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NEWS

News Editor: Heather Bair – zzzx@iup.edu

IUP released an email Jan. 5 stating that the start date of in-person classes would begin Feb. 8, rather than with start of semester.

(Steven Langdon Jr./The Penn)

Spring semester begins with classes pushed back MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer bbcx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP On Jan. 5, IUP students received an email from the office of the IUP president informing students that the start date of in-person classes will be pushed off until Feb. 8.

This announcement was for students registered for classes that planned to be in-person this semester, not via remote instruction.

Most classes will continue in a remote instruction format for the entire spring semester.

More than a few students have been affected by this change in date for the start of classes.

“I will have one in-person requirement this semester, which is an internship,” Thea McCullough (senior, fashion merchandising) said.

McCullough said she was unsure as of now whether or not she’ll be able to start her internship in-person before the Feb. 8 date.

News

(Steven Langdon Jr./The Penn) IUP posted signs on every entrance around campus stating health guidelines.

More professors this semester have been offering students the opportunity to attend in-person lectures. These professors are giving students the option to decide whether to join on Zoom or to go to in-person instruction. This class setup offers students the ability to

stay home and complete their classes or to get the most of their tuition money by learning in-person.

“I definitely receive a better education in-person compared to online,” McCullough said.

Many students have mixed feelings about remote instruction versus

January 20, 2021

in-person instruction.

“I think I learn more with in-person classes because you don’t have as many distractions as you do at home,” Olivia Tavoletti (senior, marketing) said, “but now that I’ve adjusted to online format, it’s not as hard to learn online.”

While many find in-person more valuable and worth their tuition money, remote instruction offers certain benefits to students as well.

“I prefer online classes because I feel that is the easiest way to hold classes given our circumstances,” Maran Davis (senior, fashion merchandising) said.

In an email from the president’s office Jan. 5, students were urged not to return until Feb. 8. This strategy was to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus and in the Indiana community.

“I don’t think the suspension of in-person classes will slow the spread,” McCullough said. “People will still come to campus and see their friends.”

While students have mixed feelings about in-person versus online instruction, they agree that the university’s plan to keep students off-campus to slow the spread probably won’t be effective.

“I don’t really think it will help slow the spread because students who live off-campus will still be moving in and most likely have parties or get-togethers with friends,” Davis said.

Tavoletti said that if students stay home and don’t go out as often, that it might slow the spread the way the university plans to with this delayed in-person start date.

Even though students know that their peers will most likely be returning to campus, they still hope everyone will be mindful of the virus and precautions associated with it.

“Hopefully, people are going to be safe and want to keep those around them safe as well,” Tavoletti said.

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January 20, 2021

News

Students hope new year will bring joy EVE TILLICH Staff Writer jxsbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

(Steven Langdon Jr./The Penn) IUP’s Health Center is offering flu shots and COVID-19 tests for free this semester.

Indiana regulations, restrictions change with start of semester MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer bbcx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP With students returning to campus this week, it’s important for everyone to know and understand the COVID-19 regulations and restrictions in Indiana County.

While IUP may sometimes feel like a separate entity, it is part of Indiana County, and students not only need to follow the school’s guidelines but the state and county ones as well.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), Pennsylvania is in the midst of a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 limited-time mitigation orders have expired. These orders included the suspension of indoor dining, in-person learning and closed gyms, hair salons and theaters.

Since the expiration, new guidelines have been set into motion.

In-person indoor dining is now permitted, with limited capacity depending on the type of establishment. For students, this means they will be able to dine inside their favorite local restaurants in Indiana.

Sales of alcohol in bars and restaurants are permitted through 11 p.m. This means that students will not be able to order alcohol at bars or restaurants after midnight.

Events and gatherings with people outside your household are still to be avoided. Though,

there are no restrictions on capacity when it comes to places of worship such as churches, synagogues or temples.

Gyms are now allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, along with personal care services like salons, but by appointments only.

Retail stores have been bumped up to 75 percent capacity.

These changes happened the week of Jan. 17. There is a chance these regulations will be changing again due to an uprising in COVID-19 cases.

Masks are mandatory in public spaces. It is advised that you wear a mask whenever in public, whether on campus or not. Students should be wearing masks when entering campus facilities, restaurants and shops.

During the fall semester, students were required to wear masks on campus, when in class and when getting food. Indoor dining was either suspended

or limited to North Dining Hall.

About half-way through the semester, they put a limited-capacity dining area back inside the Hadley Union Building (HUB).

Classrooms are set at limited capacity still as well. In-person classes that have been scheduled as such are suspended until Feb. 8. IUP encourages students to start their semester away from campus to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is only a suggestion though, and on-campus housing students are allowed to move back in before that date.

Gatherings on campus will still be limited, depending on the size and function of the gathering or event. The library will be open with limited hours until Feb. 8.

Recently, many have been discussing the possibility of there being a nationwide mask mandate. This means that no matter what state you are in and what regulations are in place, masks will be mandatory whenever you leave the house.

President Joe Biden discussed last year the possibility of him enacting a nationwide mask mandate when he begins his term as president. This idea may not be possible due to their constitutionality and lawsuits that have been filed in other states when their governors tried to enforce mask mandates.

It is recommended that students follow these regulations and suggestions to maintain health and safety for those on and off-campus.

Nobody expected 2020 to go the way it did.

People were hopeful and joked about how this would be the year that they see things with perfect vision.

After the hardships and trying times that many encountered last year, people’s predictions for 2021 are all over the place. Some are remaining optimistic and looking at the positives while others feel as though this year will end up being the same as the previous.

“I think there will be calm after the storm that was 2020,” Julia Vislosky (freshman, Spanish education) said. Remaining positive, she looks forward to what 2021 holds for her and the country.

“I think in 2021, I will allow myself to have more freedoms than in 2020,” she said.

Vislosky predicts that she will get the COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes more readily available for people. She also plans to have a much better summer this year and maybe even go on a vacation abroad.

“I also want to work on myself, specifically my diet and exercise habits,” Vislosky said. She predicts that by sticking with this, she will feel more energized and healthier.

In addition to her own personal positive predictions, Vislosky also believes that, with the new Joe Biden/Kamala Harris presidential administration that prioritizes unity, the country itself will become more united.

“I think that this year is going to be a big year of learning for everyone,” Hannah Condon (freshman, ecology, conservation and environmental biology) said.

Condon said she believes that people will still be required to wear masks due to COVID-19. She also believes that the pandemic will still be a threat.

“I don’t think [masks] are going anywhere anytime soon,” Condon said.

Lane Lannan (freshman, social studies education) reflected similar feelings about the pandemic.

“I think that 2021 will continue the same way that 2020 did,”

(Facebook) Hope for 2021 remains with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris move to D.C. Lannan said. “With [COVID-19] still being a threat, it is practically impossible for things to improve.

I doubt that things will really get better and start to improve before [COVID-19] clears out.”

Like Vislosky, Lannan too believes that, with a new presidential administration, America will be able to move in a more positive direction.

“With the arrival of Joe Biden to the presidency, I am hopeful that the country I deeply care about will go in the right direction.”

