Fall 2015 issue 2 by The Penn

I U PF O O T B A L L : O F F E N S E T A K E S S H A P E U N D E R N E WC O O R D I N A T O R P A G E 1 5 F r i d a y , A u g u s t 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

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News Editor: Casey Kelly – C.E.Kelly2@iup.edu Lead News Writer: Kali Ledgard – K.J.Ledgard@iup.edu

TEN announces 2015 Homecoming acts By PETE SIRIANNI Staff Writer P.M.Sirianni@iup.edu

Dear Indiana University of Pennsylvania students, count All Time Low in as the band to kick off the school’s homecoming 2015 festivities. Breaking away from a traditional standalone Thursday night concert in the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Center prior to homecoming weekend, The Entertainment Network chose to break with tradition by announcing two homecoming shows in the Hadley Union Building Ohio Room. Country music artist Eric Paslay and the All Def Comedy Tour will also headline in the Ohio Room this semester. “The Kovalchick Complex has particular expenses that are related to having a show there,” said Zach Clark, director of student activities and assessment. “And it’s just more money than TEN and [the Black Emphasis Committee] can spend.” Along with the pop-punk foursome, TEN announced rapper Rich Homie Quan will headline in the Ohio Room for an Oct. 1 show. All Time Low starts the week of entertainment Sept. 29. Both shows begin at 8 p.m., with doors opening an hour before. All Time Low takes a break from their tour supporting their new album, “Future Hearts,” while Rich Homie

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Quan takes a break from the Scream “Back 2 School” Fest tour. With their sixth album representing its highest charting position – No. 2 on Billboard 200 – All Time Low fans can expect newer songs to be mixed in with older ones like “Dear Maria, Count Me In” and “Six Feet Under the Stars.” The Atlanta-born Rich Homie Quan was featured on the “Furious 7” soundtrack, and his song “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. Last year, TEN opted for rap artist Chance the Rapper to headline homecoming with a concert in the KCAC, while comedian Bo Burnham, female duo Icona Pop and rapper August Alsina also performed concerts throughout the 2014-15 school year. However, this year TEN chose to book country artist Eric Paslay for a Oct. 27 Ohio Room show as part of the organization’s concerted effort to better serve the student body by bringing in different genres of artists. The 32-year-old Paslay’s “Friday Night” reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, while his writing credits include Jake Owen’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and has also penned songs for Love and Theft, the last country act to perform at IUP in April 2013. Contemporary Music Chair Kiana McLeod (senior, communications me-

dia) was one of the people in charge of bringing in the acts this year, and believes that, based on feedback, TEN did its job by bringing in artists who students want to listen to. “Working with music acts, everyone always wants to see something different,” McLeod said. “It’s hard to cover all the bases, but when we were putting together the lineup we considered the genres that the students felt were underrepresented, and at the same time we wanted to stick to a genre that is consistently successful at IUP.” The last of the four announcements of entertainment is that the All Def Comedy Tour will grace the Ohio Room stage Nov. 3. Comedians scheduled to appear include Karlous Miller, the 2014 finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Sydney Castillo, the 2014 winner of TBS’s “Funniest Wins,” Chaunté Wayans from MTV2’s “Wild N Out” and James Davis from BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” This event, as well as the Rich Homie Quan concert, are jointly presented by TEN and the Black Emphasis Committee. Tickets are currently on sale at the HUB box office and online at iuptickets.com. For students looking forward to the annual homecoming concert, some things can be expected year after year. Going by trends, the concert is on

August 28, 2015

a Thursday night at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex and features a hip-hop artist. With The Entertainment Network’s concert announcements this year, those trends have been broken, with financial strains to blame. While the KCAC can hold thousands of people for a concert, operational costs coupled with a multiple-year freeze in the TEN and BEC budget have made the prospects of holding a concert there impracticable. Meanwhile, the Hadley Union Building Ohio Room, with its capacity capped at 700, has lower costs to put on a show, and in turn keeps ticket prices lower for students. “We have found it nearly impossible for us to find an artist we can afford,” Director of Student Activities and Assessment Zach Clark said, “but is also popular enough for us to get the right amount of tickets to make the KCAC worthwhile for the amount of money that it costs. “TEN and BEC have had a pretty steady budget for about the last seven years, and realistically in the entertainment industry, inflation is much higher in the entertainment industry than regular inflation increases” For example, Wiz Khalifa headlined the 2011 homecoming concert with Wale, and sold out the KCAC in the

venue’s first homecoming. That same show in 2015 would cost nearly double what it did just four years ago, as inflation is much higher in the music industry than in the regular markets, according to Clark. “We must use money that is entrusted to us by the students of IUP, and we don’t want to use the money frivolously.” In preparations for the fall bill of events, board members of both TEN and BEC decided that money would be better spent on smaller shows in the Ohio Room, rather than in a KCAC concert. TEN also broke a trend of bringing just hip-hop acts for homecoming, with All Time Low kicking off the week of festivities with a Sept. 29 show. “In the past, we go with buying trends,” Clark said. “By and large, our hip-hop shows sold better than other shows. We have always tried to make as many people as happy as we can, and that’s one of the reasons you see such a diverse artist lineup for this semester.” Tickets, which went on sale in the HUB Aug. 24, are still available for both IUP and public purchase. Overall, students are happy with the artist selections, with more than 90 percent of the feedback coming in positive in nature, especially toward All Time Low, according to Clark.

August 28, 2015

Police Blotter ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS

• Kayla Belack, 20, of Pittsburgh, was charged with presenting false identification to law enforcement, underage drinking and public urination, according to Indiana Borough Police. Authorities observed Belack urinating along the 500 block of Grandview Avenue at approximately 11:25 p.m. Aug. 20. After being stopped, she provided the officer with a false ID and was taken into custody. • Sean Siffrin, 19, and Ryan McCammon, 19, both of Bradford, were cited for underage drinking by Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police after police reportedly noticed one of them carrying an open can of beer at the intersection of Locust Street and Garman Avenue at 1:33 a.m. Aug. 22. • Alyssa Adamo, 19, Moscow, was charged with false reports to law enforcement, presenting false identification to law enforcement, underage drinking, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct after university police said they noticed a female kicking the tail light of a vehicle along School Street at 12:27 a.m. Aug. 24. After an investigation, Adamo was charged with the above offenses, according to police. • Darius Lighty, 21, of West Mifflin, was charged with public drunkenness after university police reportedly found Lighty unconscious in the lobby of Delaney Hall at 12:47 a.m. Aug. 22. Police said Lighty was highly intoxicated and they were unable to wake him, which led to Lighty being transported to Indiana Regional Medical Center for care. • Borough police responded to a report of an intoxicated driver at Sheetz, 768 Wayne Ave. When officers attempted to stop Jermayne Ramsey Jr., 20, of Jeannette, he fled in a vehicle and then later on foot, police said. He resisted arrest, which resulted in the injury of an officer, while being taken into custody, police said. Ramsey was charged with fleeing from police, DUI, loitering and prowling, simple assault, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, underage drinking, criminal mischief and four summary traffic violations at 11:14 p.m. Aug. 21, according to borough police.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

