The Student Newspaper of MSU Denver
mymetmedia.com
VOL. 42 NO. 15
@themetonline
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
themetropolitan
Volleyball tops Black Hills
Roadrunners sweep Yellow Jackets to open RMAC tournament story on pg. 9
Photo by James Burky | jburky@msudenver.edu
Roadrunners Ember Canty, Joli Sadler and Avaline Lai celebrate clinching a second set win in their match against Black Hills State University in the opening round of the 2019 Rocky Mountain Athletic Tournament at the Auraria Event Center on Nov. 19. The Roadrunners won three sets to none and will face Dixie State University in the second round on Nov. 22 at Regis University in Denver.
MSU Denver simmers DACA anxiety University stands behind DACA students ahead of 2020 federal ruling DACA has been one of the most
By Herman Guzman-Ibarra
On Nov. 18, Immigrant Services held
about it. You just have to go on and live
polarized issues since then-candidate
an event to help the community process
your life,” said Immigration Attorney Joy
Donald Trump announced in 2015 that he
the Supreme Court arguments, as well as
Athanasiou. “Even the top legal thinkers
would “immediately terminate President
other recent actions that limit immigrants’
in the country are spending so much time
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Obama’s illegal executive order on
rights. Immigration attorneys came to
and effort trying to determine, based on
policy will not be going away anytime soon.
immigration, immediately,” during the
answer questions and concerns about the
all the nuances of what was said at the oral
launch of his presidential campaign.
status of the case, despite how difficult
argument, how people are going to rule, and
a prognosis of the case could be.
really we just have to wait for the decision.”
hguzmani@msudenver.edu
Anxiety surrounding the status of the
As the U.S. Supreme Court will not make a ruling until June 2020, and people
Since then, DACA has been one of
are in a limbo of renewing right away or
the centerpoints of discussion between
being unable to renew, it’s understandable
political parties, to the point that it
court is going to rule. I would recommend
that the fear would spread on campus
even shut down the government at
that anyone who has DACA or has family
among students and staff alike.
the beginning of 2018 and 2019.
members with DACA — you can’t think
INSIDE
NEWS
| pg. 2
OPINION
| pg. 5
“We can all try to speculate what the
FEATURES
| pg. 7
| Continued on pg. 3
SPORTS
| pg. 8
Africana studies hosts first Umoja
Yes or No: Should we hold athletes
Auraria caterers given the chance to
Strong schedule leads to tough start
Conference in Turnhalle
to a physical standard?
showcase food
for women’s basketball
an ”
NEWS
2
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
Department of Africana Studies unveils Umoja conference predicted there would be a good turn-out.
By Herman Guzman-Ibarra hguzmani@msudenver.edu
Initially, the crowd was sparse, but that did not deter Maria Ray. She
The department of Africana Studies has
opened up by thanking those attending
taken liberty to to educate and enlighten
and introducing the speakers.
students on what they are about. The
“Even though we are few, we are
on-campus event “Umoja Community
community,” Maria Ray said. “Umoja
Conversations” answered those questions
is this idea of unity, of community, and
for students on Nov. 19 and 20.
we are grateful for all of you who took
The two-day event, held in the Tivoli
time out of your day to attend.”
Turnhalle, immersed students in topics
Phelps was the first to speak, discussing
regarding self-care, food and art with
how African-American poet Audre Lord’s
the help of speakers from the local
quote about self-preservation was key in
community. Everyone who came out had
what she works toward. She reinforced
something to say about what it means
the idea that it is necessary to take time
to be a part of their community.
for yourself so you don’t burn out or
Ella Maria Ray, an MSU Denver professor
wear your fatigue as a badge of honor.
of African American studies who helped
“I want people to have a concrete plan
organize the event, described the process
that they can actually integrate into their
that went into getting Umoja started, and
life. This isn’t something that’s a quick fix or
the reasoning behind wanting to create it. “It wasn’t difficult to get it started. Don’t
Photo by Herman Guzman-Ibarra | hguzmani@msudenver.edu
a two-step plan,” Phelps said. “Especially knowing that it’s okay if you can’t do it alone.
into it, but it all fell into place,” Maria Ray
Beverly Grant, founder of Mo’ Betta Green Marketplace, speaks at the first annual Umoja conference in the Tivoli Turnhalle on Nov. 19.
said. “It developed a life of its own. That
Betta Green Marketplace founder Beverly
sense of community — Beverly works in the
Grant, attorney and food writer Adrian
community I live in, one of the caterers is an
Miller and local artist Thomas “Detour”
sometimes she would speak in a different
is meant to be “nimble and responsive,”
alumna, it’s bringing that all together. The
Evans. All of them discussed different
language. One word that came up was
allowing for different discussions open
work of the people we bring is important
topics relating to self-care and connecting
Umoja, which is Swahili,” White said. “I’m
to anyone that wants to lead. She wants
and part of the curriculum for living.”
to each other through food and art.
curious to see what they’ll talk about.”
students to walk away with that knowledge
get me wrong, there was a lot of work going
The first day was centered on sustainable
Before the event, Chris White, a student
mother would say it as he was growing up. “My mom is from Nigeria, and
While most flyers or emails about other
aesthetics for communal well-being. Speakers
at MSU Denver, said he was interested in it
events don’t grab his attention, this one
included Executive Director for the Center
because of his half-African background. He
seemed like it would be very educational
of Trauma and Resilience Cathy Phelps, Mo’
recognized the word “Umoja” because his
and relevant to his interests. He also
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You might need someone in your corner.” Maria Ray also said that Umoja now serves as a fall conference, since in the spring there is the Sankofa lecture series. The conference
and access to that sensation of belonging. Coverage of the second day of Umoja will continue on mymetmedia.com.
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
NEWS
3
MSU Denver follows US Supreme Court’s DACA case, forwards info to students Continued from cover
they work anymore? Could they continue their education? These are real issues,” Bruce-Sanford
This goes in conjunction with
said. “Having been a previous
what Director of the Immigrant
international student myself,
Services Program Gregor Mieder
and doing things very legally
said — that the best course of
years ago, I was asked to be
action for anyone concerned
deported to my home country.
about the current situation,
I can’t tell you how terrifying
other than renewing DACA, is to
that experience was for me.”
stay informed and be prepared for the worst case scenario. “Don’t get too spooked. The individual has little influence on these matters,” Mieder said. “We’ve got counseling centers to help with the anxiety people have during this time.”
“You belong here. You belong at MSU Denver. If you are undocumented or documented, you have a place at this university.”
– Will Simpkins
Even though people have to wait until the US Supreme
Jerry Lopez of The Abogado
Court finalizes their decision,
Ernesto Law Group mentioned the
that doesn’t mean nothing can
struggles with approving DACA
be done in the meantime.
given the current seats in the
Athanasiou said Coloradans
Supreme Court, and that one of
can call Sen. Cory Gardner, the
the deciding factors is the decision
Colorado state representative,
of Chief Justice John Roberts.
and any out-of-state contacts
He is another conservative
can call their senators as well.
presiding over the U.S. Supreme
In an attempt to ease the
Joy Athanasiou, immigration attorney of Joy Strategies, addresses comments and concerns about the U.S. Supreme Court DACA case on Nov. 18 in the Tivoli Student Union. you to be here. MSU Denver is
Denver Office of Diversity and
tension surrounding the case,
to side with liberals on high-
the Supreme Court tries to avoid
very proud of the work that we’ve
Inclusion, earlier in the week to
Counseling Center staff also
profile cases, including twice to
making decisions that create
done over the past decade to
discuss how to plan for whatever
recommended ways to alleviate
uphold the Affordable Care Act,
problems like open door policies.
support undocumented students,
happens come 2020. One idea is
stress associated from over-thinking
also known as Obamacare.
