Volume 40, Issue 24 - March 7, 2018 by Met Media

The Student Newspaper of MSU Denver

mymetmedia.com

VOL. 40 NO. 24

@themetonline

MARCH 7, 2018

themetropolitan

Roadrunners upend ThunderWolves to open conference play

Photo by Rich Allen | @msudenver.edu

MSU Denver senior Trent Maloney scores on a wild pitch by CSU-Pueblo pitcher Chris Douglas in the fourth inning of the Roadrunners’ 16-4 victory over the ThunderWolves at the Regency Athletic Complex on March 4.

Chicana author graces MSU Denver By Isaac Banks

Mexicana exhibition with a

cbanks17@msudenver.edu

powerful message of diversity

time friend of Castello’s, said,

Mixquiahuala Letters.” She

sexual themes and gay

and female empowerment.

“Throughout all of her work,

thought that the visual arts were

exploration. She said that those

all of these beautiful aspects of

her calling, but she stumbled

themes were included because

across writing and stuck to it.

she sometimes identifies as

Writers like Mark Twain, Ernest

Ana Castillo is a well-known

Clarissa Pinkola Estes, a long

Hemingway and J.K. Rowling have

Chicana poet and novelist. She is

her, she stands up with fire, and

written meaningful, mesmerizing

known for works such as “Women

sometimes the fire burns low and

books that left an imprint on

Are Not Roses,” “Watercolor

sometimes they conflagration.”

society. Ana Castillo is one such

Women, Opaque Men: A Novel in

author. On Thursday, March 1,

Verse” and “So Far from God.”

she stopped by the Emmanuel

American Book Award for “The

“I started writing almost as

Some of her books include

a bisexually queer woman,

soon as I started to read and

and that she advocates for

write. I’m not really sure how or

all human rights including

writing since the 1970’s, and has

why, it just came to me. I think

gender and sexuality rights.

Her works have a Chicana/o

won multiple awards, including

the first things that I wrote were

Art Gallery for a reading and

perspective and explore themes

the Carl Sandburg Literary Award

poems. I’m not sure because I

signing, closing out the Belleza

of sexuality, race and gender.

for “So Far From God” and the

was eight years old,” she said.

INSIDE

NEWS

OPINION

FEATURES

| pg. 4

Castillo has been consistently

| pg. 5

| pg. 6

| Continued on pg. 8

SPORTS

| pg. 11

Symone Sanders bridges Black and

More than Amazon women relate to

Black woman astronaut promotes

Women’s basketball invited to

Women’s History Months

Wonder Woman

unity

NCAA Tournament

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NEWS

MARCH 7, 2018

SGA discusses upcoming improvements By Megan Webber

They can then message each other if they

mwebber6@msudenver.edu

have both added the messaging feature. “For example, if Osa wanted to use

SGA heard a pitch for a new app designed

that feature and I didn’t, but we both

to deepen the bonds among the student

expressed interest in the same event, my

body at the last meeting. Named Topeea,

profile would not appear to Osa for him

the app will help college students and

to swipe on if I expressed that I didn’t

young professionals find things to do in the

want him to go to it,” Schmidt said.

Denver area. SGA also discussed a possible

In other words, profiles are only

gender-neutral restroom on campus, a

visible to other users if both have made

change in succession and sending messages

their profiles public and expressed

in support of the victims of the March 2

interest in the same event.

shooting at Central Michigan University. It was developed by Osa Aihie and Daniel

While the app is still in the midst of launching, Aihie and Schmidt hope to

Schmidt, two former University of Denver

promote their product by having other

students. Aihie and Schmidt shared a

students, like the members of SGA and

curiosity over what types of events students

member Resident Advisors, spread the

are interested in, where to find them and

word. SGA responded positively to the

how students connect with one another.

presentation and is enthusiastic about

“Our solution was to develop an eventsourcing platform for students and young

Photo by Isaac Banks | cbanks17@msudenver.edu

seeing how it develops on campus. Later, Student Advisory Committee to the

SGA Senator Adetileuia Awosany watching a presentation at the SGA meeting on March 2 in the Student Success Building.

professors,” Aihie said. “Our real vision

Auraria Board Representative Courtney Jones

for this was to make sure that we increase

updated SGA on Auraria Higher Education

the access to experience or opportunities,

Center’s vote on a proposed gender-neutral

Bustos suggested also sending messages

having, they are more or less resolved.

meaning events for students.”

bathroom, which was approved. The proposed

via social media to say that MSU Denver

Though, we are still looking into the

bathroom will be located in the Tivoli once

supports students around the country who

succession policy and reworking that

of events in the area, but it also allows

funding and appropriate language are

are currently suffering from gun violence.

to make it clear to what’s supposed to

students the option of finding other students

decided. Students from all three schools

or young people in the area who are interested

on campus will be able to access it.

Not only does the app provide a calendar

in attending the same event and allows them

At the end of the meeting, Senator

In the past two weeks, SGA has made progress toward resolving the issues around their succession policy.

to communicate. After choosing the preferred

Braedan Weart proposed creating a pamphlet

location, range and day of an event, users

to show support for Central Michigan

of vice president, Senator Marcus

can see how many other people are viewing

University students and staff in light of the

Liberman stepped up to take on the

that event. If they share an interest in it, they

shooting that took place on their campus

roll of Associate Vice President.

can match with each other by swiping right.

Friday morning. Vice President Savannah

After Bustos filled the position

happen,” said President Joshua Gardner. SGA will continue to revise their succession policy so that in the future they will be prepared to fill whatever role may unexpectedly become vacant.

“For the succession woes that we were

Faculty senate updated on legislation that he or she majors in mathematics.”

By Isaac Banks cbanks17@msudenver.edu

This means if a student majors in mathematics, the degree will be a Bachelor of Science regardless of the minor.

The MSU Denver Faculty Senate

Assistant Professor Jessica Weiss

met on Feb. 28 for updates from

presented the finds from the Academic Policy

several different committees.

Committee research into the MSU Denver C-

Christine Staberg, founding partner of the Capstone Group, and MSU Denver

grading policy. There are discrepancies from

Government Relations Manager Alejandra

different departments regarding accepting

Perez-Urkoski gave updates on bills being

transfer credits. The committee was trying to

considered by the Colorado Legislature

find a way for transfer credits to come over

that affects the school. The curriculum

smoothly. As it stands now grades of C- count

committee then gave an update on the

as transfer credits regardless if they are GT

mathematics degree. Assistant Professor

Pathways or not. Some schools do not use a

Roland Schendel also extended the timeline

+/- grading system, but MSU Denver does. The

to vote for the Teacher Excellence Award and

problem is that 34 majors, 22 minors and 24

the Academic Policy Committee reported

certificate programs require a C or better for

their findings on C- grading policies.

class credit to count. After looking into many different solutions, the committee did not

Perez-Urkoski asked for faculty members

come up with a recommendation at this time.

to participate in MSU Day at the Capitol Photo by Isaac Banks | cbanks17@msudenver.edu

on March 7, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Staberg gave an update on legislative issues that MSU Denver has shown interest

MSU Denver Faculty Senate President Matthew Makley talking to the faculty senate about the changing administration on Feb. 28.

some student will not be able to transfer in the credit that they earned

in. The Colorado legislature is 70 days into a 120 day session. Obtaining more

ones taking front stage are focused on

Duclos, head of the curriculum committee,

money for the MSU Denver budget is

expanding teacher residency programs,

updated the senate on the change to the

always at the top of the list for Staberg.

a proposal to outlaw the sale of academic

Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.