• Dennis Straw, 22, of Clymer, was charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct after an Indiana Borough Police investigation reportedly found that Straw damaged a window of a building at 659 Philadelphia St. at approximately 1:50 a.m. Aug. 1, police said. • A vehicle parked in a driveway at the 1300 block of School Street reportedly had one of its rear tires slashed between noon Aug. 21 and 8 p.m. Aug. 23, according to borough police. Anyone with information is asked to call borough police at 724-349-2121. • A resident reported that someone reportedly damaged a pot of flowers and stole several landscape lights in the 100 block of South Fifth Street between 11:30 p.m. Aug. 25 and 6 a.m. Aug. 26, according to borough police. Anyone with information is asked to call borough police. • An unknown actor reportedly painted graffiti on the windows of a business located in the 500 block of Philadelphia Street and a metal traffic control box between the evening of Aug. 22 and the morning of Aug. 23, police said. Borough police are investigating and encourage anybody with information to call borough police. • An unknown actor reportedly entered and searched through an unlocked vehicle parked at a residence in the 600 block of Stannard Avenue between Aug. 19 and the morning of Aug. 20, police said. Borough police are investigating and encourage anyone with information to call borough police.

THEFT

• A black cardholder wallet with a money clip on one side was reportedly stolen from a vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence in the 500 block of Widdowson Way between 7:15 p.m. Aug. 19 and 7 a.m. Aug 20, according to borough police. Anyone with information is asked to call police. • An unknown actor reportedly entered an unlocked vehicle located in the 500 block of Standard Avenue and stole several items Aug. 20, police said. Borough police are investigating and encourage anyone with information to call police. • A camping tent was taken from the inside of a vehicle parked at a residence in the 300 block of North Taylor Avenue between Aug. 19 and the morning of Aug. 20, police said. Borough police are investigating and encourage anyone with information to call police.

News

IUP students encouraged to attend 6th annual Hawk Walk By KALI LEDGARD Lead News Writer K.J.Ledgard@iup.edu

Indiana University of Pennsylvania students and faculty, along with community members of Indiana, will be joining together for the sixth annual Hawk Walk. The walk will take place Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. through select neighborhoods surrounding the university. The walk is designed to be a way for students and faculty members of IUP, as well as community members, to reach out and greet the newer residents and students of Indiana. “We usually have many people such as council members, staff and faculty volunteer,” said Betsy Sarneso, co-coordinator of the event. “This year we have the men’s basketball team participating.” Volunteers who will be participating in the walk will break up into small groups consisting of students, police officers and officials of the university to complete the walk. The groups will be going door to door, focusing on neighborhoods consisting of both non-students and students. The groups will be distributing information packets to residents. The packets will contain information on community services and contacts like the police and the Alice Paul House, an organization that promotes awareness of domestic violence, sexual

assault and victimization. A good neighbor guide will also be distributed to each household. These guides will consist of information on trash and recycling, businesses in downtown Indiana, alcohol facts and safety tips, a guide of parks and recreation and coupons for businesses. The neighborhood guide will also include a map of Indiana. The Hawk Walk was formed six years ago by the Indiana Community University Collaborative after neighborhoods in other universities began participating in programs similar to the walk and had a positive outcome, according to Sarneso. Penn State University is one university that has found success from organized walks like the Hawk Walk. “The walk has been successful in cultivating better neighborhood relations between students and long-term residents,” Sarneso said in an Aug. 27 email. “This year we will be targeting the parts of the second and third wards of town.” The event is held annually as a way to keep the students at the university integrated with the residents of the community. It is also a way to help keep new students living off campus for the first time informed and educated on the rules and regulations of the community. “I think it is a really great way to bring information to the students in

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the community and to share events with both communities,” Sarneso said. Anyone wishing to volunteer is encouraged to contact Sarneso and meet at the Hadley Union Building at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday for an information session. Volunteers will then be asked to return to the HUB after the walk to complete a brief survey. Refreshments will be provided to those who attend.

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153rd Indiana County Fair to open Saturday By LAUREN KROMER Staff Writer L.Kromer@iup.edu

Saturday marks the beginning of the 153rd annual Indiana County Fair. It runs through Sept. 5 and is located at the J.S. Mack Community Center at 750 S. Sixth St. Recurring popular theme nights include a high school band Tuesday night and a cheerleading expo Thursday night. The fair will include new attractions, one of them being a caterpillar showcase. Susan Douglas, along her with five grandchildren, will be showcasing 400 caterpillars that will metamorphose into monarch butterflies during the length of the fair. Welde’s Bear Show will provide guests with education on conservation and also perform a family-friendly show. According to their website, Johnny D. Welde, a third-generation animal trainer and grandson to the original founder, will be running the show. For entertainment, former American Idol contestant Casey James will be performing Monday at 8 p.m. He competed in season nine and came in third place. Local musicians, dancers, comedians and other acts will also be present. A variety of races and contests are also

taking place. An outhouse race will occur Sunday afternoon. A log-sawing contest is planned for Thursday night, along with a milk-chugging challenge. Sept. 5 will bring a horseshoe pitching contest. The fair will offer a petting zoo and camel rides daily. Students and community members can enjoy many other events, including a truck pull, amusement park-style rides, a train show and an antique motor and machinery show. For the dinosaur enthusiasts, a Jurassic Kingdom show will provide guests with a prehistoric display and a handson approach, according to the event’s website. The exhibit will include fossils, a dinosaur egg-hatch simulation and a 13-foot-tall, moving Tyrannosaurus rex replica. Indiana restaurants and local vendors will provide a variety of carnival fair food for hungry attendants, according to Chris Nehrig, the assistant treasurer on the Indiana County Fair Board of Directors. Admission is free on Sunday and $8 for the duration of the fair, according to the fair’s website.

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August 28, 2015

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Title IX now required in IUP syllabi By MARGARET BURRIS Staff Writer M.W.Burris@iup.edu

As students may have noticed during the first week of classes, professors at Indiana University of Pennsylvania are now required to include information about Title IX in their syllabi. Title IX outlines the procedures that follow sexual harassment and sexual violence complaints. Professors are now required to report any of these incidents to a designated campus security authority or personnel depending on the identity of the perpetrator. There are not only campus-wide laws regarding this topic, either. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, the Commonwealth and federal laws and regulations have been written to address sexual violence ranging from domestic abuse to stalking. This is one of the main reasons that IUP has added information about Title IX in high-profile places such as in teachers’ syllabi. Title IX states that schools must be proactive about protecting students from sexual harassment.

