cord has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the student body.

The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of the student press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our newspaper.

Quote of the week: “I like teeth!”

- Editor-in-Chief, Kurtis Rideout, the moment that the topic of conversation turned to sex toys.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

News

NEWS DIRECTOR SAFINA HUSEIN news@thecord.ca

• 3 NEWS EDITOR NATHALIE BOUCHARD news@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR JAKE WATTS news@thecord.ca

RECOGNITION

Laurier remains number one for first-year students ERIN ABE LEAD REPORTER

Laurier remains a top choice for prospective students, with a 3.8 per cent increase in applications since 2017.

2018 saw a total of 25,477 students applying before the Jan. 17 deadline, although Laurier will still be accepting applications until May 1. Offers of acceptance have begun with more to follow, and students are expected to confirm their admission after June 1.

Over the past four years, Laurier has seen a major increase in firstyear applications. Since 2014, applications have increased by 28 per cent cumulatively. Laurier is experiencing some of the largest cumulative growth from Ontario high school applicants over the past four years, of all Ontario Universities.

“It’s always really positive to see that we’ve had an increase in applications, and many students are interested in coming here,” Jennifer Casey, assistant vice-president of enrolment services and registrar, said.

Laurier had an undergrad enrolment softening in 2014, although Laurier has reconsidered the strategies in place and established a strategic enrolment management committee. By considering the recruitment strategies, outreach and partnerships, Laurier has strengthened the application process over the last four years.

“There has been a real collaborative effort over the last four years and what we’re seeing is we have had increases in our applications

next step of the process is answering those questions.

“Everybody has a roll to play in this, everybody is an ambassador of Laurier,” Casey said.

We’re proud of that achievemnt, thats our students saying ‘here is why im so satisfied with my experience.’

-Jennifer Casey, assistant vicepresident of enrolement services

WILL BORYS/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

each of those years,” Casey said.

Over the years innovative academic programming has been implemented at Laurier. Laurier has introduced game design and user design, a combined law program with the University of Sussex and a sharper focus on experiential learning.

Laurier has also received a lot of support from students. Students ranked Laurier number one in

student satisfaction for the second year in a row in the 2018 Maclean’s University Rankings.

“We’re proud of that achievement, that’s our students saying ‘here is why I’m so satisfied with my experience,’” Casey said.

The next step in the enrolment process is conversion and guaranteeing that the students applying pick the university that is the best fit for them.

“For the work, we’re doing at enrolment, it’s about contributing to students’ success,” Casey said.

“Trying to bring in the students [where] Laurier will be the right choice for them and likewise.”

Incoming students often have questions about finances, residence, services provided, the academic program’s reputation and what they can expect to experience over the next four years and the

The number of students who will be accepted for Fall of 2018 is unclear although is expected to be approximately the same size class as 2016.

A strategic enrolment management committee made up of the deans, vice-president of student services and VP of academics will decide the first-year class size of 2018.

“They spend a lot of time looking at ‘what are the priorities for the university and where are the growth opportunities?’” Casey said.

“I think it’s affirmation of what a wonderful place Laurier is,” Casey said.

“The programming we’re offering and the student experience that we offer here at Laurier is resonating with students and that’s important.”

AMAZON

Anonymous packages are sent to the Students’ Union SAFINA HUSEIN NEWS DIRECTOR

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Students’ Union is one amongst a trend of post-secondary organizations that have been receiving anonymous packages from Amazon.

A few months ago, student unions from across Canada began receiving packages containing items such as electronics, sex toys and more.

"Over the last few months the Students’ Union has received a number of anonymously sent packages from amazon.com,” Kanwar Brar, president of Students’ Union, said in an email.

Allegedly, the packages were sent to the Students’ Union and were sent from an unknown, third-party, making it impossible to find the sender or return the

products.

“Despite our best efforts, customer service representatives at Amazon indicate there is no way to identify the sender or return the items,” Brar said in an email.

“We are now aware that this curious phenomenon is occurring at other student organizations across Canada.”

According to CBC, Dalhousie University, St. Francis Xavier, Ryerson and the University of Manitoba have also confirmed that they have received unknown packages from Amazon.

According to an article by The Eyeopener, Ryerson’s Students’ Union (RSU) have received packages containing various products, including electronics as well as dildos and vibrators. “…the first package contained wireless headphones, a Wi-Fi range extender and a tiny toy

tank. There was no information on the package indicating who the purchaser was. The Eyeopener also said that RSU tried to “find out who the sender was. Amazon told them it was a privacy issue to reveal the sender. Amazon also refused to take the packages back since the RSU was not the original purchaser.”

Shawn Wiskar, University of Regina Students' Union vice-president of student affairs, told CBC that their organization has received approximately 15 packages since November. In the packages were items such as iPad cases, kitchen scales and various sex toys.

Wiskar estimated that his Students’ Union has received items worth over $1,000.

Laurier’s Students’ Union confirmed that the products received from Amazon have now been donated.

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

4 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

SOCIAL JUSTICE

SHORE informs students on reproductive health NATHALIE BOUCHARD NEWS EDITOR

On Jan. 23 in the Bricker Academic Building, the Centre for Women and Trans People hosted an event in collaboration with Sexual Health Options Resources & Education Centre called Abortion Facts with SHORE. The aim of the event was to debunk many of the myths, misconceptions and misinformation students may have been receiving about abortion. This event used inclusive language with a strong emphasis on making no assumptions of anyone’s gender, sexuality or identity.

The event was hosted by the Sexual Health Options Resources & Education Centre by Stacey Jacobs, the Sexual Health Education Manager.

Jacobs has over 15 year’s experience in the field of sexual health education. SHORE supports their clients with the decisions they make about their pregnancy, whether that be abortion, adoption or parenting, and provides their clients with the information and referrals they need as indicated on their website.

In the presentation Jacobs explains that the laws around the world vary with their rules and regulations surrounding abortion. In Canada, the laws around abortion are slightly different than many other countries around the world.

“In 1988 the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Canada's abortion law, ruling it unconstitutional because it violated Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms by infringing on a woman's right to life, liberty and security of the person,” Jacobs said in her presentation.

“In Canada abortions are regulated by the Canadian Medical Association. Some people will have us think that abortions are not regulated because there are no criminal laws and that an abortion can happen at any point in a pregnancy, in Canada a person can have an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.”

In the presentation Jacobs also

and available in the region, that you can use the abortion pill up to nine weeks of pregnancy and you can get an abortion in Ontario up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, that they should and can call the SHORE centre, if they have questions and need information, if they want support around abortion,” Jacobs said.

“And it’s their choice and their choice alone,” Maggie HamelSmith Grassby, Youth Sexual Health Educator said.

“We’re trying to help providers, become comfortable to provide the abortion pill themselves, and that would be all health care providers in waterloo region now but working that into all of Ontario,” Jacobs said.

Ultimately, the event went as planned according to Alicia Hall, Coordinator of the Centre for Women and Trans People. The purpose of the event was to ensure

NATHALIE BOUCHARD/NEWS EDITOR

touched on the actual abortion procedure itself, citing the reality of an abortion procedure as very different then the stigmatizing conversations and myths about the

Under proper medical conditions an abortion is a very safe procedure ...

-Stacey Jacobs, sexual health education manager

procedure.

“An actual first trimester abortion is a very simply procedure, it takes approximately ten minutes to

perform.”

“Under proper medical conditions an abortion is a very safe procedure, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, 97 per cent of people who have a first trimester abortion have absolutely no complications, some of these complications include an infection where you can take antibiotics,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs also explained another common myth which people are led to believe, her experience of working at SHORE has led her to come across these myths.

“Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) is not recognized by the American Psychological Association. The emotional response after an abortion is different for each individual because the circumstances of each individual considering an abortion are different,” Jacobs said.

“There is no association with breast cancer and abortion, The

Canadian Breast Cancer society has this [information] on their website, again we are made to believe that this is not the case,” Jacobs said.

Talking about Abortion education and facts on University campus is important to ensure that all students are educated about their options and are informed about all options in their sexual health education.

“It’s important to talk about abortion because you want to make sure that everyone has the proper information … and that they know that abortions are accessible in this region because a lot of people don’t relay that,” Jacobs said.

Some of the most important facts about abortion that university students should be aware of is about the new abortion pill and about accessibility of abortions in Ontario as well as in the region.

“That abortions are accessible

We need to talk about it more and that [way] people become more comfortable, less stigmatized and we’re all healthier and better off.

-Alicia Hall, coordinator, Centre for Women and Trans People

that students could receive sexual health education from all angles.

“I think what’s important … I am having considerate conversation[s] with people around this [topic of abortion] and letting people know that you will support them, letting people know that they are not alone, letting people know that sexual health education is important; that all education around sexual health is important,” Hall said.

“We need to talk about it more and that [way] people become more comfortable, less stigmatized and we’re all healthier and better off.”

NEWS • 5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 INTERNATIONAL

LAURIER VOTES

Students’ Union holds Waterloo open forum SAFINA HUSEIN NEWS DIRECTOR

SADMAN SAKIB RAHMAN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Exchange students share experiences KOLTYN WALLAR CORD NEWS

Wilfrid Laurier University and Laurier International Global Engagement Opportunities is hosting a series of Workshops to bring together exchange students into a setting in which they can socialize and discuss experiences and opportunities of exchange.

