Volume 39, Issue 33 - May 24, 2017 by Met Media

The Student Newspaper of MSU Denver

mymetmedia.com

@themetonline

VOL. 40

NO. 1

MAY 24, 2017

themetropolitan

Denver artists at work during Third Friday

Photo by Esteban Fernandez | eferna14@msudenver.edu Loren Lichti chips away at a new sculpture at the Denver Art Society on May 19. The art society is not just a gallery but serves as a workshop for artists to pursue their craft.

| Story on pg. 05

MSU Denver expands with new school By Montana Martin

department chairs and ancillary

mmart427@msudenver.edu

faculty to sustain and support a student roster doubles that figure.

At the Board of Trustees Meeting on May 5, the School of

itself around community building,

Hospitality, Events and Tourism

the meeting also put an emphasis

was formally established.

on the importance of civic and

NEWS

| pg. 02

Tuition raised for second summer in a row

The approval for the creation of

community engagement for the

OPINION

the HEaT school was backed up by

success of student learning and

Tragedy strikes music safe space

the program’s substantial growth

for the university’s previously

and respect around politics

since 2012, almost doubling due to

established, positive reputation.

the program’s move to the Hotel and Hospitality Learning Center. President Steve Jordan stated

Additionally, President Jordan’s

FEATURES

| pg. 04

| pg. 06

commitment to the community

New program provides support for

was recognized at the day’s

up and coming female entrepenuers

that institutions typically elevate

meeting, as May 5 was formally

programs to the level of being

declared Stephen M. Jordan Day

SPORTS

a “school” to increase visibility

by a representative for Mayor

Men’s basketball starts new chapter

nationally and locally. According

Michael Hancock. According to

with Michael Bahl

to the Early Bird, the school’s

the Early Bird, the comments that

next step is to find a dean with

President Jordan made about his

experience in the hospitality field.

accomplishments spanning his

Currently, the School of HEaT caters to approximately 400 Photo by Lauren Cordova | scordo22@msudenver.edu

With the new school centering

INSIDE

students, but has the faculty,

12 years with the university were met with a standing ovation.

| pg. 07

NEWS

MAY 23, 2017

Poor state funding causes another tuition hike To close the gap between state funding

By Madison Lauterbach mlauter1@msudenver.edu MSU Denver students can expect

eligible students, which

and what is required to keep the school

discounts the cost to

moving in a forward trajectory, the Budget

about half of what the

Task Force at MSU Denver recommended

school actually charges.

a tuition increase for the 2017-18

a tuition increase of 7 percent. However,

school year. The board of trustees

student members on the BTF and others

and fees are the lowest in

passed a 6.5 percent hike on May 5.

in opposition expressed concerns that

the state so the school isn’t

such a surge in conjunction with rising

concerned that students will

funding of higher education fluctuates

rent and other expenses would burden

be turned away or drop out.

significantly because it is considered

them. Board leaders settled on the

optional by lawmakers. Based on the

student-recommended 6.5 percent.

According to the Early Bird, state

state budget for the upcoming fiscal year,

MSU Denver tuition

“We haven’t experienced students not finishing

“As leaders, you really want to push

because the tuition went up,

Colorado higher education institutions will

forward initiatives to change student

what we have experienced is

receive an increase of $20.5 million. These

outcomes, but you also want to listen to

students saying ‘I may take

funds are distributed by performance data,

the students’ voice,” Middlemist said.

a break,’ but most of them

such as enrollment and graduation rates.

“We value the students’ opinion and so we

have the intention of coming

MSU Denver has struggled with enrollment

make-do with 6.5 percent and hope we do

back and finishing their

as the state economy has improved.

a really good job of getting our enrollment

degree,” Middlemist said.

Although Colorado funding has increased

numbers up, because then that will give

.4 percent from last year, that only amounts

us money to do some other things with.”

to $211,602 in total funding from the state.

The tuition increase works out to be

Ashton Brown, an MSU Denver student, said that the increase does have

This money goes toward $3.5 million in

an average of $300-$400 per semester

the potential to impact

mandatory expenses, such as salaries for

depending on tuition discounts. In addition

other students with more

faculty and staff and employee healthcare.

to institutional funding, the state also

expenses, so much so

Associate Vice President of Administration

allocates additional funds for financial aid.

that they may not be able

and Finance, George Middlemist, said that

“Every time we increase tuition, we’re

to attend the school.

MSU Denver is one of the least funded

also looking at how we also increase

higher ed institutions nationwide.

scholarships,” Middlemist said. “Financial

cheap school, so $300 more

“If you look at our peer institutions,

“Metro is already a fairly

aid works really hard to make sure that

doesn’t really sound like that

those that are our size and serve the same

those students have access, some access,

much. I don’t think it’ll affect

students that we do, we get about 50 cents

to what I would call ‘free money’.”

me that much, but obviously

on the dollar to provide support services to our students,” Middlemist said.

The school also offers grants,

it’ll affect people differently.”

Photo by Lauren Cordova | scordo22@msudenver.edu Associate Vice President of Administration and Finance George Middlemist at his desk in the Student Success Building on May 23.

scholarships and free credit hours for

The Russian connection February 13, 2017 - Flynn resigns a month into his

May 9, 2017 - Trump announces the firing of Comey.

term. He reportedly made calls to Russian Ambassador

Comey led the investigation into the Trump campaign and

Sergey Kislyak prior to Trump being sworn in.

administration’s ties to Russia as well as the hacking of Hillary

May 17, 2017 - Flynn allegedly told President Trump’s transition team

Clinton’s private emails. Later, a memo surfaced revealing

weeks before the inauguration that he was under federal investigation

Trump asked Comey to drop the Flynn investigation.