Adding Title IX as a mandatory part of syllabi is one of IUP’s ways of being proactive. “The university wants to make students aware of not only what the obligations are of employees, but also how those obligations impact students,” said Valerie Mercado, the compliance officer and Title IX coordinator at IUP. Mercado said it is crucial for students to be knowledgable about the importance and function of Title IX. “Knowledge of Title IX and related policies empowers individuals with knowledge of standards of conduct, which includes disclosure and behavior prohibited by law,” she said, “and prepares them to properly respond to situations where they believe misconduct may have occurred.” A facet of Title IX is that professors are mandated by law to report any acts of social discrimination that students tell them about, regardless of whether the student asks for privacy or not. Dr. Christina Ruby, a staff member of the department of biology, said that it is “good to make students aware of [Title IX]” and “is certainly worth mentioning.” However, Ruby also said that she

is unsure if having Title IX added in teachers’ syllabi is the most appropriate way to be sure students are knowledgeable. She also added that she knows this provision is meant well. Dr. Joseph Duchamp, a colleague of Ruby in the biology department, also expressed mixed feelings about the provision. “It is certainly good information for students to have; however, I am unsure why it is added on to the syllabus,” he said. Duchamp continued on to express the emphasis on Title IX’s full disclosure policy that staff must have. The inclusion of Title IX in professor’ syllabi could also function as a reminder for students who want privacy to seek out counselors rather than faculty members, as they are required to report any form of sexual discrimination they witness or hear about. Mercado hopes that the increased visibility of Title IX will “lead to increased confidence in the systems and procedures being put into place to prevent and respond to allegations of sex discrimination, sexual violence and child abuse.”

English major tackles music industry By STEPHANIE BACHMAN

Staff Writer S.L.Bachman@iup.edu

Aspiring musician Joel Kremer (junior, English) now has his original music available on iTunes and was given the opportunity to write a song for an upcoming film. Kremer’s song that is available on iTunes is called “Mr. Catch Me if You Can,” featuring artist Aaron Ray. Currently, Kremer goes by his stage name “Just Kidding,” but he plans to go simply by his given name in the future. Kremer, whose genre of choice is Christian rap/hiphop, explained the process he went through to get his music recorded and made available to the world. “As far as the recording process, it’s really an ‘underdog’ story,” he said. “I have a microphone in my room, and I use all of my own equipment. I have a friend from high school who makes the quality a little better, but that’s about it.” Kremer is not just about making his own music, as he is also working on a song for the soundtrack of an upcoming film. The movie is titled “Godfathers of MMA,” and is based on a book of the same name. It is about the fighters and founders of modern mixed martial arts.

Kremer said he has been influenced by graduates of Indiana University of Pennsylvania who also were rappers. They include Caleb Joyce, also known as “Dubby of Team Loko,” Ryan Spencer, who goes by “RKS,” and Eric Soler. Kremer has been in the business of making music for the past six years. During his freshman year at IUP, he switched his genre to focus more on Christian rap. Kremer elaborated on where he plans to take his career next and what he hopes to do in the future. “I can’t wait to get back to making more music here and there, but for now, I have to focus on school work,” Kremer said. “After graduation, I plan on furthering my plans by doing more shows and releasing more music.” He also had some advice to offer to his fellow students in regards to pursuing their passions. “Don’t ask what the world needs, do what makes you come alive,” Kremer said. “I never would have thought I would get anywhere musically, but God gave me this talent for a reason,” he said. “As long as I’m doing it for His glory, He won’t steer me in the wrong direction.”

Don’t ask what the world needs, do what makes you come alive.

News

Phi Sigma Pi wins 3

awards at convention By KIMBERLY IMEL Contributing Writer K.N.Imel@iup.edu

At the annual National Convention for Phi Sigma Pi, Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Eta chapter of the National Honor Fraternity won three awards: Best in Western Pennsylvania Region, The C. H. McClure Single Service Award and the Sanders P. McComsey Most Improved Old Chapter Award. The convention was held at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, Va. The C. H. McClure Single Service Award is given to a chapter for the completion of an outstanding service project, while the Sanders P. McComsey Most Improved Old Chapter Award is distributed to a chapter that has “demonstrated the most overall improvement from the preceding year,” according to phisigmapi.org. Already proud of PSP’s accomplishments this past year, winning awards at the convention only deepened President Aubrey Keperling’s affection for the fraternity. “To be recognized on a national scale for all the work we’ve done in the past year felt extremely gratifying, and will only serve to motivate us to achieve even more in the next year,” she said. Although the awards banquet was the highlight event, there was more to the convention. The National Convention itself is “an annual gathering of collegiate brothers, honorary brothers, alumni brothers, National Council and National Staff from all over the country,” Keperling said. Delegates from each chapter normally attend the convention and work with the National Council during Grand Chapter.

During this convention, individuals voted on business such as adopting a new National Philanthropy and the Hugh O’ Brian Youth Leadership Foundation, Keperling said. Aside from the business aspect of the convention, members have the opportunity to attend or participate in workshops, roundtables, the Chapter Bazaar and social events such as photography walks. Phi Sigma Pi is “a gender-inclusive National Honor Fraternity open to students in all disciplines,” that is built on three ideals, which are “scholarship, leadership and fellowship,” Keperling said. Currently, there are approximately 50 members in IUP’s chapter and more are expected to join as the semester continues. On a national scale, there are 135 collegiate chapters and 11 alumni chapters. “In Phi Sigma Pi, I have a family who accepts me and loves me just as I am and friends who support me in all endeavors,” Keperling said. Eric Dillman, the public relations chair at Phi Sigma Pi, also expressed the organization’s significance in his life. “It’s so nice being a part of an organization where everyone cares about school and their futures,” Dillman said. Plans are already being made for the upcoming year as the Eta chapter prepares for next year’s national convention. According to Keperling, the fraternity will be partaking in a national fundraising campaign, wearing its letters on the 14th of every month and increasing its presence on campus and in the Indiana community.

August 28, 2015

Intramurals Fall 2015 To schedule your team ,visit http://w w w .im leagues.com /iup

entry deadlines 3 on 3 Basketball(M & W ).......................................M on day,Septem ber 7 D odgeball(M & CoRec)........................................M on day,Septem ber 14 Volleyball(CoRec & W om en )................................M on day,Septem ber 21 Softball(M & W )....................................................M on day,Septem ber 21 4 on 4 Flag Football(M & W ).................................M on day,Septem ber 21 Basketball(M )...........................................................M on day,O ctober 12 Basketball(W )..........................................................M on day,O ctober 12 Pickleball............................................................................................TBA Spikeball.............................................................................................TBA

Check the IM Leagues w ebsite,The Penn an d In tram uraloffice for addition alon e day tourn am en ts in cludin g Racquetball, W alleyball,Bow lin g,D odgeball,Golf an d Basketball.

T-shirts w illbe issued to team an d in dividual cham pion s! Phi Sigma Pi members wearing their T-shirts.

(Photo courtesy of Aubrey Keperling)

August 28, 2015

News

IUP launches ‘Park the Phone’ By KIMBERLY IMEL Contributing Writer K.N.Imel@iup.edu

On Aug. 14, the “Park the Phone” safety campaign made its way to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus, where it will remain until Sept. 14. Collaborating on the safety campaign is the University Police Department, IUP Institute for Rural Health and Safety and the Pennsylvania De-

partment of Transportation. PennDOT is an “engineering district” that provides sustainable transportation systems and focuses on education or enforcement in that area, according to Deborah Casadei, PennDOT District 10 public information officer. The Institute for Rural Health and Safety promotes a similar idea to PennDOT by focusing on community safety in five different counties.