The workshops are scheduled on various dates between January to March. All of the workshop dates are scheduled from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. on various Tuesdays until March 27.

Anne-Marie Henry, coordinator of global engagement programming at Laurier, is supervising the series of events. The purpose of Exchange | Exchange is to connect incoming students with Laurier’s own students who have gone abroad. This opportunity allows for students to connect with one another and share experiences of exchange, travel as well as prospective opportunities.

“The Exchange | Exchange is something completely new this year. We heard from a lot of students who have been abroad that, when they come back, they want to connect with other students who have been abroad, but also students who are here from the places they’ve been abroad to,” Henry said.

“The event is not just for the students who are incoming from our partner schools, but also for Laurier students to connect with them and share their experiences. We’re doing [these sessions] bi-weekly this term” Laurier has a long-standing tradition of welcoming exchange students, as well as sending its own students abroad.

Laurier has exchange partnerships with over 65 universities across the world. Last year, 230 exchange students travelled to a variety of countries and 183 exchange students were welcomed to Laurier this year.

“It’s almost one-for-one. We’re aiming for it to have parity,” Henry said.

Laurier has fostered relationships with many international schools, particularly with business schools. There are many different opportunities to go on exchange, especially in China as well as various countries in Europe.

“You’ll see that in China we have quite a number of partnerships and in France we have more partnerships. There’s lots of opportunities in Germany, there’s lots of opportunities in Norway, Sweden, Scandinavian countries; there’s quite a number,” Henry said.

Whichever major incoming exchange students are taking, there is still the risk of committing a faux pas — a breach of etiquette in social situations. It is Henry’s hope that the Exchange | Exchange

The event is not just for the students who are incoming from our partner schools, but also for Laurier students to connect with them ...

-Anne-Marie Henry, coordinator, global engagement program

events will lift some of that pressure.

“We’re hoping that people will just meet up, socialize and have conversations,” Henry said. “The theme is just to talk about cultural adaptation.”

Conversation is not the only tactic Laurier International uses to help students adapt to Canada. In addition to Exchange | Exchange, Laurier International also hosts intramural teams for exchange students.

“Something I think is pretty awesome, in terms of their positive experiences, is getting to play on the teams,” Henry said.

“There’s intramural soccer and they do table tennis, as well as other activities.”

The four candidates campaigning for the position of president and CEO of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Students’ Union have been busy running their campaign and attending events throughout the past week.

Candidates running for the role are Ali Saghari, Tarique Plummer, Idris Omar Hassan and Ryley Fletcher.

On Wednesday Jan. 24, all candidates were present at the Waterloo Open Forum.

The event took place in the Concourse and allowed candidates running for Students’ Union president, board of directors, board of governors, senate — as well as WLUSP candidates running for board of directors and president — to answer questions and speak about their platforms.

All presidential candidates answered questions from mediators, from the audience and from Twitter users.

Questions posed to candidates ranged from platform specific inquiries, questions about Students’ Union policies and regulations, queries about experience and skills that would be brought to the position as well as questions relating to relationships on campus.

Few candidates running for board of directors were present at the Waterloo Open Forum.

Those present to answer questions included Owen Bourrie, Christopher Donnelly, Adam Kovacs, Kawuki Jerome Lukwago and Shukan Shah.

All other candidates did not attend the forum.

With an entirely new set of candidates running for board of directors this year, those present were asked about their prior experience and how they would contribute to the success of the board.

Candidates were also asked about any knowledge they currently inhibited surrounding board polices and regulations.

The next day, all four candidates were present at the Waterloo presi-

dential debate which took place on Jan. 25 in the Concourse.

Candidates were able to address and discuss various controversial topics that have been taking place throughout the Laurier campus.

For example, candidates were asked their opinion on the situation surrounding Lindsay Shepherd and how they would have responded to the incident, if president.

Candidates were also asked to address whether they believed the Shepherd incident hindered Laurier’s reputation as a school.

In addition, various candidates were asked to speak on behalf of their platform and the feasibility of many of the ideas and visions they hope to pursue during their tenure if elected.

The 2018 campaign season officially ended on Tuesday Jan. 30 at 7:30 a.m. and the voting period began 30 minutes later at 8 a.m.

Voting will take place until Feb. 1 and successful candidates will be announced at Wilf’s Election Night this coming Thursday.

6 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

SAFETY

WILL BORYS/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Taking safety precautions

Waterloo warns residents about carbon monoxide poison JAKE WATTS NEWS EDITOR

This winter, experts and officials are warning people across Canada to be more vigilant and prepared for the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning.

One such person is John Percy, public education officer for Waterloo Fire Rescue

“Carbon monoxide is what we call the ‘silent killer,’” Percy said.

“What we find in the winter season, with people running their cars in their garage, because it’s cold out we run our furnaces, our fireplaces a lot more, the chimneys are on the go more often,” Percy said.

“What we find is that ... automatically by default it produces a

certain amount of carbon monoxide when it burns it off.”

Under normal conditions, most buildings are able to properly vent that carbon monoxide outside and prevent it from accumulating indoors. This, however, does not always happen.

“Where it gets dangerous in our world is, let’s say if you have blockage in your fireplace or your

chimney, that carbon monoxide, instead of it going outside, will come back inside the house,” Percy said.

When carbon monoxide accumulates and reaches high levels inside of a building, it poses a threat to those within.

Percy noted some of the symptoms people can experience if they have carbon monoxide poisoning.

“What we tell the people is, usually if you have carbon monoxide poisoning, you’re going to have flu-like symptoms,” Percy said.

“So you’re going to have headaches, nausea, drowsiness, you could be a little confused, you could lose consciousness.”

“Now, the advantage is when you’re wide awake, you know you’re not feeling well and then you’ll hopefully take the steps to either call 911 or get yourself outside to get fresh air,” Percy said.

However, as Percy notes, a large risk from carbon monoxide occurs at night when people are not awake.

“The challenge is if you’re sleeping, if the carbon monoxide poisoning parts-per million level in the house is so high, that could be very very dangerous. You could go unconscious and then there could be fatality in the house,” Percy said.

For students who are leasing rooms in houses and apartments for the school year, there may be an uncertainty about whether their building is equipped with well-functioning carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is what we call the ‘silent killer.’

-John Percy, public education officer for Waterloo Fire Rescue

detectors.

Percy urges such students to inquire about the detectors with their landlords.

“If you don’t get a satisfactory response, or let’s say you’re having a problem with a carbon monoxide alarm and you let the landlord know and they don’t fix it to your satisfaction, then that’s when you call the local fire department,” Percy said.

“Then we come in and we enforce the Ontario fire code to make sure that you have working carbon monoxide alarms in the home.”

Having functioning carbon monoxide detectors in the home is something mandated by the law in Ontario.

“It’s the law in Ontario in a house that you have to have one working carbon monoxide alarm in the hallway near every bedroom area, which, in a typical house will be up on the second floor.”

RESEARCH

Professors produce early Alzheimer’s detector ERIN ABE LEAD REPORTER

Two professors from the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics have teamed up with BrainFX, Thought Wire and Saint Elizabeth Health Care to produce a new early detection tool for Alzheimer’s.

The detection tool will be using a BrainFX screener combined with an artificial intelligence (AI) database provided by Thought Wire.

Together the technology will create a brain health assessment and risk management tool.

Professors Josephine McMurray and Azim Essaji are evaluating the economic impact that the new program will have.

The new technology produced

by BrainFX and Thought Wire will be for detection of mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction, which allows for earlier Alzheimer’s detection in patients.

“The idea is that you have this double approach of full risk management,” McMurray said.

“Where you can mine data to be able to identify those who might be at risk instead of waiting for people to say they’re having problems.”

The study will be applying the tool to approximately 10,000 people over the course of the project to determine its success, and will see them partnering with four family health teams in the region and the Southlake Regional Health Centre.

Results from the new tool will be compared to the traditional results of the Mimi-Mental State Examina-

We’re going to have to look at ways of using technology to perhaps identify earlier to we can slow the course of diseases ...

-Josephine McMurray, professor at Laurier

tion (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MCA) which can only detect severe cognitive impairment.

“We’re going to have to look at ways of using technology to perhaps identify earlier so we can slow the course of diseases, not just cognitive but others as well,” McMurray said.

“We can use technology to help improve quality of life.”

The BrainFX program has targeted and personalized treatment options for those diagnosed with a cognitive dysfunction.

BrainFX can identify particular areas of the brain where there is more of a decline than others, as every patient’s condition differs.

“It identifies the strategies your condition perhaps would adopt and then would be able to apply across any number of settings,” McMurray said.

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

By scanning patients, the project will be collecting data for future detection and to learn more about cognitive impairment.

The project hopes to be able to identify people who might be at risk of Alzheimer’s and intervene earlier.

“We will know better what some of the risk factors are,” McMurray said. “This tool will look at [illnesses] and identify whether they are confounding results.”

