SPORTS - Pg 11 Mens’s Soccer 2009 Preview
UPGRADE-Pg 8 Overlooked Summer Albums
CENTR A L CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSIT Y Wednesday, September 2, 2009
www.therecorder.net
Volume 106 No. 1
New Name, Improvements for Advising Page 16 Center First-Year Experience matt kiernan THE RECORDER
President Jack Miller addresses a full crowd inside Alumni Hall during his annual opening speech.
edward gaug | the recorder
Miller Stresses Community Outreach at Year’s Opening Speech matt kiernan THE RECORDER
Alumni Hall held an almost full-capacity crowd when President Jack Miller presented his opening speech for the new school year, which focused on community outreach and highlighting major changes over the years. Miller was eager to congratulate the university on the progress it has made in the past few years since he arrived at the school. He spent much of his address reviewing the differences that have come about in that span of time and reinforcing the fact that the university still has much to do in the way of improving. “When I first arrived I saw a campus with great strengths, great potential and weaknesses,” said Miller. Miller said he moved to a school that had the characteristics of a soon-to-be outstanding school, but needed improvements such as renovations of buildings and graduation
rate increases. He described CCSU as having wonderful faculty and excellent programs but with a campus that needed a good polishing and system that needed changes for various subject matters. “If you put it all together, there was a vision and plans,” said Miller.
“When I first arrived I saw a campus with great strengths, great potential and weaknesses.” - President Miller
New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart spent some of his time at the lecturn discussing the strong improvements that the university has made with its “Town/Gown” relations with the city of New Britain. Many of the problems that were straining relations
At The Recorder This Week:
between the two entities had to do with underage drinking and loud partying by students living in the area surrounding the campus. While evidence of improving relations between the university and the surrounding neighborhoods is mainly anecdotal, Miller used statistics to detail the changes between 2009 and years past. He said that there was $27 million worth of improvements used for the physical plant and infrastructure of the campus; an increase of six-year graduation rates from the ’05-’06 year’s 40 percent to the ’08-’09 year’s 46 percent and external funding grants being increased from $2,433,000 to $4,300,000 in that same time frame. A main topic of concern continues to be financial aid, but that has also seen improvement with greater funding. Miller reassured those who think there isn’t enough financial aid for students by saying the funding rose from $52.7 million to $67.2 million and that
Making A Genuine, Green Effort
-Page 5
TheRecorderOnline.net
See Improvements Page 3
See Miller Page 2
University Preparing for Flu Season and Potential H1N1 Threat meLiSSa traYnor THE RECORDER
The Recorder Practices with the Blue Devils The Recorder’s Sports Editor gets a chance to practice with the men’s Blue Devil soccer team. Look for his full story, along with a photo gallery and video on our Web site:
With progress made over the summer, the Center for Advising and Career Exploration will be fully operational for the fall semester to advise first-time students and those who are unsure of what they’d like to pursue. “Our plan is to give all entering first-time students and those changing their major advisement and to figure out why they’re changing and what are the factors involved,” said newly appointed to the position Director Kenneth Poppe of the advisement center. There will be an online test given to all first-time students called the Sigi 3 that will highlight what the student’s possible interests are and the fields that they may be interested in. The test will be required and will be used to give students a clearer idea of job positions they could see themselves working in earlier on in their time at CCSU. “We’re going to review that assessment and once we have worked with the students and have met, we’ll hand them to their department and school-based advising center,” said Poppe. The new center will be a combination of the former advising center and career services and will have eight advisers to help students with deciding their possible career paths along with questions they may have. The students who will need to spend time at the center will include first-time, transfer and continuing students who are undeclared. “We’re trying to adapt the academics and continue to do the co-ops to help their careers while maintaining job listings and career fairs,” said Provost Carl Lovitt. The ad-hoc committee that was in place to help monitor the beginning processes of the new center was a formation of faculty members but will now with the hopes of the university be replaced by a university council that will include employees, SGA and faculty to monitor the center. Over the summer, Poppe attended the orientation days to inform new students of the formation of the new advising center and give them an idea of what the system is in place for. According to the provost, a personal pride of the university is that it insures all students have a 15-credit schedule to make sure they’re
In his first letter to students as the university’s new Health Service Director, Christopher R. Diamond, M.D. directly addressed plans to handle H1N1 virus, or swine flu, and urged students to exercise common sanitary measures. “We’re hyper vigilant, but we’re also rational,” said Diamond, who began his position during the summer. “We’re not going to overreact or under react.” CCSU has also added a new page to the university’s Health Service Web site outlining suggested precautions for avoiding spread of the flu, including encouraging students to stay home if they come down with a fever or
experience other flu-like symptoms. “All flu types are potentially dangerous; we just don’t know how this one is going to react,” he said. Diamond said that this season will see the usual symptoms, but headaches, stomach pains and sore throat may also accompany the H1N1 flu. The Web page also notes that the university will distribute two types of flu vaccinations as they become available, expected in September. “The main thing about this is influenza doesn’t have a great treatment. The medicines we have reduce length of illness by a couple of days,” Diamond said. “We save those for people moderately or severely ill, in the See University Preparing Page 3
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News
2 THE RECORDER Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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Student center 1615 Stanley Street new Britain, ct 06050 t 860.832.3744 F 860.832.3747 ccsurecorder@gmail.com therecorderonline.net twitter.com/therecorder
editor-in-chief Melissa Traynor managing editor Edward Gaug art director Geoffrey Lewis news editors Matt Kiernan Tonya Malinowski
CCSU and Miller Emphasizes University Improvements in Year’s Opening Speech New Britain Continued from page 1 Police there’s still money to be given for tions professor and director of the award, he was thanked for going scholarships and loans. University Museum Collaborative out of his way to improve the uni- Departments New Britain Superintendent of Karen Ritzenhoff discussed past versity by doing such things as orSchools Doris Kurtz brought for- experiences they have had with the ganizing the Vance Lecture series, to Conduct ward the issue of students not university and the NBMAA work- Honorary Doctorates and CSU graduating on time, a main con- ing together to hold exhibits. professor ceremonies. cern for the university. She empha- O’Shea even presented Provost While the budget for CCSU is DUI Check sized that when students graduate Carl Lovitt with a dress made of always a topic of discussion on the from high school; they need to canvas bags that a student made. campus and at meetings, the Points have been given the skills necesPresident Miller presented the President chose not to cover the sary to prepare them for college. “Part of the reason they don’t graduate is because they’re not well prepared enough and have to take remedial classes,” said Kurtz. The deputy director of the New Britain Museum of American Art Maura O’Shea and communica-
Distinguished Service Award to Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement Nick Pettinico in honor of the services he’s provided to the university over the 25 years he’s spent there. Although Mr. Pettinico couldn’t be at the meeting to accept the
topic in length at this particular meeting. President Miller ended the meeting by expressing his belief that he’s convinced CCSU will be an outstanding university in the years to come.
entertainment editor Michael Walsh Sports editor Christopher Boulay
about
The Recorder is a studentproduced publication of Central Connecticut State University and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of CCSU’s administrators, faculty or students. The Recorder articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Recorder and may not be reproduced or published without the written permission from the Editor-in-Chief. The purpose of The Recorder is to approach and define issues of importance to the students of Central Connecticut State University. Meetings for The Recorder are held on Mondays at 8 p.m. in the Blue and White Room in the student center.
