Volume 40, Issue 30 - April 25, 2018 by Met Media

The Student Newspaper of MSU Denver

mymetmedia.com

VOL. 40

@themetonline

NO. 30

APRIL 25, 2018

themetropolitan

Despite gray skies, the green don’t stop in the Mile High City Marijuana joins yearly list of rituals welcoming spring By Nataleah Small

event’s musical headliners were

nsmall1@msudenver.edu

rappers Lil Wayne and Lil Jon. “It’s always just been about

On April 20, crowds gathered

bringing everybody together,

once again in Civic Center Park

about just having a good time

to celebrate Colorado’s historic

and showing that weed doesn’t

legalization of marijuana.

hurt anybody,” said Tony

Officials estimated that 70,000

Towner, vendor for Freaky’s

people were in attendance at

Smoke Shop and Tattoo.

the height of the celebration. “The Mile High 420 Festival”

Photo by Ali Watkins | awatkin9@msudenver.edu

Towner said there were far more people in attendance than he

was a free event presented by

expected. He was on his feet the

Euflora Recreational Dispensaries.

entire time selling merchandise to

It began at 10 a.m. and ended

attendees. Overall, he enjoyed the

around 7 p.m. The festival,

atmosphere and the live music.

which had been a protest in

“Everyone was, like, half

Rapper Lil Wayne points to the sky and thanks “the big man up there” during his performance at The Mile High 420 Festival in Civic Center park on April 20. for the festival for sure.” He said this event is important because it represents

cannabis because they were

is more inclusive compared

raised with stigmas about the

to events like Comic-Con.

consumption of marijuana.

the past, brought together

bouncing around, dancing

a step forward on the nation’s

local and national musicians,

pretty much the entire time

path toward the legalization

never participated in 4/20 before

stand-up comedians, vendors

because of it,” Towner said. “It

of cannabis. Some people

and said the crowd was very

and cannabis enthusiasts. The

was amazing background music

are still hesitant to legalize

friendly. He said the 420 festival

INSIDE

| pg. 2

NEWS

OPINION

| pg. 4

FEATURES

Towner met people who had

| pg. 6

SPORTS

| Continued on pg. 9

| pg. 11

Denver Post rebels against Alden

A guide to distancing yourself

Roadrunners give back

Tennis wins second-straight

Global Capital

from millenials

to community

RMAC Tournament

NEWS

APRIL 25, 2018

The Denver Post strikes back against owners Firings initiate call from staff for paper to be sold to new owners

By Megan Webber mwebber6@msudenver.edu On April 6, The Denver Post’s editorial board published an article titled “As vultures circle, The Post must be saved.” The article claimed that Alden Global Capital, the New York City hedge fund that owns The Post and the newspaper chain it belongs to, should sell the paper to an owner who will support its newsroom staff fairly. It also called for action from the Coloradans who read The Post to come forward to save the paper. The publication of the editorial followed an order from Alden Global Capital to cut 30 staff members by July 1. Although The Post has been reporting steady profits in recent years, as high as 20 percent last year, the owners have continued to cut newsroom staff since they bought the paper in 2010.

“This is the 19th biggest city, biggest market in America. We’d be the biggest city without a newspaper. It’d be terrible.” – Bill Husted On April 11, The Post’s Editorial Page Editor Chuck Plunkett held a meeting at the Denver Press Club. Concerned journalists and readers of The Post gathered to

Photo by RJ Sangosti and Photo Illustration by Katie Wood courtesy of The Denver Post

142 newsroom employees of The Denver Post posed for a photograph in the lobby of the paper’s building at Colfax and Broadway in downtown Denver, Colorado on May 15, 2013 after being awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Journalism for it’s coverage of the Aurora Theater Shooting in 2012. As of April 1, 2018, this photo illustration shows all of the staff members from the 2013 image that remained after countless layoffs and constant turnover. The paper announced in March 2018 that 30 more employees would be laid off by April 9, taking the total number of newsroom staffers to less than 70 people.

discuss what could be done to rescue the paper. MSU Denver professor of

$5?” Bisio said. “We’d have a pile of

journalism and former Denver Post staff

money to buy this newspaper back.”

member Kenn Bisio remembered the

The following day, The Post published

in pledging funds to buy the paper.

digital format, it’s not gonna be printed,

In an email to The Metropolitan, Svaldi

and I’ll bet you he has people already

wrote that many members of the staff would

working on that business plan, and it won’t be printed at all,” Bisio said.

people of Green Bay, Wisconsin stepping

an article called “Colorado investor group

like to see a new owner or group of owners

forward to buy the Green Bay Packers

antes $10 million toward community effort

who are locally-based, community-focused,

when the team became part of the NFL.

to buy The Denver Post” written by Aldo

willing and able to invest in the paper and

the paper, his conservative views might show themselves in the pages of The Post.

“Why don’t we start a grassroots

Husted said that if Anschutz was to buy

Svaldi. A group of investors from Colorado

restore some of the resources that were cut.

campaign here in Colorado, and reach

Springs, known as the Resurrect the Denver

“All will depend on Alden’s willingness

out to every single citizen, from 12 years

Post Exploratory Committee, are searching

to sell. I’m not sure what kind of say the

certain political bent, and so that wouldn’t

old to 120 years old, and ask for $1 to

for other wealthy Coloradans to join them

staff at the paper will get, but the final

bother me at all. But it would bother

decision will be Alden’s,” he said.

some people, but it would be better

The question is, will the Colorado Springs group be able to replace

Like Husted, Jon Caldara, president of The Independence Institute, sees a

be beneficial to The Post?

bleak future for The Denver Post. Even though the editorial board made a bold

Bill Husted shook his head at the scant

move, there is little hope among the

$10 million pledged by the group. Husted

community’s leading journalists that Alden

also worked for The Post as a feature

Capital will allow The Post to be sold.

writer and columnist for many years.