The project has been granted $493,000 and Laurier professors are performing an economic evaluation.

They seek to identify all the pieces that will impact this project and take a look at economic deficiencies and benefits this project could have, both financially and socially.

“Getting in really early and starting to influence the course of their disease, [and] at the very least to be able to slow their decline,”

McMurray said.

This technology hopes to improve the quality of life of patients, as well as their families.

With the hopes of helping people remain as healthy as possible, for as long as possible and aging in a place of comfort as opposed to institutional care.

“This whole idea of using technology to age better is good economic sense and good socially as well,” McMurray said.

NEWS • 7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 ADVOCACY

Accessability at Laurier Jack McCormick discusses tangible tips for fostering an inclusive environment SAFINA HUSEIN NEWS DIRECTOR

Promoting accessibility and inclusion is a challenge presented at all post-secondary institutions, including Wilfrid Laurier University, and throughout society as a whole.

However, Laurier as a school has made strides over the past several years in ensuring that those with disabilities are included.

Laurier’s Eye to Eye club is one tactic of many which strives to advocate for accessibility.

Jack McCormick, fourth-year business student at Laurier, is a co-founder of Eye to Eye; a club dedicated to promoting inclusion and alleviating the stigma associated with vision impairments, amongst other disability groups.

The club also holds various events to promote inclusivity on campus. For example, each term the club holds a Dinner in the Dark event for students to participate in.

“It’s an opportunity for people to enjoy some food … while blindfolded and [to be] able to learn about inclusion and diversity.

You get an understanding of what accessibility could mean,” McCormick said.

McCormick has Leber Congenital Amaurosis; a degenerative form of blindness which limits his vision to light, shadow and movement when in good lighting.

Although McCormick said he has had poor vision his whole life, his condition has gotten significantly worse throughout the past five to six years.

In correspondence with the condition, McCormick uses a service guide dog who has accompanied him since he started at Laurier just over three years ago.

As a result, Laurier’s Accessible Learning Centre is a major resource on campus of which McCormick takes advantage. “[The Accessible Learning Centre] is able to act as sort of the intermediary between myself and professors to help them under-

stand what accessibility means in their classes,” McCormick said.

The centre helps students by ensuring class materials, such as lecture slides and textbooks, are accessible. In addition, the centre will setup alternative test and exam spaces to accommodate certain needs and abilities.

The centre also has the ability to work with students one-on-one since accessibility can mean something different for each individual.

For example, a student with the same condition as McCormick may require a completely different approach to ensuring learning is accessible.

“That’s what the accessible learning centre is there for; it has the ability to apply whatever solution works the best for each individual student and is able to provide that individualized, customized approach,” McCormick said.

“The Accessible Learning Centre does a great job. In an ideal world, the courses would just be accessible and I wouldn’t need the Accessible Learning Centre; we’re not there yet,” McCormick said.

Another important aspect of the Accessible Learning Centre is helping professors comprehend their role in ensuring their class is accessible.

For example, some professors may need to alter the way they teach their class in order to meet the needs and abilities of some students. However, in McCormick’s experience, some professors are less keen on being flexible.

“There’s a lot of room for improvement and there always will be. There’s a lot of professors who have the understanding and are very much aware of what they need to do to make sure that everything is accessible,” McCormick said.

“But there are some professors … who aren’t aware or don’t care or see accessibility as a burden and don’t see the value in it. It’s a societal issue — it’s not a Laurier issue.”

McCormick explained, however, that one of the biggest challenges

presented to students with a disability such as vision impairment often stems from outside of the classroom.

“In most things, the biggest accessibility barrier that anyone with a disability encounters is people’s perceptions and awareness,” McCormick said.

Many individuals with vision impairments face obstacles while navigating social aspects while at university.

“The average person will often be unsure around people with vision loss and not know how to interact with them or may have preconceived notions about [their] abilities in a social situation,” McCormick said.

For example, peers may be comfortable and confident to be kind to those with vision impairments in a classroom setting; however, when it comes to going out to a bar with that same individual there is often a hesitation due to the perception that those with disabilities are unable to participate in such social experiences.

“That sort of perception is challenging to overcome … I have to be very comfortable with who I am and very outgoing so that my confidence eliminates any hesitation that people in the community may have,” McCormick said.

In order to break down these barriers and change societal perceptions of disabilities, McCormick said that exposure is a key component.

“People often view people with disabilities as less capable … so what I really try and promote is exposure and being aware that you’re not aware,” McCormick said.

For McCormick, exposing oneself to inclusion and incorporating accessibility is far from simply attaining political correctness.

Instead, keeping an open mind to learning from a variety of people who hold a diverse set of experiences is important to being more accepting and inclusive.

In addition to exposure, McCormick said that training is also

GARRISON OOSTERHOF/WEB DIRECTOR

Jack McCormick, fourth-year Laurier student, poses with his service dog.

an essential aspect of integrating accessibility into every day life.

For example, individuals working in the service industry would benefit greatly from receiving education regarding tangible, practical things they can change and incorporate to make their environment and perspective more accessible and inclusive.

“If I’m waiting in line at Tim Hortons, it’s helpful to say ‘who’s next’ so I know that counter is open rather than standing there awkwardly not knowing if it’s my turn or not,” McCormick said.

“As well, just being aware that if someone is asking for assistance with something, there’s probably a reason. They’re probably not asking for you to tell them what the special is today because they’re trying to be annoying, [they’re]

asking because [they] can’t see what’s written on the board.”

Minor changes such as making emails or documents more accessible are aspects which McCormick feels would make a huge difference.

Overall, however, simply keeping an open mind and remembering that the people you interact with may be facing barriers of accessibility will go a long was in ensuring that everyone is included.

“It’s about knowing that you’re not perfect and that you’re going to make mistakes that may offend people and learning from those mistakes and keeping an open mind to people’s perspectives,” McCormick said.

“And listening to them when you have the opportunity to learn from someone else.”

fill a gap in your program Athabasca University has over 850 courses for you to choose from to meet your needs. Monthly start dates of undergraduate courses fit into your schedule so that you can work at your own pace.

Fill the gap and save a semester.

go.athabascau.ca/online-courses open. online. everywhere.

8 •

FEATU

FEATURES EDITOR/KARLIS WILDE/FEATURES@THECORD.CA

10 Years Of

2008-2009 COLIN LE FEVRE

2009-2010 LAURA SHERIDAN

2010-2011 KYLE WALKER

2011-2012 NICK GIBSON

2012-2013 MICHAEL ONABOLU

Following a messy voting period — one of the presidential candidates was disqualified from the race on the day of the election — Le Fevre ultimately won a vote that only 11.01 per cent of the student body participated in.

His term was marked by several features, including the need to deal with a significant influx to the student population. He also became involved in a plan, hatched with the President of WLUSP, to transfer Radio Laurier over from the Students’ Union to Student Publications. This enormous organizational change was met with protest, which Le Fevre sees retrospectively as an important learning experience; he believes that there is a great need to discuss changes with all of the forces associated with them, because those are the people who care the most about them.

“No matter how great an idea you think you have,” he said, “and no matter how well it’s going to work out in the end, you have to make sure the right people have bought in, have been sold on the concept.”

A former acting VP of Student Activities, Sheridan came to the role with a platform that promised responsible growth for future sustainability. She won the election with nearly 50 per cent of the votes placed, although the results were postponed after a ballot counting error caused a significant, tense delay until the following morning.

Promising to break down walls and better connect with services across campus, especially with LSPIRG and the Diversity office, Sheridan’s time as president was marked by continuing growth within the Laurier community. Her term was founded on the necessity of listening to students — especially in recognizing what was most desired by the student body — and utilizing her power to ensure their needs and desires were met to the best of her ability.

In what would wind up being the final Students’ Union election to be submitted only on paper, only 14 per cent of the student body turned out to vote in the 2010-2011 election and elevate Walker to Students’ Union President.

Without Students’ Union experience, Walker — a geography major — relied on unique personal skills to define his success within the role by building positive relationships within the community. A Milton native, Walker became involved in the discussion to open a Laurier campus in Milton — a plan that, to date, has not yet fully come to fruition.

With a voter turnout that was much, much bigger than the previous year — marked by a transition to online voting and a first-past-the-post rather than ranked ballot system — Nick Gibson won the role with 41.5 per cent of the vote.

His term was enormously important for stressing the satellite nature and addressing the evolutions of the school, especially with the Brantford campus. During Gibson’s term he facilitated the passing of new rules and bylaws, including the rule that two directors on the board had to come from each campus.

Gibson offered a few words of advice for the next student to take on the role, especially noting the difficulties inherent to the position and reflecting on how much of the role precedes you.

“Be prepared to realize that a platform is not going to be all that you’re doing,” he said. “In fact, it’s probably going to be 25 per cent or less.”

He also commented on the nature of the position: “It can get lonely at the top especially when you’re in a controversial situation and you feel very isolated sometimes so it’s good to be able to sit and chat with somebody who knows the situation,” said Gibson. “lean on your predecessors no matter how far back they go.”

Winning the election with, at the time, the most votes ever placed seemed an auspicious start for Onabolu, coming into the role of Students’ Union President.

