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Nature center may lose 250 acres of trees due to monetary gain

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News Editor: Heather Bair – zzzx@iup.edu

(Kate Pompa/The Penn) White’s Woods offers maps to give direction on where to go while traveling (left) but trees that are marked with red spray paint or ribbons are in danger of being destroyed for monetary gain (right).

Money doesn’t grow on trees

Nature center may lose 250 acres of trees for monetary gain HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP White’s Woods Nature Center (WWNC) is likely an area that many professors and students at IUP are at least vaguely familiar with, if not emotionally connected to, and this beautiful natural area is under threat. To clarify the dire situation for those who are unfamiliar with the area, WWNC is made up of 250 acres of beautiful naturally forested land in Indiana that is publicly owned by White Township.

The White Township has regarded this protected forested area as an opportunity for exploitation and a means to make a bundle of money through the deforestation of this area for years.

Luckily, there is an organization who’s sole aim is to save and continually protect this gorgeous nature center, and they call themselves Friends of White’s Woods (FWW).

This non-profit citizen’s organization formed 25 years ago in 1995 in response to White Township’s plans to deforest the area and turn the 250 acres of naturally growing trees into timber to make a profit.

Part of the mission of FWW is

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to preserve the nature center and allow the forest to achieve natural succession into a mature hardwood forest without disruption.

This is important for many aspects of the environment which includes: the maintenance of the water quality of the surrounding areas through the prevention of erosion caused by deforestation and plant removal, to conserve the natural species of plants and animals alike that thrive in the nature center that prefer mature hardwood forests as their habitat range, and to maintain the carbon-filtering ability of the trees and plants there among many other environmental conditions of great importance.

FWW also aims to educate the public about how valuable all nature centers are to the environment as a whole and want to further educate the community about White’s Woods specifically.

This requires the identification of the role that White’s Woods plays in the natural environment and the positive effect the area has on the community’s quality of life.

At a recent meeting of the White Township supervisors, the organization’s board of directors were asked what FWW has done to help White’s Woods?

They responded with the fact they believe their organization’s

most important accomplishment is that 250 acres of trees are now 25 years older than they ever could have been if the 1995 deforestation plan had been implemented

by White Township supervisors.

“This is Indiana's park, purchased with project 70 funds in the 1960's specifically for the purpose of conservation, recreation and historical preservation,” Sara King, president of the FWW said. “No other area forests were acquired in this way nor bordering directly on the borough.

“The White Township supervisors regard the park as a ‘cash cow,’ i.e. a timber farm, which directly violates the purposes of the land. This is their third attempt to timber (1995, 2007-08, and 2020).”

So far, FWW has succeeded in blocking their attempts.

They have taken many steps to ensure the protection of this land.

September 16, 2020

Some of these accomplishments include spreading mulch on the forest’s trails, cutting wild invasive grape vines, planting native trees and wild flowers, with the approval of White Township, routinely cleaning up litter to maintain the nature park’s condition, repairing the bridge that needed attention, and reporting negative activities to the proper authorities, which includes the use of motorized vehicles within the nature center, campfires, partying and illegal dumping.

They have also been involved in a project to compile a set of steps in the nature center, taken surveys from used of WWNC and promoted the respectful use of the nature center by the community. They have keep the public informed by distributing yard signs and newsletters with up-to-date information, organized group woods walks and even began a “Story Walk” project.

The FWW organization has even gone so far as to hire legal counsel three separate times to research the Project 70 regulations, second class township codes and open government practices. There is no doubt that this organization has been responsible for White’s Woods successful survival many times over.

The White’s Woods’ website offers extensive information including a disturbingly recent development about the Township’s current plans for deforestation. The FWW website page explains how in April, trees in the nature center have been seen with green spray paint markings on them, which was presumed to be for deforestation purposes.

Over the course of the months following April, it was discovered that the Township’s supervisors had been planning to go through with a secret timber project since December of 2018.

Despite many challenges and the persistence of White Township in attempts to destroy this natural area, FWW is fully dedicated to the cause of bettering the natural environment and protecting the WWNC seemingly at all costs.

Their success is encouraging, and they invite new members and urge further efforts to continue helping the cause of protecting the WWNC. To join in the efforts of this organization, there are links to their membership form and their GoFundMe account on the FWW website. To contribute monetarily to their cause, checks can be sent to FWW, PO Box 1271, Indiana, PA 15701.

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September 16, 2020

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(Twitter / Indiana University of Pennsylvania) Members of the Student Government Association are doing their part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 with President Alex Fefolt at the lead.

IUP’s student government still fighting for students to this day OLIVIA CARBONE Staff Writer kxxw@iup.edu @ThePennIUP The Student Government Association (SGA) at IUP has a new plan for the Fall 2020 semester.

“The IUP Student Government Association’s history dates back to 1931,” Alex Fefolt (senior, history) said. “Students at the State Teachers College at Indiana came together March 6, in the college dining room for the first meeting of the ISTC Student Council.”

The school’s president at the time, Dr. Charles Foster, supported the organization.

“The Student Council was intended to promote in every way possible the best interests of the college,” Fefolt said.

“The Student Council was to regulate all matters of student conduct which do not all under the jurisdiction of the faculty and, in general, to serve as a means by which the needs of the students may be presented to the administration.”

As time passed, and as the

(IUP) Alex Fefolt (left) is the president of the SGA with Hamzah Sammour (right) as the official student body representative.

ISTC expanded its academic scope, later becoming IUP, so too did the Student Council grow and change into the organization it is today. SGA now oversees many aspects of student life at the university, such

as recognizing student organizations, representing students in the IUP University Senate, collaborating with the SGAs of 14 public universities in Pennsylvania and working closely with the IUP administration.

But, despite many changes, the core mission of SGA has always remained the same; to effectively represent the interests of the student body.

At the beginning of the spring semester last year, COVID-19 came into effect. With the start of the Fall Semester, SGA had to change the thinking and planning of what to do around IUP. “Student Government is aware of the importance of ensuring students are represented and their interests are promoted as the university continues to make decision regarding and in response of the current pandemic,” Fefolt said.

“We continue to meet weekly on Tuesday evenings in person, but through Zoom. We have been able to ensure that students can attend and participate in our meetings and deliberations from home or wherever they may be.

“It is important to us that students can contact us with concerns so that we may bring them to the attention of the university and advocate for courses of action that support IUP students.”

SGA continues to work with

university partners on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as ensuring students are informed and registered to vote in the 2020 upcoming election, and be counted in the 2020 U.S. Census.

