Spring'17 issue 1 final

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Hudsonian Former defensive Hud. tackle earns All-American

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OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Defensive HudsonianHonors

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OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

By: Zoe Deno Staff Writer

SPORTS Former Hudson Valley football player, Jon Miller, received a full scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana after receiving an honorable mention in the All-American Award.

“The nice thing about Jon is that he’s not just a football player.

He’s a well-rounded young man, and he’s done far more than just do well tackling people,” said head football coach Michael Muehling.

“He does everything the right way, and he’s worked really hard to get this honor. He’s a kid who’s had to work for everything he’s gotten, and it’s nice to see some validation and some reward for all that work,” Muehling continued.

The All-American Award is the only award that Hudson Valley Football players are eligible for since the school does not belong to a conference.

“In an All-Conference, you are competing against the 10 other schools you play against, while All-American is when you compete against every school that plays Junior College Football,” said Muehling.

According to Muehling, there were 60 or 70 colleges across the nation that play Junior College Football with eligible scholarship programs.

“Jon was voted better than pretty much all of them,” said Muehling.

Miller wasn’t sure how he felt when he heard that he won the Honorable Mention.

“I’m just glad my performance was able to help the team,” said Miller.

Miller now views this as an accomplishment that will carry him closer to his goal of playing football professionally. If Miller could play for any NFL team, there would be no doubt in his mind he would pick the New York Giants.

Miller’s childhood icon, Lawrence Taylor, played for the Giants.

“My father, who is a diehard Giants fan, always told me about LawPHOTOS BY MIKEY BRYANT | HUDSONIAN

SEE MILLER PAGE 7

Volume 71, Issue 1 Jan. 18 - Jan. 25 www.thehudsonian.org

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Governor Cuomo proposes tuitionfree college

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Assassin’s Creed takes a leap of faith... and succeeds CREATIVE

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January 18, 2017

NEWS

This Week’s Events

Wed 18

Are you graduating after this semester?

Welcome Day Extended Hours for Service Offices 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict / Discussion with recovering addict Eric Dyer 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium

Hours for Thurs Extended Service Offices 19 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sun 22

Tri County Indoor Track Meet 8:00 am – 7:15 pm McDonough Sports Complex

Tue 24

Recruiter on Campus: Solutions Link 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Siek Campus Center, First Floor Lobby Mindfulness Meditation 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Siek Campus Center, room 220 (Interfaith Prayer Room)

Wed 25

Recruiter on Campus: Valet Park of America 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Siek Campus Center, First Floor Lobby Women’s Golf Preseason Meeting 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm McDonough Sports Complex, Room 202

By: Zoe Deno Staff Writer

NEWS Passing classes isn’t the only requirement for students to get their diploma on May 12.

“Students need to file a degree application in order to be eligible to graduate; some students may not know that, but that gives us notice that the student is intending to graduate. It’s an official process that students must be aware of,” said Dennis Kennedy, director of communications and marketing.

If a student wants to graduate from Hudson Valley at least 50 percent of their credits for their degree must have been earned at this college. That means in order to be eligible for a degree from Hudson Valley, only half of a student’s credits can transfer from a previous college they attended.

In order to qualify for graduation, students must have at least a 2.0 GPA and have completed all prescribed courses with passing grades, as well as the minimum credit requirements.

If a student is unsure

what their GPA is, or how many credits they currently have, they can check their progress in Degree Works, which can be accessed from their WIReD account. If they have any questions regarding their progress, they should schedule an appointment with their advisors.

If a student is interested in graduating with honors, they must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Students who achieve this GPA are eligible to attend an additional awards and honors ceremony hosted in the McDonough Sports Complex the Friday evening before the Commencement Ceremony. Of the 2,058 students who graduated last year, 448 graduated with honors.

Students will be ineligible to graduate despite having their required GPA and completed credits if they do not apply for their degree. Students can print out an application from the ‘Policies and Procedures’ page on the Hudson Valley We b s i t e .

Near the bottom of the page students can select when they would like to graduate (Fall, Summer, Spring) and hit the blue lettering that will pull up a PDF application that they can then print off and fill out.

They will need to get their advisor to sign the bottom of the application for official confirmation that they are eligible to graduate. Students need to submit their application at the Registrar’s Office, that can be found on the first floor of the Guenther Enrollment Services Center.