and we are going to continue
to look at policy implications and
that work full steam ahead.”
decisions of what needs to be put in
the status of the case too much. Gail Bruce-Sanford, the
Court and has shown a willingness
Photo by Herman Guzman-Ibarra| hguzmani@msudenver.edu
“The Supreme Court is pretty
Lopez also said he believes
Will Simpkins, vice president of Student Affairs, spoke during
conservative right now. But, as
the discussion to reaffirm to
executive director for the center,
they’ve shown in the past from
students that MSU Denver
MSU Denver’s efforts, bringing
discussed the worries surrounding
previous decisions, they can
holds them in a positive light
up the ASSET program — which
students affected by this case
make a decision that’s a little
no matter the outcome.
allows eligible undocumented
support you, to protect you and to
and her own experiences.
more left-leaning,” Lopez said.
place depending on what decision occurs to help those affected. “We’re gonna do our best to
students to pay in-state tuition —
make sure you have what you need
“My focus would probably be
belong at MSU Denver. If you are
and how the university offered
to be successful, because again,
work with several students over
on Chief Justice Roberts on
undocumented or documented,
a policy before that and was the
you belong here,” Simpkins said.
the last couple of years, and maybe
making a decision that would be
you have a place at this university,”
first in the country to do so.
more, about their uncertainties.
kind of against the majority.”
Simpkins said. “The university
“We have had the occasion to
What would life be like? Could
“You belong here. You
Athanasiou acknowledged
sees you, respects you and needs
Simpkins also met with Michael Benitez, vice president of the MSU
Photo by Amanda Schwengel | Courtesy of MSU Denver RED
Photo by Amanda Schwengel | Courtesy of MSU Denver RED
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaks in the Jordan Student Success Building about DACA on Nov. 12. Weiser announced earlier this year that Colorado would join a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump’s plan to end DACA.
MSU Denver student Estéfani Peña Figuero is greeted after speaking to rally goers on Nov. 12 in the Jordan Student Success Building about her experience as an immigrant and DACA student.
4
BRIEFING
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
Inside the wild frat formal that contributed to the split between SigEp and IFC According to Baldwin, the events did not
By Tory Lysik From the CU Independent
influence the university’s decision to grant
cuindependent.com
provisional affiliation. Fraternity members were upfront and informed the university
The University of Colorado Boulder
after the events occurred, she said.
was aware of a Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp)
Baldwin said CU is changing to a
winter formal where fraternity members
“restorative justice” process. It is written
were kicked out of the hotel and a
in the constitution of the Office of Student
member given summons for trespassing
Conduct that CU acts as an advisory
and property damage. The incident also
committee to its Greek system. These
contributed to the fraternity’s split with
committees work with local officials
Interfraternity Council (IFC) on The Hill.
of Greek organizations and national
When SigEp first announced its split
headquarters when necessary.
with IFC on The Hill and its intentions
“We have a great relationship with conduct
to rejoin CU, public details of the formal
in that they help guide,” Baldwin said. “The
were scant but police records obtained
students really do manage the process.”
by the CU Independent show a wild
According to Baldwin, CU admits Graphic by Zhen Tang | ztang@msudenver.edu
night that eventually led to students being expelled from the fraternity. Shortly after midnight on April 13, police
Members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity were found with alcohol and marijuana at a formal at Winter Park Mountain Lodge on April 13. One member discharged a fire extinguisher.
were called to Winter Park Mountain Lodge
that SigEp members are students first. The behavior of one student reflects on everyone, no matter the organization they are involved in, she said. CU officials have
as the hotel was in the process of removing
violations. SigEp had been undergoing IFC
Stephanie Baldwin, CU assistant director
spoken to national headquarters who agree
the fraternity and other formal-goers.
investigations, with judicial hearings held
for Fraternity and Sorority Life, said.
the chapter has work to do within itself.
One fraternity member discharged a fire
to address legal charges including assault
extinguisher into a hallway. The member
and disorderly conduct. While the IFC did
management, the individual responsible
its leadership cycle at the end of the year
was removed by hotel staff but snuck back
not expel SigEp, Stine said the chapter’s
parties, as well as the chapter’s executive
and will officially vote whether or not to
in before everyone was kicked out. The
behavior had made the possibility of expulsion
board,” said Jake Weidemann, SigEp’s
let SigEp become a university-affiliated
member told police that he snuck back in
more likely. However, the fraternity voted
chapter president who would only comment
fraternity within the next few weeks.
because, “I paid $300 to have fun with my
to leave the IFC on The Hill before further
through SigEP Cheif Communications Officer
Through a process facilitated by the national
boys,” according to the police records. He was
judicial board decisions could be made.
Heather Kirk. “Members of the executive
organizers and university officials, SigEp
board and standards board conducted
has been working to meet CU standards.
found later that night consuming marijuana in a hotel room with about 30 people. By the end of the evening, all formal-goers
SigEp originally stated in a press release
“Matters were resolved between hotel
in September that they decided to reaffiliate
an internal membership review with the
The university’s fraternity system ends
with CU to improve the “membership
interviews occurring in May, and made
Contact CU Independent Breaking News
were removed from the hotel and a SigEp
experience” and “chapter culture” and
decisions based on the individuals’ history
Editor Tory Lysik at tory.lysik@colorado.edu.
member faced a summons for trespassing
had not included any information on
within the chapter and their commitment
and property damage. Formal-goers also
its IFC investigations or the formal. The
to standards moving forward.”
stole alcohol from the hotel bar, but charges
chapter has currently been granted a
were not pressed, according to the notes.
provisional status with CU and within the
according to him, also went through being
content to promote student work around the
coming weeks, the university will vote if
interviewed by other members through
state. For more information, write to Editor-in-
Marc Stine said that issues with the
the fraternity will be allowed to officially
the internal membership review process.
Chief James Burky at jburky@msudenver.edu.
fraternity had been at play before the
affiliate with its own fraternity system.
Before being president, he served as
Greek Advocate and IFC Spokesperson
formal. Stine said the IFC on the Hill took “a lot of time” working to remediate SigEp’s
“When the incident at the hotel happened we were notified shortly after,”
Weidemann attended the formal and,
The Metropolitan and several Colorado student media organizations are sharing editorial
the representative for SigEp during IFC on The Hill judicial board hearings.
Briefs Steam to natural gas project continuing work on campus In Auraria’s continued effort
Gunfire on Larimer and Speer On Nov. 15, gunfire was
Local businessman argues with city over who needs to clean up the area Jawaid Bazyar is at odds with
Minimum wage increase passes first reading The Denver City Council
House continues public hearings on impeachment Public hearings began on
to convert eight buildings from
heard off Larimer Street and
the City of Denver over people
decided on Nov. 19 to move
Nov. 13 as the House Intelligence
an outdated steam system to
Speer Boulevard around 3 a.m.
leaving behind items such as used
forward with increasing minimum
Committee, led by Rep. Adam
natural gas, construction crews
The Auraria Campus Police
needles, trash and human waste
wage, which would impact
Schiff, called key witnesses in
are finishing work on the Science
Department assisted Denver police
near his business. His argument
90,000 city workers if it passes.
the impeachment inquiry against
Building’s north side and along
in investigating the area. After
is that if the city refuses to deal
If approved, the increase would
President Donald Trump.
Larimer Street between 11th
approximately half an hour, the
with people, “trespassing, or
take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, with
Street and the Plaza Building.
area was cleared by Denver police
camping, or [publicly defecating]
minimum wage raising to $12.85,
a former ambassador to Ukraine,
These crews will continue to
while Auraria police continued to
and just make me bare the cost
and by 2022 would go up to $15.87.
gave a damning testimony on
work through fall break.
patrol the streets. No additional
of these problems that’s just
information has been made
not right,” he told CBS4.