“During the pandemic,” said Hamzah Sammour, the official student body representative, “we are looking at ways to build a stronger community at IUP. SGA strives to find solutions to help students gain the safest and best academic experience in continuing their education while on campus.”

One of the challenges that SGA had this semester was to promote safety measures among students.

“We are also working with the university senate and the administration to ensure we have the appropriate safety measures as we move along through the pandemic.”

If you’d like to participate in an SGA meeting, contact Alex Fefolt at gxxw@iup.edu and may join the Zoom Tuesday night meetings at 7:30 p.m.

September 16, 2020

News

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(Julia Robins / Paul Marchwinski/The Penn) A survey based on the responses from 45 random students conducted by Julia Robins across the IUP campus (left) discovered that the majority of students are unsure of what the punishment for not wearing a face covering

Face coverings required on campus, no clear punishment JULIA ROBINS Contributing Writer spxbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

There are 87 COVID-19 cases on IUP’s campus as of Sept. 15, with a jump of 64 new cases in the past week. In order to prevent more cases, face-coverings and social distancing are required.

IUP’s “returning to campus” plan states that in order to reduce the spread of the virus, “masks or other face coverings are required to be worn by all employees, students and visitors when in buildings and vehicles owned or leased by IUP. When outside, face coverings are required when social distancing (maintaining a minimum distance of six feet between you and others) is not possible.”

An online community standard reporting form was released Aug. 4, allowing students to report others for exhibiting behavior that goes against safety policies.

However, no information has yet been given as to what the punishment would be despite IUP’s plan stating, “details on how these guidelines will be enforced will be shared before the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester.”

Students and staff are confused as to how IUP is enforcing these rules and penalizing the students who break them since the plan also mentions that campus police are not to be called to enforce violations.

Upon surveying a random selection of 45 students across campus on the enforcement of mask and social distancing policies, 42 percent expressed total confusion, 26 percent said there is not any discipline, and masks are only “highly suggested” on a moral standard and 16 percent assumed campus staff would offer verbal warning or a reminder to social distance and wear a mask.

“I believe they are not giving any punishment,” Charish Page (senior, kinesiology health and sport science) said.

If students are not aware of the consequences for not wearing a mask, there is only a moral incentive to wear one. Although, not all students share that incentive. Even those who believe that IUP will punish those who violate the rules may still find ways around them.

Some students complained that masks are uncomfortable and believe the outdoors are safe. IUP requires masks to be worn outdoors “only if social distancing is not possible.” There hasn’t been further elaboration under what circumstances that applies to.

Staff members are also struggling with what to do when they witness someone violating safety rules.

“If a student comes in without a mask, I give them one,” Louise, a staff member that supervises the entrance of North Dining Hall, said.

While entering buildings without a mask breaks campus policy,

Louise does not report the student.

At least, she was not instructed to do so.

A similar lack of communication and confusion exists in the Co-Op store.

Cindy Bentley of customer service said if a student came into the building without a mask, she would try to find her manager and it “wouldn’t be her place” to say anything.

“Nobody has told [the staff] yet of how to deal with a situation besides maybe a verbal warning,” she said.

The university provides staff and professors the rules, but how they are enforcing it is based upon the professor’s discretion such as being kicked out of class, a report to campus police or a warning/verbal lecture.

“I’ll tell a student that they are required to wear a mask and offer them one of the university’s provided disposable masks in the classroom,” Assistant Professor of the Biology department, Dr. Sarah Emel said. “If they refuse to wear it, I would ask them to leave and join the class remotely instead.”

Giving someone a mask is no guarantee they would wear it.

Without communication between staff, there is no way to know if it’s a one-time incident or consistent pattern of defiance. In the latter of these cases, the only way to enforce the rule is to issue punishment and make it clear that there are consequences.

Without clear and consistent protocol across campus on how staff must handle these situations and report students, any punishment cannot be fairly enforced.

The University of Pittsburgh, for example, has made it clear that any student who attends or hosts a party without masks and social distancing can be kicked out of

university housing or be suspended.

IUP has not yet clarified their plan with social distancing and mask violations. As of right now, university says it is holding students accountable through the Office of Community Standards and Student Support and action is taken in proportion to the situation.

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September 16, 2020

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Friday, tributes and honor were paid to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks nineteen years ago.

(Josh Rupeka/The Penn)

Nineteen years later, IUP pays tribute to those lost in 9/11 attacks EMILY LOOSE Staff Writer E.D.Loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

It has been 19 years since America was shaken by the events of Sept. 11.

To remember the day and those who lost their lives, IUP and its surrounding community came together to host a program of commemoration Friday at 8:35 a.m.

The program was also live streamed in order for those in remote locations and those still trying to social distance to be able to watch. It also gave those unable to be there a chance to watch at a later time.

Lasting roughly one hour, those in attendance included members of IUP’s Reserve Officers’ Training Camp (ROTC), administration, members of the wind ensemble (who performed at the ceremony) and veterans.

The program took place at the edge of the Oak Grove near Stapleton Library.

“Nineteen years ago, we as a nation vowed we would remember the events of this day,” said LTC Dennis Faulkner, an ROTC profes-

sor at IUP. “I am pleased by virtue of your presence here; we have maintained that promise.”

Faulkner spoke of the men and women who risked their lives to save others during the collapse of the World Trade Center and the aftermath of the day’s events.

“That day we saw hundreds, if not thousands of heroes run to the danger,” he said. “Why would they do this? Why would they take that unnecessary danger upon themselves for others they likely don’t know or have personal cause to make such sacrifice?”

After a brief pause, Faulkner answered the question.

“They did it because they believed in their charge.”

After Faulkner’s speech, the wind ensemble played “America the Beautiful,” then dedicated four chimes to the four planes of that day: the two that hit the World Trade Center, the one that attacked the Pentagon and the one that crashed in Shanksville, PA. President Michael Driscoll also spoke at the program to honor those who lost their lives. He recounted where he was and how 9/11 unfolded for him. He said he remembered his wife telling him

something happened in New York.

“We do not have time to think, nor do we have to think very hard to put ourselves back into that Tuesday morning,” he said.

Driscoll said the day was “cloudless and beautiful,” but it did not stay that way.

“It became a day of horror, death and sadness,” he said. “It became one of the darkest days in our country’s history.”

After the events of 9/11, Driscoll said the country was scared and untrusting. Yet despite the months of agony, he said the country was able to unite.

IUP has commemorated the day in many different ways through the past 19 years, including a memorial made of debris from the World Trade Center. The piece was dedicated in 2002 and sits in the Oak Grove where the program took place. It can be seen in the livestream next to the podium.