“We’re dealing with lots of bills that

“Raising that C- to a C will negatively impact our students. That means

assignments online, proposed by MSU

“If a student majors in mathematics but

at other institutions,” Weiss said. To end the meeting, Associate Professor Joanne Bailey and faculty senate secretary William Carnes submitted a policy that

we care about on a wide range of issues,

Denver Associate Professor Gregory Clifton

minors in a discipline that’s not scientific,

would provide professors a way to appeal

budget always being our absolute top

and using open educational resources

say French, then they receive a Bachelor

accommodation requests from the

priority trying to get as much funding as

in higher education, championed by

of Arts,” Duclos said. “The proposal is to

access center that would alter learning

we can for the institution,” she said.

Assistant Professor Emily Ragan.

archive this Bachelor of Arts to give every

standards of a course. It will be voted

student a Bachelor of Science provided

on at the next meeting on March 14.

Staberg is monitoring 40 bills. The

Assistant Professor Jean-François

NEWS

MARCH 7, 2018

Symone Sanders promotes intersectionality By James Bofenkamp

She gained recognition as a leader of the

jbofenk1@msudenver.edu

Freedom Riders. Sanders also related the age of those activists to the students listening.

Symone Sanders gave a speech bridging

“It was the Freedom Riders, it was young

Black History month and Women’s History

people, black, white, Latino, Native American,

month on March 1 in St. Cajetan’s Center

Asian American, otherwise, to get on buses.

MSU Denver hosted its annual Bridge

Young, educated college folks,” Sanders said.

Speaker event in order to bring themes from

She described the government’s

the two months together. Sanders, former

reaction to seeing the young Freedom

national press secretary for Bernie Sanders’

Riders being assaulted for their actions.

2016 presidential campaign, spoke about

“Not the kids! Maybe we should

influential African-American women, and

do something about this,” she

how their actions helped shape the modern

said about the government.

U.S. She finished with descriptions of her

Sanders also recounted her professional

own experiences as part of the campaign,

experiences. She recalled not being

and why the students from Auraria Campus

allowed into events she was working until

should address problems they see.

someone from the staff came down to

“Institutions have never changed

vouch for her. She had the advance team

on their own. They are always pushed.

who prepared the area for the campaign

They’re backed into a corner and made to do things differently,” Sanders said. The event was hosted by MSU Denver’s

rallies tell the building’s staff that there Photo obtained from The Hollywood Reporter Symone Sanders, former national press secretary for Bernie Sanders, spoke at MSU Denver on March 1 about Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

Institute for Women’s Studies and Services.

was a bald black woman coming, when she was in fact the national press secretary for the Bernie Sanders campaign.

Malaya King, an MSU Denver student

student, thought that the speech was

and employee of the IWSS was on the

important because, “in the world, racial

from Kent State University changed the

out to take action. After reading a poem

committee to pick the speaker this year.

conflict is becoming a thing again.”

week-long celebration to a full month in

by Edgar Guest, she remembered

1976 to honor the contributions of African-

why she decided to, as Guest put it,

month. Carter G. Woodson, who earned his

Americans to the U.S. She considered these

“strike out for a goal that’s new.”

Ph.D. from Harvard and was the son of a

students as bold, radical revolutionaries.

“I chose Sanders because she is very powerful when she speaks,” King said. She thought that Sanders would be an

Sanders shared the origins of Black History

excellent pick because not only does she get

slave, created Negro History Week. The week

people to act but, “she encourages students.” Quinn Hunchar, an MSU Denver

Sanders then described how students

Sanders also touched on stepping

“Had I waited for someone to pick

Sanders used the example of Diane Nash

me, to give me access to the things I

covered both Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on

to tie Black History month, Women’s History

thought I should have, I’d be waiting

Feb. 12 and Frederick Douglass’ on Feb. 14.

month and radical revolutionaries together.

a real long time,” Sanders said.

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OPINIONS

MARCH 7, 2018

Render Unto Caesar staff

By Forest Wilson @ fwilso10@msudenver.edu

The tax-exempt status of churches is

George Pearsons and is a part of the facilities of Kenneth Copeland Ministries International.

He is not a unique example either. Houston pastor Joel Osteen, who recently

Editor-in-Chief

Copeland controls the teaching and finances of

came under scrutiny for failing to open his church

protected by the First Amendment and reinforces

the church and is free to politically endorse any

after hurricane Harvey, owns a 10.5 million

Esteban Fernandez eferna14@msudenver.edu

the separation of church and state. Unfortunately,

candidate, despite the Johnson Amendment.

dollar home which also falls under article 107

Managing Editor

this separation is increasingly warping into a

Copeland endorsed Trump. His use of this

protections. Both pastors have enormous spheres

separation of churches from taxes and oversight

loophole is disturbing and unethical because he

of influence. They both own television networks

Ali Watkins awatkin9@msudenver.edu

from the state. Churches have historically been

benefits from the tax-exempt status of the church.

and have thousands of parishioners.

unable to operate in the political sector because

His church owns five private jets and a six million

of a law introduced by President Lyndon Johnson,

dollar mansion that Copeland calls home. All

by pastors to deceive the government and their

which barred nonprofits from endorsing political

assets are tax-free, all financed by his followers.

parishioners while gaining personal profit. It is

An investigation into U.S. tax code reveals

unfortunate for the religious organizations that

candidates. It is referred to as the Johnson

The discrepancies in the law have been used

Assistant Managing Editor Nataleah Small nsmall1@msudenver.edu Interim Photo Editor Kaileigh Lyons klyons9@msudenver.edu

Amendment. President Trump, through an

that Copeland and many other pastors have

maintain their integrity and political separation,

News Editor

executive order in May, relaxed the almost non-

exploited the law to gain enormous wealth,

while charlatans and hucksters have ruined what

existent Treasury Department enforcement of

while maintaining extreme political and social

was once an integral part of our democracy.

Isaac banks cbanks17@msudenver.edu

the Johnson Amendment, allowing churches

influence. According to article 107 of U.S. tax

to formally endorse political candidates.

code, “In the case of a minister of the gospel,

like any other business, we will continue to

gross income does not include: the rental

see the erosion of the separation of church

by many conservative pastors and their

value of a home furnished to him as part of

and state and the increased influence of

congregants. Despite the law, many of them

his compensation; or the rental allowance

religious money on political discourse. The

previously endorsed him before the executive

paid to him as part of his compensation, to

only other option is to close loopholes in the

Miriam Mimi Madrid mayala3@msudenver.edu

order. Many TV pastors have also endorsed

the extent used by him to rent or provide a

tax code that allow ministers to make obscene

Assistant Features Editor

him, using a disturbing loophole in the law.

home and to the extent such allowance does

amounts of money, to influence politics, and

Kenneth Copeland is a televangelist and

Megan Webber mwebber6@msudenver.edu

Trump’s executive action was praised

Unless all religious organizations are taxed

not exceed the fair rental value of the home,

to build tax free stadiums and palaces, while

vocal supporter of Trump who skirts the law,

including furnishings and appurtenances

expecting government aid to rebuild them.

though not primarily pastoring any church of

such as a garage, plus the cost of utilities.”

his own. Eagle Mountain International Church in Fort Worth, Texas is pastored by his son-in-law

This means Copeland’s six million dollar

Assitant News Editor James Bofenkamp jbofenk1@msudenver.edu Forest Wilson fwilso10@msudenver.edu

Sports Editor Rich Allen rallen57@msudenver.edu Assistant Sports Editor

home is deductible in his yearly taxes.