James Comey

for secretly working as a paid lobbyist for Turkey during the campaign.

Michael Flynn

Donald Trump

Former National

U.S. President

Security Advisor

Former FBI Director

April-November 2016 - It was discovered that 18 calls and May 10, 2017 - Trump had a meeting

emails during the last seven

at the White House with Kislyak

months of the 2016 Presidential

and Lavrov. Trump allegedly shared

race were made by the Trump

It is estimated that

classified information from Israel

campaign. James Clapper, the

six of the phone calls

about ISIS. Allies like the UK and

Director of National Intelligence,

exchanged between

Canada were not given the information.

released a joint statement on

the Trump team

Trump also discussed the firing of

behalf of all 17 intelligence

Robery Mueller

and Russia before

Comey and referred to him as a “nut

agencies suggesting Russian

Special Counsel

the inauguration

job” and that he was “under less

interference in the campaign.

were between

pressure” now that Comey was gone.

The former FBI director was

Sergey Lavrov

Flynn and Kislyak.

Russian Foreign Minister

named special counsel in the Russian probe, which upset many in the Trump administration.

Sergey Kislyak Russian Diplomat

May 17, 2017 - Putin offered to settle controversy over claims that Trump shared classified information with Kislyak and Lavrov by releasing records of the Oval Office meeting.

Vladimir Putin Sources: New York Times, Politico, Cracked, Fox News, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post. Photos from Flickr

Prime Minister of Russia

By Lindsey Milburn and Madison Lauterbach lmilburn@msudenver.edu | mlauter1@msudenver.edu

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OPINIONS

staff

Tragedy in Manchester

Esteban Fernandez eferna14@msudenver.edu Managing Editor

News Editor Madison Lauterbach mlauter1@msudenver.edu Features Editor Maria Muller mmuller4@msudenver.edu

Sports Editor David Schaut dschaut@msudenver.edu Assistant Sports Editor Richard Allen rallen57@msudenver.edu Photo Editor Lauren Cordova scordo22@msudenver.edu Assistant Photo Editor Lindsey Milburn lmilburn@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 Offi ce Manager Elizabeth Norberg enorbert@msudenver.edu Sales and Marketing sales@mymetmedia.com marketing@mymetmedia.com Preston Morse pmorse3@msudenver.edu Caitlin Monaghan cmonagh12@msudenver.edu

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

A similar situation happened

Romance, so I feel like I’m

over the weekend of May 21, when

something of an authority on being

students at the University of Notre

humiliated for the things I love.

Dame walked out on Vice President

I have no qualms in saying that

Montana Martin mmart427@msudenver.edu

Matthew Plimpton mplimpto@msudenver.edu

Setting the tone: Respect all sides

My favorite band is My Chemical

Editor-in-Chief

Assistant Features Editor

MAY 24, 2017

Mike Pence to protest the acts of

the opinions being thrown around of

the current administration. Several

the validity of Grande’s music do not

dozen students were walking out

matter. Any negative or spite-based

because of the extreme stances the

opinions on what someone else

current administration has based

considers important, influential or

on sexual orientation, healthcare,

even just “catchy” never mattered.

race and religion. Sounds like the

Think of the music that influenced

students are well within their right to

By Montana Martin

you, and the experiences you had

By Matthew Plimpton

be mad and furthermore, it sounds

mmart427@msudenver.edu

with it. Now imagine having those

@msudenver.edu

like these students should be able to

feelings, experiences and moments On May 22, the Ariana Grande

of escape taken away from you.

show at Manchester Arena was bombed. As of May 23, the fatality count was capped at 22. The ages and genders of the victims fall irrelevant in the context, but the fact that they were young females only makes things personal. Ultimately, the point is that 22 lives were taken in a safe place that provides fans with validation, free from judgement or the pressure to be anything besides exactly who they are. The lives of 22 music enthusiasts and participants were taken during a formative experience that only live music can provide. Concerts

“The lives of 22 music enthusiasts and participants were taken during a formative experience only music can provide. Concerts can serve as the only place that some of us feel like we belong and for those in Manchester, that experience was sabotaged by a senseles act of violence.”

protest the current administration. Now that the spring semester

I can only agree to an extent.

has come to an end many schools

There is no reason that either side

are celebrating the most recent

shouldn’t be heard. If there is to be

graduation of their students. Not

any progress in the slightest, it is

all of these commencements have

of the utmost importance that both

been the happy occasions they

sides work together and actually

are meant to be. With the recent

hear each other. These students

events at Bethune-Cookman

are angry and for good reason.