For countless people, 2020 took a toll on their mental health.

Isolation made people feel alone and often disconnected from others.

Lannan plans to take care of his own mental health and predicts that by doing so he will be able to be healthier and happier.

“Spending more time focusing on mental health is a priority,” Lannan said.

With so many predictions for 2021, it is important to remain optimistic even if it is hard. Nobody knows what will happen, so everyone just has to go with the flow and hope that this year will be significantly better than the previous one.

January 20, 2021

News

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Future journalists supported by Western PA press club Annual journalism scholarship opened for applications CAIO GOMES Staff Writer hysbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP On Dec. 23, The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania opened applications for its 15th annual Bob Fryer Memorial Scholarship.

Named after Bob Fryer, longtime editor of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review who passed away in 2011, the purpose of the scholarship is to encourage students who are as passionate about journalism as he was.

"For Bob, journalism was his life," Luis Fabregas, an investigative reporter, said when asked about Fryer by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "The newsroom was his life."

In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must be residents of one of the 29 counties of Western Pennsylvania; however, they do not have to attend college in the area. When Ellie Hartleb was awarded the scholarship in 2017, she attended the American University in Washington D.C. However, she was still eligible due to her primary residence being in Erie.

“Today, I credit all of my moti-

(Facebook) The Press Club of Western PA opened applications for the annual Bob Fryer Memorial Scholarship Dec. 23. Applications are due by Feb. 11. vations to the formative experiences I had growing up in Erie,” Hartleb said on her acceptance video. “I’m so grateful for having this scholarship from the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania.”

Students must also be current sophomores or juniors studying journalism in order to be considered. Seniors who have a semester left and will complete their studies in fall 2021 are also eligible for the scholarship.

While students must be seeking a career in journalism, there’s no preferred type of journalism in order to qualify for the scholarship. Previous winners have specialized in a variety of formats including broadcasting, multimedia, photojournalism and print.

Former scholars include some familiar names in the Western Pennsylvania area. Erie News Now reporter Brittany Lauffer and Jesse Irwin, creator and former

anchor of Emmy-nominated “Pitt Tonight” were both scholarship winners. Lauffer won in 2015 while attending Point Park University; Irwin won in 2016.

Scholarship recipients will receive not only the monetary reward, which will be sent directly to the winner’s university, but will also be awarded with a plaque at the Golden Quill Awards in Pittsburgh.

Hosted annually, the Golden

Quill Awards honors excellence in broadcast, digital journalism, photograph, print and videography in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Northern West Virginia. This means that winners will have the opportunity to meet and network with established professionals in the industry.

Students interested in applying can do so by downloading the application on the official scholarship website at westernpapressclub.org/scholarships.

Completed applications can be sent via mail to the Press Club at Engineers’ Building, 337 Fourth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or emailed to PressClubScholarship@gmail.com.

Applications are open until Feb. 11, and the winner will be notified by April 15.

By completing the application for this scholarship, students will also be automatically considered for the Press Club $2,500 scholarship. There’s no additional application or requirement needed.

Any additional questions can be asked to scholarship committee chairman Rick Monti by e-mail at rick.monti@gmail.com or phone (412) 600-0606.

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January 20, 2021

News

‘Just a little pinch, this won’t hurt a bit’ New COVID-19 vaccine causes feelings of concern, relief

JULIA ROBINS Staff Writer spxbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP The COVID-19 vaccine became available in early December and has been the source of concern as well as relief for many.

With the arrival of the vaccine, COVID-19 testing has become more prominent, especially around college campuses where students are returning from around the country.

IUP has partnered with Virus Geeks to offer free, nasal swab COVID-19 testing to all IUP students through April. The testing is available in the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex (KCAC).

Testing will occur at specific times, and a person must be pre-registered for a test. You can do so at pa.virusgeeks.com. Only those with no symptoms can be tested. If you are experiencing symptoms, you must be tested by IUP Health Services. Results will be posted in the portal between 24 and 48 hours after the test.

Until Feb. 7, testing will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (including weekends). Any time after Feb. 8 will be weekdays only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Students from the Northpointe and Punxsutawney campuses can come to be tested, as well.

“While testing is not required for students,” the IUP COVID-19 Response Committee said, “it is highly recommended.”

According to PA state travel laws, anyone entering the state must have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering or quarantine for 10 days upon entry into Pennsylvania.

The Moderna vaccine is measured to be 94 percent effective, and the Pfizer vaccine is 95 percent effective, according to their respective press releases.

Congressman Adriano Espaillat of New York fell in the 5 percent who tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 14 after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine and following mask and social distancing guidelines.

The vaccines also can take up to three weeks after the second dose to build full protection. The second Pfizer shot is given after

(Steven Langdon Jr./The Penn) The IUP Health Center (left) and Rhonda H. Luckey Center for Health and Well Being (right) are available if students are feeling ill.

21 days, and the second Moderna shot after 28 days.

Another obstacle is the mutations of the virus. A collaborative study by The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and Pfizer scientists, published Jan. 8, said that both vaccines are “likely effective against new variants of SARS-CoV-2.”

From what scientists have been able to analyze, the virus has not mutated enough to make the vaccines ineffective yet. But the more aggressive and contagious strains propose new challenges and barriers. The strain from the U.K. is reported to be dominant in the U.S. by March, according to the CDC. Eastern and central Pennsylvania counties currently have more doses of vaccines received than western Pennsylvania counties, according to the Pennsylvania Vaccine Provider Information Interactive Map. Counties like Beaver, Crawford and Lawrence do not have any doses yet, while counties like Berks, Cambria, Chester and Lackawanna are doing very well with all or most of their potential vaccine locations having doses.

In Indiana county, the Blairsville pharmacy is the only location that has the vaccine, while the Indiana Regional Medical Center, Giant Eagle and Jacksonville Family Medicine are awaiting doses.

Even with the Trump administration’s recent push to release

all the vaccines, on-the-ground vaccine distribution has been delegated to state and local health departments, most of which are underfunded, understaffed, and unprepared, according to USA Today.

One of the major issues currently is the storing of the vaccines.

The Pfizer vaccine has to be stored between minus 60 and minus 80 degrees Celsius (minus 76 to 112 degrees fahrenheit) or else the mRNA biochemical structure will degrade. The special freezers needed to store these can cost $10,000 to $15,000 each, and many places, especially in underprivileged communities, have to turn down the vaccine because they cannot afford to store it.

Moderna’s vaccine needs to be stored at only minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees fahrenheit), which is still colder than most freezers that do not go below zero.

According to The Washington Post, 27 million doses of the vaccines have been distributed to the states, but only 9 million doses have been administered as of Jan. 12. Improving the efficiency of rolling out the

vaccines, not only the amount of them, is considered a top priority for the Biden administration.

He also is promising to order a mask mandate.

As IUP has only “highly recommended” that students be tested for COVID-19 and it is likely that taking the vaccine will not be required.

News

January 20, 2021

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Opinion

Former President Trump is the real fake news It is here.

A day that some in the U.S. thought would never happen is here: the day people could say former President Donald Trump.