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edward gaug | the recorder
Police Watch In a continuing effort to deter motorists from driving while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs, the Central Connecticut State University and New Britain Police Departments will be conducting a DUI checkpoints on September 3, 2009. Sgt. Chris Cervoni of the CCSU Police Department said the check points will be located on various streets adjacent to the CCSU campus between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Each year thousands of lives are lost and many more are injured as a result of alcoholrelated accidents,” noted CCSU Police Chief Jason Powell. “The CCSU and New Britain Police Departments hope that their efforts will provide a safer community for our students, faculty, staff, and city residents,” he added. “Both Departments are hoping a greater awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence will help reduce the loss of lives or injuries by removing intoxicated drivers from the roads.” In the coming months the CCSU police will conduct several DUI awareness programs in the University’s residence halls. Contact Information: Sgt. Chris Cervoni Support Services CCSU Police Department Phone: 860-832-2353 Fax: 860-832-2379
President Miller presented the Distinguished Service Award to Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement Nick Pettinico in honor of the services he’s provided to the university.
HEALTHY MEN WHO HAVE 5 OR MORE DRINKS PER OCCASION NEEDED FOR ALCOHOL STUDY
Healthy males, 21-45 years old, who drink 5 or more drinks per occasion on several days per month, and have no history of substance dependence or psychiatric illness, are needed for a UConn Health Center study to evaluate an FDA approved medication, dutasteride, and common genetic variation on the effects of a moderate dose of alcohol. Dutasteride (Avodart TM) is not FDA approved for the purpose of this study. Participation involves blood samples, interviews, questionnaires, 7 brief study visits and 4 full day laboratory sessions where you will be asked to consume placebo or alcohol drinks based on your body weight. $555 paid for full participation.
For information call 860-679-4186 or go towww.uchcalcoholstudy. com (refer to study #2) IRB approved on 4/20/09 (valid through 3/10/10)
3
THE RECORDER / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / NEWS
New Name, Improvements for Advising Center Continued from page 1
on their way to graduating on time. A factor involved in creation of the Center for Advising was time constraints because it was required to be fully operational by the fall semester. “Right now I think it’s taken them longer to get this up and running than I thought they would,” said associate professor of English Dr. Barrington. While there are expected to be approximately 1,300 first-time students as well as transfer and continuing students, the center for advisement remains positive that they can handle the load.
“Our plan is to give all entering first-time students and those changing their major advisement and to figure out why they’re changing and what are the factors involved.” - Kenneth Poppe-
University Preparing for Flu Season and Potential H1N1 Threat
Continued from page 1
hospital or are heading to hospital or people who have other illnesses, such as asthma.” In the email to students, he said that university Health Service is training residence hall staff to be prepared for H1N1 and that individual hand sanitizers will be distributed as well as installed in buildings on campus. By the first day of class, the Student Center dispensers were installed on walls near main doors. He also noted in the email that the university has “established temporary housing apart from residence halls for student who are ill and unable to return home conveniently, principally our international students and
“We will do it. This is our charge,” said Poppe. Even though the center will be functional for the fall semester, there are expected to be some problems along the way. Members of the advising center will be looking at problems and changes that may need to be made to improve the center. “We’re trying the best we can to get it right the first time but inevitably there will be some problems,” said Lovitt. The school will be encouraging students in addition to the search for jobs and academic schooling to have interest in internships or possible voluntary work. While learning about jobs through academic classes is important, the application of the academics in real-life instances can be equally valuable. The Internet system Central Connections will still be used to list job postings and internships. The Center for Advising and Career Exploration will be renovated at its Willard 100 location.
those whose homes are in other states,” which, a test to confirm the case will not aid recovery and results may take a week to determine. in effect, may serve as a quarantined area. It is suggested that students who Diamond said the Health Service office will become a place for ill students to stay if experience flu-like symptoms contact they are being picked up. Including himself, university Health Service and schedule the Diamond said they have three full-time next available appointment if they cannot be _r01 seen by a health professional that day or at the staff and they are looking into assistancen_09_0057_ct004.indd after-hours or whether regular hours will be least leave message with the office concerning their condition. Diamond said he and his staff expanded should the situation call for it. “Working hard to have telephone triage,” are working to help students wait until the later appointment. he said. While treating all students with flu-like The Health Service Director explained that the university’s aim is to prevent the all symptoms and keeping a steady watch on the types of the flu, not to single out or only treat situation at CCSU, Diamond was confident. “The importance is on people taking care H1N1. In terms of treating students who become ill with the H1N1 strain, performing of themselves,” he said.
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Editorial
Editorial/Opinion
A New Home on the Web With a new direction in mind, one that involves more news, sports, entertainment, lifestyles reporting and opinion - and faster - The Recorder is announcing the beginning of what we hope will be a steady and convenient transition to the Web for readers. The print edition will still arrive Wednesday mornings, but the Web will be running on a daily cycle of constant content and will pick up where print leaves off. It’s no longer acceptable to move at the speed of paper - not when everyone else is moving at the speed of the Web. This latest all-Web-friendly step is the latest development in The Recorder’s goal to provide more content, and a greater experience for readers in the last year. March of last semester marked the creation of our new
Web site, one that we have experimented with over the last few months and will continue to do so as we search for ways to improve the newspaper. Beginning this semester, The Recorder will start the transition to a greater Web presence to become a Web and print news organization, not simply a newspaper with a Web site. To accomplish this, the newspaper will be testing out organizational changes, even though if it does mean undoing and reworking how we prepare for print. For example, all stories, accompanied by multimedia when possible, will be posted to the Web site before print, and sometimes far ahead of it. The limitations of print, in timeliness and information, has prompted The Recorder to push for a greater Web presence in order to allow our readers to become viewers, listen-
ers and CCSU community members to interact with the staff and newspaper content. Though it seems sometimes the changes cannot come soon enough, it is not without a slight grief for print that we will work through the coming weeks to make the Web site our first priority. Shifting away from our print edition is inevitable, but this does not mean our paper is going on without quality. Our writers and editors have not relinquished their responsibilities to put out a good product every week, but wish to expand it by moving deeper online. With the push for a more developed and accommodating Web site, The Recorder will also devote itself to expanding coverage of the stories that matter to the campus and adding supplemental multimedia.
THE RECORDER Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The transition will allow for videos, extra commentary on our section editor’s blogs, photo slideshows, podcasts, audio clips and, more importantly, the opportunity for greater reader feedback. We want to know what you think and want to provide an easy way to tell us. Letters to the Editor are always appreciated, but readers should be able to submit a comment if they’d like, send us tweets, or even submit their own content. In the coming weeks, The Recorder will take on the challenge of producing quality content online and in print and with a renewed commitment to readers and for their best interest. We look forward to hearing from our readers and responding with what they’d like to see more -or less of- as the transition to the Web picks up.
