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MONTAGE Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964
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VOLUME 53, ISSUE 2 | THURSDAY, SEPT. 28, 2017 | WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM
STLCC reacts to DACA announcement Effects felt across campus according to teachers, students Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief The White House announced on Sept. 5 that it would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act, also known as DACA. The act, established by the Obama administration, was an immigration policy that allowed some who entered the country as minors to apply for renewable two-year periods of deferred action from deportation and to be eligible for work permits. As of 2017, approximately 800,000 individuals have enrolled in the program, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. These individuals are often referred to as Dreamers, a name taken from the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which has been introduced in the senate several times since 2001 but has failed to pass. President Donald Trump’s decision gives Congress six months to decide how to deal with Dreamers previous protected under DACA. According to Meramec ESL program coordi-
nator Lisa Wilkinson, the decision is an insulting blow to people who have invested their entire lives in the United States. “First of all, they took a risk,” said Wilkinson. “There are a lot of people who could have that status but chose not to seek it because to seek it is to put yourself on a list. Why would you punish people for coming forward?” Former Meramec student Elia Gonzalez, who applied for DACA when the program was still in its infancy, said she is concerned about the effects the decision will have on her family. “It’s scary because I have a daughter now,” said Gonzalez. “What happens if Congress doesn’t reach an agreement? Who’s going to take care of her? It feels like we’re chess pieces being moved around and that shouldn’t happen to a person.” Chancellor Jeff Pittman responded to the announcement in an email the following day. The
message called for support of DACA students across all STLCC campuses and gave the phone numbers for counseling and support services. “Students affected by the pending decision need our unbending support, our empathetic ear and a strong shoulder to lean on during this uncertain period,” said Pittman. “It’s the least we can do for those striving for a better life and a quality education.” The email mentioned by name Forest Park student Areli Munoz-Reyes, a DACA advocate who is affected by the recent decision. Munoz-Reyes said in an interview that she resents the fact that President Donald Trump did not make the announcement himself. “I knew it was coming, but it’s sad that he’s playing with human beings who are hardworking students and just want to contribute to the community,” said Munoz-Reyes. “We’re just trying to do our best and he’s not realizing that.”
continued on page 4
CAMPUS SAFETY
Sociology Club Creates Inclusive Environment -Opinions, Page 7 -Art & Life, Page 4
Archers at Busch Stadium -Sports, Page 8
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To learn more about our Off-Campus Degree Completion Program in Business at the South County Education Center, contact Sue Bateman at 636-481-3244 or batemans@umsl.edu.
Thursday, October 5, 2017 Business Administration Building--Room 105 10am-2pm Christy Hummel Transfer Specialist askchristy@umsl.edu 314-516-6943 “I can help with all of your questions about transferring, scholarships and what it’s like to be a Triton!”
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Stop by and meet with Webster University Reps on your campus this fall! Oct. 10 • 10am-1pm • Wildwood campus Oct. 12 • 9am-1pm • Meramec Lecture Hall Oct. 23 • 9am-1pm • Meramec Business Admin. Building Oct. 24 • 10am-1pm • South County Ed Center Nov. 7 • 9am-1pm • Meramec Student Center Nov. 13 • 10am-1pm • Wildwood campus Nov. 20 • 9am-1pm • Meramec Communications North Nov. 20 • 10am-1pm • South County Ed Center Dec. 7 • 9am-1pm • Meramec Student Center Learn about: Webster’s exciting academic programs; generous transfer scholarships; apply for free; and request free estimated evaluations of your transfer credit!