University and the University of

Students are finding it more and

Notre Dame, involving members

more difficult to succeed on and off

of the current administration being

campus due to various challenges

treated poorly, I can see why some

that are being put in place by the

would be irritated at the hypocrisy.

current administration. These

I thought the left stood up for free

students decided that if they were

speech. It seems that booing the

going to be heard at any time, it

speaker or simply walking out on

would be as they go out into the

the speaker is considered in poor

world with degrees to join the

taste. Well in my opinion, the

workforce. Does this mean that

I have yet to find a home like

poor taste resides in the mouths

they were right in their actions?

and for those in Manchester, that

the one I’ve found in the live music

of those that are feeling cheated

Not completely. I say this because

experience was sabotaged by a

scene. But for as much as music

by the current administration.

not everyone at either college was

senseless act of violence. Physically,

has done for me, the small acts

a sea and a half divides us and

of my financial and emotional

this venue. But for me, tragedies

devotion are actually the least I can

like these hit closer to home than

do. Concerts are not about paying

most things. I will never forget, or

money to stand around and watch

forgive, the feeling that the 2015

a bunch of creative doofuses sing

massacre at the Eagles Of Death

songs. Concerts are about singing,

DeVos has no public education,

Regardless of my opinions or any

Metal Show in France gave me.

screaming those songs right back,

nor do any of her children. DeVos

other opinion, this is the reality.

and showing those doofuses that

has only experienced a private

Now if you are against the politics of

live music community was once

they matter. Concerts are about the

education. Yet she was chosen to

Donald Trump and his White House,

again injected with fear. I know

bonds formed under the shade of

lead the nation in public education.

then it is up to you to use tact,

better than to read the Facebook

the venue’s marquee in the middle

To me this is not a qualified

respect and grace to make sure that

comment threads, for any given

of a Wednesday. Concerts are about

leader and I can easily see how

there is an administration that you

online article. But I’ve never been

the bum rush to the barricade, the

students at Bethune-Cookman

see helping the nation. This means

brought to tears because of one, for

scramble for medium sized t-shirts

University could feel insulted that

talking to the opposing side and

better and for worse. Few comments

at the merch table, and the sweat,

DeVos was going to be doing their

actually hearing their thoughts on

alluded to the real tragedy being

the tears, and for some ungodly

commencement speech. This is a

current events and constantly asking

that the attendees were at an

reason, the blood of the fans.

woman that believes in for-profit

questions about their thoughts.

Ariana Grande concert. “Humor is

Concerts do not start when the

education and does not support

a coping mechanism,” seemed to

music does, or end when the lights

public education fully. DeVos also

doesn’t mean that either side is

be the default response to those

go down. The Zippo flames of the

has no degree in public education

good or evil. It means that the

that spoke against these “jokes.”

live music scene may flicker, but

and yet she is being defended

conversation between all sides are

I have a hard time finding any

they will never be extinguished.

for her treatment at the Bethune-

quickly becoming limited and it is

semblance of humor in the mocking

Cookman commencement. These

up to us as citizens to acknowledge

of the passions of others, in the

students turned their back on her

and respect the opposing side.

face of tragedy or otherwise. I’ve

and booed her relentlessly. While

This doesn’t mean agreement, but

missed out on more than just

they eventually settled down,

it does mean creating a path to a

tour dates because of another’s

many Fox News correspondents

more constructive conversation.

judgement of my music tastes.

are calling the treatment of

can serve as the only place that some of us feel like we belong,

And May 22, the unbreakable

against the actions and beliefs of

“There is no reason that either side shouldn’t be heard..”

Mike Pence or Betsy DeVos. There are some young scholars that support both of these people and they also voted for Donald Trump

Secretary of Education Betsy

to lead the nation as president.

This goes for both sides. This

DeVos childish and rude.

Have an article you’d like to contribute? Want to voice your thoughts on a current event or subject that has been covered in the paper? Send your pieces to themetonline@gmail.com or Managing Editor Esteban Fernandez at eferna14@msudenver.edu

MAY 24 2017

FEATURES

Surrogate family inspires art at Denver Art Society By Matthew Plimpton

and designs and that she was the

mplimpto@msudenver.edu

girl jumping into the unknown. “I’ve learned a lot from

While most people over the weekend got ready to go out with their significant others or recover

through their art, but it has done

her work,” said fellow

more for others. The Denver Art

artist Jose Salcedo.

Society has become a second

Salcedo creates his own

from the unusual spring weather,

fantastical works based on

others worked hard on their passion.

characters from Marvel and

In the Art District on May 19, those

even the Star Wars franchise.

that worked on their passion were

Ranging from Deadpool fighting

at the Denver Art Society. Several

a T-Rex to a villain wielding a

artists prepared to showcase their

lightsaber, Salcedo’s creations are

work to the public to view or buy.

copied for the stills to be sold.

Artists with various styles and

The Denver Art Society allows people to make statements

home and a new family.

“The only thing this place doesn’t have that would make it home is a bed.” – Dino Castellano

Not all of the work is inspired

inspirations come together at the

directly from a fantasy background.

Denver Art Society to not only

Kind Illusions artist Manning

Dino Castellano spoke of his

produce their work but to support

Turner takes pictures of cannabis

difficult past and how the Society

and teach each other. Grace

on a microscopic level while the

helped him overcome many

Noel, a member of the Society

plant is still alive. The intent of

hardships. Castellano is a former

for four years, uses woodcarving

the work is to have the public

alcoholic who used the Denver

and painting techniques to tell

view the substance as more than

Art Society to stay sober.

fantastical stories and make

a connection to drug culture.

complex yet poignant statements. “It’s not just a culture anymore,” Noel said, explaining that art is meant to be experienced. One of Noel’s works depicts

“First Fridays are fun. It’s fun seeing people freak out at the work.” -Manning Turner

“First Fridays are always fun,” Turner said. “It’s fun seeing people freak out at the work.” Turner wasn’t afraid to joke

An artist by the name of

“I quit drinking and I started to draw and paint,” Castellano said. For four years Castellano has made and sold countless pieces of art for the Denver Art Society

about how some people would

but his fellow artists have been a

view his fellow artists who had

source of happiness and sobriety.

works that were risque and yet thought provoking. One unnamed artist took tasteful nude pictures

“It’s like we are a family,” said Castellano. After a recent surgery, many

of women. On the other side

members of the Society visited

of the gallery Loren Lichti had

Castellano at the hospital.

a girl with wings standing on the

stone sculptures made from

edge of a cliff and beyond, the

alabaster that take approximately

doesn’t have that would make

unknown. Noel explained that the

two years to complete

it home is a bed,” he said.

cliff was detailed with the culture of her family, various patterns

“The only thing this place

“Welcome to the Denver Hippie Commune,” Turner said.