“I think it was a remarkably brave thing

“That isn’t enough to really do

that the editorial staff did at The Denver

anything,” he said. “But it would be a

Post to put out a statement that they’re

terrible thing not to have a newspaper. This

being squeezed,” said Caldara. “I also

is the 19th biggest city, biggest market

think it’s very unlikely that a consortium

in America. We’d be the biggest city

from Colorado Springs will be able to

without a newspaper. It’d be terrible.”

buy The Post. So it will be fascinating

Husted admitted with a deep sadness that he is not very optimistic that The Post will even be able to find a solution. Bisio

Reporter Noelle Phillips, on the right, consoles reporter Elizabeth Hernandez during an announcement of forthcoming layoffs to The Denver Post newsroom on March 14. The Denver Post editor Lee Ann Colacioppo announced that 30 newsroom employees would be laid off by April 2018. The newspaper currently has about 100 newsroom employees.

than no newspaper,” said Husted.

Alden Capital in a way that will MSU Denver professor of journalism

Photo by A Aron Ontiveroz courtesty of The Denver Post

“I think that all newspapers have a

to see. I think within a year we’ll have a much better picture of what happens.” Alden Global Capital and editors of The

remains more hopeful. He and Husted

Post declined to comment on the decisions

both wonder if Colorado billionaire Philip

behind the publication of the editorials

Anschutz will step forward to buy the paper.

or what will become of the newspaper. In

“I think if The Post closes, I’m pretty

the meantime, Coloradans will wait and

sure Phil Anschutz is gonna jump right

watch to see if The Denver Post will be

in and bring back The Rocky Mountain

saved, or if its doors will close for good.

News. And he’s gonna bring it back in a

Graduating this semester?

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OPINIONS

04 staff Editor-in-Chief Esteban Fernandez eferna14@msudenver.edu Managing Editor Ali Watkins awatkin9@msudenver.edu

APRIL 25, 2018

Internet activism does more harm than good

’m white, straight, male and

When writing for the blog

will not agree with you on certain

liberal. I’m a prototypical

Hit & Run, she said, “While you

topics. Instead of pursuing an

model for a white apologist

might argue that the social-justice

impossible goal where everyone

activist molded from the factory

left is less dehumanizing or on

thinks the same on social issues,

of progressivism run by social

ethically higher ground in their

it is possible to coexist with each

justice warriors. Yet, despite

assignation of everyone to identity

other and not seclude yourself to

holding similarities in damn near

categories — their stated goal, after

an echo-chamber. Just because

Assistant Photo Editor

every belief — systemic racism is

all, is overcoming disparities in

a difference in opinion exists,

Kaileigh Lyons klyons9@msudenver.edu

one of the most daunting issues

relative privilege, not perpetuating

doesn’t mean that respect cannot.

this country has faced, DACA’s

them — the effect has still been

recipients need to be protected as

an increasing collectivism and

of thought is a wonderful quality

tendency to reduce people and

that makes humans, human. It

cultures to socially agreed-

makes us the way we are and helps

upon roles and attributes.”

sculpt us into individuals to help

Assistant Managing Editor Nataleah Small nsmall1@msudenver.edu Photo Editor Giacomo Di Franco gdifranc@msudenver.edu

News Editor Isaac banks cbanks17@msudenver.edu Assitant News Editors James Bofenkamp

do LGBTQ rights — I despise them

James Burky

and their self-righteous tactics. If you’re not familiar with the

unified, respectful country. The

jbofenk1@msudenver.ed

term, a SJW is an activist that

process that they use to promote

Forest Wilson

aggressively promotes their

these values, however, spits in

frontman of The Smashing

fwilso10@msudenver.edu

progressive views, often in racial,

the face of love and respect. They

Pumpkins, compared SJWs to Nazis

Features Editor

gender and LGBTQ political issues.

scour forums online and search

and the KKK for their supposed

and hate are fires endangering

Miriam Mimi Madrid mayala3@msudenver.edu

The term itself was popularized

for the lightest of remarks. A

limit of free speech. Now, obviously

the pillars of democracy and

during the Gamergate controversy

mispronoun of a transgendered

SJWs aren’t as bad as Nazis or the

need to be extinguished. A

which, without going into too

person, for example, would ignite

KKK, but there is a similarity in

varying opinion does not.

much detail, exposed the harsh

a tirade that invalidates anything

their demand for mob mentality.

Sports Editor

sexism that exists in gaming

the offender had done up to that

You’re either with or against them.

Rich Allen rallen57@msudenver.edu

culture. SJW has been used as

misguided comment, branding them

a derogatory term and, though

a transphobe and terrible person.

noble causes being promoted by

He is a Weezer entusiast and is a

Assistant Sports Editors

I once considered myself one, it

Take, for example, Elizabeth

SJWs, but if they want people to

Matthew Stefanski mstefan3@msudenver.edu

staunch supporter of the Folgers

deserves its negative connotation.

Brown’s stance on the issue that

agree with them, they’re going

coffee jingle. He can be contacted

claims SJWs and their rivals,

about it the wrong way. Another,

at jburky@msudenver.edu

Assistant Features Editor Megan Webber mwebber6@msudenver.edu

Often times, the causes SJWs

She wasn’t alone. Billy Corgan,

Free thinking and difference

The point being, these are

James Burky jburky@msudenver.edu

promote are inherently good and

the alt-right, are “two sides of

perhaps unfortunate, reality is to

Web Editor

their goals are to promote a more

the same authoritarian coin.”

simply accept that some people

give us some sense of purpose in what could be a bleak existence. Racism, inequality on all scales

James Burky is the Assistant Sports Editor for The Metropolitan.