KFC Presents the Double-Down Sandwich ‘So much chicken, they didn’t have room for a bun.’ Joe ZaJac THE RECORDER
Shake yourself, plebeians, from your dietary daydreams and picture nestled between your teeth two pieces of succulent fried chicken cradling a bundle of bacon, cheese and some fine down home special sauce. This is not some hefty customer’s buffet creation gone awry, oh no, but rather the new KFC “Double Down” sandwich. Though those south of the Mason-Dixon line may consider this a less than generous appetizer, the new “Double Down” is an impressive entity unto itself. The Double Down is no mere sandwich; actually, it isn’t one at all. A key ingredient is missing from the equation, the bread, a role the twin strips of fried chicken assume in this case. Rounding out this unorthodox monstrosity are slices of Swiss and pepper jack cheese, bacon and some secret manner of sauce. KFC’s peculiar new sandwich comes on the heels of the company’s push for a rebranding of its image, urging customers to “Rethink KFC.” To be fair however, the sandwich has not officially debuted nation-
wide, but only in select test markets in Rhode Island and Nebraska. If Internet buzz translates into a second glance at this oft-pigeonholed company for many consumers, then their rebranding has mustered a moderate amount of success. Yet, the Double Down seems strangely out of place still. It’s certainly easy to dismiss the Double Down as a novelty item, because it is. The main attraction of the “sandwich,” the lack of bread, comes about six years too late for the Atkins dietary craze, and the unique makeup of the sandwich is more a hindrance than anything. Fried chicken is not an appropriate replacement for bread and the special sauce placed in the middle of the sandwich between the two pieces of cheese makes for one slippery sandwich. That, combined with the inherent greasiness of the chicken, almost necessitated the use of a knife and fork, which in turn defeats the entire purpose. The sandwich is nigh impossible to keep together, and once the novelty factor wears off, all that’s left is akin to something a bored child may create in the cafeteria. The term “sandwich” is used out of necessity here, be-
cause “culinary abomination” would certainly not gel well with KFC’s other, less obnoxiously named, items on the menu. But make no mistake, the sandwich tastes better than anything on the KFC menu by leaps and bounds. If one is able to get past the inherent dryness of the chicken, then the sandwich is rather tasty. Though the sandwich itself seems more a comment on America’s gluttonous appetite, every ingredient compliments the others well. Those already wary of KFC’s offerings probably won’t be converted, but current customers will have something new to chew on.
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5
THE RECORDER / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / FRESHMAN SUPPLEMENT
Making A Genuine, Green Effort Samantha Fournier SPECIAL TO THE RECORDER
“While there were many people on campus with an ideological commitment to carbon neutrality, recycling, green cleaning, reduced energy consumption, etc., yet there was no comprehensive plan,” said President Jack Miller during the 2009-10 year’s opening remarks. “Significant progress has been made in addressing the problems and challenges just enumerated,” Miller said last Thursday as he looked back on past years. This noteworthy progress is apparent in 2008 and 2009 comparisons during university’s green transformation. This year 36 percent of the CCSU trash stream was recycled compared to 2008 when only 28 percent of the total trash stream was recycled. Energy consumption has also been reduced. Miller continued with the positive tone of his speech as he boasted that the electrical consumption was reduced from 29,126,083 kilowatt hours used in 2008 to 26,004,506 kilowatt hours in 2009. The Water Reduction Program has also succeeded in lessening the amount of water used from 53,152,200 gallons in 2008 to 49,829,250 gallons in 2009. “We need much more work in areas which have failed and continued effort even where we have succeeded,” Miller said. As CCSU continues on in its effort to promote a green atmosphere, students can do the same. Christina Cefaratti, CCSU ‘12, said that “lack of knowing how to adjust it to help the environment” is the reason for a lack of lifestyle change.
easily be thrown in the washing machine after use. A four-pack of solid-colored napkins at Target is $7.99. Use reusable batteries. Save money by putting reusable batteries in your remote controls in the long run instead of buying regular batteries that need to be thrown out after each use. A four-pack of Hybrio rechargeable batteries costs $10.56. amazon.com
Use a stainless steel or aluminum water bottle. Stainless steel or aluminum water bottles are BPA free (bisphenol A or BPA is a harmful toxin that can be found in some plastic water bottles) and are more durable than the plastic water bottles. Alumnus Rachel Gary, CCSU ‘07, a member of the Connecticut Youth Activist Network, said that she makes sure to carry an aluminum water bottle everywhere. All aluminum water bottles from the Gaiam collection are $10.38. luckyvitamin.com
Quenching Your Thirst for Central Conn. Entertainment: CCSU Not Exactly a Desert michaeL WaLSh THE RECORDER
Shocking, I know, but the central area of Connecticut isn’t exactly a hotbed of sizzling entertainment. Still, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t possible to maximize your free time while being a Blue Devil both on and off campus. An obvious first choice begins right on campus with the Central Activities Network, the campus programming board. This group is responsible for most of what the actual campus has to offer entertainment-wise. A staple of the CAN lineup includes their film series, which brings students some of the most popular films from the past few months slightly before they’re due to be released on DVD and Blu-ray. Fall 2009’s schedule is highlighted by titles such as Star Trek, Transformers 2 and The Hangover. Reminders are easily found around campus with posters or on CAN’s own Web site. Over the course of a semester a seemingly random selection of entertainment does come to the campus including an assortment of musicians, hypnotists, illusionists and stand-up comedians, who, even if you’re unfamiliar with them, can deliver some laughs or else they wouldn’t be in the traveling business. I won’t lie and say that any of this is the most attractive type of entertainment, but it’s mostly free and extremely convenient, especially for the students living on campus. Outside of the campus entertainment featuring performers and darkened theaters, students can find a nightly kind of entertainment
right inside their student center. The Breakers Gameroom located across from the mailbox area in the student center offers cheap billiards for all students. And for those who don’t choose to bring a gaming console to school with them, you can still get your hands on the latest Xbox 360 games for just a $1 per playing session. What must be met face to face is the fact that sometimes the best option for fulfilling your entertainment needs is to leave campus. Well, you’re in luck, sort of. The surrounding area offers a decent amount of things to do, sometimes at a bargain price. Continuing with the theme of films, local theaters leave enough options for fans of both mainstream and arthouse titles. Anyone who is a local of the area might already know that the National Amusement’s theater off the Berlin Turnpike in Kensington, Conn. offers a bargain price of $6 per ticket all day Tuesday. A fact of shame is that now that the summer is over the theater is cutting back its weekday hours, with only two showings a day per film on Tuesdays, which includes midday and nighttime timeslots. Those in the mood for something a little more off the radar might be apt to check out both Cinestudio and Real Art Ways in Hartford, Conn. These two independent theaters typically play films you might hear a word or two about, but will never see on the billing for a corporate run cinema. For example, Real Art Ways is the only place to see the critically acclaimed comedy In the Loop, a film I still find to be the best of 2009. Reporting on the concert venues in the area might seem trite, since
everyone who cares already knows where all the acts they’re interested in are playing at. What I will add is that one of the niftiest Web sites for finding this information is www. jambase.com. The Web site neatly compiles all concert listings in a certain location for every day of the week. This should ensure you don’t miss out on a good night of watching one of your favorite bands or artists perform nearby. Sporting ventures aren’t vacant from the area either. Both Blue Devil football and basketball can put on more than a show and college game day experience. Okay, so it isn’t UConn and it surely isn’t Michigan, but you could do a lot worse than a somewhat accomplished football team and a basketball program that’s been to the big dance. Ever heard of New Jersey Institute of Technology? Yeah, their men’s basketball team didn’t win a game in 2007-08. Anyone out there crave professional sports? I hope you like hockey. The Hartford Wolf Pack, American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Rangers, put out a good product full of future NHL players every year and does so at a cheap price for college students. Most seats are only $10 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with any college ID and students can purchase up to four at a time. Otherwise, adult tickets will once again be $10 in the upper deck for all games. I know, they aren’t the Whalers, but this means they don’t stink up the ice like the Whalers. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s nothing to do tonight. With enough thought and sometimes a little gas mileage and dough, something can be found on most given nights to entertain your entire posse.