Photos by Esteban Fernandez | eferna14@msudenver.edu Loren Lichti chisels away at a piece of alabaster sourced from Fort Collins at the Denver Art Society in Denver on May 19. Lichti eschews power tools when sculpting stone, relying on hand tools to work. A sculpture can take up to two years to finish.

Mike L. Meyer combines a little bit of H.P. Lovecraft and Escher to create a surrealist painting. He hopes to have the piece done in the next month. Meyer had his first art show when he was 17 and has live painted for bands during concerts.

Grace Noel works from a paint tray on a wall mural. She keeps a studio in the basement of the building, which she shares with other artists who use the space to work on their own art. Noel called the building its own work of art.

FEATURES

MAY 24 2017

Photo by Maria Muller | mmuller4@msudenver.edu From left, Event attendee networks with the founder of Enquire Solutions, Erin Hayes, President of Elements, Traci Lounsbury, and branding strategist, Olivia Omega.

Female entrepreneurs gather for Women on the Rise By Maria Muller

Denver Partnership, an organization that

junkyard down the street from her home

one was calling her back,” Hayes said.

mmuller4@msudenver.edu

works at enhancing downtown Denver.

at age five. By the time she was eight,

“It was very frustrating. So we said,

“We met a couple times a month

she was running errands and cleaning

‘Wouldn’t it be nice if someone was

to pull together what we wanted to

houses to make money. Over the years

always answering the phone?’”

scratch can be daunting for anyone.

do,” Omega said. “This was very

she continued to find opportunities

Although women have made great

specifically made to support women.

and hone her skills. Perez works with

I run a profitable, large business. I think

strides over the years in business,

There’s different needs that women

a lot of successful women and was

that I’d love to be a mentor,” Hayes said.

it can still be challenging to prove

have, different perspectives, a different

happy with the turnout for the event.

themselves in a male dominated world.

sense of sisterhood and camaraderie.”

“A lot of women second guess

Setting out to create a business from

Women in Colorado have proven

The women had breakfast and shared

they are ready to meet that challenge.

ideas and concerns. TaRhonda Thomas

According to Forbes, Denver rates

of 9News interviewed Lounsbury, who

the number three spot for women

explained how she created Elements and

entrepreneurship with the fifth highest

talked about challenges that she overcame.

percentage of women owned businesses.

In 2014 Elements was recognized by

“I still consider myself young but now

Hayes said everyone who’s an entrepreneur has to be a salesperson. “You have to put yourself out there,”

“This was very specifically made to support women. There’s different needs that women have, different perspectives, a different sense of sisterhood and camaraderie.” – Olivia Omega

she said. “You can’t be afraid to go up to people.” She said it’s important to go to events like Women on the Rise. “I really think the networking piece was great.” Omega said the turnout

Some of these successful women were

Colorado Biz Magazine as one of the top

gathered on May 17 at Elements, a

women-owned businesses in Colorado

$66 million workplace furnishings and

and in 2015 Lounsbury was awarded the

interior solutions company in Denver for

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award in the

their ability to be successful,” Perez

Denver,” she said. “And I think about a

their first Women on the Rise event.

Retail Consumer Products category.

said. “I love the fact that there’s that

lot of women entrepreneurs, including

support, a community who understands

myself, with kids, and dropping kids

the chance to ask Lounsbury questions

women’s need in specific. We’re

off at school and commuting.”

on how she got through some of the

mothers, we’re wives, we’re caretakers

roadblocks and conflicts on her way up.

in addition to entrepreneurs, and really

scheduled for June 21 which will

our needs are very very different.”

feature Lindsey Lourain, founder of

“This is our inaugural kickoff event,” said organizer Olivia Omega. Omega has her own branding, consulting and web development firm. She is also on the committee for Women on the Rise, a new

After the interview the women had

“I came here to listen to the insights of

that morning was good. “It can be tricky to have an event at 7:30 in the morning in downtown

Omega is excited for the next event

program aimed at the success of women

Traci and other women entrepreneurs,”

entrepreneurs. Every third Wednesday until

said Rocio Perez, “and to see what it

mentors to women who are still trying make

October female entrepreneurs are invited to

takes to become even more successful

their ideas successful. Erin Hayes owns

foundation for what Women on the Rise

attend the meetings that will feature a new

in this ever changing world.”