President Joe Biden was sworn in Wednesday, and the media took a sigh of relief. Four years of hearing the term “fake news” being thrown around may be over.

Biden now enters the most powerful job in this country. Time will tell if the next four years are better. There are many problems plaguing our great nation; COVID-19 and the economic crisis are of most import, but do not forget about problems like systematic racism.

This does not mean that fake news will not exist, but Biden up to this point has not shown that he will take questions from only certain news outlets. The term will not go away, but it will certainly die down.

Since being president, Trump had more interviews with Fox News than any other news source combined. It was comical to see how much he hated the news when it was negative, but when it was positive, that would be the first thing talked about on Twitter.

His way of communicating with everyone is gone now that his Twitter is banned. Our country needed change. It is bad when even the personalities of Fox News turn on you. The one hope he had of spreading lies about the election is gone.

We are entering a new administration, one that was voted by the people of this country. It was not a fraudulent election.

Every election has had fraud in it, and people are arrested for voter fraud. There have been at least 15 people that have been convicted of voter fraud in the last year according to The Heritage Foundation, which tracks convictions of voter fraud throughout the country. In 2016– 17, there were 125 convictions.

Why does Trump want to discredit this election and not the last? The answer is because he does not know defeat. It has been lie after lie the past four plus years.

The great businessman perso-

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(Wikimedia commons) After four years, former President Donald Trump leaves the White House with his lowest approval rating. na that people picture him as is also a lie. He has never individually declared bankruptcy, but his businesses have at least four times between 1991 and 2009, according to the American Bankruptcy Institution.

Trump supporters may say, “well he did not personally declare bankruptcy.” They are right by saying that, but he oversaw those businesses during those times.

It is no longer about the “fake news” media. This is a lie that has gone too far. When you are president, there is no hiding from anything. The media will find out what is fact and fiction.

The media now need to focus on the future, too. Trump needs to go away. He will have several lawsuits waiting for him after leaving office. One is how he overvalued his businesses on his taxes.

Maybe the best thing for the country is separating ourselves from Trump. Not to forget him

but refuse to give him attention.

We no longer must worry about what he does after his presidency.

One thing is certain, it will be nice to see a president who does not go to Twitter when something is going the wrong way.

Gone are the days with an active president constantly on social media.

Trump wanted his name to go down in history, and now it will.

Some will think of him as a good president, and others will think he was bad. Like every other president before him, there is the good, the bad and the ugly.

The media’s job is not to feed lies to its consumers. This article is not to say Trump was good or bad. It was merely to state the truth. Hopefully “fake news” does what Trump did, leave the White House and fade out.

Brought to you

By THE PENN STAFF

January 20, 2021

(Wikimedia commons) Wesdnesday marked the first day of the President Joe Biden (top) and Vice President Kamala Harris administration. They look to tackle issues facing our country including COVID-19, the economic crisis and unequal treatment of minorities.

Opinion

Culture

Lead Culture Writer: Haley Brown – tbfx@iup.edu

The HUB Fitness Center still offers many programs while still complying with COVID-19 safety precautions.

(IUP Student Co-Op)

Health tips for new year, semester HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

While New Year’s resolutions rarely seem to be successful, there are many tricks and tips for a healthy new year and semester for everyone.

Having the safest and healthiest year possible should be top priority, but it’s easy to forget how impactful simple things like being well-rested, eating healthy meals and choosing an exercise regimen that works best for you can be on your mindset and overall health.

“To get a healthy start to the semester, I would suggest getting adequate rest, eating a balanced diet and getting outside when the weather is nice,” Mackenna Leonida (freshman, biology pre-med) said.

“Sleep and nutrition are pillars of living a healthy life, and getting outside once in a while can be a mood-booster.”

If your aim is for a more productive lifestyle, working on a better sleep schedule could do wonders for you. You can train your body and mind to be more productive by helping your circadian rhythm become more regular. These things can include exercising regularly (two to three times a week) and going to sleep at the same time every night.

To promote healthy sleep habits, also consider making sure you are

Culture

getting the right amount of Z’s for your age range and turn on night mode on your laptop or cell phone an hour before bedtime to cut down on blue light from your electronics.

Many have been feeling more isolated because of COVID-19 concerns, and loneliness is a hard companion to handle. Taking the time to do what you love and learn how to be with, not by, yourself, is a great way to cope with the more lonesome moments of the pandemic. Finding activities that you can enjoy on your own can also be an extreme mood-booster.

“When I’m feeling lonely or isolated during this pandemic, I usually try to watch some of my favorite YouTubers,” Mariah Mauser (freshman, music education) said.

“Even before the pandemic, they became a source of entertainment and the constant laughs are good for the soul.

“Another thing that worked was playing games and chatting with friends, reliving memories before all of this started.”

When the quarantine blues get to be a bit too much to handle on your own, though, your best option is to reach out to your loved ones. Odds are that the people you are dialing are missing you just as much as you are missing them. There is absolutely no need to be shy about letting someone know how much you appreciate and miss their company.

“Some things that I do to remedy

loneliness and isolation due to the pandemic include calling my friends when we’re both available, and I try to keep in touch with those I love as much as possible through text,” Leonida said.

“Even though it’s not the ideal way to stay connected, it helps a lot to talk with people as much as possible, it helps me feel less alone and helps keep myself and those I care about safe.”

Another helpful idea to foster during the start of the new semester is that overworking yourself will never make you more productive.

Being stressed negatively affects the way the brain processes and retains information. With this in mind, cramming for that test the night before might seem like the best option when you have too much on your plate, but scheduling in short study sessions throughout the week will be your best friend when trying to increase your GPA or pass that

January 20, 2021

seemingly impossible class.

“Allow yourself time to breathe,” Leonida said. “Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed by your responsibilities. When you start to feel overwhelmed take a step back and breathe and relax a little. Clear your mind and come back to whatever you were doing with a clearer mind.”

If your resolution is to lose weight or be more active this year is your goal, your best option can be to find an activity that you enjoy (like weightlifting, jogging, ice skating or yoga).

After you figure out what exercise makes you excited to get active, figuring out a specific time for a few days during your week that you can and will want to stick to.

Another fantastic tip for staying more positive and keeping a healthy mindset is finding things to look forward to. When life was more “normal” before the pandemic, exciting events found the college students, not the other way around.

A party would pop up over the weekend or some other social event would come up and no one had to go looking for things to be excited about.

However, especially now, finding happiness in the smaller moments of life can be one of the healthiest and best resilience-building habits that a person can ever choose to put energy into. It is a habit that will help you foster positivity and

find excitement and joy in “mundane” life events, no matter what you may be going through.

Once you start getting the hang of it, even using your favorite coffee mug, or walking past that cute person in the Oak Grove can be the highlight of your day. The best part is that the possibilities of this lifetime habit are truly endless, and you can learn to find happiness in the most unanticipated places.

“When the new year comes around, I often find myself suffering from seasonal depression and forlorn thoughts of everything I could’ve or should have gotten done in the previous year,” Mauser said.

“So, something that really helps me is setting goals and putting events on my calendar.