Each group working on the campaign emphasizes the need to educate young drivers about the consequences of distracted driving and guide these individuals to keep their focus on the road. It’s about raising awareness for people to put their phones down when they are driving, said Jeffrey Grim, a research analyst at the Institute for Rural Health and Safety. At each stop sign around campus are

black-and-white signs that say “Park the Phone Before You Drive,” with a cell phone in the center. Each sign reminds students to think twice about texting and driving. Not only are there signs that promote the cause, but students and faculty members themselves can show their support for the campaign by signing a pledge. “You need to be responsible for your safety,” Casadei said. “By making a pledge to put down the phone you are essentially saying, ‘I agreed that this is what I am going to do.’” Furthermore, the pledge prompts peer interaction and discussion. Casadei believes the pledge is meant to invite the college students to join that effort in order to make driving safer for everyone. The program, based off of California’s “TXT L8TR” campaign, may become a yearly event, and efforts are also being made to bring the campaign to other campuses, such as Slippery Rock University. Distracted driving is a serious matter that takes the lives of individuals daily. Distracted driving is defined as “any-

thing that causes you to either take your attention away from driving, take your eyes off of the road or take your hands off of the wheel,” according to www.justdrivepa.org. This includes actions such as eating, drinking, smoking and texting on the road. According to The Indiana Gazette, texting significantly affects an individual’s driving ability and is equivalent to having an 0.8-percent blood-alcohol level. On a separate note, in 2010 alone, Pennsylvania had 13,846 crashes as a result of distracted driving. 1,093 of those 13,846 crashes involved an individual using a handheld device. Eleven people also lost their lives in those 1,093 crashes, according to www.justdrivepa.org. Not only are there physical ramifications, but financial consequences exist as well. Since March 8, 2012, it is against the law to use Interactive Wireless Communication Devices such as portable computers and smart phones while operating a motor vehicle. Violators of this law are fined $50 and must pay additional court fees, according to www.justdrivepa.org.

(Submitted photo from Michelle Fryling)

Left: IUP Police Officer Tami Cramer; Center: Deborah Casadai, PennDOT District 10 public information officer; and Dr. Louis Pesci, director of IUP Institute for Rural Health and Safety, standing behind one of the “Park the Phone” campaign signs on campus.

Opinion

Penn EDITORIAL

Journalists killed, mourned

(TNS)

We need to prevent another decade of environmental destruction By KRISTA SCHLYER TNS The following editorial appeared in the TNS Forum Thursday, July 9: A law that came into force 10 years ago called the Real ID Act has done serious damage to public lands and wildlife at the U.S.-Mexico border. The federal government stripped protections from endangered species including the Sonoran pronghorn (the fastest land mammal in the Western Hemisphere), a tiny bird called the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl and the majestic Mexican gray wolf. Under the guise of combating terrorism, the law allowed the federal government to destroy essential migration pathways for the ocelot, jaguarundi and jaguar – three critically endangered wildcat species of the borderlands. Globally rare ecosystems that migrating birds need for respite on their long

Opinion

journeys have been scraped bare of their vegetation. And the legislation went even further. Section 102 of the Real ID Act gave the Department of Homeland Security the authority to waive all local, state and federal regulations in order to build border walls, barriers and roads. In 2008, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff waived 37 laws along the border, including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act and the National Park Service Organic Act. It was possibly the largest waiver of laws in U.S. history, causing intense damage to some of the most beautiful and unique national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands that form the bedrock of our nation’s natural heritage. I have seen the damage to our public lands. My photography book, “Continental Divide: Wildlife, People and the Border Wall,” documents fragile desert wilderness scarred forever by the tires of Border Patrol vehicles,

as well as wildlife such as mountain lions, cottontail rabbits, deer and javelina trapped at the border wall. It also reports on wildlife and people drowned in floods caused by infrastructure built outside the bounds of environmental law. We don’t seem to have learned from this destruction. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., recently introduced a bill ironically titled the “Arizona Borderlands Protection and Preservation Act,” which would exempt Border Patrol from all laws within 100 miles of Arizona’s border, further diminishing environmental protections. Disregarding our nation’s laws and destroying our most treasured lands will not make us more secure. Ten years of the Real ID Act has proven that. It’s time to repeal Section 102 and return essential environmental safeguards to wildlife and our public lands.

August 28, 2015

The world is again left in utter shock after two WDBJ journalists were shot and killed during a live broadcast at approximately 6:45 a.m. Wednesday. Alison Parker, 24, and photographer Adam Ward, 27, were reporting on a local story outside Moneta, Va., when former WDBJ reporter Vester Flanagan opened fire on Parker. Parker and Ward are the seventh and eighth journalists to be killed in the U.S. since 1992, and the first journalists to be killed since Chauncey Bailey, former editor-in-chief of the Oakland Post in Oakland, Calif., was shot on his way to work in 2007, according to The Washington Post. The station cut back to the studio, where an anchor, Kimberly McBroom, expressed the same emotion as all those staring back at the screen: shock. “You know, you send people into war zones, you send people into dangerous situations and into riots, and you worry that they are going to get hurt,” Marks said, according to CNN. “You send somebody out to do a story on tourism and – how can you expect something like this to happen?” The tragic deaths of Parker and Ward are just two examples of deaths caused by firearms in the United States. In fact, most homicides in the U.S. are committed “with firearms, especially handguns,” according to the National Institute of Justice. It added that in 2011, “firearms were used in 68 percent of murders, 41 percent of robbery offenses and 21 percent of aggravated assaults nationwide.” The topic of gun control has been a hot one in politics in recent years, and Parker and Ward’s deaths are already beginning to turn up the heat. However, more can be done to curtail firearm-related deaths and crimes while public policy is considered. Wal-Mart, the top seller of guns and ammunition in the U.S., announced Wednesday that it will stop all sales of military-style semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15s. The company said the decision was unrelated to recent killings involving rifles; however, the decision may help to decrease the number of future incidents. The Penn staff mourns the loss of these two young journalists and honor their contributions to journalism. Just as Parker and Ward worked to shed light on the issues, we ask that their deaths may also help to bring about change.

Editorial Policy The Penn editorial opinion is determined by the Editorial Board, with the editor-in-chief having final responsibility. Opinions expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily that of The Penn, the university, the Student Cooperative Association or the student body. The Penn is completely independent of the university.