Some women came out to volunteer as

Ezpz and inventor of the Happy Mat. “I think the event itself lays the

Enquire Solutions, a software company that

is,” said Omega. “It’s really an opportunity

Perez is the president and founder

she founded with her husband. The idea for

for women to connect with each other, to

of Inventiva Consulting, a company that

her business came to her when her mother

inspire each other and hear each other’s

planted by Traci Lounsbury, president

does leadership development, focusing on

had a bad experience while trying to put

concerns, fears and also dreams.”

and founder of Elements, and Tami Door,

corporate culture and marketing strategy.

her grandparents into senior housing.

speaker and the opportunity to network. The seed for Women on the Rise was

president and CEO of the Downtown

Perez said she was selling copper to a

“My mother was calling and no

SPORTS

MAY 24, 2017

Michael Bahl comes full circle as new head coach for men’s basketball MSU DENVER BRIEFS

By David Schaut dschaut@msudenver.edu

Volleyball welcomes two transfer students The Roadrunner volleyball team welcomed two new faces to the squad after the end of the spring semester. Taylor Duryea transferred to MSU Denver from Dixie State University and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Duryea started 25 games last season for the Red Storm last season, averaged 3.27 points per set, had a hitting percentage of .163 and 45 total blocks. Caiden Rexius is a defensive specialist who comes to MSU Denver via Western State University. Rexius secured 233 digs in only 103 sets in her freshman year at Western State. Rexius will have three remaining years of eligibility. Whether either player will be eligible to play next season or not will be determined at the end of the summer.

Former assistant coach Michael Bahl has been tapped to become the new head coach of MSU Denver’s men’s basketball team. He takes over for Derrick Clark, who coached the Roadrunners for seven seasons before being let go by MSU Denver. Bahl is a Roadrunner lifer. During his playing days at MSU Denver from 2003-07, he was known as a sharpshooter and led the Runners to three regular season Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference titles, three RMAC tournament championships and four consecutive NCAA appearances. The Thornton native got into coaching immediately after his playing career and landed an assistant coaching job at Arapahoe High School. He then began climbing the ladder. His next season was spent at Golden High School as the head coach of

Photos by Karson Hallaway | cgonza88@msudenver.edu Michael Bahl joins Tivoli Brewery patrons in conversation on May 22. Bahl was named the head coach of MSU Denver’s men’s basketball team on May 17.

Baseball’s Cale O’Donnell raking in the awards MSU Denver first baseman Cale O’Donnell is reaping the benefits of his stellar junior season. He was named a 2017 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association allsouth central region player on May 17. One day later he was also selected as a 2017 Division II Conference Commissioners Association all-south central region player. In 2017. he led the Roadrunners in home runs with 12, had a .347 batting average and had 40 RBIs. O’Donnell also had the second best ERA on the team at 3.77 and led the team in saves with eight.

the school’s junior varsity team, and then he ended up at his alma

take for granted, and something I’m

mater as an assistant coach under

committed to in terms of making sure

former head coach Derrick Clark.

that I represent myself, the institution

“I played here as a student-athlete and obviously I had the luxury of working for coach Derrick Clark

and the athletic department in the best possible light 24/7, 365.” In a statement to

for seven years, and we’ve laid the

RoadrunnersAthletics.com, Grant

foundation for how a successful

stated that he recognized the pride and

program should be ran,” Bahl said

passion that Bahl has for MSU Denver

of his time as an assistant coach.

and believes he is the man to continue

Now he makes another ascension into the head coaching position. It

to elevate the program to new heights. “Michael has an incredible passion

will be the first time in his career

for MSU Denver and is committed

that he’s officially been head coach,

to continuing the long-standing

but that’s not to say that he doesn’t

tradition of championship caliber

have experience. Last season, after

basketball that the Roadrunners have

Clark’s suspension and end-of-season

been known for,” Grant said. “He

leave-of-absence, Bahl served as

is an alum who takes great pride in

interim co-head coach along with

being a Roadrunner. I am confident

fellow assistant at the time Adam

that he is the right person to lead

Wall. In those ten games the Runners

the men’s basketball program.”

went 5-5 and had an impressive

As far as strategy goes, no two

RMAC tournament run stomped

head coaches are the same. However,

out by the eventual tournament

Bahl has indicated that he is going

champion Colorado School of Mines.

to leave a defensive staple fans

His performance as interim co-

have come to love and continue

head coach piqued the interest of

to take advantage of Denver’s

athletic director Anthony Grant and

altitude with up-tempo play.

ultimately, he was able to land the job. “It’s a dream come true. I’m a

“I’m committed to it,” Bahl said of the full-court press defense. “It’s

Colorado guy, born and raised, so

going to look a little bit different, to be

I’ve seen the program when I was

honest with you. If you saw the last

younger,” he said. “My pride, not

10 games of the season, especially

only for the athletic department, but

the RMAC tournament, we want to

for the institution, is at an all-time

use that to our advantage: Colorado,

high. I couldn’t be more excited

5280, the elevation. We want to be

for this opportunity. I couldn’t be

hard to play against, we want to

more excited to be given the reigns

be hard to prepare for. Not a lot of

to take over a storied program.

teams in the country press, so I think

This is one of the best Division II

we can use it to our advantage.”

programs in the country, it’s one of

Jake Thurston ends MSU Denver career with recognition MSU Denver senior shortstop Jake Thurston finished his senior season as a 2017 all-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference selection and a 2017 RMAC first team all-academic player. Thurston ended his final season as a Roadrunner with the best batting average on the team at .355. He scored the second most runs for the team out of the leadoff position with 43 and was tied for second on the team in home runs with six.

As far as offense goes, Bahl

the best programs in the country,

said that the team is going to play

regardless of level. To be given the

faster, but he left a little teaser in

opportunity is something that I don’t

there to tempt fans to come out

Michael Bahl was the assistant coach at MSU Denver under Derrick Clark for seven seasons before being named head coach.

and witness the new style. “We’re going to play faster,” he said. “How that’s going to look, I think I’ll wait for you guys to see it.” But Bahl is no one-trick pony. He understands that to achieve

continued success he’ll need to alter his approach from time-to-time. “As a coach I think I’m always going to be a student of the game. It’s important that I always continue to evolve,” he said.