I’ll even go so far as to set countdowns so that I can be excited about things that are coming up, even if they’re small.”

Finding healthy habits and happiness in the new year may sound like huge, impossible challenges, but with a few tips and some positive introspection about what you want from this year, you’ll find that by using small steps to reach your goal and taking your days one moment at a time, succeeding is far easier than it might have initially seemed.

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January 20, 2021

Culture

Making a living during the pandemic EVA TILLICH Staff Writer jxsbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Finding ways to make money during the pandemic has been challenging for some students due to safety restrictions implemented because of COVID-19.

IUP students feel that working during the pandemic has been extremely stressful. Working during this time is necessary, though, for students to maintain their lifestyles and pay their bills.

“I work at Joann Fabrics as a team member, so I end up covering a lot of different areas throughout the store,” Bridget Gardner (freshman, environmental engineering) said.

Gardner feels that working during the pandemic has been very stressful. She finds herself worrying about the risk of the store’s guests getting COVID-19 and the risk she faces.

“In the back of my mind, I worry about the risk of exposure because we have a lot of older customers,” Gardner said. “I’ve been very lucky so far, but there’s a lot more worrying than there would usually happen in a retail job.”

Gardner does enjoy her job, though, and feels lucky to be working during the pandemic. Several places across the country had to close because of safety restrictions put in place by the government.

At Joann Fabrics, there is a

(Facebook) Joann Fabrics (left) and Kennywood (right) have implemented many safety precautions to remain open during the pandemic. strict mask/facial covering policy.

Gardner said that she always wears a mask while working and uses hand sanitizer frequently.

In addition to the store’s mask policy, Joann Fabrics has added plastic sneeze guards at all of the stations around the store.

While the majority of guests that come to her store wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines, not everyone does, which puts Gardner and her family at risk. Despite that, Gardner tries not to look at the negatives.

“I’m glad that we have so many precautions in place so that I don’t have to stress as much about getting COVID,” Gardner said.

Like Gardner, other students that are working during these times have been experiencing

similar situations and feelings while at work.

“I am a lab assistant for Capital Health and a sales associate for American Eagle at home,” Emmy Scheg (freshman, international studies) said. “At school, I am a secretary for the professional studies in the education department.”

Scheg said that she too experiences feelings of stress while working. Her student loans and financial future are concerns for her right now.

“I cannot tell you how many job interviews I had during October and November trying to find a job for when I was home. I try to work as much as much as I can [while at home because] I know I will not have that once I go back to campus.”

Scheg said that she does not mind working two jobs while

she is at home. She often finds herself waking up at 6 a.m. and working a shift at American Eagle and the hospital the same day.

Scheg hopes to keep at least one of the jobs so she will be able to have something over the summer and not have to search again.

As for staying safe while she works, Scheg always uses hand sanitizer and a mask at all of her jobs.

“My hands are so dry from the amount of hand sanitizer I use during the days,” Scheg said.

“When I am in the lab, every time I walk through a door, I use the hand sanitizer dispenser that I pass.”

Kendall Gomez (freshman, international studies) works as a ride operator for Aero 360 at Kennywood Park. A new part of her job this year included making sure the park’s guests were social

distancing while in line for the ride and wearing their masks.

“It was stressful,” Gomez said.

“Overall, while [COVID-19] was a threat, I think it also provided Kennywood with new resources that I think we should use every season. We made sure every guest put on hand sanitizer before getting on the ride and shut down the ride to sanitize every 2 hours.”

Gomez said that these safety precautions, like the use of hand sanitizer and cleaning the rides, are something she hopes stays with the park even after COVID-19. Also, being a good role model for the park’s guest, Gomez too followed all of the safety precautions and wore a mask.

Earning money during the pandemic proved to be a challenge, but IUP students got through it.

Students share mixed feelings about return AMARI WALKER Staff Writer jqtbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Since IUP announced that all classes will be taught remotely until Feb. 8, students have had mixed feelings on the matter.

Students are also conflicted about IUP’s announcement from the fall that a traditional spring break will be traded for several long weekends this semester.

Charles Smith (senior, criminology) would not have preferred an extended break because he would like to finish his last year sooner.

“I do not feel prepared for the next semester because I… do worse in [online classes],” Smith said.

Shiloh Hanberry (senior, hospi-

tality management) also didn’t want a longer break.

“I feel prepared, but only because I am anxious to finish school,” Hanberry said.

Elary Mede (senior, vocal performance) would have preferred a longer break due to the number of students that traveled and have to travel again to return to campus.

Although Mede described the fall semester as a rough start, she believed that she is prepared to come back on campus and attend her hybrid classes. However, she prefers in-person classes due to her being a music major.

Tatiana Cleffi (freshman, nursing) felt prepared for the upcoming semester.

She realized, however, that the first three weeks will be challenging due to her online courses, includ-

(Penn Archives) Many students are delaying their return to campus this semester. ing labs. Cleffi said that she was pleased about the length of winter break and couldn’t wait to return to campus.

As a reminder to those who will be coming back on campus after the three weeks are up, please be

aware about the free, on-campus COVID-19 testing for all students provided by IUP. Although students aren’t required to get tested, it is highly recommended.

If you plan on getting tested, make sure to wear face coverings.

If you don’t have one, there will be face coverings provided at the door.

Hand sanitizer will be available.

The tests will be provided by Virus Geeks, a national bio health technology company, along with trained student workers at IUP assisting with the registration process. The tests will be held at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex (KCAC).

Any student being tested must enter the doors facing the Miller Stadium parking lot and stop at the check-in table. Once you’ve completed your test, please exit the building through the doors facing Wayne Avenue.

Please continue taking the proper precautions of wearing a face mask and social distancing as you move back into your dorms and interact with friends and faculty.

Culture

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January 20, 2021

The Bachelor starts off strong HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP While every reality TV show involves drama, and viewers always have differing opinions, “The Bachelor” tends to have a more strongly opinionated fan base than many other series.

Matt James, a 28-year-old who is entirely new to being on TV, is an unusual candidate for the show, since the new candidate is usually chosen from a past season of “The Bachelorette.” While being a newcomer to the television industry, James is a fan-favorite already and seems down-to-earth and genuine.

“I think Matt is doing a really good job being the bachelor,” Olivia Tavoletti (senior, marketing) said, “especially for not ever being on the show before. He shows that he cares about each contestant and makes a real effort to get to know everyone. I think he is good with his words and really outgoing.”

Viewers already seem to be impressed by his drive to find romance through such a strange and rigorous process as this reality TV

The Bachelor brings new drama and new fan opinions. show. Some commented on James’ apparent ability to get his priorities straight when it comes to love and success.

“He seems like any other guy that is successful and, in my opinion, put his love life on hold to become successful in the first place, which in some cases is the way to go,” Tavoletti said.

In the opening of the first episode, during the portion in which James introduced himself to viewers, he mentioned his under-

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standing that the ups and downs of love are unavoidable, and that life will never go perfectly according to plan. The initial impression of James is a positive one, and he doesn’t seem like the type of man to fall for a woman who will only cause drama during this season.