During the Sept. 11 attacks, IUP lost three of its alumni. Those alumni are William Moskal (safety sciences, 1979), Donald Jones (marketing, 1980) and William Sugra (finance, 1993). The three were mentioned and remembered during the program.

“We will continue to honor them and their lives, which were cut short,” Driscoll said. “We owe it to the victims, their families and those who unselfishly fought to save others while putting their own lives in jeopardy.”

Sugra’s family has dedicated a fund in his name. Each year, they hold a golf tournament, which helps to fund almost $100,000 to various organizations according to an IUP student from Allentown who majors in finances.

Nadene L’Amoreaux, a professor of counseling, also spoke at the event.

“There are many reasons to keep this event alive in our memories,” she said. “Most particularly, to remind ourselves and others that this cataclysmic event and the people who lost their lives on that day matter.”

She also used the time to reflect on the current pandemic, reminding those in attendance that it is another time that the U.S. needs to come together.

“On this day of remembrance for those for whom we grieve on the anniversary of 9/11, I hope we will also choose to honor those precious souls by committing to a

new normal that includes peace,” she said.

The program also honored the police, firefighters and EMT who were in attendance. Faulkner asked them to come forward. As they stood, bagpipes played in their honor.

Faulkner also asked to keep other first responders and military members in everyone’s thoughts as they continue to work across the globe.

Volunteers of the event were also recognized and honored by him.

The event closed with members of the ROTC retiring the colors.

The livestream of the program can be found on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=20wQNa_LWRA Even though it has been 19 years, it is important to reflect on the attacks and educate future generations, as incoming freshmen are too young to recall Sept.

11 “As time passes, critical events become distant in our rearview mirrors,” Driscoll said. “It takes pride to bring them back from the depths of history. We cannot allow that to happen to Sept. 11th.”

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September 16, 2020

News

(Case Marshall/The Penn)

The United States Post Office in Indiana is on 47 S. 7th St. (left) and on the IUP campus along Maple St. (right).

Students who vote decide on in-person, by mail voting EMILY LOOSE Staff Writer E.D.Loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Election time always causes a lot of debate and controversy.

While much of it usually stems from who people are voting for, the current election has a new issue- voting by mail.

Due to COVID-19, mail-in voting is being pushed more as a way to keep polls safer and more socially distanced. Despite this, many have shown concern about the possibilities of fraud from mailing in votes.

This includes President Donald Trump, who once stated that he thought voting by mail would cause votes to go missing due to biases of mail workers.

IUP students had their own opinions on the issue, but overall, most find it a safe option.

Charles Corrado (sophomore, political science) and Elizabeth Stash (sophomore, kinesiology) both dealt with voting by mail in the past.

“I think it’s safe. I’ve done it before,” Stash said.

Corrado was even able to give an insider’s look on the option due to helping during the 2018 midterms.

“Mail-in voting is absolutely safe,” he said. “I worked the polls for 2018 and hand counted the mail-in votes.”

When counting votes, Corrado said there was no chance that

anyone committed voter fraud, nor did they throw away anyone’s vote.

Some students who believe the option is safe also said they think not having the option to send votes by mail would cause an issue of privilege. One of these students is Rose Mazey (senior, graphic design).

“I'm voting by mail and so is everyone else I know,” she said.

“People who say it isn’t safe just don’t want everyone to vote.”

Her statement comes from the basis that not everyone is able to get to polling places. Absentee voting was first enacted in 1902 for the 1903 election.

Though fraud has been questioned before with this type of voting, it has been most controversial this year.

According to The Washington Post, the 2016 and 2018 elections had a rate of 0.0025 percent in mail fraud. A full report can be found at washingtonpost. com/politics/minuscule-numberof-potentially-fraudulent-ballotsin-states-with-universal-mailvoting-undercuts-trump-claimsabout-election-risks.

Alex Edmunson (political science) said it depends on what is most convenient.

“I think you should be able to vote however is most convenient for you. I send all my bills through the mail, I’m fine with sending my vote,” he said.

“However, if it’s not going to be

counted in time, I’d recommend voting in person.”

Though the majority of the IUP community who commented were all for mail-in voting, there were still those who had doubts.

“I believe that mail-in voting is absolutely not safe,” Al Fiedler said. “I will go to my polling location no matter what.”

Fiedler said there were enough controversies of past mail-in votes that made him sure of this decision.

“Look at what happened in New York this year. Look at all the places where they found boxes of uncounted votes.”

Despite its controversy, mailin voting has increased in the U.S. over time. It has risen from 7.8 percent in 1996 to 20.9 percent in 2016, according to Pew Research Center. Pew has also found that 70 percent of people believe others have the right to vote-by-mail if they choose, similar to what Edmunson said.

Absentee voting in Pennsylvania begins Sept. 14 and runs through Nov. 2. The deadline to request a absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. Voting in person will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3.

To find your polling place and to see if you are registered, visit www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/ Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication. You must register by Oct. 19 in order to vote.

Newspaper faces strike from guild MARTY WEAVER Staff Writer zglz@iup.edu @ThePennIUP The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh voted 88–31 in favor of striking the Post-Gazette in early August.

The possible strike is the result of failed contract negotiations.

According to the Guild, there have been 24 such bargaining sessions since 2017.

The NewsGuild’s executive council, “largest union of journalists and communications professionals in the U.S and Canada” according to its Twitter page, endorsed the strike authorization in a unanimous vote Monday.

Before any further actions are taken, the Newspaper Guild must have its plan accepted by the Communications Workers of America Executive Board.

“It was abundantly clear today that the @PittsburghPG does not want a peaceful settlement with the @PGHGuild,” Newspaper Guild President Michael A. Fuoco (@michaelafuoco) tweeted Sept.

8. “We tried. We offered concessions any company looking for a negotiated settlement would jump at. What we got was disdain

and disrespect.

“They want war, they’ll get it.”

Union members are fighting against many proposed changes by the company, including healthcare cuts, decreased vacation time and getting rid of dispute arbitration, per this article by TribLIVE: https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/post-gazettestaff-votes-to-authorize-strike/ According to NewsGuild’s Twitter (@newsguild), “numerous charges” have been filed to the National Labor Relations Board.

The NLRB “is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions,” according to its website, nlrb.gov.

We should not stay silent during this time. We need to support the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s workers, push for their rights and not break the picket line if they do strike.

Nearly 50 percent of newsroom jobs across the country were cut from 2008–2017 according to NewsGuild. And in this time of misinformation, it’s more important than ever to stand with truth-seekers.