Mathew Stefanksi mstefan3@msudenver.edu James Burky jburky@msudenver.edu Web Editor

Stop what you’re doing and watch Wonder Woman right now

Cassandra Ballard cballar7@msudenver.edu Director of Met Media Steve Haigh shaigh@msudenver.edu Assistant Director of Met Media Ronan O’Shea roshea3@msudenver.edu Production Manager of Met Media

By Ali Watkincs

and are questioned by the men surrounding

no man can cross it,” Steve, played by Chris

awatkin9@msudenver.edu

her. In spite of these obstacles, she manifests

Pine, said. “We can’t save everyone in this

her powers and emerges triumphant.

war. This is not what we came here to do.”

Opening credits roll. The Bechdel Test is

In superhero movies like Spider-Man and

Wonder Woman simply let down her

passed with flying colors. I’m on the edge of

Captain America, the male protagonists are

hair, put on her battle headpiece and said,

my seat as warrior women train in combat. It’s

doubted at first by their peers, but not because

“No but it’s what I’m going to do.”

only been five minutes and I know that “Wonder

of their gender. Peter Parker, the alter ego of

Woman” is easily my new favorite movie.

Spider-Man, is physically weaker and more

to support her. Following her lead, they

academically inclined. He is bullied because

penetrated the troop line and made it to the

he’s a nerd, not because he’s a man.

“No Man’s Land” village. Whether you identify

I hopped on the bandwagon late. The DC comics movie was released nationwide on June 2, 2017. I am not an avid theatre goer so I

Wonder Woman has her love interest, war

didn’t watch it until it was on HBO Go on Feb.

officials and allies trying to protect or silence

10. I’ve watched it two-and-a-half times since.

her despite the fact she can pick up a truck.

Wonder Woman has what every blockbuster,

She proves them wrong every time and as

She charges, making way for her allies

Casting Gadot, an Israeli woman, was

an audience we cheer. There’s even witty

what Hollywood needed. After DC comics

dialogue where she calls out the entitlement

has backed five Superman movies, it’s

action. It also challenges the genre’s tropes that

of men by saying they aren’t necessary for

time we got the heroine we all deserve.

have excluded female stories in Hollywood.

pleasure and beating up a guy in a bar.

”Even at some early test screenings, women were coming to me afterward and saying, ‘I feel

who leaves her home of Themyscira, an island

Land” trench battle. It moved me to tears.

like you made a movie for me!’” Director Patty

of only Amazon women. She fights the god,

There were German troops shooting machine

Jenkins told Rolling Stone. “Wonder Woman”

Ares, and the Germans in WWI. Throughout

guns, standing in the way of a small village.

was a movie made for me and every girl out there.

the movie, her abilities are stifled by her family

“This is No Man’s Land, Diana. That means

Have an article you’d like to contribute? Want to voice your thoughts on a current event or subject that has been covered in the paper? Send your pieces to themetonline@gmail.com or Managing Editor Esteban Fernandez at eferna14@msudenver.edu Last issue in the story “sabbaticals increase for faculty,” we referred to Kenn Bisio as an associate professor. He is a professor at MSU Denver. The Metropolitan regrets the error. Last week we incorrectly stated that there were 18 school shootings in 2018. This number was reported by multiple news organizations and was regrettably not verified by our staff. We apologize for the inaccuracy.

Elizabeth Norberg enorbert@msudenver.edu Sales and Marketing sales@mymetmedia.com marketing@mymetmedia.com Brady Nelson bnelso73@msudenver.edu Caitlin Monaghan cmonagh12@msudenver.edu

“Wonder Woman” is the movie I’ve always wanted. It’s entertaining, funny and inclusive.

character development, special effects and

The most iconic scene was the “No Man’s

Office Manager

as a woman or not the scene was moving.

superhero tale should have: a beautiful score,

Gal Gadot plays Diana, a demigoddess

Kathleen Jewby kjewby@msudenver.edu

What we do The Metropolitan accepts submissions in the form of topic-driven columns and letters to the editor. Column article concepts must be submitted by 1 p.m. Thursdays and the deadline for columns is 9 p.m. Sundays. Columns range from 500 to 600 words. Letters to the editor must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mondays to be printed in that week’s edition. There is a 500-word limit for letters to the editor. The Metropolitan reserves the right to edit letters for formatting and style. All submissions should be sent by email to themetonline@gmail.com. The Metropolitan is produced by and for the students of Metropolitan State University of Denver and serves the Auraria Campus. The Metropolitan is supported by advertising revenue and student fees and is published every Wednesday during the academic year and monthly during the summer semester. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of MSU Denver or Met Media’s advertisers.

FEATURES

MARCH 7, 2018

Astronaut shares vision for leadership and interstellar travel By Nataleah Small

she was always interested in

nsmall@msudenver.edu

science and space. She grew up in a world where speed records

In the 1960s, a young girl living

on the ground and in the air were

on the south side of Chicago looked

broken while the Civil Rights

up at the stars and dreamed of

Movement swept across the U.S.

becoming an astronaut. In 1992,

“I grew up at a time

Dr. Mae Jemison transformed

when our potential seemed

her dream into reality as she

limitless,” Jemison said.

traveled aboard the space shuttle Endeavor, becoming the first woman of color in space. Jemison spoke at the annual Leo Hall Leadership Speaker Series at CU Boulder on Feb. 27. Approximately 1,200 people

“Her very presence engages and inspires our campus and our goals to develop tomorrow’s leaders.” – Philip P. DiStefano

attended the event held in Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, including

Jemison graduated from

students from both Boulder Valley

Stanford in 1977 with a Bachelor of

and St. Vrain Valley school districts.

Science in chemical engineering and

Philip P. DiStefano, CU

Bachelor of Arts in African and Afro-

Boulder chancellor, considered

American studies. She then pursued

Jemison an inspirational leader.

a medical degree at Cornell Medical

“Her very presence engages

College. After spending one year

and inspires our campus and

as a practitioner in Los Angeles,

our goals to develop tomorrow’s

she joined the Peace Corps.

leaders,” DiStefano said. During her address, Jemison

In 1987, she was accepted into NASA’s astronaut program. In 1992,

talked about leadership,

Jemison was in space for a little

technological innovation and

over seven days from Sept. 12-20.

Photo obtained from Wikimedia Commons

“I felt very connected with the

Mae Jemison on space shuttle Endeavour in Sep. 1992. Jemison was the first African-American woman in space with her first flight to space in Sep. 1992.

her vision for the future of space exploration. For space

entire universe,” Jemison said

exploration to be successful, she

regarding her time on the Endeavor.

argued that people should work

In 1993, Jemison resigned

the technology required for

others,” Jemison said. “That’s

negative images as well as just bad

together and share their ideas.

from NASA. She is currently the

interstellar travel will look much

what schools are about, that’s

stories. So this is refreshing.”

principal of 100 Year Starship, an

different than what we have today,

what leadership is about.”

that I see is our lack of shared

organization dedicated to traveling

she believes if people from different

understanding and the connections

beyond our solar system to another

walks of life can work together,

chemical engineer, also believes

percent of girls are interested

we have,” Jemison said. “For a

star within the next 100 years.

these dreams can become realities.

interstellar travel is possible in her

in science, technology and

“You may be very bright and

lifetime if people can work together

mathematics. Once girls turn 13,

and accept each other’s differences.

she said only 20 percent of girls

“The major stumbling block

truly extraordinary future and a

“I believe pursuing an

better world today, we need to have

extraordinary tomorrow creates

have all this talent, but in order

visions that cross generations.”

a better today,” Jemison said.

to be useful, we have to work

Born in 1956, Jemison said

Although Jemison acknowledged

with others and be fashioned by

Kala Bean, Boulder resident and

Harris explained that between the ages of six and 12, about 66

are still interested in STEM fields.