Freshman Orientation Snapshot
Now It’s Your Turn Cefaratti said that keeping sustainability in mind while changing their routines is something students can do to mirror the university’s efforts. “I think everybody is capable,” she said. In avoiding buying everyday items that cannot be reused, CCSU students have the opportunity to make an impact and help the university as a whole reach new sustainability goals.
Use reusable cotton cloths. While students might spend $4.79 on a two pack of 128 sheet Bounty paper towels from CVS, why $4.85 on a reusable one-pound box of cotton cloths? waresdirect. com Use cloth napkins. Cloth napkins are another reusable purchase that can just as
Buy reusable containers instead of plastic bags. Gary says she also packs a lunch everyday replacing plastic sandwich bags with reusable plastic containers. May we suggest the 2-cup storage container from Rubbermaid’s Premier collection for $3.96? (rubbermaid.com) “If we don’t modify our way of living the environment is going to [continue to] modify itself,” Gary said.
edward gaug | the recorder
George Zerantay and Amber Kelly performed their “Sex Signals” program for the incoming Class of 2013 this past Sunday morning. Zerantay and Kelly used a mix of stand up and improv comedy to make a point on sexual assult and rape on a college campus.
6
THE RECORDER / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / FRESHMAN SUPPLEMENT
Get Around!
Elihu Burritt Library:
You should actually step inside this place, if only at least once.
Student Center Picnic Tables:
Student Center Parking Lot:
Arrive at 8 a.m. to get a good space. Either that or hover for 20 minutes.
Join the hookah-smokers here. or here.
Walkways in front of Maria Sanford Hall and Marcus White Hall: Prepare to be inundated. These stairs essentially become a river during rain – even drizzle.
Vance Lawn:
Dodge frisbees, or footballs.
DiLoreto Hall:
Find out what the real maximum capacity is of a supposed 18-student classroom.
Police Station:
Two words: DUI checkpoints.
Are You New To The CCSU Campus?
Unless you simply skipped freshman orientation activities altogether, you received a stack of pamphlets and leaflets and newsletters and regular letter detailing all kinds of information about CCSU. You probably know where Nicolaus Copernicus Hall is and what kinds of departments are housed there, or maybe you even took note of the area restaurants while you were driving by on moving day. But in order to save you a little frustration and arm you with CCSU seasoned veterans’ secrets, there are a few spots on campus you might want to know more about. If you stumble across a hidden gem on campus or maybe want to throw some light on shady spots - let us know: ccsurecorder@gmail.com.
7
THE RECORDER / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / FRESHMAN SUPPLEMENT
Kaiser Lot:
CCSU becomes a wet campus - in this parking lot only - for home football games.
Save The Date: CCSU Games That You Need to Attend Friday September 4 Women’s Soccer Defends their Crown
Copernicus Garage:
Park here when partying at Essex Place, or sleep in your car here when you don’t feel like driving back from a Campus View Apartments party or Elmer’s.
Leah Blayney and Clio Tregear lead the Blue Devils as they defend their NEC championship and fight for another NCAA tourney birth. The first step at home is against Buffalo at 1 p.m. Be sure to catch this game because the women’s team won’t be back on campus for over three weeks. Saturday September 12 - Men’s Soccer Home Opener Coach Green and his boys look to begin their attack on the NEC with a non-conference match against Holy Cross at 4:00 p.m. This marks CCSU’s first official look at freshman phenom Taylor Morgan playing alongside veterans Eddie Floyd and Conor Smith. Expect a lightning-fast, high-scoring affair.
Homecoming Weekend Friday October 2 Men’s soccer begins their conference home schedule with an afternoon match against the Red Flash of St. Francis (PA). After a month of playing together, the team should be in full sync as they press towards a NEC championship and a spot in the NCAA tournament. Saturday October 3 After a month on the road, CCSU football makes their first appearance at Arute Field with their homecoming game against Sacred Heart of Fairfield at high noon. The Blue Devils made easy work of the Pioneers on the road last year and Hunter Wanket and James Mallory are back for another shot at the NEC title. Saturday October 31 - Football Battles Albany In a game that might determine the eventual NEC champion, the Blue Devils take on the Great Danes of Albany. Albany has been atop the North East Conference for the past years and Coach Mac’s team has no other option than to beat Albany if they want the title.
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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / UGRADE
Summer Albums You Might Have Missed War Tapes The Continental Divide May 26, 2009
War Tapes was introduced to me early last year with the description “They kind of sound like Alkaline Trio” attached to it. While I am admittedly a huge fan of Alkaline Trio, I am a fan of War Tapes for a much different reason. While they have an overall sound that straddles the line between shoegaze and punk, their lead vocals make them stand out above more non-descript bands in a flooded rock revival that is today’s “indie” scene. Neil Popkin’s lo-fi vocals bring to mind Morrisey’s swoon mashed elegantly with Matt Skiba’s dark, almost evil lyrics. Combining two of my all-time favorite lead vocalists is a very easy way to find a permanent home in my iTunes library. Even if you’re not a fan of The Smiths or Alkaline Trio, you will be able to find something positive with War Tapes to take away from a listen of The Continental Divide. I maintain that this album is one of the summer’s hidden gems that will be making a few appearances on Best of 2009 lists. Edward gaug THE RECORDER
dredg The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion
June 9, 2009
Building on already strong collection of studio albums, EPs and a live album, the newest release from experimental progressive rock band dredg reaches new ground for a band that has been continuously soaring up the ranks ever since their first album was released more than 10 years ago. The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion is certainly the group’s most catchy album. Even so, they didn’t stray from their experimental side that made albums such as their debut Leitmotif so different. Sure, the feel of this band has seemed to change here and there over the years, but no one can be totally against that. Still, the newest album is hooking, a complete attention grabber. Hayes hits a lot of right notes lyrically, combining his easily listenable, highly unique and incredibly distinctive voice with a band that, as simple as it sometimes may be, brings a highly complex sound. Michael Walsh THE RECORDER
Grizzly Bear Veckatimest May 26, 9009
At this level of fame and indiecred, it’s way too easy for an album from a big name like Grizzly Bear to fail after months of hype. Luckily, they defied the odds. Their May release Veckatimest stands as a better-than-decent follow up to the 2007 Friend EP and their last full-length Yellow House (2006). With the live version of “While You Wait for the Others” pretty much lingering on Internet message boards for months before the release, Grizzly Bear prepared and delivered on 12 lackadaisical tracks, with an altogether pleasing lack of weight and gravity. The airy remainder is part of a contrasting break from the two tracks that begin the record: “Southern Point” – a rolling and thunderous song – and “Two Weeks,” which is the best attempt they have at bridging the two personalities of Veckatimest (despite the fact that the opening piano line sounds too much like “Satellite” by Kiss Kiss.). No surprises if Veckatimest makes the top five albums of 2009. MELISSA TRAYNOR THE RECORDER
Insane Clown Posse Bang! Pow! Boom!