News

September 16, 2020

9

Opinion

Hit pause and think twice about removing your cat’s claws Did you know in 2011 that 55 percent of American households thought it was OK to declaw their household pet?

In many countries across the world this veterinary practice is actually illegal for being inhumane.

I think the U.S. should be the next country to ban declawing for all the reasons below.

This practice is called onychectomy- and it means the cutting of bones that claws grow out of with a scalpel or laser.

To put this in better perspective, imagine cutting off the first knuckle on every finger, and trying to go back to a normal lifestyle in the amount of time we expect our cat back from the vet’s office.

In some instances, including infection and tumors should it be the only ethical option.

To a cat, these should be the only criteria for undergoing such a traumatizing procedure.

It’s sad to realize that most people are mutilating their cats to avoid damages to their furniture.

When the real solution to get your cat to stop scratching furniture is to buy scratching posts and to continually encourage good scratching behavior for your cat.

This will keep you happy, and your cat happy. It’s also encouraged to see if inappropriate scratching is an indicator or some other underlying condition.

It’s very important to note and understand that when you declaw your cat, you are also taking away from their ability to protect themselves if they were ever to get out.

A common response to that is, ‘my cat is an indoor only cat’ well my

(Steven Langdon Jr./The Penn) Declawing cats may save your furniture and mental state, it can drive your feline companion up the wall. answer to that is, cats are typically sneaky little jerks and if they can run outside, they will.

Because, cats will continue to be the little independent divas they are.

Declawed cats have other related health problems such as aggression, depression, and certain anxieties.

Sometimes the procedures aren’t done correctly, which leaves your feline friend walking on bone fragments for the rest of its life.

Did you know that declawing actually causes a cat to have to adapt to a new walking style?

Think of your toes as a human, even though you think they don’t do much they actually bare some of their body weight and help evenly distribute it.

It’s sadly the same case for a cat.

Declawed cats also have a greater risk for being relinquished

back to shelters, and possibly euthanized.

They gain behavioral problems such as refusing to use the litter box, and aggression related issues.

In my opinion, if you choose to declaw your cat over reasons as superficial as damage to furniture or getting a cat scratch you should never own a cat.

This should not be called declawing, it should be referred to it as what it actually is, first knuckle amputation.

If that doesn’t send a wave of disgust over your body then I don’t know if you should ever care for a feline.

Please let this article be a reminder to never amputate your cats lil’ murder mittens.

Brought to you by: Kate Pompa Culture Editor

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September 16, 2020

Opinion

Culture

Culture Editor: Katelin Pompa – xzgw@iup.edu Lead Culture Writer: Haley Brown – tbfx@iup.edu

(Zoom) While Zoom provides an alternative teaching platform, students would rather be in a real classroom instead of a virtual one.

Students prefer in-person classes, cite plethora of limitations HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP It’s no secret that online education is wildly different from face-to-face, and it is interesting to observe the opinions that students and professors hold about the changes that have taken place in IUP’s learning community due to the pandemic.

Many professors expressed a huge difference in the way they teach Zoom classes compared to teaching in a regular classroom environment. It’s also no surprise that the students have expressed the same observation but from a different perspective.

“I have three very different classes,” said Jean Nienkamp, associate professor of the English Department. “The technical writing class, which could be done on Zoom or online easily; a public speaking class, which I’d rather do face to face, and a basic writing class, which is meeting in the hybrid model, although most of the students are attending on Zoom.”

Professors certainly have petpeeves when it comes to the behavior of students in a classroom, and Zoom classrooms appear to be a whole different monster in this regard. Some behaviors are more distracting than others, but the need of allowing a learning curve with the strangeness of a formal video-chat environment is understandable in todays time.

Culture

“Some students like to turn their pictures off and go do other things during class,” Nienkamp said.

“It’s much more apparent on Zoom when people are looking off into the ozone or something,” she said. “I don’t assume that those people aren’t paying attention because some people listen that way. It’s just that when I’m in front of a face-to-face class, I tend to talk to the people who look at me.

In Zoom, everyone is the same size and is equally noticeable.”

However, Nienkamp believes most people are respectful of class time.

“It’s just a different way of seeing students,” she said.

There is also the fact that online formats make being personable that much more difficult and confusing. Reaching an audience is all about presentation, and professors have had to work twice as hard to get their students to listen and understand the material they’re presenting.

In a classroom, it’s much easier to act like yourself. Though for many, speaking in front of an “audience” on a video call seems much more performative, and the pressure might feel higher in these situations.

“I normally have a great sense of humor in class, but I don’t think it’s happening in front of a computer,” Nienkamp said.

“I also think that moving around must help me find words,” she said. “I’ve had big gaps in my

talking where I can’t think of a word and being trapped in front of a camera makes that worse. It’s early days yet, though, maybe I’ll relax into this, and we’ll all have more fun.”

Some professors have expressed how comfortable they were with technology before Zoom classes began, so the jump from classroom teaching to online teaching was less overwhelming for them. However, Zoom can prove a challenging opponent, even for professors who are proficient with technology.

“If Zoom were a student of mine, I think I would likely give him a B,” said Dr. Charles McCreary, an IUP language professor and chairman of the Foreign Language Department.

“He frequently comes close to what I would really love to see him do, but then just as frequently falls short,” he said. “A case in point

September 16, 2020

is the time-lag where responses from students in Zoom and are not immediate. If it could only be a bit faster. I am continually surprised by its sluggishness, even in ideal conditions.”

Professors expressed their dissatisfaction with the Zoom platform when used for education and how much they’ve had to adapt to using Zoom as opposed to being in the classroom with their students. Some professors have had to drastically switch up the way they’ve been teaching as a result of some of the imperfections of video-chat technology.

“Does it feel like face-to-face?

Absolutely not,” McCreary said.

“There are limitations to teaching this way that actually force me to cut down the number of activities I would normally attempt,” he said.

“There are also several different types of activities that are simply impossible to implement.”

An example McCreary mentioned would be a survey exercise where students need to collect as much information as possible from many different students.

It is also apparent that professors miss the environment that in-person teaching could provide.

The sense of isolation is apparent when looking at the rest of a class through a screen and being able to almost sense how far apart everyone is.

“Perhaps most importantly, the sense of community is very hard to create,” he said. “A foreign language class works best if the

students are comfortable sharing with each other and get to know each other.”