But his term began with problems — a massive debt being one of them, according to his final review. Fortunately, following a slow start, Onabolu smoothly applied himself to the role enough to turn things around. He worked at repairing the Students’ Union’s financial situation and, as was part of his platform, dedicated a great deal of his time and efforts to mental health efforts and awareness.

“We were trying to inspire people to speak out ... on things that aren’t necessarily the easiest things to talk about,” Onabolu said, reflecting on his legacy. “We’re not just trying to be student leaders and holed up in our offices, we’re trying to show students that we’re there and we care.”

For the next person to take on this role, Onabolu has a few short words of advice: “The students elected you for a reason,” he said. “Don’t ever doubt that. There will be times that you doubt that, just remember that you are there because we believe in you.”

Features Editor, Karlis Wilde, uses both ne coverage to take a brief look at the

URES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 • 9

f Presidents

2013-2014 ANNIE CONSTANTINESCU

2014-2015 SAM LAMBERT

2015-2016 OLIVIA MATTHEWS

2016-2017 TYLER VAN HERZELE

2017-2018 KANWAR BRAR

Citing having a strong, committed team behind her as a source of success within the role, Constantinescu’s term was committed to a focus on mental health and student wellness, especially by opening the current iteration of the Wellness Centre.

“It focused on bringing together mental and physical wellness and putting it under one umbrella,” she said. “So that students wouldn’t have to feel this pressure that they have to be one or the other.”

She referred to it as “one set of campus resources.”

She reflected on the importance and the value of the role, much of which was based on “having this lens into what different students’ lives on campus were and being able to take that information and really be an advocate for them to members of the university who really don’t understand it.”

Winning 51.8 per cent of the vote in a three-way race, Lambert’s win was a clear majority.

But it’s worth noting that criticism for Lambert in his final report at The Cord was more biting than for most other candidates in recent years, mostly due to a much lower level of accessibility and visibility than the student body had grown used to. It’s worth noting that this lack of transparency has made it difficult to adequately assess his performance, but what’s most notable here is where he flourished: lacking Students’ Union experience, Lambert ran the Union like a business, where policies and reports were balanced to operate the Union like a well-oiled machine.

Lambert is remembered for his functionality and the excellent cooperation he had with his team, rather than for his criticized student-body relations.

With a platform that promised an interconnectedness between university departments and a connection between herself and students, Olivia Matthews’s relationship-centric term began with a new record number.

Working with students and advocates, Matthews sees her biggest impact — at the university and even at the provincial level — in the work she did on sexual violence advocacy, specifically with policies and prevention. She reflected on its impact on her, how hearing from advocates and addressing their very real concerns has changed her life and career pursuits.

Matthews detailed the shift required once elected into the role and how it should be approached as a radical departure from one’s approach to the election, where they are attempting to convince the student body that they are the ideal candidate for the role.

“As soon as you become President-elect,” she said in a written statement, “you should change your mindset completely and pretend you were hired as the worst candidate for a very challenging role. Learn from everyone around you and respect them for the knowledge they hold, including the full-time continuing staff, the current executive team and the leadership of other partnering organizations.”

Van Herzele was an exceptional figure within the role of Students’ Union president, because he was the first ever Brantford campus student to be elected into the role. That reality governed at least part of his mandate of multi-campus interconnectivity. This created a unique situation, as the role has not traditionally been as seamless, primarily operating out of the Waterloo campus.

Van Herzele was described as likeable and approachable, and was applauded for his abilities in communicating. Overseeing Turret renovations and opening the President’s Council to create more dialogue between presidents from different departments, Van Herzele’s tenure in the role is best defined as communicative, transparent and engaged.

In a written statement, Van Herzele commented on the importance of relying on staff and realizing that the role, while authoritative, is also one of learning. His advice for the next president is to “ensure you always keep the betterment of students at the forefront of conversations.”

Our current president is hard to measure out objectively and concretely, considering that he is still performing the role. After running unopposed, voting numbers weren’t incredibly high: only 22 per cent of the student body voted, 94.04 per cent of which supported Brar for the role.

Open and organized, Brar’s impact on campus has been mostly positive. With a platform that proposed multi-campus outlook and a focus on student wellness as well as student awareness — especially in understanding where ancillary student fees have gone to — seeing how Brar’s legacy within the role remains after his departure will more accurately measure his success within the union.

ew interviews and a decade of The Cord’s last ten Students’ Union Presidents LAYOUT BY TANZEEL SAYANI/CREATIVE DIRECTOR ARCHIVE PHOTOS FROM THE CORD/NICK LACHANCE/HEATHER DAVDISON/MARCO PEDRI/ANDREAS PATSIOUROSW

ARTS &

10 •

Arts & Life

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR SHYENNE MACDONALD arts@thecord.ca

Arts & Life Editor, Shyenn 2018 Students’ Union presidentia The president elect’s dis until the next ro

Cheesy Fletch F-Ry-s “These spicy Waffle f-Ry-s come loaded with chorizo, mixed cheese, cheese sauce, tomatoes and sour cream-topped with deep fried jalapeños … Hold the Fletchtables.”

Hands down, this is the most overly-indulgent meal. Not only do you get a hearty helping of two kinds of cheese and sour cream, there’s also sausage, waffle fries and jalapeños. It’s not a dish to eat alone. Or maybe it is, I’m not apt to judge. Truthfully, this is the dish I crave whenever my life falls into even the slightest crisis. Like Idris’ dish it has an aspect of comfort but in an entirely different way. It’s the briefest comfort, like bad sex, that leaves you wanting for something healthier and wishing you had made a better choice.

The major downside to this dish is, if you’re lactose intolerant (or just don’t consume dairy products) this dish is a no-go and there’s no way around it.

Idris’ Dish

— however, I would encou There’s something uniquely homesick, even if this is so There’s also some major b sharable, but instead goin

Tariquos

“A choice of soft or hard shell tacos with spicy beef, lettuce, tomatoes, W green onions and served with a side of spinach dip, sour cream a

Is it fair to say that Tariquos are the most uninspired aspect standard tacos, with some of Wilf’s famous spinach dip slab they’re pretty good. I just wouldn’t be running into Wilf’s de in dorms, it’s just as good as the home-made thing.

Bonus points to Tarique for providing the option of refried b all the marks for inclusivity.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY ARTS31, & 2018 LIFE • 11

& LIFE

ne MacDonald, reviewed the al candidates offical meals at Wilfs. sh will remain on the menu ound of elections.

Ali’s Chicken & Waffles “Fried chicken sandwiched between two fluffy buttermilk waffles and served with maple syrup and a side of fries.”

“A Somali dish of roasted lamb, peppers, and onions; served with seasoned rice and a banana.”

Idris’ dish was a favourite among those of us who tried it, earning its spot easily at number one. Those unfamiliar with Somalian food may be put off by the idea of bananas on the side of a meal urage you to set those apprehensions aside. y comforting about the meal that makes you omething your parents would never make. bonus points for not just opting for an easy ng for something that Idris actually enjoys.

Chicken and waffles is a pretty common dish, easily found around the tri-city. Despite this, the meal is still satisfying and — extremely — filling.

Even if we hadn’t eaten all those other dishes, I seriously doubt I would be able to get through a plate of the chicken and waffles in one sitting. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

What I’m meriting this meal on its personal aspect. Obviously if Ali wanted to do a crowd pleaser he would have done a sharable like Fletcher’s or Tarique’s meal.

But, like Idris’ dish, this has something more personal to it. You get the impression that this is a meal Ali genuinely enjoys and wanted to share with everyone else.

Wilf’s cheese blend, refried beans, and salsa. Kick it up a notch by adding your choice of Wilf’s wing sauce.”

of Tarique’s campaign? Maybe not, but it would be accurate nonetheless. Tariquos are just your bbed onto the side. Now, don’t get me wrong, a taco is a taco is a taco. So despite the unoriginality esperate to get my hands on one, it’s something easily recreated at home. But, I suppose if you’re

beans, which can easily substitute the beef. Plus, hard-shells are gluten free, so this dish is hitting LAYOUT BY: TANZEEL SAYANI/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

12 • COMMUNITY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

Getting to know Death Party Playground SHYENNE MACDONALD ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

“A wild group of hellion velvet ravens influenced by a rising 1988 Bruce Willis and the innocent contractors who lost their lives working on the Death Star.”

That’s how a local band, Death Party Playground, is described on their website. It’s not a description you often see with an upcoming band — there’s no forced sophistication or hints of the band trying to be something they aren’t.

But it fits them perfectly, because Death Party Playground is band that understands they can’t take themselves too seriously.

Not if they want to keep the brand that’s been distinguishing them from the other up-coming bands within the tri-city this past year.

Death Party Playground first emerged onto the music scene in 2012, but didn’t solidify their position until 2017 when they released their EP Bruce Willis’ Jog Playlist #3 in June.

The band consists of four members: Kyle Taylor on guitar and vocals, Dylan F. Bravener on bass and vocals, Sam Hill on drums/ percussion and vocals, and last but never least, David “The Human Inferno” Bruneau on keyboard and guitar.