“One big thing that I learned was to follow your dreams even though you’re scared of something.” – Araea Gatewood

She said this happens because girls become more interested in beauty, since they do not see themselves represented in these fields. “They need to see, and be exposed to these representations, despite what their current

“Technologies that she mentioned are already available and can have the minor

Araea Gatewood, a 10-yearold student from Barney Ford

that possible,” Bean said.

Elementary school and member

Curls on the Block, an organization that helps empower girls of color,

of Curls on the Block, said she was inspired by Jemison’s speech. “One big thing that I learned

attended the event with three

was to follow your dreams

members of her organization.

even though you’re scared of

She said it was important for

something,” Gatewood said. “Still

them to see a woman of color

do it because something good

advocating for the sciences.

could happen out of that dream.”

“These opportunities to hear

Six-year-old Maya Kemble from Denver asks a poignant question to Dr. Mae Jemison during the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series talk at the University of Colorado Boulder on Feb. 27.

said. “It’s planting seeds.”

improvements that would make Analise Harris, president of

Photo by Casey A. Cass of University of Colorado

dreams are, is really vital,” Harris

According to Jemison,

well-spoken individuals who

people should be empowered

have a lot of experience and are

to dream big and believe their

investing back in their community,

contributions are valuable.

is important,” Harris said. “We often times are bombarded with

“We have a place at the table, we have to use it,” Jemison said.

FEATURES

MARCH 7, 2018

Mae Jemison’s super-stellar life trajectory From the Southside of Chicago to space and then some

1993

Oct. 17, 1956 Mae Carol Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama. When she was three years old she moved to Chicago with her family.

1992

1987 1973 - 1977

Resigned from NASA and appeared as Lieutenant Palmer on the sixth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Accepted into NASA’s astronaut program.

September 12-20 she traveled into space in the Space Shuttle Endeavour. During the cooperative mission between the U.S. and Japan, she conducted experiments on frogs, weightlessness and motion sickness.

2012

Attended Stanford University and received a B.S. in chemical engineering and B.A. in African and AfroAmerican Studies.

Jemison won the $500,000 Defense Advanced Research Project Agency bid to fund the 100 Year Starship project. She is currently the principal of this organization. Infographic by Mimi Madrid | mayala3@msudenver.edu

Theatre Corner: Classic delivered with heart By Avery Anderson aande133@msudenver.edu

“All My Sons” is presented as a part of the Arvada Center Repertory Black Box season and is

Few shows are able to keep their relevance and emotional impact years after their premiere.

got mixed up with the wrong thing they are much more than that. “There are certain men in

by far the crowning achievement

the world that would rather

of the set of plays they are staging.

see every man in the world

Sam Gregory delivers a knock-

hang before taking the blame,”

“All My Sons” first premiered in

out performance as Joe Keller. His

Keller says while talking

1947 and still packs as much of

performance was as complex and

about his partner in prison.

a punch in 2018 as it did then.

deep as the character demanded.

Arthur Miller’s classic work is

“All My Sons” is more than just

Joe is the snake of the story, doing

a play about the struggles that

a drama about the Keller family.

his best to fool those around him

the family is facing. It is a social

Set on the outskirts of a small

and getting them to think what he

commentary about accepting

American town, the family is

wants. Gregory is so convincing

responsibility for one’s actions and

confronted with the effects of

in this role he gets the audience

dealing with the consequences

World War II and the consequences

to believe anything he wants.

that come with them. Miller’s

of their choices during the war.

Making her Arvada Center

twist on the American Dream and

debut this season is two time

question of if money, a home and

a local manufacturing plant owner.

Colorado Theatre Guild Henry

family are all worth it still has just

During the war, he and his partner

Award winner Emma Messenger.

as much cultural relevance and

were charged with making faulty

Messenger has performed for

impact today as it did in 1947.

parts that killed several pilots.

several years locally and has

Leading the family is Joe Keller,

Although he was cleared of all

This cast and crew has created

gained a name for playing the

a compelling, engaging and

charges there are those that still

women that have a bit of a bite to

relevant piece of classic drama.

believed that he was guilty. Family

them. Her take on the role of Kate

From the designs to the acting,

matriarch Kate Keller, played by

Keller was simply impeccable.

each and every member poured

Emma Messenger, keeps the house

Messenger was hitting her stride

their whole heart and soul into

together while still holding onto

with every backhanded comment

this production and it came across

the hope that her youngest son

and snide remark made.

as a stunning display of art.

will come home after three years of being labeled missing in action.

Although the Kellers come across as the nice neighbors who

Photo courtesy of Arvada Center

Emma Messenger as Kate Keller and Abner Genece as Dr. Jim Bayliss in “All My Sons” at the Arvada Center. “All My Sons” will be at the Arvada Center from March 2 to May 3.

FEATURES

MARCH 7, 2018

Book signing in Emmanuel Art Gallery

Ana Castillo closes Belleza Mexicana exhibition | Continued from cover

Chavez said that the event makes her feel like passionate work continues and progress is made.

Castilo weaves her experiences

She thanked both Abarca and Jeff

growing up as an active member

Lambson, director and curator

in the Chicano movement into

of the Emmanuel Art Gallery, for

her writings. She reminisced

helping set up and host the reading.

on how she would skip her job to go march at city hall. The stars were aligned when Castillo agreed to come into the gallery. Diana Chavez was doing her normal routine as director of Las Adelitas, a nonprofit that supports Latinas who have experienced violence and trauma. She posted one of Castillo’s books on Facebook, and Castillo thanked her for doing

“As soon as I learned to read, I fell in love with literature and the written word. As I grew older, what was missing for me were people that looked like members of my family.” – Ana Castillo

so. This started a domino effect that ended with Castillo coming

“It’s people connecting

to the art gallery for a reading.

with people and things going

The Belleza Mexicana exhibition,

forward,” Chavez said.

which has exceeded expectations

Castillo read from her book “Peel

with over 3,000 visitors, provided

My Love Like an Onion.” The novel is

the perfect backdrop for the event.

about a girl named Carmen, who has

Adrianna Abarca, owner of the

polio, and her journey to become

art provided for the exhibition,

a dancer. Castillo said that Carmen

said this was a great opportunity

is one of her favorite characters,

to bring Castillo in for a reading

and has taught her much.

because of the exhibition’s theme of empowered women. The event was made possible

“As soon as I learned to read,

Photos by Ali Watkins | awatkin9@msudenver.edu

Elena Townsend speaks to Ana Castillo as one of the five books she bought gets signed on March 1 at the Emmanuel Gallery. Castillo read excerpts from her books, including “Peel My Love Like an Onion.”

I fell in love with literature and the written word. As I grew older,

through the collaboration of

what was missing for me were

multiple people and organizations.

people that looked like members

of my family,” Castillo said.

because of the Chicana themes and

appreciated the different point of

She then went on to talk

different elements in each book.

view. She said that when Hispanic

about her autobiography “Black

“Her books are different,

people came into the gallery they

Dove: Mamá, Mi’jo, and Me.”

and her memoir, we can relate

The title comes from a mariachi

to because we grew up in the

song called “Paloma Negra.”

same era,” Maes said.

When Castillo left home, her mother sang this song to her. After the reading, Castillo sat down in the upstairs sections of the gallery to sign books and take

Adrianna Abarca opens the night, speaking to the audience as they wait for Ana Castillo to arrive, on March 1 at the Emmanuel Gallery. Abarca co-curated Belleza Mexicana: Art from the Abarca Family Collection with CU Denver students.

