2016 Freshman Issue

PULSE

September 9, 2016 • Issue 1 • Volume 4 • thesaupulse.com

THE

ILLUSTRATION BY Andri Hill

facebook.com/thesaupulse twitter.com/thesaupulse

Freshman Edition

PREVIEW

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

STICKER SHOCK SAU instates new $50 parking fee PAGE 6

SAU APP

TIMES TO LIVE BY

PAGE 7

PAGE 4

PHOTO BY Kayla Williamson

PHOTO BY Andri Hill

DEALING WITH HOMESICKNESS PAGE 9

HOW TO SUCCEED FRESHMAN YEAR

SCHEDULING SPIRITUALITY

PAGE 10

PAGE 8 PHOTO BY Chris Bauman

FLATLINE: NOSTALGIA CAUSES LOW ENROLLMENT PAGE 11

GUTS

Play written by professor to be performed in Prop Shop PAGE 12

BETHANY BALCER

DOES MUSIC HELP YOU STUDY? PAGE 13

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thesaupulse.com • September 9, 2016

First freshman to win NAIA female Athlete of the Year PAGE 14

WHAT’S NEW IN ATHLETICS PAGE 15

Kayla Williamson | Editor-in-Chief This summer my mom extended my curfew to 1 a.m. Exciting, I know. This 20-year-old finally can stay out past the small hours of the night, and her mom won’t yell at her.

Congrats, freshmen, you’ve finally reached the point in life where you don’t have to ask your parents for extended curfews or about weekend plans. College is the time to explore your freedom: do you brush your teeth in the morning or not?

Do you make your bed or leave it primed for the next time you fall into it?

Really, what more is there to adulthood than these types of minor decisions?

Plenty, actually, but these minor decisions build a solid foundation for the rest of your adult life.

We at The Pulse understand you’re either excited beyond imagination or just want to crawl under the covers and hide from

The Pulse Call-Out Meetings Wednesday, Sept. 9

EDITORIAL

Editor’s Note

Writing Team • 6 pm Design/Photography Team • 7 pm Business Team • 8 pm PHOTO BY Andri Hill

everyone after this first week of college. We know it’s hard juggling those 7:45 a.m. classes, plus trying to stay informed of world events.

We have you covered.

The Pulse is a student-led news publication that strives to expand the community’s worldview, provide a platform for discussion and give voice to our peers.

And by the way, if you don’t have enough scheduled already, why not be part of our team? We’re looking for writers, designers, editors, photographers, advertising

Lower Level of White Library

specialists and videographers.

Basically anyone who can read, write and talk is welcome to join our dysfunctional family of salty sass and endless “Hamilton” references.

More information and snark can be found at our meetings every Monday at 5 p.m. in a hidden nook in the upstairs music building.

Follow the

raucous laughter and waft of homemade food.

I’m looking forward to where this next year takes us. To the trendy? The heartwrenching? The hopeful?

The controversial? Hopefully, all of the above.

‘Til next time, Kayla Williamson

The Pulse Staff & Contributors 2016-2017 Editor-in-Chief Kayla Williamson

Sports Editor Libby Buckland

Associate Editor Amber Cekander

Lead Copy Editor/ Video Production Manager Brianna Buller

News Editor Heather Clark Features Editor Dana Sebald-Van Doren A&E Editor Carly Thompson

Business Manager Corina Cekander Finance Manager Huy Nguyen

Photography Editor Kaci Bedgood Design Editor Andri Hill Designers Kaci Bedgood Libby Buckland Rebecca Conley Megan Himebook

Staff Writers Maggie Belcher Elise Emmert Olivia Landis Hannah Shimanek Katie Shotts Mary Sramek Video Production Team Kylie Ambu Casey Hanson Ryan Sisk

September 9, 2016 • thesaupulse.com

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TIMES TO

LIVE BY Dining Commons

Cougar Den

*Located in Dietzman Hall*

Monday–Friday Breakfast 7:15 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast 9:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

Lunch 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Dinner 4:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Monday-Friday 11:15 a.m.–12:00 a.m.