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Page 3 | News 4 Sept. 28, 2017
Gackstatter brings excellence to education Meramec music teacher wins award from Missouri Humanities Council Gary Gackstatter, a teacher at STLCC Meramec, was presented with the award for Excellence in Education by the Missouri Humanities Council on Sept. 14, 2017. The Excellence in Education award honors a Missouri educator who has shown exceptional ability in engaging students and inspiring creativity and critical thinking. Gackstatter has been teaching since 1981 and is currently teaching classes at Meramec including Guitar 1 and Music Appreciation. He is also the conductor of both Meramec’s Symphonic Band and the Meramec Orchestra. Gackstatter was nominated for the award by Deborah Taffa, a creative writing instructor at Washington University who had worked with
“I am surrounded by creative people....” Gary Gackstatter
Gackstatter on his “Symphony Chaco: A Journey of Spirit,” a performance which involved 13 different departments and placed 150 people on stage throughout the performance according to Gackstatter. Gackstatter believes that the humanities, the arts, and philosophy unlock a person’s potential. “All human beings are creative.
Once they find their own creativity, they find their passion. It’s kind of a double-sided coin. Once you unlock that passion in somebody you can’t stop it,” Gackstatter said. No matter your course of study, whether you consider yourself a musician, artist, or otherwise, according to Gackstatter, the arts and humanities is where students find their purpose. “Even if they’re not a music major. Even if they’re not an art major, when they get in touch with their creativity they have a direct pipeline to who they really are and then they can find their purpose in life,” Gackstatter said. “What the arts teach us is that everybody has a purpose, that’s why we are all different. As much as society would like us to be the same, we’re all different, and when you find that out there really is nothing that can stop you.” When it comes to offering inspiration, according to Ian Buschmann, a student at Meramec and member of the Symphonic Band, Gackstatter seems to be at the top of his game. “My first run in with Mr. Gackstatter was in high school, when I had first started playing the Saxophone,” Buschmann said. “He told me, ‘You need to work on your tone.’” Where some students may have reacted to this defensively, Buschmann said he took it as a “big word of advice.” “That’s what he’s about, telling musicians what they need to do but in a way that will make them want to do it,” Buschmann said. “He cares
Archived Photo
Sean Thomas | Staff Writer
Professor Gary Gackstatter introduces a song at a symphonic band concert.
more than just wanting to get you out of the class.” Gackstatter said he feels fortunate to be teaching at STLCC Meramec. “St. Louis Community College lets the teachers be creative,” Gackstatter said. “I am surrounded by creative people in the humanities department, inspiring people in theatre, and art, and music and philosophy. They’ve really set the bar high here and I’m very fortunate to work here.” According to Gackstatter, when it comes time for state and local governments to cut funding it seems
Sculpture students to travel to Chicago Meramec sculpture instructor Joe Chesla is taking 12 students on their annual class trip to the Sculpture Object and Functional Art Fair (SOFA) at Chicago’s Navy Pier. The trip, which will take place Nov. 3-5, gives students a chance to see artwork from successful sculptors and artists and gain insight to further their creative
Melissa Wilkinson Jordan Morris Brad Riaze Erik Muschinske Amanda Harris Noah Sliney Ashley Biundo Ian Schrauth Shannon Philpott-Sanders
In the Montage’s article about the honors program, it was reported that all 100 level courses have the potential to be honors courses. It is actually all 100 level and above. Returning students need at least a 3.5 GPA in 12 credit hours or more, not the last 12 credit hours taken. The office hours printed were incorrect. Class offerings have shrunk, not participation in the program itself. The Montage deeply regrets these errors.
STAFF
Editor-in-Chief Production Manager Opinions Editor Multimedia Editor Photo Editor Graphics Editor Sports Editor Online Editor Faculty Adviser
Corrections
experience as artists. The objective for Chesla’s students is to see what older more experienced artists are doing with their work and to take inspiration from professionals in the field. There are still spots open on the SOFA Chicago trip. Any sculpture student interested in going should see instructor Joe Chesla for details.
