Volume 40, Issue 22 - Feb. 21, 2018

The Student Newspaper of MSU Denver

mymetmedia.com

VOL. 40

@themetonline

NO. 22

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

themetropolitan

Knowledge leads to empowerment at Black World Conference

Local luminaries inspire at summit

Photo by Mimi Madrid | mayala3@msudenver.edu

Dr. Mary Frances Berry holds a book-signing after her keynote speech during the first day of 35th Annual Black World Conference on Feb. 20 in the St. Catejan’s Event Center. Berry has championed for domestic and global human rights more than four decades and helped end apartheid in South Africa.

Sporting a peppered buzz

By Mimi Madrid mayala3@msudenver.edu The aftermath of an overnight

is critical of inactive government.

“Protest is an essential

“Hell is having no options and

cut, Berry’s small stature was

ingredient to politics,” she said.

contained in an imposing all-black

“I’ve been saying that so many

specially when people know you

suit that nonetheless maintained

years I’m almost getting tired.”

don’t have options,” she said.

Her distinguished resume has

Berry put pressure to create

advocated to end 40 years of apartheid in South Africa.

Her storytelling was full of historical anecdotes, songs and wit that made the

snowstorm wasn’t enough to

a light presence. As the main

deter students from pouring into

keynote speaker for the two-day

spanned several decades of human

opportunities for herself and

audience laugh, clap and sit

the St. Cajetans Event Center

conference titled, “Knowledge

rights work both domestically and

others. She was the first woman

at the edge of their seats.

for the 35th Annual Black World

Is Power: Preservation and

abroad. Berry shared anecdotes

of color to head a major research

Conference. Anticipation to

Celebration of African American

from her own social activism,

university as Chancellor at

hear constitutional historian Dr.

History and Culture,” she made

historical lessons and strategies

University of Colorado at

Mary Frances Berry speak grew

an impassioned call for young

for next generations to create

Boulder. She also served for

the initial crowd of 25 to a full

people to resist, organize and

change. She said young people

11 years as Chairperson for the

house of over 160 attendees.

pressure those in power.

who organize make her happy and

Civil Rights Commision and

INSIDE

| pg. 3

NEWS

Update of SGA’s activities at weekly meeting

OPINION

| pg. 5

Getting over hookup culture and going underground with music culture

FEATURES

| pg. 6

“Guys & Dolls” opens Feb. 22 in Rawls Courtyard Theater.

| Continued on pg. 7

SPORTS

| pg. 11

Softball splits opening home series

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NEWS

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

3

SGA discusses succession policy

By Megan Webber

are elected into office.

mwebber6@msudenver.edu

“I know it sounds weird that

to structure their classes around a specific, physical textbook and

two unelected positions will be

others might see redesigning a

put into the seat of power, but you

course according to an online

Assembly of MSU Denver tackled

also have to look at every single

program as extra work. Students

issues regarding the vice president’s

student government each year is

have also found ways of finding free

departure and the shortcomings

completely different,” Bustos said.

PDF versions of textbooks online.

of their succession on Feb. 16.

“Every single year, they’re gonna

The Student Government

In light of Vice President

come across different issues.”

Ragan responded to these concerns with reasons why OER would be good for the university.

Richie Ramos’ recent departure

She emphasized the need

from SGA, there has been some

for adjustment time among the

question concerning who will fill

affected members of SGA, including

MSU Denver, because we really

the position and who, in turn, will

herself, who are uncertain about

are about access and equity

fill the position vacated by Ramos’

what is needed of them for the

and we want students all to be

successor. The SGA also passed a

remainder of the semester.

able to succeed,” she said.

Next, Sen. Adetilewa Awosanya

$500 budget to buy groceries for

“I think it’s a great fit for

Despite the previously

the Roadrunner Food Pantry and

proposed a budget to buy

mentioned cons, the presentation

heard from two guest speakers.

$500 worth of groceries for the

was very well received by SGA.

President Joshua Gardner

Roadrunner Food Pantry, which

“OER is a good idea,” Andres

read the succession policy out

partners with SGA. They voted

said. “Education should be

of the member handbook. The

unanimously to pass the budget.

free, in my opinion, and so

Photos by Kaileigh Lyons | klyons9@msudenver.edu

Student Gov Advisor Angela LeValley and MSU Denver professor Dr. Emily Ragan, speak to SGA members on Feb. 16 in the Student Success Building.

any move to lower the cost of

said, ‘When someone becomes

Vice President will be filled by the

stocked, non-perishables, stuff like

classes to include more people

a naturalized citizen here, they

Associate Vice President, only if the

that, to give out to students that are

that want to better themselves

automatically get the opportunity

opportunity in respect to how many

positions of President and VP are

hungry,” said Sen. John Andres.

by education, it’s fantastic.”

to vote, they automatically get

credit hours you have, every single

the opportunity to run for office.’

student on Metro’s campus from the

“They just need items to be

policy states that the position of

One speaker at the meeting,

vacated simultaneously. This leaves

Lastly, SGA heard from Antwaun

Denver student government.

“I’m saying we need to make the

Dr. Emily Ragan, a professor in

Johnson, a transfer student

So then I started thinking, I said,

time they’re here, they get rights,

the department of chemistry,

interested in running for office

‘Is Metro Student Government

and they get the opportunity to run,

has stepped in to fill the role of VP,

presented on Open Educational

but cannot because he does not

Assembly superseding our own

should they see fit,” Johnson said.

causing some uneasiness among

Resources. OER provides students

have enough MSU Denver credits.

government?’” Johnson said.

SGA because there is no clear

with free versions of textbooks,

The member handbook states that

policy for how to act when the

course materials and online

anyone interested in running for

mission involves allowing students

a whole agreed with Johnson. After

position of VP is suddenly vacated

tests to improve access to study

SGA must have taken nine credit

to lead their own lives on campus

hearing from him, SGA decided

so close to spring elections. The

materials and class success.

hours at MSU Denver, regardless

as they see fit. If that is true and

to revisit the issue and continue

of previous experience, class

the federal government would

to debate on the succession

let him run for office outside of

policy in future meetings.

the current situation in a gray area.

Associate VP Savannah Bustos

SGA discussed the pros and

handbook states that it should be filled by the funding manager,

cons of introducing the resources

status, financial aid eligibility, etc.

which is a hired position, whereas

to MSU Denver. Some of the cons

“I spoke to someone who is in

student government leadership

were that certain professors like

Lineage of a ship named, Colorado

the military, and he told me, he

1856

Student Trustee Lacey Hyde

He argued that MSU Denver’s

said she felt confident that SGA as

school, he believes that he should also be able to run for MSU

1861

1905

Starting in 1861, the Colorado served in the Civil War for the Union. It destroyed a private schooner, named the Judah, because it was thought to be a Confederate ship. In 1862, the Colorado lent its guns to the Capture of New Orleans. It could not sail up the Mississippi to participate in the fight. After the Civil War, the Colorado was stationed in the Asiatic The first Colorado was a three-masted

Squadron until it was sold for scrap in 1885.

The second Colorado was commissioned

steam screw frigate named after the Colorado

into the Navy in 1905 as an armored cruiser. It

With the commission of a new USS Colorado

River. It launched at the Gosport, now named

had a weight of 13,900 tons, two 10-inch guns,

on the horizon, let’s take a look at the history

Norfolk Navy Yard on June 19, 1856. Weighing

28 9-inch guns, 14 8-inch guns and a top speed

of ships named Colorado

in at a 3400-ton displacement, it had 40 guns

of 22 knots.

and boasted a top speed of 9 knots.

1914

1923

1941

2018

After the Colorado’s maiden voyage to

Pre-World War l, the Colorado joined the Atlantic Fleet and performed ceremonial tasks.

Europe, it was assigned to the Pacific Battle

At the start of World War I, the Colorado’s

Fleet. It was in Washington state getting

name was changed to Pueblo because the

refitted at the time of the attack on Pearl

name was used for a class of battleships.

Harbor. In total, the battleship spent 204 days

The Pueblo became inactive in 1921 and was

in combat. After the war, the Colorado helped

scrapped in 1930.

transport troops home until it was placed on reserve commission in 1947 and sold for scrap The third Colorado was a battleship with

in 1959.

The newest Colorado is a submarine that

a displacement of 32,600 tons, speed of 21

will be commissioned on March 17, 2018. It is

knots and armed with eight 16-inch guns, 12

7,800 tons and 377 feet in length with a speed

5-inch guns, eight 3-inch guns and two 21-inch

of 25 knots submerged. It has a nuclear reactor

torpedo tubes. It was commissioned in 1923.

that does not require refueling during the planned life of the ship.