Along with the soon-tobe completed areas, crews
available regarding this case.
The city’s counterpoint is
Currently, minimum wage in
Last week, Marie Yovanovitch,
Nov. 15, leading House leaders
Denver is $11.10. Another proposal
to suspect Trump of lying in
went out the same day, calling
his written answers to the
will be boring runs for pipes
that, since it’s all taking place
for new rules which would set a
special counsel’s questions
down Lawrence Way and 10th
on his property, it becomes
different threshold for salaried
on the Russia inquiry.
Street, working toward the PE
his responsibility by default.
workers to receive overtime pay.
On Nov. 19, Lt. Col. Alexander
and Events Building. The most
Bazyar plans on fighting
Vindman, the top Ukraine expert
recent section was completed
citations filed by the city in
on the National Security Council,
on Nov. 15 along 9th Street, and
court on Dec. 18, calling it a
and Kurt Volker, a former special
the full project is expected to be
health hazard that his business
envoy to Ukraine, testified in
completed by October 2020.
is not equipped to deal with.
separate hearings with other White House officials. Hearings will continue all week.
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
OPINIONS
Should athletes maintain a physical standard? Yes: Athletes need to be in tip-top shape F
at athletes are athletes, too.
in questioning his fitness level.
At least that’s what I
Jokic’s and Holiday’s
be your classic Hollywood hunk. Public judgement needs to
5 staff Editor-in-Chief James Burky jburky@msudenver.edu Managing Editor Megan Webber mwebber6@msudenver.edu News Editor
thought when I heard Altitude
critics are justified in their
be consistent and it needs to
Sports Radio hosts Marc Moser,
arguments against the two
be based on the scope of one’s
Herman Guzman-Ibarra hguzmani@msudenver.edu
Vic Lombardi and Brett Kane talk
public figures. Jokic should be
publicity. A regular person that
Features Editor
about Denver Nuggets center
held to the same professional
works at McDonald’s should
Nikola Jokic’s weight and physical
standard in the social eye.
not be ostricized based on their
Brady Pieper bpieper3@msudenver.edu
appearance on 92.5 FM. In my
At the end of the day, athletes
physique because their body
Sports Editor Will Satler wsatler@msudenver.edu
mind, there is no perfect definition
are responsible for their bodies
is not a part of their job and
of athletic besides the socially
and the usage of their bodies
they are a private citizen.
expected toned abs, large biceps
as a career. If Jokic cannot
and ability to play a sport well.
Brady Pieper
The radio hosts were presented
Jokic being criticised about
play at his current weight,
his non-athletic physique is
Kaileigh Lyons klyons9@msudenver.edu
then there is an argument
justified; he is a professional
Design Editor Zhen Tang ztang@msudenver.edu
with an odd dilemma surrounding
appeared on the October 2018
that his weight is harming his
athlete. He is not the ideal 7-foot-
whether or not Jokic, as a
cover of Cosmopolitan. She and
occupation and he shouldn’t be
tall human specimen, but he
professional athlete, should be
Cosmo faced public backlash
in the league. If Holiday wasn’t
is within the level of publicity
going to the gym proactively.
about the presence of the
a good model, then Cosmo
where a consistent amount of
image, but it was still socially
wouldn’t have employed her.
public judgement is warranted.
I present a similar question: Should going to the gym and working out
unacceptable to size-shame her. The Jokic situation emphasizes
Photo Editor
Politicians and actors are both
Spanish Editor Sarah Lease sarah.lease@cudenver.edu Copy Editors Daniel Sutton
within a similar scope to athletes
dsutton3@msudenver.edu
be a part of a Cosmopolitan
the necessity of consistency
and models. The U.S. president
Brady Pieper is a second-year
model’s job description?
in social judgement. Jokic is
releases an annual physical to
broadcast journalism student
performing well for the Nuggets
the public because it is important
at MSU Denver, focusing on
position within the public lens
but people can’t stop talking about
that society understands the
convergent journalism at Met
should be held to the same
his weight, given that he isn’t
president’s health and can judge
Media. He is the Features Editor
Steve Haigh shaigh@msudenver.edu
standards, regardless of career
ripped. Understandably, making
his ability to do his job physically.
of The Metropolitan, hosts a bi-
Assistant Director of Met Media
or gender. In the way that society
fun of somebody’s personal
weekly podcast for Met Radio,
criticizes a Cosmo model for
appearance is disrespectful,
characters like the Terminator and
and develops television packages
Ronan O’Shea roshea3@msudenver.edu
weight, athletes should be
but weight and strength are an
Starlord have a responsibility to
for the Met Report. Email Brady
held to the same standards.
important part of his job as an NBA
represent their employer’s vision,
at bpieper3@msudenver.edu.
player and there is a legitimacy
otherwise Chris Pratt wouldn’t
People with a similar
Plus-size model Tess Holiday
The actors behind iconic
Haylie Bean hkouri1@msudenver.edu Director of Met Media
Production Manager of Met Media Kathleen Jewby kjewby@msudenver.edu Office Manager Elizabeth Norberg enorbert@msudenver.edu Sales and Marketing
No: Performance trumps appearance
I
sales@mymetmedia.com marketing@mymetmedia.com Brady Nelson bnelso73@msudenver.edu
t is easy as spectators to see our
isn’t the first time in NBA history
hired to sell a product — whatever
public figures with a critical eye,
that a powerful player has not
society’s flaws in defining what that
conformed to the public ideal.
means — and should be judged on
and to expect some exceptional adherence to our sensibilities from
Shaquille O’Neal, with his four
them. But when it comes to athletics
NBA Championships, was famous
to bear up under the stresses of
— to what, despite our most ardent
for his relaxed approach to fitness
their job, and their health should
passions, amount to little more than
and his abysmal shooting, but
be a valid target when it brings that
profitable pastimes — we must ask
was nonetheless a great player.
ability into question. Actors have to
ourselves: “Who are we to judge?”
Allen Iverson was famously grilled
deliver on their character work, or
for skipping out on practices,
their singing voice or their dancing
but was clearly one of the best
acumen, and when they can’t, it’s
point-guards to grace the court.
legitimately a cause for criticism.
Recently, Brett Eskin, a Philadelphia sports commentator,
Daniel Sutton
brought to light this question when he called Denver Nuggets Center
in the top 10% this season — 39th
The crux of any evaluation we
Nikola Jokic “fat.” He also asserted
in value-over-replacement among
make must be how well an individual
appearance is secondary to his
that Jokic was falling short of his
the NBA’s current 450 players,
achieves the goals required of
job performance, and to focus
obligations as a star NBA player
according to basketball-reference.
them. Jokic achieves those goals,
on his appearance suggests an
by not toning up and putting in
com — and the NBA’s number
and he does it consistently. He
antiquated notion of what being
the time to turn his ample 7-foot
one ranked center in the 2018-19
does it as the athlete he is today.
an athlete means. It’s a notion
frame into a taut temple of muscle.
season, he does exactly that.
To decry his physique or to claim
which is no longer legitimate in our
he isn’t meeting his responsibilities
supposedly more enlightened times.
Eskin went after the fact that, as
The question of his job
a member of a team angling for a
performance goes deeper than his
is unjustified in that context. It’s
championship, Jokic was not doing
physique. It includes his mental
little more than nit-picking and
his part to make every aspect of the
fitness and his capacity to show
sniping from the peanut gallery.
team as competitive as possible.
up game-in and game-out and
As fans, or as commentators, we
For an athlete like Jokic, his
Daniel Sutton is a senior studying
play. As much as it seems Jokic
see only a sliver of what it means
political science at MSU Denver.
billboard heartthrobs, Jokic’s job
should be crafting himself into a
to show up and play. Our only
He is currently a copy editor for
isn’t to meet some skin-deep,
7-foot studmuffin, success means
metric should be a player’s ability
The Metropolitan. Email Daniel
platonic ideal of athleticism. Jokic’s
structuring his job in a way that
to put their team on top. And that
at dsutton3@msudenver.edu.
job is to win games. As a player
maximizes performance. And it
extends to other fields. A model is
But unlike Calvin Klein’s latest
What we do
that metric. A politician is expected 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.