Cassandra Ballard cballar7@msudenver.edu Director of Met Media Steve Haigh shaigh@msudenver.edu Assistant Director of Met Media Ronan O’Shea roshea3@msudenver.edu Production Manager of Met Media Kathleen Jewby kjewby@msudenver.edu Office Manager Elizabeth Norberg enorbert@msudenver.edu Sales and Marketing sales@mymetmedia.com marketing@mymetmedia.com Brady Nelson bnelso73@msudenver.edu

6 tips on how not to be a millennial

illennials, the worst

their job opportunities, make sure

like snorting condoms

generation to exist.

you call them lazy and mock them

and fidget spinners.

You’ve heard of them.

for having several restaurant jobs. These snowflakes are acting

sabotage any movement, policy,

you may be one of them.

like it’s so tough to make ends

etc. that young adults initiate. For

meet while they Instagram their

example, that the anti-gun rallies

Center, the millennial generation is

brunch. If you have student loans

that popped up after the Parkland,

defined by being born between 1981

to pay off you don’t deserve the

Florida shooting. Once again,

and 1996, putting me at the tail end

occasional, bottomless mimosa bar.

started by high schoolers, younger

According to the Pew Research

of the window. If only I was born

3. Another way I distance myself

one year later, I wouldn’t have to

What we do

than millennials, but that doesn’t

from millennials is to tell myself,

matter. Whether it’s something as

and everyone around me, is that

serious as gun control or smaller,

they’re not important. A major

like being treated with dignity even

are always whining about being

critique of the generation is that

if they work at a fast food joint,

the years to dissociate myself from

special!” Or, “ millennials are

they’re all entitled products of their

discredit them. Tell them they

this group. Follow this advice,

so spoiled, getting their damn

parents’ coddling. If someone in my

are too sensitive. Be intolerant to

and you too can be mistaken

iPhones in second grade.”

art class talks about their personal

their sexual orientation or identity.

hardships and how it reflects in their

Blame them for any economic

has a baby congratulate them on

art, I like to chime in “same” and

setbacks the country endures.

tidbit I can offer is to refer to

their millennial. Just make sure

suggest they switch their studies

You may be an asshole, but hey,

anyone, and everyone who is

you use the baby’s preferred

to something more practical, like

at least you’re not a millennial.

below the age of 25 as a millennial.

pronouns so it’s not triggered.

business. It’s important to keep

associate with these avocado-toast-

Ali Watkins

obsessed people with crippling debt. I have picked up some tips over

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.

6. My last tip is to try to

You may hate them. Sadly,

for a different generation. 1. The first, and most valuable,

Though individuals who are a

Next time one of your friends

2. My next piece of advice is

those millennial egos in check. 4. Write all of your complaints

Ali Watkins is the Managing Editor for The Metropolitan. She is has an

part of this generation are now

to be terrible with your money

between the ages 21 and 37,

while ruining the economy for

about the digital habits of

equal passion for journalism as she

millennial is used as a blanket

Generation Z, the rugrats born after

millennials, and younger(refer

does for dogs. She can be contacted

statement for someone young.

the worst generation in history.

to No. 1) in a Facebook post.

at awatkin9@msudenver.edu

For example, it can be used in the

Even if they are becoming adults

sentence, “those damn millennials

right when a recession destroys

5. Blame millennials for Gen Z’s stupid, online challenges,

Have an article you’d like to contribute? Want to voice your thoughts on a current event or subject that has been covered in the paper? Send your pieces to themetonline@gmail.com or Managing Editor Ali Watkins at awatkin9@msudenver.edu

Watch LIVE on Campus Channel 20 at 12:30 p.m. every Friday and nightly from 7–9 p.m. on Comcast Channel 58.

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FEATURES

APRIL 25, 2018

MSU Denver hosts school-wide give back day By Pablo Vasquez Arias

most passionate about,”

Ellsworth, MSU Denver student.

pvasque5@msudenver.edu

said Gordon Loui, director

“Sometimes, institutions don’t

of Strategic Partnership and

offer those services to give back

Community Engagement.

to the community too often.”

Students looking to fulfill requirements for student

Roadrunners Give Back Day

Each event will take place in

service learning might discover

organizers are currently working

different locations, and MSU

a passion for giving during

on 16 projects with nonprofit

Denver will be providing shuttles

this year’s Roadrunners Give

organizations such as Freedom

all day from the campus to the

Back Day slated for April 26.

Service Dogs. At Freedom

volunteer sites. Students are

Service Dogs, volunteers will

welcome to serve at any time

is an institutional volunteer day

be able to feed service dogs,

during the day that fits the

where students work on different

clean their kennels and take

volunteer program schedule.

projects around Denver with

the animals to play afterward.

nonprofit organizations. The

All volunteer opportunities

that MSU Denver has things to

Student Government Assembly

are free for participants.

offer the community and keep their

Roadrunners Give Back Day

and Student Activities Office

“It is very interesting to know

Louis said there’s many

students engaged with it,” said CU

are organizing these events for

benefits for participants. He said

Denver student Douglas Callison.

the MSU Denver community.

it’s a great way for students to

“I personally would like to see how

balance service learning with

they are doing in the future and

“The purpose of Roadrunners Give Back Day is to get our

their current carriculum.

students, staff, faculty and

“I think what they are

what kind of recognition they will get after they start succeeding

alumni out into the community

doing is very essential for the

and supporting the nonprofits

community and for the people

more with this kind of program.”

in the causes that they are

involved in MSU Denver,” said Ian

Partner organizations include: Food Bank of the Rockies, Denver Botanic Gardens - Chatfield, Girls Inc., A Precious Child, Veteran Service Center, Su Teatro, Park People, Greenway Foundation, Servicios de La Raza and Clinica Tepeyac.

Photo obtained from msudenver.edu

Roadrunners Give Back Day will take place on April 26. MSU Denver students, faculty, staff, and alumni will come together to help out with 17 different volunteer options around the Denver metro area.