“It’s like Death Cab for Cutie … once you know the music the name works differently,” Taylor explained when I expressed the apprehension I had felt about going to see them preform.

Their band name is a bit more shocking than someone like me — a person who almost exclusively listens to bands like Dry the River or Whitehorse — is used to. But Taylor was spot on. While their name is macabre, it fits their music perfectly. Dark but still playful, sometimes even uplifting.

“We call our genre ‘story-time rock and roll’,” Hill said as he and Taylor tried to describe exactly where DPP — as I’ve begun colloKYLE TAYLOR, GUITAR AND VOCALS

quially calling them — fit in within the tri-city music scene.

“I started calling it theatre music, but story-time rock and roll sounds better. Theatre music, you know, there’s a flare for the dramatics,” Taylor said this could also be an apt description of their band.

Currently, the tri-city seems to have their music scene made. One large, dominating hard-core punk scene with blues and jazz sprinkled within different sections of the cities.

I can write a song, but it becomes something more when people play it together, I really like experiencing that.

-Kyle Taylor, guitarist and vocals for Death Party Playground

“We didn’t necessarily fit in last night either, but that’s not a bad thing,” Taylor said, referring to a show they had played at Night School on Jan. 28.

“It’s not like what it was in the seventies or eighties. You can’t just bank on just being a huge, huge band. But with the internet and how information travels so fast you can definitely gather a following in certain places, enough to make some money at least,” Hill said.

“Seems to me that you can’t really make money anymore. If we get to a point where we fill a place like Starlight up, that amount of people, that seems pretty great and I’d be pretty satisfied with that,” Taylor said.

DPP also has released a single Hello, Sunshine, consisting of two songs “The Count” and “Bright New”.

“Some of the songs I’d already written before we made this band,” Taylor said, explaining how they all write their music.

“So I would show Sam the drum part, but he always just makes it better. Our keyboard player, it’s the same thing — he always adds better stuff then what I would’ve done.

Dylan, our bass player, I don’t write any of his stuff. He’s always been with me, so he puts all his own stuff down.”

“Me, being the drummer, I bring a specific kind of style. It’s more than just rock, because I played in a jazz quartet for three years, so I bring other influences. But I never — ever, ever, ever — play the same fill twice in shows,” Hill said, explaining how he likes to keep his performances unique.

“It means — if you come to the show — if you come to two different shows and you come to listen to same song. It will not be the same drum part; it’ll be slightly different.”

There’s a prevalent theory in literature that once you write a story it’s no longer yours. It becomes this living, tangible thing that can become so much more than what you originally intended.

DPP understand this aspect of art, this uncontrollable part, and they shape themselves around it.

“I can do the solo-sets that I have, and they’re fun — a bit more personal, but it’s definitely better to play in a band. Because a song breathes on its own. I can write a song, but it becomes something more when people play it together, I really like experiencing that,” Taylor explained.

You can see Death Party Playground live on March 22 when they play at Harmony Lunch. I know, it’s feels like a long time off. So, in the meantime try out what I’ve been doing; go onto their website (deathpartyplayground.bandcamp. com) and obsessively replay their music until it’s the only thing you know.

SADMAN SAKIB RAHMAN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

DYLAN F. BRAVENER, BASS AND VOCALS

ARTS & LIFE • 13

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 FOOD

SADMAN SAKIB RAHMAN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

The Poké Box is located on the 255 King Street strip, between Subway and another new restaruant called Melt Shop. The Poké Box is a chain restaruant with another location found in Toronto.

Poking around the new eatery on King

Poké is a Hawaiian dish, served as a meal, which is often referred to as “next generation” sushi

DOMINIC ASSELIN STAFF WRITER

Despite what you might think, one can not just “live the Poké Life”.

It requires years of dedication and hard work to catch them all — from collecting Pokémon cards as a kid to secretly playing the video games even today … oh wait, wrong poké.

The trendy poké these days can be found at the recently opened Poké Box in Waterloo, which offers a fresh perspective on the new healthy eating trend.

The whole menu focuses around bowls, rolls and tacos — which are then filled with veggies, rice and

fish.

The restaurant primarily offers raw fish. While this can be an attraction for some, the idea of raw fish can be a deterrence for others.

The reason I don’t prefer the store to chains, however, is their overall lack of selection on the menu.

Poké itself is limited in the type of food it can utilize, and as a result, their own gimmick restricts the restaurant.

In addition to this, I felt the overall quality of the ingredients in the bowl could have been improved, specifically the well promoted fish.

Having lukewarm, raw fish reminds me a bit too much of the fish swimming around in water then I’d like, to be honest, but to each there own as they say.

Besides this, however, the combination of flavours complimented each other and blended into the

dish well.

The restaurant itself offers a unique feel or atmosphere; this is in part because since its opening

The trendy poké these days can be found at the recently opened Poké Box in Waterloo, which offers a fresh perspective on the new healthy eating trend.

it’s always been busy.

What this means is it is a place to see people come and go, not

necessarily a place to study.

But it allows a group of friends a place to go when they need break from bingeing Netflix, which I feel is a definite plus.

The bowl I ate was one of the more popular options called the Big Umami.

The bowl was composed of salmon, ahi, sweet Onion, avocado, seaweed salad, tempura bits, house shoyu, waikiki, cabbage, furikake and green onion.

The sheer amount of stuff that was fit into the bowl was impressive, yet also a little overwhelming.

I felt as though the focus on diversity in the bowl ended up being mostly rice and a scattering of toppings.

There is, however, an option to make your own customizable bowl, including a vegetarian bowl, which may solve that problem.

For the inexperienced Poké-er I

would recommend looking at the menu and choosing one you think you would like.

Or if you’re feeling brave simply ask the friendly staff for a popular suggestion.

Then once you have gained some experience with the flavours and different types, branch out and be adventurous by building one you can call your own.

As a whole, I felt this restaurant offered a refreshing addition to the current health trend and I do think it was a positive overall personal experience.

Coming from Hawaiian cuisine, it does do a good job of reminding you of warm beaches and relaxing islands, which I think is something we could all use a little — or a lot — of right now.

So if you’re in the mood to try something new, surf’s up and go try a Poké bowl.

SOCIAL

Are you ready for Superbowl?

Morty’s

TINA NORI STAFF WRITER

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

Quick question: where are you going to watch the Super Bowl?!

As Super Bowl Sunday draws near, the pressure is on to find the best place to enjoy the action as the New England Patriots defend their title against the Philadelphia Eagles.

But first things first: there’s no need to settle for live-streaming the game on your laptop.

I mean, what’s worse than missing the biggest play of the game due to buffering? Nothing.

We all know live sports, good eats and good friends go hand in hand, but finding the right combination is essential.

Of course you’re going to need a good view of a high-definition screen — preferably the bigger the better.

Good drinks and bar food, and the company of like-minded sports fans to debate bad calls and deconstruct the halftime show with.

Luckily I’ve searched our city to bring you the five best places to watch the Super Bowl in Waterloo.

At Morty’s, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. With numerous screens, you’ll be able to catch the action from anywhere.

Cheap drinks, greasy food and strangers to cheer with or root against: it’s a simple formula for a great night.

Consider making a reservation – it’s going to be packed!

Shoeless Joe’s In true American fashion, Shoeless Joe’s is doing the Super Bowl right – wings and beer flowing all damn day.

There’s no better way to celebrate the Super Bowl!

McCabe’s Irish Pub & Grill McCabe’s is a good ol’ fashioned pub, and one of my top picks to catch the game.

If you’re looking for a place with an abundance of beer and supporters of excessive celebration, look no further than this Irish pub.

Over-indulge yourself in their wings and burgers cause what’s more American than that?

Wilf’s Wilf’s is embracing the American tradition with Bud Light specials all night and a raffle too – it’s definitely a top spot to catch the game.

With a casual, affordable atmosphere with people who live and breathe football, it’s a tried-andtrue spot and one of the best spots to catch all the action.

Stark & Perri Stark & Perri is doing everything bigger and better for the Super Bowl.

If you want to feel like you’re in the streets of Minnesota, grab tickets to their all-you-can-eat tailgate buffet!

Tailgate parties are a credit to the American way of life, and there is no better time to support one than on the biggest night of sports celebrations.

There’s swag giveaways and $5 Bud Light pints all night, so grab tickets before they’re gone.

Whether you follow the Superbowl or not, it’s not a decision to take lightly — even if it’s just to see Justin Timberlake.

This is, after all, TV’s biggest night of the year.

14 • GAMES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

WORD SEARCH

ACCESSIBILITY BASKETBALL BELL ELECTIONS GOLDEN HAWKS HOCKEY INTERNET KOKKO MORRISON PACKAGES PLAYGROUND POKE PRESIDENT SHORE SUPERBOWL

HAVE YOUR SAY AT THE WLUSP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FEBRUARY 2ND AT 7PM IN THE WLU SENATE AND BOARD CHAMBERS

GAMES • 15

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

Dear Life Dear Life is your opportunity to write a letter to your life, allowing you to vent your anger with life’s little frustrations in a completely public forum.