Psychopathic Records September 1, 2009
It’s been seven years since the Insane Clown Posse released their landmark album, The Wraith: Shangri-La, in which the clown duo came out as closet Christians and successfully veered into cultlike territory with promises of an afterlife reserved for only Juggalos, the fans of ICP. It was a savvy business move by ICP to cement fan support, but still, being of low IQ, Juggalos were baffled nonetheless, and the general public had long since dismissed the clowns as such. More curious about this is that it came n the tail end of a string of albums laced with profanity, violence and ham-fisted messages of murder and carnage. These themes resonated with only the most dimwitted outcasts and dredges of society, who form the Juggalo “family.” Such themes are
the norm on most ICP albums. There is no light at the end of the tunnel with the ICP discography, only disappointment, and Bang! Pow! Boom! is no different. Make no mistake, Bang! Pow! Boom! is still an abscess on music itself. It is a whole mess of wretched piled on top of decaying meat festering in the sun for days. Though it is unlikely that anyone who listens to ICP is also able to read this review, be forewarned that only childish lyrics, nonsensical violence and whack beats await those who dare listen. If you ever wondered where dreams, aspirations and positive life choices go to die, this would be the place to start. Joe Zajac THE RECORDER
Local Indie Band Brings Sophomore Album to Up or on the Rocks Samantha Fournier SPECIAL TO THE RECORDER
As the mellow sounds of Brian Jarvis’ music faded, the band members of Article 19 mounted the stage as the crowds started piling into Up Or On The Rocks for Columbia Fields’ CD release party for Bridging the Gap on Friday night. Past the crowded bar surrounded by thirsty twenty-somethings, Article 19 pumped up the crowd with songs like “Save Me” and the funk-infused “Bringin’ Down the House.” The crowd eagerly welcomed Columbia Fields when they set foot on stage. A few moments after this Connecticut-based band plugged in their instruments, the room was surrounded by the sounds of “Wake Me Up,” as it boomed from the black speakers overhead. The audience in front of the stage moved with beat of the music as the band moved into their next song, “Trust,” off of their first album “When the Night Falls.” The band followed up with the crowd pleaser, Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al.” “Just under a year in the making here” said Grayson Minney, Columbia Fields’ lead vocals and guitar, of the new album as he announced that the band would play the CD top to bottom. The first track, “Face to Face,” was a great
start to the album with heavy vibes coming through on the electric guitar played by Alan Veniscofsky, of Rane. As the Columbia Fields continued playing, with the start of “Take,” their new single, it was clear why these guys won the honor of “Best Indie Band” for the second year in the “Hartford Advocate’s” Grand Band Slam. Their enthusiastic audience was enjoying the rock based music and grooving to lyrics like “Your eyes they light up the sky/ you take me down on to my knees again/ and your love it gets me high/ take me around inside your head.” As the night progressed it was clear that each band member had put so much effort into the performance and the new the CD, Bridging the Gap. Bassist Jon Coates earned applause from the listeners after he rocked out doing a solo for the fifth number. A smile came across drummer Chris Bowes’ face as he pounded the set, adding a strong presence to each song. Eric Heath, on the keyboard, brought just as much to the upbeat mood of the night, as did Minney, who belted out the lyrics to each song with feeling and passion. Despite that the crowd had thinned out by the last song, “25,” the band ended the show on a high note and a rosy outlook for their sophomore album. Photo courtesy of: Columbia Fields
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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / UPGRADE
A Thing Of The Past, Inglourious Basterds Is an Example of Marvelous Storytelling Michael Walsh THE RECORDER
The long time-coming World War II project of Quentin Tarantino finally arrived, and in world class form at that. Tarantino had been working on the ever-evolving script of influenced ideas for nearly a decade. What began a spaghetti western in the vein of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly turned into an Italian exploitation war film influenced adventure styled after The Dirty Dozen. Finally, what became of Tarantino’s self-described “bunchof-guys-on-a-mission” film turned into a tale of a brooding squad of Jewish Americans set on scalping Germans interlaced over the course of five chapters with a French side plot of a former Jewish hideaway and her plan to pay the Nazi regime back for past inflicted pains. Inglourious Basterds is seemingly all about the brutality, revenge and racism of the battleground in German occupied France, and looks at the barbarism from all points of view. There’s always a lot to cover when dealing with a Tarantino film. As a filmmaker, he puts so much into his films, especially on personal levels. His entire filmography is almost a showcase for his affection of all different types of the world’s cinema. From noir-bled stories to an expansion on the blaxploitation genre, Tarantino is one of the modern artists that have been able to translate the blood, guts and viscera of past genres to today’s filmmaking, a key ability that helps translate this arduous scrip into life. Because of this, Inglourious Basterds breathes a few fresh breaths right from the beginning with the old-styled title credits and the name of the first chapter, “Once Upon a Time in Nazi-Occupied France”, something you might find as the
name of a Sergio Leone directed and Terence Hill acted spaghetti western. In fact the name of the film is inspired by the English title of Enzo G. Castellari’s classic war exploitation film The Inglorious Bastards, which also deals with a group of roughneck American soldiers during World War II. This whole theme carries into the entire film, from the type of music to the violence to the characters named after famous actors and filmmakers. It’s strange to say that something that reminds me of films from the 1960s and 1970s is original and something I’m glad to see, but after mucking through far too many spiritless titles every week, this nod to another decade is something I welcome. Inglourious Basterds certainly seems to contain a whole lot of a respect for a whole lot of people. But of course the most respect here should be given to Tarantino for finally making his back-pocket script actually a possibility. Like any film from the director, there’s plenty of dialogue. Of course, it’s all excellent dialogue, the kind only Tarantino and a select few others can really bring forth into their films. It’s the kind of wordplay both completely serious at times and absurdly funny at others - that explores characters with insight and holds an audience in its seats by building tension. The real motivating engine of the film is the way everything unravels. Inglourious Basterds is seriously good storytelling at its finest. Even at 153 minutes the film has a conjoined feel where all the pieces fit together. The films multiple yet interlacing storylines are told through the course of five different chapters, all a bit different from one another, yet each acting to build the next one. Not really a true ensemble cast, but still deserving of equally
Photo courtesy of: The Weinstein Company
divided credit, the actors in Inglourious Basterds all pulled together and contributed to some truly remarkable performances. The film is stolen by Christoph Waltz as SS officer Hans Landa. The Austrian actor should be looking at some notice from the Academy come Oscar season with his truly evil, commanding and thoroughly entertaining portrayal of “The Jew Hunter”. Brad Pitt has really done a good job as of late turning in nice character performances. His silly role in the Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading led to a much more serious turn in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and finally into this serious yet darkly funny character Lt. Aldo Raine, a man subtitled “Aldo the Apache” for his love of
scalping Nazis. With his quick-speak and impeccable Hillbilly-fashioned southern drawl, Pitt seems to be building onto a nice acting career sometimes overshadowed by his crowd-drawing name and good looks. The rest of the performances, some a bit smaller in scale, impress just as well. Never was I huge Eli Roth fan, and on paper I could never see him pulling off a character nicknamed “The Jew Bear”, but he did it. German actor Til Schweiger might have given the most badass performance as quiet psychopath Hugo Stiglitz and other main protagonist Shosanna is wonderfully played by the gleaming Mélanie Laurent. Also of note is Mike Myers’ revitalizing performance, somewhat similar to the way Tom Cruise had a
surprising and successful appearance in 2008’s Tropic Thunder. This bastard child of multiple genres is a triumph for Quentin Tarantino. Inglourious Basterds is spaghetti western built with World War II mythos and an unrestrained, anything goes battlefield being trudged through by memorable characters full of arching dialogue and subtly dark humor. I’m not ready to say Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino’s best film, but it certainly is one of his most remarkable pieces of art, a true ode to many things past. Perhaps Tarantino was speaking directly through Pitt’s character when Aldo Raine speaks the line “I think this might just be my masterpiece.”