Sign up for free at: https://events.msudenver.edu/rgbd2018 For more information contact: Mauro Villaseñor, jvillase@msudenver.edu or Amanda Berry, aberry11@msudenver.edu.

Concert Review: “Lights Out America” tour is lit By Montana Martin mmart427@msudenver.edu

hip-hop and pure adrenaline.

Headlining the tour is industrial

The layers of the duo’s

metal band 3TEETH. This means,

dynamic performance were

however, that 3TEETH is now

revealed with every drop of sweat

tasked with figuring out a way

during the “Lights Out America”

shared between performers and

to maintain the momentum of

tour at Marquis Theater on April 22.

audience alike. Participation in a

the night established by Ho99o9.

moshpit isn’t mandatory, but for

Although less dynamic in their

brings an itinerary of sound

Ho99o9, it’s certainly essential

stage performance, 3TEETH cuts

with influences of hardcore

to experience their show fully.

deep in their technical executions.

Metal, hip-hop and anxiety meld

Ho99o9 (pronounced “horror”)

Photos by Montana Martin | mmart427@msudenver.edu

Eaddy of Ho99o9 takes the show to the floor of Marquis Theater on April 22.

Eaddy of Ho99o9 caught up in the crowd at Marquis Theater on April 22.

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.

FEATURES

APRIL 25, 2018

Denver celebrates 4/20 at Civic Center Park

Photo by Nicholas Lutz | nlutz1@msudenver.edu

Weed-supporters and concert attendees crowding Civic Center Park in front of the Denver State Capitol for “The Mile High 420 Festival” on April 20. Despite the cold weather, an estimated 70,000 people attended the event.

Photo by Ali Watkins | awatkin9@msudenver.edu

Audience members getting sprayed with champagne by “The Mile High 420 Festival” staff during Lil Jon’s DJ set in Civic Center Park on April 20.

APRIL 25, 2018

FEATURES

Fest rooted in protest turns to pure celebration

‘The Mile High 420 Festival’ brings together thousands of Colorado cannabis enthusiasts | Continued from cover

Drake’s “God’s Plan,” “HYFR,” and Chris Brown’s “Loyal.”

Tower said the festival draws a

At the end of the set, he removed

diverse audience because almost

his Gucci headband and glasses.

anyone can smoke marijuana

He handed the headband to an

for a variety of reasons, be

audience member close to the stage

it medical, recreational or to

and asked the crowd to pass along

treat symptoms of anxiety.

the sunglasses to a young boy

Shona Paterson, vendor for Cowgirl Lemonade, said her

sitting on his mother’s shoulders. “You all have been nothing

booth also received a lot of foot

less than spectacular all

traffic during the event. For the

fucking day,” Wayne said.

festival, the company offered a

After Lil Wayne’s performance,

420 friendly option by adding 10

attendee Qwame Williams stood

mg of cannabidiol per serving

shivering in the center of the

in some of their beverages.

park as people filtered out and

She said the booth ran out of

vendors deconstructed their

cups, ice and lemonade several

booths. He said this was his first

times throughout the day due

time celebrating 4/20 in the park

to high customer demand.

and would come again even

“It was wild. It was such a crush of people,” Paterson said.

though the weather became frigid as the evening went on.

Paterson said this festival is special for Denver because the state is at the forefront of the cannabis industry. She said everyone who worked hard to make the event possible did an amazing job pulling everything together. She was also impressed by the musical headliners and had a good view of the mainstage from her booth. Before Lil Wayne’s performance,

“Everybody was sharing blunts with each other. There was no violence. It was good to see our civilization improve.” – Qwame Williams Williams said he had a good time

Alexandra Chasen stood a few

overall. His only critique was that

feet from the stage and shared

the food was overpriced, and said

a blunt with her friends. Chasen

he wished there had been more

said they arrived at the event

affordable options at the festival.

around 2 p.m. and had been

He felt safe during the event

smoking in the rain since then.

even though he was surrounded

She was excited to hear

by thousands of people. Williams

the music and said people

said he has lost family members

raved about the ambiance.

to gun violence in the past and has

“Everyone’s, like, really

that have taken place in Colorado.

definitely get the pothead

But at the festival, he was glad to

environment people look for.”

enjoy the musical performances

stage, the crowd went crazy.

Rapper Lil Wayne performs in Civic Center Park for “The Mile High 420 Festival” on April 20. Wayne rapped his hit songs such as “Lollipop” and Chris Brown’s “Loyal.”

heard about shootings and fights

nice,” Chasen said. “You

When Lil Wayne took the

Photo by Ali Watkins | awatkin9@msudenver.edu

and have fun with other people. “The people here were pretty

They cheered and sang along as

cool,” Williams said. “Everybody

the rapper performed one of his

was sharing blunts with each other.

biggest hits, “Lollipop.” He also paid

There was no violence. It was good

homage to Drake by performing

to see our civilization improve.”

Photo by Ali Watkins | awatkin9@msudenver.edu

Photo by Darral Freund | dfreund1@msudenver.onmicrosoft.com

Audience members, weed-enthusiasts and concert-goers watching Lil Wayne’s performance at “The Mile High 420 Festival” on April 20.

Attendees begin to flood the Civic Center Park early morning for “The Mile High 420 Festival” on April 20. The event was presented by a local dispensary, Euflora, and brought thousands to the park to celebrate the day.

SPORTS

APRIL 25, 2018

Roadrunners win walk-off thriller in home closer

Seniors come up big in last game at Regency Athletic Complex

Photos by Rich Allen | rallen57@msudenver.edu

MSU Denver senior Sean Kennedy celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off single in the team’s last home game at the Regency Athletic Complex on April 23. The Roadrunners won 5-4 over UCCS.

