Volume 40, Issue 29 - April 18, 2018 by Met Media

The Student Newspaper of MSU Denver

mymetmedia.com

VOL. 40

@themetonline

NO. 29

APRIL 18, 2018

themetropolitan

Teacher wage woes boil over on Capitol Hill | pg. 2

Photo by Darral Freund | dfreund1@msudenver.edu

Englewood schools shut down for the day on April 16 after educators walked out of their classrooms to join a mass teacher protest on Capitol Hill that focused on lack of funding for education and low teacher salaries. Colorado teachers rank 46th among states and Washington DC for wages, which at around $46,000 a year is below the national mean.

Nobel laureate urges MSU Denver to give peace a chance By Nataleah Small

PeaceJam and MSU Denver

come to young people, to know

introduced Arias before his speech

nsmall1@msudenver.edu

co-hosted a “Public Talk with

the history of other countries

and familiarized the audience

decrease the size of armies,

Nobel Peace Laureate Óscar Arias

and widen their horizons of

with his accomplishments.

ensure freedom of the press

Sánchez” in the Tivoli Turnhalle.

peacemakers in the world,”

concept in a constantly changing

The university partnered with

said Thandi Tutu-Gxashe,

first term as President of Costa

region. The plan was signed by

world. Yet it is difficult to deny

Red Rocks Community College

daughter of Nobel laureate

Rica from 1986-1990 during a

five countries including Costa

its existence when introduced

and Regis University to bring

Desmond Mpilo Tutu.

time of great strife in Central

Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador,

to people who have dedicated

the former two-time president of

Vicki Golich, provost and

America. In 1987, he was awarded

Honduras and Nicaragua.

their lives to its promotion.

Costa Rica to the Auraria campus.

vice president for academic and

the Nobel Peace Prize for his

student affairs at MSU Denver,

efforts to create the Arias Plan.

OPINION

FEATURES

Peace can seem like an elusive

On April 13, Rocky Mountain

INSIDE

“It’s wonderful of him to

NEWS

| pg. 4

| pg. 6

Golich said Arias served his

| pg. 8

This peace plan would

and bring democracy into the

| Continued on pg. 2 SPORTS

| pg. 10

Legislators may increase higher

The Voice challenges music

Belly dance instructor shares her

Trio of pitchers lead softball

education funding

competition shows

passion through dance

team’s rebound.

NEWS

APRIL 18, 2018

Advocating for education support, teachers protest Senate Bill 200

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

Rally-goers make their way to the Capitol building in Denver on April 16 during the 10 a.m. march. Educators and supporters gathered in solidarity for teachers and public education.

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

Photo by Isaac Banks | cbanks17@msudenver.edu

Protestors march around the Capitol building during the rally in support of amendments being made to Senate Bill 200.

Educators listen to state senator Dan Kagan give his speech on the West Steps of the Capitol building. In his speech, he talked about how much teachers sacrifice and how they deserve more respect.

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NEWS

NEWS BRIEF

Denver teachers march on capitol

APRIL 18, 2018

SGA Election Tentative Results The unofficial results of the Student Government Association Elections for MSU Denver’s 2018 to 2019 school year are in. These results will be finalized on April 18. Preliminary results show that SGA’s president-elect is Justin Darnall and vice president is John Andres. The senators are Alejandro MartinezMorilla, Anastasia Pelot, Braedan Weart, David Andy, Joseph “Joe” Brant, Hannah Vaughn, Haleigh Vaughn and Trevor Gritton-Adkins. Members of the Student Advisory Committee to the Auraria Board are Adetilewa Awosanya and Courtney Jones. The student trustee is Lacey Hyde. Also, 84 percent of the total voters from the three Auraria Campus institutions voted to continue the RTD College Pass program, which will be implemented with a discounted fee that will not exceed $102 per student, per semester, in the 2018 to 2019 school year. The mental health student fee of $45 has passed, which will make mental health visits at the health center free beginning in fall of 2018.

By Isaac Banks

part of a state wide protest for

cbanks17@msudenver.edu

more funding for education with other protests taking place

Teachers walked out of their classes to advocate for public

in Fort Collins and Aurora. At the 4:30 p.m. rally, a series

education support at the Capitol

of speakers addressed a crowd

West Steps on April 14.

of around 200 teachers, kids

Inspired by the walkouts in

and supporters. The speakers

Oklahoma, West Virginia, Kentucky

included State Sens. Michael

and Arizona, the Colorado

Merrifield and Daniel Kagan, Tay

Education Association met with

Anderson, Lisa Weil, director

legislators to discuss public school

of Great Education Colorado,

funding, higher pay and Senate Bill

and teacher Libby Booker.

200. Around 400 teachers armed

“We teach because we love

with signs that read things like, “I

teaching, we love children,

care about my students’ education,

we love giving children

do you?” chanted, “fix and fund

opportunities.” said Sen.

public education,” during their

Merrifield, a former teacher.

protested at Capitol Hill. Around

A report by the National

150 of those teachers were from

Education Association found that

the Englewood school district,

teachers’ salaries in Colorado

shutting it down for the day.

ranked 46 in the country in 2016.

Photo by Isaac Banks | cbanks17@msudenver.edu

State Sen. Daniel Kagan addresses protestors of teacher walk out at the Capitol building in Denver on April 16. Hundreds of teachers and supporters gathered at the Capitol to speak out about education.