Saturday 7:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.

Sunday 7:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.

Business Office/Financial Aid Monday–Friday 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.

*Meal Exchange* Monday–Friday Lunch 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Dinner 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Monday–Thursday

Saturday Brunch 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Dinner 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

*Late Night* Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Sunday Brunch 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Dinner 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Technology Service 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

Friday

8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday

8 a.m.–12 p.m.

*Located in Poling Center*

Pokémon GO Gym

Ada’s Kitchen Monday–Friday 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.

PokéStops

MAP KEY

4

1

Ganton Art Gallery

6

Smith Music Center

11 Dietzman Hall

16 Gainey Hall

2

Mailing & Duplication (M & D)

7

Whiteman-Gibbs

12 Ralph Carey Forum

17 Lowell

3

Poling Center

8

White Library

13 Dining Commons

18 Spring Arbor Free

4

White Auditorium

9

Ormston

14 Bookstore

19 Andrews Hall

5

Sayre-Decan Hall (SDH)

10 Muffitt

15 Cougar Den

20 Fieldhouse

thesaupulse.com • September 9, 2016

(RCF)

Methodist Church

NEED A

MAP? 4

5

6

1

2 3

7 8

9 10 13

12

11

15

14

16

17

18 19 20

September 9, 2016 • thesaupulse.com

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News

SAU Sticker Shock Carly Thompson | A&E Editor

D

irector of Campus Safety Scott Krebill announced a new $50 fee for parking permits this year.

Prior to this semester, parking permits were free for all students.

Krebill made this change in order to provide better service to campus.

“We have been aware that other schools charge a permit fee, and we could no longer afford to provide quality services while issuing the permits for free,” Krebill said.

Krebill researched other Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and found that most schools charged more than what Spring Arbor University (SAU) settled on.

“Parking permits at other schools range from free to up to $300 per year,” Krebill said.

Although parking permits have a cost, the price of parking tickets will remain the same. According to Krebill, SAU has some of the lowest fines for parking tickets, and a 50 percent deduction is given if paid within the first three days.

“I understand that we have a cheaper fee than most schools. What is

“

Our goal is compliance, not enforcement, but this is how we have to manage a parking system with very limited space. It works if everybody does their part Scott Krebill Director of Safety Campus

frustrating and upsetting to me is that we were not informed until two weeks before school. There was no way to make appropriate plans for the year,” senior Emily Wilcox said.

According to junior Campus Safety officer, Lexi Horn, it was time for this change to occur, in order to continue providing necessary services. Campus Safety has needed more funds to update their equipment.

Funds from the permit charge are designated for Campus Safety use, not the general budget. Campus Safety plans to use these funds for improving some parking signage, replacing worn out equipment used to keep parking lots safe and making sure every vehicle is running smoothly.

”

This year, Campus Safety is able to add service hours on weekend mornings and replace their worn out patrol vehicle.

According to Horn, this new cost has nothing to do with the demolition of the tennis court parking lot, but more to do with a change in funding for Campus Safety.

Another parking lot is already in the works adjacent to the freshman lot.

Juniors and seniors are being asked to park in the Gainey, Ogle and sophomore lots, as well as in the overflow lot behind the Fieldhouse.

All students are welcome to attend the “Know Parking” education blitz plan advertised the first two weeks of school. Posters and flyers will explain the changes and educate students on where to park and how to obtain the proper permit.

“Our goal is compliance, not enforcement, but this is how we have to manage a parking system with very limited space. It works if everybody does their part,” said Krebill.

Katie Shotts | Staff Writer

S

pring Arbor University (SAU) launched a self-titled app this summer featuring information on all campus activities.

The iOS and Android app is free and available for download for students, staff and guests alike, so parents or friends can stay connected to campus life. Its many features are supposed to improve communication and safety between students and campus groups.

Assistant Dean of Students Bobby Pratt was largely responsible for the development of the app. He said the goal behind its creation is taking information and “putting it in students’ hands.”