EDITORS
Grant Applegate Madison Bouse Stephen Buechter Madalynn Cody Darius Haynes Briana Heaney Thea Moore Will Murry Tania Watel Robin Sean E. Thomas Victoria Williams Mary Wilson Jessica Koenig Dominic Montero Nora Smith Paul Van Leunen Zachary Russell
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that, often, education and especially education in the arts and humanities are some of the first departments to take a hit. “They’ve done it for 50 years and when the schools get in trouble, it’s what they cut first,” Gackstatter said. “Plato said that in the arts are the keys to learning. He valued music education and arts education above physics, above mathematics.” Gackstatter said that despite cuts to the humanities, the value of a musical education is apparent. “Don’t quote me,” Gackstatter said. “Quote Plato.”
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THE MONTAGE To place an advertisement, contact the advertising manager for rates, sample issues, etc., 314-984-7955. Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessarily the views of St. Louis Community College, the board of trustees or the administration. The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122. 314-984-7655. One copy of The Montage is free
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Page 4 | News
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Sept. 28, 2017
How to stay safe on campus
Students can arm themselves with knowledge, safety apps September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month. The US Department of Education reported 36,248 criminal offenses on 11,306 surveyed campuses in 2015. These offenses included theft, assault, personal and property damage and even rape. The New York Times reported in 2012 that 80 percent of campus crimes occur at night when students are alone on campus. Although Meramec has many security measures set in place to keep the campus safe, including a campus police force, students are still advised to be wary of possible dangerous situations. In spring 2013, there was an attack on a female student in the Communications North building. The attack took place in a women’s restroom on the second floor. According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch and earlier issues of the Montage, since the incident the school has established new safety measures including 52 new cameras installed in buildings across campus. Seven exterior cameras were also placed in parking lots and outside buildings. Additional safety measures included adding panic buttons to classrooms and office phones that
alert police dispatchers to the location of an emergency, holding routine evacuation drills, implementing an emergency message alert system including phone, email and text options and discussion of safety with students and staff each semester. Students can also take their personal safety into their own hands by downloading safety apps to their phones. Many apps can send your exact GPS location to family, friends and the authorities at the push of a button. Other features include local crime alerts, emergency messaging systems and “no touch yank” technology that will send out an alert if headphones are removed by force. Safety apps include Safetrek, Tapshield, Kitestring, Bsafe and Circle of 6. Meramec’s campus police can be reached by phone at 314-9847667 during their campus hours, 7am to 11pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. They can be reached after hours at 314-984-7999. For more information on how to stay safe or locations of emergency call boxes, visit the Meramec campus police online at stlcc.edu/ MC/Campus_Police/Safety_Procedures.html.
Graphic by Zach Russell
Tania Robin | Staff Writer
CAMPUS SAFETY 101 FOLLOW THESE TIPS FOR A SAFE SCHOOL YEAR
1. Stay in well-lit areas 2. Stay with a group of friends 3. Be aware of your surroundings 4. Join the STLCC text alert system 5. Take notice of the blue light emergency call boxes 6. Add the campus police to your phone contacts
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING,
SAY SOMETHING! Meramec Campus Police: 314-984-7667 Sources: plexus.org, rainn.org, stlcc.edu
Students, teachers, administrators react to DACA continued from page 1
Munoz-Reyes was brought to Missouri when she was eight years old. Although she is permitted to stay in the United States through DACA, she is still charged international student rates. This is due to Missouri house bill 390, passed in 2009, which prohibits Missouri’s public universities from giving financial aid to undocumented students. According to STLCC’s Tuition and Fees page, international students must pay $224.50 per credit hour, whereas Missouri residents are only charged $156.50 per credit hour. Munoz-Reyes also qualified for the
A+ program, which pays STLCC tuition and fees, but was unable to take advantage of it due to her status. DACA students also do not have access to Pell Grants, according to Lisa Wilkinson. “It’s a huge injustice for people who have the least money to have to pay the most,” said Wilkinson. Jeffrey Schneider, professor of English at Meramec, said he feels the policy of charging DACA students international rates is draconian but that STLCC’s response has been good. Schneider is on the board of the