Life after Halo Spells Masterpiece for Blomkamp with District 9
Michael Walsh THE RECORDER
What a thrill it must have been for Neill Blomkamp. The South African native was named director of the Peter Jackson produced Halo film project back in 2007. Can a first feature film get more daunting? Unfortunately for Blomkamp,
the project never happened. The Halo film was dead and according to Microsoft is still sitting on the shelves. But as Jackson said himself, the day Halo died is the day District 9 was born. Jackson decided to give Blomkamp the directorial shot they owed him, and that shot turned out to be a feature length version of Blomkamp’s own short film Alive in Joburg.
Photo courtesy of: TriStar
In documentary-like fashion, District 9 follows Wikus van de Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a MNU bureaucrat assigned to evict and move the residing and stranded alien species to a new refugee camp in Johannesburg, South Africa. After being exposed to a less-thandesirable alien substance, Wilkus attempts to survive on the run from the very MNU agency he worked
for as he tries to help the aliens flee from the planet. All I have to say for the time being is forget Halo. Who needs a highly revered set of characters and stories when you have the pure genius and originality of Neill Blomkamp at the helm? District 9 is an extraordinary feature film debut for director/writer Blomkamp and the kind of science fiction film some filmmakers would dream to make. It breathes heavy with originality but doesn’t shy away from borrowing things from the classics, like the ongoing metamorphosis of Wilkus being strikingly similar in ferocity to that of Seth Brundle’s excruciating change to fly in David Cronenberg’s The Fly. District 9 is a science fiction classic all by itself, and Blomkamp didn’t need the backing of a popular videogame to do so. In a perfect Hollywood, more District 9’s and less Halo’s would be made. An outstanding aspect of District 9 is the absolute emotional honesty poured into the film. Blomkamp had first hand experience of apartheid in South Africa while growing up. Say what you will about the message seeping through the film’s pores, but Blomkamp’s vision of truth and honesty is evident and isn’t something you will find in most films of this kind. District 9 is truly a gritty breeding ground for degradation and pain, and the emotion is found from all parties whether it is human or alien. Both
sides are given a fair shake at being good and evil, and the balance plays out well for the emotional tenacity of the film, a dimension some science fiction films about alien invaders don’t carry at all. The true naturalistic cinéma vérité style of Blomkamp is executed as perfect as it has ever been done inside the science fiction/horror genres. Where other films come off as being unnatural and fake, Blomkamp’s direction and editing of the whole entire process is nearly perfect, making it truly feel as though the agents and people of Johanesburg are actually socializing and interacting with an alien species. Strange, I know, but this film looks great, proving a smallish budget of $30 million can bring great success at the hands of someone like Blomkamp. One for the ages, District 9 is the best film I’ve seen all summer, and should serve as a blueprint for how to do the genre right in the 21st century. From a script that actually makes you care about its beings to great visual execution at a small price, Blomkamp proves you can make an engaging and heartpounding masterpiece without the big names or the excessive wad of cash. Can someone please screen this film over and over again in front of all the executives in Hollywood? And make them take notes.
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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / SPORTS
SPORTS STARTS ON BACKPAGE
Women’s Soccer Looks to Realize Top Seed NEC Predictions
Carmine Vetrano SPECIAL TO THE RECORDER
Photos courtesy of: CCSUBlueDevils.com
Goals Set for NEC Crown
Brittany Burke SPECIAL TO THE RECORDER
As the preseason comes to an end, third-ranked CCSU women’s volleyball team has their sights set on one thing; the NEC crown, but it will not come easily. They were able to take home an NEC title in 2003, although, a victory of that caliber has since to have been met. It is the target of both the coaches and the players to be a part of the first CCSU volleyball team to feel the glory of a NEC crown. While a number one victory is the ambition of everyone involved with this team, they are more focused on each individual piece of the impending season before being able to finish the entire puzzle. It will not be an easy road to the top but head coach Linda Spagnelli emphasizes that being ranked within the top four has only made her team work that much harder. With the team’s predecessors coming so close, this year’s team hopes to have an opportunity to repeat their prior successes and come out with a win. Women’s volleyball lost to the sixth-seeded Sacred Heart last season in the quarterfinals. “I have a great group of girls committed, with great work ethic,” said Spagnelli. Senior captain Jamie Baumert and junior captain Amanda
Bayer lead this year’s volleyball team. Though they lost two major talents with the departures of Lauren Snyder and Amanda Olmstead, the team will rely on returning talent and freshmen recruits. Coach Spagnelli cited the combination of veteran and new talent as the cause for great team chemistry. She stressed that approaching the season at “one match at a time” will take them further than focusing on the overall picture. She wants her girls to follow through with all of their actions during game time, which includes things like calling every single ball that comes their way. Spagnelli said the season opener is the team’s chance to come out with a bang and demonstrate to everyone that they are in fact in the running to become number one and gain the chance to take down Long Island University, which has claimed the NEC title for five consecutive years. The season begins with the CCSU Blue Devils Invitational on September fourth and fifth where they take on Manhattan College Jaspers Friday at 4 p.m., and then move into Saturday to compete against New Jersey Institute of Technology at 1:30 p.m. and University of Hartford on Saturday at 6 p.m.