If a student wants to graduate this semester, they must get this application submitted by March 31 or they will be unable to graduate until Summer.

While most students graduate in the Spring, if a student misses the application deadline or finishes their credits in the Summer of Fall, they do have the option of graduating.

There isn’t a commencement ceremony for stu-

dents who don’t graduate in the Spring. According to Kennedy, there isn’t enough graduates during the “off seasons” to warrant a ceremony, however they do have the option of participating in the next Spring commencement.

There is no additional fee for the cap and gown, which can be picked up in room 204 of the Campus Center on May 3, 4 and 5. Students also receive five tickets to give to family and friends of their choice.

The ceremony, which typically lasts two hours, is held in Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. However, if there is bad weather, the ceremony is held in McDonough Sports Complex.

Each student’s name is individually read and they walk across the stage and two photos are taken, one with President Matonak and another of themselves alone.

While no keynote speakers are intentionally brought in, it isn’t uncommon for local politicians to show up and wish the graduates well as they either enter the workforce or transfer to a fouryear school to continue their path to a higher education.

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High/Low 39/34 The Hudsonian Hudson Valley Community College 80 Vandenburgh Ave. Troy, NY 12180 Phone: 518-629-7568 Email: hudsonian@hvcc.edu Editorial Policy All views expressed in this paper are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the The Hudsonian or the College.

High/Low 44/32 Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Jordan Managing Editor Jenny Caulfield Business Manager Tyler Betzwieser Copy Editor Shelby Collins Layout Editor Mike Schaefer News Editor Anthony O’Connell

FRIDAY High/Low 45/32 Creative Editor Julio Rodriguez Sports Editor Skylar Blankenship Photo Editor Mikey Bryant Junior Editors Dylan Haugen Isabella Kokoszko Staff Writers Zoe Deno Setodzi Avoke Hunter Wallace

SATURDAY High/Low 45/33 Staff Photographers Vinny Crocew Isaac Kautz Faculty Adviser Rachel Bornn

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The Hudsonian is the exclusive student newspaper of Hudson Valley Community College. It is published every week. To join The Hudsonian, attend our weekly meeting on Mondays at 2 p.m. in ADM 107.

January 18, 2017

NEWS

Governor Cuomo proposes tuition-free college

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By: Zoe Deno Staff Writer

NEWS Gov. Andrew Cuomo was accompanied by U.S Senator Bernie Sanders at LaGuardia Community College on Jan. 3, to announce his plan for tuition-free college via new Excelsior Scholarships.

“A college education is not a luxury – it is an absolute necessity for any chance at economic mobility, and with these first-in-thenation Excelsior Scholarships, we’re providing the opportunity for New Yorkers to succeed, no matter what zip code they come from and without the anchor of student debt weighing them down,” said Cuomo.

In order to be eligible, students would have to be full-time at two-year or four-year public SUNY or CUNY colleges and come from families who make less than $125,000 per year.

According to Cuomo, this would provide free tuition to 75 percent of current students enrolled in degree or certificate programs. According to James Macklin, director of the office of planning and research, an estimated 85 percent of Hudson Valley’s students will qualify.

If the proposal is passed through the State Congress, the initiative would be phased over three years, beginning for families and individuals making up to $100,000 annually in the fall of 2017, increasing to $110,000 the following year, and reaching $125,000 in 2019.

“A lot of details were not

shared about the proposal itself.

In other words, there are still questions about how it would be funded, and there are other logistics that certainly need to be analyzed, and that is the job of the state legislature, the state and the assembly,” said Dennis Kennedy, director of communications and marketing at Hudson Valley.

There is no guarantee that

publican Assemblymember David McDonough said that he applauds the governor for his bold proposal. As a member of the education board, McDonough will be one of the main people evaluating the Excelsior Scholarships.

“I’m not crazy about anything free because nothing is completely free,” said McDonough, raising the question of whether or not the

higher cost of living. I know of families who are making $250,000 a year and can’t afford to send their kids to college,” said McDonough.

Democratic Assemblymember, Patricia Fahy also was skeptical.

“In concept, it’s encouraging, I’m just very anxious to see the details given the varying costs

ART BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

the New York’s State Congress will approve the Excelsior Scholarships or that the qualifiers will not change. The proposal will be discussed and revised until the end of the Senate session on April 1 when it will be voted on.

The initiative has gained a great deal of criticism and support from both political parties.