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The Penn encourages its readers to comment on issues and events affecting the Indiana University of Pennsylvania community through letters to the editor. Letters must be typed in a sans serif, 12-point font, double-spaced and no more than 350 words long. Letters may not be signed by more than five people, and letters credited to only an organization will not be printed. All writers must provide their signature, university affiliation, address and phone number for verification of the letter. The Penn will not honor requests to withhold names from letters. The Penn reserves the right to limit the number of letters published

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August 28, 2015

Wet Ink

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Wet Ink Editor: Chris Hayes – C.T.Hayes@iup.edu

Renovations made to Indiana Mall movie theater By MARY ROMEO Staff Writer M.E.Romeo@iup.edu

Renovations have been made to the movie theater located in the Indiana Mall after it was picked up by a different ownership group. Golden Star Theaters, a Pittsburghbased movie theater chain, took over the theater when Carmike Cinemas’ lease expired. “You can expect a new theater with just better everything,” said Patrick Sharrow, head manager of the theater and Indiana University of Pennsylvania alumnus. The four theaters have been renovated completely, with surround sound, reclining leather seats and cup holders installed. The refurbishing process took roughly three months, but it remained open all summer. Customers were still welcomed during the reconstruction of the theater. Renovations to the concession stand are expected to start in a few weeks, with

the project roughly taking five months to complete, Sharrow said. The beverage and snack items have changed as well. Pepsi products have replaced CocaCola products, soft pretzels are now being offered, and an ICEE machine will soon be installed. Anyone who purchases a large drink or popcorn receives unlimited refills, and absolutely no outside food or drink is permitted in the theater. Adult tickets are $7.25, while tickets for children and seniors ages 60 and up are $7 all day. After 6 p.m., ticket prices are $9.50. Another major change is that the theater will remain open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for afternoon showings, which Carmike did not do. Golden Star will open at 2 p.m. on those days. Golden Star Theater offers a discount day every Monday where tickets are $6 all day to anyone. Customers will also receive a free 32-ounce bag of popcorn. Another promotional feature that

Golden Star offers are movie poster giveaways. When a movie is no longer showing at the theater, people can fill out a form for the poster they want, as long as the poster is still available after the movie is released. Larissa Rocko, an employee at Golden Star Theater who previously worked for Carmike Cinemas, commented on the professionalism displayed in the new theater. “The atmosphere feels a lot more professional working for this theater than Carmike,” she said. “I feel like the customer service has also improved a lot.” Sharrow and the employees feel they will gain an influx in customers because of the start of school and the return of the students. “I think people are just now realizing that we’re a completely new theater, so I think word of mouth on campus will really help get the word out there that we’re open,” said Katie Leonard (junior, theater), an IUP student and Golden Star Theater employee.

Golden Star Theaters now owns the Indiana Mall Cinemas. (Kyle Richner/ The Penn)

Efron, Wilson star in films opening this weekend By RENEÉ WILLIAMSON Staff Writer R.A.Williamson@iup.edu

Friday nights are notorious for popcorn, ticket stubs, catching the trailers and lounging in front of the silver screen, and this weekend is filled with several anticipated movie releases. Aspirations, friends and electric dance music are the themes of Max Joseph’s “We Are Your Friends,” starring Zac Efron. This film encompasses the life of Cole Carter, a hopeful disc jockey, and his friends on their journey to get out of The San Fernando Valley confines. Drama ensues when a taboo romance arises that can potentially hurt Carter’s success in the music industry. An interesting fact about this movie:

Joseph is the cameraman for the MTV series “Catfish” and had to leave for several months to direct “We Are Your Friends.” Another film coming to theaters this weekend is Alex Kendrick’s “War Room.” “War Room” is a Kendrick Brothers production that shares the story of a family that is on the verge of estrangement. Priscilla Shirer plays Elizabeth Jordan, a wife who gets mentored in faith by Miss Clara, played by Karen Abercrombie. Elizabeth Jordan is inspired by Miss Clara and attempts to apply her new insight to her life. Tony Jordan, played by T.C. Stallings, is Elizabeth’s husband who must decide whether or not he wants to join

his wife in the battle to heal their family. This film is “to remind believers that we must not only pray, but do battle in prayer,” co-writer Stephen Kendrick told CBN News. When casting “War Room,” Alex and Stephen Kendrick aspired to have their actors believe the work that they were portraying. Given that, the brothers mainly hired people who were involved with the Christian church. They have directed other Christian films like “Fireproof ” and “Flywheel.” The closest screening for “War Room” is at the Carmike 15 in Greensburg. For the action film enthusiasts is John Erick Dowdles’ “No Escape.” From the director of “Quarantine”

comes an action-thriller film about Jack Dwyer and his efforts to protect his family. Dwyer, played by Owen Wilson, moves his family to Southeast Asia to start a new life after accepting a job overseas. Abruptly, a violent coup breaks out, threatening the safety of Dwyer and his family. The family must then find a way to escape the eminent terror. The writers, John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle, chose Wilson, prominently seen in comedic roles, for the main role to fully communicate a person being out of their element in a stressful situation. “We really like the idea of having a revelatory performance in this role. … We wanted someone who feels more like a friend of yours,” Dowdle said.

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Wet Ink

Jimmy Stewart Museum to honor Jim Caviezel By STEPHANIE BACHMAN Staff Writer S.L.Bachman2@iup.edu

The Jimmy Stewart Museum will present the 2015 Harvey Award to actor Jim Caviezel at a reception and ceremony at the Chestnut Ridge Resort in Blairsville Saturday. Caviezel is known for his roles in such movies as “The Thin Red Line,” “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “The Passion of the Christ.” More recently, he is most known for his lead role as John Reese in the hit CBS drama “Person of Interest.” President of the Jimmy Stewart Museum Foundation Timothy Harley explained what the Harvey Award is and its significance. “The award was originally established to honor people who worked directly with Mr. Stewart and shared his mentality and work ethic,” Harley said. “As time has passed those people, like Mr. Stewart, have also passed. Now we look for people who reflect the same work ethic, mentality and life ethics as Jimmy Stewart. “We think we have a very good candidate in Mr. Caviezel.” Caviezel was selected for the award not only because he embodied the characteristics of Stewart, but also because he had established a friendship with Stewart after moving to Hollywood. Caviezel met Stewart at a party for former President George H. W. Bush, where Stewart was a guest and Caviezel was part of the wait staff. He introduced himself to one of his favorite actors at the risk of losing his

catering job. Caviezel maintained occasional contact with Stewart over the years until his passing in 1997. Other recipients of the Harvey Award over the years include actresses Carol Burnett and Shirley Jones, actor Robert Wagner, personal friend of Stewart June Allen and special friend and supporter of the museum, Rich Little. In an interview with the Jimmy Stewart Museum, Caviezel talked about his memories of Stewart and the impact he had on his career. “[Stewart] said a lot of things that I have thought about over my years as an actor,” Caviezel said. “Two that really stay with me are: ‘My father just didn’t accept the idea of my being an actor. I think that’s the reason he kept the hardware store in operation, because I think he was pretty sure that I was going to be found out sooner or later, and he wanted to have a job for me to come back to.’ And, ‘Never treat your audience as customers, always as partners.’” Harley also touched on the significance of Caviezel’s visit. “We are honored that [Caviezel] was kind enough to accept the award and come out to Indiana,” he said.