NEWS

4

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Denver cracks down on landlords to joint policy efforts headed

for $500. If yet another 10 days

By Joshua Gardner

by Denver councilwoman Mary

goes by and the property is still

jgardn47@msudenver.edu

Beth Susman and her team,

out of compliance, a landlord

violations will be found based

can be hit with a $999 fine.

Denver is closing licensing

on landlords who advertise

loopholes in the local short-term

without their license number.

rental market, as reported to

While unlicensed landlords

Dominic Vaiana, deputy of operations for Excise and License, said regarding the discipline

the Business, Arts, Workforce

do cause a loss of income for

process, “Ultimately, this isn’t

and Aeronautical Services

the city, another concern is for

about the revenue, it’s really

Committee on Feb. 14.

the well-being of tenants and

about getting the compliance

the surrounding community.

within the community.”

With the rise of marketing technology in the housing

“We can’t be sure they are

Landlords have a due process

industry, search services such

complying with our rules, and

for disciplinary action, whether

as Airbnb, Zillow and Craigslist

have their smoke detectors and

in response to citations based

have made looking for affordable

quiet hours if we don’t even have

on licensing or complaints from

housing easier. While these

them in the system,” Kilroy said.

neighbors. However, the initial

services can snag users a great

According to the licensing

deal, they fail to show whether

webpage, found on the City of

could happen to an evicted person

Denver site, legal properties

who was unwittingly renting from

must also have a working carbon

an illegal landlord. Kilroy stated

monoxide detector and fire

there were no consequences

extinguisher and be insured.

for those in such a situation,

Photo by Jolene Yazzie | jyazzle@msudenver.edu

the rental owner is licensed to rent out their space.

Maly Mendieta and Cheyenne

District 4 Council Woman Kendra Black speaks at the Denver City Council meeting on Feb. 14 about taxes for short term rentals such as Airbnb rentals.

Mittry, two MSU Denver students, shared their experience on how

rental market is determining which

online housing search tools helped

properties are being rented out.

them find their current landlord.

“I don’t know how we

“Somebody down the block

Because of this, there are

If a landlord is found to be advertising without a license,

law enforcement in how to locate

there is a two-week grace period

program was implemented, the

given before a citation can

number of licenses and the rate

be issued, and if the property

of compliant properties have been steadily increasing.

from your neighborhood could

and prosecute illegal landlords.

be renting their home, and you

According to Kilroy, initial

the internet,” said Mendieta.

might not even know it,” said

suggestions on how policy

is not brought to compliance

“I would just literally put in

Ashley Kilroy, director of the

could be enforced included

within 14 days, the landlord can

google browser ‘apartments in

Denver Department of Excise and

starting investigations based on

be issued a $150 fine. Should

Denver or in Denver area.’”

License for Denver. “It’s not like

incoming complaints or sending

the landlord ignore the initial

a hotel comes up and there’s a

inspectors to drive around

fine or wait to act, another fine

sign and you know it’s there.”

neighborhoods. However, thanks

can be assessed 10 days later

challenges in managing the Denver

aside from losing their rental.

numerous challenges presented to

would have found her without

One of the administrative

presentation was unclear on what

Since the online licensing

Lambasting the monogamy trap

By Kavann Tok

different types of relationships that

raised to expect that they have a

ktok@msudenver.edu

could be monogamous, including

monogamous relationship, they’re

serial monogamy. This occurs

not set up to be successful.”

Dr. Stephanie Webber led

when a person is in a succession of

Webber continued with the idea

a conversation on diversity,

monogamous sexual relationships.

that people don’t think through their

inclusivity and social responsibility

This is similar to monogamy,

decisions. People move forward

in romantic relationships at the

even though a person has many

without questioning why they have

second Hot Topic of the semester

different partners over time.

a compulsion to sleep with others,

called, “Relationship Status.”

The tri-institutional partnership

Emma Durán, a pre-nursing

which she explained happens

student at MSU Denver, said,

because they don’t consciously self-

hosted the Hot Topic on Feb. 13 in

“Many people don’t think about

examine to find out if they are truly

the Multicultural Lounge, where

monogamy the same, and that’s

monogamous. Instead, they defer

participants were asked to think

what makes it hard to pin down.”

to the prevailing societal norm.

critically about monogamy.

“Many people follow the script

According to Webber, there

“This becomes super risky,

is a cultural script that defines

because we want to do things

of monogamy without thinking

love as marriage to one partner.

like make it a sickness or view

about other options,” said Melisa

This view is promoted and

people as less good as a result of

Mireles Caraveo, an MSU Denver

perceived as more advanced

them deviating from something

student majoring in psychology.

than other relationship types.

that’s normal,” she said. “That

“Many people cheat and rationalize

Being polyamorous for

can be really problematic,

their cheating, but I really liked

ten years herself, Webber has

especially in the kind of system

the fact that Dr. Webber let people

been subject to this stigma.

that’s already broken.”

know that polyamory is okay.”

She often gets asked when she

Webber holds a doctorate

Webber challenged her

decided to be polyamorous.

audience to think about the things

in interpersonal and family

Her response is, “when did you

that they perceive as normal.

communication with a focus on

decide to be monogamous?”

different dynamics in romantic

People then respond that

Photo by Joel Mathew | jmathe19@msudenver.edu

Speaker Stephanie Webb concludes the event with a Q&A at the Tivoli Multicultural Lounge on Feb. 13. read on the subject, she is critical

that is correct,” she said. “What

of how books written on infidelity

I think is that we need to think

to prove her point. She cited the

don’t challenge the assumption

critically about our relationships

Webber dove into statistics

relationships. Non-monogamous

they didn’t decide. They just are.

divorce rate, which hovered around

of monogamy. Instead they favor

in order to move forward in

relationships is her field of study

Webber believes that speaks toward

50 percent in 2010. A more recent

monogamy and seek to understand

an informed way where we’re

and what she lectures on.

the prevalence of monogamy.

statistic from 2016 revealed that

why infidelity occurs rather

not going to hurt ourselves or

the rate has lowered, but Webber

than taking a critical look at why

other people around us.”

monogamy is the expectation.

A polyamorous person is

“And I’m not saying, by any

someone who has multiple

means at all, that monogamy is

said that if there are less people

lovers with the consent of

wrong,” Webber said. “But what

getting married, then there are

everyone involved.

I am saying, is that because of

going to be less people getting

is a certain relationship type,

normalization, because people are

divorced. Although Webber is well

monogamous or non-monogamous,

Webber began by talking about

“I do not think that there

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

OPINIONS

5

We can only swipe right from here David Veltri

initial release it was referred to

since 2014. I’ve gone on some

each other Snapchats, even try

as the “hook up app.” But as its

really bad dates, and met some

Skyping or Facetiming. Trust your

echnology has streamlined

user-base started to grow, Tinder’s

really annoying people. However,

judgment and listen to your gut for

every aspect of American

purpose began to shift. Finding

I’ve never had an experience bad

anything that appears odd about

lives. However, in the past

friends and casual dating became an

enough to make me regret it. I’ve

the person. Once they pass the

5 years the “anti-tech” movement

accidental side effect, alongside the

been to bars, parties and concerts I

checklist, go for it. There’s plenty

has grown in strength as millennials

more traditional hook ups. Currently,

would have never gone to with my

to learn from everyone you meet,

start to limit their phone use. Within

the app has reached 50 million

traditional friend group. I’ve met

whether its a new skill or you just

my social group I’ve had multiple

users, which leaves participants

some of my closest friends and been

learn what personalities you dislike.

friends vent their frustrations with

with a bit of selection dysphoria.

in fulfilling relationships all due to

T

social media, and the drowning

When the possibility for a

While I understand the anxiety

Tinder. The stigma of the “hook

that can accompany social media,

feeling that comes with being

better partner is just a swipe

up app” really isn’t appropriate for

I still think it can be a valuable tool

immersed within them. Facebook,

away, app usage turns into

how Tinder is actually used. While

to improve your life, socially or

Twitter, and Snapchat are a few of

a unpleasurable cycle.

you’ll find plenty of people looking

otherwise. The serious risks are

for only a night of your time, there

there, but I personally think the

the applications that come up during

However, with Tinder’s age

these conversations. Although,

demographic between 18-34, I think

are still good, genuinely interesting

uncertainty of these encounters

the social media dating app Tinder

with proper usage, the app has the

people out there for you to meet.

are exciting. So do your homework

has been coming up the most.