They took aim at Senate Bill

According to the CEA, teachers’

your lives, your time and all of

200, a bill that would make major

salaries have dropped by more

your energy on the behalf of our

changes to their retirement plan.

than 17 percent, adjusted for

children. You do it out of love of

on our budget which is a beautiful

The changes proposed to Public

classroom is wonderful. “The voters have the final say

inflation, over the last 15 years.

teaching and a love of kids and

thing but it is also daunting if

Employees Retirement Association

According to the same report,

you sacrifice so much, but what

we don’t have support from a

increased the retirement age,

schools are underfunded by $828

thanks do you usually get? None!”

legislators,” Sablich said.

increased the amount employers

million because the state has

Ean Sablich, a teacher at

and employees pay into it, and

not kept up with the mandate

Northern Middle School, came

lawmakers to amend the bill

increase the time of highest

to increase funding each year

out to support Englewood

to address multiple concerns,

average salary. The day started

to compensate for inflation.

teachers. He said that when it

with only one demand not met

comes to bureaucratic steps, it

— an increase of the rate that

when members of CEA met with

“Teachers of Colorado thank

The protesters persuaded

state representatives to talk

you, thank you because you are

is easy to lose touch with reality

retirement benefits grow to

about adding amendments to

the ones who make sure that our

and a platform for teachers

offset inflation, or cost of living.

the bill and ended with a rally

kids get a decent education,”

to represent themselves and

at 4:30 p.m. The walkout was

Sen. Kagan said. “You dedicate

their students outside of the

State government debates education funding By James Bofenkamp

opportunities will affect MSU Denver. The

jbofenk1@msudenver.edu

$18 million funding increase would be for higher education throughout the state,

The Colorado State Legislature’s

not just MSU Denver. Yet, the amount of

Joint Budget Committee is debating

money in the bill is still up for debate.

a new $18 million funding increase

The Long Bill will allocate an additional

aimed at higher education.

$4.8 million in state support to MSU

The potential increase is being discussed

Denver. However, the majority of this

alongside the 2018-19 Long Appropriation

funding almost matches the university’s

Act, or Long Bill, which may also increase

mandatory expenses, which amount to

higher education funding. MSU Denver is also

approximately $3.4 million and include

following some orbital bills, which are related

items like contracts with the Auraria Higher

to their goals, though not directly sponsored

Education Center and the campus library.

by the school. These orbital bills cover

Lari said state support for the school

open educational resources and teacher-

has decreased over the past few years.

education funding, which have already made

Due to this, the school was forced to rely

it through the JBC, and are on their way

more on its students for its funding.

to Governor John Hickenlooper’s desk.

Both Perez and Lari said that the daily

“The majority of our students are

discussions about the bills in the JBC

Colorado residents, and they stay here

fluctuate rapidly. As a result, getting an

upon graduation as well. So, we’re really

accurate reading is difficult – whether the Photo by Ali Watkins | awatkin9@msudenver.edu

contributing to the economy as a whole, in Colorado,” said Government Relations Manager Alejandra Perez for MSU Denver.

Budget Director for MSU Denver Jinous Lari discussing funding increases in her office in the Student Success Building on April 13.

Perez also said that MSU Denver is one of the lowest funded institutions of higher education in Colorado. The school receives a lower amount of funding due to a series

extra money will be allocated to higher education and how much will go to MSU Denver. However, Perez said that she remains optimistic about success. Deputy Budget

for higher education, or HB14-1319. “Unfortunately for MSU Denver, it did put us at a disadvantage,” Perez said.

the school’s funding comes directly from

Director Cipriana Patterson said the state

students, MSU Denver remains one of the

should focus on higher education funding.

most affordable schools in Colorado.

“If the state of Colorado wants students

of metrics including graduation rates and

MSU Denver receives the least state

the number of Pell Grant eligible students

funding, per full time equivalent student, of

the lowest in the state of Colorado,” said

graduate, we have to invest in services

— which were set forth in a 2014 funding

any four year institution in Colorado. Despite

MSU Denver Budget Director Jinous Lari.

to help be successful,” Patterson said.

formula — called outcomes-based funding

this and the fact that close to 68 percent of

“If you look at tuition and fees, we have

It is currently unclear how the new funding

to get into higher education, and successfully

Watch LIVE on Campus Channel 20 at 12:30 p.m. every Friday and nightly from 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 p.m. on Comcast Channel 58. Watch for Campus News, National News, Entertainment, Weather and Sports.

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OPINIONS

APRIL 18, 2018

The Voice rises an octave above the competition

staff Editor-in-Chief Esteban Fernandez eferna14@msudenver.edu Managing Editor

By Molly Bercow mbercow@msudenver.edu

I’ve been watching televised singing competitions since “American Idol” first aired in 2002. Both “American Idol” and “The X Factor” followed the same pattern in every season. The powerhouse singer who could easily sing songs like “I Will Always Love You” always won the show. It was getting boring and I wanted something more refreshing. When the first episode of “The Voice” premiered on NBC. I was very hesitant to give it a chance. I didn’t understand how the process to audition worked. To be honest, I still don’t entirely

get it. I thought it was trying to be the next “The X Factor” or “American Idol,” which had dropped in quality. It took a few seasons for me to start watching, but I’m glad I did. One audition in particular caught my attention and led me to change my tune on televised-singing competitions. A 17-year-old girl named Mary Miranda sang “Como La Flor” by Selena. Not only did she have an incredible voice for someone her age, but she sang in Spanish which wasn’t a common thing on reality singing shows. I’ve been hooked ever since. One of the elements about “The Voice” that sets it apart

from other singing competitions is the praise of uniqueness. On “American Idol,” it’s normally the classic powerhouse vocalists, like Kelly Clarkson, who win the show. “The Voice” has had a wide variety of talents succeed. In the same season as Mary Miranda, a soft-spoken girl named Caroline Glaser made it to the live rounds of season four. Her blind audition of “Tiny Dancer” is still one of the best auditions I’ve seen to this day. On any other show, she would have been sent home much earlier because of her quiet nature and voice. Almost every blind audition, no matter what genre, is full of incredible talent not seen

anywhere else. Last season, the top three finalists were Addison Agen, an indie folk singer, Brooke Simpson, a pop powerhouse, and Chloe Kohanski, a psychedelic rocker. Kohanski won surprising many people, even myself. I assumed that Simpson would take the title. What makes this show so great is that all talents are recognized and praised. It’s no secret that winners from “The Voice” haven’t achieved star status like “American Idol” former contenders, like Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, who have both been judges on the show, but the quality of talent has surpassed other singing competitions.