REVIEWS
6
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
“Death Stranding” is either brilliant or boring By Brady Pieper
guides you through the journey
bpieper3@msudenver.edu
of Sam’s employment with the Bridges company, in an effort
I can’t decide if I’m wasting my
to connect all of the remaining
time playing Hideo Kojima’s lastest
cities in America to the Chiral
game “Death Stranding” or if I’m
Network, much like a futuristic
taking part in a genius adventure
cloud network. Sam’s mysterious
through a beautiful, dystopian
origins and strange connection to
America. Notably, I am not the
his Bridge Baby evokes a strong
only one to hold this sentiment.
desire to dig to find answers, even
Video game legend Kojima’s “Death Stranding” is a selfproclaimed genre-defying game.
if it is through some annoying filler content like fetch quests. A single player campaign
It marks the long-awaited return
feels necessary to tell the
to the industry for the “Metal
story without the distraction of
Gear” mastermind. After a fallout
player-to-player interactions.
with previous employer Konami,
Immersing oneself into the
fans were anticipating his first
story is a fruitful effort. If you
characters’ faces are scanned
example, an imbalance in the game
independent production.
invest time into caring about the
into the game using motion
is the lack of enemy types. BT
characters, they will reward you.
capture cameras, creating
encounters highlight the game’s
game by any means, but I don’t
Released on Nov. 8, “Death Stranding” takes place in an
Hyper-realistic graphics are a
Photo obtained from Kojima Productions
“Death Stranding” is an action game released on Nov. 8 and produced by Kojima Productions. between a good or bad rating. “Death Stranding” is not a bad
detailed people that are authentic
combat with truly nail-biting
believe that it is the genre-defying
apocalyptic America. The player
highlight of “Death Stranding”.
enough to present hyper-realistic,
interactions that can end in Sam’s
experience that it strives to be.
takes over a porter named Sam,
Vibrant, vast landscapes help
immersive human emotions.
demise, while interactions with
played by “The Walking Dead”
distinguish the game from any
star Norman Reedus, and joins
other on this generation of
his journey as a delivery man. It
consoles. The mountains and
is evident early in the game that
One point of confusion stems
The game was not developed
the MULE enemies are far more
for fans that want a casual
from being thrust into a new
debilitating and unnecessary,
experience. “Metal Gear” wasn’t
world with limited context and
often ending in a stealth section
either, but “Death Stranding”
realistic flowing rivers Sam
explanation. BTs? BBs? Voidouts?
you fail because the rock you were
is a game that will split the
Sam has powers beyond that
treks through are characters
Carrying on through the campaign
hiding behind isn’t big enough.
audience. It’s just a confused
of a typical human. He’s able to
of their own, especially in a
can give you exposition that
sense the presence of Beached
world that you invest so much
ties these things together,
effectively is Timefall, a time-
Things, dangerous invisible
time traveling across.
but it is a brutal transition
defying rainfall that ages
creatures linked to the afterlife.
Kojima’s attention to detail is
A neat feature incorporated
period for a gamer looking to
anything it touches. It can actively
evident in the character design.
play for an hour or two a day.
damage cargo, while typically
not lack for storytelling. Over
Whether it is a hologram or
Granted, “Death Stranding”
being followed by dangerous
40 hours of gameplay await
human, the characters are some
isn’t made for everyone.
encounters with BTs, which
players, which is a luxury in
of the most well-rendered in the
Triple-A games today. The story
history of games. Many of the
“Death Stranding” does
However, some of the action elements are a mixed bag. For
mess of magnificent components never reaching its full potential.
in a game about deliveries, could mean the difference
Retrospective: Modest Mouse’s “The Lonesome Crowded West” By James Burky
on commercialism, isolation
get the best of him. As he puts
jburky@msudenver.edu
and his own mental health.
it, his “brain is the burger” and
Those paths are well-traveled by Progression is inherent with
the album’s emo contemporaries.
his “heart’s the charcoal.” It’s brave for someone to admit
music and because of that, albums
But where American Football’s
to their mental faults, and that’s
will age. Production techniques will
self-titled debut is melancholic and
the strength of the entire album.
sound dusty with each anniversary
dreamy and Weezer’s “Pinkerton”
of an album’s release and once-
is depressed pop, “The Lonesome
on “The Lonesome Crowded West”
innovative ideas will sound run
Crowded West” is sheer anger
is its intimacy. Songs like “Trailer
of the mill after they’re replicated
at the world around Brock.
Trash” and “Cowboy Dan” embrace
and evolved. But some records age
The most striking characteristic
Take the album for a spin and
dark lyrics and instrumentals to
gracefully, and Modest Mouse’s
you’re first met with the crunchy,
evoke the desperateness of the
1997 record, “The Lonesome
“Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine”.
songs’ narrators. The former is
Crowded West”, is just as evocative
The six-minute thesis alludes to
a tune about Brock’s time living
and striking as it was upon release.
the rest of the record by critiquing
in trailer parks and a shed in
American culture and mental
elementary school. The soft guitars
health backed by crunchy guitars.
and defeated singing from Brock
Nov. 18 was the 22nd birthday of Modest Mouse’s emo opus. “The Lonesome Crowded West”,
“From the top of ocean, yeah/
give you an unfiltered look into his
released through the now-defunct
From the top of the sky, godd---/
life. The latter, “Cowboy Dan”, is
Up Records, didn’t appear on any
Well I get claustrophobic/I can, I
a psychedelic country song about
Billboard Charts. Yet Pitchfork
know that you can,” Brock shouts.
a grown man who sees himself as
ranked it as the 29th best album of
The tempo slows down in the
a failure. The soundscape of the
the 1990s and RateYourMusic users
chorus as Brock croons, “See the
song is just as desolate as Dan’s
have scored it as the 124th best
man with teeth like God’s shoeshine
attitude with spooky guitars, a
album of all time. When revisiting
he sparkles, simmers, shines/Let’s
dreary bass and tepid drumming.
the record, it’s easy to see why it
all have another Orange Julius, thick
didn’t make a commercial impact
syrup floating in molasses/The malls
is a milestone in emo and indie
but resonated with indie fans.
are the soon-to-be-ghost towns/
rock. It established Modest Mouse
stories and instrumentals on “The
Crowded West” will continue
Well so long, farewell, goodbye.”
as indie stalwarts and paved the
Lonesome Crowded West” are
to stand the test of time.
The imagery from the first song
way for future success with their
just as expressive and truthful
is replicated throughout the record.
follow-up albums, “The Moon &
as it was upon release.
With instrumental backbones from bassist Eric Judy and drummer Jeremiah Green, lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Isaac
On the following song,
Brock guides the listener through
“Heart Cooks Brain”, Brock
a 74-minute dive into his thoughts
reflects on letting his emotions
The Lonesome Crowded West
Antarctica” and “Good News For People Who Love Bad News”. Twenty-two years later, the
Photo obtained from Modest Mouse
“The Lonesome Crowded West” is a studio album by American rock band Modest Mouse. The album was released on Nov. 18, 1997.
At it’s best, music is honest, thought provoking and evocative, and that’s why “The Lonesome
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
FEATURES
7
Colorado cuisine takes centerstage
Auraria’s caterers give student organizations a test drive of their local flavors By Brady Pieper
“We have been working here for so long
bpieper3@msudenver.edu
that we feel like we have something to bring to Auraria in terms of catering.”