He explained that figuring out life with another person is not a bad thing and that he is looking for a partnership with someone strong, resilient, and someone who has weathered many storms. He said

that he was ready to start the next chapter of his life and that nothing would stop him.

Out of the 32 women that James met for first impressions, there already seems to be a fan-favorite. Many are hoping that Abigail Heringer will at least make it to the final four, if not to an engagement ring at the culmination of the season.

“My favorite contestant is Abigail,” Thea McCullough (senior, fashion merchandising) said. “She is a deaf girl that is really sweet and down-to-earth.”

The vast majority of fans seem to see Heringer as the favorite so far and are excited to keep watching her journey through this season with hopeful wishes of her victory.

“My favorite contestant is Abigail because she seems super genuine and sweet,” Tavoletti said.

“You can tell she has a good heart and a positive mindset.”

While Heringer is so far a clear fan-favorite, fans also have plenty of opinions about who they want to go home as soon as possible.

“My least favorite contestant is Victoria because she is causing

unnecessary drama and makes rude comments to the other girls for no reason,” Tavoletti said. “I also like Rachel and think she will get far. I prefer the more down-toearth contestants who try to stay out of the drama, though I will say I like when some of them know when enough is enough and stand up for themselves.”

Watchers have already started making their predictions as to who will end up in the final four and are excited to see how the show will all play out and who will win Matt James’s heart. “[I prefer to watch] ‘The Bachelor’ [compared to ‘The Bachelorette’] because it’s good to see the different kinds of women that a guy can find and date,” Aaron Hoda (senior, criminology) said. “Also, the drama is better compared to ‘The Bachelorette.’ I don’t have any predictions per se, but I believe the girl he gave the first impression rose to will be in the final four.”

This season of “The Bachelor” is starting off strong to be sure and promises plenty of weird, dramatic and interesting exchanges between James and contestants alike all the way through.

How the Hawks spent winter break EVA TILLICH Staff Writer jxsbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP During winter break, IUP students caught up with family and friends while remaining safe during the pandemic.

After a stressful semester that was full of surprises and challenges, students finally had the opportunity to focus on unwinding from school and work, celebrating the holidays and doing some much-needed self-care.

“I spent time with family, reunited with old friends, worked at my job and most importantly relaxed from school for a while,” Evan Orr (junior, actuarial mathematics) said. “Although a lot of traditions were canceled due to the virus and ensuring that my family was safe, I enjoyed all of the alternative ways to connect with family.

“It’s been fun, but I am looking forward to getting back to school to reconnect with friends

Students looked forward to return back to IUP. I’ve met over the fall and meet some new professors during the spring semester.”

Being home meant that most students would be with their families and loved ones. Interacting with family and loved ones was something that majority of IUP students did over their break.

Reconnecting with the ones that IUP students are close with has

(Penn Archives)

been extremely important during this global pandemic.

“Over break, I celebrated Christmas,” Sydney Greitz (freshman, exploratory) said. “I have a big family and usually we all get together at my grandparents’ house, but because of [COVID-19] we had a big family Zoom call and celebrated online.

“I liked seeing my family and

my best friend again, but I am excited to get back to campus and see my friends again. I made sure to social distance and limit the amount of people I hung out with.”

Technology has played a big role in connecting IUP students with others like friends and family during the pandemic. Platforms like Zoom have helped students stay safe while allowing them to still create and enjoy special moments over the break.

Due to safety reasons, some students could not see friends and family as much as they would have liked to. Staying home was also another point of emphasis for many students. Some students did not mind staying home but for other students that were used to being with peers at IUP it was a different change of pace.

“I really couldn’t do much over break,” Thomas Valcukas (freshman, biology) said. “I essentially stayed home 90 percent of the time, 5 percent dedicated to getting food and necessities and

5 percent social distancing friend visits. However, I am glad that I was able to spend time with my family. I am glad to be coming back though to see my friends again.”

In addition to spending quality time with others and celebrating the holiday season, some students caught up on hobbies and tried new things.

“I talked with friends via Discord and started some new games,” Lane Lannan (freshman, social studies education) said.

“While games occupied a lot of my time, I also spent time learning music for my saxophone and just relaxing a bit after the rather stressful semester that had just ended.

“I stayed safe by basically never leaving my house. I stayed home for a vast majority of my time, only seeing a small group of friends on two occasions.”

Students enjoyed their breaks and time away from school, but they are ready to come back and tackle the spring semester.

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January 20, 2021

Culture

Ways to focus on academics after break JULIA ROBINS Staff Writer spxbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Academic breaks are proven to be beneficial for students’ mental and physical health, but long breaks like colleges offer can make readjusting to academics difficult.

As many students learn the hard way, being behind on work in the first few weeks of the semester quickly becomes a snowball rolling down a hill. It is almost a losing battle juggling make-up work and the increasing load of current assignments. This is why being focused and motivated in the beginning of a semester (or any time) is important.

In April, Barnes & Noble Education surveyed 432 college students across the U.S. on their feelings about transitioning to virtual learning. One statistic in the press release was that “more than half (64 percent) of students expressed concern over maintaining focus and discipline, unsure if they would be able to motivate themselves over the long term to do work remotely.”

The survey also noted many stu-

(Clipartion) Balancing schoolwork and personal time is important for success. dents saying “my house is not the proper environment in which to do work.” Students also found themselves getting easily distracted while using their computer.

Technology in general is also distracting, even more so with virtual learning. Focusing during a Zoom lecture is more difficult when addicting games and social media is only a click away.

According to the study, “dividing attention in the classroom reduces exam performance.” Students who divided their attention between

class lectures and technology impaired long-term memory of the material with a 5 percent decrease in final exam scores – half a letter grade (Glass & Kang, 2018).

Think of it like juice. Once you add water, it becomes more diluted and not as flavorful, like the brain’s power when multitasking with technology is added. Ways to combat being distracted by technology are small goal setting and establishing a schedule.

Using television, video games and social media as a reward for

getting x amount of work done is an example of a motivator, as is setting aside specific times for their use.

James Delmonte (senior, biology-ecology, conservation and environmental biology) suggested making a transition back into the online learning routine and taking breaks outside rather than immediately jumping back into being on the computer all day (which is not good for your health anyway).

“Take time for yourself,” Delmonte said. “As the weather warms and the days get longer, spend time outside so you don’t feel trapped behind a computer all day.”

Students can become overwhelmed with work quickly and using organizational tools like a daily planner is one item that can help reduce stress and break up assignments into small, doable steps. Instead of seeing the five chapters you have to read this week, see instead the one chapter you read each day.

Students like Kimberly Rodemaker (senior, speech language pathology) follow that strategy.

“I buy myself a new piece of stationary or school supply or organizational tool that I’m excited to use in the upcoming semester,’’

Rodemaker said.

This semester, she bought a daily organizer in addition to her weekly/ monthly planner.

“I thought it would help keep me more organized,” she said. “My planner is kind of a dumping ground for assignments and this will help me organize my busier days” Creating a calm workspace that you look forward to using is also something to try. Maybe it is as simple as purchasing a more comfortable chair than what IUP gives or hanging up a motivational poster nearby.