All submissions to Dear Life are anonymous and therefore do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Cord or WLUSP. They should be no longer than 100 words and must be addressed to your life. Submissions can be sent to dearlife@thecord.ca no later than Monday at noon each week.

Dear Life,

Thank you for making work so much fun.

Sincerely, PD Dear Students’ Union, where are the rest of the female candidates for the board of directors?

Sincerely, concerned goldenhawk Dear Garrison, You work incredibly hard and are a genuinely amazing guy. Thanks for always helping me and showing your passion for journalism and media.

MICHAEL! Sincerely, Dwight

Sincerely, Your Rain Cloud Dear Life,

Dear Life, “What are you waiting for” says lazy Jim Halpert. You have to take things by the horns, Jim! Pfft, I bet he’s never even ridden an antelope before.

Pathetic.

Sincerely, Dwight Dear Cord Staff,

Hey now!

You’re not a rockstar.

There’s no game on.

Don’t play.

Sincerely, Kiss-lips

SUDOKU

16 •

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

Editorial

OPINION EDITOR EMILY WAITSON opinion@thecord.ca

ENDORSEMENT: STUDENTS’ UNION PRESIDENT & CEO

ALI SAGHARI After a lengthy discussion, The Cord has chosen to endorse Ali Saghari for Students’ Union president. That being said, it was important for us to identify the pros and cons of each prospective candidate, which allowed for us to eliminate the candidates that we felt didn’t make the best use of

their platforms and/or the campaign processes at large.

Generally speaking, all candidates bring something interesting to the table.

Tarique Plummer’s ambitious and clearly accessible platform/ ideas show a strong connection to the student body and other stake-

holders.

Idris Omar Hassan’s previous experience working with the federal and provincial governments brings forth valuable policy-based knowledge.

Ryley Fletcher’s visibility, campaigning efforts and research efforts have showcased his wide scope of consideration and connection to Laurier students.

Finally, Ali Saghari’s experience as president of the Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) and his cross-campus experiences as a student would provide a unique and valuable perspective to the Students’ Union.

Saghari, through his platform, provided ideas that were both practical and beneficial to undergrad students, including an updated, electronic reimbursement form for clubs, a proposed bus route from Brantford to Cambridge and bimonthly town hall meetings on both campuses, among others. The

objectives that he advocates for are relevant to students today and because of the feasibility of the initiatives he hopes to work on, he will be able to allow current students to reap the benefits of his work.

Having completed a year as president of the AUS, Saghari also brings a perspective to the table that is fresh but familiar. While at AUS, Saghari made good on many of his campaign promises, including increased communication via a monthly newsletter.

While the clarity and soundness of one’s platform served to be a major deciding factor for a number of us, that is not to say we didn’t consider a number of other things, platform-specific or otherwise.

Our team scrutinized platforms for consistency, attention to detail and clarity of ideas, but we also paid close attention to how candidates responded on their feet at both Open Forums as well as the Presidential Debates.

Saghari made a strong impression while answering questions through his preparedness and genuine responses.

When faced with his own flaws or potential shortcomings as someone with little to no board experience, Saghari proved to be both transparent and honest in his answers.

While Saghari has proved to be the strongest candidate for a number of reasons, his noted lack of visibility was something that we suggest for him to improve upon.

While he has strong ideas and an obvious passion to lead students, he is encouraged to find a stronger voice and to use his experiences as AUS president to inform his demeanor in building relationships throughout the Students’ Union.

With all this in mind and careful consideration, we believe the strength that Ali Saghari brings to the table as a leader makes him the strongest candidate for the job.

STUDENTS’ UNION BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR:

VICE-CHAIR:

DIRECTOR AT LARGE:

DIRECTOR AT LARGE:

Adam Kovacs is visible, to say the least. He has been at each of the elections-related events and has even attended board meetings as of late. His passion and experience in the previous year as a member of the board of governors means that he is one of the few candidates that will be returning with some Students’ Union experience, albeit not from the board of directors.

Notable throughout his campaign efforts has been his sense of passion and pride for the Laurier student community.

Though much of his campaigning has been anchored by political slogans and the like, his platform contains tangible and realistic goals, while also showing that he has done his research and has at least a limited understanding of the problems that have impacted the board of directors this year.

Though he did not show a direct interest in the position of chair — a completely fresh group of candidates has refrained from expressing interest — his passion, demeanor and overall enthusiasm would be helpful in facilitating dialogue, a primary function of the role of chair and CGO. It is clear that Kovacs is someone who has paid attention to the work that the board of directors does, and for that reason — combined with his experience on the Board of Governors — Kovacs is one of the only candidates who stands out as a potentially successful chair.

Another candidate for board of directors that showed high visibility and a commitment to the campaigning process was Owen Bourrie.

Through his platform, Bourrie made a number of relevant claims and observations, even noting the importance of accountability on the board. He also specifically noted the need for better mental health services in non-emergency scenarios as well as improved wi-fi access on campus, both of which are tangible and realistic to address over the course of the year. In addition to these aspects of his platform, Bourrie also spoke to some longterm goals, including increased access to the writing centre and more permanent study spaces on campus.

Though he didn’t express interest in chair or vice-chair of the board of directors, Bourrie stands out to us as one of the more well-researched and prepared candidates for the board of directors. This impression, coupled with some of the more practical and realistic goals outlined in his platform, allowed us to instill more faith in Bourrie than some of the other candidates who are also lacking previous board experience.

At both Brantford and Waterloo’s Open Forums, Shukan Shah stood out as an eager but passionate first-year student with room for growth.

While it is not imperative for all candidates to attend the Open Forums, it speaks volumes of those have made the effort — even in sending representatives. Shah was one of the few candidates that took advantage of the transportation options provided to make himself visible to students on both campuses.

Additionally, Shah — like Kovacs, Bourrie and a small number of other candidates — attended at least one board meeting prior to the commencement of the campaign process.

Christopher Donnelly is not unlike the other 12 candidates for the board of directors in that he has little-to-no previous experience with the Board.

While his platform does not outline specific, tangible initiatives, his composure at the Waterloo Open Forum, including his ability to answer questions with relevant, concise information, are what set him apart from others speaking.

Donnelly’s answers were passionate, well researched and vied for continued accountability within the Students’ Union — all of which showed an understanding of the role that the Board of Directors plays within the Students’ Union.

ADAM KOVACS

OWEN BOURRIE

SHUKAN SHAH

CHRISTOPHER DONNELLY

BOARD OF GOVERNORS/SENATE Previously, The Cord has abstained from endorsing senators or board of governor members for a few reasons, including a lack of information.

Having read platforms and heard candidates speak at the Open Forum, we

will continue this year with our decision to abstain from endorsing senators and board of governors members as we feel we do not have enough information to make an informed decision on who might be a preferred candidate.

These endorsements were done through discussions with The Cord’s editorial board (12 in favour, 2 abstentions). These are not necessarily a reflection of WLUSP, The Cord’s volunteers or staff.

They were originally published online on Jan. 29.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

Opinion

• 17 OPINION EDITOR EMILY WAITSON opinion@thecord.ca

We need to change the way we pay for internet executive authority — capable of properly regulating the system — and ensuring that Canadians are able to reliably access the internet, AARON HAGEY STAFF WRITER

Since 2005, the number of Canadians who use the internet has grown from around 68 per cent, to well over 90 per cent — 92 per cent in Ontario as of 2016 [Statistics Canada].

The potential of the internet has grown exponentially since 1995 — roughly 0.4 per cent world usage — and is now being used by nearly half the population of the world.

It has become more than just a means of communicating and translating instant data across the world.

The internet has become the hub of our society, dominating and allowing for an unparalleled amount of social and cultural connection between people of all ages, races, cultures and creeds.

Its utilization in everyday life is also just as numerous.

The internet is used for communication, data transfer, research, education, organizing finances, work, getting real-time updates around the world, leisure, shopping — a nearly endless number of tasks that were previously much harder to do separately.

Because of this, the internet has become a tool that is synonymous with the everyday operation of many peoples’ lives.

I personally have not had a conversation with someone who agrees that they are satisfied with their particular internet provider.

that has less focus on the financial and business side — the problematic aspect that often compromises quality in favor of saving money — in order to ensure the service is being properly and responsibly administered.

I personally have not had a conversation with someone who agrees that they are satisfied with their particular internet provider.

The complaints tend to range from lack of internet access, limited or infrequent quality of usage, inability to receive proper information or assistance with providers, or frustration at the exorbitant fees being demanded for the services rendered.

In the modern era, access to a

stable, high-quality, reasonably priced internet service — especially with regards to mobile internet access, which is susceptible to ridiculous overage costs — is an imperative feature which needs to be more carefully scrutinized.

In previous decades, internet provision lacked proper public infrastructure due to its lack of overall usage and popularity.

Now, with nearly everyone using it, there is less need for it to be a privatized service and more need for it to be a reliably and responsibly managed utility for public use.

Bundling internet providers into the same sectors as other traditional housing utilities, making the companies subject to a higher

is extremely important.

In the same way that you never have to worry about the gas or electricity in your home spontaneously malfunctioning, or a lack of water in your home, internet service must be equally as dependable.