By Rich Allen

reached scoring position thanks to a single

rallen57@msudenver.edu

from Cale O’Donnell for the winning run.

the damage from the previous two days. But it was perhaps most important

did good. A good team win, right there.” If there was a non-senior major

“I kept telling myself at third base,

for Kennedy, who was the focal point of

contributor, it was Adame. He not only

I’m like ‘God dang, can we not just get

the offense early in the season, but has

called the game for both pitchers, but drove

a senior to get a hit right here?’” said

seen his stats — and lineup spot — drop

in three runs on a triple in the fourth.

head coach Ryan Strain. “To have a

in recent weeks. As the No. 1 hitter, he

that accompanied an hour-and-a-half

senior day that probably wasn’t the

was leading the Rocky Mountain Athletic

nine hung around, even through the

lightning delay, the rubber pellets and

best senior day that they’ll remember

Conference in batting average on March

cold, to take in the RAC and the Denver

baseball field’s drainage system also

yesterday, but then to be able to come

7 at .446 and was a top-three run scorer

skyline in the background one last time.

took in Gatorade flung from water

back in their last game and have three

as well. He went four for his next 35, and

Maloney, specifically, took a tearful lap

bottles and, perhaps, a tear or two.

seniors basically get it done there in the

has watched his average tumble more

around the field and knelt on the mound.

last inning was pretty neat to see.”

than .100 points as the season wore on.

It was more than just rain that dampened the Regency Athletic Complex on April 23. Aside from the momentary precipitation

MSU Denver walked-off the visiting University of Colorado Colorado Springs

After dropping the proper senior

Strain called his walk-off single to left the

But it was still the senior show. All

“Just everyone giving hugs and stuff, it was a very sobering moment,” Kennedy

Mountain Lions late Monday night,

day doubleheader by scores of 11-2 and

salvaging one win from the four-game

8-1, they lost game three 9-4 before

series. Once again it came on the backs

the drama of game four. While the last

Kennedy said. “A lot of work and a lot of

was just a huge weight lifted off the chest,

of clutch performances from the team’s

home series for the team’s nine seniors

frustration to get to that. Finally got my

and a really fun moment with the team.

seniors, this time their last in the friendly

— comprising more than a quarter of

head right this morning and fixed some

Just to be with these guys and go out

confines of the RAC. In the shortened seven-

the entire roster — the final game was

things with me and what’s been going on

that way and just make it a really special

inning game, a trio of seniors were the

one of redemption, leaving an emphatic

around my head. I think that’s the biggest

moment for everyone like that. It was really

difference in the final frame: Sean Kennedy

memory for them to take away from their

thing, and then the swing will come.”

cool to go out that way with my boys.”

drove in Trent Maloney from third, who

Roadrunner careers and undoing some of

best swing Kennedy had taken in a month. “It has been a long time, yes,”

Kennedy’s hit was a culmination of

thank God for that, that was awesome. It

The Roadrunners, who took on the

senior efforts on the night. Even before

Division I University of Northern Colorado

the last inning heroics, they relied on their

on Tuesday, still have work to do, however.

eldest members to secure the win. Maloney

Led heavily by their offense, and the five

started the game on the mound, pitching a

seniors that anchor their lineup, they

solid five innings, even with the delay in the

currently occupy third place in the RMAC.

third. The fifth-year senior retired the first

While the walk-off win was uplifting,

eight hitters he faced, and allowed only one

the team acknowledged that losing

runner in the first three innings. After the

three games in the series was a missed

delay, he allowed four runs in two innings

opportunity to separate themselves from

and had to be relieved by O’Donnell, who

the teams below them in the standings.

didn’t allow a hit in his final two innings. “That rain delay was crazy,” said

MSU Denver senior Trent Maloney pitches in the first inning of the team’s last home game of the season at the Regency Athletic Complex on April 23. Maloney pitched five innings and scored the walk-off run in the seventh inning.

said. “And then getting the hit, just got to

They have eight games remaining: four at Colorado Christian University and then

catcher Draven Adame. “It went over us

four more at Colorado Mesa University,

quick. But, Trent was pretty upset at first.

who currently holds second place in the

He was in a good groove coming out of

conference. With Mines and Mesa firm

the game. But you could see, both sides

in the top two spots, the final two weeks

of the ball, both their pitcher and Trent,

will decide the three through six spots

it was a little bit of a factor. But Trent

and where the Roadrunners seniors will

pushed through it. He did a great job I

seed in their final RMAC Tournament.

thought. And then Cale came in, and he

APRIL 25, 2018

SPORTS

Roadrunners wins gaggle of RMAC awards and honors By Matthew Stefanski

Tournament, Graetz hasn’t quite

said that she wanted to step up

mstefan3@msudenver.edu

let the impact of the awards

and play the tougher matches,

or the fact that he is winding

and it contributed to her rise in

down his final collegiate season

ability throughout the season.

weigh on his mind yet.

This, combined with a highly

The juggernaut MSU Denver tennis team was rewarded for their season-long efforts with

“I still haven’t really

skilled team around her to support

several awards from the Rocky

reflected,” Graetz said. “Once

her play, allowed for Pessoa to

Mountain Athletic Conference.