Ali Watkins awatkin9@msudenver.edu Assistant Managing Editor Nataleah Small nsmall1@msudenver.edu Photo Editor Giacomo Di Franco gdifranc@msudenver.edu Assistant Photo Editor Kaileigh Lyons klyons9@msudenver.edu News Editor Isaac banks cbanks17@msudenver.edu Assitant News Editors James Bofenkamp jbofenk1@msudenver.ed Forest Wilson fwilso10@msudenver.edu Features Editor Miriam Mimi Madrid mayala3@msudenver.edu Assistant Features Editor Megan Webber mwebber6@msudenver.edu Sports Editor

Owning vinyls: not just for old people and hipsters

Rich Allen rallen57@msudenver.edu Assistant Sports Editors Mathew Stefanski mstefan3@msudenver.edu James Burky jburky@msudenver.edu Web Editor Cassandra Ballard cballar7@msudenver.edu

By Ali Watkins

in one browser tab while searching

favorite artist. I purchased “Not To

awatkin9@msudenver.edu

for a song I heard on the radio

Disappear” for a pretty penny. I had

musicians getting paid or the quality

in another. It’s amazing to have

already listened to every song on

of their songs. Many people indulge

Steve Haigh shaigh@msudenver.edu

There’s nothing like owning

Streaming isn’t the death of

Director of Met Media

that diversity available. For free.

YouTube prior to the show enough

in it as well as saving up for physical

Assistant Director of Met Media

your own music. Owning a physical

It spoils me, however, and spoils

times to know every word by heart.

album copies. I listen to the vinyl

copy of your favorite CD or vinyl

some of the listening experience.

To some it may seem silly to buy

of “Rumours” on my turntable,

Ronan O’Shea roshea3@msudenver.edu

a physical copy for an out-of-date

the CD I bought for my car before

Production Manager of Met Media

player for Christmas during my

music player that I can’t put in my

I got my mother’s copy and on

Kathleen Jewby kjewby@msudenver.edu

in the digital world makes a song or album special to an individual. According to Billboard Music,

I remember receiving a record junior year of high school. I didn’t

pocket for a gym session. But it’s

my Spotify. It’s all valuable, while

14.32 million people agreed with

have any records to play. Since

nice to have something that is just

offering different experiences and

this sentiment when 2017 hit

my mom didn’t own a turntable

yours. Even if other people love

holding different emotional weight.

Elizabeth Norberg enorbert@msudenver.edu

another record high for vinyl LP

anymore, following the music

the same song, you have your

Visit your local record store. Check

Sales and Marketing

albums during the Nielsen era.

evolution by purchasing a cassette

own version to call your own.

out a CD. You can trade and borrow

The Nielsen era is defined by when

player, then a cd player, an iPod and

sales@mymetmedia.com marketing@mymetmedia.com

music first became electronically

eventually streaming, I acquired

for their sentimental value, but

a fun way to collect music while

sold, 1991 to the present. I was

her vinyls. My favorite album out

because I want to support the artists

connecting to it in a deeply personal

born in 1996, and grew up through

of the bunch is “Rumours” by

I love. The Billboard Staff reported

way. Analog deserves a listen.

the various changes in electronic

Fleetwood Mac. The cover has

in 2015 that recording artists make

music formats. Like many others,

a coffee stain on it next to my

20 to 25 percent of album sales

I find myself reaching for the

mom’s name written in the corner.

while the rest is absorbed by the

needle on my turntable.

Although, it’s warped with a couple

label representing them. They then

of scratches and always skips a

have other expenses that come

CD skip and the need to rewind

minute into “Go Your Own Way,” I

from hiring managers, publicists,

a cassette tape adds to the

still wouldn’t trade it for a pristine

etc. It’s not as impactful as buying

imperfection and conflict that

copy. It’s perfect to me warts and all.

a ticket to a live performance but

The scratches that make the

streaming music has made obsolete.

I began growing my vinyl

I collect vinyls and CDs not only

albums with friends and family. It’s

the money is funneled down to the

With Spotify, YouTube and Pandora

collection with my own purchases.

artists more directly than through

the latest bop is a click away. Years

Like Pokemon, I had to catch them

streaming. Our money has power

of archived music from every genre

all. One of my first records bought

and the way we use it is a fiscal vote.

and continent are a click away. I

was from the merchandise stand at

I want to vote for my favorite artists

can have a French pop song open

a concert for the band Daughter, my

to afford to make beautiful music.

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

In the April 4 issue, we mistakenly claimed that students can currently take credit hours above 12 hours to 21 hours for the same price. Instead the offer only goes up to 18 credit hours. We apologize for the mistake.

Offi ce Manager

Brady Nelson bnelso73@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.

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FEATURES

APRIL 18, 2018

Belly dancers celebrate self-expression Instructor finishes 25th semester of the dance and plans for more

By Megan Webber

cultures, which are reflected in the

mwebber6@msudenver.edu

music and costumes she uses in her classes and performances.