Students have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the new learning methods, but many are trying their best to keep their chins up despite the frustrations of this strange new world. This includes being more forgiving with their own learning methods. Students seem to have empathy for the new obstacles their professors face, and they strive to be patient and compassionate with their experiences as well. “[Zoom learning] hasn’t been as bad as I thought,” Liam Noble (senior, communications media) said. “Although, I would prefer inclass lecture and discussions, but I understand this is how the world is right now, and we must adapt.

“All of my Zoom Classes are online this semester. I prefer face-to-face instruction, but Zoom classes are a good substitute for the trying time that we are living in right now.”

Noble believes that his professors are “proficient” when it comes to his overall academic experience.

“It is definitely a step up from the Zoom classes last semester,” he said. “I am glad the professors took more time to learn how to teach online.”

Despite the obvious drawbacks of having classes online in order to keep every faculty member and student as safe and healthy as possible, we all must keep a brave face and get through this together.

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September 16, 2020

Culture

(Jade87/Pixabay) Watching shows is a great way to blow off steam.

Netflix welcomes new titles LEVI DONALDSON Staff Writer ypxz@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Autumn is coming and students welcome it with open arms.

(The Penn Archives)

Students are getting ready for fall MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer bbcx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP As the weather begins to cool down, many students eagerly await the beginning of the fall season.

Fall is many students’ favorite season. The chill breeze and colorful leaves in the Oak Grove make fall a beautiful time of the year at IUP. No matter where you may be on campus, you could always see all the tree changing. Seeing all the orange and yellow brightens up campus, especially in these dark days.

Some students are already prepping for the fall/autumn season. Stores like Joann Fabrics, Target, TJ Maxx, and Walmart have already put out their seasonal fall decorations.

“I decorate for fall at the beginning of September,” said Olivia Tavoletti (senior, marketing). “I get all my decor from Target, TJ Maxx, Home Goods and Joann Fabrics.”

While some students, like Tavoletti, enjoy decorating their apartments and dorms for fall, other students prefer not to.

“I personally don’t decorate for fall,” said Dorothy McCullough (senior, fashion merchandising). “My family never decorated for fall, so I just don’t.”

Students aren’t only looking

forward to decorating but also getting to dress in fall fashions.

“I think I’m most looking forward to the fall fashion and being able to wear my sweaters and boots again,” said Maran Davis (senior, fashion merchandising).

Davis said her favorite fall-fashions include chunky knit sweaters and blanket scarves.

“Flannels and jean jackets are a killer combination for the fall,” McCullough said, “as well as ankle boots and patterned socks.”

Tavoletti said she prefers to wear oversized crewnecks and sweaters with jeans.

Popular fall fashions for 2020 include leather fabrics, pleated-skirts, preppy style and oversized crewneck sweatshirts.

Another great part of fall is the foods served during the season.

Coffee chains like Dunkin’ and Starbucks have already released their seasonal fall food and drink line ups, which always includes pumpkin spice.

“My favorite fall food is anything pumpkin spice,” Davis said.

McCullough said she loves pecan pie and Reese’s pumpkin shaped patties.

Hot apple cider and toasted marshmallow flavored foods and drinks are also popular during fall.

Students also discussed their favorite fall activities that they like to participate in.

“My favorite fall activities

are apple picking and going to haunted houses,” Tavoletti said.

McCullough said she thinks the best part of fall is Halloween.

“Dressing up in costumes and going to parties with friends is always a good time,” McCullough said.

Davis said, like Tavoletti, that she likes to go apple picking and to pumpkin patches during fall.

While students are definitely looking forward to the fall season, many voiced their concerns about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) will affect their plans.

“Halloween will definitely be affected by COVID-19,” McCullough said, “People won’t be able to go to parties or the bars, which won’t be fun at all.”

Tavoletti said that she loves going to haunted houses during the fall season.

“One thing I won’t be able to do due to COVID-19 is go to haunted houses because they’re all closed,” Tavoletti said. “Also, a lot of fall festivals won’t be open this year.”

Fall festivals like The Renaissance Faire, Kennywood’s Phantom Fright Night and Fort Ligonier Days have either been canceled or are now holding virtual events.

Some pumpkin patches and farm activities are luckily still hosting events with limited customers on their properties.

Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkin Festival, which occurs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5 will still take place but as a drive-through event.

Binge season is approaching, and we all need to know what shows and movies are going to be at our fingertips this September.

Netflix has added a lot of original content as well as other material to its catalogue. Here are just some of the options available this month.

“I’m Thinking About Ending Things” This new film is from the writer of “Being John Malkovich” and “Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind,” so be prepared for something that will mess with your head. This has been dividing people as many find it to be a work of genius, and others consider the filmmaking too abstract and muddled.

“The Devil All the Time” This Netflix original is set in a small town still reeling from the effects of war. It’s an American gothic story heavy with faith and history. This emotionally gripping story is supported by the fantastic list of talent. Haley Bennett, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Bill Skargaard, and Sebastian Stan are just some of the incredible actors that bring this story to life.

“Ratched” Sarah Paulson leads this heavily stylized drama about a ruthless asylum nurse in the 1940s. The trailer is taut and energized with a wicked sense of humor. This new show is a prequel series for the classic book “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which was made into a classic film starring Jack Nicholson. Fans are excited to revisit this character and see Paulson in her element.

“Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous” Another classic world that Netflix is returning to is the Jurassic Park series. This time however, it’s a little more kid friendly in this new TV show that comes out Sept.18.

This animated series centers around a group of teenagers and the summer camp they attend on the island. Of course, it’s not quite Jurassic Park without some dinosaurs rampaging, so rest assured, there will be a lot of that too.

“Back to The Future” In case you need your fill of old school stories, check out the classic “Back to The Future” trilogy. Netflix has added all three of the time-traveling adventures back on their site. Jump back into this world with Doc Brown, Marty McFly and the rest of them to see where the DeLorean takes them next.

“Glory” If you’re looking for something a little more important to watch, then check out “Glory.” This true story is about Robert Shaw and the black battalion during the Civil War. The struggles and stories are brought to light with honesty and respect. The cast is amazing with Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington just to name a few. This is definitely one to watch.

“Muppets” Return to Jim Henson’s magical world with “The Muppets and Muppets Most Wanted.” With beautiful puppetry, great characters and so much heart and soul, they more than hold-up, and it’s worth anyone’s time. Just like the rest of the new-to-Netflix shows mentioned, this is great to watch.

Culture

13

September 16, 2020

(makamuki0/Pixabay) Finding a new show to binge is one of the best part of 2020.

(dbreen/Pixabay) Finding the right snack is almost as important as finding the right TV show.