In a telephone interview, Re-

scholarships would only cover the immediate tuition or include the costs of other books and fees that come with college.

McDonough also said that while $125,000 was a great deal of money in many of the northern counties, the cost of living is more expensive towards New York City. “$125,000 is not a lot of money downstate. There is a much

I’ve come across. For instance, the governor mentioned the cost would be $160,000, to underwrite the cost of free tuition, but others say the estimate would be well over a half billion.”

“It’s a huge budget issue. I would hope we will make some progress on pieces of it at least, but I’ll know a little bit more when the budget comes out next week. It’s

one thing to talk about a concept, it’s another on how we could pay for it while maintaining the quality of education,” Fahy continued.

While lawmakers may be concerned, Hudson Valley President Andrew Matonak was quick to express his support.

“We applaud Governor Cuomo’s groundbreaking proposal to make public higher education more affordable and accessible for New Yorkers through the Excelsior Scholarship program,” said Matonak.

“In many ways, college is the gateway to a brighter future for our students, communities and economies. Investing in our state’s human capital and providing this unprecedented opportunity for students to achieve a college degree or certificate at no cost will have myriad benefits,” continued Matonak.

“The Governor’s initiative takes that a step forward and provides potential aid to families that goes beyond what financial aid currently covers. It has the potential to open the door to higher education for more people and to make it affordable to families who are struggling with college costs,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy continued, “Hudson Valley Community College is one of the most affordable paths to higher education, so this proposal is very close to our mission.”

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January 18, 2017

NEWS

Unemployed students... You’re in luck!

By: Setodzi Avoke Staff Writer NEWS

ployer representatives scheduled to visit campus and meet with students to discuss opportunities.

Located in the Campus Center’s first floor, the following agents and dates are just some of the dozens of anticipated recruiters set to appear over the course of this semester:

Beyond individual table presentations, the Center for Careers and Transfer also organizes two larger fairs where many represen-

By: Anthony O’Connell News Editor NEWS Taking advantage of the new Athletic Outdoor Complex, track and field, and tennis competitions for the Special Olympics New York 2017 Summer Games will be held on campus starting June 17.

“With the addition of our new outdoor athletic facility, it seemed like a perfect fit for the Special Olympics to utilize one of the premier tracks in the area.

Having the tennis courts adjacent to the facility also made it convenient to host tennis as well,” said Justin Hoyt, interim director of athletics.

While the State Summer Games will be hosted by Siena College, surrounding community venues including The Sage Colleges, World Class Gymnastics, Spare Time Bowling Alley and Hudson Valley will also be participating in hosting certain events.

This marks the first time in a decade the Capital Region will host the State Summer Games.

The games were hosted by the University at Albany 2005-2007.

“There is a formal bid process that takes place for communities to host our state competitions.

tatives gather to educate students on the opportunities they offer, boasting 100 colleges in attendance during the transfer fair and the participation of many smaller, specialized colleges: -Part-Time Job Fair, Thursday, Feb. 1-2, 2017 -Spring Transfer Fair, Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2017 During regular hours, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., the office also assists with job search, resume writing, interview preparation, job networking, career counseling and transfer counseling.

The office maintains tools to

match degree programs with a career, internship directories, volunteer organization information and is an administration site for the College Level Examination Program and DSST tests, where a student may, for a fee, demonstrate their knowledge of a subject by taking a test of equivalent difficulty to a credit granting course and receive said credits on passing.

Special Olympics track and field and tennis events

ART BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

The Center for Careers and Transfer is a resource that advises students in planning their next step while coordinating visits by colleges and employers.

Throughout the spring semester, the Center for Careers and Transfer will have four-year colleges, armed forces and em-

-Solutions Link, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 -Valet Park of America, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 -A New England Nanny, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 -Lowe’s, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 -Air Force Reserve, Monday, Jan. 30, 2017 -US Air National Guard, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017 -Time Warner Cable, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 -Attentive Care of Albany, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017

The Capital Region was able to pull together a fantastic bid for the 2017 and 2018 State Summer Games,” said Renee Snyder, Vice President of Development and Public Awareness for Special Olympics New York.

“The Summer Games are the largest event of the year and have a strong impact on the host community to supply volunteers, sponsorships to financially sustain the games and venues. It helps to rotate this experience in order to maximize the opportunity in each community. It is also important to our athletes who come from all parts of the state to have an opportunity to host the state games close to home,” continued Snyder.

Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training and competition in 22 Olympic-style sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities at no cost to the athletes, their families or caregivers. There are 67,162 athletes that train and compete with Special Olym-

pics New York, the largest Special Olympics program in North America.

The Special Olympic Summer Games are the largest of two annual state games and 5,048 competitive experiences held each year throughout New York.

Athletes will compete in basketball, aquatics, volleyball, powerlifting, bowling, track and field, gymnastics and tennis. In order to participate in the State Summer Games, athletes must qualify at a local level.

“This is an organization that is very near and dear to myself because I have a very close friend that participates in the Special Olympics. He and his family were very excited to hear of the news that our college would be hosting some of the events,” said Hoyt.

Each hosting location and Special Olympics New York need to receive as much volunteer help as possible.

As a message to prospective volunteers, assistant director of communications and marketing, Eric Bryant said, “To those who have never worked with people

to be held on campus

that have special needs, we want you to know that it’s rewarding and fun to volunteer at the Special Olympics. Give it a try!”

“Volunteer opportunities range from hands-on technical positions within the sporting events, to helping distribute water and lunches to the athletes. Most of our athletes do not travel with their families, so community participation is incredibly important.

It is win-win for the athletes and the fans,” said Snyder.

“We don’t see any obstacles.

The college hosts numerous large events every year from the Boat and RV show to Commencement.

We’re prepared to host the event, and we’ve done so in the past,” said Bryant.

All events, including the opening and closing ceremonies for the games are free and open to the general public.

In a press release, President

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Drew Matonak said, “This is a great opportunity to share our new facilities with the community and also a wonderful chance to welcome the athletes and attendees of the Special Olympics to our region and our campus. We are honored to be a part of such an important and exciting event.

January 18, 2017

CREATIVE

Winter weather reemerges in the lives of students

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PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

By: Julio Rodriguez Creative Editor CREATIVE

Within the coming months, winter weather will be a presence to be reckoned with on campus.

Non-matriculated student Shannon Kelleher said, “I prefer cold weather because I can always bundle up in layers, and I have an addiction to scarves.” Kelleher has always taken a liking towards snow, but the same cannot be said about other students at Hudson Valley.

“I prefer warm weather because I’m more comfortable. If I’m cold, I can’t get anything done.

I’m less productive because I can’t focus on anything important. I’m more focused on the extremities that I can’t feel,” said liberal arts student Tyler Brewer.

Brewer has also experienced winter depression in the past.

Seasonal Affect Disorder, more commonly known as winter depression, occurs as a result of decreased sunshine in late fall and early winter months. It is believed to occur when our bodies daily rhythm becomes disrupted because of reduced vitamin D. “[Seasonal Affect Disorder] has already kicked in this semester, which I was not hoping for, but it did,” said Brewer.

Brewer has experienced Seasonal Affect Disorder every winter for the past five or six years.

“My environment is negative because it’s cold. For me, I associate being cold with being negative.”

Invasive cardiovascular technology student Jennie Drake has experienced Seasonal Affect Disorder since she was 11 years old.

“There was a period of time that I would sit in front of a light, and the light did nothing for me.

Then I had to have my vitamin D tested every year,” said Drake.

Drake attempted light therapy, but she continued to experience symptoms. Treatments to help alleviate winter depression could include light therapy, chronotherapy to avoid going to bed too early or cognitive behavioural therapy to modify negative behaviours or thoughts.

All of the following treatments should be performed with the assistance of a primary care provider, clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. For those experiencing winter depression, a selfcare treatment to perform could be exercise. However, more severe symptoms should be alleviated with light therapy, talk therapy or with medication.

Psychology student Payton Beauregard recently relocated to upstate New York after 17 years in Florida. Beauregard believes her view of snow, and of winter as a whole has been skewed because of her time away from New York.

“I love looking at snow. It’s light, fluffy and magical. I have this childhood wonder when I see it,” said Beauregard.

Although students can associate winter with being negative, it can spark up fond childhood memories for students as well.

“Winter is my favorite season out of them all. I love snow, and I love how happy everyone becomes when the holiday season

PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

Hudson Valley had yet to see a major winter storm this season, with only sprawls of snow.

comes around. We’re also finally out of school for a little while when we go on break,” said Kelleher.