August 28, 2015

IUP scientists: Squirrels incapable of love By PATRICK KALIE Staff Writer P.D.Kalie@iup.edu

The following is a satirical column: Scientists have discovered that squirrels are not capable of love. Dr. Bucky Forest of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania department of squirrel sciences has been studying the romantic activity of squirrels for the past 33 years. Dr. Forest found some interesting results. During a date between two squirrels, both spent roughly 68 percent of the date on their iPhones. The other 32 percent of the night out was made up of small talk, staring at the menu and looking around frantically for predators. This may come as a surprise to those who are familiar with activity of the squirrels on campus. “One squirrel was talking to me at a party the other night,” Genny Ularzio (freshman, theater) said. “He seemed rather flirty. Normally guys don’t talk to me at parties, but this squirrel made me

feel something special. He made me feel beautiful. “Nevertheless, I have yet to hear from him since,” Ularzio said. “I still scour the Oak Grove and climb in trees to see if he would like to talk.” She is not alone. Squirrels are notorious lady-killers and womanizers. Approaching a squirrel the “morning after” is a difficult process that rarely leads to anything special. The best practice is to approach it when it is distracted with a nut or listening to Taylor Swift, and jump and catch it. However, this very rarely works because you scared the squirrel away from really talking about his feelings about you. Forest has written numerous papers and books on the subject of squirrel commitment issues. “We never really got down to the specifics on why squirrels never call back,” Forest said. “Some suggest that squirrels are only looking for a physical relation-

ship. Others say that squirrels have issues because their father didn’t stay in their life. A few radical scientists have made the wild assumption that squirrels don’t know how to use phones.” Should you interact with squirrels? Dr. Forest advises against it. “Interacting with squirrels is a slippery slope,” Forest said. “First, they bring you in with the bushy tail and soft fur. Then, they tempt you with their frantic personality and markings on their back. After that, they scamper up a tree, presenting their backside and making themselves irresistible. “I’m sweating just thinking about it,” he said, “however, it is just not worth it. You will never be able to make a lasting relationship with those furry temptresses. God knows that your mother and father will automatically disapprove of your relationship. “Will I ever make you happy, Mother?” Forest asked. Nutzo, the squirrel living in the oak tree in the back corner of the Oak Grove, refused to comment.

August 28, 2015

Death Cab for Cutie’s ‘Plans’ 10 years later By MARY SUKALA Contributing Writer M.L.Sukala@iup.edu

The music industry is a fickle toddler. The alpha-star artists of today will not always be at the top, and at some point, their previous albums will be cast aside, collecting dust on listeners’ shelves like discarded toys. The fifth studio album of the alternative rock/indie pop ensemble Death Cab for Cutie – affectionately dubbed “Death Cab” for short – titled “Plans,” is not one such piece. Having just turned 10 on Aug. 29, it is a contender for the most well-developed, authentic albums of the group. It maintains the promise of the band’s previous musical compilations while keep-

ing up with the newer releases. With its name pulled from a 1960s song about a heartbroken young woman who dies in a car crash, Death Cab for Cutie defies the expectations that come with its melancholy title. Its most striking qualities by far are its raw yet eloquent lyrics and the distinctive tenor voice of the lead singer, Ben Gibbard, which forms the backbone of many of its songs. Death Cab was formed in the ’90s in Seattle, when friends and future bandmates Gibbard (vocals) and Chris Walla (guitar) were still in college. The pair recruited two other fledgling musicians and began by building a modest but faithful fan base from the ground up, creating a solid foundation for the success that was headed their way. They

finally realized that they had struck gold when a local gig sold out; they have been fleshing out their unique style that morphs rock and indie into a satisfying hybrid ever since. “Plans” is an even-handed combination of thought-provoking piano-based tracks such as “Brothers on a Hotel Bed” and “What Sarah Said” and deceptively upbeat, vulnerable tunes like “Soul Meets Body” and the opening track, “Marching Bands of Manhattan.” From commentary on his Catholic school days to meditations on what it is like to love someone in the face of death, Gibbard’s writing evades the typical boy-meets-girl cliché that has well overstayed its welcome in the genre. The overall vibe of the entire collection carries itself with a certain ease without be-

ing simplistic or lazy. “Plans” received similar reviews across the board. Rolling Stone lauded tracks like “Marching Bands of Manhattan,” “Soul Meets Body” and, what many consider the central piece that ties the entire album together, “I Will Follow You into the Dark,” but dismissed a fraction of the album as inessential fluff. The reviewer particularly disliked “Crooked Teeth” and went so far as to label it the album’s despairing weakness. Pitchfork, another music-reviewing outlet, agreed that some songs on the album are better at standing alone than others. However, the general consensus was that, while there are some issues with quality in certain parts of the album, the end result is a solid piece. “Plans” is still being enjoyed by fans around the world.

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IUP offense transitioning under Marty Higgins By JOSH HILL Staff Writer J.M.Hill5@iup.edu

In 2014, the Indiana University of Pennsylvania offensive unit soared to new heights in the passing game under offensive coordinator Tyler Haines. Quarterback Chase Haslett (graduate, sport manageFOOTBALL ment) had one of the best completion percentages in school history and the best since 2008. After a solid offensive season, however, Haines left the Crimson Hawks to take a head coaching job at Urbana University. Enter Marty Higgins. Higgins comes to IUP after spending the last two seasons with the Upper Iowa Peacocks, where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The 1982 South Dakota State graduate helped coach an offense that averaged more than 34 points per contest. During his time with the Peacocks, Upper Iowa had back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1964. Higgins has had the luxury of great skill players at other schools, and he feels the Crimson Hawks have plenty of talent as well. “We’re really young here, but we’ve got tremendous speed and athletic ability,” Higgins said. “The nice thing about having youth and a new offense [is] they don’t have bad habits.” Here is a breakdown of the IUP offense this season: COACHING STAFF: Joining first-year offensive coordinator Marty Higgins on the coaching staff this season are Mike Campolo, Rod Rutherford and Luke Barker. Campolo is now in his 14th season with IUP, and has spent the past 11 years as the offensive line coach. Campolo has also been the run game coordinator since 2006. He has guided IUP to some of its

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best rushing outputs in school history, including 2012, when the Crimson Hawks ranked 10th in the nation in rushing yards (3,630). Rutherford is entering his fifth season with the Crimson Hawks and will coach the wide receivers in 2015. Under the tutelage of Rutherford in 2013, wide receiver Terrill Barnes became the first IUP wideout to go over 1,000 yards since 2002. Luke Barker arrives on the scene for his first year on the IUP coaching staff. Barker comes from West Virginia Wesleyan University, where he spent two seasons as both the running backs coach and special teams coordinator. QUARTERBACKS: IUP brings back over 90 percent of their passing yards from a season ago with Haslett returning for his final season of eligibility as a graduate student. Haslett had an up-and-down season in 2014, throwing for 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. “Our guys are starting to buy into the system and are picking up the new offense,” Haslett said. “We just need to keep focusing and eliminate the mental errors.” Joining Haslett are four freshmen, none of whom have game experience at the collegiate level. That group is headlined by dual-threat Temple University transfer Lenny Williams (freshman, accounting), who was the WPIAL’s all-time leading passer during his career at Sto-Rox High School. He accounted for more than 8,000 passing yards and more than 100 touchdowns. Williams has worked primarily with the second team throughout camp, and has made good strides in the run and pass game. Andre Dreuitt-Parks (business) was rated as the top dual-threat quarterback in Pennsylvania by Rivals. Mike Pietropola (freshman, kinesiology health & sport science) finished his high school career as an All-State selection in both 2013 and 2014. Dan Fisher (freshman, kinesiology health & sport science) had 22 passing