Boredom can also be a barrier for students when focusing on a lecture or a paper. Another strategy is focusing on intervals of time. If a boring lecture is an hour, think of it as 12 times of 5-minute intervals.

Focusing on 5 minutes of a lecture doesn’t sound so bad, does it? On the other hand, thinking of the big picture and envisioning the finish line of your goal can also help you regain your focus and drive.

Or, you could be like Doug Cole (senior, information technology/ cyber security), who suggested to “remind yourself that you’re paying for it, and the sooner you get out, the less debt you’ll have.”

This year’s resolution: keep the resolutions OLIVIA CARBONE Staff Writer kxxw@iup.edu @ThePennIUP After such a weird and difficult year, many people began to reevaluate themselves and their goals.

This past year left us with a lot of time to reflect on how we live our lives. New Year’s resolutions made for this year were probably more well-thought out than ever before.

Every year, many people believe in the “new year, new me” slogan.

Lots of people come up with resolutions that they end up quitting before the first week of the year ends. But 2021 is different.

Many students made resolutions regarding their health and fitness.

After spending a lot of time at home, it’s important to get back into a healthy routine.

“I didn’t technically make one for myself, but every year I always tell myself to watch what I eat and to drink more water…and I have been keeping up with it,” Meghan McCreary (graduate student) said.

Eating healthy and exercising

are great ways to strengthen your immune system to help prevent infections like COVID-19. As we go into the new year, it’s important to remember to do the things that keep us healthy.

Other students also took a spiritual approach to the New Year.

(Pixabay) Keeping New Year’s resolutions is hard so be patient with yourself.

Many people have realized that after all the trials that this year has brought, it’s important to get right with whatever you believe spiritually.

“I also didn’t technically [have a spiritual resolution], but for the beginning of the year I did manifestations and affirmations to stop car-

ing about what others think and to start doing things for myself instead of failing miserably,” Angela Plazio (junior, nursing) said.

Goal-setting is a great way to ring in 2021. Since people could not do their normal activities, much wasn’t achieved last year. This can be the year for last year’s goals and dreams to come true.

Many students all had one resolution in common: wanting to step away from the media and politics. One of the things students recognized was that there’s only so much worldwide sorrow and strife that one person can handle. There is a way of staying informed, but when checking the news constantly becomes a habit, and it starts

affecting your mental or even physical health, that’s when cutting back might not seem like such a bad idea.

“In 2020, I was so consumed with election and COVID-19 news that I was walking around worried all the time,” Mason Carothers (junior, community health) said. “I realize that we should be kept informed, but those things won’t bring happiness. This year, I plan on spending less time consuming myself with news and more time with things that matter.“ Many students have been maintaining their New Year’s resolutions more so than other years. Students feel motivated to start this year off better.

Last year, we had a lot of time to reflect on the things we value and how we want to live our lives moving forward. This new year is a new beginning for all of us to remember what’s important and to realize that life is too short. So, do the things you’ve always wanted to do right now.

Culture

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January 20, 2021

Things to do around Indiana this spring HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP While amusement has taken a backseat compared to safety during the last few months, both can be prioritized with the handful of entertainment options here in Indiana.

Treat yourself to a movie at the MovieScoop Indiana Mall Cinema While the fun options at Indiana Mall may seem a bit sparse beyond a shopping spree, the movie theater is always a viable option for providing some well-earned entertainment at a short notice. The cinema remains open, and although seating may be limited, guests are encouraged to sit back, relax and enjoy the show with their soda and popcorn.

The theater usually has three or four different movies available at a time.

The theater is also still offering

the Mighty Movie Mondays promotion, which promises that tickets for all movie times and showings are only $5. Purchasing a ticket on Mighty Movie Mondays also guarantees a free junior popcorn for visitors.

Browse the boutiques and shops that line Philadelphia St. There are plenty of attractive options for a leisure browse through boutiques and small businesses on Philadelphia Street. From Lucy Rae Gifts and More to The Finery, to the sneaker shop GingerbreadMan Running Company, there are options for all window shoppers to enjoy.

If you are in search of somewhere to satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Dan Smith’s Candies & Gifts or even Insomnia Cookies on South Seventh Street. When all else fails, consider a trip to the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store also located on Philadelphia

Street for a night of merriment with a couple close friends (provided you’re all over 21, of course).

shopping option is also eco friendly, so it is simultaneously good for the planet and good for your wallet.

Go on a thrift shopping tour to try out a new style

Pay a visit to the Indiana County Humane Society

Often, thrift shops are misjudged as dingy or dirty places with no attractive options. This, however, is a total misconception, especially when considering the well-kept thrift shops in Indiana.

Two fantastic options for a thrift shop shopping spree include the Goodwill Retail Store on Oakland Avenue and the Salvation Army Thrift Store further down Philadelphia Street. The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store on North Fourth Street is another great place to find some bargains.

Thrift shops are wonderful places to try new styles you normally would not choose for yourself with the great prices being a big bonus. This

If furry friends are more your speed, consider visiting the Indiana County Humane Society. This shelter has a multitude of animals you can spend time with whenever the shelter is open and there is a room specifically dedicated to felines. You can even become a volunteer in your free time and help feed the animals, socialize with the kitties, and give lots of attention and walks to the ever-excitable canines who call the shelter their temporary home.

Relax at the charming cafés and coffeehouses

Caffe Amadeus Roast and Brew and Commonplace Coffee are two places in Indiana to curl up with a book and a coffee or hot tea when the weather gets gray, as Indiana weather inclined. Though the occupancies of these two cozy spaces

may be limited due to COVID-19 regulations, it is well worth paying these spaces a visit if only for their menu items from hot drinks to pastries to breakfast and brunch treats of all sorts.

Try your skills on the S&T Bank Arena ice rink for public skate

If you are one who prefers more active endeavors, perhaps a trip to the ice rink at the S&T Bank Arena on East Pike Road for a public ice skate session is more to your taste than a shopping trip or small café.

The skate sessions require online pre-registration and run for about two hours at a time. The public skate schedule and pricing can be found on the S&T Bank Arena’s public skate website page.

Although many of the usual haunts in Indiana have been closed, require pre-registration or only allow limited public access during the pandemic, there is still a myriad of fun options for Indiana residents and students alike to enjoy as the new semester and the new year begin.

Sports

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

Coach McConnell excited about future of IUP Women’s Basketball AUSTIN SMITH

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

What’s cooking in the nest right now for the women’s Crimson Hawks basketball team?

At this point, the Hawks should be playing their usual season and dominating their opponents, but we all know what has stopped all our normal activities.

This stoppage has not kept the Hawks from putting in work and impressing early. IUP was ranked No. 4 in the preseason ranking, which is the best the team has been ranked in the preseason in program history.

The 2021–22 season should be very promising, especially since the intensity and loud cheers will be back to normal at the Kolvachick Convention and Athletic Complex (KCAC) as soon as it is safe. IUP looks to get back to its winning ways as soon as the season can get underway, and the roster will be filled with talent.

With the Hawks’ entering the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Region last year, you can bet to see more of the same from IUP. The Crimson Hawks were geared up for another run, but there was a roadblock in the way: COVID-19.