Graphic by Noah Sliney
Hispanic Arts Council and hosts a tutoring program that meets with students twice weekly. Most of these students are DACA students. Schneider said that he noticed changes in their attitudes beginning just after the 2016 election. “They were frightened and insecure about what was going to happen to them,” said Schneider. “We have a student for instance who came here when she was 13 months old. In her mind, her home is the US. She’s worried constantly about what would happen if she and her parents were deported. Her siblings are citizens so they would be fine but they couldn’t stay here on their own.” Kathryn Berger, who teaches ESL at a public high school in the city as well as Meramec, also said she noticed a difference in her students following the election. “I’ve known a lot of them who are always remarkable for their resilience and their hopefulness and you could see that starting to turn since the election,” said Berger. “I’ve seen a lot of apathy. I’ve seen people who have just really changed.” Vice Chancellor Anthony Cruz said he plans to personally reach out to the approximately 30 DACA students. Aside from the STLCC DACA Student Foundation Scholarship, Cruz said that there are other ways STLCC is helping DACA students,
including a DACA renewal clinic held on the Forest Park campus Friday, Sept. 22. The clinic featured legal experts to answer questions and guide eligible students through the renewal process. “It’s important for us to point students to legal services,” said Cruz. “By March they really need to know where they stand and what options are available to them.” Although she is grateful to her school for hosting the clinic, Munoz-Reyes said it’s not enough. What she wants to see is STLCC challenging the law for its DACA students. “There would be no point if we get a career here and then they send us back to our country,” said Munoz-Reyes. “A lot of [DACA students] want to be nurses, lawyers, veterinarians, and we need them.” Gonzales said she would also like to see more community involvement like discussion groups. “People need to hear our stories too,” said Gonzalez. Munoz-Reyes said that, despite the barriers to her education she still loves Missouri and contributing to her community. “For the students I would like them to get more involved,” said Munoz-Reyes. “We all have our differences but if we come together we can make a change.”
Page 5 | Art & Life 4 Sept. 28, 2017
Club Spotlight: Sociology Club Membership provides open space to discuss social issues Meramec’s sociology club is the place to discuss social issues, according to faculty advisor Lisa Martino-Taylor. Martino-Taylor, an associate professor of sociology, said that the club is useful even for those who do not plan on taking a sociology class. “I would encourage any student to be a part of the sociology club because they’re really in tune with the community in terms of what’s going on...what needs attention in the community...and they talk about issues, they talk about solutions and problem solving, and I think anyone could benefit from that,” said Martino-Taylor. According to Martino-Taylor, the sociology club has a long history of bringing in powerful and significant national-level speakers and opening up dialogues about pressing social issues. “Club membership is some of our finest students at the college, and they develop such a strong
group,” said Martino-Taylor. “They become quite a force of change... in our community and even to the national level.” Sophomore and planned Sociology major Bishesh Poudel said that the club has been a part of local events in the past. One such event was a visit to the Festival of Nations which involved learning more about Native American culture. “It’s a way to learn about the whole world in general,” said Poudel. “The issues that affect us as students affect a wider community.” According to Poudel, the club’s inclusive nature is a benefit of joining. “Everyone’s voice and opinion is heard whenever we’re making decisions,” said Poudel. Freshman Liana Baudendistel attended the sociology club’s first meeting this year. Baudendistel said she joined the club to learn about sociology outside of textbooks and lectures, and has already learned
Photo by Stephen Buechter
Stephen Buechter | Staff Writer
Liana Baudendistel and Bishesh Poudel discuss club activities during their Sept. 13 meeting. about many topics. “I really want to try to apply it,” said Baudendistel. “I’m hoping the club will give me a chance to get involved and use sociology every day in my community.” Meramec’s sociology club has started for the semester but
From College Radio to College Professor
is still accepting new members. Anyone interested in joining the club can contact faculty advisor Lisa Martino-Taylor at lmartinotaylor@stlcc.edu or by calling 314-984-7689. Club president Sean Thomas can also be contacted at sthomas189@my.stlcc.edu.