Graceful colorful harem skirts and veils filled the MSU Denver studio during a belly dancing class that takes place every Friday. Lia Ridley has taught this class on campus for the past 25 semesters and runs a belly dancing troupe in the Denver community. “I started teaching in 1972 or 73, and I’ve been performing ever

“Basically, it really changed my life. I think I just became so much more empowered as a female, just through her class, honestly.” – Roxanna Alizadeh

since,” Ridley said. “My style is very eclectic, you know? I take from here and there. The music inspires me.” Originally from Romania, Ridley

Some students, like Roxanna Alizadeh, take the class for a semester not expecting to gain

grew up speaking Romanian and

anything beyond credit. They

her native Hungarian. Her family

find themselves drawn to the

moved to Israel when she was

music and Ridley’s teaching style.

12, and then to the U.S. when

Alizadeh said new students who

she was 14. She first began belly

don’t have much previous dance

dancing as an 18-year-old student

experience are afraid to really

at CU Boulder. She was drawn

dance but Ridley encourages her

by the middle eastern music

students to dance from the heart.

coming from a big international event the school was hosting. For Ridley, belly dancing was never about anything sexual. The music is what drives her to use

“And I think that, that’s really empowering, to show yourself and be able to be vulnerable in Alizadeh had never danced

her body to explore herself and

before taking Ridley’s class,

to teach others to do the same.

but she went on to dance with

Belly dancing is a style that uses the entire body to create artistic movements. Ridley’s style specifically borrows dance moves and styles from many different

Photos by Jolene Yazzie | jyazzle@msudenver.edu

front of other people,” she said.

Ridley’s troupe and even teach a few of her own classes. “Basically, it really changed my life,” she said. “I think I just became so much more

Lia Ridley’s students lift their arms during a belly dance class at MSU Denver in the Physical Education building on April 13. Ridley has offered the course every Friday on campus for the past 25 semesters. empowered as a female, just

every part of the body and includes

away from this class, I guess,

through her class, honestly.”

dancers, drummers and music.

be more accepting with my

Ridley takes the class beyond

“Belly dance starts with your

She said that part of her

just choreography and attendance. Each week, the students are given

everyone thinks it’s all about, you

experience has been watching

a writing prompt to journal about,

know, how we can move our tummy

her classmates also become more

and throughout the semester, they

and stuff, but really it’s how we can

comfortable with themselves, and

are asked to turn in two essays. The

hit the ground and use the ground

having discussions about how they

purpose of these assignments is to

as support to, you know, either bend

have overcome their insecurities.

encourage the students to explore

your knees or straighten them, and

their inner selves through dance

it’s a lot about the booty, too.” Ridley said she uses many

“I call it a dance of the heart, so that’s my emphasis.” – Lia Ridley

Prez had never danced before taking the class and said it was a great place to start because of

different colorful costumes in her

the freedom it allows a dancer, as

performances because when she

opposed to a style like ballet where

was a girl living in Romania, she

each movement must be precise.

saw the Roma people wearing

Ridley first witnessed that

many colors when they danced. She

freedom, back in Romania, when

passed that inspiration along to her

she was about 6 years old. She said

students, who find costume pieces

she hid behind a tree when she saw

Denver, had only two months

wherever they can and sometimes

a group of Roma people dance in

of belly dancing experience

even trade them with each other.

the forest. She was entranced by

even when they aren’t moving. Ali Scrable, a senior at MSU

before taking Ridley’s class.

At the end of each semester,

the women’s colorful skirts and the

Scrable said that she had never

the class performs a recital of

way they threw their bodies to the

taken a class quite like hers.

several dances, many of which

ground. Since then, belly dancing

are choreographed by groups of

has been her greatest form of

it’s like ‘fake it till you make it’, sort

students. The recital is a chance

self-expression and she hopes to

of, and so we get to just dance and

for them to showcase their growth

pass that passion to her students.

experience how the endorphins

as dancers and as people over

start flowing, rather than on the

the course of the semester.

“What I like about this class is

first day worrying about all the

“Each class is fresh, it’s new,

“I have to put myself out, you know, to show them that it’s alright to perform, to communicate

technique and doing the movements

so I always have to get to know

with the audience in that way,”

perfectly right,” Scrable said.

the students,” Ridley said.

she said. “I call it a dance of the

Although most of the students

Ali Scrable and Autumn Webster dance during a class at MSU Denver in the Physical Education Building on April 13. The belly dancing class will have a final recital on May 4.

body,” said senior Alex Prez.

feet,” Scrable said. “And so

Every semester, a new group of

heart, so that’s my emphasis.” The final recital will be on May

who take Ridley’s class are

students brings new personalities

women, belly dancing is a style

and cultural aspects to be

4 at 9:30 a.m. in the dance studio

that is just as valuable for men.

incorporated into the final dances.

in the Physical Education Building.

The class is meant to be a safe

Ridley said that this semester’s

Anyone is welcome to attend the

space for not only expressing

class has a very shy personality

recital. The class is offered each

femininity, but also opening the

and she has enjoyed getting to

semester for students looking

human heart to a more sensual

know them through dance.

for a class beyond the extra

form of expression. It involves

“I think what I’m gonna take

credit they need to graduate.

APRIL 18, 2018

FEATURES

Nobel laureate and former Costa Rican president discusses democracy and peace | Continued from cover Arias used his prize money to create the Arias Foundation

was a significant callback to when

on the developing world than on

Arias had dedicated his Nobel

wars. Arias said it is insane that

prize acceptance speech to his

the world spends $4.6 billion

10-year-old son 31 years ago.

per day on weapons and war.

for Peace and Human Progress,

Arias’ speech focused on the

which is dedicated to causes like

importance of education. For him, if

resources are there,” Arias said. “All

demilitarization, gender equality

education is not transformative then

that’s missing is the political will to

and the promotion of democratic

it is ineffective. He discussed how

convert an attitude of destruction

governments. From 2006-2010,

teaching students about democracy,

into an attitude of restoration.”

he served his second term as the

peace and justice makes education

foundation’s president. During

worthwhile. He said democracy

reception was hosted in the

Arias’ second term as president

is the key to development and

balcony of the venue. Attendees

he focused on peace by battling

innovation. Teachers should set a

were able to meet Arias, and other

poverty, improving education

positive example for their students

notable guests including Adam

and promoting sustainability.

and teach them to be active citizens.