Catering to Auraria is an art, as
Relish advertises Colorado-
serving over 40,000 students with
proud catering with local, all-natural
different allergies and preferences is a
foods that are never frozen, offering
struggle not many food preparers take.
their services and special pricing to
Nov. 19 marked the 2019 Auraria
Auraria student organizations.
Catering Expo, where seven different
“The best way to bring people together
Auraria-contracted and approved caterers
is with food,” said Auraria Catering
gathered to give student organizations
Expo attendee and owner of From
the chance to trial their cuisine. Event
Scratch catering David Bondarchuck.
planners from places across campus came,
From Scratch began, well, from scratch
from student media to Campus Recreation.
11 years ago when Bondarchuck, a student
Approved caterers got the chance
at the CCD, was homeless and making food
to feature some of their best items and
for himself. His meals were made in large
show their chops to Auraria student
quantities, which would attract the attention
organizations. Auraria staples Los
of people around him. People started
Molinos, IPie and Subway were present
making requests and his business began.
at the tri-institutional event along with
Since starting From Scratch,
off-campus options like Serendipity, From
Bondarchuck has corresponded with FOX
Scratch, Biscuits and Berries and Relish.
31 KDVR for a weekly food segment. In
“Auraria’s one of my favorite places
January, Bondarchuck got his chance
to come,” said Serendipity Senior
to return to the campus which began it
Event Coordinator Raven Rodriguez. “Because of the three different schools, there is so much diversity and student leaders we get to work with.” Rodriguez noted Serendipity’s green mission with a company compost system, LED lighting in kitchens, energy efficient vehicles. Serendipity has been a part of Auraria’s list of caterers for eight years. Since its first contract, they have grown to become one
all — this time as a contracted caterer. Photo by Brady Pieper | bpipeer3@msudenver.edu
Los Molinos owner Ivy Castillo laughs with Auraria Campus Catering Expo event attendees as they serve up the restaurant’s authentic Mexican food on Nov. 19. The event showcased seven caterers.
“‘All good things come from scratch’ has been my tagline since I started,” Bondarchuck said. “But since I’ve been
of Colorado’s largest catering companies
enjoy their mac and cheese and sparkling
on TV the last nine years, my catchphrase
while still pusheing local, green ingredients.
lemonade samples, while representatives
has been, ‘Mo butta, mo betta.’”
Relish, one of the longest tenured caterers on Auraria, was present for their 11th year. A table with a circular shelf with mixed potted plants enticed attendees to
let people know about their full serviced and staffed catering options. “Our goal is to reflect your vision, your
Auraria has a lot of options when it comes to catering, local and external. Authentic Hispanic cuisine, finger
personality, your style and your taste,”
sandwiches, pizza and more opens doors
said Relish Director of Sales Natalie Sears.
to a new world of local food on campus.
Third Friday Art Night shows an escape for art fans By Haylie Bean
allowing locals and non-locals alike to discover
and shorter hours than its counterpart,
hkouri1@msudenver.edu
the Denver art community for themselves.
it is easier to connect with participating
Although it’s one of the most popular monthly
artists without the hustle and bustle
events in Denver, its sister event is a better
from the first week of the month.
First Friday Art Walk has been a staple on Santa Fe Bloulevard for many years, attracting people from across the state. Galleries that line the street are free and open to the public,
way to spend more time with the artists.
Jan Luth was in town this week from
“All the artists support each other.” Since joining the community, she has felt the warmth of the other artists. The Art Night also sheds some light onto how some artists create.
The Third Friday Art Night is meant
Kansas and wanted to see as much
to be more intimate. With less foot traffic
as she could. She visited the SYNC
about five or six at home that never see
gallery for just a couple of minutes.
the light of day,” said Daniel Ortiz.
“We’re trying to see as many galleries as we can before they all close at 8:30,” Luth said. “I was mostly looking at Jean Herman’s textile work. I thought it was gorgeous.” Herman is a multimedia artist who designs her works in an unconventional
“I’ve been painting since 2010, but always doing art since I was a kid,” he said. “I never took schooling, I just try to better myself.” Improving on his painting skills is much easier said than done. Between experimenting
her own painted cloth together, Herman
with new techniques, staying up all night
fabricates textured landscapes.
to finish a piece or just messing up, Ortiz
front of Herman’s works, Luth found them
believes failing is just part of the process. Ortiz considers himself one of the lucky
captivating. “You just felt like you were
ones to not be stuck in a nine-to-five and to
seeing whatever it was she was creating.
have found his passion early in life. “I found
You wouldn’t think that it’s fabric and that
the thing that I love to do on a regular basis,”
it’s stitched,” Luth said. “It was beautiful.”
Ortiz said, “I’ll be painting something and if
After showing at SYNC for three years, Herman feels right at home.
Helen Rivera’s photography exhibition is a part of the Fall 2019 MSU Denver BFA Thesis Exhibition at the Center for Visual Arts on Nov. 15. The exhibit will be on display until Nov. 30. The Center for Visual Arts takes part in the Third Friday Art Night.
Despite never having any classical training, everything Ortiz knows is self-taught.
way. Cutting, collaging and stitching
Despite not spending much time in
Photo by Haylie Bean | hkouri1@msudenver.edu
“For each painting you see, there’s
I’m not careful, it’ll be four in the morning.” Ortiz says there’s also much to be
“Santa Fe’s a great location. I used
learned from the failure. Because of the
to show in RiNo, but people had to go
discipline, trial and error he put himself
in a car to go between galleries and so
through, Ortiz became the artist he is today.
you don’t get the same vibe that you can walk from gallery to gallery,” she said.
“Sometimes being an artist is struggling.”
SPORTS
8
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
Winless start to season doesn’t deter women’s basketball MSU Denver steep competition is a reciept for their 0-4 start to 2019-20 position possible right now. By Will Satler wsatler@msudenver.edu
school. She has registered a mere
“Our team goal is just to get a
36 minutes on the hardwood this
win. We haven’t got a win yet.”
season but looks to spend more
When they crawled out of the No team wants to start off a
gate in 2018-19, a three-point
season losing its first four games.
loss, 66-63 at home to No. 7
Especially the MSU Denver
time out there as she becomes familiar with Haave’s gameplan. Guard Mariah Schroeder
West Texas A&M was the closest
finished 2018-2019 strong
women’s basketball team,
they got to a win before Nov.
for MSU Denver and is off to
which — after getting swept on
24, 2018, when they notched
another solid start this season.
consecutive road trip weekends
their first game against Winona
She scored 13 points in just
— knows all too well that an
State University, 58-55.
16 minutes against Minnesota
early slump can put you out of the race for the long haul. It’s the second time in as many
The slow start in 2018-19 didn’t
State-Moorhead on Nov. 15 and is
hurt them when it came to Rocky
averaging 7.3 points per game.