The defending NEC champions have all the pieces in place for the 2009 season, as they are picked as first place favorites in the preseason NEC poll. The CCSU women’s soccer team is coming off a 2008 season in which they won their seventh league title since 1997. Last season, the Blue Devils got hot at the right time winning nine of their last 12 games towards the end stretch of their schedule. The Blue Devils beat the regular season champions and number one playoff seed Long Island University 1-0, off then-junior Leah Blayney’s lone goal to obtain the NEC crown. That win put the Blue Devils into the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005. They would eventually run into the nationally ranked no. 10 Boston College Eagles, who were pitted the third seed in the Women’s College Cup tournament. The Eagles won the first round game 3-0, ending the Blue Devils season with a 12-7-4 record (7-2 NEC). Head coach Mick D’Arcy is coming back for his 10th season in 2009 as he returns to the sidelines for the Blue Devils. D’Arcy, who won his 100th game at Central last season, has guided the women’s soccer team to the NCAA tournament five times since 2002 by claiming five NEC crowns. The team is only losing four varsity players in 2009, however two of the four were team points-leader Rachel Caneen and playoff MVP goalkeeper Erin Herd. Herd had a positive impact on now starting-
senior goalkeeper Caity Casey. “I learned from Erin a lot about how important a strong mentality is,” Casey said. “She had several injuries she overcame and in the end was very successful. I think everyone could learn from the example she set.” CCSU returns 11 of their 13 top scorers for this year’s campaign. Coming back is senior Leah Blayney who was second on the team last year in points with 12 while registering seven goals. “A personal goal for me is for Central to win another NEC title and advance past the first round of the NCAA [Tournament],” Blayney said of the upcoming season. Blayney likes the fact that the team is the one being hunted this season. She said, “The message it gives our team is that we are respected within the league but understand that we cannot take that for granted. It has given us expectations we are excited to meet.” As a junior, Casey started in eight games just shy of 770 minutes between the posts. She had 39 saves for a save percentage of .780 while possessing a 1.29 goals against average. Casey had a record of 4-4 in the net for the Blue Devils. She is not afraid of the challenge ahead of her by being the definite mainstay in net. “Four of my teammates and I played at a very competitive level over the summer,“ Casey expressed. “The training sessions and games was the best preparation I could have gotten.” CCSU was lights out at home last season with a perfect 5-0 record.
However, home is a distant thought for the 2009 season as the Blue Devils play their first seven of eight games on the road before returning to New Britain in late September. “Its always fun to win at home, we have a very supportive fan base and a great field,” Blayney said. “We will prepare for away trips as we do home games with adequate rest, meals and down time.” CCSU gained eight first-place votes out of a possible 11 to seize the number one spot. LIU was picked at the no. two position followed by Monmouth and St. Francis (PA). Quinnipiac University was tabbed for fifth place, as Farleigh Dickinson and Robert Morris held the sixth and seventh spots respectively. In their first season of NEC play, Bryant University holds the eight spot along with counterpart Sacred Heart University. Wagner sits at the 10 seed while Mount St. Mary’s rounds out the list in last place. The rematch of the 2008 NEC title game between CCSU and LIU is Sun. at 2 p.m. on October 18 in New Britain as they will meet for the first time this season. “Playing LIU is always one of my favorite games because it is always a battle,“ Casey said about the excitement of playing LIU. “Having them win the regular season gives us even more motivation to win. I love nothing more than to beat LIU.” The Blue Devils start the run for another NEC title with the TD Bank Classic Tournament in Burlington, VT as they face Siena College Friday at 1 p.m. and Vermont University Sun. at 1:30 p.m. The Blue Devils return home on Friday September 4 as the face Buffalo University at 1 p.m. on the CCSU soccer field.
Photo courtesy of: Conrad Akier
Senior Leah Blayney scored the Blue Devils first goal on the 2009 campaign in a 1-0 win over Siena.
THE RECORDER / Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / SPORTS
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Blue Devils Road Show CCSU Football Begins 2009 Season with Three Away Games
Edward Gaug | The Recorder
The Blue Devils look to the ground as a huge part of their offense. If the Blue and White scrimmage was any indication, the team can also air it out when neccesary. Aubrey Norris and Hunter Wanket trick play out anytime,” Norris said, both know the offense really well, can start off strong with their first Christopher Boulay both sharing time under center, as “We have two quarterbacks who so it doesn’t really matter what three road games. The RECORDER “[Morale] is very, very high. It’s well as both being capable of playing can run and throw. You don’t know quarterback is in at the time, we wideout. Senior James Mallory will when it’s going to happen, so it’s know exactly what is expected of us why we have a chance. We believe,” The CCSU football team is be starting at tailback, and senior pretty much whenever Coach wants and what we are going to get out of McInerney said. “We do [have a chance at the playoffs.] It’s the truth. aiming to improve on a 7-4 season Nick Colagiovanni will be playing to throw one in there, we are ready the quarterbacks.” to go.” Norris enjoys having the We have to beat William and Mary, and a third place NEC finish as wide receiver. Coach McInerney is excited dynamic ability of the offense, and they may be ranked.” they head into this season. With a “I definitely think that this is CCSU will have one game passing game that is more complex going to be one of the best offenses about the offense and wants to especially with he and Wanket televised on television in and talented than last season, Head that the school has ever had,” continue to make opponents guess playing all over the field. “I love that. I feel that [Wanket] Connecticut this season, when they Coach Jeff McInerney has big plans Colagiovanni said. “Our run game what the team is running, and in his is a great quarterback,” Norris said. host Sacred Heart in their home for this year’s squad. has been top six in the nation since mind, catch them off guard. “We have got to keep people “We can put the best 11 people on opener on October 3 on MSG. The season opens up with three I’ve been here and now we have the Central plays Lehigh on high profile road games, against passing game to go along with it. We honest and make them cover the the field, and I think it’s the best whole field,” McInerney said. “We move.” Saturday, September 5 at 12:30 p.m. Lehigh, William and Mary and are going to be hard to stop.” The team’s morale is almost in Bethlehem, Pa. The game will be Columbia. The offense has had a knack for are just trying to make explosive tangible both on and off the field, televised in the Pennsylvania region The team had a Blue and executing trick plays over the years, play.” Regarding the ability of having as the players and the coaching staff on FSN Pittsburgh. White scrimmage last Thursday, and during the Blue and White highlighting the ability of the scrimmage many were tried, with both quarterbacks on the field are very confident of a positive finish simultaneously, Colagiovanni said, this season, including a chance to passing game, which will be quite success. dynamic with Senior quarterbacks “We have the weapons to pull a “They are both experienced, they make the FCS playoffs if the team
Men’s Soccer Looks to Rebound from Disappointing 2008 Season Christopher Boulay The RECORDER
Two years removed from their best finish in school history, this season’s CCSU Blue Devils men’s soccer team looks to make another run to the NCAA Tournament with a team that looks solid from top to bottom. In 2007, CCSU made it all the way to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament. That squad had Yan Klukowski and David Tyrie, the two captains who graduated in May. But with co-captains Eddie Floyd and Robert Cavener, along with striker Rafael Guimaraes, goalkeeper Paul Armstrong, midfielder Connor Smith and newcomers Taylor Morgan, a forward and member of the English Schoolboy National Team, and Xavier Forsberg, former captain of the Australian Schoolboy National Team, this year’s squad may be as dangerous as ever. Coach Shaun Green, in his 25th year at the helm of the Blue Devils, is not only excited about the play of the veterans this year, but believes the freshman class will have an immediate impact. “The freshman class will be huge. They will play a great part. Forsberg, Morgan and [ Jessie] Menzies will play a major part in the team.” Another problem that opposing teams will have to deal with is the cohesion and sheer talent of the midfield and forward positions. “Offensively we have more options,” Green said. Opponents will have to deal with Taylor’s pace and the midfield is playing well, especially Eddie [Floyd] and Mersad [Sahanic].” Regarding starting Armstrong, Green said simply, “He will do great.”