Head Coach Tom McConnell,

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despite all the setbacks, is optimistic about the coming season.

He expects “late March and early April to be able to play some games and practice to get warmed up.”

“Any specific expectations would be to grow and get better and kind of treat this spring as a chance to grow and mesh our young players,” McConnell said.

With having some scrimmage games, the Hawks will have an advantage against other teams for sure. Playing a few games will allow some of the younger Hawks on the roster like freshman guards Gina Adams (marketing) and Keira Baughman (kinesiology health and sports science) to adapt to the Hawks’ system.

McConnell didn’t want to get caught up in the hype and made sure to emphasize his respect for his opponents “We have great respect for everybody that we play in one of the best conferences,” McConnell said. “With a lot of great competitive games that IUP has had over the past couple seasons, that has definitely shown. I think it’s very important to respect any given team on any given night, which is what makes every game exciting to watch.”

Among a strong team, McConnell mentioned two students that really stand out.

“Two players come to mind: Courtney Alexander (redshirt senior, nursing) and Rajah Fink (junior, communications media),” McConnell said.

“Courtney Alexander emerged as a 3-point shooter and mainly a catch-and-shoot player.

“Rajah Fink can really take the ball to basket and was a big-time scorer in high school and was so fun to

watch her grow. “ Alexander was a very exciting player to watch, especially in the playoffs last season. She came in clutch hitting key 3-point shots, which is a huge asset to have on a team. Fink had the more driving nature to go to the basket, and the stats had shown that greatly in her sophomore season in which she averaged 7.7 points and four rebounds per game.

“When the players are at home, they have to be creative and self-driven,” McConnell said.

“When they are here at campus, we are able to do skill development four hours a week Monday through Friday. Early in March, [we] will be able to do team things and hope to play some scrimmages.”

Some of the Crimson Hawks have been running up and down hills, going to close parks and doing home workouts, which is key vital to having a healthy successful season. Like McConnell mentioned, scrimmages will be a big key in getting ready for the upcoming season.

Despite early ratings, McConnell still has things that he wants to work on as a team.

“We established ourselves as one of the best defensive teams in the PSAC,” McConnell said.

“We want to work hard on playing faster. We want to share the ball and move it and really want to take that to another level. We also want to keep that unselfish style play basketball.”

The Crimson Hawks have been a solid defensive team and allowed an average of 53.3 points per game, which was eight in the nation. The Hawks do move the ball around, which is where a lot of their success has been found.

By giving it to multiple players throughout the game, you are creating more scoring opportunities and creating a very complete team.

The Crimson Hawks are going to be a very competitive team to play in the PSAC, and a lot of teams are going to have to play their best ball if they want to compete with the Hawks, especially at the KCAC.

January 20, 2021

(Teddy Jeannette/ The Penn) Despite their canceled season, the Hawks show a lot of promise.

Sports

January 20, 2021

Sports

15

From Indiana to the pros: IUP athletes make it to the professional level Jeffery Hart

Sports Editor J.R.Hart2@iup.edu @ThePennIUP The past year has been challenging for athletes at every level, and IUP athletes are not exempt.

Many IUP athletes have had to endure their seasons and normal routines being disturbed

by COVID-19, but some have adapted and found success at a professional level.

Two members of Hawk Nation made the jump to the next level.

IUP football alumnus JoJo Gause and basketball alumnus Chucky Humphries have both proven

enough to make it onto a roster.

Gause put up staggering numbers for the Crimson Hawks as a wide receiver. Every year, Gause put in the work and increased his production for the team.

In his 2019 season, he put up 838 yards and nine touchdowns for the Hawks. His play earned a spot on the second team AllPSAC West. Gause was constantly a threat to the defense and could put up highlight-reel plays at any moment.

After graduating, Gause had NFL aspirations and wanted to work towards making a roster.

Despite the pandemic’s shutting down of many sports facilities

IUP Athletes put up high department GPA From January 4 IUP Athletics Press Release Despite the limitations and difficulties brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the IUP Athletic Department – and its 17 varsity teams – achieved a successful fall semester academically.

A total of 299 student-athletes, more than 67 percent, earned Dean's List honors by earning a grade point average of at least 3.25. That number is broken down into 173 women and 126 men, or 79.2 and 56.4 percent, respectively, of their totals.

One hundred Crimson Hawks achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in the fall of 2020, or nearly 23 percent of the total. Women's student-athletes had 77 perfect GPAs, or nearly 40 percent of their total. Women's tennis had the highest percentage of 4.0 GPA's, with exactly half (50.0 percent) of its rostered members being perfect.

Combining indoor and out-

door track and field, a total of 15 programs boast team GPAs of at least 3.00. Every women's team put together a combined GPA of 3.20 or higher, with field hockey and women's tennis leading the way with team GPA's of 3.73.

The most successful men's team was the golf program, boasting a GPA of 3.76 – the best of any IUP program. Five of the nine rostered members of the men's golf team earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. Successful 2020 The success during the fall semester caps of a calendar year in which the Crimson Hawks excelled in the classroom despite limited resources and difficult times.

During the spring semester, IUP teams combined for a 3.359 cumulative GPA, which ranked seventh among Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) schools. Again, 15 programs finished the spring with GPA's of 3.00 or better, with women's volleyball earning a department-high 3.771 GPA.

and gyms, he was able to impress the Sioux Falls Storm and make an Indoor Football League (IFL) roster.

The announcement was made official by the Storm on Dec. 26. Gause will look to make an impact for the Storm once the season starts in March.

Much like Gause, Humphries was electrifying on the court as a forward for the basketball team.

Humphries was an all-around player whose stats were not mind-blowing, but his effect on the team could not be questioned.

In his final season, Humphries emerged as a leader for his

squad and averaged 7.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He was the heart and soul of the team in 2019 and would get the team playing harder with his hard dunks and emphatic blocks.

Humphries announced on his Instagram that he will be going to play professionally overseas. He is the fifth IUP men’s basketball player to go overseas in the last two years.

He will be playing for Santo Andre in Portugal. There, he will hope to contribute to his squad and help make his teammates better as he did for the Hawks.

Gause and Humphries are just two names on a long list of IUP

athletes that have made it to the next level. IUP has a history of producing top-tier athletes that can produce at a high level.

The future remains uncertain, but it certainly looks bright for these IUP graduates.

IUP Football program has large presence in NFL playoffs From January 6 IUP Athletics Press Release The IUP football program made an impressive debut in the Nationalf Football League (NFL) Wildcard Playoffs.

Eight former members of the IUP football program were part of seven that advanced to the NFL's postseason, which kicked off with the Wild Card round last weekend.

The group includes Nick Sirianni (offensive coordinator) and Chad Henry (area scout) of the Indianapolis Colts; Brandon Hunt (pro scouting coordinator) of the Pittsburgh Steelers; Jim Haslett (linebackers coach) of the Tennessee Titans; Kevin Weidl (area scout) of the Baltimore Ravens; Luke Getsy (quarterback coach) of the Green Bay Packers; Jim Hostler (receivers coach) of the Washington Football Team; and Anthony Piroli (strength & conditioning coach) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

These former IUP greats are a huge part of the program's success over the last 50 years. They have combined to bring IUP 16 of 18 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championships, 15 of its 19 NCAA playoff berths, five of its seven national

semifinal appearances and both Division II title game showings.