Baca, co-founder and outreach

“Our youth are the greatest

“Our youth are the greatest symbol of our democracies, if we can prepare them well to make their voices heard.” – Oscar Arias

symbol of our democracies, if we

“All of us will need help, and the

Before the public talk, a VIP

director at Day Without Hate. Baca said it is important for

can prepare them well to make

the laureates to speak on college

their voices heard,” Arias said.

campuses because their stories

Arias said students should be taught to value the lives of others. He referenced the students who

inspire people to take action and prove change is possible. “The importance of it is

protested the shooting in Parkland,

proximity, bringing that relationship

Florida, and praised their efforts

together,” Baca said. “Students

to promote peace and justice.

can actually see the person that

focusing on peace, people and

He said when students embrace

actually made the impact and really

the environment are as applicable

their potential and speak their

see they’re just another human

today as when Dr. Arias first

truth, they cannot be denied.

being that had an idea, that really

“The lessons learned by

took office,” Golich said. “We are still plagued with seemingly endless conflict, lack of access to health care and clean water and poverty across the globe.” When Arias took his place on stage in front of the crowded hall, he was led by five-year-old Gavin Sakotas, son of Tamera

wanted change and did it.”

“We are still plagued with seemingly endless conflict, lack of access to health care and clean water and poverty across the globe.” – Vicki Golich

Cone Sakotas, PeaceJam Rocky Mountain regional coordinator.

Like other Nobel laureates, Arias lives a purpose-filled life

Photos by Ali Watkins | awatkin9@msudenver.edu

dedicated to promoting peace

Óscar Arias Sánchez gives his keynote address in the Tivoli Turnhalle on April 13. Arias is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and has been a two-time president of Costa Rica.

and democracy. Stephanie Mills, member of PeaceJam’s regional leadership team and a teacher at ThunderRidge High School, said it is important for students to hear from laureates like Arias.

“I truly believe if we educate

“A lot of kids are going, ‘I’m just

The young boy wore a tiny tuxedo

for democracy and we educate

one person, What can I do, right?

and a large cardboard cutout

for peace, then justice will draw

And you’d be surprised at what

resembling a Nobel medal.

down like waters,” Arias said.

one person can do,” Mills said.

Arias dedicated his speech to

On a larger scale, he said

She said the laureates’

Gavin as well as Ari Kaufman, the

nations should focus on restoration

energy and power inspire

11-year-old master of ceremonies

instead of destruction. The richest

students to enact the change

for PeaceJam. This dedication

nations should spend more money

they want to see in the world.

Desmond Tutu’s daughter, Thandi Tutu-Gxashe, speaks at the VIP reception after being introduced by Kate Cumbo, executive director of PeaceJam in the Tivoli Turnhalle on April 13.

Vicki Golich, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at MSU Denver, welcomes Óscar Arias Sánchez to the Tivoli Turnhalle stage on April 13. Arias was walked out by Gavin Sakotas, 5, son of Tamera Cone Sakotas, a PeaceJam Rocky Mountain regional coordinator.

SPORTS

APRIL 18, 2018

Softball’s turnaround spearheaded by unlikely trio of pitchers By James Burky

work together,” Burnside said.

jburky@msudenver.edu

“Finding our roles on the team,

and unleashed the beast. “A lot of people can get wound

basically. It took a little bit to do

up in what they’re doing and what

What leaps out when

that and we finally figured it out.”

stats say,” said senior catcher

looking at the MSU Denver

The rough start is not only

Sarena Espinoza. “That can make

softball pitching staff, initially,

understandable, but perhaps

you tense and make you not

might be the disparity in

expected. Entering the season,

perform as well, and I think that’s

appearance and personality.

McGhee’s lone year in the program

what was happening early on in

made her the most experienced of

the season. Every single week, we

easy-going yet quiet personality

the three. Playing in a conference

try to get 1 percent better and I

is far from threatening. Freshman

as stacked as the RMAC - four

think they do a good job of that.”

reliever Destinee Lopez is short

other teams have 25 or more wins,

in stature, new to the team and

including the nation’s top school

logged 80 or more innings of

still has much to learn. And

Colorado Mesa University - the

work, Burnside and McGhee rank

sophomore ace Darby McGhee,

team was repeatedly beaten

in the top 10 in the RMAC in ERA

who towers over the two, has

up early in the season. Their

at seventh and ninth respectively.

somewhat awkward mannerisms,

curveballs just didn’t break like

In the midst of their hot streak

but the more you speak with

they should have. Their fastball

that started March 20, McGhee

her, the more she relaxes.

placement was off. And their

has allowed just nine earned

changeups hung across the plate

runs in 48 innings and Burnside

like they were mixed-and-matched,

a little too long. It didn’t help

has surrendered six in 45.2.

and without prior knowledge of

that their run production was

who they are and what they do,

minimal with the total errors

excitement that surrounds the

may not invoke much intimidation.

reaching a worrisome level.

starting duo. McGhee impressed

Junior transfer Kylee Burnside’s

At first glance, the three look

But, toss in their 1.51 collective

in those 18 games, and it’s evident that they are to be feared and respected as much as any staff in Division II softball.

improved this season while

“Every single week, we try to get 1 percent better and I think they do a good job of that.” – Sarena Espinoza

The three bonded rather quickly, finding common ground

It’s easy to get lost in the

in her first season and has only

ERA since March 20, and their equally impressive 16-2 record

Among pitchers that have

Burnside delivered the 11th nohitter in program history. Though her play time has decreased since the first half of the season – and pales in comparison to Burnside and McGhee – Lopez is not

But good athletes often thrive

discouraged, but rather embraces

in their love for pitching. That’s

during the tough times. Diamonds

her role and, above all, just cares

not to say that the seas were

are forged under pressure.

that they’re coming out on top.

always smooth. When they

To them, softball is their world.