possibility to improve the lifestyles

Now, as much as it’s fun to

and take precautions, but have

The app utilizes the phone’s

of its users. Meeting new people and

meet strangers from the internet, I

fun. Finding a new best friend,

location allowing users to swipe

experiencing different social circles

think it’s important for you do your

co-worker, boyfriend or girlfriend

through possible dates. Two users

I believe is as mentally healthy as

research and get to know these

is right at your fingertips, literally.

must match before they can start

limiting social media engagement.

people prior to meeting. Do a deep

messaging each other. During its

I have been on and off Tinder

Not for being on the show, but

Offset is my favorite member

since the days of Master P and the

for making “Bad and Boujee.”

of the group. He has the best verse

ith the release of their

No Limit Soldiers. The Migos and

Like, that’s the best song, ever,”

on “Bad and Boujee.” He recently

third album “Culture

their company Quality Control

said Glover after winning two

gained his fist solo platinum hit

2,” the Migos combined

are controlling their own futures

Golden Globe Awards in 2017.

single, “Ric Flair Drip,” produced

southern gangsterism and upscale

in the music industry. This is not

taste in pop culture through

something that is taught to black

Best Rap Album at the 60th Annual

be married to media darling Cardi

music, fashion and media.

people. We have to figure it out

Grammy Awards awards. Not bad

B. Cardi has credited the rapper

on our own. Making money and

for a few drug dealers from Atlanta.

with encouraging her to make

Quavo, Offset and Takeoff

The Migos were nominated for

by Metro Boomin. He is engaged to

are the members of The Migos.

making their money work for them

They have fast cars, long hair

is important to the black culture as

is buying into the the Migos

do not think it would be a stretch

and faces full of tattoos. The trio

an example of being self-sustaining.

brand. It is going to keep growing

to say that without Offset there

because America loves the bad

would be no Cardi B. But a man

drapes themselves in Chanel, Louis

Comedian Donald Glover helped

This is proof that the world

her business more professional. I

Vuitton and Gucci. At the 2017 BET

create one of the best shows on

guy. But the bad guy is only the

that helps the woman he’s with

Awards, the group showed that silk

television, Atlanta. This show

bad guy because they are not

sounds like a good guy to me.

shirts, gold chains and the Atlanta

personifies a lot of the problems

allowed to be the good guy.

dope boy is alive and well during

in the Southern black community.

altercations with radio personality Joe Budden and singer Chris Brown.

The Migos have had individual

Takeoff has recently begun to

James Bofenkamp jbofenk1@msudenver.edu Features Editor Jolene Yazzie jyazzle@msudenver.edu Assistant Features Editor Miriam Mimi Madrid mayala3@msudenver.edu Assistant Features Editor Megan Webber mwebber6@msudenver.edu

Assistant Sports Editor Matthew Stefanski mstefan3@msudenver.edu Assistant Sports Editor James Burky jburky@msudenver.edu Photo Editor Ali Watkins awatkin9@msudenver.edu Assistant Photo Editor Kaileigh Lyons klyons9@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

member of the group, has pop hits,

the release of the group’s album

Office Manager

as well as gangster. He has gangster

“Culture 2.” He’s the most lyrical

Elizabeth Norberg enorbert@msudenver.edu

rapper in the group. In the upcoming months we will see him shine.

together, they can not be stopped.

the soundtrack to that struggle.

men lie, women lie but numbers

“I’d like to thank the Migos.

don’t. Say hello to the bad guys.

Brady Nelson bnelso73@msudenver.edu

throws events together, travels

the people to express themselves,

decided to make the event open

together and DJs together.

forget the problems while dancing

to the public since they are doing

Being part of the electronic

and just being themselves on

it for the money and not for the

defined in many ways.

music world since I was young

the dance floor. Nowadays,

music or the community. The

The underground scene

taught me a lot of things, such as

most of the underground events

music industry has always been

in Denver features events like

having fun while being responsible.

are just after parties that go

profitable. There will always be

warehouse parties, illegal raves,

I also learned not to bother people,

from two in the morning, when

money involved and because of

secret events or parties where

support the DJs, be respectful of

the bar and nightclubs close,

that, underground events became a

the location of the affair is not

the people attending the event and

until the sun comes up.

business rather than a space where

released until the day it happens.

most importantly, enjoy the music.

The point is not who partied

people get to enjoy themselves.

Some even have to ask friends

The underground scene

to find out where the event will

in Denver is becoming less

safe place for those who enjoy

remain underground and focused on

take place. Even then, there is no

underground than it used to be.

the sound, want to dance the

the music. It is for everyone, but not

guarantee that you’ll be successful.

There a lot of people who just go

night away, touch the attendees’

everyone should have the privilege

The Denver Techno Scene is

to the events to get drunk and do

souls with the exquisite sounds of

to attend after hour, underground

just one example of the many

illicit substances, find friends or

Techno music and make people

events. Everyone should experience

musical genres showcased as part

just to say they were at a party

think that it is a privilege to be

it at least once. But if they do not

of the underground landscape.

until seven in the morning.

part of it—not just because they

know how to behave or listen to

paid for their ticket to get in.

the music that is being played,

The whole point of an underground Techno event is for

until what time, it is to provide a

A lot of promoters have

Sales and Marketing sales@mymetmedia.com marketing@mymetmedia.com

The underground goes to the surface

knows each other, parties together,

Assistant News Editor

one with many choices. Glover

loves it. We know this because

It is small enough that everyone

Isaac Banks cbanks17@msudenver.edu

Being poor and black does not leave

rap hits. America loves it. The world

U

News Editor

Kathleen Jewby kjewby@msudenver.edu

of America. The Migos created

nderground can be

Montana Martin mmart427@msudenver.edu

receive individual accolades with

put that harsh reality in the face

Pablo Vasquez Arias

Managing Editor

Quavo, the original stand out

success as well. By themselves or They are doing something for black

Esteban Fernandez eferna14@msudenver.edu

Rich Allen rallen57@msudenver.edu

culture that has not been seen

W

Editor-in-Chief

Sports Editor

dive on their social medias, send

The cultural significance of Migos Warner Jackson

staff

The underground scene needs to

they should stay at home.

Caitlin Monaghan cmonagh12@msudenver.edu

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FEATURES

6

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

“Black Panther” pounces on hero stereotypes

By Khaleel Herbert

main power source, vibranium,

kherber1@msudenver.edu

to make and sell weapons.

T’Challa suits up as Black

Like “Wonder Woman,”

“Black Panther,” unlike “SpiderMan: Homecoming” or DC’s “Batman v. Superman,” is not a

Panther to catch Klaue in South

superhero movie based on hype.

“Black Panther” is a superhero

Korea and bring him back to

It’s the Marvel version of “The

film that breaks the stigma that

Wakanda for trial. Letitia Wright

Lion King” with T’Challa as Simba

superheroes can only be white

plays Shuri, T’Challa’s sister, who

and Erik as Scar, minus Timon,

men. He’s a crime-fighter who

equips him with the Black Panther

Pumbaa and the musical numbers.

lives to protect his people in the

suit and high-tech gadgets. She

Utopian city of Wakanda. There

gives T’Challa a brand new suit

“Black Panther,” the visual effects

are not a lot of mainstream

that has the ability to absorb and

of Wakanda and South Korea and

African-American superheroes

deflect any attack. T’Challa also

an all-star cast, what’s not to like

in the comic book world, so

brings his loyal general Okoye,

about “Black Panther?” The cast

it’s a hoot to see a superhero

played by Danai Gurira, and

features Angela Bassett from

that African-American kids

wandering ex-girlfriend, Nakia,

“What’s Love Got to Do With

and adults can identify with.

played by Lupita Nyong’o, for

It,” Daniel Kaluuya from “Get

backup. What could go wrong?

Out” and Forest Whitaker from

In the latest film set in the Marvel Universe, T’Challa,

When T’Challa captures Klaue,

With the epic fight scenes in

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”

played by Chadwick Boseman,

Erik Killmonger, played by Michael

awaits his crowning ceremony

B. Jordan, rescues Klaue. While

rollercoaster and a great tie-in

to become the new king of the

in combat, T’Challa sees Erik

to the Marvel Universe in order

advanced civilization of Wakanda.

holding his father’s talisman.

to prep audiences for May’s

Erik is said to be a long-lost

“Avengers: Infinity War.”

In “Captain America: Civil War,” T’Challa’s father was

Wakanda descendant, but no

killed by Ulysses Klaue, played

one knows who he is. Killmonger

by Andy Serkis. Klaue also

decides to pay Wakanda a visit

managed to steal Wakanda’s

to claim T’Challa’s throne.