They also boast individual success as Haslett was a threetime All-American and earned five All-PSAC West selections (at two positions), while Hostler, Weidl and Hunt combined for five all-conference nods during their playing days.

Look below for the full list with short bios.

Six of these seven teams will be in action during Wild Card Weekend, with the Colts kicking things off Saturday at 1:05 p.m. against the Buffalo Bills. See the full playoff schedule at NFL.com.

Luke Getsy – Green Bay Packers, quarterbacks coach IUP offensive coordinator, 2011 – 13 Won PSAC championship in 2012; 12–2 record Chad Henry – Indianapolis Colts, area scout IUP student assistant coach, 1994–95 Helped IUP to PSAC title, national semifinalist finish in 1994 Brandon Hunt – Pittsburgh Steelers, pro scouting coordinator IUP offensive lineman, 2000–03 First team All-PSAC selection in 2003 Helped IUP to four PSAC titles,

three NCAA playoff berths Jim Hostler – Washington Football Team, wide receivers coach IUP defensive back and assistant coach, 1986–99 Two-time All-PSAC defensive back ('87, '89) Part of 10 NCAA playoff teams, eight PSAC title teams, two national title game appearances Jim Haslett – Tennessee Titans, linebackers coach UP linebacker/defensive end/ punter, 1975–78 Three-time All-American, 20 sacks in 1976 Drafted in 2nd round of 1979 NFL Draft by Buffalo Bills Anthony Piroli – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head strength & conditioning coach IUP graduate assistant, 2007 Helped IUP to NCAA playoffs in only season Nick Sirianni – Indianapolis Colts, offensive coordinator IUP receivers coach, 2006–08 Won PSAC title in 2006 Kevin Weidl – Baltimore Ravens, area scout IUP quarterback, 2002–06 Two-time All-PSAC selection ('03-04) 5,594 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns

January 20, 2021

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Sports

(Buffalo Bills Twitter)

Hot Take Jake gives NFL Conference Championships predictions JAKE TAYLOR

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

Super Bowl 55 will be down to Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady.

Three are the league's best quarterbacks, and one is the most improved football player in the NFL. The young guns and the geezers, a championship Sunday matchup many predicted.

Let’s begin with Sunday’s 3:05 afternoon matchup: the Green Bay Packers vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay is coming into the game for the second year in a row. This time around, however, Rodgers is red-hot and the odds-on favorite for league MVP. When coached by Matt LaFleur, the Packers are 26–7.

The NFL media and fans were in an uproar during the 2020 draft when the team traded up in the first round to draft quarterback Jordan Love. This decision still makes zero sense considering Green Bay has the league's best QB, and it was one game away from the Super Bowl last year.

Whether it was the drafting of Love or Rodgers’ appearances on the Pat McAfee show every Tuesday, Rodgers came to play. His determination to prove everyone

wrong has led to a league-leading 48 touchdowns, 70.7 percent completion percentage and 121.5 passer rating. The latter rating ranks second in single-season NFL history (only behind Rodgers’ own record of 122.5 in 2011.)

The Packers’ playing at the most efficient level the NFL has seen in 10 years is going to be an uphill battle for any defense. Rodgers and co. hung 36 points and nearly 500 yards on the league's best defense, the Los Angeles Rams, in the postseason’s divisional round.

Nobody is tired of hearing that Tom Brady is back in a league championship game. Well, typically he’d be back in the AFC championship, but unless you live under a rock, Tom Brady has moved from New England to Tampa Bay and assembled an Avengers-level NFL team to compete for the Super Bowl yet again.

The Bucs laid a bit of a beating on the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round. The score was only 30–20, but the key factor was Tampa’s defense. The Bruce Arians offense was pretty much shut down by the Saints' brick wall defense. New Orleans turned over the ball four times, which led to three Buccaneer touchdowns.

The easiest way to lose a game is to turn the ball over more times than the opponent. For example,

in the 2020 playoffs, every team that has lost has had equal or more turnovers than their opponents. Whether it is an interception, fumble lost, turnover on downs or a missed field goal, the turnover differential is the deciding factor in playoff football.

In the case of Packers vs Bucs, both quarterbacks play mistake-free, so turnover differential will be at the hands of fate.

Let’s discuss the controllable: Green Bay could not get to the big game last year because of its lack of superstar talent and defensive grit. San Francisco passed the ball seven times and won the game. Look for the Buccaneers to play a similar game. Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette in the backfield will be difference-makers. This exact matchup was played in Week 6 this year and saw a 38–10 Tampa Bay victory. In that game, the team passed for only eight more yards than they ran.

Rodgers and Davante Adams cannot be stopped this year, so it will be up to Tampa Bay to make the most of every opportunity.

Deep down, I am rooting for Tampa Bay because I will be living there by the time you are reading this article; however, my heart is telling me Green Bay 34, Tampa Bay 28.

Now to the prime-time game

of the weekend: the Buffalo Bills Mafia vs. the Kansas City Chiefs Kingdom, the up-and-coming AFC East champions against the reigning champions.

While I am writing this, I do not know whether Mahomes will play in this game. So, I am going to assume he is. Despite the fact that #HenneThingIsPossible, Chad Henne will not get the W if he starts. This AFC Championship matchup is reminiscent of last year’s Chiefs vs. the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee came in red-hot but could not overcome the Mahomes Magic.

This year, everyone is saying Buffalo is coming in red-hot, but let me cool that thought off. The Andy Reid and Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs are coming in on a 24–1 streak. Let that sink in when you think about who is coming in hot.

Buffalo’s offense scored only 10 points in the divisional round against the Baltimore Ravens.

Granted, the Bills’ defense did step up, but a total of 17 points will not beat the Chiefs. The most intriguing aspect of this game is the coaching matchup. The league's two best coaching staffs will come up with a game plan that not even the great Hot Take Jake can predict.

I’ll try anyway: if Mahomes

plays, expect a better second-half performance than his third-quarter showing against the Browns.

Speaking of the Browns, if they did not treat one playoff win like the Super Bowl and played in Arrowhead like a team that has been there before, they would have won. If they could not beat Henne, they stood no chance against the rest of the league.

Now here is the biggest thing we must remember about the Chiefs: not only do they have the NFL’s second-best QB, but they also have the league's best tight end and wide receiver core with a dynamic backfield. It is going to take more than a perfect game defensively to win.

The Bills have the defensive power to shut down Lamar Jackson, but Mr. Chokealot cannot stand on the same ground as the Chiefs’ firepower. The AFC championship is a match-up Vegas does not even know how to set lines for. The game can go either way depending on which team’s defense wants to show up at the most opportune time.

My prediction is Buffalo 28, Kansas City 27; Bills Mafia deserves the chance. And I just gave it to them. Thanks to my all things right no things wrong hot take analysis.

Sit down, shut up and take it to the bank.