Kelleher continued, “I love snow fights. At my last school we had a huge campus-wide dorm snow fight, and there was a huge

turnout. It was really fun, and you were able to meet new people. It seems like it would be cool to do on this campus at Hudson Valley.”

Kelleher loves winter, but she believes that students should be on high alert while driving to avoid accidents.

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Kelleher said, “The one thing I dislike about winter is the accidents. I’ve been in two accidents because of winter weather, but I think that everyone should try to enjoy winter.”

January 18, 2017

CREATIVE

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Assassin’s Creed takes a leap of faith... and succeeds

SCREENSHOT TAKEN FROM “ASSASSINS CREED”

By: Hunter Wallace Staff Writer OPINION

Assassin’s Creed is pure action and historical adventure, providing enjoyment for audiences of different backgrounds, regardless of experience with the video games.

The director, Justin Kurzel, is the same Australian-born filmmaker who was involved with acclaimed titles such as The Snowtown Murders and Macbeth. As such, Kurzel is no stranger when it comes to blending historical fact with fiction.

Based on Ubisoft’s video game series of the same title, Assassin’s Creed follows protagonist Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender), a seemingly indifferent man who is sentenced to death on account of murder.

As Lynch is strapped into a death bed replete with lethal chemicals reserved for criminal offenders, he closes his eyes and awaits his fate. He then finds himself waking up in a mysterious scientific research facility.

Lynch is greeted by Dr. Sofia (Marion Cotillard), who reveals that he is residing within the walls of Abstergo Industries in Madrid, Spain. Dr. Sofia explains that Abstergo Industries is a global corporation that exists for the purpose of research through genetic

memories. Lynch is brought to the machine that is key to Abstergo’s research: the Animus.

The Animus is a machine that allows users to relive their ancestors’ memories through genetic DNA. After learning this, Lynch is hooked into the machine, preparations are made and he is mentally transported from Madrid in the year 2016 to Ana Lucia in the year 1492.

Lynch discovers he is in fact a modern day descendent of Aguilar de Nerha (Fassbender), a member of the Assassin Brotherhood of Spain who served during the late 15th century.

Through the Animus, Lynch is able to relive his ancestor’s memories and acquire the same stealth and fighting skills that Nerha had used centuries before him, which prove invaluable assets when he discovers the opposing force he must face: the Templar Order.

The level of efficiency on the part of the actors is good, or at least as good as it can be with two of the cast members taking up most of the spotlight.

Fassbender is able to convey a sense of genuine confusion and initial torment upon realizing his assassin lineage, while simultane-

ously displaying the true honor and dedication required of an assassin as Nerha.

Similarly, Cotillard exhibits an excellent acting ability as Dr. Sofia, who is torn between her dedication to science and her loyalty to the Animus project.

Decent acting is not the only praiseworthy attribute of this film. The lighting is superb, as the bright white interiors of Lynch’s sleeping quarters, mixed with the darker inner sanctum of Abstergo Industries, certainly conveys the feeling of being confined to a strange facility as a research subject in a laboratory setting.

Opinion: Starting and succeeding at By: Setodzi Avoke community college Staff Writer OPINION For many stepping onto a college campus for the first time, there are opportunities for a fresh beginning and new experiences.

Others may not use the freedom from a K-12 education to their advantage. This could potentially hinder their ability to acquire opportunities, and socialize with peers.

For most of my college career, the latter approach to earning freedom from the standard 8-hour school day described my approach to campus life and I thought I couldn’t be happier.

I executed my class-to-home routine with machine-like efficiency, analyzing the quickest routes and developing a steady path for every congested walkway between myself and the bus.

If you’re considering doing a similar strategy, allow me to suggest it be after giving campus participation a try. If not for a classmate suggesting I join The Hudsonian, I never would’ve benefited from the experiences and relationships that followed the writing.

Though I wasn’t hurting to find companionship, the conversations and new friends I’ve made have enriched my life and brightened my

general outlook on life.

Even lazy days spent in The Hudsonian’s office, reminiscent at times of summer days of the same description, are cherished times I would have otherwise missed.

There’s an appreciation that comes with understanding. The more my work requires that I research the campus, it’s history and it’s programs, the more able I am to recognize what a great institution we share.

I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to spend nearly an hour listening to a former SUNY administrator take evening classes, and predicting changes to the model in the budget and federal education spending for decades to come had I not joined The Hudsonian.