Mountain Athletic Conference play,
The Roadrunners’ core is young
seasons that the Roadrunners
where they went 15-7 and earned
which for some coaches can be
have opened 0-4. MSU Denver has
the No. 3 seed in the postseason
daunting — especially with a coach
started their 2019-20 season facing
tournament. But an opening-round
some of the toughest competition
loss to the sixth-seeded Regis
in all of NCAA Division II women’s
University, 63-56, in the RMAC
basketball. Two of their first four
tournament doused any hope of
opponents, Lubbock Christian
making the NCAA Tournament.
with such a strong track record Photo by Deicy Luevanos | dluevan3@msudenver.edu
MSU Denver guard Jaiden Galloway drives the ball down the court against Colorado State University-Pueblo at the Auraria Event Center on Jan. 18
like Haave. That’s not the case. “I’ve got a group that we can develop and it’s a great
games into this season, she’s
of former NBA guard Jason
core. We’ve got some really
“I think last year we just had
averaging 8.0 points per game
Richardson, has stuffed the
good talent potential,” Haave
are nationally-ranked and MSU
such a slow start and then we had
to go along with 3.8 rebounds.
stat sheet to start the season,
said. “It’s exciting for me
Denver’s opposition is a combined
a slow start in the conference as
averaging 7.3 points and 6.5
to build that foundation, so
14-0 to start the season.
well — I think we took too long,”
on a large chunk of the scoring
rebounds. She scored a season-
I’m very, very excited.
said long-time Roadrunners head
load for the Roadrunners.
high 17 points and nine rebounds
coach Tanya Haave. “We put
Sophomore guard Jaiden
on Nov. 9 in a 70-60 loss against
coaching. You’re always learning
ourselves in a position where
Galloway will be right there
No. 1 Lubbock Christian.
because there are new players
we were going to need to get
with her on the stat sheet.
and Minnesota State-Moorhead,
“We’re playing tough teams
to the finals of the conference
Galloway took over the
and there are challenges, new
have come when the Roadrunners
puzzles to solve and there’s
starting position six games into
have faced tough competition.
always something new that you
to do that. I’m challenging this
the 2018-19 season. Defensively,
She also scored 10 points and
can tweak. So I’m as excited as I
group again. We’re going to need
she was an impact player with
grabbed six rebounds in MSU
was when we first got here just
to get out of that slow start and
51 steals on the season, over 1.5
Denver’s 72-46 loss to No. 22
because it’s a new group.”
then we hope to finish strong and
steals per game. Her six steals
Minnesota State-Moorhead.
then do well in conference play.”
in a game against Winona State
That’s good for the
Despite this team being young, it is met with strong expectations.
University on Nov. 24, 2018 were
Roadrunners who seem to
MSU Denver received 180 votes
that a Haave-coached MSU Denver
the most by a Roadrunner since
play one of the toughest
in the preseason RMAC coaches
team secures their first win, with
2010. She’s taken the biggest
non-conference schedules
poll, picking them to finish fourth
their next opportunity on Nov. 29
leap in 2019 with her game on
in all of NCAA Division II
in the RMAC behind last year’s
against Northern State University.
the offensive side of the ball.
women’s basketball.
champions, Colorado Mesa
That makes in-season goals and
So far this season, she’s
motivation to play harder much
been MSU Denver’s leading
scheduling was her own downfall
easier to find for the Roadrunners.
scorer, pouring in more than 9
during a luncheon on Nov. 5.
points and moving the ball well
Her team thinks otherwise.
Wellington knows her role for
Forward Bree Wellington takes a shot against the University of Colorado Colorado Springs at the Auraria Event Center on Jan. 26. Wellington will be entering her fourth season playing for MSU Denver.
Her best efforts on the court
“I’m as excited as ever about
tournament and we weren’t able
It’ll be the latest into a season
Photo by Kaileigh Lyons | klyons@ msudenver.edu
Wellington figures to take
Haave joked that her tough
and Colorado School of Mines. The Roadrunners will look to improve on a 16-13, 15-7 in
her final season in blue and red —
with over 3 assists per game. A
fill the gap left by graduates Emily
career-high 14 points on Nov. 16
teams because it’s like they’re
that finished with a five-game
Hartegan, Jaelynn Smith, Mikayla
against St. Cloud State University
ranked and we’re the underdog,”
regular-season winning streak.
Gonzales and Jonalynn Wittwer.
shows just what she can do
Richardson said. “We want to
with the ball in her hands.
go at them, we want to take
game against the top-ranked
“I’m a leader. That’s my goal: is to lead,” she said. “I came
“It is exciting to play those top
University, Westminster University
RMAC play, 2018-19 season
After a tune-up exhibition
“I’m definitely looking to
them out and beat them. So it
team in NAIA competition
from being the only freshmen,
score more this year,” Galloway
is exciting to play these hard
Concordia University on Nov.
only sophomore, only junior
said. “When I’m more aggressive
teams. And I think even if we do
23 at the Auraria Event Center,
and now the only senior. I got
with looking to score, it opens
lose, we take something from
the Roadrunners will close
a lot of leadership from when I
up other people. It just kind
it — individually and as a team.
out their non-conference slate
and coach even says, blame her
was a freshman all the way up
of gives us that edge.”
So it’s great to have those types
while hosting the Holiday Inn
for putting us in these positions,”
to here, so I’m trying to be a
of games on our schedule.”
Denver Cherry Creek Classic on
said senior Bree Wellington.
leader to the new people now.”
One of those players that Galloway will open up the floor
One of the other names
Nov. 29 against Northern State
“But it’s good for us. We always
Her 6.4 points per game were
for is forward Jaela Richardson
destined to make some noise for
University before taking on Central
thank her for putting us against
fourth-best on the team in 2018-19,
— who redshirted her first year
MSU Denver as she learns the
Washington University on Nov. 30.
these amazing teams. We’re a
adding 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals
at MSU Denver after graduating
Roadrunners system better this
whole new team so we’re just
per game while also leading the
from Cherry Creek High School
season is forward Leya Harvey.
trying to get everything together
team in blocks with 18, according
in Greenwood Village.
She transferred from Utah Valley
and put everybody in the best
to Roadrunners Athletics. Four
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY THE NUMBERS:
Richardson, the daughter
University, an NCAA Division I
2018-2019 RMAC final standings
MSU Denver statistical leaders through Nov. 20:
School Name: CO Mesa Westminster MSU Denver CO Mines CSU-Pueblo Regis
Player: Jaiden Galloway Bree Wellington Jaela Richardson Maggie Justinak Morgan Lewis Mariah Schroeder
Overall: RMAC: 27-4 20-2 21-8 17-5 16-13 15-7 18-11 14-8 16-13 14-8 17-12 12-10
Points per game: 9.3 8.0 7.3 4.5 5.5 7.3
Rebounds per game: 2.5 3.8 6.5 2.0 4.5 1.0
Assists per game: 3.3 0.5 0.8 1.8 0.5 1.3
SPORTS
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
9
Lai dominates again in RMACs opening round Sophomore’s 11 kills help sweep Black Hills State in quarterfinal VOLLEYBALL REGULAR SEASON STATS
By Will Satler
I thought it wasn’t our
Corsentino, who had
wsatler@msudenver.edu
cleanest match tonight by
eight. The Roadrunners
any stretch, but we got
hit a measly .165% against
it done in three, which is
the Yellow Jackets — one
Roadrunners’ finest
what I’m proud of. That this
of their lowest hitting
RMAC final standings
night by any means, but
group, they could’ve easily
percentages of the season.
when it comes to the
dropped a set tonight.”