And if including internet in a traditional utilities bundle is not a reasonable suggestion to improving the overall state of internet quality, then there must be a continuing conversation about it that takes place.

Deceptive internet providers simply cannot be allowed to get away with underhanded tactics and practices.

If the internet plays such a central a role in our lives today, it can’t be left in the hands of privatization.

plain what it means to be Canadian. Your list of must-see landmarks might be different from mine.

That’s fine, but as Canadians we should pride ourselves on sharing our unique geographical, cultural and historical roots with others.

The first step towards doing this is an appropriate understanding of the vast place we call home.

After all, we are the second largest country in the world by area.

In just over a week, the Olympic games will bring the world together. Canadian athletes will be there, proudly representing our

maple leaf. Our athletes will be our representatives on the world stage.

They could be from the smallest city in Canada or from the largest financial hub.

But, that doesn’t make them any less Canadian.

So, here’s my challenge. Go find a map from Google and make sure you can identify all our provinces and territories. Move on to capital cities, label The Great lakes, the St. Lawrence River and other important landmarks. Where is Stanley Park on your map? Where are the Hopewell Rocks?

You might be surprised at how much we still have to learn about our nation and how it fits together on a map.

Once you have a general idea of where everything is, you will likely feel a sense of accomplishment.

Knowing the major Canadian landmarks will also allow you to delve into our nation’s diversity and represent it as accurately as possible on the world stage.

Next time you have a conversation with someone, impress them with your knowledge about where you live and what it means to you.

WILL BORYS/CORD PHOTOGRAPHY

The internet has also been one of the most contentious issues in North America for the past few years.

With the issues surrounding the FCC and net neutrality, price gouging by internet companies, bandwidth throttling and data compromising.

The fact is that private companies can no longer be trusted to morally and ethically be responsible for one of the most important tools of the 21st Century.

Home internet needs to be regulated and maintained in the same manner that other traditional utilities — gas, hydro, water, garbage removal — are.

It should be managed in a way

Care about Canada VIDISH PARIKH STAFF WRITER

I vividly remember my first geography class. I walked into what could only be described as a typical middle-school classroom. Except for one thing — on the wall hung an enormous, laminated map of the world. The capital cities were denoted by a small star. The bodies of water were labelled. Everything had a name.

There was something about that map. After all, it represented our entire world. Countries I had never heard of before, places I wanted to visit someday, small nations, large nations and everything in between. The ten-year-old in me was fascinated.

Well, we worked with many more maps that year. When it came time to explore the map of Canada, I remember being astonished by the sheer size of our nation.

From coast to coast, Canada was big. No, it was huge. Ten provinces and three territories, my teacher said. Of course, each province had

its own capital and major cities.

And then there was our national capital — Ottawa.

If someone gave me a blank map of Canada today, I’d probably be able to fill in most of the provinces.

Perhaps a few capitals. But, there’s a lot that I would likely miss.

That disappoints me. We’re a nation of over 35 million people.

We’re more than just Ontario or Toronto. We’re a community and quite a diverse one at that.

So, what can we do to get a bigger picture of Canada and its geographic and cultural diversity?

The easy answer is travel. Explore everything our country has to offer.

But, we can do more. If we read about something happening in a Canadian city we aren’t too familiar with, a quick Google search could be useful. It would help us understand the approximate location that is being referenced and get some much-needed context.

If a foreigner visiting Canada asks you about a specific province, you should have a general idea about where it is. If they ask you about the top places to visit, you should be able to share your insight.

Being able to describe an entire nation is no easy task. We each might have different ways to ex-

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

18 • OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 I like what I like and I realize that they’re not all award-winning examples of entertainment, but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t have liked them begin with.

A lot of the time I wish I was more like my grade six self: a naive little human who certainly didn’t give a fuck about what people

...I have learned that there’s no point in giving a fuck about what people think regarding arbitrary things like my past and present tastes.

MADELINE MCINNIS/CORD PHOTOGRAPHY

Looking back on past passions EMILY WAITSON OPINION EDITOR

I’m the type of person who used to take my passions incredibly seriously.

When I was younger, the things that I liked were an essential part

of who I was. I unabashedly — to an embarrassing extent — proudly embraced them without a hint of any shame whatsoever.

Making my obsessions known to anyone who would talk to me for longer than five minutes, I cringe whenever Facebook so kindly showcases the posts I made sixplus years ago.

This serves as a somewhat embarrassing reminder of my lack of self-awareness and how little people probably cared about my

excited anticipation over the last Harry Potter film.

Although I have grown out of the several fleeting obsessions that I once dedicated so much of myself into, I’ve gotten to the point in my life where I refuse to feel bad for liking them in the first place, or for still enjoying them today.

At 22-years-old, I have learned that there’s really no point in giving a fuck about what people think regarding arbitrary things like my past and present personal tastes.

thought of me.

I loved Harry Potter — and still do — more than basically anything. The Jonas Brothers were my favourite band.

Alice Cooper was my Halloween costume of choice that year and school was where I funneled most of my energy without a single concern over whether or not I looked like I was trying too hard.

At one point in time, I was dedicated to the Twilight novels and I thought that Glee was an amazing television show.

By no means do I think that either of them are works of creative genius and I realize they are both problematic for various reasons.

However, Twilight fuelled my already passionate love of reading even further and, if anything, gave me fictional examples of the types of men I should avoid in everyday life.

And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t down for a marathon to watch all of the poorly-acted movies that I saw in theatres when they original-

ly came out.

My tastes have shifted as I’ve gotten older, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate what I used to spend my nights posting about on Tumblr and the hundreds of posters that I used to cover the walls in my room with.

I don’t think there will ever be a time in my life where I don’t love basically everything to do with Harry Potter, unabashedly adore Disney movies, know all the lines to the Pirates of the Caribbean films, or will ever turn down the chance to reread The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants series.

You’ll still catch me shamelessly watching Gilmore Girls reruns everyday of the week and quoting lines from Futurama or The Simpsons whenever I can.

All of these examples and everything else in-between, have shaped who I am in some way, as cliché as that may sound.

I don’t regret anything I chose to fill my time with, because that ultimately led me to the music, books, shows and movies I like today.

A lot of the time I wish I was more like my grade six self: a naive little human who certainly didn’t give a fuck about what people thought of me.

The warm, fuzzy nostalgia that I feel looking back on the eclectic assortment of entertainment that I’ve loved so passionately at various stages of my life, always makes me feel a wistful sense of happiness remembering how much I enjoyed them at the time.

Bell Let’s Talk exposes people’s hypocrisy Caring about mental health on social media should last longer than one day out of the year

KURTIS RIDEOUT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In the past five years alone we have seen broad steps taken towards the mainstream acceptance of mental health issues.

As someone who has struggled with mental health issues but only offers vague descriptions of my own personal journey, I feel that I should, at the very least, offer some perspective as to how things have changed, particularly, with regards to my own experience.

When I was finishing high school in 2012, I was completely convinced that I would be voted best dressed in our yearbook countdown list, along the likes of “Funniest” and “Prettiest” people in the school.

My dismay upon discovering that that particular title went to a kid who only wore Hollister and

sported a faux-hawk was very real.

My own disappointment aside, it would have been a much easier pill to swallow had I not been voted “Most likely to end up in a straight jacket”.

At the time, I brushed it off.

“It’s just a joke,” was the response most people had when I expressed disgust, yet I felt compelled to play along for fear of being an obstruction on everyone else’s good time.

This is something I still think about every now and then, but particularly when Bell Let’s Talk swings around, because a number of the people who thought I’d end up in a straight jacket were also champions of the movement, even back then in its earlier stages.

The problem on my end is, while all of these people were tweeting about how to “keep the conversation open,” none of them for a second had considered my previous experiences with mental health, not even before casting their vote on this bullshit-ass, meaningless yearbook staple.

I would like to think that high

school yearbooks no longer have these types of problematic titles, but I don’t even know what high schools are like these days. I would like to assume they are a little bit more progressive by now.

All of that aside, it wasn’t a very good experience for me, and even when I tried to explain that to my peers, they told me I was overreacting and made me feel like I was in the wrong.

“It’s just a joke,” was the response most people had when I expressed disgust, yet I felt compelled to play along...

I will admit: it was a far cry for me to expect that any of them

might have paid any attention to all of the vintage Ralph Lauren pieces I carefully curated from thrift stores — at least definitely not enough to have considered me “best dressed.”

But I digress. When I “overreacted” in that particular scenario, my peers were essentially gaslighting me into believing, among other things, that I might actually belong in a straight jacket.

I’m not as salty as all of this might imply, to be honest.

I still consider at least some of those peers to be friends, though very few of them made the attempt to reach out or see it from my point of view.

In the time, I genuinely believed I was overreacting.

But in hindsight, why the fuck would anyone want that title?

Especially when none of the people who voted on it even talked to me outside of the classroom, or in the classroom for that matter.

They just thought I was weird.

Deep in my heart I know that if I was more honest about how I felt and adamant about it being problematic, this type of thing would

have never happened.

But I’m happy to know that in 2018 I no longer have to defend or justify my experiences regarding my own mental health.

Not to my peers.

Not to anyone.