Within the app, students can find schedules and locations of all campus events. A master calendar is also available from sports events to chapel speakers to club meetings. Included is

an option to buy tickets for events such as Homecoming or shows. Clubs and groups have their own page on the app and can keep students informed about meetings, practices and announcements

‘‘

The goal behind its creation is taking information and putting it in students’ hands

like “Buy & Sell,” “Lost + Found,” “Housing” and “Ride Sharing.” Under “Campus Services,” students can find office times and locations including the Dining Commons, Cougar Den and Holton Health Center.

In the past, Pratt said, communication to the entire campus during potential emergency situations could be difficult and possibly ineffective. Now, the app can send out campus wide notifications at a moment’s notice. The app also allows students to call Campus Safety with the touch of a button.

“It’ll be handy,” says Campus Safety Officer, Alexis Horn. “You can call us straight from the app.

It’s a lot easier.”

The app is a continual work in progress, with a plan in place to add coupons from local businesses.

The administration hopes the app will be valuable to students, and according to Pratt, they “hope that it is another element to add to the community.”

News

SAU app centralizes campus information

’’

Bobby Pratt, Assistant Dean of Students

through notifications by email or straight to a phone. A campus wide feed, similar to Facebook, also includes categories

September 9, 2016 • thesaupulse.com

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Features

Scheduling Spirituality Finding Ways to Avoid a Spiritual Dry Spell Amber Cekander | Associate Editor

C

ollege can become difficult at times when attempting to juggle classes, homework, jobs and a social life. In the middle of to-do lists and calendar reminders, it can be easy to forget the importance of regular prayer time, Bible study and spiritual growth.

Spiritual dry spells are prevalent, even and especially on Christian campuses.

Chapel services are, perhaps, the most obvious way for some students to recharge their spiritual life. But there are other avenues available to continue spiritual growth in addition to chapel services.

Paul Patton, professor of communications, recommends memorization as a means of practicing spirituality. This does not means simply memorizing Bible verses, but other spare moments throughout the day as well.

Anything from quotes, stories, statistics or lectures can be worth remembering.

“Put it in the back of a journal to review and to memorize one phrase at a time and then, every day, spend a half hour reviewing what you have, not because somebody assigned it, decided is worth remembering,” Patton said.

Sophomore youth ministry student Michael-Makana Geppert said keeping specific times and to-do lists and finding ways to make accomplishments and goals tangible are other ways to stay motivated.

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Senior Vicy Henry was part of a spiritual life formation class last spring.

One of the focuses of the class was on the different spiritual disciplines.

“Even if it seems like you have no time, make it,” Lily O’Connor said. O’Connor acted as her floor’s Spiritual Life Advisor (SLA) last year.

“Spending just five minutes with Jesus helps make the most difficult day a little more bearable.”

“There is no greater time than this year to make decisions about a lifetime curriculum,” Patton said. “With any new habit, Even if it seems like we forget sometimes.

Don’t get discouraged. you have no time, make If you forget the next it. Spending just five four days to do this new minutes with Jesus discipline you’re trying to develop, no worries.” helps make the most Whatever form difficult day a little more spirituality takes, it is bearable. a reflection of how much is put into it.

Lily O’Connor, It might seem easy Junior Spiritual Life Advisor to feel and grow spiritually in the first few weeks; think of it as the honeymoon phase of spirituality.

Eventually, routine will settle in, and “Some things worked [for me] and finding creative and effective ways to some things didn’t,” Henry said. “Just continually grow in faith can become a because your spiritual life doesn’t look challenge. Fortunately, there are various like someone else’s doesn’t mean you methods of searching for spiritual have a bad spiritual life.” growth to help in different areas of life.

Sometimes there can be roadblocks while growing spiritually, especially while also adjusting to a new, collegiate environment. It can take a while to learn how to properly manage time and create healthy habits.

thesaupulse.com • September 9, 2016

Dana Sebald-Van Doren | Features Editor Elise Emmert | Staff Writer

H

omesickness: it’s a feeling many freshmen know all too well.