“I think different cultures experience different ways of life and I think, with that being said,

“It’s people connecting with people and things going forward.” – Diana Chavez

pictures. Tina Anglada-Gomes and Joycelyn Maes, two friends

connected with the exhibition.

having someone write about their lifestyle through their own eyes is really great,” Hazelton said. The book signing provided a perfect ending to the Belleza

CU Denver student Katherine

Mexicana exhibition. Castillo

that are fans of Castillo’s, waited

Hazelton works at the gallery

books are on Amazon for those

patiently in line to get their books

and was at the event. She

who want to give it a read.

signed. They admire Castillo’s books

enjoyed listening to Castillo and

MSU Denver freshman Jodie Stone examines the Oaxaca Filigree jewlrey displayed at the Belleza Mexicana: Art from the Abarca Family Collection at the Emmanuel Gallery on March 1.

MARCH 7, 2018

FEATURES

Festival uplifts the work of Asian film directors

The Colorado Dragon Film Festival finds a home for its third year By Kavann Tok ktok@msudenver.edu

“We originally started the Dragon Boat Festival 18 years ago, and we decided that we wanted

The third annual Colorado

hoon has autism, which ChulJong has to learn how to adapt. “It’s kind of neat that we’re

to give back to the community

starting with this film, and

Dragon Film Festival celebrated

in a different way, other than

April is Autism Awareness

Asian culture through nine full-

hands-on sporting activities,”

Month,” Eloriaga said.

length features and 23 short films

said Executive Director of Dragon

Japanese director Naoko

at the Alamo Drafthouse Denver

5280 Sara Moore. “We wanted it

Ogigami’s “Close-Knit” features

on March 2-4. This year’s spotlight

to be a bit more art and cinema.

a transgender character, and is

country was Korea, with two movies

We had a committee come

considered to be the milestone

from director Jung Yoon-Suk’s

together, and they brainstormed

of Ogigami’s career since she

“Bamseom Pirates Seoul Inferno,”

this child of a film festival.”

exposes a topic rarely showcased

and director Choi Kook-hee’s “Split.”

Dragon 5280 is a nonprofit that sponsors both the Colorado

“If you don’t share your culture with others, that’s what leads to ignorance, that’s not a good thing. We want to educate people. This is who we are.” – Lorraine Eloriaga Lorraine Eloriaga, director of the Colorado Dragon Film Festival, described the event as the little

Film critic and historian Mark Shilling of The Japan Times held

Dragon Boat Festival. Moore

a Q&A session after “Close-

spoke about film curator Jason

Knit,” discussing prior depictions

Suzuki who selected films from

of transgender characters in

numerous Asian countries and

Japanese film. Ogigami’s career

showcased various genres from

and where this film falls in terms

animated shorts to horror. Moore

of theme and tone of her prior

said the purpose is to continue the

work were also discussed. Eloriaga said the Colorado

to promote cultural awareness of

Dragon Film Festival will have an

different Asian communities to the

educational impact on its guests.

general public through cinema.

A unique movie theater experience

in Japanese cinema.

Dragon Film Festival and Colorado

Dragon Boat Festival’s mission

Alamo Drafthouse

“If you don’t share your culture

Photos by Kavann Tok | ktok@msudenver.edu

The Chris Herbst Jazz ensemble performs at BarFly on Feb. 11. They perform every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alamo Drafthouse Sloan’s Lake. The Alamo Drafthouse provides

There’s everything from shakes,

a unique movie experience that

cocktails, craft microbreweries

with others, that’s what leads to

excites movie buffs everywhere.

and their “Silence of the

sister of the Dragon Boat Festival,

of films as, “Not only entertaining,

ignorance,” Eloriaga said. “That’s

The theater chain is known for

Lambs” signature wines.

which takes places at Sloan’s Lake

but touches on social issues that are

not a good thing. We want to

its curated programming such as

Steve Bessette, creative

in the summer. It is an annual event

really huge in our lives right now.”

educate people. This is who we are.”

independent films and Hollywood

director, said customers might

to build awareness, knowledge and

Eloriaga describes the repertoire

Director Choi Kook-Hhee’s film

Other films include Vivian

classics restored to the big

save money while they broaden

understanding of diverse Asian

“Split” explores autism as a subject.

Qu’s “Angels Wear White” from

screen. It has also hosted some

their film horizons. Bessette

Pacific-American communities

The movie is about Chul-Jong,

China, Keisuke Yoshida’s “Hime-

of the biggest film festivals in the

has a Hulu and Netflix account,

through athletic competition and

played by Yoo Ji-tae, who was

Anole” from Japan, Padmakumar

nation. It was founded in 1997, by

but still loves the experience of

cultural education. The highlight

forced to abandon his professional

Narasimhamurthy’s “A Billion

Tim and Karrie League in Austin,

watching a film at the theater.

of the fest is the competitive

bowling career as a result of a car

Colour Story” from India and

Texas. Both had a passion for

Dragon Boat race which includes

accident. He sees Young-hoon (Lee

Nattawut Poonpiriya’s “Bad Genius”

movies with a side of food and

seeing a curated movie in the

teams and paddlers from all over

David) in the bowling alley making

from Thailand. In addition, there was

beer. They started the company

theater is the best way to see it.”

the world. The Colorado Dragon

strike after strike so Chul-Jong

a mystery screening of a festival

as a one-screen operation that

Boat Festival will be on July 28-29

decides that he’d like to work with

favorite and live action shorts.

showed second-run titles.

at Sloans Lake Park in Denver.

him. He then finds out Young-

Matthew Teves, a first-time guest

Tim and Karrie League first

“I still believe that, for me,

The Alamo Drafthouse is also open to suggestions from the public. Bessette would like to know

at the film festival, was there to see

met at Rice University in Houston,

Mikhail Red’s “Birdshot,” an Oscar-

Texas. In 1994, they left for

nominated movie for Best Foreign

Bakersfield, California to open their

Language Film. As a Filipino man,

first theater, the Tejon. However,

Teves wanted to show support by

it only lasted two years because

said the uniqueness of the Alamo

viewing a motion picture made in

they were unable to get a liquor

Drafthouse is the wide range of

his home country. It was also Teves’

license. That’s when they moved

specialty showing they provide.

first time at the Alamo Drafthouse.

back to Texas in 1997, and built the

Many are rare and obscure films

first Alamo Drafthouse in Austin.

that aren’t typically shown on

Teves said. “It creates a great

The theater served a full menu

big screens anywhere else.

environment to be at. I’m very

that included beer and wine.

“Friendly people, friendly staff,”

much involved in the Colorado

The first location in Colorado

what people want to see more of. “If there’s enough demand for something, we want to do it.” Technical director Kendal Hurst

“We also have a projection team dedicated to maintaining

Dragon Film Festival. I’m here as a

opened in Littleton in March

our presentation and running

spectator, but I do participate with

2013, and four years later, a

events,” Hurst said. “We often

the community as much as I can.”

second establishment opened in

have Q&A’s following screenings

Eloriaga said this is the first

the Edgewater neighborhood in

and we also still run shows on

year that the Colorado Dragon

Denver. They currently have 29

35 millimeter in Littleton.”

Film Festival is at an actual theater

locations and continue to grow.

and feels blessed that the Alamo

Some of the items on the menu

Alexandra Griesmer, director of marketing, said students would

Drafthouse wanted to work with

include the Crème Brûlée French

enjoy the programming in BarFly,

their organization. Suzuki said it

Toast, Omnivore & Carnivore

the bar at the Sloan’s Lake location.

was previously held at the King

Pizzas and the Royale with

“We host bands, poetry readings,

Center at Auraria Campus, and the

Cheese burger. If you need a tasty

comedy nights and Mario Kart

opening night to last year’s fest

beverage to wash it all down with,

brunch battles, to name a few,

was at the Denver Art Museum.

there’s plenty to choose from.

and all of these events are free.”