“Black Panther” is an epic

As always, stick around for the bonus scenes during the credits.

Photo obtained from Verdict

Chadwick Boseman stars in the Marvel Studios film Black Panther. The movie was released nationwide on Feb. 16 reaching $25.2 million opening day according to Variety.

Theater Corner: ‘Fun Home’ greets Colorado

By Avery Anderson aande133@msudenver.edu

she is to blame for his suicide.

Midtown Arts Center took this compelling work and did it

When Alison Bechdel’s groundbreaking graphic novel

justice with their production.

Director Kurt Terrio was faced

“Fun Home” became a musical,

with the challenge of taking this

it proved that not only could a

small and intimate production and

show with a lesbian in a leading

staging it on Midtown’s massive

role connect with people, but

Dinner Theatre Stage. He achieved

that audiences craved it.

this by creating different levels

“Fun Home” debuted on

of the set for the cast to interact

Broadway in 2015 and won five

on. Terrio enforced the idea that

Tony Awards including best

these are Alison’s memories by

musical. Midtown Arts Center

starting the show with the set of

is now presenting the Colorado

the Bechdel family home draped

premiere of this emotional show.

in sheets. As the show starts, the

Based on Bechdel’s graphic

set comes to life as the actors and

novel, the show follows her as she grows up in Pennsylvania.

thoughts become more defined.

Leading the show as Adult Alison

Throughout the show, the audience

is Monica Howe, who creates a

sees three versions of Alison at

poised and reserved Alison. She

different ages in her life and watch

displays Al’s resistance toward

as she reflects on her relationship

accepting the truth about her father

with her father and her journey

but at the same time, the longing

discovering her sexuality.

to be loved and accepted by him.

With a show like this, it is not

Portratrying the family’s

Photo courtesy of Midtown Arts Center and Dylann Diercks

Monica Howe and Vince Wingerter performing in ‘Fun Home’ at Midtown Arts Center on Mar. 25, 2016.

hard to hit that emotional vein

matriarch, Helen, is Alisa Metcalf.

and convey those feelings to the

Having one of the most difficult

audience. Whether it be Small

roles in the show, Metcalf

out performance as Bruce Bechdel.

introduced audiences to this

Howe and Vince Wingerter. Through

Alison discovering for the first time

beautifully pulled off this mother

Not only could he sing the part,

stellar piece of theater in a way

March 17. Tickets start at $54.

her feelings for women or Medium

who is stuck between the love for

but every scene he was in was

that makes Coloradans hunger for

Alison praying and chanting

her husband and the actions he

full of raw emotion and talent. He

more productions of this kind.

“please God let me not be gay.”

chooses. Her performance of “Days

perfectly created this character

Or Adult Alison reflecting back

and Days” shock the theater with its

that you root for, feel for and

Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S Mason

on her father and asking herself if

power and left not a single eye dry.

despise all at the same time.

St, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Directed

Vince Wingerter had a stand-

Midtown Arts Center has

“Fun Home” is now playing at

by Kurt Terrio. Starring: Monica

For tickets, visit midtownartscenter.com or 970-225-2555.

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

FEATURES

7

Legacy of black history inspires future | Continued from cover

prevailed to make the first day of the conference a success. Malaya King, MSU Denver student and

Antwaun D. Johnson, MSU

African Studies Major, introduced

Denver student, was attentive

the first speaker of the day even

to the knowledge dropped by

though she was delayed by traffic.

Dr. Berry. After her speech he felt his role as an organizer was even stronger and plans to resist means of oppression as a student, Coloradoan and American.

“My biggest take away was continuing to press forward for change,” he said. “In order for change to happen it requires persistence and it requires

“You have to put pressure, as Dr. Berry said, ‘put pressure’ on the system, on the players and continue to apply that pressure until the change comes.”

– Antwaun D. Johnson

heat. It requires tenacity and it requires discipline and bringing together the community.”

Conference chair and Professor

Moments later, Senior Special Collection and Community Resource Manager of the Blair-Caldwell

of Africana Studies at MSU Denver,

African American Research Library,

Jacqueline McLeod, said she echos

Charleszine “Terry” Nelson

the words of Berry and hopes

walked through the doors.

students become active, organize,

She caught her breath and

resist and study the history of

shared the rarity of the library she

African-American leaders.

works in. She said the library, which

“History is not old,” she

has archived the contributions

said. “History reminds us

of African-American community

what is in the present.”

in the West, is a resource for

McLeod said that divine order

the state and the world.

Photos by Mimi Madrid | mayala3@msudenver.edu

Dr. Mary Frances Berry answers attendee questions after her keynote speech during the 35th Annual Black World Conference on Feb. 20 at the St. Catejan’s Event Center. day with provocative intellectual

legacy of past, present and future

to collect and preserve documents

discourse as he reeancted the

African-American leaders and

and other materials to make

African-American civil rights

institutions. Berry, who turned

them available for research,” she

activist Malcolm X. At the end of his

80 over the weekend, inspired

said. “This makes us the most

portrayal he took questions from

young people like Ani Vazquez, a

unique library in this part of the

the audience and responded as the

Manual High School student.

country. There are four others

belated leader might have. He then

“The goal of the library will be

like us in the United States.”

In 2002, the 40,000 square-foot library opened in the historic Five Points community. The building’s

Antwaun D. Johnson, MSU Denver student, sits at the edge of seat during Mary Frances Berry’s keynote speech on Feb. 20. The Africana Studies Department has hosted the Black World Conference for more than three decades on campus to promote African American History Month.

“She said to take education

broke character and discussed his

not only for it to benefit yourself

presentation, “Malcolm X Pilgrim

and become part of the system,”

in Search of a Common Humanity.

Vazquez said. “But to take it back

“In his brief 39 eventful years,

home and your people. Knowledge

first level serves as a full-service

Malcolm had achieved a degree

is power, that’s what I got from her.”

branch library. Level two is filled

of wholeness in his life that few

Johnson agreed with Vazquez

with collection archives of oral

humans of any age are fortunate

that the message he took from

histories, videos and more than

enough to experience,” Pace

Berry is that it’s important

150 collections. The final top floor

said. “He was a man who had

for young people to educate

features exhibits that start with the

confronted and transcended

themselves and fight for justice.

stories of runaway slaves, early

three mayor rites of passage.

“You have to demand it,” he

black settlements in the West, Five

A rite which lead from his ego,

said. “You have to put pressure,

Points neighborhood history and

through his ethnic and into a global

as Dr. Berry said, ‘put pressure’

African-American leadership.

sense of his human potential.”

on the system, on the players and

National Chautauqua scholar, Charles Everett Pace, ended the

Charles Everett Pace, a national Chautauqua scholar, answers participants’ questions in character as Malcolm X at the 35th Annual Black World Conference in the St. Catejan’s Event Center on Feb. 20.

The first day of the 35th Black World Conference uplifted the

continue to apply that pressure until the change comes.”

Dr. Mary Frances Berry reaches out to an MSU Denver student during her book-signing at the 35th Annual Black World Conference on Feb. 20. Berry said young people organizing for their rights brings her joy.

FEATURES

8

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Toubab Krewe shares unique sounds Nataleah Small

cacophonic sound. As well as

world. Along with playing

nsmall@msudenver.edu

the guitar, drums and piano,

music, the band partners with

band members also play less

philanthropic organizations.

Pink and blue lights reflected off the massive, spinning disco ball in the middle of the ceiling. As

well known instruments like the

According to Heller, the band

kora, kamale ngoni and djembe.

donates one dollar from every

Kai Kramer, another attendee,

ticket sale to the non-profit

music pulsed through the venue,

said the band’s use of obscure

organization, Instruments for

the audience danced on the well-

instruments keeps him intrigued.

Africa. Their donations are helping

worn wooden floor covered in

He said Toubab Krewe’s sound

build a school in Bamako, Mali.

dark stains holding memories of

separates it from other bands.

The organization is run by their

good times past. The air was thick

“It’s really unique, a lot of

friend Paul Chander and his wife.

and herbaceous. Small flames

the sounds you don’t hear in

illuminated giddy faces as steady

other music that you’ve been

the non-profit organization,

hands ignited rolled paper.

around,” Kramer said. “I love

Seed Programs International.

how it’s often quite instrumental

Heller explained SPI sends high-

Krewe, an instrumental band

and really inspires dance

quality non-GMO vegetable

from Asheville, NC, opened for

movements. But at the same

seeds to areas where people

Pimps of Joytime at Cervantes’

time it doesn’t feel completely

Masterpiece Ballroom. Toubab

like an ongoing sound.”