“I’m a relief pitcher, so my job Photos from MSU Denver Softball via flickr

first set sail, the Roadrunners

They challenge each other every

is to have the team’s back when

— now 26-20 overall and 21-11

day to give their heater a little

Darby and Kylee get in trouble

in the Rocky Mountain Athletic

more “oomph,” their curve a bit

too much. I’ll have to come in,

Conference — were hit with a tidal

more bite and their placement

do my job and get outs,” Lopez

wave of inexperience, lackluster

more accurate than the day before.

said. “As long as we’re winning

offense and a difficult schedule.

The three have had their sights

and as long as I can help the

players may let their emotions

more pressure on me and I know

“It definitely wasn’t easy

set on playing at the collegiate

team win, I’m not too worried

get the best of them, she calmed

I’ve done it before,” she said.

by any means. We struggled

level since their travel ball days

about not pitching as much.”

herself down, entered her zone

“Just thinking about what I’ve

a little bit at the beginning of

in their early teens. With the

and emphatically silenced the

done before and that helps me.

the season trying to figure out

help of the veterans, the young

not common for a freshman

visitors fielding a ground ball

I can do this. You’re not gonna

the flow of how we’re all gonna

bucks tempered themselves

to demonstrate such maturity

for the force out at first.

score, I can get that out.”

Though not unheard of, it’s

with three years left to go in her Roadrunner career. Perhaps that’s what makes this trio scary. They’ve shown

MSU Denver freshman Destinee Lopez winds up to deliver a pitch in the game against Western New Mexico University on Feb. 2. Lopez allowed four hits and one earned run in the victory.

The Roadrunners would go on

by spunk and determination,

shot at winning vanished in that

the Roadrunners will take

split second. In that moment,

the stage against the Adams

growth, talent and levelheadedness beyond their years. Such was evident in their tight, low-scoring series against the Chadron State College Eagles. In the first game of the weekend series against the Eagles on April 7, McGhee confronted one of the

State University Grizzlies for a

“Just thinking about what I’ve done before and that helps me. I can do this. You’re not gonna score, I can get that out.” – Darby McGhee

more difficult tasks of her season. In the top of the fourth inning, after retiring the first two batters, McGhee allowed a single, a

Darby McGhee throws to first in the second game of MSU Denver’s weekend series against the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks on March 10. McGhee pitched seven shutout innings.

They’ve hit their groove. Driven

to win 1-0 and the Eagles’ best

weekend series on April 21. Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin dominated Las Vegas in the 60s as the Rat Pack. But home at the Regency Athletic Complex, tucked under the off ramp on Interstate 25 South, the RAC Pack will take the field and -

McGhee hushed any remaining

with the help of their offense and

doubters about her talent.

defense - are determined to choke

“Not gonna lie, I kind of like

walk and another single to find

those situations. It’s not a good

herself with the bases loaded in

situation to put myself into, but

an airtight scoreless game. In a

I feel like most of the time, I do

situation where plenty of young

better in those because there is

the competition and show them how Roadrunner softball is played.

APRIL 18, 2018

SPORTS

Senior bats take the forefront in playoff push for Roadrunners baseball

Quintet of awarded bats lead the way as RMAC Tournament nears By Rich Allen rallen57@msudenver.edu Larry Walker, Vinny Castilla, Dante Bichette and Andres Galarraga. Then Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki and Matt Holliday. Now Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon. The city of Denver has been graced with prolific baseball offenses for a large part of its history, even predating the Blake Street Bombers, going back to the minor-league Denver Zephyrs and Bears before them. In the 20s, the Bears and their fellow Merchants Park tenants, the White Elephants, the city’s Negro League team that rostered future Hall of Famers Buck O’Neil and Satchel Paige, established a tradition of slugging baseballs in the thin air of the Mile High City. That tradition is continued — albeit overshadowed by their MLB counterparts down I-25 — by the

Photo from MSU Denver Athletics

2018 MSU Denver baseball team. Lead by an unprecedented four allRocky Mountain Athletic Conference

MSU Denver third baseman Trent Maloney celebrates with Sean Kennedy, Hunter Donaldson and Donny Ortiz Jr. after hitting a three-run home run at the Regency Athletic Complex on Feb. 18. The quartet, plus Cale O’Donnell, are all accoladed seniors in the Roadrunners lineup.

senior rosterees and one more last-year eligible player that was overlooked, the Roadrunners are relying on a core of hitters to make waves in a top-heavy conference. The Colfax Crushers are composed

I think that’s part of being a leader and

in 2017, as head coach Ryan Strain opted to

senior on this team, is you’re trying to help

give him game at-bats even as he worked

win the RMAC regular season for the first

the younger guys to stick in their same

to regain strength, confidence and ability.

time since 2011, dropping to No. 2 in the

mentality of hitting and approach.”

hard for it and go out with a bang.” Colorado Mesa is in a position to not

Ortiz earned RMAC player of the

“Finally, in the last week and a half, I’ve felt comfortable that he’s back to where

of Donny Ortiz Jr., Cale O’Donnell, Sean

standings behind Mines, potentially ending

Kennedy, Trent Maloney and Hunter

a reign of supremacy. For the senior-

week honors and the National Collegiate

he was before he got hurt,” Strain said.