Softball to host two Nike camps over summer MSU Denver will host two Nike camps over the summer. The goal of the camps is to offer young softball players the opportunity to develop their fundamentals while also learning how to play as a team. The first camp is June 19-23 and the second is July 17-21. Visit RoadrunnersAthletics. com for more information.

SPORTS

MAY 24, 2017

Rockies off to historic start

Key additions to a solid core have made season a special one in Denver

DENVER BRIEFS

By Richard Allen rallen57@msudenver.edu

Mammoth eliminated from NLL playoffs The Colorado Mammoth lacrosse team saw their 2017 campaign come to an end on May 20 after dropping their semifinal match against the Saskatchewan Rush 11-10. The Mammoth finished the regular season with a 9-9 record en route to their deepest playoff run since 2006. They have qualified for the playoffs in the past seven seasons.

The Colorado Rockies are riding a wave of savvy transactions and youth to their best start to a season in franchise history. Following a series victory against the Cincinnati Reds, the Rockies lead the National League in wins, trailing only the Houston Astros for the best team in all of baseball under new manager Bud Black. They have crossed the barrier of being 10 games

Broncos sign seven rookies The Broncos have inked seven of their eight draftees from the 2017 draft. All players except third round selection Carlos Henderson have reached four year deals. First round choice Garrett Bolles’ deal includes an option for 2021. Other notable players such as DeMarcus Walker, Jake Butt and Isaiah McKenzie joined the team for their first organized activities on May 23. The Broncos will play their first preseason game with the additions on August 10 against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

Rapids drop seven of eight The Colorado Rapids struggles continued as they dropped their seventh match of their last eight on May 20, losing to the Philadelphia Union 2-1. The Rapids last won on May 13 against the San Jose Earthquakes 3-0. That victory was preceded by a six game losing streak dating back to April 9, with their most recent victory coming on March 4. Their next contest is on Saturday, May 27, against Sporting Kansas City.

over .500 for the first time since 2010 and have never had a better record at the 40-game mark in their history. They have lost only two of their fourteen series to this point, taming contenders like the Cubs, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Twins. Despite early injuries and

season before it started. However,

players, as Reynolds is earning

Coors Field while Hoffman held

adversity, the club has found a

third-year general manager

$1.5 million this season.

his own against the Dodgers on

way to not just survive but thrive.

Jeff Bridich has assembled

Going back to Spring Training in March, the Rockies lost catcher Tom Murphy, outfielder David

enough talent and depth to tread water and then some. While the usual suspects like

Desmond was signed to play first base, a position he has no

May 11, allowing only three runs. The youthful and competitive

experience at in any level of the

rotation has kept the Rockies

game and has been forced into

in enough games for the new

Dahl and shiny-new utility man

Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon

a more natural position for him,

lockdown bullpen to slam the door

Ian Desmond to injuries. Starting

and DJ LeMahieu have carried

left field. This dislodged Gerardo

and propel the team to the top

pitcher Chad Bettis was lost to

the weight, Mark Reynolds, a

Parra from the lineup, who had

of the standings. Greg Holland

a cancer diagnosis in the same

veteran first baseman who signed

rebounded well from an abysmal

is baseball’s saves leader by a

week for an extended length of

a minor-league deal and wasn’t

2016 to carry the team through

margin of seven and is proving

time. They also lost relievers

expected to make the Opening

the first lengths of the season. In

to still be in the conversation for

Chris Rusin and Chad Qualls

Day roster, has become arguably

April, he hit .284 with 12 RBI in the

the most dominant closer in the

before Opening Day, effectively

the team’s most valuable player

absence of Desmond and Dahl, the

game. After Tommy John surgery

putting more than a fifth of the

in the first quarter of the season.

player he was supposedly going to

prevented him from competing

Rockies roster out of commission

After Ian Desmond’s injury,

split time with this season. When

in 2016, the Rockies were able to

and needing placeholders. As

Reynolds filled in the void and

his day-to-day injury in March

take a cheap gamble to the tune

if that wasn’t enough, they

became irreplaceable, producing

turned into an extensive one with

of $7 million that he was still elite

lost ace Jon Gray to a broken

a batting average that hovers

no official return date available,

and have reaped the benefits. He

toe two weeks into the season

around .330 with an MLB best 39

Parra filled in productively in his

is flawless in save opportunities

and shortstop Trevor Story for

RBI and an elite-level 12 home

temporary full time role before

and has allowed only two runs

more than a week in May.

runs. The biggest weapon in the

beginning his slump in May

all season, both coming on April

Rockies lineup thus far has been

and giving way to Desmond.

18. He has allowed only five

For many squads, this would be enough to sink the hopes of a new

Vegas Golden Knights find TV home with ROOT Sports NHL expansion franchise Vegas Golden Knights landed a deal with ROOT Sports Rocky Mountain, making all of their games available in the Denver market. All 82 games will be televised live on the channel with the exception of those picked up by national channels. ROOT Sports Rocky Mountain broadcast territory spans across seven states, from parts of California to Montana. ROOT currently owns the rights to the Colorado Rockies, Utah Jazz and Mountain West conference. The Golden Knights became the league’s 31st franchise and the first major league in the city of Las Vegas when it won a bid for expansion, announced on June 22, 2016. They will fill out their roster on June 21 with an expansion draft.