“I’m completely enjoying working with the team at Alamo Drafthouse,” Eloriaga said. “They’re

Director of Colorado Dragon Film Festival Lorraine Eloriaga at Alamo Drafthouse Sloan’s Lake location on March 3. Eloriaga is also involved with the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival.

a huge part of our festival this year, and they’ve just been a joy to work with. Showing it in an actual theater is the way it’s supposed to be seen.”

Use your student ID for discount rates on movies: 3D Screenings: Regular Screenings: Before 12:00pm - $9.25 Before 12:00pm - $5.75 12:00pm-6:00pm - $12 12:00pm-6:00pm - $8.50 After 6:00pm - $13 After 6:00pm - $9.50

Summer Courses CAS 1010: Public Speaking CAS 1710: Interpersonal Comm. Both count as an Oral Comm. General Sudies credit.

Summer Options CAS 1301:

Major in Communication Studies

The Communication Perspective

CAS 2160: Org. Comm. Theory CAS 2270: Gender and Communication CAS 3100: Business and Professional Speaking CAS 3301: Rhetorical Foundations of Comm. CAS 4301: Comm. Ethics CAS 4310: Storytelling - Dr. Kottenstette

Major in Speech, Language or Hearing Sciences

CAS 4460: Sports Discourse

For the first time in the summerâ&#x20AC;Ś SLHS 1610 American Sign Language

SPORTS

MARCH 7, 2018

NCAA Tournament next for women’s basketball Roadrunners prepare for first berth since 2013 Despite having the lead for

By Matthew Stefanski mstefan3@msudenver.edu After a 22-8 season that

Pueblo, the top seed from the

nearly the entire game, including

RMAC and a team the Roadrunners

holding BHSU to just six points in

beat earlier in the season.

the first quarter, the Roadrunners

But the sweetest part for

included a run of nine wins in a

stumbled in the final quarter. They

the team is that the berth is a

row, the MSU Denver women’s

were unable to score a basket in

culmination of a four-season

basketball team has earned an

the last 4:45 of the game, allowing

long grind for the seniors. After

invite into the NCAA Division

BHSU to take a 51-50 lead with

three straight 13-win seasons,

II National Tournament.

just over a minute to go before

the Roadrunners saw light last

adding one more point from the

season when they qualified for

40 schools selected by the NCAA

free-throw line. Senior Emily

the RMAC Tournament, but a

Division II Women’s Basketball

Hartegan took the final shot, but

first round loss put them just out

Committee to participate in

was unable to convert, ending

of reach of the NCAA National

the tournament. The other 24

both the Roadrunners’ tournament

Tournament. Regardless, the team

teams in the field of 64 were

run and winning streak.

pushed forward into the 2017-18

The Roadrunners were one of

automatically qualified by winning

The loss was damaging to their

season with their focus on finally

their conference championships.

chances, as other conferences

Selections were announced on

in the South Central region had

March 4, when the team held a

several strong teams that were

has finally brought them a

watch party to see if they would be

also vying for a berth, with only

successful chance to participate

picked for their first tournament

four spots to be selected. BHSU’s

in the tournament, head coach

berth since the 2012-13 season.

upset also gave them a leg up

Tanya Haave wants the team

So, when their name was called

in the process, forcing the MSU

to remember the feelings they

and the drought officially ended,

Denver players to cross their

are experiencing and carry that

the players were ecstatic.

fingers that they would be one of

forward in their careers. She also

three other teams to be picked.

wants the seniors to recognize the

“Just pure excitement,” said senior J’Nae Squires-Horton.

making it to the Big Dance. But now that their hard work

“I was kind of in this limbo,

payoff for their four tough years.

Photo by Giacomo Di Franco | gdifranc@msudenver.edu

“The message for the seniors

MSU Denver point guard Jaelynn Smith dribbles up the court in the game against Bemidji State University on Nov. 24, 2017. Smith finished with 11 points and 8 assists in the game.

“We kind of had an idea we were

almost, on Friday night because

going to make it, but we really

I didn’t know whether to feel

is, ‘Hey, this is their reward for

didn’t know for sure. It was just

sad that my college career was

their hard work,’” Haave said.

excitement and being grateful that

over or kind of hopeful that we

“For the underclassmen it’s

you get another opportunity to

can still play again,” said senior

‘Hey, now you see what this is

from several different states and

play with your teammates again.”

Georgia Ohrdorf. “So there was

like, what this feels like.’ The

conferences. If they are able to

a bit of sadness, I think, but

motivation to continue working is

advance out of their region, they

junior Jaelynn Smith. “It’s a new

now we get to play again.”

that you want to be back here.”

will travel to Sioux Falls, South

environment that we have never

Dakota to participate in the Elite

been in, so it’s going to be exciting

There was cause for concern about being snubbed. Despite a strong 21-7 regular season

Their worries were alleviated

The Roadrunners will take on

eager to live the experience. “It’s just exciting,” said

record, the No. 2 Roadrunners

when the Roadrunners’ name was

CSU-Pueblo in their first round

Eight against the winners of the

just to see how much participation

lost to No. 3 Black Hills State

called for the No. 6 seed in the

game. They will stay in Lubbock

other seven regions. Despite the

there is and being in a neutral

University 52-50 in the semifinals

region. They will travel to Lubbock,

for the first three games of the

obvious nerves of the team’s

spot and just having the fans who

of the Rocky Mountain Athletic

Texas on March 9 to take on No. 3

tournament, where they will

first chance in the tournament in

can come support us. I think it’ll

Conference Tournament.

seed Colorado State University-

play in front of a large crowd

five years, the players are also

be fun for everybody involved.”

Roadrunners athletics review Softball

Baseball

at University

Women’s Golf

vs Colorado

of Colorado Colorado Springs

March 3 L

0-6

1-3

March 4 L

7-8

16-12

State University-Pueblo

March 5-6 at Tim Tierney

Pioneer Shootout

March 2 W

L 81-88

Women’s Tennis

10-8

March 3

March 2

10-16

4-1

March 4 W 16-4

Women’s Basketball

vs Tarleton State University March 3 vs St. Mary’s University March 3 vs Cameron

University

W 5-4

L 0-9

L 2-5

March 2 vs Black Hills State University

L 50-52

Men’s Tennis March 3 vs St. Mary’s University March 3 vs Cameron University

W 5-4

SPORTS

MARCH 7, 2018

Roadrunners baseball earns first RMAC series victory thanks to offensive outburst Led by Kennedy and Ortiz, MSU Denver puts up 40 runs on ThunderWolves

By Rich Allen

the RMAC Tournament. What

one side and down the other,”

rallen57@msudenver.edu

resulted was a culture of chirping

Strube said. “It hurt a little bit.

at each other across the field

I had a little bit of a chip on my

between two vocal teams.

shoulder. It feels good to come

An offensive barrage gave the Roadrunners a series

But, in the 2018 edition of

out here and get a good win.”

win over a bitter rival in their

the matchup, it was one side

first Rocky Mountain Athletic

carrying the conversation, as

Roadrunners had outscored their

Conference competition of 2018.

the Roadrunners silenced the

opponents 40 to 29, continuing

ThunderWolves for much of the

to build a reputation as one of

four from the Colorado State

series. In game one, they erased

the RMAC’s top offenses. Their

University-Pueblo ThunderWolves

a 7-2 deficit — capitalized by a

.349 batting average, 179 hits,

on the strength of 40 runs in the

bases-loaded, go-ahead triple

.430 on-base percentage and 46

series spanning March 3-5 at the

in the eighth inning by Sean

doubles all top the conference,

Regency Athletic Complex. Even

Kennedy — to win 10-8. They

each by significant margins.

without their normal cleanup

dropped game two, but still

Only juggernaut Colorado Mesa

hitter and a tame, four-run output

managed 10 runs of offense.