So how should you deal with a longing for home when it hits? Here, faculty, staff and students weigh in.

“The best way to handle homesickness is to recognize that one of the most remarkable things about the way God created us is the amazing resilience of the human spirit.

In the meantime, if someone is feeling homesick s/he should remember that this, too, shall pass, and s/he should stay active and engaged in the cool things that are going on in the here and now.”

- Terry Darling, Chairperson of the Department of psychology

“I prayed. I told God I miss my life, I miss places, things, people and I feel pretty darn miserable. And then, I asked that He point my eyes forward, remind me what is to come, what I’m going to learn and how I’m going to grow. And He always did.”

- Erin Couch, sophomore

“Challenge yourself. One of the things that is great about Spring Arbor University (SAU) is that it is a very safe place.

Faculty, staff and students want you to succeed. You’ll find a significant support network that will help you work through your feelings. Find ways to connect with people on the weekends.

Instead of going home, invite your family to campus.”

- Brent Ellis, SAU President

“Form relationships. You are away from all your friends and family, and if you don’t start to create new relationships then you’ll start to miss your old ones.

Don’t be afraid to walk up to random people and introduce yourself, because chances are they are also looking for a friend.”

- Seth Harrington, junior

"According to a survey by the UCLA Higher Education Institute, 69 percent of first year college students report feeling homesick."

- NBC News

“[Homesickness] varies.

If it’s really severe, I would suggest that you come in and talk to the counselor.”

- Carrie Dashner, Director of Counseling Services

Features

The Displaced Freshman Curing Homesickness

“When upperclassmen say Spring Arbor has become a second home to them, perhaps they mean they miss SAU when they are away as much as they miss home when they’re at SAU. So the bottom line is this: Make SAU home!”

- Dan Runyon, Professor of English and communication

“Make school your new home. Set up roots by finding a home church, finding a core group of friends and putting a lot of your own belongings in your room.”

- Mitch Hession, senior

“Call home, but not too frequently. It is not easy to move away from home and have to deal with everything that comes with college, but calling home too much will make you miss home even more.”

- Julia Mayer, sophomore

September 9, 2016 • thesaupulse.com

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Features

:Tips from a Fifth Year Senior Mary Sramek | Staff Writer As classes commence, it is important to think about academic success. Every student learns and studies differently, but there are a few overarching tips to having a positive classroom experience.

Read the Syllabus

Professors provide a syllabus to guide students through each class. Most of these documents provide students with classroom policies and teacher expectations, due dates, examples of assignments, office hours and contact information. This information is key for success in a class, but before emailing your professor questions to check the syllabus. If the information cannot be found there check Blackboard and ask other students in the class. If the questions are not answered, then send a professional email.

Communicate

Be Aware of Academic Student Connections

GPA is not Everything

Smart phones make information more readily available, but professors have a lot of information and knowledge to pass on to students. Using a cell phone during class can be distracting and hurt the learning process.

Many professors have a no technology policy in the classroom while others will grant students the freedom to make the decision themselves.

Sometimes it is acceptable to quickly find information on the internet in class, but use discretion. When in doubt, put the phone away.

Homework is key to student success. Start homework early, ask questions and edit essays. Avoiding homework does not hurt professors, just student achievement.

Spring Arbor University (SAU) offers programs through Academic Student Connections to ensure the success of all students. Academic Student Connections, located on the lower level of the student center, offers tutoring for all students in mathematics, the sciences, business and the humanities, including the Writing Center located on the first floor of White Library.

Office Hours

Take Notes

Do the Homework

Professors provide office hours where students are able to ask questions, discuss assignments and clarify any content. This information can usually be found on the syllabus or on office doors. These time slots are offered specifically for the success of students.