The team is stacked from front to back and they aim to play more offensive, attacking soccer than in previous seasons. “We will have a lot more [scoring] opportunities,” said assistant coach Paul Wright said. “We have the ability to punish teams. There will be a little more fire power than last year.” The team is also hoping to look for a more tactically sound style than in past seasons, something that has come through in the matches in the spring and their play in the preseason. “We need to work more tactically as a group and appreciate each others’ strengths and weaknesses,” Green said. “We will continue to work with the group. We have a good level of performance from the back.” The NEC Soccer rankings released this summer penned in the Blue Devils as sixth place finishers in the conference. Coach Green does not put much stock into the rankings and feels that the squad will surpass the prediction. “I don’t think it’s reflective,” Green said. “ I don’t put much into what other coaches think about us. In 2007 we were picked sixth and we made the Sweet 16. It matters what we think about us.” Only one player will be missing from the spring squad. Christopher Brown, a forward from the Isle of Man, has left the program to return to the United Kingdom after four major surgeries effectively ended his playing career. Despite the loss, Coach Green is positive that the new additions will complement the returning players. “We have a great group of kids. I am looking forward to the season,” he said. CCSU opens their regular season at home on Saturday, September 12 at home against Holy Cross at 4 p.m.
Edward Gaug | The Recorder
Top: Eduardo Ortiz sends a shot towards the goal during the first half of CCSU’s win over Monroe College. Bottom: Ortiz scores a goal through the Manchester defense in the team’s final tune-up before the regular season.
Edward Gaug | The Recorder
Sports 9.2
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THE RECORDER Wednesday, September 2 , 2009
Blue Devils Breeze Through Pre-Season
Freshman Taylor Morgan totalled six goals in his first two preseason games as a Blue Devil. Morgan leads CCSU soccer’s 2009 freshman recruiting class.
Morgan Leads CCSU past Monroe College 5-0 Christopher Boulay THE RECORDER
Taylor Morgan has arrived. The 6’5 freshman and former English Schoolboy National Team member scored two goals to lead CCSU men’s soccer to a 5-0 victory over Monroe College. “It feels good to score in the first game. I made a good start and first impression,” Morgan said. “I just want to help the team win. I am looking forward to the season.” Eduardo Davila Ortiz opened up the scoring in the first half when Mersad Sahanic passed into the box and Ortiz completed the play with a beautiful tip-in. Through much of the first half, CCSU controlled possession, but had much trouble getting the ball on net. This changed right before halftime, when Morgan tapped the ball across the line at point blank range after a Mustangs’ defender made a costly error by a header toward his own net when trying to clear the ball. Regarding the state of the team’s play, Morgan was positive. “We are just getting used to each other. This is only our first competitive game. We are working on our partnership. There is definitely more to come,” he said. Taylor added another goal early in the second half with a spectacular strike; one that would put the match beyond all doubt. Midfielder Connor Smith was thrilled with the result and the dominant possession throughout the match. “This was a good start to the season. We use [the match] for fitness, and this was a good result,” he said. “A lot of us have been
Inside This Issue:
playing over the summer, and this preseason we have worked on possession. It worked well today.” Eddie Floyd confirmed the rout by hitting a beautiful one-touch strike from outside the 18 yard box. The squad’s starters would be replaced at that point by the Blue Devils’ bench players. “I feel our attack is strong. And we still have Rafa [Guimaraes] coming back from injury,” Smith said. “If we keep it going, we will do really well this season.” Freshman right back Jessie Menzies, along with Morgan, played in his first competitive match with the Blue Devils, and is satisfied with the team’s stellar pre-season play. “We played against a community college, but we did everything right,” Menzies said. “We moved the ball around well and our chemistry was good.” Sophomore striker Bryan Pino rounded out the scoring midway through the second half. Senior Sahanic applauded the competitive nature of this year’s squad and made clear that because of the talent level, players all over the pitch are fighting for position. “Everybody is staying focused and fighting for a spot. No one wants to mess up. The starting 11 want to keep their positions,” he said. “We have to stay focused. There is nothing but serious business when the season starts. It’s good for us.” CCSU and Monroe kept their bench players out for an extra 30 minutes after the match ended, and the Blue Devils youth took advantage, scoring four more times.
CCSU Men’s Soccer Look to Rebound After 2008 Season
See Men’s Soccer Page 11
Edward Gaug | The Recorder
Destruction: Blue Devils Score Eight, Rout MCC Christopher Boulay The Recorder
CCSU men’s soccer team scored seven goals in the first half and pasted Manchester Community college 8-0 in their final warm-up match before fall. Aaron Durr opened the scoring in the first half when he headed the ball home off of a corner. Soon after, Connor Smith passed to Robert Cavener, who struck the ball into the top right corner to double the scoreline. Shortly after, Taylor Morgan, who scored two goals in his debut earlier in the week, struck two of his three goals on the day in less than a minute. “I think he’s scored a goal every second shot he’s took,” Coach Shaun Green said. “He scored three goals in 40 minutes.” Smith was on the receiving end of a pass in the box, which he put it by the Cougars’ goalkeeper. Only minutes later, Morgan added his third to leave Manchester completely in the dust, with a score of 7-0 at the half. “Teams can’t play high defense against us, because they will be punished with [Taylor’s] speed,” Green said. In the second half, the squad’s bench players were put in, with Joel Diamand making an immediate impact, scoring the final goal of the match on a breakaway. Though Green is happy that the squad played well during the exhibition matches, he and the team are not jaded regarding their schedule, which starts off difficult when they travel to Vermont next weekend.
Football Prepares for 2009 Season Opener
See Road Show Page 11
“We’re not naïve enough to think that’s going to happen next weekend. We’re playing the America East Champion for the last two years, Vermont; so that’s gonna be a good measure for us,” Green said. Though Coach Green has stated he doesn’t believe the defense are playing as well as they could be, but still praised the efforts of his back line for helping the team two 180 minutes of scoreless play in their exhibition matches. “You can’t take away two shutouts in a row,” Green said. “Albeit, the opposition, you still have to do what you have to do.”
Edward Gaug | The Recorder
Freshman Taylor Morgan jumps over the keeper for one of his three goals
Women’s Soccer Ranked #1 in Preseason
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