Christaan Earys proves it’s never too late to change your mind Christaan Earys, professor of mass communications at Meramec, has taught at colleges across the country. His previous schools include Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Benedictine University in Illinois and West Texas A&M University. Despite his long track record of teaching, Earys had no intention of doing so when he started his own college experience. After graduating from Elk River High School in Minnesota, Earys went to University of Minnesota Duluth. According to Earys, he had always been a good student in high school but lost that drive in the shuffle of being at a big college. “When I first went I didn’t have a lot of direction or support,” said Earys. “I ended up dropping out in my first couple of years.” Although Earys didn’t experience academic success at UMD, he said he found something to look forward
to in the form of his job at the college radio station. It was through radio that he realized he wanted to be a teacher. “I liked having information to share with people. Being the person to have something to share with everybody was a cool feeling, and I get that same sort of feeling when I’m teaching,” said Earys. “So in a weird way I think my move to teaching has a lot to do with radio.” After working in radio for four years, Earys decided to go back to school. He attended Missouri Western State University for his undergraduate degree. From there he went on to Bowling Green State University for graduate school. He then taught at several different schools before arriving in St. Louis in 2011 to pursue a career at STLCC Meramec. According to Earys, the real draw for him is the influence he can impart
MONTAGE student voice
onto students to help them shape their future career goals. “I enjoy teaching college students,” said Earys. “I enjoy being a part of the moment when students realized what they wanted to do with their lives. I like sharing information with people that will help with their progress.” Outside of teaching, Eayrs said he is usually either traveling or preparing to travel, taking advantage of free time during his summer and winter breaks. “Over the last few years I’ve traveled to South America, Europe and Asia. I am either traveling or preparing for my next adventure,” said Earys. Outside of teaching, Earys said he tries to travel often. “Over the last few years I’ve traveled to South America, Europe and Asia. I am either traveling or preparing for my next adventure,”
Photo by Melissa Wilkinson
Christina Perkins | Staff Writer
Christaan Earys discusses his careeras a teacher in his office.
said Earys. Earys said some of his most memorable teaching moments involved seeing them happy over their own success. What he likes best about teaching at Meramec is the diversity of students and their experiences, and he plans to continue teaching well into the future. “I will still be teaching [in 10 years],” said Earys. “It’s something I want to do for the rest of my life.”
What’s your least favorite movie?
“Rocky Picture Horror Film. I don’t like that one. Just not into singing and stuff.”
“Definitely the new IT movie. I thought it was going to be like the 90’s movie but it wasn’t.”
“My least favorite would probably be American Sniper, because it was sad.”
“Probably the new IT. I’m not a fan of the new actor.”
Joe Dobb, Freshman
-Jeff Wheats, Sophomore
-Chantella Robins, Sophomore
-Lily Newman, Freshman
Page 6 | Opinions
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Sept. 28, 2017
My life with obsessive-compulsive disorder Why OCD awareness is relevant to everyone Mary Wilson | Staff Writer
provoking worst fears and then letting the fear come down naturally. This is more terrifying than it sounds.) and I knew of no one my age who had OCD. Looking back, I know that there were more kids in my grade schools and high school
ences with OCD. I flooded my social media with facts during OCD Awareness Week, wrote essays and performed slam poetry, all with the goal of helping other people through my story. After I was an inpatient my sophomore year of high
treatment. My medication regimen was adjusted. I regained control of my life. I’m studying to help kids with OCD. Perhaps most importantly, I met people my age with OCD. I spoke on a panel at the 24th annual OCD Conference, and I
school, my desire to tell more people about this devastating illness only strengthened. I was the only kid on the psych floor with OCD, and the nurses and doctors had no idea how to help me. Eventually I found specialized
know I am not alone, even when it feels like I am. Maybe if more people talked about OCD, about the irrational fears, paralyzing anxiety and debilitating compulsions, people struggling in silence wouldn’t feel so alone.