Students suggest shows to binge while still inside HALEY BROWN

Lead Culture Writer

tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Since we all have so much “freedom” on our hands because of our social-distance-induced imprisonment, we have plenty of time for starting a new TV show. What better way to connect with others electronically than watching a new series online together? There are so many ways to watch with friends and so many options when it comes to deciding what to stream together.

With a myriad of websites and platforms that let multiple people watch shows and movies online simultaneously, social distancing becomes a little more bearable. Plus who doesn’t love sitting down and watching some great TV. There is a chrome extension called Watch2Gether that allows you to share content with others from a supported site like Dailymotion, Vimeo, and YouTube, among others. There are so many options for this kind of sharing including Kast, Netflix Watch Party and even an app for watching YouTube videos and streaming music along with friends called Plug.DJ. Since there are so many streaming platforms to choose

from with so many shows and movies available to viewers, there is surely a genre for every type of watcher and IUP students have plenty of opinions to share about what shows they’re enjoying at the moment.

“Currently, I’ve been watching ‘Criminal Minds,’ ‘Bones,’ and ‘AP Bio.,’” said Sam Antal, (senior sociology).

“It’s my first time watching ‘Criminal Minds’ and I am hooked. It’s my 3rd or 4th time watching ‘Bones,’ which is my all-time favorite show. If it wasn’t obvious, my favorite genre is crime. I would recommend all these shows to other people.

They all have a great storyline and are easy to follow.”

“Criminal Minds” seems to have hit an upsurge in viewings since the pandemic started and crime show fans are buzzing about it. Even the increasingly popular social media app, Tik Tok, has been experiencing a barrage of video creations showcasing one the show’s characters, Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler.

While new shows are always an exciting prospect, it can feel a little overwhelming and at times exhausting or frustrating to start the chore of finding a new series you might enjoy and successfully watch to the end.

That’s why sometimes it’s best

to stick with the classics and rewatch a show that might still be enjoyable after even the third or fourth time around.

“My preferred TV show genre are dramas. Right now, I am only watching ‘Gossip Girl,’” said Thea McCullough, (senior fashion merchandise” major.

“This is my second time watching the series. I watched it for the first time in high school, in like 10th grade. I remember really liking the show and all the characters back then, but

I forgot a lot of the plot that unfolded.

“Also, when I started rewatching the show back in early August, there was nothing new on Netflix that caught my eye. I would definitely recommend this show. You will fall in love with the characters and get sucked in by all the drama. There is good fashion throughout the series and all the actors are nice to look at.”

While the drama and crime genres are a go-to for many people, some of us just need a little more lightheartedness in our lives and naturally gravitate toward comedies. These times of health and safety concerns coupled with social isolation have been hard on so many people’s mental health, so a show with lots of laughs might be just what we need to share with someone else to jump start our mood’s improvement.

“My preferred genres are definitely comedy and mystery/ thriller,” said Gabriella Byrne (junior, English).

“I am actually not a huge horror fan, but creep factor is welcomed in any show I watch.

Add a mystery, and I am all in.

I also gravitate toward comedies because who doesn’t need a good laugh every now and then?

“I recently finished watching

‘The Good Place’ and plan to re-watch the first season for its laugh-out-loud humor. I am only in the second season for ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ but I have not experienced so much laughter and fun since the old TV show ‘Friends’ (which is always there for me when I don’t know what to watch).

“I would recommend ‘The Good Place’ and ‘Brooklyn NineNine’ for anyone wanting a good laugh with some sweet moments mixed in for these two.

It is not all comedies as Byrne said before. “‘Absentia’ is a thriller, so mystery lovers check it out!

Though, some ‘twists’ may be guessable for avid mystery consumers, but the main plot has an intriguing puzzle that I am anxious to figure out.”

If you’re feeling lonely and a bit blue because of the pandemic’s effects, know that you’re never alone and starting a new series with your best pal might be exactly what you need to get yourself out of that difficult emotional rut.

Try a new show or two or maybe try 15 and start sharing them with someone important to you today. Sharing some TV time with a dear friend is guaranteed to bring a bit of relief from those lonely COVID-19 blues we’ve all likely become familiar with.

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September 16, 2020

Culture

September 16, 2020

Culture

15

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join at 8:00 PM via the Swank Film Portal link.

Must have IUP network access.

Autographed Pete Davidson poster!

Join at 8:00 PM via Zoom. Trivia platform provided

by TriviaHub. Cash prizes for winning team. Limited seats!

Join at 8:00 PM via Chrome’s Netflix Watch Party.

Must have own account.

Movie, trivia, & prizes!

Join at 8:00 PM via Zoom. FREE! Open to entire IUP campus community!

Submit questions for Issa to answer!

Join at 8:00 PM via the Swank Film Portal link.

Must have IUP network access.

Part of IUP Family Weekend.

Join at 9:00 PM via Zoom. Explore our Solar System, Milky Way galaxy, and parts of the universe near and far.

Join at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Hosted by STATIC. Prizes for winning family. Preregister on the STATIC website.

Co-sponsored with IUP Campus Recreation and Intramurals.

Register at IMLeagues.com/IUP. Prizes for winning brackets!

Join at 8:00 PM via Chrome’s Netflix Watch Party.

Must have own account.

Movie, trivia, & prizes!

Join at 8:00 PM via Zoom. FREE! Open to entire IUP campus community!

Official IUP Homecoming Concert!

for more info, check out

www.STATICatIUP.com

Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy ALEXIS LOYA Copy Editor zphw@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Chackwick Boseman smiling during an interview.

Known for being one of Marvel’s fan-favorite superheroes “Black Panther,” Chadwick Boseman passed away of colon cancer at age 43 in his Los Angeles home Aug. 28.

Boseman had been battling cancer since 2016, but he never made this information public. Instead, he continued to star in many movies fans love to this day.

One of the most memorable of his movies is “Black Panther.” Here, he plays T’Challa who became king of Wakanda following his father’s death in the film. He is given an herb that grants him superhuman abilities. With his power, he not only unites the nation of Wakanda, but he helps the Avengers save the universe from the notorious Thanos, too.

When “Black Panther” first hit theaters in 2018, it became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time racking in at a little over one billion dollars worldwide.

In 2019, Marvel revealed their plans for “Black Panther 2” with a release date set for 2022. However, due to the tragic loss of Boseman, Marvel will need to make plans to cope with his passing.

(Wikipedia Commons) As of right now, Marvel has yet to reveal any plans, but some people have made spec-

ulations about what we should expect.

Given that filming has not started yet, it is to be assumed that there will be only one issue Marvel faces with the production of the new movie: how are fans going to react to casting a new role for T’Challa? Shuri, played by Letitia Wright is who many are speculating with take over the Black Panther mantle.