University has scored more runs,

MSU Denver took three of

in game three, the Roadrunners

In the final two games,

After the dust settled, the

but is still .22 points behind in

bashed their way to a 10 runs per

any form of ThunderWolves

batting average and .14 in OBP.

game average on the weekend and

momentum was snuffed out

While the pitching and defense has

lifted their overall record to 7-9.

swiftly and emphatically by the

lagged behind, the high-octane

Supplemented by strong starting

Roadrunners. They only led for

offense has kept the Roadrunners

pitching, the team tempered

three outs in the latter half of

relevant, even after facing two

their pre-conference play woes

the series, after scoring first in

NCAA Division II top-25 teams.

with a morale boost against a

game four. This breath of life,

ThunderWolves team that they

however, was smothered by a

come from the entirety of the

were especially happy to beat.

Logan Soole grand slam in the

lineup, the top two batters have

bottom of the frame. Senior

aptly led the way. Kennedy, who

bit with Pueblo,” said head

starting pitcher Beecher Strube

Strain said was deserving of not

coach Ryan Strain. “They play

ensured that the lead would be

just RMAC Player of the Week but

hard. They talk a lot. They’re

preserved, holding CSU-Pueblo

also Player of the Month, leads

into it. So, there’s a little bit

to two runs in his seven innings

the conference with a .446 batting

of chippiness going on.”

of work. For Strube, it was

average and is reaching base more

redemptive for his performance

than 55 percent of the time as

Roadrunners, the rivalry with

against the ThunderWolves last

the leadoff hitter. This weekend,

CSU-Pueblo has stirred and grown

season, when he gave up seven

he went 8-for-15 with five walks,

for some time. After tight contests

runs and was pulled in the first.

eight RBIs and 10 runs. Behind

CSU-Pueblo, building the one-two

done with different guys, then

him, Donny Ortiz Jr. is hitting .426,

dynamic from the tablesetters.

we’re in really good shape.”

”There’s always been a little

For the senior-heavy

in the regular season four-game

”After last year, when they

Though the production has

Photos by Rich Allen | rallen57@msudenver.edu

MSU Denver players Sean Kennedy and Donny Ortiz Jr. wait on deck as CSUPueblo pitcher Jacob Garcia warms up at the Regency Athletic Complex on March 4. Kennedy and Ortiz are both top five in the RMAC in batting average.

With the offense solidified and

split in 2017, MSU Denver walked

beat me up — I didn’t get out

tied for third in the conference.

off the ThunderWolves in the

of the first inning — they ran

He went 8-for-19 with a walk,

guy like that,” Kennedy said. “You

producing, the pitching has started

10th inning of the first round of

their mouths and just lit me up

five RBIs and three runs against

just get on, he’s going to get you

to catch up. The performances

over and get you in. Dude can hit.”

of Strube, Cade Crader and Javi

“It’s easy hitting in front of a

Beyond the two at the top,

offense suppressed enough to

miss a beat when all-RMAC

compete with. Even after keeping

first team first baseman Cale

CSU-Pueblo below five runs twice

O’Donnell went down with a knee

in the series, the MSU Denver staff

injury. But, key performances

is still third-to-last in the RMAC

from other players, like junior

in ERA. But, as they reduced their

transfer Jake Kistaitis and junior

walk counts this weekend, success

outfielder Aaron Germani, who

followed as all four starters

worked his way into the lineup

allowed less than three free base

following O’Donnell’s injury and

runners. Comparatively, Vega

is now hitting over .400, giving

yielded three in his first start,

Strain a lot to consider when

and did not pitch into the sixth

his star cleanup hitter returns.

inning. As the team gets deeper

”That’s one of the good

into the season, the pitchers are

things, when I have to make

finding the strike zone — and

tough decisions,” Strain said.

subsequently success — more.

“On the offensive side, it needs

MSU Denver outfielder Hunter Donaldson digs in to the batter’s box in the sixth inning of the Roadrunners’ contest with CSU-Pueblo at the Regency Athletic Complex on March 4. Donaldson is one of four senior hitters on the team to have been named all-RMAC preseason team.

Vega all kept the ThunderWolves

the offense was expected to

The Roadrunners hope to

to be difficult for me to write

continue the offensive prowess

the nine names. If I can just put

and develop their pitching as

in nine names, or write in six

the schedule continues with

or seven and then just hope for

a four-game set at the New

the other three, we’re not very

Mexico Highlands University

good. When you have a good

Cowboys, starting on March 9.

lineup and you can get things

MARCH 7, 2018

SPORTS

Atypical season continues for softball By James Burky

conference opening series against

the lineup and, despite some

jburky@msudenver.edu

the Colorado State University-

predictable freshman struggles,

Pueblo ThunderWolves that

has earned the admiration of Van

they were able to solve the case.

Wetzinga, who praised Wright’s

groove, but believe them Stella,

Someone needed to step up to the

maturity as a player her age.

they’re trying to get it back.

plate, and the batters did just that.

MSU Denver has lost their

The revelation that the

In the last two series, the

“I’m improving a lot defense wise,” Wright said when

Roadrunners aren’t the same team

Roadrunners have tallied 42

reflecting on how she’s improved

that won 36 games a year ago isn’t

runs — they scored six less in

over the last month. “Just not

new. They lost key starters, like

the previous twelve games —

getting in my head too much,

pitcher Cassidy Smith, and are

as well as 75 of their 140 hits

just the little things. Because

developing a roster that holds six

on the season. They’re just

that’s what it comes down to.

underclassmen and three transfer

3-5 in that span, though.

I’ve been playing softball since

players. These are not excuses, but rather, an explanation. The Roadrunners have

The perpetrators of the drastic shift are the usual suspects.

I was 5 years old, it’s easy.” Improving is key, and even

Sarena Espinoza has a pair of

though the offense has done so,

established a reputation of

home runs in the last two series.

the pitching and defense have

authoritarianism in the Rocky

Espinoza, the team’s vocal and

not to the same degree. The

Mountain Athletic Conference

emotional leader, had a mile-wide

Roadrunners currently rank fifth in

under head coach Annie Van

smile after hitting a seventh inning

the RMAC in fielding percentage,

Wetzinga. But, if the weekend’s

home run down left field, in the

hovering at around 95. Looming

three losses in four tries against

Roadrunners’ lone 16-12 win over

like a Kansas funnel cloud are

the University of Colorado

the Mountain Lions. As Espinoza

their 30 errors. That figure, plus

and downs, and her first month

upset. Or, at least, she learned

Colorado Springs Mountain

found her groove, fellow senior

the well-documented struggles of

of play is not only comparable

to mask such mortal feelings for

Lions shows anything it’s that,

Kristyn Peters established herself

the pitching staff, are more-than-

to Wright’s, but perhaps the

an unforgiving, cruel game from

contrary to expectations, this

as a statistical machine, leading

enough reasons for this team to be

team’s as a whole. The results

Burnside and McGhee’s persona.

team is made of fallible people.

the team in batting average, hits,

doubted by others and themselves.

haven’t surfaced yet, but the

“We have a good group of

homers and RBIs. Perhaps their

But doubt is a dangerous

Photo obtained from MSU Denver Softball

Sarena Espinoza is greeted at the plate by her teammates after hitting a home run against UCCS on March 4 in Colorado Springs. The Roadrunners defeated the Mountain Lions 16-12.

talent and potential is there.