Photo by Paul Van Leunen
When I was in third grade, I was diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD has impacted every area of my life, from academics to friendships. OCD is pervasive, and if I don’t stay on top of my symptoms, it will consume my life, making me unable to go to school, keep friends or work. I’ve been that sick before, and I’m in no rush to do that again. For an illness that is diagnosed in one in 100 adults and one in 200 children, too many mental health professionals, as well as the public, misunderstand OCD. OCD can start at any age, but typically tends to begin between the ages of 10-12 and the late teen/young adult years. The average sufferer waits 14 years from the onset of symptoms to a diagnosis, a number that should be down to zero. This is why OCD Awareness Week, held the second week of October every year, is crucial. When I was a kid struggling with OCD, I felt alone. Surely no one in the entire history of the world had felt this anxiety, had these thoughts, felt driven to perform these acts to get just a bit of relief from the anxiety. I saw a number of therapists and was on medication, but the therapy was not a specialized type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy called Exposure/Response Prevention (think:
who had malfunctioning brains like mine, but no one talked about it, so we were stuck in the never-ending loop, convinced we were the only ones. In high school, I started to become more open about my experi-
Communication breakdown
How the faulty communication system is affecting STLCC students As a student at STLCC I have encountered many issues with communication through technology. For example, in 2016 I had a class that was canceled for three days. The professor was ill and reached out to the class through email. Unfortunately the message was delayed enough so that no one in class received it until it was too late. When I arrived at class and saw the cancellation notice posted on the door, I was frustrated at the time I wasted getting to campus only to leave immediately. Another example is syllabus changes. Sometimes professors don’t post changes through email or blackboard. At times they are just announced at the beginning or end of class. Students who leave early or don’t attend class that day end up oblivious to the changes. Another example is the school’s text alert system. In May I received six confusing and alarming text messages. The first message, received at 11:14 a.m., read, “DISREGARD LAST ARMED INTRUDER MESSAGE”. Then at 11:45 a.m. I received two more messages reading, “aware of your surroundings, secure yourself behind locked doors, turn”, “emergency
notification: armed intruder [location here] there has…”. Three more alerts arrived at 12:47 p.m. reading, “been a report of an armed intruder at STLCC [location here]. Be…”, “off lights, stay out of sight and silence your phone. Standby for… ”and finally “additional messages regarding this incident.” There was not a follow up message indicating that the school was safe and secure again. There wasn’t any information about which campus had the armed intruder. There was a huge gap in time between the six text messages and they were all unclear. It made me think about how effective our school’s alert systems are. Another frustrating issue is giving students little to no notice that a class they have registered and paid for is canceled and no longer available. I was notified September 8 that a class I signed up for was not happening due to low enrollment. I was left scrambling last minute to find a class that was available. Late start classes began the next week on the 11th which gave me barely 48 hours to research my options for a replacement. Before sending out emergency alerts, the school should make
Graphic by Melissa Wilkinson
Tania Robins | Staff Writer
sure it’s organized and sending a clear message. Send out follow up text alerts, tweets and emails so the students and faculty know if the situation has been resolved. Professors, post to blackboard or email any changes to the syllabus for assignments, projects or tests. The school should consider informing students about
class changes or cancellations as early as possible to allow students time to figure out what other class they could take. Communication is critical for the school, faculty, staff and students so information isn’t delayed or passed over altogether. Small changes like these could improve communication for everyone.