On the night of Feb. 16, Toubab

Krewe drew a crowd of spectators

According to band members

The band also partners with

Photo by Kaileigh Lyons | klyons9@msudenver.edu

Drummer for instrumental band Toubab Krewe, Terrence Houston, playing at Cervantes’ Masterpiece on Feb. 16.

are experiencing malnutrition.

Keller’s wife, Niama Dido, is the program director of the non-profit.

of all ages to the concert. During

Justin Perkins and Drew Heller,

the set, a young woman spun her

their sound pays homage to the

“The work that both

hula hoop in time with the music

different styles of music they

Quaranta and several other

to Kante’s music inspired the

to us, in personal connection, but

as an old man tested his blues

have learned throughout their

friends, traveled to Guinea and

band’s current non-conformist

also to the work itself, is close

dancing skills in front of the stage.

lives. Heller, an electric guitarist

Cote d’Ivoire to learn traditional

style and nontraditional sound.

to our hearts,” Heller said.

Audience member Dennis

and organist, said the African

African music. In 2004, Perkins

Perkins said their African

Adams said he first heard the

elements of their music were

and Heller traveled to Bamako,

teachers taught them not to

expectations for the near future,

band on Spotify five months ago.

organizations do are not only close

Though the band has no set

inspired by their travels to Africa.

Mali and met a blind musician,

recite the music they learned,

Perkins said they intend to play

He said their music is strange

Perkins, who plays the kora,

Vieux Kante, who Perkins said

but instead make it their own.

together for the rest of their lives.

and unique and draws people

ngoni, guitar and percussion, said

together from different cultures.

Gordon Ray, a drum maker from

“I wouldn’t even be able to put them into a genre,” Adams said.

The band’s music borrows from Appalachian and African traditions to create a bold,

“changed everything.”

Heller said when he and

“Learn the root of it and

Toubab Krewe is currently on

after that you’re free to do what

tour in the U.S. until June 29. Their

you want,” Perkins said.

latest single, “That Damn Squash,”

North Carolina, told them that

Perkins met Kante, their band’s

to understand drumming, they

personal aesthetic was still

need to understand its roots.

evolving. According to Heller,

in 2005. Since then, they have

Apple Music. Their new album,

Kante played with a bombastic

and toured throughout the

“STYLO,” will arrive on March 2.

rock and roll aesthetic. Exposure

U.S. and traveled across the

In 2001, Perkins and Heller, along with band member Luke

The band officially formed

is available on Spotify and

Preview: Guys & Dolls

Teaches how to keep that special someone Megan Webber

along. He bets Sky Masterson $1,000

Stewart said. “So we have students

mwebber6@msudenver.edu

that he can’t get the virtuous Sarah

in leadership roles with faculty,

Brown, played by Michaela Lamb,

which is always really interesting.”

Throw together colorful dresses,

to go out with him. The guys must

Eric Hilton and Ethan Menzies,

Havana nights, gambling and New

decide between their two greatest

spots one and two, only started

York City streets, and what do

loves: gambling and their dolls.

working on the lighting a week

you get? Loesser, Swerling and

Over winter break, the cast

ago, but have spent most of

Burrows’ 1955 musical “Guys &

and crew had time to familiarize

the semester perfecting other

Dolls.” The MSU Denver theater

themselves with the script, and

technical aspects of the show.

department is bringing the

as soon as the semester started,

classic show to campus for seven

they jumped into rehearsals. While

palm trees that you will see flown

performances starting Feb. 22.

the actors were busy rehearsing

in, I will not tell you when,” Menzies

onstage, they weren’t the only

said. “But I personally worked on

experience has been really great so

ones working hard to make this

those from when they were original

far, and it’s been really fun seeing

show the best it can be.

OSB material to flown pieces, and

“I think that this whole

“I’ve actually worked on the

all the growth in everybody,”

“This is the biggest show

that was a really unique experience

said Justin Milner, who plays

Metro has ever done,” said Jane

that I haven’t gotten with any of the

Sky Masterson in the production.

Stewart, the stage manager. “We

other shows that I’ve worked on.”

“And it’s also been really fun

have a cast of 28 people, we have

playing Sky, because it’s just a

a total cast, crew and orchestra,

“Guys & Dolls” has been growing

big role and I love the songs.”

clocks in around 60 plus people.”

into the biggest, brightest musical

“Guys & Dolls” follows the love

Stewart, a Bachelor of Fine

Since auditions in November,

MSU Denver has ever staged.

lives of two couples as they try to

Arts tech major, got the chance to

The show will be in the Eugenia

figure out who they are and who

stage manage the show to count

Rawls Courtyard theater in the

their partner really is. Gambler

for her major. This is her first

King Center Feb. 22-24 and Mar.

Nathan Detroit, played by Troy Clark,

time stage managing a musical.

1-3 at 7:30, and Mar. 4 at 2:30. MSU

is about to elope with his long-time

“One of the greatest parts of

Denver students can see the show

girlfriend Adelaide, played by Megan

our program­­—the theater program

for free with a current student ID.

Schraeder, when the opportunity to

specifically and the BFA—is that they

win big in a game of craps comes

run like a professional company,”

Photo by Ali Watkins | awatkin9@msudenver.edu

Justin Milner, as Sky Masterson, and Michaela Lamb, as Sarah Brown, performing “I’ll Know” during a dress rehearsal for “Guys and Dolls” on Feb. 19 at the Eugenia Rawls Courtyard theater in the King Center.

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

FEATURES

9

Healing by Narrative: Re-Opening Histories Festering Wounds

By Sandisz Thieme

to WWI and the Great Famine.

Gallagher, is the story of the death

sthieme@msudenver.edu

Gallagher, an art professor,

of Winifred Barrington, an Irish

painted related imagery like

woman serving in the British army

Sheila Gallagher and Richard

crows that represented death

as an ambulance driver. Barrington

Kearney, co-authors of “Twinsome

or deliverance, white lilies to

was friendly with Mike Hayes,

Minds: An Act of Double

signify the uprising in Dublin

an old and dear friend who was

Remembrance” and professors at

and two-toned red and black

serving in the Irish military at

Boston College, believe in healing

poppies to represent the Irish

the time. Barrington would later

through narrative. They deal with

that have died in past battles.

befriend Major Henry Biggs of the

history’s festering wounds, horrific

“Irish-Americans have the

British army. Barrington crossed

stories and historical traumas like

highest rate of alcoholism, drug

between Irish and British lines so

world wars, holocausts, slavery,

addiction and mental illness,

often it became commonplace.

slaughter, etc., by reopening them

second only to the Native

through narrative and allowing

Americans in America and I think

them to heal and scar. Gallagher

that a lot of that is because of the

and Kearney create artwork to

history of the famine never truly

open up these wounds and inspire

being dealt with” Gallagher said.

conversations about them. They

Gallagher and Kearny believe

specialize in overlooked history

the healing never ends. “Curing,

and disregarded traumas.

which is the hippocratic method

“I think perhaps because of the political times that we happen to live in we are paradoxically almost faced with the inevitability of addressing these past traumas,” – Adam Graves

On Feb. 15 the Denver Project

of doing things, wants to say ‘here

for Humanistic Inquiry brought the

you are, prozac or whatever, this is

two professors to MSU Denver’s

the remedy that will get you out of

Center for Advanced Visualization

here and you’ll never have to think

and Experiential Analysis for a

about it again,’ but it doesn’t go

presentation on their book.

back to the root of the problem,”

were attacked by the Irish and

said Kearney. “The thing about

Biggs hardly got away with his

healing is it never ends.”

life. Barrington was not so lucky.

“The thing about healing is it never ends.”

– Richard Kearney

History’s scars never go away,

One day Biggs and Barrington

Her killers were none other than

they never really heal. But they

the brigade of her dear friend,

have to be able scar correctly.

Mike Hayes. This was just one

Wounds and traumas like those

example of a myriad of Ireland’s

of Ireland’s, the focus of their

ill-conversed traumas, a poorly

book and presentation, have to

treated wound of WWI and the

of the political times that

be reopened and reexamined to

feud between Britain and Ireland.

we happen to live in we are

stop the festering. Ireland was

paradoxically almost faced with

the focus of there presentation.