To solve this, some believe that Marvel might try to create a story where the Black Panther dies during a fight sequence in the beginning of the new movie.

According to an article published by BGR, Ryan Coogler, writer and director of the first “Black Panther” film, said, “I spend the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say, that we weren’t destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won’t be able to watch another close-up of him ever again or walk up to him and ask for another take.”

The world will never forget Boseman and his role as the Black Panther.

“In my culture, death is not the end,” Black Panther said in the film. “It’s more of a stepping off point. You reach out with both hands to Bast and Sekhmet, they lead you into the green veld where… you can run forever.”

It is with high hopes that Bosemen and his legacy rests in the Ancestral Plain.

Wakanda forever.

September 16, 2020

16

Culture

Students Bring Their Businesses to IUP’s campus

(Courtesy of Kaiya Reed) A mandela crochet that Reed has made for her business.

EMILY LOOSE Staff Writer e.d.loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP They say there are only two certainties in life, taxes and death. As a college student, there is also the added certainty of student loan debt.

Some students at IUP have decided to find their own ways of covering these costs by running small businesses in their free time.

Each week, The Penn will cover some of these businesses and help get their names out there.

For those of you who may be interested in handmade mandalas and skin care, Kaiya Reed (sophomore, anthropology) may have the perfect products for you.

Beginning her business approximately two months ago, Reed got the idea for her business from her grandmother.

“She has a similar business

back home,” Reed said concerning her crocheted mandalas.

Along with them, she also sells skin and body products that are 100 percent natural.

Though her business is still young, Reed said it is already off to a great start.

“I have sold three mandala and six skin care products so far.”

Her proudest moment was her first sell, as it showed her the business was worth doing.

Though she does not have any official social media pages for her work, those interested in seeing her items or buying can reach Reed on her Facebook page or on Instagram @Finding_Nimoy_.

Aside from her products being natural, Reed also takes special care in putting them together.

“I mix it all by hand and package it in cruelty-free containers,” she said.

Mandalas are sold for $15, and her body and skin products’ prices vary by product and size.

Another business at IUP in-

(Courtesy of Tamia Jordan) Doing nails has been Jordan’s passion. cludes doing nails and is run by Tamia Jordan (nursing).

Jordan said doing nails has been her passion for years, even stating that she is an up-and -coming nail technician.

“I was always into nails since I was young,” she said. “Growing up, I used to do my own press on and made it a fun hobby as a child.”

As she grew older, Jordan found herself even more attracted to the skill.

“I fell more in love with it and how you can be an artist with something as little as a fingernail- doing different techniques and styles that compliments your personality.”

Jordan’s nail work goes from simple and neat to the highest of extremes. She did her first set on someone else March 24.

She can be found for appointments on her Instagram page @ theemiaj.

She also has a Youtube channel under the name TheeMiaJ so you can subscribe.

Have a business and want to get other students interested?

Feel free to contact writer Emily Loose at e.d.loose@iup.edu or on her Instagram @emily_ deanne98 for any questions.

(Courtesy of Tamia Jordan) Her first set of nails for her grandmother.

Culture

September 16, 2020

17

Sports

Sports Editor: Jeff Hart – J.R.Hart2@iup.edu

(The Penn Archives) The crimson hawks look to kickoff their 2020 season with a bang and win it all with a national title.

IUP student predictions for 2020 football season AUSTIN SMITH

Staff Writer A.S.Smith7@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

He could go all the way. Sixty-three yards to the house are the words we heard for Justice Evans (senior, business management) about two years ago at Frank Cignetti Field.

By now, I am sure we would be hearing plenty more of that and the cannon booming off after each Crimson Hawk touchdown and or score. All hawk nation can do now is predict and speculate what is next for their squad this season.

So, what do people expect from the Crimson Hawks in the next upcoming season? They finished at a 10-2 overall record going 5-1 at home and 5-1 on the road last season: staying consistent while putting a gruesome 44.2 points per game against their opponents.

To gather insight about the IUP football team, a few IUP students were interviewed to see what they had to say about how they think the team will perform next season.

18

This squad has potential to grab the PSAC West Title in the upcoming season which is not out of the question. The Hawks finished at a 10-2 record last season and played strong defensively, allowing just 17.2 points to their opponents.

Both offense and defense are needed to win games. Last season,Nazir Streater (senior, management) was making big plays in the secondary. Streater was a huge reason why IUP led in points allowed per game last season in the PSAC. He had six interceptions, tied for 16th in the country, and 48 tackles. He lead for interceptions on the team and 48 tackles put him in second on the squad.

If Streater can put these numbers up again for the Hawks, the team will be closer to a PSAC West Title victory.

Offense is vital to have success in football and coaching is the start to that for sure. Quarterbacks are the ignition to the fire for the offense and with Quinton Maxwell having graduated, where does that leave the Crimson Hawks?

Trevor Cratty (senior, com-

(Teddy Jeanette/The Penn) munications media) shared his concerns on the QB situation.

“I think this year’s football team is capable to live up to last year’s 10-2 record,” said Cratty.

“With losing their number one and two QBs, it’s going to be interesting to see if the offense will be affected by the change or not.”

Cratty makes a very valid point here considering the numbers

September 16, 2020

Maxwell put up as a transfer from Ohio University. He was one of the biggest reasons why the Hawks were able to boast to a 10-2 record last season.

Maxwell threw for 34 touchdowns last season and had a 172.2 efficiency rating that put a spark in this offense. He was the anchor for this offense and example of how good his leadership was on the field. The hawks

now have to play even harder without him to have another stellar season.

IUP was expected to have a QB battle over the spring. Javon Davis (redshirt sophomore, math education and accounting) and Akron University transfer Alex Ramart (redshirt sophomore, kinesiology health and sport science) were battling to be QB1 during the season.

With a veteran backfield consisting of Justice Evans (senior, business management) and Malik Anderson (redshirt senior, kinesiology health and sports science) the running attack will be alive and well. In combination with Head Coach Paul Tortorella manning the helm, I think this team can be just as successful.

Joseph Docal (junior, finance) is hopeful for this squad this season.

“I think the Hawks will have around the same record as last year,” said Docal.

“If they had an excellent record last year, they can most definitely do it again. I have confidence,” said Dwayne Bryant (junior, kinesiology health and sports science)

Sports

September 16, 2020

Sports

19

(Case Marshall/The Penn) Outside of White Township Recreation Complex where the IUP Hockey teams looks to put it all together for a championship run.