Page 7 | Sports 4 Sept. 28, 2017
Photos by Noah Sliney STLCC competes in a scrimmage against Maryville at Midwest Sport Hockey in Queeny Park on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
STLCC club sports get rolling on the rink Roller hockey program gains additional team for 2017-2018 season Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief After surprising everyone by making it to nationals in their premiere season, STLCC Meramec’s roller hockey team is aiming to get there again, according to Coach Greg Gorman. “We started off slow the first half of the season and caught fire the second half,” said Gorman. “If we go to nationals again, it will be in North Dakota.” Practice is held each Tuesday at Queeny Park in Ballwin and goes late, from 10pm to midnight. Despite the team’s nascence, Coach Gorman returned to the field with a team full of familiar faces. “There’s only one player that didn’t come back this year,” said Gorman. There are two teams, representing STLCC and Meramec respectively. Last year only one team existed but, according to Gorman, enough players signed up to form an entirely new team.
One returning player is captain Tyler Plaggenburg, a Meramec student who was instrumental in the formation of the team last year. “I was one of three who went to talk to our coach, Greg Gorman,” said Plaggenburg. “Coach was onboard right away. The hardest part was finding players who would be committed.” According to Plaggenburg, he and his teammates were responsible for getting the word out about Meramec’s team. Luke Miller, who joined the Meramec team this year, said he found out it through a teammate on Afton’s roller hockey team. “I knew I was going to Meramec,” said Miller. “But the roller hockey was definitely a plus.” Miller said he also played ice hockey, but found more success in roller hockey. Roller hockey is different from ice hockey in many ways, from the type of puck used to
the level of contact allowed. “No checking in roller,” said Gorman. “But I will say this; there is a lot of borderline checking on the college level. You’ve got to body them up.” Checking is a hockey term referring to when a player attempts to disrupt an opponent’s possession of the puck. According to Gorman, last season his team experienced a rough awakening in the preseason tournament when they experienced a lack of adherence to this rule by opposing teams. “When they were first playing… they were like ‘Coach, why aren’t they calling this or that?’ I said, boys, this is a whole other level of playing. Get used to it,” said Gorman. According to Plaggenburg, such behavior is to be anticipated. “It’s not high school anymore,” said Plaggenburg. “It’s a lot faster. Kids are bigger and better. Skate with your heads up and try your hardest.”
The season runs all year long, according to Gorman. Games are played in October and November, followed by a break during the holiday season. Playing resumes at the end of January. Regionals are held at the end of February with nationals during the last week in April. This semester both teams will travel in early November to Tennessee. As a club sport, the majority of travel expenses are the responsibility of its members. “We’re a club team, so we’re not a sponsored sport,” said Gorman. “A lot of the cost falls on the players. Last year we started a GoFundMe to support us going to nationals.” According to Miller, roller hockey is a lesser known sport that deserves more attention. “If you really pay attention, it’s just as physical as ice hockey. It’s just a little slower,” said Miller. “I think it’s a really fun sport to watch.” Briana Heaney contributed to this article.
Men’s soccer rises to first in the nation for the ‘17-’18 season Rivalry with East Central College, Jefferson College motivates players STLCC’s men’s soccer team continued its undefeated record this weekend, bringing their winning streak up to 31 conference games dating back to the 2015 season. As of Tuesday, Sept. 26, the team is ranked first in the nation. Head coach Tim Mosby said he expects the team to continue their streak, stay at the top and refuse to back down. “We are wanting to get the highest seed in regionals,” said Mosby. “Play at home for regionals and obviously win regionals again.” According to Mosby, the team this year is different than last year. “We can hold the ball a little bit better. Last year’s team was a little bit more efficient with attacking third,” said Mosby. “Overall we have better passing, can move the ball better, hold the ball longer. Defending wise we are not letting in goals.” Despite their winning streak,
Mosby said there are some minor setbacks including a lack of a true forward. Player Chris Eduardo is starting that up, according to Mosby. Mosby also said that rivalry is a good way to keep the team ready to win. STLCC’s biggest rivals are East Central College and Jefferson College. STLCC played against Jefferson College on Tuesday Sept. 26, beating them 4-0. Mosby said he believes that the team can make it to nationals, which will be played in Arizona this year. “I think we can [make it] by October,” said Mosby. “There are some things we have to work on… we have only been together for a little over a month.” The next men’s socer match is 4 p.m. Oct. 5 against MCC-Maple Woods at home with another match at 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at State Fair Community College.