School Name: Overall: RMAC: Regis 24-3 17-1 MSU Denver 21-6 16-2 Dixie State 19-7 14-4 CO Mines 20-6 13-5 CO Mesa 17-9 13-5 CSU-Pueblo 14-13 11-7 Black Hills State 12-14 10-8 Chadron State 14-12 8-10 UCCS 10-16 8-10 Western 11-15 7-11 SD Mines 11-16 7-11 Colorado Christian 10-16 6-12 Fort Lewis 10-17 6-12 Adams State 9-18 6-12 Westminster 5-21 2-16 NM Highlands 1-25 0-18
It wasn’t the
Rocky Mountain Athletic
Corsentino’s breakout
Lai tallied up 11
performance accounted
Conference tournament,
kills on Nov. 19, her
for over half of her 14 kills
a win is a win.
fifth consecutive game
on the season, an added
with double-digit kills,
spark on Nov. 19 that
volleyball team swept
and ninth of the last 10
helped the Roadrunners
Black Hills State University
Roadrunner matches.
even when their top
3-0 in the quarterfinal
Her teammate, freshman
performers went on point.
round of the RMAC
Kaylee Corsentino went
tournament on Nov. 19 at
as far to call her “an
Roadrunners continued
the Auraria Event Center in
animal” on the court.
their hot streak and with
“I just feel like Joli
their win over Black Hills
The MSU Denver
Denver. The Roadrunners
Despite that, the
Photos by James Burky | jburky@msudenver.edu
MSU Denver Libero Caiden Rexius dives for a ball during a match against Black Hills State University in the quarterfinals of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament. MSU Denver won, 3-0.
were led by another strong
[Sadler] is really just
State, which extended
attacking performance
setting me up great right
their set streak to 12,
from sophomore Avaline
now. I think we’re really
now the longest current
Lai and held Black
connecting right now
set streak in the RMAC
Hills State to a .008%
and we found it towards
after Regis University’s
Roadrunners held Black
that they beat 3-1 on Oct.
hitting percentage.
the end of the season,”
35 straight-set streak was
Hills State to under 18
18 at home. Dixie State
Bold = spot in RMAC Tournament
Lai said. “She’s running
ended by the University of
points in each of the
is the third seed in the
Roadrunners attack leaders
through little adversities
a great offense and
Colorado Colorado Springs
sets. Tuesday, though,
RMAC tournament and
here and there and we’re
she’s spreading the ball,
in their quarterfinal
the Yellow Jackets kept
defeated Colorado State
bouncing back from it,”
spreading it to the outsides
matchup on Nov. 19.
all three sets close. MSU
University-Pueblo, 3-1
said head coach Jenny
and to the middle. So
Denver won 25-19, 25-
on Nov. 19 to advance.
Glenn. “It’s a team that
that’s leaving me with one-
We’re just taking one set
22 and 25-21.But every
just doesn’t quit, so we
hitter up on me blocking.”
at a time,” Corsentino
time Black Hills State
They have a good offense
Player: Kayla White Avaline Lai Rylee Hladky Alexis Benda Alyssa Kelling
said. “We’re not thinking
seemed to grab hold
that comes at you and
further than that and I
of the momentum, the
they’re a very highly
Roadrunners defensive leaders
think that’s helped us a
Roadrunners defense
emotional team,” Glenn
lot. We’re just focusing
would respond.
said. “They’re gonna
Player: Blocks: Blk/Set: Alyssa Kelling 102 1.13 Mikayla McClinton 72 1.11 Avaline Lai 58 0.72 0.56 Rylee Hladky 44 Ember Canty 44 0.81
“We keep battling
know we have some things that we need to iron out.
“We’re feeling good.
Right behind her with a career-high in kills was
on one match at a time.”
A total of 9 team
make us earn our points
blocks was right in the
for sure. We’re going to
strong suits, serving,
wheelhouse for MSU
need to be sharper than
was another place where
Denver, who have
we were tonight and
they weren’t on top of
averaged 8.47 blocks
we’ve got to get after it.”
their game. They were the
per game. Their blocks
best serving team in the
per set, 2.45, is good
to Regis to play in their
RMAC during the regular
enough for 10th in all
semifinal matchup with
season with 174 serving
of NCAA Division II.
Dixie State on Nov. 22
One of MSU Denver’s
aces in 87 sets, 25th in the
The MSU Denver volleyball team gets together after scoring a point in a match against Black Hills State University in the quarterfinals of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament.
“They’re a good team.
MSU Denver will travel
Five spots ahead
for a 5 p.m. game. With
nation. But on Nov. 19,
of the Roadrunners on
a win, the Roadrunners
they had seven serving
that list? MSU Denver’s
would advance to their
errors and just two aces.
next opponent: Dixie
fourth-straight RMAC title
In their most recent
State University. The
game — a place where they
meeting on Nov. 9 in
Roadrunners will have to
haven’t been able to secure
Denver, another 3-0 sweep
prepare for the fast-paced
a victory since 2013.
from MSU Denver, the
Trailblazers attack, a team
RMAC postseason tournament bracket Friday, Nov. 22: 7 p.m.
Kills: 255 213 209 191 163
K/Set: 2.90 2.63 2.65 2.36 1.81
Record vs. ranked opponents Opponent: T-No. 20 Cal Poly Pomona No. 9 Tarelton State No. 15 SW Minnesota St. No. 13 Barry University No. 1 Univ. of Tampa No. 12 Regis No. 9 Regis
Final: W, 3-0 L, 3-2 L, 1-3 L, 3-2 W, 3-1 W, 3-1 L, 3-0
Misc. statistics Longest win streak: Home record Away record Record in 3 sets Record in 4 sets Record in 5 sets Sets played
9 wins 9-4 9-2 12-1 7-2 0-3 90 sets
Hosted by Regis
Individual match highs
University
Kills: Avaline Lai 23 at CSOM Blocks: Alyssa Kelling 10 vs FLC Aces: Jessa Megenhardt 6 vs CPP Assists: Jessa Megenhardt 37 vs AS Digs: Caiden Rexus 28 at CSOM
2019 RMAC TOURNAMENT WINNER
Friday, Nov. 22: 5 p.m. Hosted by Regis University
Saturday, Nov. 23: 5 p.m.
Recent winners:
*Highest seed remaining hosts*
2018- Colorado Mesa beat MSU Denver, 3-0 2017- Regis beat MSU Denver, 3-0 2016- Colorado Mines beat MSU Denver, 3-1 2015- Colorado Mines beat Mesa, 3-2
10
SPORTS
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
Future of sports, Twitch enters the digital arena
Behind Twitch, esports is becoming more and more relevant Echo Fox reached $38 million,
risks associated with the sport.
By Derek Brekken
obtaining contributions from
At one time, parents would
dbrekken@msudenver.edu
other star athletes like the
rather their kids grow up to be
NBA’s Kevin Durant and NFL’s
professional athletes that compete
Odell Beckham Jr., according to
in the digital arenas of esports.
ESPN staff writer Jacob Wolf.
That may no longer be the case.
Amazon paid over $969 million to acquire one of the popular streaming website
Twitch is well suited for the
Twitch.tv in March of 2016.
age of digital consumption. It’s
colleges and universities have
So why would the largest
“Today, more than 60
optimized for viewing on tablets
esports programs recognized
online retailer in the world
and mobile devices. Viewers can
by the National Association of
spend nearly a billion dollars
even interact with the esports
Collegiate Esports established
to acquire a website dedicated
athletes in real-time via a live
in 2016; many more schools
to streaming video games?
chat available on the stream. This
have unofficial programs,
provides a unique opportunity
some of which are extremely
— think NFL franchising for video
for the viewer and the host of the
successful,” said Jessica Conditt
game teams — saw a major spike
channel to produce content in a
in venture capitalist funding.
collaborative and innovative way.
In 2014, the world of esports
Something in the neighborhood
The availability of Twitch also
in an engadget.com article. Photo obtained from Twitch
Twitch.tv quickly became the most viewed streaming service for video games. Amazon acquired the company for $969 million in March 2016.