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Stay Off Your Phone

Teachers do not always post the presentation slides online and, more often than not, the lecture has more information than the slides. Taking notes is a step toward attentiveness and provides good study material.

thesaupulse.com • September 9, 2016

College is hard and does not need to be done alone. Ask questions, discuss content with your peers and study with other students. Remember, SAU focuses on being a community of learners and encourages students to discuss and analyze content with professors and peers. Learning is best done together.

Communicating also means asking for help. Ask reference librarians for help with deepening research and ask professors questions about how to improve both successes and failures.

It is always a good idea to ask how to improve, even when not failing.

Having good grades is important, but learning is more important than a 4.0. Learn, question, but also make 2 a.m. taco runs.

Go to Bed. Seriously.

Finally, just go to bed. Put the assignment aside, walk away and sleep.

Elise Emmert | Staff Writer

E

Student Enrollment 1,500

1,250

Students Enrolled

nrollment is down by 30 percent this year, and it has not taken long for faculty to identify the reason: a media-supported nostalgia for childhood.

“We haven’t seen numbers this low in over 20 years,” one admissions rep said. “It just wasn’t making sense. But then we started looking at what was going on in pop culture and I think we found our answer.”

Many adults have been quick to blame the app Pokémon GO for making young adults more interested in gaming than in studies because of the app’s intense media coverage. However, the app was released in the United States in mid-July, and student interest in responsibility and growing up had begun decreasing long before then.

“We were starting to see general decreases in student motivation as early as the end of the last school year,” one professor said. “It wasn’t just the typical ‘end of the year blahs,’ either. I believe the problem lies in something I’m calling the ‘Peter Pan Syndrome.’”

Movie remakes of childhood favorites are having just as much of an impact as apps like Pokémon GO. The sequel “Finding Dory,” for instance, found as much support from children as from the teens and young adults who grew up on “Finding Nemo,” the original film released in 2003.

Disney’s live-action remake of their 1967 movie “The Jungle Book” had a similar reception, with 48 percent of the viewing audience being adults flooding the theaters to relive a part of their childhood, this time with better animation.

Features

Enrollment Down: Factulty, staff suspect nostalgia

1,000

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2012

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Years

“Young adults are being encouraged by the media to hold onto their childhood and avoid growing up and taking on adult responsibilities, such as getting jobs and planning for the future,” said another professor who looked into the issue. “That’s why less students are enrolling in for college.”

The nostalgia can take longer to catch up to some young adults than for others, but the effects are almost immediate.

For example, one student was found by his Resident Assistant (RA) sitting alone in his room on move-in day because his roommate failed to show up.

“He seemed excited to come,” the student said. “But a couple of weeks ago he started posting stuff about Pokémon GO, and I haven’t heard from him since.

I think he dropped out or something.”

Another student was overwhelmed when her roommate carted in her complete collection of Disney movies.

“She had, like, 70 DVDs and 40 VHS tapes,” she said. “Who even has VHS tapes anymore?”

In all, a total of 12 freshmen students failed to show up to campus for movein day. Many more left their parents to unpack their things so they could go outside and see what Pokémon were hiding among the squirrels on campus.

Most professors believe there is no way to undo the effect of the nostalgia wave, and the only thing to do is wait for it to pass.

“Hopefully, people will get tired of playing the Pokeman [sic] game and we can get our numbers back up,” said one professor. “But until then, I have to defend my gym. Go Team Mystic!”

PHOTO FROM www.1001blocks.com

September 9, 2016 • thesaupulse.com

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A&E

From Script to Stage

“Guts” transitions from a reading to a staged production Amber Cekander | Associate Editor Maggie Belcher | Staff Writer

T

he first performance of “Guts,” an original play by Associate Professor of English Dr. Brent Cline, premiered at Spring Arbor University (SAU) in the fall of 2013, and it looked very different from what audiences will see in September. “Guts” was originally performed as a staged reading: no set, no lights, no costumes.

Just a set of chairs, some actors and their scripts.

After attending the reading, Dr. Paul Patton and Jen Letherer, professor and associate professor of communication, respectively, set out in talks about eventually staging Cline’s work. In the process of preparing for “Guts” to appear on stage, there were certain narrative changes that needed to be made.