“I think perhaps because

the inevitability of addressing

Gallagher’s drawings were

Tying this back to our lives today, Kearney said, “The

Sandisz Thieme | sthieme@msudenver.edu

Richard Kearney speaks about representative flowers in Irish history at Wounds to Scars: Arts of Rememberance in Word and Image on Feb. 15 in the Student Success Building.

return of this sort of triumphant

these past traumas,” said Adam

displayed 360 degrees around

nationalism and an exclusivist

been re-opened and treated, re-

trauma and one that harkins back

Graves, the director of the Denver

the crowd via projectors and

insular nationalism is actually

approached and spoken about,

to the fact that we’ve not dealt

Project for Humanistic Inquiry.

a desk-cam while Kearney sat

a way of saying ‘we’re strong,

the world would be better for it.

with the festering wounds of the

“Do we cover up the wounds or

in the front of the room and

we’re one and we reject anything

do we address the wounds?”

spoke about Ireland’s lost

that complicates that’ so you

white supremacist rally and

and disregarded souls.

deny your own wounds.”

the deaths of the protesters in

Kearney, a philosophy professor, spoke about Ireland’s so-called wounds dating back

One such example, narrated

by Kearney and interpreted by

Gallagher and Kearny believe that if festering wounds had

“What happened with the

U.S. Civil War,” Gallagher said.

Charlottesville is a really good example of a recent national

Review: The Doll’s House power over the dream world.

By Alexsandra Ruiz-Ortiz aruizort@msudenver.edu

Each page of “The Doll’s House” causes eyebrow-raising reactions.

There are horrific descriptions of a

Readers submerge into a world

subtle plot points. Gaiman also

What the readers may have

provides a story within the story

thought were mysterious,

that serves as comic relief.

haunting eyes end up being

I couldn’t help but chuckle when

mouths with sharp jagged teeth

serial killer and his specialty, graphic

the Dream Lord is revealed to be the

perfect for chewing on eyeballs.

of myth and murder in Neil Gaiman’s

drawings of gouged out eyes and

individual that made Shakespeare

Each drawing creates a lasting,

graphic novel, “The Doll’s House.”

a plot revolving around a serial

famous. Before becoming famous,

disturbing mental image. The

killer’s race to find his lost brother.

everyone viewed Shakespeare’s

drawings may not be the stuff of

Throughout the text, Gaiman

plays as useless, but the Dream

nightmares, but definitely leave the reader feeling apprehensive.

The novel is the second in the Gaiman’s twelve-part “The Sandman” series. It is an intense

weaves together three stories. In

Lord thought otherwise. The humor

read that glimpses into the minds

one story the Dream Lord works to

creates a brief break from the

of serial killers while connecting

control threats within the dream

brutal descriptions of killings and

gave me a new perspective on the

the real world to the dream world.

world. In another, the character Rose

dialogue between serial killers.

meaning of dreams. It was thrilling,

“Preludes & Nocturnes,” the

Walker searches for her lost brother

The drawings throughout

first novel in the series, is rehashed

who was adopted. In the third, serial

the book also added depth to

This book is not for children, but

in the first pages of “The Doll’s

killers around the world gather

the story’s prose. One of the

reignites childlike fears we can

House.” In the first novel, the Dream

discreetly in a “serial convention.”

serial killers is revealed as one

all experience while dreaming.

Lord is captured and loses control

Though the stories seem

of the Dream Lord’s nightmare

of the dream world. Years later he

disconnected at first, the author

creations. His eyes are revealed

is released and must reclaim his

ties them together using drawings

in one of the graphic drawings.

The novel made me uneasy and

interesting and held my attention.

Photo obtained from Amazon

“The Sandman: The Doll’s House”is the second trade paperback of the DC comic series The Sandman and originally published in 1990. The comic was written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Mike Dringenberg.

BECOMING ARMY STRONG WILL OPEN DOORS, INCLUDING THOSE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES.

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. As a Soldier, education continues long after basic training. college scholarships. Learn more from your local recruiter, goarmy.com or 1-800-USA-ARMY.

To learn if you qualify for the $40,000 Enlistment Bonus, visit your local Campus Recruiting Center or goarmy.com/metro18.

©2015. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

INVITE YOU AND A GUEST TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF

ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 PLEASE VISIT GOFOBO.COM/ DEATHWISH METRO TO DOWNLOAD YOUR ADMIT-TWO PASS!

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DEATH WISH HAS BEEN RATED R FOR STRONG BLOODY VIOLENCE, AND LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT. Passes received through this promotion do not guarantee admission - seating is first come, first served. MGM, The Metropolitan, Allied Integrated Marketing, and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. Tickets cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable to use his/her ticket in whole or in part. Void where prohibited by law. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. NO PHONE CALLS.

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COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG | 303.623.7876

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

11

Mixed bag for softball home debut

By James Burky

of the batting order. Senior Kristyn

jburky@msudenver.edu

Peters continued her phoenix-

MSU DENVER NEWS

like remergence from injuries A season rife with hope and

Williams earns RMAC Offensive Player of the Week

with her third home run of the

excitement has had a lackluster

season in the first inning and

start for MSU Denver softball

the Roadrunners followed suit,

after splitting their weekend

supporting their pitcher with three

series against the Montana State

more runs throughout the game.

University Billings Yellowjackets.

The Roadrunners have won at

“I think we had a lot of talk this week about having more energy

least 30 games per season since

and I don’t think you really realize

Annie Van Wetzinga took over as

unless you’re in the dugout, unless

head coach in 2014. Now, at 3-9,

you’re getting hits and stuff, how

they are trying to gain confidence

much it really carries on from

and momentum as they continue

one player to another,” Peters

their season, but have been unable

said, in reference to the offense’s

to establish any consistency as a

issue of stringing hits together.

team. Facing the Yellowjackets, who

Photo by Kaileigh Lyons | klyons9@msudenver.edu

MSU Denver sophomore Darby McGhee pitches a ball in the first game of the doubleheader against MSU Billings on Feb. 17 at the Regency Athletic Complex.

Heads were held high after

defeated them 10-2 in the Easton

game one, but what clicked in the

Classic last week, the Roadrunners

first match faltered in the second.

were able to capture a win in their

The 6-3 loss, which was 6-0 until

one would expect from a first-

Peters, it’s critical for them to keep

first home game of the season. But,

the bottom of the seventh when

year player. Despite her age, Van

a cool head and focus on what the

what plagued them throughout

an ill-fated attempt at a rally

Wetzinga praises her young pitcher,

team needs to improve on as they

the first two weeks persisted in

was jump-started by a three-

acknowledging that she’s going to

head south to face Colorado State

game two of the doubleheader.

run home run from freshman

have freshman moments, but that

University-Pueblo. Though they had

Koryna Wright. This highlighted

no pitcher should be discredited for

their strongest outing of the season,

McGhee issued a commanding

issues that have persisted with

plays that were out of her control.

she acknowledges that all facets

performance on the mound in

the Roadrunners through the

game one, striking out four batters

first 12 games of the season.

Sophomore pitcher Darby

in the first two innings as the

“There were moments where she should have been sharper, but

While McGhee has been

I don’t think it should have been

of the game: hitting, pitching and defense, have room to improve.

They know they’re talented

Roadrunners established a 3-1 lead.

pitching lights out, the remainder

6-0 for her,” Van Wetzinga said. “I

and the program’s track record

After two weeks of trying to find

of the staff has struggled. Kylee

think we should have made more

attests to that. Consistency is what

her footing, she hit her stride. In all

Burnside, who sees more action

plays behind her and that really

appears to be holding them back.

seven innings of work, she made

in the field than she does on the

hurt, kind of blew the game open.”

As they approach tough out-of

up for a less than ideal start to her

mound, has yet to be credited with

The Roadrunners struggles

conference opponents before

second year and displayed to the

a win and has posted a 7.78 ERA

of bunching hits together has

starting RMAC play, working out

Yellowjackets firsthand why she was

despite a respectable number of 12

festered, as well. In their 13

the kinks now could give them an

selected to the preseason all-Rocky

strikeouts in 18 innings of work.

offensive innings this weekend,

easier path to a successful season.

Mountain Athletic Conference team.

“I think every game we play is an

Freshman Destinee Lopez has

they had seven in which they

The Roadrunners will travel

experienced her own growing

failed to record a hit and just three

south to play the Thunderwolves

opportunity for me to get better and

pains. The coaching staff has been

where they recorded multiple. The

for four games this weekend,

improve upon what maybe didn’t

able to ease her into the chaos of

lack of production is uncommon

a doubleheader on Saturday

work the week before,” McGhee

collegiate softball, but with Burnside

for the program but a turnaround

and another Sunday. Their next

said. “Everything was on, I was able

being an effective member in the

is as needed as ever with the

home game will be March 10

to get a good mix with each batter.”

field and McGhee not being able

development of the pitching staff.

against Fort Lewis College.