Whether new or returning to campus, if you have the time, I believe you’ll be doing yourself a favor if you try to involve yourself, if not merely maintaining awareness of campus life. Keep an eye on your student emails for announcements and keep reading The Hudsonian. There are regular events, presentations, over 50 clubs and some wonderful people on this campus.

Michael Fassbender plays Callum Lynch, a seemingly ordinary man who is forced to relive the lives of his ancestors through a machine called the Animus.

SCREENSHOT TAKEN FROM “ASSASSINS CREED”

While the dark, gritty, smoke and sand-filled, war-torn arena of 1492 Ana Lucia transports viewers to a land far away, with the ever-changing sunny sky that mixes with moving clouds to provide dismal overcasts, making for an excellent use of shadow effects.

With any film based on a popular video game series, the most significant aspect of production is the amount of content that is altered as well as the amount that stays true to the original media.

Fans of Assassin’s Creed will be pleased to hear that very little was modified in the transition from game to film. All of the staples of the series that fans have come to expect are included, such as hidden blades, historical detail, parkour and more.

Aside from additional research subjects in Abstergo, a newly-designed Animus and never-before-seen assassin moves, there are very few changes for fans to expect. Assassin’s Creed is a film to see for fans of the fran-

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chise, or for those who enjoy action and fantasy films.

Yes, this film is enjoyable even for those that may be unfamiliar with the games, as the story is original, only taking inspiration from the series as a whole, rather than focusing on any one particular entry. For those who intend to see this film always remember the Assassin Oath: “Nothing is True. Everything is Permitted.”

Assassin’s Creed is given a score of 7.5/10, gaining points for keeping most of the core content from the video games, fine use of technology and excellent action sequences, and losing points for slight CGI hiccups and a lack of shining performances, aside from Fassbender and Cotillard.

Assassin’s Creed is rated PG13 for language and violence.

January 18, 2017

SPORTS

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FROM PAGE ONE

MILLER

rence Taylor. I just grew up hearing that name all the time. My father would show me old videos of him playing football on TV,” said Miller.

“He was probably the greatest defensive football player of all time,” said Miller.

Like Taylor, Miller plays the defensive line.

Miller started playing when he was four years old. His parents threw him out on the field with a bunch of five and six year olds.

Despite the fact he was too young for the team, no one tried to stop him from playing.

Since he started playing football, Miller has never considered quitting. “It’s all I want to do. I could play football until I die.”

The biggest obstacle in Miller’s career came his senior year

at Anthony Pell Memorial High School.

“I didn’t receive any scholarships, no Division I scholarships, no Division II scholarships, nothing. I didn’t know what I could do, I couldn’t afford any colleges. It was tough for me and my family,” said Miller.

In order to to pay for college, Miller joined the army reserves.

Miller mentions the hard work it took to get through training. He is still required to attend monthly weekend training and one twoweek drill.

Miller’s father sent tapes of his son playing to other colleges in the area. The only college that responded was Hudson Valley Community College. Muehling asked him to come up to try out so Miller did, and he made the team.

“I’m never going to forget what my coaches or the team have

New head coach for the reinstated track and field team By: Skylar Blankenship Sports Editor

In mid-December, Justin Hoyt, interim director of athletics, announced that Jeffrey York would be the head coach of the reinstated men and women track and field teams.

About 25 years ago, Hudson Valley’s track and field teams were disbanded, but in spring 2018, the teams will start competing as one of the college’s 17 NJCAA Division III programs.

“Coach York and I came up with a short-term and long-term vision for the program with real-

COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

SPORTS

istic expectations. We are going to be hiring one assistant coach to assist in recruiting right away, and then we are going to hire two to three more assistant coaches in the summer,” said Hoyt.

Last year, the new Athletic Complex was completed with a 400-meter 8-lane track, a synthetic turf field and a practice field.

These additions were made with the intention of reinstating the track and field teams. President Drew Matonak, the Vice President for Enrollment Management

Jeffrey York, the new head coach for the men and womens’ track and field teams.

done for me over these past two years,” said Miller.

There were many schools that tried to recruit him after he won the All-American Honorable Mention, but none stood a chance against Southeastern Louisiana.

Miller said, “I want to get a masters degree in Physical Education and Health. The coaches and the players I met on my visits here were really kind, and it was definitely a different experience than visiting other schools.”