Donaldson, the five starting hitters of nine

laden Roadrunners, it presents a window

Baseball Writers Association South Central

“But we had to play him. There was no

total seniors on the roster. The latter four all

of opportunity that even fifth-year senior

Region Hitter of the Week award in the

way for him to get back unless he played.

earned preseason honors, while the former

Maloney has not seen: a realistic shot at

final week of March, a culmination of his

And so it was a work in progress.”

has perhaps established himself as the best

the top seed in the RMAC Tournament.

offensive production this season, giving all

In the void created by his absence

five of the senior sluggers a conference-

and rehab, the rest of the lineup filled

improving pitching staff and defense —

is just behind the 16-8 Mesa and within

sanctioned award on the season. The

in. Without their most dangerous

MSU Denver has ascended to a comfortable

grasp of the 19-5 Mines. The edge with the

second baseman leads the RMAC with a

weapon, the Roadrunners continued

third place in the RMAC with only nationally

final weeks of the regular season, as the

.424 batting average and is one of three

to produce at a high level.

ranked Colorado School of Mines and

Roadrunners see it, is in the experience they

players with an OBP still over .500 as the

“Just one through nine, we’re really

schedule reaches its three quarters mark.

good,” O’Donnell said. “If someone goes

of them all. Behind these five — and an ever

Colorado Mesa University ahead of them. “This is the year we really want to get after it,” Donaldson said. “The RMAC is up for grabs this year, anybody can

Sitting at 14-8 in RMAC play, MSU Denver

have, with more than half of their starting lineup filled with players closing in on four years of collegiate baseball track record. “The advantage is in our hand, with

But for as much personal success as he’s

up there and doesn’t pull through, we have

had, his team first attitude is emblematic.

confidence that the next guy will pick him

He is also top-10 in RBIs and runs, two

up. It’s where good teams are founded

beat anybody. Senior year, this is the last

just the mental side,” Ortiz said. “Because

statistics that involve the team’s prowess

from: confidence and trust in the guy

chance to do it, so we’re all pushing real

we know how to handle the longer season.

just as much as the individual hitter’s. As

behind you and the guy in front of you.”

Kennedy, who was right there at the top of the leaderboards for much of the season, attributed his early season success to Ortiz,

in earning recognition and awards. They

Ortiz was quick to pass the praise down the

have rode that success to this point in the

line further to Maloney and Donaldson. The

season. When more than half of your hitters

four often compose the top of the lineup.

are recognized as the most potent at their

The result is one of the conference’s top

position in the conference by conference

offenses, whose 7.29 runs per game is tied for

coaches, it’s hard not to feel certainty in

third, as is their .312 season average. This is

your ability. It gives the lineup length as well,

no small feat, considering that both Mesa and

especially after sprinkling in the former MLB

Mines are the teams ahead of them in those

prospect Logan Soole and Jake Kistaitis,

categories, and both are nationally ranked.

both of whom are hitting above .300.

Additionally, their typical cleanup hitter

MSU Denver first baseman Cale O’Donnell lines a double to right field in the ninth inning of the Roadrunner’s game at the Regency Athletic Complex on Feb. 9.

Now, with 13 games remaining, MSU

O’Donnell has dealt with a knee injury for the

Denver is banking on those bats to lead the

majority of the season, hindering his offense.

way as they look to capitalize on a more

O’Donnell was the most accomplished

Photo by Kaileigh Lyons | klyons9@msudenver.edu

The Roadrunners, built from a quintet of senior bats as their core, found confidence

leveled competition field than any player on

player on the team coming into the season,

this roster has ever seen. For the first time

earning not only conference all-team, but

since 2011, the RMAC regular season title is

regional as well. In 2017, his 12 home runs tied

within reach for the Roadrunners. And for a

for third in the conference, and he entered

core of five seniors in their final season, it’s

2018 as the focal point of the team. However,

their last and best chance to achieve that.

he’s missed 10 games and his batting average this season is 80 points lower than

SPORTS

APRIL 18, 2018

The harsh dynamics of balancing an athletic and student life Every weekday, my alarm goes off

you’ll find me eating pasta with marinara

regardless, we are all one big family.

at 7 a.m. and I know I have no time

sauce and meatballs. “Carbo-loading”

to waste. I quickly put in my contact

is something drilled into distance

verge of passing out during a race, with

lenses, throw on my running gear and

runners early on into their careers.

only a little more ground to cover before it

get ready to leave for practice.

We all know what it’s like to be on the

ends. Not everyone is going to get along

“With practice ending around 10:30 and class beginning at 11, there’s just enough time to change out of my cult-like short shorts and running T-shirt into something more school appropriate.”

Being a student-athlete at MSU Denver has been one of the greatest challenges of my life thus far. I have been on the cross-country and track teams since the fall semester of 2015. An average day in the life of a distance runner comes with many rewarding and exhausting moments. It’s a nonstop grind between staying

Samuel Berg

and see eye-to-eye on everything, but we all push each other everyday in our training. Each individual on our team is dealing with classes, work, triumphs and personal issues. Sometimes, competitive running is one of the last things on our minds. But when it comes down to it, every person on our team is committed to helping one another

committed through the good times and

As the evening goes on, chances are

bad, building relationships within the team,

be the best athlete possible. Everyone is

I will receive multiple text messages

always cheering one another on whether

and rushing from practice to class. But at

into something more school appropriate.

from the team group chat or the

it’s during practice or in competition.

the end of the day, it is always worth it.

By the time I reach the lecture I have

coaching staff. While we all leave one

Hearing your teammates’ encouragement

to take a deep breath, knowing that

another at the end of practice, we are

makes the pain of running much sweeter.

the day is still in its early stages.

never far apart, and we know that

After arriving at practice, I usually greet my teammates and get ready to start the day’s tasks. Some days we will have a

Most days after class, it’s time to

we’ll all see one another tomorrow.