I am done, I’ll really reflect,

face tough opponents and high-

and it’ll probably hit me.”

level pressure while remaining

Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year and

On the women’s side, freshman

successful throughout the season.

first and second team awards

Alex Pessoa was rewarded for

were announced and handed out

her surprisingly strong inaugural

into next season, knowing what

prior to the beginning of the RMAC

season. Pessoa stormed onto

she can do and knowing what

Tournament on April 22. MSU

the scene, moving from No. 3

will help her raise her game will

Denver, whose men’s and women’s

singles to No. 1 midway through

benefit her as she tries to defend

teams finished the regular season

the season and, with her partner

her Player of the Year title.

undefeated in RMAC and fourth

Tabitha Porter, held the No. 2

and fifth respectively in the region,

doubles spot for MSU Denver all

that’s very power-oriented,”

took home all but one award.

season. As a result, Pessoa was

he said. “And I think knowing

awarded with Freshman of the

that, we can go in based on

home the men’s Player of the

Year and Player of the Year honors,

that and start earlier in the year

Year honors for the second year

as well as first team all-RMAC

on helping her use her game

in a row after a dominant season,

in both singles and doubles.

to the best of her ability so

Senior Josh Graetz took

including being undefeated in

“It means a lot,” Pessoa said.

Elkins also said that moving

“I think she’s got a game Photo by Matthew Stefanski | mstefan3@msudenver.edu

MSU Denver freshman Alex Pessoa hits a forehand during the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament at the Regency Athletic Complex. Pessoa won both RMAC Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year, and MSU Denver won the tournament, defeating both Colorado Christian University and Colorado Mesa University 5-0, clinching their second straight RMAC title.

that she can achieve more.”

conference play, that has him

“Coming in my freshman year,

the men. For the women, Pessoa,

Mesa University with a 5-0 final.

ranked 10th nationally in singles

it kind of shows how hard I’ve

also named to the first and second

Porter and seniors Emily Kerr and

The men’s team also qualified for

and 31st in doubles along with his

worked and how much I really

all-RMAC teams. Graetz, Tscherne

Courtney Wright were all named

the NCAA National Tournament as

partner Joey Tscherne. Graetz was

want it. It kind of reflects the coach

and sophomore Alejandro

to first team singles. Pessoa-

a No. 4 seed in the South Central

also named the Academic Player of

and the team as well. They’re a

Martinez-Morilla were named

Porter, and Wright-Kerr were also

region, where they will play

the Year and first team all-RMAC

really great support system for

to first team singles. Graetz-

all named to first team doubles.

Midwestern State University on

in singles and doubles — with

me, and that helped a lot.”

Tscherne, and Martinez-Morilla

Both teams also won their

April 30 in Wichita Falls, Texas.

his partner Tscherne — as well as

RMAC Coach of the Year Barrett

Several players and pairs were

and freshmen partner Daniel

respective RMAC Tournaments,

If they win, they will travel to

the Preseason Player of the Year

Elkins commented on Pessoa’s

Llorente were named to first

sweeping through both of their

Surprise, Arizona for the Sweet

before play began in January.

award as a reflection of her mental

team doubles. Llorente was also

matches against Colorado

16. The women did not earn a

toughness and fortitude. Elkins

named to second team singles for

Christian University and Colorado

National Tournament invite.

With a berth into the NCAA

MSU Denver wins RMAC, men going to NCAA regionals By Matthew Stefanski

through their opponents, Colorado

through the tournament, according

the end. The Roadrunners, instead,

junior Keenan Kaltenbacher and

mstefan3@msudenver.edu

Christian University and Colorado

to RMAC Coach of the Year Barrett

just needed to win the next two as

sophomore Alejandro Martinez-

Mesa University, coming away with

Elkins, was starting off both rounds

opposed to a best-of-nine. Elkins’

Morilla, brought the RMAC

clean 5-0 victories in both series.

three-up after dominating doubles.

new conservative strategy worked

Tournament title home for the

out perfectly in the new format.

Roadrunners. The swiftness of

After dominating the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference

The RMAC title is both the

“Going in 3-0 after a match takes

throughout the regular season, MSU

men’s and women’s second in

a little bit of hope away,” Elkins said.

Denver tennis put an exclamation

a row and became a showing of

“And that was kind of our goal was

Pessoa and Courtney Wright quickly

of the Year Josh Graetz, who

point on the season by sweeping

how far ahead MSU Denver has

to take that away. To not let them

cleaned up their CCU singles

didn’t finish either of his singles

through the Conference Tournament

pulled away from their conference

think they were in it at all. And we

opponents in the semifinals, only

matches due to the ‘first-to-

to become RMAC Champions for

competition. Across the entire

did that. It was very anticlimactic

surrendering four total games. Their

five’ tournament structure.

the second season in a row.

season, while remaining undefeated

because we did sweep, but from a

quick wins allowed two matches to

The men’s team’s efforts allowed

in conference, the men dropped

coaching standpoint, it’s so much

be held off and shorten two others.

them to defend their No. 4 ranking in

tournament on April 22 after snow

only two matches while the

less anxiety and so great to see

As a result, senior Linying Xiao and

the region, which was good enough

and cold canceled the first day

women only gave up just six.

that both teams could pull it off.”

sophomore Tabitha Porter had the

to earn a berth into the NCAA

energy to quickly shut down CMU

Tournament, their first in Graetz’s

and clinch the championship.

tenure at MSU Denver. Though

Despite having to run the entire

of play, the Roadrunners dashed

The biggest key to the easy run

The only hiccup in the tournament was the weather delay, which forced the two-day

it’s just their first trip as a group,

conference in the regular season

Graetz and the team are prepared

April 22 due to scheduling conflicts

and in the tournament, it wasn’t

to take care of business, not at all

with the NCAA selection show

enough for the women’s team

intimidated by the size of the stage.

for the National Tournaments. On

to earn an invite to the NCAA

a day where conserving energy

tournament. However, graduating

team,” Graetz said. “But at the same

was now an important focus,

seniors are confident that RMAC

time, it’s not going to be any new

Elkins and his squads handled

Player of the Year and Freshman of

competition. Whatever team we

business, taking advantage

the Year Pessoa can lead the strong

play, we’ve played that team before.

of the ‘first-to-five matches’

team of sophomores and juniors to

We’ve beaten nearly every team

structure of the tournament.

a national berth in the next season.

in the region, so we know what we

“I think they’re in a really good

“It’ll be something new for the

need to do to win. If we bring the

after sweeping doubles 3-0 in all

position,” Wright said. “I think that

right mindset and the right tennis

of their matches, giving them the

anyone could be playing any number

in that day, we can move forward.”

room to allow players who weren’t

right now and it’s really close.”

as strong in their matchup to save

MSU Denver junior Joey Tscherne serves past teammate Josh Graetz in the semifinals of the RMAC Tournament at the Regency Athletic Complex on April 22. The Roadrunners won the tournament, their second RMAC title in a row.