Football players at his new school are regularly drafted for tryouts for the NFL. Miller is closer than ever to his goal of playing football professionally. Recalling the advice of his high school football coach, “It’s not how much you want it, but how much you are willing to do to get it.”

Jon Miller, former defensive tackle, was the recipient of a full scholarship at Southeastern Lousinana.

and Student Development Dr. Alexander Popovics, and Executive Director of the FSA Ann Carrozza all showed support for this project.

Once the Athletic Complex was completed, the search began for a head coach to lead this new track program. In November 2016, York was officially appointed as head coach for the men’s and women’s track and field teams by Hudson Valley.

“Our first goal for year one is to have at least 50 total student-athletes participate. We hope to get at least 20 each for the men’s and women’s teams. Long term, we want to build this program to compete not only at the Regional level, but the National level as well,” said Hoyt.

The Valley’s track and field program is highly decorated with members in the college’s hall of fame and during its history had advanced more than once to the Regional III Championships.

Members of the Hall of Fame include coach Tom Rogan, track and field distance runner James Bowles, team captain of the football, and track and field teams Nelson Bagnardi, and blocker and runner for the football team, Morris Collins. The track and field program advanced to the Regional III Championships 8 times during its history: 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1980, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

York and his assistant coaches, who have not yet been named, will be starting from the ground up in terms of recruitment.

Hoyt’s position on the upcoming years is positive, “There is a wealth of talent within our geographic location of the Capital District, so recruiting will be of the utmost importance.”

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SPORTS

8

January 18, 2017

Vikings continue their seasons over the vacation

(TOP) The Mens’ ice hockey team won their one game over break against Ualbany with a 4-3 score. (MIDDLE) Women’s basketball enters the Spring semester with a record of 3-10. (BOTTOM) Men’s basketball enters the Spring semester with a record of 9-6.

At the Valley, even though students haven’t been participating in classes, Vikings sports teams continued on with their seasons.

BASKETBALL Over the break, the Viking’s basketball teams had two games apiece. They competed against Columbia-Greene Community College and Clinton Community College.

Against Columbia-Greene, the men’s team won 88-78. Dave Reo led the team with 27 points made by all 3-pointers, and Elijah Lott came in second, scoring 17 points. The women’s team also won against Columbia Greene 56-50, with Shelby Dugan scoring 16 points and Chelsea Stevens scored 12 points.

The Viking’s had both a win and a loss against Clinton Community College. The male Vikings won their game 86-52 with Lott scoring 25 points and John Palmer adding another 12 points.

Brandon Palmer and Taylor Slattery each scored 11 points.

The women’s team had a very close game, but were unable to seal a win with a final score of 59-56. Di’Aisa Smith scored 19 points and Dugan added another 14 points.

The men’s basketball team will continue on with their season with a record of 9-6 and the women’s with a record of 3-10.

“Hopefully we continue to improve as the schedule is tough all the way through,” said head coach for the men’s team, Michael Long.

By: Skylar Blankenship Sports Editor SPORTS

PHOTO BY DYLAN HAUGEN | HUDSONIAN

“We were focused on getting better during the break. We used our time to ramp up our strength and conditioning for the second half of the season,” said head coach for the women’s team, Robert Coleman.

BOWLING During the break, the bowling team had two tournaments, both in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

At the Roto Grip Keystone Classic, the men’s team came in 26 out of 31 with a 7,405 total pins, while the women’s team came in 11 out of 14 with a total of 6,981 pins.

At the Lehigh Valley Collegiate Classic, the men’s team finished 24 out of 31 with a total of 7,650 pins and the women’s team finished 12 out of 13 with a total of 6,872 pins.

At the Roto Grip Keystone Classic, Clifford Miller and Kaitlyn Goodermote led their teams with a 207 high-game; 894 fivegame series, and a 187 high-game; 843 five-game series respectively.

Gregory Henzel and Kyla Day led their teams at the Lehigh Valley Collegiate Classic with a 210 high-game; 883 five-game series, and 189 high-game; 843 fivegame series respectively.

ICE HOCKEY The men’s ice hockey had one game over the break against the UAlbany Club. They won the game in overtime 4-3 with Troy Bennet, Kyle Constanty, Hunter Craig, and Evan Perkins each scoring one goal a piece.

The Vikings winter season will finish up at the beginning of March, ushering in the spring season.

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PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY DYLAN HAUGEN | HUDSONIAN