When all is said and done and it’s time for bed, I try not to think of what

tough track workout, other days we will

check in with the coaching staff or

just go out and get a solid distance run in.

the athletic trainer. We have informal

for a student-athlete is how they handle

you’ve been running long enough, you

Regardless, by the time the day’s practice

meetings to discuss my athletic progress

being among the large community that is

know to take it one day at a time and

is over the men’s distance squad has run

and health. While it can be draining

their team. While most sports are single

tomorrow will bring another challenge.

somewhere between 7 to 10 miles.

to make time to see these people, it’s

gender, cross-country and track has

always a great feeling knowing that they

men and women meeting at practice and

Samuel Berg is a junior at MSU Denver

care about your future and wellbeing.

training at the same place every single

studying events management with a sport

day. Being able to build relationships

media minor. He is from Longmont, Colorado

Some days after practice, it’s a beeline straight to class. With practice ending around 10:30 and class beginning at 11,

Once the work-day winds down to

One of the most interesting dynamics

tomorrow’s workout will be. When

there’s no time to eat or shower. There’s

a close, it’s back home to make some

with people that you see everyday, while

and is a member of the cross-country, indoor

just enough time to change out of my

dinner and begin studying. If it’s the day

still keeping your distance, is something

and outdoor track and field teams. He can

cult-like short shorts and running T-shirt

before a big workout or a competition,

that I’m still trying to figure out. But

be reached at sberg6@msudenver.edu

Roadrunners athletics review Softball

Track & Field

at Black

Hills State University

April 11

April 14 at Kit

Mayer Invite

April 15 W

7-1

5-4

April 16 W

15-2

9-10

Women’s Golf at Maverick

Spring Invitational

M 400 Meters Michael Dike

3rd

Kyle Jones Sam Berg

4th 5th

2nd

5th 7th

Mikayla Renfroe

vs Colorado Christian University April 15 vs Colorado State

W 400 Meters

M 4x400 Meters MSU Denver

M Triple Jump

Emmanuel Olam Robert Hulstrom

1st

M 800 Meters

April 16-17

Women’s Tennis

2nd

University-Pueblo

W 8-1

W 9-0

Men’s Tennis

W Long Jump Breanna Vallejos

4th

W 800 Meters Erica Ruiz

5th

April 11 vs Colorado Christian Unversity April 15 vs Colorado State University-Pueblo

W 9-0

EVENTS

APRIL 18, 2018

EVENTS AT AURARIA 4.18

Spring Fling

Location Auraria Campus Price Register Online

CONCERTS 4.18

Camila Cabello

Location Paramount Theatre

ROADRUNNER ATHLETICS Lil Wayne

4.20

Location Civic Center Park

Price $34.50-55

Price Free

Time 8 p.m.

Time 10 a.m.

Time 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 4.18 Hollywood Undead Location Fillmore Auditorium 4.19

The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht

Location King Center

Location Boulder Theater Price $20/22

Time 5:30 p.m.

Time 9 p.m.

Chrome Sparks

Flosstradamus

4.20

Location Bluebird Theater Price $20 Time 8 p.m.

Location Red Rocks Amphitheatre Price Varies Time 6 p.m.

4.20

Non-Binary Identities Support Group

4.19

311

Location Red Rocks Location Tivoli Suite 651

Amphitheatre

Price Free

Price Varies

Time 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Time 4:15 p.m. 4.19

4.21

MSU Denver Opera Theatre Ensemble

After Hours Sessions

Location Moxi Theater

Flobots

4.21

Location Gothic Theatre Time 8 p.m.

Location Aggie Theatre Price $17/20

Time 10 p.m.

Time 9 p.m.

Location Azusa, CA

Price $8, $10, $12

Location Milk

4.22

Earth Day Festival

Price Varies

Price Varies Time TBA.

Baseball

Women’s Golf

4.20 VS. University of Colorado at Colorado Location Denver Price Varies Time 6 p.m..

Price $15/17

Time 9 p.m.

Time 6:30 p.m.

Lake Clarity: For an immersive audio drama

Baseball

check out “Lake Clarity” at MyMetMedia.com

Price Varies Time All Day

Baseball

4.18 Colorado Rockies @

4.20 Chicago Cubs @

Pittsburgh Pirates Location PNC Park

Colorado Rockies Location Coors Field

Price Varies

Time 10:35 a.m.

Time 6:40 p.m.

Hockey

4.18 Predators @ Avs

4.20 Avs @ Predators Location Bridgestone Arena

Price Varies

Time 8 p.m.

Time 7:30 p.m.

Soccer

4.25

LIGHT // SOUND

Rapids Location Rio Tinto Stadium

Location Fiddler’s Green

Championship Location Chandler, AZ

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

4.21 Real Salt Lake @

Snoop Dogg

4.22 @ RMAC

Location The Caribou Room

Price Free

4.20

Invitational Location Azusa, CA

Time TBA.

Location Pepsi Center

CO Underground

4.19 @ Bryan Clay Outdoor

Afroman

4.21

Price Free

4.19

Women’s Outdoor Track & Field

Invitational

Price $20

Location King Center Time 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

4.19 @ Bryan Clay Outdoor

Springs

Price Free Time 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Men’s Outdoor Track & Field

Cigarettes After Sex

4.20

Price $35

4.18

Location

Amphitheatre

Seventh Circle Music

Price Varies

Collective

Time 7 p.m.

Price Varies

Price

$25

Time 5 p.m.

Time

8 p.m.

4.29 Rapids @ Orlando City Location DSG Park Price Varies Time 2 p.m.