But despite dominating their

their wins even outpaced Player

tournament to be held only on

The Roadrunners planned ahead

Photo by Rich Allen | rallen57@msudenver.edu

On the women’s side, Alex

For the men’s team, junior

The Roadrunner men will travel to Wichita Falls, Texas to take on

some energy while their more

Joey Tscherne led the way

Midwestern State University, who

dominant teammates cleaned

through singles, shutting down

are the top seed in the region. If

up their opponents quickly. This

CCU and CMU and only giving up

they win, they will then go on to

went against Elkins’ philosophy of

five total games. His dominance,

Surprise, Arizona for the Sweet 16

fighting and pushing each match to

in combination with that of

portion of the National Tournament.

SPORTS

APRIL 25, 2018

Softball offense rides on the storm

Roadrunners take key series victory over Colorado School of Mines

By James Burky

we won,” said head coach Annie

meaty balls over the plate for

jburky@msudenver.edu

Van Wetzinga. “I think that says

wild, carnivorous hitters.

a lot about a team, when maybe Neon green balls sailed beyond the outfield wall, parents cheered

No one, however, seemed

it’s not their A-game but they still

to be as hungry as sophomore

buckle down and they can win.”

outfielder Megan Sansburn. After

their daughters dressed in teal and

It was about as ugly as winning

hitting an unspectacular .200 in

lightning backlit a cloudy sky for

three games against a conference

a mere 20 at-bats last season,

an hour-and-a-half as MSU Denver

rival could get, but at the end of

she, like fellow sophomore Darby

took three of four in their weekend

the day, it was still three wins

McGhee, has followed softball’s

series against the Colorado

against a quality conference

trend of impact underclassmen.

School of Mines Orediggers.

opponent. After lying dormant in

Ranking first on the team in extra

their last homestand, the offense

base hits, second in hits and

and 24-12 in the Rocky Mountain

received a much needed spark,

doubles and third in home runs,

Athletic Conference, entered the

electrifying a well-matched

her .356 batting average — a skosh

weekend with the Orediggers

pitching staff and limping defense.

behind the team-leading Peters’

The Roadrunners, 29-21 overall

nipping at their heels in the RMAC

Amassing 38 hits over the

.357 — made her invaluable

standings — their fifth place

course of four games, the

to the lineup and she vaulted

ranking is just a single spot behind

Roadrunners saw production

from the middle to leadoff.

MSU Denver. Hoping to continue

from all tiers of the lineup.

their 16-2 hot streak and create

Kristyn Peters — who returned

in the beginning, but just

some separation heading into the

last weekend after missing the

staying relaxed and being

RMAC tournament, a series win

previous five games — brought

comfortable in the box is really

was vital for the Roadrunners.

the boom in her home return,

working, and trusting what I

of March. The struggles were

Espinoza commented on

nabbing four hits in 12 at-bats and

do in practice will carry over

unexpected for a defense that

how the team will look to patch

crossing home plate three times.

onto the field,” Sansburn said.

has filled the highlight reels with

up their holes on defense,

“So far, it’s been working.”

athletic catches and destructive

believing that it comes down to

double plays over the last month.

mental toughness and allowing

The wins were not pretty, perhaps it was the stormy weather or the increase in opponent

While Peters did the walking,

“I started off a little rough

While the offense excelled, the

Photo by Rich Allen | rallen@msudenver.edu

MSU Denver junior Jasmine Wessel drives a go-ahead single up the middle in the sixth inning of the Roadrunners’ game against Colorado School of Mines at the Regency Athletic Complex on April 23. The run was enough to give the Roadrunners a 4-3 win.

difficulty. When they Black Hills

fellow seniors Sarena Espinoza

State University, they faced a team

and Annika Anderson did the

defense was stuck in quicksand.

that sits at ninth in the conference

knocking, with each going yard in

Errors trapped them in the pit

like that in a long time, where

and is nothing beyond an

the last game. Espinoza brought

and with each successive attempt

it hasn’t really been sharp, so

celebrate senior day this weekend

afterthought. Whatever it was, the

Peters in to jump-start a four

to overcome their mistakes,

it was a little bit of a shocker to

against RMAC rival Adams

Roadrunners struggled to exorcise

run second inning, followed by

they only sank further.

us,” Espinoza said. “Something

State University to close out the

demons of the past and despite

Anderson who capped it off with

happened and then it just rolled

regular season starting Friday,

decisive victories, showcased

another two-run home run. In

the team has had in a weekend

on, a tumble effect. So, I think

April 28. The RMAC Tournament

struggles that hampered the

total, the Roadrunners had three

series all season, the next closest

we just panicked and put a lot of

will begin Thursday May 3.

team early in the season.

home runs in the game, something

was the nine that they committed

pressure to be perfect, which we

“I’m focusing on the fact that

that was bound to happen as the

when they were swept by Colorado

haven’t been doing for a while.

even though we didn’t play well,

Mines pitching staff was leaving

Christian University in the middle

We’ve been just playing.”