(Courtesy of IUP Athletics)

touchdowns and 16 rushing touchdowns in high school. This unit may be the most important for the Crimson Hawks this season and may very well determine the amount of success the team has. It will be important for the quarterbacks to make good decisions with the football, as IUP had far too many turnovers in crucial situations last season. RUNNING BACKS: IUP returns three of its top four rushers from 2014, beginning with USA Football Preseason All-American Luigi Lista-Brinza (sophomore, kinesiology health & sport science). As a freshman, the second team AllPSAC West selection led IUP with 846 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Lista-Brinza knows that he can’t take shortcuts if he wants to improve on his impressive freshman year. “I just keep working hard,” ListaBrinza said, “put 100 percent in every practice, try to be a leader and make sure the team is getting better every day.” Joining Lista-Brinza in the backfield this season is fellow sophomore Chris Temple (accounting), who appeared in nine games last season and racked up nearly 300 yards rushing in the last three weeks of the season. Other running backs who look to compete for carries this season include former four-star recruit and Virginia Tech commit, Drew Harris (sophomore, sociology), Shannon Jackson (freshman, education), and Izzy Green (junior, communications media).

August 28, 2015

As someone who is trying to lead more, Lista-Brinza has enjoyed working with his teammates so far this season. “It’s a great room in there,” ListaBrinza said. “We’re all close, and we all cheer for each other.”

Sean McVay (senior, nutrition) has played 21 games in his career, but has still battled injuries during his time with the Crimson Hawks. He has 221 yards and three touchdowns in his career.

TIGHT ENDS & FULLBACKS: A group that is small in numbers, the fullbacks and tight ends are still an important group to the IUP offense. Rex Pearce (sophomore, safety science) is now the fullback and has proved to be a valuable asset as a receiver so far in camp. Tight ends Kevin Edwards (junior, finance) and C.J. Jackson (sophomore, ) are both vying for the starting job this season and have flashed good ability throughout spring ball and into camp.

OFFENSIVE LINE: The offensive looks to take a step forward in 2015 with plenty of players looking to break into the starting lineup. Preseason All-American selection Ethan Cooper (junior, finance) is a versatile option and has appeared as a guard and tackle in his career. Jorge Vicioso (senior, developmental studies) returns after starting in every game last season and will bring plenty of experience. Dan Charmo (geography) also returns for his sophomore season. Kidus Woldeyes (freshman, computer science) has turned heads in camp and is looking to get the nod as the starting center this year. Juniors Tony Morgante (criminology) and Ed Bier (criminolgy) have each gotten some quality repetitions in practice and are competing for starting spots. IUP has added some good depth along the offensive line through the recruiting process. Freshmen Joe Peterson (business) and Zaire Willis (management) have tremendous potential and could fight for playing time as early as this season.

WIDE RECEIVERS: A group that is still relatively young, the receivers have potential to have a lot of success, with playmakers galore. Sophomore Walt Pegues (communications media) is the highest returning statistical leader, accounting for 607 yards and four touchdowns. Pegues began his freshman year as a lethal weapon in the return game, but has become one of the top receiving options for the Crimson Hawks this year. Pegues feels like IUP is getting to a good point offensively. “We started off slow the first couple of days,” Pegues said. “Everybody is getting the thinking part out of it and we are just playing football again.” Another potential option out of the slot this season is Jordan Brown (sophomore, kinesiology health & sport science), who is one of the most athletically gifted players on the team. Outside playmakers are plentiful as well, as Valley Forge transfer Gabriel Yuille (junior, criminology) has provided a vertical threat for the Crimson Hawks. Swahneek Brown (freshman, management) and Miles Williamson (freshman, business) also provide good height and have flashed playmaking ability in practice.

FINAL THOUGHTS: For Higgins and the IUP Crimson Hawks, the goals pretty clear for the season. “Just win every game,” Higgins said. “I’m not a stat guy, the only stat that is really important at the end of the day is that we win.” With a new offense comes new formations, signals, tendencies and terminology for players to familiarize themselves with. It will not be an easy transition, but it will be a transition the IUP Crimson Hawks need to make in order to achieve their goals for the 2015 season.

August 28 2015

Sports

IUP looks to bounce back in 2015 By JAKE ENDERS Staff Writer J.G.Enders@iup.edu

The Indiana University of Pennsylvania field hockey team enters the 2015 season looking to prove a lot of people wrong. It might surprise many if the Crimson Hawks find a way back into the FIELD HOCKEY postseason this year after missing the playoffs in 2014 and thus breaking a string of three consecutive playoff berths. IUP’s 6-11 record last year was its worst in 18 seasons and tied for the second-worst regular season in the history of a program that dates back to 1994. If that weren’t enough, the Crimson Hawks lost six starters from last year’s team, including the starting goalkeeper and five of their seven leading scorers. The Crimson Hawks aren’t expected to seriously contend in a loaded Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, according to the coaches’ poll, released Aug. 20. IUP is tied with Mercyhurst University in the No. 8 slot. The conference boasts so much strength among its 11 teams that the defending national champions aren’t even considered the frontrunners going into the year. That honor belongs to West Chester University, the 2014 PSAC champions, who edged out No. 2 and 2014 NCAA champion Millersville University for the top spot. IUP does, however, have a foundation that could bring some level of

success in 2015. Haley Fidler (junior, exercise science), the team’s leading scorer last season with six goals and 13 points, returns and hopes to build on her third-team All-PSAC West selection. In addition, the Crimson Hawks could benefit from a large and relatively experienced group of sophomores. As IUP’s playoff hopes faded down the stretch in 2014, head coach Gary Agard decided to give his freshmen more playing time. The team returns no less than a half-dozen sophomores who saw significant action last year and should only improve with a full season under its belt. The biggest hole looms in the net. IUP lost possibly their 2014 MVP, goalkeeper Darian Shuker, to graduation. The responsibility of replacing her will likely fall on the shoulders of Alyssa Lerda (junior, earth and space science). Shuker started every game for the Crimson Hawks over the past two years, and Lerda has only seen action in three games thus far. IUP’s success or failure this year may fall on Shuker, as the Crimson Hawks were not an offensive juggernaut last season by any stretch and don’t figure to be this year. Agard will have his hands full directing IUP back to the postseason in 2015. However, the veteran coach has similar accomplishments on his resume. He claims 48 career victories in his six years as the head coach for Indiana, making him both the second-longesttenured and second-winningest coach in program history.

Goalkeeper Darian Shuker made a save during her senior season last fall.