Photo by of Jennifer Linnea Celebration after the national anthem during the Colorado Rockies’ home opener on April 7.

one of their more inexpensive

NL West Standings

As of the morning, May 23

Team Colorado Rockies

W 29

L 17

Where the Rockies see the most improvement and adaptability this

then. He tips the spear of a bullpen

season is on the mound. Despite

that has allowed the Rockies to go

the unavailability of Gray and

undefeated both in one-run games

Bettis, the starting rotation has

and those in which they have

done their part to keep the team

lead after the sixth inning. With

in games, anchored by a core of

a solid supporting cast, the team

four rookies. While veterans Tyler

has been able to scrap out close

Chatwood and Tyler Anderson

games that may prove pivotal in

have struggled with consistency,

the pennant chase of September.

Antonio Senzatela and Denver-

Arizona Diamondbacks Los Angeles Dodgers San Francisco Giants San Diego Padres

27 26 20 16

19 19 26 30

baserunners in the 12 games since

The Rockies have the fortunate

native Kyle Freeland have provided

issue of having a plethora of

stability and success. Both

talent, bordering on too much

posted sub-3.00 ERAs in April.

at certain positions. With the

Freeland has boasted a top-5

returns of Gray, Dahl and Murphy

ground out/fly out ratio and threw

imminent, there will be tough

five consecutive quality starts

questions to be answered about

between April 23 and May 16.

who will lose their jobs. They’ve

Fellow rookies German Marquez

had hot starts before, but have not

and Jeff Hoffman have impressed

been tested nor succeeded at the

in their outings as well, despite

lengths they have this season and

bouncing between the big leagues

showing signs of sustainability

and AAA. Marquez took a no-hitter

with their depth and talent.

into the seventh inning against the World Champion Chicago Cubs in

SPORTS

MAY 24, 2017

SportsVenting gives fans a safe space to blow off some steam NATIONAL BRIEFS

By James Burky jburky@msudenver.edu

Seahawks Hall of Famer Cortez Kennedy dies at 48 Former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy was found dead on May 23. He was 48 years old. Kennedy is a Seahawks Ring of Fame member and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2012. He was the 1992 Defensive Player of the Year and ended his career with eight total Pro Bowls under his belt, 58 total sacks and 448 total tackles. He also forced six fumbles and recovered five in his 11 year career, all of which he spent in Seattle. Police reported that there was nothing suspicious to report about Kennedy’s death.

There was a feeling that Chicago and the fans of the Chicago Cubs hadn’t had in god knows how long: hope. Tim Wozniak was one of those fans. Then Steve Bartman happened. A foul ball that was almost certainly going to be caught for an out by right fielder Moises Alou nestled into the hands of Bartman, a fan who had no idea the ball was in play. The play was ruled fan interference and the Florida Marlins went on to produce eight runs, not only winning the game and the series, but eventually the World Series as well. A heartbroken Wozniak launched his clenched fist like a missile through his bathroom door.

NFL lightens restrictions on end zone celebrations After many players characterized the NFL as the “No Fun League” last season, league commissioner Roger Goodell and the league have relaxed the restrictions on end zone celebrations. Players will now be able to do things like use the ball as a prop, celebrate on the ground, as in snow angels, and they will be able to celebrate as a group once again. Certain celebrations will still be punishable. For instance, twerking will still be against the rules. Also, any offensive or obscene gestures will not be allowed.

Being a sports fans is filled with euphoric highs and miserable lows. Often times, fans are without a medium to vent their frustrations on the referee who missed a blatant hold or their star guard who missed the game winning shot. Wozniak and his colleagues Jeff Phillips and Dan Bagelle want to change that with their social media app SportsVenting, a haven where sports fans are free to vent their latest frustrations in the sports world. The three have been friends since childhood, and all three graduated from Temple University together. “People break things, yell things, we want to save those people,” Wozniak said. “We want those people to grab their phone and start venting about it.” SportsVenting is an app where users can interact with each other and discuss the latest in sports. When creating a profile, one not only chooses their favorite sports teams, but the teams they hate as well.

Photo courtesy of Tim Wozniak Jeff Phillips, Tim Wozniak and Dan Bagelle at the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia on April 28. The SportsVenting app is a platform for sports fans to vent about or celebrate their respective teams.

“Hate drives sports a lot of After failing to raise funds through

times because there are more

day I bought the domain name,

protests or the name controversy of

of the teams you hate than the

sportsventing.com,” Phillips said.

the Washington Redskins, as long

Kickstarter, the trio has their eyes set

as it is within the sports world.

on Plan B: get the backing of Dallas

teams you love,” Phillips said. Once done selecting the teams,

While many already discuss sports on Facebook and Twitter,

On Feb. 1, the app made its debut

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. “Our main goal is to get

users have an option to submit

sports talk can be diluted by an

on the Google Play Store with help

a vent to one of the seven feeds

abundance of political, entertainment

from the Peruvian development

on Shark Tank,” Bagelle said.

within the app. There’s a section for

and religious posts. That’s where

company Tekton Labs at a fraction

“Mark Cuban vents about the

the four major sports leagues, the

SportsVenting is different, it’s sole

of the cost it would have been to

refs, he vents all the time.”

NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, as well

purpose is to serve the sports fans

develop the app in the United States.

as college basketball and football.

who simply want to talk about sports.