With many of these schools offering scholarships for esports,
of $1.4 billion between 2014
provides a unique opportunity
and 2017 was invested into
for advertisers. Mid-roll ads,
esports franchises, according
or ads that appear periodically
to an article written by Adam
throughout the stream, offer
Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins, who has
Putz on pitchbook.com
a way for content creators to
since transitioned to the Mixer
have gained the attention of tech
With virtual reality right
monetize their stream. The
streaming platform, stunned
giants like Facebook, Google and
around the corner, there might
that the market share of legacy
Twitch Partner program allows
the streaming community by
Microsoft, who are attempting
very well be a future in which
media has been losing its
for content creators to share a
breaking all viewership records.
to attract gamers to their own
the premier athletes of the
viewership to digital content,
portion of the advertising money
At the height of his viewership,
streaming platforms. According to
world never have to leave their
and you have a mad dash to
with streaming service as well as a
Blevins had 616,693 live viewers
Matt Weinberger in an article for
homes to entertain millions
seize control of the next sports
share of the monthly subscriptions
when Drake played Fortnite with
businessinsider.com, Twitch has
of people across the world.
entertainment landscape: esports.
that viewers can pay for.
him, according to twitchtracker.
over 100 million users who have
com. Although his viewership
watched more than 900,000 years
will be here in the next decade
of video on the streaming service.
or so remains unclear, but one
Combine that with the fact
It’s not just your traditional
Many esports stars compete
it doesn’t seem so far-fetched to imagine a world in which parents
On March 15, 2018, Twitch star
venture capital firms that are
for their teams in professional or
has since declined, the power of
getting in on the action, either.
semi-pro leagues for a base salary,
the Twitch platform was clearly
Echo Fox, a League of Legends
or in tournaments for prize pools.
on display during this period.
competitive gaming team, is
They also have the opportunity to
owned by former Los Angeles
stream individually and rake in live
Lakers player Rick Fox. The initial round of funding for
unique visitors per hour. All of those eyes in one place
are encouraging their kids to pursue a career in gaming.
Whether or not this reality
The controversy surrounding
thing seems for sure: esports is
the NFL’s handling of the ‘Kneeling
challenging the notion of what
Scandal’ have partly contributed
it means to be an athlete, an
38,000 viewers on average
to the decline in its viewership,
entrepreneur and a student.
donations over the course of their
currently and his stream is
but so has the information that
stream to supplement that salary.
visited by roughly 52,000
continues to come out about the
Blevins streams for around
Avalanche’s Makar is the future of NHL defensemen Makar’s hot start is one of the best in NHL rookie history the defensive core. In head coach
replacement role, Makar is on
presence with five goals and 17
Bank Cup Most Valuable Player
By Brady Pieper
Jared Bednar’s eyes, fellow
pace for 20 goals and 70 assists,
assists, good for second on the
awards, the most by any player.
bpieper@msudenver.edu
offensive-defenseman Samuel
well surpassing the Avs’ former
team in points behind all-star
In his collegiate career, Makar
Girard didn’t appear to be the
offensive blue line threat.
center Nathan MacKinnon.
hoisted the Hobey Baker Award,
answer, so it was Makar’s spot
Carrying his playoff
Twenty-three points in 21
A stat that stands out since
entitling him as the NCAA’s
games. Eighteenth in the NHL
to take. In his final season with
performance into this season,
Makar’s debut has been his 1.10
best hockey player that season.
and tied for second amongst
the Avalanche, Barrie scored
the right-handed defenseman
points per game for a rookie,
If all goes according to plan,
defenseman in scoring.
14 goals and 45 assists. In a
is continuing his scoring
ranking third all-time behind
Makar will be raising another
two of the NHL biggest stars
trophy or two in Colorado.
It is undeniable that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale
— Washington Capitals left
Makar has burst onto the NHL
winger Alexander Ovechkin and
Makar drew comparisons to San
scene in his rookie season,
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney
Jose Sharks defenseman Erik
scoring in droves. The 21-year-
Crosby. Two-time Ted Lindsey
Karlsson, but Makar’s prolific
old is turning heads while
award-winning forward Connor
start has blown the Shark out of
breaking into the record books
McDavid had a lower rookie
the water. The Avs defenseman is
and, if he keeps on this pace,
points per game than Makar
four points from surpassing his
will become one of the best
at 1.09, further underscoring
comparee’s rookie season total.
defensemen in the league.
his great rookie season.
Since joining the Avs during
Coming out of the Alberta
Coming out of the draft,
Great defense, solid offensive production and an abundance
their 2018-19 playoff run in
Junior Hockey League as the
of potential highlights the
mid-April, Makar has made his
highest drafted player in AJHL
Avalanche newbie’s future.
mark on the Centennial state,
history at fourth overall and
Whether Makar sustains his
tallying six points in his first 10
later playing two seasons for
outstanding rookie season or
games, despite his inexperience
the University of Massachusetts
not, he has proven that he is the
at the professional level.
Amherst, Makar won many
future of the NHL defensemen.
After the Avalanche traded defenseman Tyson Barrie this offseason, there was a hole in
Photo obtained from NHL.com
Rookie Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar looks on during a game against the Calgary Flames during the first round of the 2019 NHL Playoffs at Pepsi Center in Denver.
accolades. In the AJHL, Makar tied the most points by a defenseman with 75 and won his two Royal
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
Overheard “He’s more a cupcake than a snack is what you’re saying.” “Most koalas have chlamydia, which is weird because I didn’t think koalas went to Coachella.”
Top 5
Capricorn
Cancer
Just when it seems you couldn’t have dug a deeper hole for yourself, you’ll find a way back into the light of day.
Attraction is the theme of your week. A bond will grow stronger between you and your love interest this week.
Aquarius
Leo
When someone tells you you’re less than you are, fight back, even when that person seems above you in some way.
You’ve been thinking about starting a new project, and this is the week to do it. Don’t hold back, Leo!
Pisces
Virgo
Be considerate of your neighbors this week, Pisces. You may be having fun, but someone else may need time to rest.
You feel pessimistic and overworked this week, but a note or phone call from a close friend will bring out the sun this week.
Aries
“Ideal” Thanksgiving guests
This week, it feels like love is in the air, but don’t be fooled. There is a difference between true love and a good time.
1. Steve Martin 2. Kendrick Lamar
Taurus
3. Barack Obama 4. Al Roker
11
Horoscopes
“It was a pretty boomer app.” “It’s weird that it’s white.”
BREAK
Libra You’ve been given an opportunity for an advance in career or income. If it feels right, take the leap and don’t look back.
Scorpio
You’ve been feeling like your friends are going through life without you. You have the power to turn things around, Taurus.
You won’t have any trouble finding inspiration this week, but remember to write down your ideas so they stick around.
Gemini
Sagittarius
The stars are bringing good fortune your way this week. Whether that comes in a material form or not is up to you.
There may be some extra money coming your way this week. You’ve earned it, so don’t waste time feeling guilty.
5. Stephen Colbert
Photo of the Week Sometimes, between the consternations of
pardoning, shows how even in the most hectic
our daily affairs, the news can give us a well-
of times for the nation’s capital, there is always
deserved reprieve. Tried and true traditions
an undercurrent of normality firmly nailed
are among the best for brightening a somber
in place by tradition. At the same time, the
news cycle, and there are few traditions as
picture of President Donald Trump pardoning
idiosyncratic or quaintly milquetoast as the
the Thanksgiving holiday’s favored fowl also
annual White House Turkey Pardon. Started
highlights how manufactured those traditions
by former President George H. W. Bush, the
are, the event only in its 30th outing this
Turkey Pardon has been a reliable moment of
year even as the nation closes in on its 250th
levity in a Washington which can be trusted to
birthday. And yet, it still serves as a moment of
find itself embroiled in some political storm
calm amidst the maelstrom of our daily lives.
or another. This week’s picture, from the 2018
Easy
Medium
Photo obtained from whitehouse.gov
President Donald Trump participates in the annual White House Turkey Pardoning, accompanied by members of the first family and representatives of the farm which raised Peas the turkey on Nov. 20, 2018.
Hard
Answers:
Do you have a funny quote you overheard on campus or an interesting photo you just have to share? Submit to Managing Editor Megan Webber at mwebber6@ msudenver.edu.
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