(Cal Cary/The Penn)

August 28, 2015

Sports

Six years later, Vick still under scrutiny Editor in Chief C.J.Benjamin@iup.edu

The following is an opinion article: Six years removed from his headlining release from prison, Michael Vick is still the target of animosity. My question: Why? I can’t say I’m entirely surprised by the sudden uproar of opposition directed at Vick and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who this week signed the 35-year-old to be little more than short-term Ben Roethlisberger insurance. But the hostility – more than 20,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Steelers and NFL fans to “stop him from playing on our team,” and a handful of others protested with signs outside Pittsburgh’s practice facilities Aug. 26 – is beyond unwarranted. No one – this writer included – should shrug their shoulders and ignore the fact that Vick did, in fact, do wrong when he was found to have partaken in a dogfighting ring and subsequently pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges. But can it really be true that people are still oblivious to the nearly two years Vick spent in prison from 2007 to 2009, let alone the countless charitable efforts he’s made over the course of his last six seasons in the league? If the concern about Vick is whether or not he’s genuinely transformed his life, it’s already irrelevant. Because even if people shrug off the fact that two other teams embraced the former No. 1 overall draft pick prior to his Pittsburgh arrival, they could certainly redirect

their attention from a man whose last half-decade has been all but spot-free to, say, more pressing issues of today – the NFL’s raging problem with domestic violence cases might be a start. This is certainly not a call to excuse Vick’s past, which has been about as colorful as his on-field career. Rather, it’s a plea to accept that Vick has not only served his time but taken steps to better the community. Aside from helping the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act pass in Congress, he’s been a frequent advocate for efforts against the very crime he committed. That, along with a conwillingness to stand up for his wrongdoings, should make it clear Vick at least carries himself in a manner worthy of respect. Not every protestor has identified as having conversely supported Roethlisberger, the unofficial centerpiece of the Steelers’ recent Super Bowl runs who also happens to have a history of cloudy sexual assault allegations. But those who have intently condemned Vick should at least be aware of the concerns that surrounded their own beloved quarterback. At the end of the day, perhaps some fans are simply bewildered by the fact that a franchise with a historically clean image opted to invest in a player with a jaded past. Perhaps some do believe Vick’s actions, no matter how long ago they took place, deserve criticism. It’s time for people to accept that, for all intents and purposes, this ship has sailed – not just a year ago, but more like six.

Michael Vick, formerly of the New York Jets, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this week.

(MCT)

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Training camp fights give NFL a bad look By ANDREW METRI Staff Writer A.E.Metri@iup.edu

The following is an opinion column: With talk about football season resuming and the highly anticipated NFL opening week approaching, we often forget about a frequent occurrence that unfortunately takes place throughout the entire league: practice fights. The sad part is that these fights usually don’t happen against other teams. They’re amongst teammates who feel they have something to prove, sometimes by sucker punching a teammate who during the 17week season (longer if you’re in the playoffs) will hopefully have your back at all times. They say sports is the ultimate brotherhood and that it brings people together and creates a bond that can’t be broken. That is until your starting quarterback is out for two months with a broken jaw. Speaking of which, the incident involving New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is not the only time we’ve seen or heard of a star player getting in a fight with a teammate. I use the words “star player” loosely, but this isn’t about Smith or IK Enemkpali, the linebacker who will forever be known as the guy that broke Smith’s jaw. There’s something to be said for discipline and respect for your teammates, whether you’re

NFL teammates scuffle during practice.

an undrafted third-string kicker or the perennial MVP quarterback who seems to make every Pro Bowl. Fighting should not be tolerated among teammates. I get the whole “Well, if this guy is willing to fight one of his brothers. I can’t wait to see what he’ll do against another team” mantra, but that’s part of the problem. What happens when that player gets in a fight during a game? The team will be penalized and the player will be fined and probably ejected from the game. Is all that really worth the swing? Coaches preach discipline and commitment, but the second a player does or says something that someone else doesn’t like, then all that talk of sticking together and working together as a team gets thrown out the window along with almost every chance of that player making the team. Fans love excitement; they

(MCT)

want to see players go at it, but what happens when your favorite player is involved in a fight and receives a suspension? Will fans be excited then? Probably not. The New England Patriots are a great example of how to be competitive on the field while also maintaining a sense of sportsmanship during play. In a recent joint practice against the New Orleans Saints, things got heated between players from both teams to the point where Saints players were ready to fight. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick emphasized no fighting or there would be serious consequences. If history is any indication, that usually means a player being cut right on the spot. There’s a fine line between standing up for yourself or a teammate on the field. Fighting falsely proves who the tougher guy is and never ends well for anyone who’s involved.

August 28, 2015

Sports

NEWCOMER SPOTLIGHT: By VAUGHN DALZELL Staff Writer V.S.Dalzell@iup.edu

From the backyard to the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, Dante Lombardi will be playing basketball in front of his father, Joe, for at least four more years. Debate about whether or not the addition of the head coach’s son involved politics may be put to rest, because Dante advances to IUP with a background against

some of the top high-school competition in the state and country. The 5-foot-11 guard hails from The Kiski School in Saltsburg, where the team played prep schools to prepare its players for college. While coach Lombardi thinks Dante is ready to play at the collegiate level, he’ll be as new to coaching his son as he is to any of the other newcomers. “I’ve never played for my dad,” Dante said, “but I’ve talked to a lot of people that have played for him including my brother and other players like Doug McDermott (now on the Chicago Bulls). I expect it to be a great experience.”

NEWCOMER SPOTLIGHT: By VAUGHN DALZELL Staff Writer V.S.Dalzell@iup.edu

Indiana University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball coach Joe Lombardi may have outdone himself this time, bringing in Jeremy Bonifacio (freshman, business), an incoming freshman out of the Manhattan area, where he attended the Dwight School. Standing at 6-foot-6, the reigning ACIS Player of the Year and All-City Manhattan Player of the Year brings a skill set that IUP plans to use right away. Bonifacio averaged 21 points per

game during his senior season as well as 13 rebounds and five blocks. Coach Lombardi snatched Bonifacio up as soon as he had the chance. “No other schools offered me a scholarship,” Bonifacio said. “I was planning on doing a post grad year until Coach Lombardi and IUP blessed me with a scholarship, and I happily accepted.” Bonifacio also credits assistant coach Joe Cantens for getting him to IUP. “I have a good relationship with coach Cantens,” he said. “He helped me with the process to get into IUP and has given me advice. He brings good energy since he is young so he

DANTE LOMBARDI Dante’s older brother, Dominic, played with the team and served as a volunteer assistant coach from 20092012. He’s now an assistant coach at the University of South Florida. “I know I’ll be held at higher standards because I’m his son,” Dante said. Lombardi averaged 13 points per game as a senior in high school last season and led his team in assists. He drew attention from various Division I mid-major schools before choosing to sign with the Crimson Hawks. “I expect to get good minutes as long as I keep working as hard as I

have been,” he said, “but nothing is guaranteed. I won’t say I expect to start, because this is a very talented team, but I am going to work my hardest to be on that floor.” He has a better chance at earning playing time than freshmen have had in year’s past because the team returns only five players from its national-titlerunner-up group. “I can shoot the ball lights out,” he said, “but I’m deceivingly quick so once I get in the lane I can finish at the basket or find the open man.” Lombardi has many accomplishments he is proud of, but his favorites are making a couple all-tournament

teams and taking home team MVP while attending Kiski. “My expectations are high right from the start,” Dante said. “I expect us to compete for a conference championship and a national championship.”