Their 10 miscues were the most

“We haven’t played defense

mishaps to roll off their back. The Roadrunners will

Hold the phone, Roger, Barkley is top pick By James Burky

to any of the top three teams is tantalizing

guys like Kevin Zeitler and Joel Bitonio

jburky@msudenver.edu

and all three are in need of a runner. The

at guard — an important position to have

Jets need a replacement for retired Matt

set for running backs. With Barkley and

Forte, and Orleans Darkwa is not the answer

Hyde sharing carries behind a developing

the best player available? This dilemma

for the backfield woes that have plagued

line, they will have done the seemingly

has plagued the Cleveland Browns, who

the Giants since their last Super Bowl run.

impossible — given Browns fans hope.

hold the first and fourth overall picks,

Drafting Barkley fits the rare mold of both

since their reincarnation as a team in 1999.

filling a need and being the best player

quarterback with the top pick, but they cannot

They have been in need of a quarterback

available. Even though general manager

afford to lose out on the versatility of Barkley.

ever since the 2004 free agent signing of

Sashi Brown is out, the Browns should

Rosen, Mayfield or Darnold will be available

Jeff Garcia, which failed spectacularly.

continue to pursue their plan of building an

at the fourth spot. If the Browns don’t make

offense so they don’t throw a quarterback

Barkley the first runner selected No. 1 since Ki-

into the fiery depths of Cleveland.

Jana Carter in 1995, then they’ll have missed

Does a team draft based off need, or

The first round passers they’ve taken in the 14 years since have been some of the worst selections this century. Every year, they need

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia commons

a quarterback and this year is no different.

Though they signed Carlos Hyde from San Francisco, they are still in need of a

The Browns can afford to pass on a

out on creating one of the brightest young offenses in the American Football Conference.

There’s Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and

their guy is taken before they pick. All three

feature back. Hyde has been nothing more

Josh Rosen who are all viable options for the

are in desperate need for a quarterback, but

than above-average throughout his career,

it could be the turning point that Browns

top pick. And with quarterback needy teams

this is too talented of a draft class to waste

but can serve a role similar to Tevin Coleman

fans have been waiting nearly two decades

right behind them — the New York Giants and

on trying to fill holes on the roster sheet

in Atlanta. The addition of Barkley would

for. If anyone other than Barkley is picked

Jets — it’s entirely possible that they could

rather than going for a straight-up baller.

accomplish their difficult task of making

by the Browns with the top selection, then

something out of nothing on the offense.

they’ll set back the team another five years.

miss out on the top signal caller, but that’s

That baller is Penn State running back

not a bad thing. The same goes if the Jets

Saquon Barkley, the best backfield prospect

They have Josh Gordon and Jarvis Landry

or Giants decide to not go with a passer if

since Todd Gurley. The thought of him going

as their receivers, a passable front line with

Thursday could be history in the making,

In the April 18 issue, we mistakenly wrote that the softball team would be playing Adams State University in the April 21-22 weekend series. They played Colorado School of Mines and will play Adams State this weekend. We apologize for the mistake.

EVENTS

APRIL 25, 2018

EVENTS AT AURARIA 4.25

Spring into Wellness

CONCERTS 4.25

Alan Walker

Location Red Rocks Location Auraria Campus Price Free

ROADRUNNER ATHLETICS Kygo

4.25

Location Red Rocks

Price TBA

Time 7:30 p.m.

Time 7:30 a.m.

Time 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 4.26 Eric B. & Rakim Location Fillmore Auditorium 4.26

President’s Cabinet

Women’s Softball 4.27 VS. Adams State

Men’s Outdoor Track & Field 4.27 VS. RMAC

University Location Denver

Location Golden, CO

Price Varies

Time 4 p.m.

Time TBA.

Hip-Hop Thursdays

4.26

Location Club Vinyl

Price $29

Price Free

Time 7:00 p.m.

Time 9 p.m.

Women’s Outdoor Track 4.27 VS. RMAC

Men’s Baseball 4.27 @ Colorado Christian University

Location CHR 102 AB Price Free Time 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

4.27

Kamasi Wash.

Location Red Rocks

4.27

MSU Denver Undergraduate Research Program

Price Free

Location Grizzly Rose

Price $42.75

Price TBA

Time 7 p.m.

Time 8:30 p.m.

4.28

Unwritten Law

Location Fiddler’s Green Location NC 1511

Lanco

4.27

Street Dogs

4.28

Location Fiddler’s Green

Price $39

Time 2:00 p.m.

Time 2 p.m.

Time All Day 4.29 4.21

MSU Denver Choir and Symphony Concert

Chaos and Carnage

Location Summit Hall

4.29

Location Golden, CO Price Varies Time TBA

Location Lakewood, CO Price Varies Time 3 p.m.

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS Baseball

Baseball

4.25 Padres @ Colorado

4.27 Colorado Rockies @

Rockies Location Coors Field

Marlins Location Marlin’s Park

Price Varies

Time 1:10 p.m.

Time 5:10 p.m.

Carnifex

Location Summit Hall

Price $20

Time 3 p.m.

Baseball

4.28 Colorado Rockies @

4.29 Colorado Rockies @

Marlins Location Marlin’s Park

Location King Center Price Free

4.30

CU Symphony

4.30

Dreaming Dead

Time 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Location Boettcher Concet

Price Varies

Time 5:10 p.m.

Time 11:10 a.m.

Location Summit Hall

Price TBA

Price $25

Time 7:30 p.m.

Time 7 p.m.

Soccer 4.29 Rapids @ Orlando

Lake Clarity: For an immersive audio drama check out “Lake Clarity”

5.1

Weird Al

5.1 Location

Soccer 4.29 Sporting KC @ Rapids

Emo Philips Location DSG Park

Location Paramount Theatre

Marlins Location Marlin’s Park

Paramount

at MyMetMedia.com Price $45

Price

$45

Time 8 p.m.

Time

8 p.m.

Location Children’s Mercy Park

Price Varies

Time 2 p.m.

Time 6:30 p.m.