I’m sure that if I told some of those people how they made me feel that they would in turn feel awful about it, and that isn’t the goal here either.

At the end of the day, I would like to think that I now have a sense of humour about it.

I even posted it on Instagram, so I can’t be that upset about, right?

I’ve always been the type of person to “own” that type of thing, so at the end of the day who knows?

Essentially it comes down to this: practice what you preach.

Yeah, you got a hundred retweets on your Bell Lets Talk hashtag, but you also trivialized someone’s mental health.

Really I just wish 17-year-old me gave less of a fuck about what his peers thought, but you know what they say: wish in one hand and shit in the other.

• 19

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

Sports

SPORTS EDITOR PRANAV DESAI sports@thecord.ca

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Hawks take care of business in Battle of Waterloo ABDULHAMID IBRAHIM LEAD SPORTS REPORTER

Coming off a loss against the eighth ranked McMaster Marauders on Jan. 24, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks women’s basketball team was looking to take care of business against the Waterloo Warriors. With their previous matchup ending with a final score of 67-50 for the Hawks, expectations were not too high for the Warriors, but this game turned out to be more interesting than people thought.

Laurier started out the game quicker than the last time on both ends of the floor.

Led by Jill Condron, who scored seven points, along with a strong defensive showing, they finished the quarter up 15-8.

The second quarter didn’t seem to change much for the Warriors as the Golden Hawks stifled them, pushing the lead to 12 at certain points of the quarter. With defensive consistency having been in need of an improvement, the Hawks showed they could make it

NIRUPAM SINGH/CORD PHOTOGRAPHY

tough on their opponents.

With turnovers (11) being the only question mark offensively and holding the Warriors to 5-30 shooting for 20 first half points, this game looked to be on its way to another big win for the Hawks.

“The big thing was, defensively, in the first half – I know the first quarter we held them to eight points which is a good number,” coach Falco said.

Coming out of halftime, for the first few minutes of the third, the

Warriors were looking to make a push. While the Hawks were able to hold their ground for about half the quarter, the narrative of this game changed quickly.

Down 41-30 with 4:32 left, the Warriors went on a 7-0 run to cut

Guelph, but with that intensity also came 24 penalty minutes.

Puhalski spoke to this level of passion following the game: “We have to play desperate and intense if we’re going to have any chance of winning or beating anybody, it’s just the way we have to play.”

Following this weekend’s action Laurier sits at fourth in the western conference with 29 points in 24 games (13-8-3).

There are four games remaining in the regular season for the

Golden Hawks, and in regard to this final stretch, coach Puhalski discussed how the team needs to remain aggressive, hungry and smart to ensure success.

“You have to combine all those things and do them together, you can’t be disjointed and just have one,” he said.

“Especially when things get close and games are tight, that’s when you have to be at your best, and that’s what we have to learn as a team.”

MEN’S HOCKEY

Facing a dry spell LUKE BURROWS CORD SPORTS

The Wilfrid Laurier University men’s hockey team had their losing streak extended to four games on Saturday, Jan. 27, falling to the Guelph Gryphons by a score of 5-3.

Just over a week after Guelph’s 5-0 Frosty Mug victory against the Golden Hawks, Laurier was looking for redemption on home ice.

The Gryphons struck first, finding the back of the net from a point shot on a clean powerplay cycle.

Eight minutes later, Guelph doubled their lead as they caught the Golden Hawks on a bad change and slipped one past Laurier goalie Chris Festerini.

Laurier head coach Greg Puhalski must’ve delivered an inspirational speech during the first intermission, as the Hawks came out flying to start the second period.

On a Golden Hawk powerplay, center Anthony Sorrentino inched one across the Guelph goal-line to bring Laurier within one.

Later in the second period, Braydon Blight scored his first OUA goal from a quick one-timer on a strong Laurier rush.

The third period would open with a 2-2 tie, but Golden Hawk Erik Pushka changed that in no time as Laurier took a 3-2 lead on a powerplay goal from in tight to Gryphons goalie Andrew Masters.

Though Guelph was held without a shot for the first six minutes of the period, the Grypons would begin to take control of a close game.

The tying goal would come off of a tip-in that found its way past Festerini, and a tied game with less than two minutes left would result in Laurier calling a timeout.

Unfortunately for the home team, the timeout appeared to benefit Guelph too as the Gryphons scored the go ahead goal on a scramble in front of the net.

They would add one more into the empty net, and the scoreboard would read 5-3 at the final buzzer.

“For the first – I think – two periods, and a little bit in the third we generated some good scoring chances,” coach Puhalski said, post-game.

“Guelph scored with about 10 or 11 minutes left in the third and got a little hungrier than we did and controlled the play … we just weren’t able to play a complete game.”

We have to play desperate and intense if we’re going to have any chance of winning or beating anybody, it’s just the way we have to play.

-Greg Puhalski, Laurier men’s hockey head coach

The Golden Hawk team certainly showed more grind and grit than they did last Thursday evening in

LUKE SARAZIN/PHOTO EDITOR

the lead to four.

Fast forward to the 8:23 mark of the fourth with Laurier up 55-47, Waterloo went on another 7-0 run to cut the lead to one. After a back and forth, with the lead staying between one and three points, neither team scored from the 4:47 mark to the 2:58 mark, with Laurier going up 60-58.

Both teams then went scoreless for over two minutes until Nicole Morrison finally iced the game at the charity strike to make it 62-58 at the six second mark.

“Obviously we were hoping to win by more but we can’t take any team lightly. I thought we started out okay. Then the second half, they started hurting us on the dribble drive and they got really hot shooting from the perimeter so that was a bit of a struggle,” head coach Paul Falco said.

Finishing with 24 points, Nicole Morrison became the third Laurier player and fifteenth player in OUA history to reach the 1300-point mark in a career finishing the game with 1307.

20 • SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 MEN’S BASKETBALL

TANZEEL SAYANI/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Hawks get revenge ABDULHAMID IBRAHIM LEAD SPORTS REPORTER

Coming off of a close loss to McMaster a couple of days prior, the Wilfrid Laurier University men’s basketball team was looking to rebound and get back into the win column. The Hawks were also looking to avenge their 11-point loss to the Waterloo Warriors in early December. This game came to be quite a competitive matchup and the type of fire you hope for as a fan, especially when the game is dubbed the “Battle of Waterloo.”

It was tight as both teams traded buckets continuously for much of the quarter with both also playing hard on the defensive end of the floor and using plenty of energy.

The tide would turn quickly at the 4:26 mark as the Warriors went on a 10-0 run to go up 19-11. The Hawks went on to cut the lead to five but Waterloo was the team carrying momentum into the second quarter.

After pushing the lead to seven early, the Warriors lost their momentum fast. Going on an 8-0 run, Laurier then found a little bit of a groove. The rest of the quarter was a battle as both teams were going back and forth, as Laurier played with plenty of pace and energy while Waterloo played with plenty of hustle and good ball movement.

Off a buzzer-beating jump-shot by Ntore Habimana, the Hawks went into halftime up 40-38.

Coming out of halftime, it seemed like Laurier got the break they needed. Throughout the quarter, the Hawks found their stroke showed off their offensive firepower, scoring 34 points in the third quarter alone, nearly matching their total for the first half.

With plenty of balance offensively and their fast pace, they were making the Warriors pay as well as tiring them out as the Hawks went into the fourth quarter up 74-61 off Tevaun Kokko’s buzzer-beating three-pointer.

“After the first quarter, we talked about it, our pace, being able to go back and get out in transition,” head coach Justin Serresse said.

“Even on the make, just go

inbound the ball, doesn’t matter what, we were going to run to keep the pace up and when their guys are playing heavy minutes like that, they get tired. I knew they were eventually going to get tired.”

In the fourth quarter, Laurier showed its prowess as they kept the Warriors at a distance.

Continuing to play different starters throughout the quarter, the Hawks kept their foot on the gas regardless of their continuously increasing lead. Through plenty of composure and energy in a heated game, including the officials, Laurier pulled out the win with the final score being 97-78.

“Well clearly, you saw the energy. You saw the pace, we were on the glass, we were trying to stay composed even though the foul count didn’t really go our way,” Serresse said of his team’s effort.

“I thought we were playing pretty good defense for the most part.

Again, it was a team effort. See everybody contributing on the ball, everybody contributing on offense and defense so, clearly, big second, third and fourth quarter.”

With four guys finishing with 15+ points, the standout performer besides Tevaun Kokko was Ntore Habimana scoring a career-high 19 points and getting it done on both ends of the floor.

“I think it’s his career-high if I’m not mistaken. Again, that’s the Ntore I know. I told him, ‘from now on, you play like that moving forward, there’s no way you can’t be out there playing like that every time, at least with the effort,’” Serresse said in praise of Habimana’s performance.

“He played with a lot of confidence with his shot, so I was very happy for him to play like that.

Again, that’s not something that I’m surprised of, it’s something that I’m expecting from him every time.”

Next up will be the number two ranked Brock Badgers who will present quite the challenge on Jan. 31 as they will face off against the Hawks at the University of Waterloo Physical Activities Complex (game has been moved due to the closure of the Athletic Complex).