McGhee’s successful outing

to pitch every game, she’s been

was bolstered by the production

The confidence hasn’t wavered

expected to do more than what

for the Roadrunners. For leaders like

Roadrunners athletics review Softball

Baseball

Feb. 17 W

L 3-6

Feb. 17

vs University of Sioux Falls

vs Montana State University Billings

5-3

Men’s Basketball

Feb. 16 W

Feb. 17 W

5-2

14-3

at University

of Colorado Colorado Springs

L 81-88

Feb. 18 W 17-8

Men’s Tennis

Women’s Tennis

at Colorado Mesa

W

Feb. 18

University

9-0

University

Feb. 18

at Colorado Mesa

Women’s Basketball

W

Feb. 17

7-2

of Colorado Colorado Springs

at University

W 70-57

Senior Cameron Williams earned Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors after his efforts against University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Williams tied his career high of 38 points in the effort, shooting 11-19 from the field.

He also had three rebounds, two assists and three steals in the 81-88 loss. Williams and the Roadrunners will play their fi nal home games of the season on Feb. 23 and 24.

Pessoa takes home women’s tennis RMAC Player of the Week Freshmen Alex Pessoa was named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Player of the Week for her play against Division I opponent University of Northern Colorado. Pessoa was the only singles win for the Roadrunners in the matchup, defeating her opponent in No. 3 singles in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. She also won her doubles match with her partner, sophomore Tabitha Porter, 6-3.

Indoor track collects hardware at Air Force Open The MSU Denver indoor track team represented well at the Air Force Open on Feb. 16. Freshman Michael Dike fi nished fi rst in the 200-meter, and redshirt freshman Jacob Link placed second in the mile for the men. Sophomore Sabrina Rautter and freshman Brenna Vallejos each earned third place fi nishes in the 800-meter and long jump for the women, respectively.

The Roadrunners also had 21 other athletes fi nish within the top-10 of their events. Roadrunners track competes at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships in Golden on Feb. 23 and 24.

Women’s basketball places sixth in regional rankings The MSU Denver Women’s basketball team has earned a No. 6 ranking in the South Central Region in the NCAA Division II regional rankings released on Feb. 14. The Roadrunners are currently sitting in second place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings at 15-5, and are on a six-game win streak after defeating University of Colorado Colorado Springs 70-57. The Roadrunners will fi nish up their regular season at home on Feb. 23 and 24.

12

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Baseball closes homestand at .500 Roadrunners sweep University of Sioux Falls before road trip

By Giacomo DiFranco gdifranc@msudenver.edu

Senior outfielder Sean Kennedy currently leads the RMAC in hitting at .556, playing an integral role from the

The MSU Denver baseball team capped

leadoff spot. Right behind him in the two-

off their pre-conference home schedule

hole, Donny Ortiz, Jr. is also recording

this weekend by sweeping the University

a hit in more than half of his at-bats.

of Sioux Falls in a three game series.

Kennedy attributes his early success to his

The set marked the end of an eight game homestand to begin the season for

teammates and the length of the order.

“It’s easy to hit when you have guys

the Roadrunners, posting a 4-4 record.

behind you that are doing their jobs,”

The team has been successful on offense,

Kennedy said. “All I know is that I just

scoring 68 runs during that stretch, but at

have to get on base and they’re going to

the same time they have struggled on the

do the job to get me over, or get me in.”

mound. In their first two series against

The offense will look to stay hot

University of Nebraska at Kearney and

at the plate as they head to Texas

Emporia State University, they allowed 51

for a three-game set against No. 16

runs on 57 hits, winning only one of the

Lubbock Christian University.

five games. First-year head coach Ryan

After the series, the team will head

Strain is pleased with how his team is

home to begin their in-conference schedule.

hitting the ball, but more so the adjustments

The team finished with a record of 19-

the pitching staff has made as the team

16 in conference play a season ago and

has clawed their way back to .500.

will look to improve upon that mark.

“We swung the bats really well, but

“If we’re going to have success in

Photo by Richard Allen | rallen57@msudenver.edu

Senior Sean Kennedy connects with a pitch against Emporia State University at the Regency Athletic Complex on Feb. 9. Kennedy’s .556 batting average leads the RMAC. For the Roadrunners to find conference

record on the season. He struggled in

success, they will need junior pitcher Javi

his first two appearances of the home

Vega to lead the pitching staff. Vega finished

stand, giving up 10 runs in just nine

the main thing is we pitched better this

the RMAC, playing in Colorado with the

second on the team in ERA and opponent

innings pitched. He bounced back in his

weekend,” Strain said. “I think the first

elevation and where the ball travels, we

batting average in 2017 and was named

most recent start against Sioux Falls,

weekend we just struggled with how many

can’t give up free bases,” Strain said. “We’re

second team all-RMAC for his efforts. It

allowing only one run in seven innings.

guys we walked and hit. We did a better

going to have to play really good defense

all comes down to mental toughness for

job today and the rest of this weekend.”

and our pitchers have to attack the zone.”

Vega, who has seen focus lapses shorten

home to play its first conference game

a couple outings already this season.

against CSU-Pueblo on March 2. For the

Compared to the rest of the Rocky

MSU Denver will need better production

After the road trip, the team will head

Mountain Athletic Conference, MSU Denver

from their pitchers as they head into

has had one of the most potent offenses.

conference play. In the first eight games,

past week not really trusting myself and

games will be against RMAC competition,

Their .371 batting average is top in the

they have a combined ERA of 7.33 and

my ability,” Vega said. “But, after my last

and will bank on their high-octane offense

conference by almost 40 points, and they

have allowed 40 walks during that span.

start I definitely learned to pound the zone,

and improving pitching to succeed.

are the first team to surpass 100 hits on the

The BB’s mark is tied for the most in the

throw strikes and let the defense work.”

season, averaging more than 12-per-game.

RMAC with Colorado State UniversityPueblo, but have thrown five less innings.

“I had a little bit of a mental issue this

remainder of the season, 36 of their 37

Vega currently leads the team with 16 innings pitched and holds a 2-0

High expectations as Rockies open Spring Training

By Richard Allen

coming off down seasons marred by

year’s Wild Card winning team. Where

rallen57@msudenver.edu

injuries, they are discounted by many.

it gets interesting is how the rest of the

However, Story put together a solid second With Spring Training games beginning

NL West has changed this offseason.

half by cutting down his strikeouts without

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still the

on Feb. 23, the Colorado Rockies

losing power. After hitting below .200 in the

division favorites, and deservedly so. But the

are gearing up for a try at their first

first two months in the season, he swatted

team is losing Yu Darvish, Brandon Morrow

National League West division title.

.269 in September. Plus, he hit 24 home

and Tony Watson, and has yet to replace

runs and played upper-echelon defense at

their production. The Arizona Diamondbacks,

appearance in eight years, the Rockies have

shortstop. Desmond had his first unhealthy

who outpaced the Rockies for the first

retooled and are ready to compete in one

season of his career and is widely regarded

Wild Card spot, lost J.D. Martinez, whose

of the toughest divisions in MLB as they

as one of the hardest workers in baseball.

production carried them in the second half of

Coming off their first postseason

travel to Arizona to prepare for 2018. After

After committing more than $100 million

the season. The San Diego Padres and San

assembling one of the strongest bullpens in

to three relievers, the bullpen figures to

Francisco Giants are building up intriguing

baseball, the team will bank on it, two MVP

be one of the top in the league. Free agent

pieces, but still don’t appear to be threats.

candidates and a young core of starting

acquisition Wade Davis has been one of the

pitching to return to October baseball.

top closers in baseball in recent history.

a little bit, and the bar for the division

Once again, the team will rely on Nolan

The Dodgers came back down to Earth

Chris Rusin, in a long relief role, was one

dropped with them. All NL West teams

Arenado and Charlie Blackmon to carry an

of the most valuable weapons and best-

improved except for them, making 2018 a

offense that will produce league-leading

kept secrets in the league last season.

year of unique opportunity for Colorado.

levels of runs in Coors Field. Amongst local

Led by Jon Gray, the starting pitching staff

If they can hold their own in in-division

and national media, there are concerns

will aim to improve on a season where some

competition, the rest of the West will take

that the two will not be enough to produce

metrics placed them in the top-10 in MLB.

wins from each other and lower the bar.

beyond the conventional, ballpark-inflated

Gray, German Marquez, Colorado-native Kyle

statistics and into the sabermetrics.