“There were some things, in my opinion, that needed to be addressed. Dr. Cline was gracious enough to say okay,” Patton, the director of the show, said.

Despite The Pulse’s many attempts at uncovering an answer, neither Patton nor any cast member would reveal what the show is about.

“It’s a play about people who are searching for truth and searching to be the best versions of themselves,” Letherer said. “What I love about Brent’s play is that he doesn’t hold back when it comes to the terrible things people do to each other. But the choices he makes at the end of the play, especially for my character, were surprisingly redemptive.”

Once it was decided “Guts” would be performed, then came the matter of casting. According to Letherer, Patton first talked with herself and White Library director Robbie Bolton about taking on the leading roles. Patton said one of the keys to casting Luke, Bolton’s character, was the actor needed to still be likeable, even after making destruction decisions.

‘‘

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When asked about their reactions to the script, Bolton said, “I don’t know if ‘powerful’ is the right word. Definitely heavy and, not to beat the title to death, gut-wrenching.”

Letherer, who has been writing and directing plays at SAU for ten years, knows reactions to drama always vary and depend on the audience members individually. Still, she expressed her hope that audiences are moved to care and to question their realities and reactions. “I hope this play helps people redefine their conception of goodness,” Letherer said.

I hope this play helps people redefine their concept of goodness.

’’

Jen Letherer, Assistant Professor of communication

So, why cast Bolton?

“I call it the Robbie Bolton Grin.

He’s impossible to dislike. He can stumble and we can be empathetic with him in his stumble that he can crawl to the end,” Patton said.

Speaking about his character, Bolton said, “This [role] was a really complex character and quite a challenging thing to pull off. I was really excited about the opportunity.”

thesaupulse.com • September 9, 2016

PHOTO BY Andri Hill

S

tudying is part of the college experience, but each person has an individual style of studying. For some, studying is best done in a small, quiet space, but others study with fellow students or with music.

Music is a common element in Spring Arbor University’s (SAU) studying culture.

The beneficial use of music is dependent on the way each individual learns. Many students are unaware of how music can

affect studying and learning.

Music became a larger part of learning when Howard Gardner proposed his theory of multiple intelligences in 1983.

This theory evolved from observing how some students were unable to pass standardized tests and had low academic intelligence quotients (IQs) but were still successful in other areas like chess, athletics or music.

Gardner’s theory said musically inclined students are considered to have musical intelligence. These students are aware of tone, rhythm and harmony in music.

Musically inclined learners are often encouraged to sing educational songs and play music while learning.

When musically intelligent students are aware they are musical learners they can use music to prompt memory through music, making mundane tasks entertaining and efficient.

Anneli Haake, a psychologist at the University of Sheffield, ran a study involving the use of music in the workplace. Haake found music directly affects the productivity of employees.

Workers in Haake’s study used personal music with headphones to create boundaries in the work place. These boundaries created privacy and prevented interruption.

Bishop’s University and University College London focused on using music

A&E

n r e U f uted c i s u M : during cognitive activities with both introverts and extroverts.

The studies found both introverts and extroverts to have higher performance levels during a repetitive task.

Introverts were found to dislike working with music because they are easily over-stimulated by sounds and activity, whereas extroverts were more likely to be productive with music in the background.

All three studies found music to increase morale.

Studies concluded that specific genres were not specifically conductive to productivity and determined that listening to music while working could be productive depending on individual personalities.

September 9, 2016 • thesaupulse.com

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Sports

Bethany Balcer

NAIA Female Athlete of the Year as a Freshman Libby Buckland | Sports Editor Olivia Landis | Staff Writer

S

pring Arbor University (SAU) sophomore Bethany Balcer is no stranger to the spotlight. As a three year, all-state high school soccer player, she followed a similar path in her collegiate career. In the spring of 2016, Balcer was named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Player of the Year, the first freshman ever awarded the title by the NAIA. Balcer racked up a long list of awards throughout her first season as a Lady Cougar, including Crossroads League Female Athlete of the Year, National Tournament MVP, First Team All American and Crossroads League player of the year. This lead to her national recognition after the team defeated No.1 ranked Lindsey Wilson College in the NAIA National Championship last January.