IUP hockey looks to repeat championship run JAKE TAYLOR

Staff Writer J.M.Taylor8@iup.edu @JakeTaylor8726

Alexa, play, “The Boys Are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy. The boys are back and buzzing. The IUP Men’s Ice Hockey team is preparing to repeat as College Hockey Mid-America (CHMA) champions.

Despite losing the team’s top two scorers the boys have their sight set on another championship run.

Last year, this squad was unstoppable and made a run towards a title. Like other sports, their season was unconventionally ended by COVID-19, but they are ready and hungry for another run.

Head Coach Joe Honzo is confident in his group and stated, “We return the core of our team, our goaltending and defense remain very strong and we also expect some of our forwards to take a step forward next year, we will be a physical hard to play against team.”

This is the feeling throughout the locker room. The team knows what it takes to be successful and works daily to sit atop the division for a third straight year.

Coach Honzo clarifies what separates IUP’s Hockey Program from the rest of the division, “We like to think of our team as a family with a culture of winning, we expect to contend every year, winning is contagious our kids have worked hard the past two years securing the regular season championship two years ago and winning the CHMA

title last year.”

Not only is this team experienced, they are accomplished.

Captain Gavin Cummings (senior, sports administration) has been to the dance before and leads the ragtag group of players who are just as close off the ice as they are on.

Cummings reflects on the long break, “At this point were just ready to play hockey and compete, we feel like our nationals trip was taken from us so we’re looking to repeat and actually get to experience the full trip from flying, to playing, and just being around your teammates in an environment you’re all experiencing for the first time.”

The men are closer than just teammates and Cummings emphasizes the importance of the seniors they lost.

“Last year's seniors were a key group to our success last year but they will mostly be missed in the locker room and off the ice, they were all such great people that brought a lot of positivity to our team.”

It is clear this is what makes a championship caliber team. The roster is loaded with talent from top to bottom but what's talent without teamwork? Kyle Harris (junior, athletic training) another big contributor to this team’s success, speaks on the team's recipe for success.

“I think what sets IUP apart from previous teams I’ve been on is the comradery and how tightly knit our team is. There is no better feeling

than knowing no matter what you have 30 guys who have your back.”

The team still has aspects to improve on. When alternate captain, Harris, was asked about what the team needs to fix he said “I think the most important aspect the team needs to improve on is keeping our game simple and not try to do too much. We are a hardworking team which plays a very fast game and once we try to get fancy, we get away from our playing style.”

Harris put last year's run-in perspective and reflected on his growth as a player.

“Last year’s run really helped my game as a player and as a leader.

Coming in as the third seed, we weren’t expected to win but we all rose to another level come playoffs and seeing your teammates push themselves to achieve a goal is a great feeling as a leader of the team. It taught me to go into every game with the same mindset because anything can happen.”

Coach Honzo also spoke about their run last year and the team being unable to compete for the natty.

“We are highly motivated after last year’s national tournament being cancelled, We were extremely disappointed we were not able to travel to Dallas, Our players are hungry to get another shot at nationals, They have worked hard over the off season.”

IUP Men’s Ice Hockey team is a force to be reckoned with. Hawks are going to be back to back champions this year.

(iupmenshockey.pointstreaksites.com) Photos taken of the team in action during their historic 2019 run.

20

September 16, 2020

Sports

UFC fights on, pinning the best against another top of the heavyweight division is stacked with power and potential.

Alistair Overeem has won four of his last five and continues to put himself in position for a final title Since the UFC restarted on run.

May 9, we have seen four payJairzinho Rozenstruik is a rising per-views, eleven fight nights and star in the division with only one three UFC on ESPN cards. In that loss in his professional career from time, rankings have shifted, new Ngannou. Curtis Blaydes has an contenders have emerged, old almost identical story with his only contenders showed why they are two losses in his seventeen-fight still in line for a title and champicareer coming from Ngannou. ons showed why they are still at Lastly, former light heavyweight the top. champion and No. 1 pound-forThe UFC was the first major pound fighter in the UFC, Jon sports organization to get back Jones, announced his move to the in action following the COVID-19 heavyweight division. The heavyshutdown and they have yet to weight division is riddled with slow down. Fight cards are being possible champions and will only pumped out almost weekly with get more entertaining as the year main contenders and champions continues. headlining all of them.

Multiple champions have also One of the most intriguing disolidified their spots at the top of visions the division. since Seven title the fights have restart taken place has since the been return. the Henry heavyCejudo weight (commonswikimedia.org) solidified his divispot as one sion. of the best of all time with another The title scene has been interesttitle defense.

He deemed the fight ing for the past couple years as as his last as he relinquished the Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier title and retired from fighting all have passed the belt back and together. forth in their first two bouts.

The vacated title fight took The rubber match finally came at place two months later with Petr UFC 252. After their first two fights Yan looking dominant with a ended by knockout, both fighters knockout victory over Jose Aldo. came in prepared and cautious Amanda Nunes, Kamaru Usdrawing out their final fight to a man and Alexander Volkanovski unanimous decision in Miocic’s retained their respective titles and favor. Following the match, Cormshowed why they are on top. ier officially retired from fighting Looking ahead, the fight night ending his eight-year UFC career on Sept. 19 is sure to please. and leaving an opening for the The main event features Colby next challenger for the title.

Covington taking on rival and top However, these top two are contender, Tyron Woodley. Both not the only heavyweights that fighters have exchanged their have showed they belong. Francis fair share of blows on the microNgannou has looked like one of phones, at the press conference the most dominant fighters this and the same will be expected in year. Ngannou is riding a four-fight their fight. win streak, with all four ending by “Colby’s got a good pace and knockout in the first round. Three he can keep it up,” said Jesse of those four wins came within the Brown (graduate student, student first minute of the fight. affairs in higher education). “Tyron “Ngannou has the type of powneeds a good hit but that’s just not er and conditioning that makes reliable enough. Either way, I think him too dominant to be beat,” said IUP student, Caitlyn McMaster it’ll be a good fight.”

We will also see the returns of (senior, religious studies) “I see Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and him quickly getting the title and Johnny Walker as they both try not letting it up for a very long and get back in the win column. time.”

Yet, Miocic and Ngannou do not The entire card will be one that make a division on their own. The you do not want to miss.

BRAD O’HARA

Sports Writer B.L.Ohara@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

(CGTN) Stipe Miocic getting his hand raised after defending his title at UFC 252 on Aug. 15.

(Facebook) UFC Apex has been the host to most of the fights since lockdown. Saturday will be the 13th fight.