Freeland, Tyler Anderson and Jeff Hoffman

favorites to take the West, but with playoff

The Rockies will be hyper-reliant on

By no means are the Rockies the

are all under 30 years old and still developing.

credentials and the state of the division

the likes of $70-million-man Ian Desmond,

They have already displayed the talent to

should excite fans on Blake Street as the

all-or-nothing slugger Trevor Story and

hold their own and then some in MLB.

team begins work at Salt River Fields.

unproven players in the outfield and first base. Because the former two are

What this all adds up to is a team that will likely be an improvement on last

Photo from Jennifer Zambrano via Flickr

Trevor Story plays in a Spring Training game on March 5, 2016 against the San Diego Padres in Scottsdale, Arizona.

EVENTS

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

EVENTS AT AURARIA 2.21

Homecoming “Coco” Movie Night

CONCERTS 2.21

Snarky Puppy

Location Ogden Theatre

ROADRUNNER ATHLETICS 2.22

Dana Gould

Baseball

Men’s Indoor Track & Field

Location Comedy Works South

Price $35

Price $17, 25

Time 8 p.m.

Time 7:30 p.m.

Location Tivoli Building, Rooms

2.22 vs. Lubbock Christian

Time 5 p.m.

Price Free

“Guys and Dolls”

by F. Loesser, J. Swerling and A. Burrows

Location Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theater, King Center Price $10-20

Athletic Conference Championships Location Golden Time TBA

2.23

Starset

Location Summit Music Hall Price $17, 20 2.22

2.23 vs. Rocky Mountain

University (Texas) Location Lubbock, TX

440/540 Time 4 p.m.

13

Time 6 p.m.

2.24

Lotus

Location Filmore Auditorium Price $34.50, 40

Softball

Women’s Basketball

Time 7 p.m.

2.23 vs. Colorado Christian

2.24 vs. Colorado School of

University Location Denver 2.25

Matisyahu

Location Black Sheep

2.26

Impromptu

Time 7:30 p.m.

Mines Location Denver Time 5 p.m.

Location Appaloosa Grill

Price $33.50, 40

Price FREE

Time 7 p.m.

Time 10 p.m.

Time 7:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball 2.25

Visiting Artist Series: Baroque Chamber Orchestra of CO

Location King Center Concert Hall

2.27

New Politics

Location Ogden Theatre

2.28

Miguel

Location Ogden Theatre

Price $25

Price $45.50, 80

Time 7:30 p.m.

Time 9 p.m.

2.24 vs. Colorado School of

Softball 2.25 vs. Colorado State University-Pueblo

Mines

Location Denver Time 7:30 p.m.

Location Pueblo Time 11 a.m.

Price $12 - 32 Time 3 p.m.

3.1

NoSleep Podcast

Location Summit Music Hall 2.27

MSU Symphonic Band and Secondary Instrument Band

3.2

Dead Floyd

Location Aggie Theatre

Price $20, 30

Price $12, 15

Time 7 p.m.

Time 9 p.m.

Avalanche 2.22 vs. Edmonton Oliers

Location King Center Concert Hall Price $5 - 10 Time 7:30 p.m.

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

3.3

Hot Buttered Rum

Location Boulder Theater

3.4

3OH!3

Location Fox Theatre

Price $18, 20

Price $20, 25

Time 9 p.m.

Time 8:30 p.m.

Location Away Time 7 p.m.

Avalanche Lake Clarity: For an immersive horror audio drama, check out “Lake Clarity” @ mymetmedia.com

3.5

Lorde

Location Pepsi Center

3.6

Nuggets 2.23 vs. San Antonio Spurs Location Pepsi Center Time 7 p.m.

Nuggets

G-Eazy

Location 1STBANK Center

Price $39.50-99.50

Price $59.50 - 64.45

Time 7: 30 p.m.

Time 7 p.m.

2.24 vs. Calgary Flames Location Away Time 2 p.m.

2.25 vs. Houston Rockets Location Pepsi Center Time 6 p.m.

TRENDING NEWS Fergie’s all-star anthem On Feb. 18, Team Lebron beat

Shib sibs win bronze

Dutch lawyer found guilty

Film makes wrinkle in time

Siblings Alex and Maia

On Tuesday, Dutch lawyer,

Team Stephen 148-145 at the

Shibutani claimed the bronze

Alex van der Zwaan, admitted to

the novel “A Wrinkle in Time,”

2018 NBA All-Star Game. But

medal in ice dancing for the

lying to prosecutors about his

is set to release on March 9. The

President Nicolas Maduro

before the teams began playing,

U.S. on Feb. 19. Their overall

conversations with former Trump

$103 million dollar sci-fi film was

announced the creation of

Fergie sang her rendition of

score was 192.59. Canadian

aide, Rick Gates, regarding their

directed by Ava DuVernay, Oscar

“Petro,” a cryptocurrency backed

the National Anthem. Her jazzy

skaters Tessa Virtue and Scott

work with a Ukrainian political

nominated director of “Selma.”

by barrels of crude oil. Maduro

version of the song received

Moir claimed gold in the event

party and deleting email records

The film stars Oprah Winfrey,

claimed that 100 million tokens,

mixed reviews. As she sang,

scoring 206.07. French skaters

sought after by prosecutors,

Reese Witherspoon, Mindy

with their backing of crude oil,

camera crews caught Kevin

Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume

according to the New York Times.

Kaling and Chris Pine. The novel,

will sell at $60 each. According to

Durant, Lebron James and Jimmy

Cizeron claimed silver scoring

He will likely serve six months

written by Madeleine L’Engle and

BBC News, the largest oil reserves

Kimmel grinning sheepishly from

205.28. At time of publication,

in prison for his crimes. Zwaan

published in 1962, was originally

in the world are in Venezuela.

the sidelines. On Monday, she

the U.S. has won five gold, three

is the 22nd person who has

adapted for film in 2003.

“Petro” was created in strengthen

released a statement saying she

silver and four bronze medals.

either been indicted or entered

the nation’s economy in response

wanted to try something special

a plea deal since the Mueller

to sanctions imposed by the U.S.

with the song, acknowledging

investigation began in May 2017.

herself as an artistic risk taker.

The newest film version of

Oil-based currecny slides past sanctions On Tuesday in Venezuela,

BREAK

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Top 5

14

Around Auraria

Ways to embrace the cold

From Montana Martin

1. ...

2. ...

3. ...

4. ...

5. Just kidding. Stay inside.

Overheard “She’s trying to be sexy with the Star-Spangled Banner.”

“He died to death.“ “OK. But why are you making eye contact with me?“ “I will give you $50 if you just go up and throw up on her.“

Students trudge through snow and brave below-freezing temperatures on their way to morning classes on Auraria campus the morning of Feb. 20.

“I figured you would hear ‘anime’ and know.”

Brain games Across

42. Climbing gadget

Down

33. Old wheels

1. Sweet drinks

43. Huge quantity

1. Lug

34. Gentle one?

6. Unit of capacitance

44. Lenses are behind them

2. Author born Eric Blair

36. Lad

11. Exercise group

46. Actor Stephen

3. Colorant company since

37. Goon

14. Apple problem

47. Fold

1946

38. Despoil

15. Seamaster watchmaker

48. Kind of exodus

4. Film pooch

39. Prefix with system

16. Gp. concerned with

52. Cheek roller

5. Slugs at the bar

40. Short Metalious novel?

greenhouse gases

54. Illustrator Silverstein

6. Adversary

45. Bum thing?

17. Short ‘80s TV drama?

56. Moo __ pork

7. Org. for some NIH

47. Before things got out

19. It may be deadly

57. Some cockapoo

employees

of hand

20. Emissary

ancestors

8. Makes louder, in a way

49. Useful qualities

21. Recline

60. Phones for pizza, say

9. Certain discriminator

50. Tee and others

23. Wing

62. Dancer Miller

10. “The Inferno” author

51. Easter __

24. Old address

63. Short Finney/Hepburn

11. Short TV show for kids?

53. Even if, briefly

27. Lode line

classic?

12. Larger-than-life

55. Close, in a way

28. Fall sound

66. GTO booster

13. Cooler

57. Go by

30. Relinquish

67. More sound

18. Supermodel Klum

58. Aware of

32. Wave maker

68. Terra __

22. Dedicatory rite

59. Gone, maybe

35. The way things stand

69. Space heater?

25. Sell

61. Gee

now

70. Decorum

26. Some fugitives

64. Charge

37. Mixed up

71. Minx

29. Exhibited boldly

65. Esposito teammate

31. Eighth-century B.C.

41. Eastern bigwig

prophet

Answers:

38. It’s not an original

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