Photo by Ashley Biundo
Ashley Biundo | Sports Editor
Chad Abrams, left, challenges a player from East Central College Sept. 26.
Page 8 | Sports Sept. 28, 2017
Archers baseball plays at Busch Stadium Players shared the diamond with the Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds Will Murry | Staff Writer
are returning this season. Returning Archers include second and third baseman Jeff Huser, lead hitter and outfielder Andrew Dupont, shortstop Austin DesRoche, catcher Chase Jones and pitcher Connor Cline. “It’s more serious this year,” said returning player Parker Cuddihee. “Practices are tougher, just all around better coaching.” Last year the Archers won 26 games, and their ability to live up to their reputation relies on the older members of the team to ensure that the new and less experienced players are able to restore that balanced, even flow the team had last year, according to Coach Goodrich. “In years past the team’s been more balanced [with new and returning players]. When we had that balance the guys would learn from each other,” said Goodrich. Archers Day at Busch Stadium is an event that the Archers have participated in for several years now. “We try to do it because it’s a big thing,” said Summe. “You know, our players are mostly St. Louis area
guys so it’s a big deal for them to play at Busch stadium where their favorite team plays.” According to Summe, the event is sentimental for the players and the families in attendance, this year
“When you walk out onto the outfield it’s just...Whoa.” Scott Goodrich, Coach more than ever with so many players new to the team. “Oh yeah, its awesome. We wouldn’t miss it for nothing,” said Terry Muir, grandmother of Archers player Mitchell Kraft. “He’s been playing since he was six years old. Ever since he could pick up rocks. We’ve been so excited all week that we were just going crazy…There’s three generations on his side of
the family here. Now we’re just wondering if there’s ever gonna be a fourth generation.” Regarding the game, new player Noah Locknett said that improvements could be made. “Pitching is definitely our biggest strength, and our hitting is a big strength too, but our defense was a little shaky today,” said Locknett. “But I think we’ll pick it up.” Summe said his favorite part of the day is watching the players enter through the player’s entrance. “Watching their faces and the smiles, that’s easily [the best,]” said Summe. “You deal with the athletes during struggles with classes and all that and then you see them in a time of joy and real excitement. That’s awesome.” Coach Goodrich said that the event is an entirely different experience. “When you walk out onto the outfield it’s just… Woah,” said Goodrich. The Archers have six home games this fall, four in September and two in October. Grant Applegate contributed to this article.
Photos by Amanda Harris
Thursday Sept. 14 the Archers baseball team shared the Busch stadium diamond with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds. Family members and friends came out to see the Archers, who played a game of 6 to 1 against themselves. In order to pursue this opportunity, Archer ball players had to sell at least 600 tickets to their friends and family. This number is down from last year, where the minimum ticket count was 800. “The players each have to sell 1520 tickets. This year was a day game. Last year we played on a weekend so we had to sell around 800 tickets for that. This being a mid-league day game, we had to sell about 600 tickets this year,” said Archers athletic director Shawn Summe. This fall the STLCC Archers baseball team is gearing up for the upcoming season. The team this year is very unique in comparison to years past, according to head coach Scott Goodrich. Coach Goodrich has been coaching the Archers for 16 years. Only 12 of last year’s 38 players
Matthew Lambert throws out his first pitch at Busch Stadium.
Austin DesRoche stops Sam Lombard from trying to run.
Tyler Groves slides into second base on the Busch Stadium field.
Anthony Rask swings and hits the ball, gaining him a first base run.
The Archers circulate high fives at the end of their game.