“They don’t show their emotions and they don’t let

girls,” Van Wetzinga said. “I

production was a given. Joe

path. Though not tangible, it can

don’t think, at all, work ethic is

DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle

metastasize at an uncontrollable

Kylee Burnside and sophomore

that’s the biggest thing that

the issue. It’s confidence and

never disappeared in their prime,

rate until it has defeated

ace Darby McGhee mentoring

I look for,” Lopez said. “I’m

them playing with confidence

they were consistently the best

everyone it has touched.

Lopez, she’s gaining the needed

trying to be the way they are.”

and aggressiveness.”

on the stat sheet and diamond.

The Roadrunners, 6-14 with

Freshman Koryna Wright’s

With fellow pitchers junior

things get to them and I think

“Coach tells us, ‘trust the

intangibles for the position. Her

process’ all the time and I think

lessons haven’t been inside the

dusting themselves off, the

Picking each other up and

a 3-5 RMAC record, spent most

production, however, has been

that’s right,” said freshman

safe confines of a classroom, but

Roadrunners will attempt to

of the season sleuthing around

a welcome surprise. A month

pitcher Destinee Lopez. “You

instead rather field experience. In

rebound when they return

to recover their identity. They

into her collegiate career, she’s

go through the grind day-in

the first matchup Sunday, Lopez

home this weekend for a four

searched relentlessly, hobbling to

cloaked herself until now. Starting

and day-out and I think that’s

allowed five runs in a skosh under

game series against conference

a 3-9 record in their first 12 games

the last eight games at third

the most important thing.”

four innings. In a tough outing

rival Fort Lewis College.

of the season. It wasn’t until their

base, Wright has been thrust into

Lopez has had her share of ups

by any metric, she was never

The hero the NFL needs fact he has just one hand.

By James Burky jburky@msudenver.edu

His story as an amputee has been told ad nauseam.

The NFL has been in hot water

Griffin is the man the NFL

for what feels like forever.

so, NFL.com scout Lance Zierlein rates him as a late round pick. But he doesn’t have to become an All-Pro starter to be a success.

needs and the player the

He doesn’t need to break Derrick

fans need. It’s been bleak to

Thomas’ single game record of

time when one’s first thought at

support a seemingly soulless

seven sacks for us to cheer him

hearing the name of the league

corporation. The NFL represents

on. Even if he spends the next

wasn’t, “covering up the dangers of

everything wrong with greed and

three years playing kick and

sub-concussive hits to the head,”

capitalism in human nature.

punt coverage, he still will have

Believe it or not, there was a

“widespread domestic abuse and

Though not perfect on or off the

made it. He still will be living

character issues” or anything else

field, Griffin is more than a feel-good

proof to the cliche mindset that

from the myriad of reasons to dislike

story. He’s hope. He showcases

if you work hard enough, you

the NFL. It sucks. These are the

everything that can be right in

can achieve your dreams.

main arguments when someone

a human being. His unwavering

argues how bad a corporation can

determination to achieve a dream,

that an 8 year old with one hand

be and it’s a tough point to counter.

He’s one of the few people

no matter what obstacles lay ahead.

can look up to the same way a

University of Central Florida

AP photo by Michael Conroy

He was the emotional leader for one

40 year old with both can.

linebacker and potential draftee

Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis on March 4.

of the best teams in college football.

Shaquem Griffin provided a glimmer of hope and delivered

No matter how discouraged we

When he didn’t receive an invitation

may be, someone has overcome

to the Combine, he petitioned for

more. Change your life, apply

a much needed reminder to fans

Saquon Barkley’s performance, nor

game in the Golden Knight’s upset

himself to gain one and when he did

for that job, ask out your crush,

about why they love the game.

the astoundingly bad showing from

victory over Auburn University

arrive in Indianapolis, he left it all

put in the extra work even if it

University of Oklahoma offensive

in the Citrus Bowl, to clinch a

on the field — with just one hand.

means not seeing friends.

of prospective college players

lineman Orlando Brown Jr. Rather,

perfect season. He also ran a

The story of Griffin in the NFL

stripped down to a skin tight onesie

it was Griffin’s mere presence.

4.38 40-yard dash, the fastest

may not have a happy ending. He’s

story, it should be that no matter

run by a linebacker in 15 years.

rather undersized at his position

how down one might be, dreams

and his tackling mechanics have

and goals are achievable, you just

room for improvement. Citing

have to be willing to put in the work.

At the NFL Combine, hundreds

to showcase their skills to scouts

Griffin had a great season in

from all 32 teams. The biggest

2017, totaling over 70 tackles,

takeaway wasn’t potential top pick

seven sacks and was player of the

What elevates him to Rudy Ruettiger status is the

If we take anything from Griffin’s

EVENTS

EVENTS AT AURARIA

CONCERTS

3.7

MSU Career Fair

3.7

Starry Mario

Location Grandma’s House

MARCH 7, 2018

ROADRUNNER ATHLETICS 3.9

SuicideGirls

Men’s Tennis

Women’s Tennis

Location Summit Music Hall

Go find a job. Hosted

Price $40

Price $20

by career center.

Time 6:30 P.M.

Time 8 p.m.

Location Baerresen Ballroom Price Free

3.8 VS. Colorado Christian Location Lakewood

Price Varies

Time 3:30

Time 2:30 P.M. 3.7 Beethoven and Brews Location Blue Moon Brewing 3.8

Empowerment

3.9

Video Games Live

Location Boettcher

Price $65

Price $15

Time 7:30 p.m.

Baseball 00.00 VS. New Mexico

Cultural literacy and

Location Las Vegas, NM

empowerment meeting Location KC 203 Price Free Time 3:30 P.M.

3.8

TRANSforming

Location CU Boulder

3.9

King Lear

Women’s Basketball 3.9 VS. Colorado State Location Lubbock, TX

Price Varies

Time 2 p.m.

Time 12 p.m.

Location Bakery Arts Warehouse

Price Free

Price $15

Time 8:00 a.m.

Time 7:30

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS 3.9

Title IX Training 3.8 Army ROTC training

Location TV 640

Tatanaka

Location Mexican Cultural Center

3.9

The Modern West

Basketball

Location Havu Gallery

Price Free

Time 6 p.m.

3.7 Cavs @ Nuggets Location Pepsi Center

3.9 Lakers @ Nuggets Location Pepsi Center

Price Free

Price Varies

Time 8:00 A.M.

Time 8:30 p.m.

Time 7 p.m.

3.9

Talent Night

Location ECDC African Center 3.10

Decathlon

3.9

Shut Up & Listen!

Location MCA Denver

Price $2

Price $5

Time 4:30 p.m.

Time 6:30 p.m.

Colorado Academic

3.11 Kings @ Nuggets

Decathlon 2018

Location Pepsi Center

Location PL M204 Price Free Time 8:00 A.M.

Basketball

3.9 That’s what she said Location Tivoli Turnhalle

3.10

Bliss Body

Price $5

Time 5:30 p.m.

Time 5 p.m.

Price Varies

Time 3 p.m.

Time 5 p.m.

Hockey 3.10 Coyotes @ Avs Politically Direct, MSU Denver’s only show dedicated to politics, airs Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Catch Devyn Deeter

Pioneers

Location Chautauqua House

3.8 Avs @ Blue Jackets Location Nationwide Arena

Location Black Cube Headquarters

Price $5.40

3.9

Hockey

3.9

Brazil Carnival

Location Mercury Cafe

Price $9

Price $25

Time 7 p.m.

Time 8 p.m.

Location Pepsi Center

Hockey 3.13 Avs @ Wild Location Xcel Energy Center

Price Varies

Time 1 p.m.

Time 6:30 p.m.

discuss the week’s news with a guest. mymetmedia.com