The app has yet to debut on the Apple

expanding. The SportsVenting Radio

SportsVenting’s brand is already

App Store. While they only raised

Show will debut Friday, Aug. 11 at

fans can discuss other sports

app for sports vents. If you’re

$371, falling well short of their $30,000

6 p.m. on 610 AM ESPN radio in

such as golf, tennis and soccer.

looking for what’s going on with

Kickstarter goal, the three have

Philadelphia. If they are unable to

the Kardashians or what’s going

decided to raise funds they need to

make it onto the show, the group

to Phillips in July of 2015. After being

with the midterm election or what’s

reach out to Apple users themselves.

plans to resort to asking family for

fired from a job in medical sales, his

going on in the world of religion, this

Wozniak, Bagelle and Phillips

funds and taking out a bank loan to

wife Kristin suggested he pursue

app is not for you,” Wozniak said.

There’s also a general feed where

The idea for SportsVenting came

“This is only going to be an

attended the first two days of the

make SportsVenting available in the

Though off-topic discussions

NFL Draft, spending 15 hours at the

App Store. Bagelle firmly believes

are monitored as much as possible,

event not only eagerly awaiting who

that if the app is to be successful

I thought of SportsVenting and

SportsVenting users are able to

their teams would select–Wozniak is a

and compete with Twitter, they must

in order to not forget about it, I

discuss topics that overlap political

Bears fan, Bagelle a Cowboys fan and

reach the Apple demographic.

picked up my phone and texted

and sports issues such as Colin

Phillips stays true to his hometown

the words to myself. The next

Kaepernick’s national anthem

Eagles–but also marketing the app.

something he’s passionate in. “It was 4 o’clock in the morning.

Former teammate says Jets locker room better without Marshall New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson has made his opinion on Brandon Marshall’s locker room demeanor clear. In a recent statement to reporters, Richardson made a reference to Marshall when asked about the locker room environment. “The locker room is a whole lot easier to get along with now,” Richardson told reporters. When he was asked to elaborate, he smiled and said, “Man oh man, y’all are thirsty. Let’s just say I’ve got 15 reasons why it’s better.” The “15 reasons,” was a nod to Marshall, who has worn the number 15 for most of his professional career. Marshall chose not to respond to the comments.

NFL reduces overtime period from 15 to 10 minutes The NFL announced on May 23 that they are reducing the length of overtime periods from 15 minutes to 10 minutes effective next season. There have been five tie games in the NFL since 2012.

EVENTS

CAMPUS ROUNDUP

CONCERTS

During MSU Denver’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation

05.26 Jethro Tull Artist Location Red Rocks

MAY 24, 2017

ROADRUNNER ATHLETICS

05.26 Kyle Park

Women’s Soccer

Location Grizzly Rose

Barbecue on May 23, chair of

Price $55-$99

Price $12

MSU Denver’s Department

Time 8 p.m.

08.26 VS. Alumni Location

Regency Athletic Complex

08.19 VS. LCCC Location

Regency Athletic Complex

of Journalism and Technical

Price Free

Communication Professor

Time Free

Time 3 p.m.

Robert Amend recieved a Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the university.

05.26 Drag Nation Location EXDO Event Center

05.26 Stoic Location Summit Music Hall

Price $10/$12

Price $40-$65

Time 9:00 p.m.

Time 8:30 p.m.

Men’s Soccer 08.18 VS. LCCC

The Sales Education

Location

Foundation has named MSU Denver a “Top University for Professional Sales Education” for 2017.

06.02 The Motet

06.02 Jurassic 5

Location Red Rocks

Price $33.50-$75

Time 7 p.m.

Regency Athletic Complex

Men’s Soccer 08.26 VS. Alumni Location

Regency Athletic Complex

Price Free

Time 6 p.m.

Time 12 p.m.

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS MSU Denver’s Center for Visual Art will host their First Friday Art Walk on June

06.02 Eric Paslay Location Grizzly Rose

06.02 The Disco Biscuits

MLB

Location Ogden Theatre

2 from 6-8 p.m. FlatIron

Price $18

Price $25-$35

Press’ Chris Blume and Sam

Time 8 p.m.

Time 9 p.m.

05.25 Rockies vs. Phillies Location Citizens Bank Park

05.26 Rockies vs. Cardinals Location Coors Field

Cikauskas will demonstrate

Price Varies

pronto plate lithography. The

Time 11:05 a.m.

Time 6:40 p.m.

free event is open to all. 06.02 The Vandals Location Summit Music Hall

06.02 Free Throw Location Larimer Lounge

The Aerospace and

Price $25

Price $12-$14

Engineering Sciences Building

Time 7 p.m.

Time 7:30 p.m.

ribbon cutting ceremony

05.27 Rockies vs. Cardinals

will take place on Thursday,

Location Coors Field

June 22 from 4-6 p.m. in the courtyard in front of the MSU Denver Student Success Building.

MLB

06.06 Modest Mouse Location Fillmore Auditorium

06.07 Phoenix

Price Varies

Price Varies Time 1:10 p.m.

Location Red Rocks

Price $39.75-$45

Price $39.95

Time 8 p.m.

Time 7 p.m.

05.29 Rockies vs. Mariners only show dedicated to politics,

06.09 OK-GO Location Gothic Theatre

05.28 Rockies vs. Cardinals Location Coors Field

Time 7:10 p.m.

MLB

Politically Direct, MSU Denver’s

MLB

06.09 White Denim Location Fox Theater

airs Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to

Price $27.95

Price $20-$22

12:00 p.m. Catch Devyn Deeter

Time 9 p.m.

Time 11:30 p.m.

Location Coors Field

MLB 05.30 Rockies vs. Mariners Location Coors Field

Price Varies

Time 1:10 p.m.

Time 5:10 p.m.

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