After being named Crossroads League Female Athlete of the Year, Balcer received an outpouring of support from her family and friends.

“I enjoy playing soccer at SAU because of the team,” Balcer said.

“The unconditional support and encouragement from my teammates make it the best atmosphere to train in.

There is no way I could have won an award like that without their help on and off the field.”

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PHOTO BY Chris Bauman

Balcer said there are many “dangerous” players on the team. Although there is an added pressure on the field because of the title she now bears, the other women on the field require the same amount of attention to be fair.

“

What makes her unique is her level of humilty, team first attitude, and her desire to honor Christ with her gifts.

Jason Crist, Head Soccer Coach

”

“Beth is one of the most humble people I know. With all of the awards and records she holds, she doesn’t let it get to her head or change who her identity is in,” said junior Abbey Fuller, Balcer’s teammate. “Not only is Beth an absolutely amazing athlete, but she’s

thesaupulse.com • September 9, 2016

also an incredible teammate and sister in Christ. She brings so much energy and laughter to the team and livens up any room she enters.”

This year, Balcer plans on spending time with her friends, relentlessly pursing her relationship with God, training on the field and working hard academically toward a degree in biology.

“Bethany possesses the physical tools that make her one of the elite college soccer players on a national level. What makes her unique is her level of humility, her team-first attitude and her desire to serve and honor Christ with her gifts,” Head Soccer Coach Jason Crist said.

In the future, Balcer hopes to continue her soccer career beyond the college realm.

“I always joke with my sister about going pro one day and playing on the women’s USA team,” Balcer said.

Balcer is currently looking into soccer programs overseas and has talked to Crist about this possibility.

“Bethany is just scratching the surface of what she’s capable of and rewriting the record books here at SAU,” Coach Crist said.

“I just want to take it as far is it goes,” Balcer said.

an

Libby Buckland | Sports Editor

T

his past summer saw numerous changes to the Spring Arbor University (SAU) athletic program. From coaches to construction, SAU has updated and revamped Cougar Nation.

Tennis Complex Perhaps the most obvious of all the changes happening for SAU athletics is the construction of a brand new, stateof-the-art tennis complex north of the Post Villages. The development of this facility was made possible by a generous donation from Ron and Marvel Jones.

PHOTO BY Kaci Bedgood

“We are extremely thankful for the generosity of Ron and Marvel Jones and their tremendous investment in the lives of Spring Arbor University students,” said SAU President Brent Ellis. “This gift enables our tennis programs to continue to recruit excellent studentathletes as well as provide an outstanding tennis venue for our teams and our community.”

“Having a first-class facility for our athletes and the greater Spring Arbor community will be a huge blessing,” said Bobby Pratt, SAU head womens tennis coach.

Bowling Team “We are really excited about the addition of mens and womens bowling at SAU. The sport continues to grow rapidly, especially in the region, and

adding the programs here provides another opportunity for a great college experience,” Sports Information Director Chris Bauman said.

Michael Hall will be the head coach of the women and mens bowling team and has already recruited 14 players.

“Coach Hall has done a tremendous job getting the program going and we can’t wait to watch the teams start competing,” Bauman said.

Nation Rewards app will help students stay up-to-date with our many events and will reward them for their support of our teams,” Bauman said.

Sports

What’s new in SAU Athletics?

Nike

Over the summer, SAU athletics announced a new three year partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS. Under the agreement, Nike will become the official provider of game uniforms, travel gear and equipment for all Cougar athletic programs, allowing SAU to streamline its logos, colors and identity into a strong, united look and feel.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Nike and BSN SPORTS. Aligning ourselves with Nike will have a huge impact, not only offering us the opportunity to provide our studentathletes with the best gear in the industry, but to strengthen our Athletic Department’s brand,” Bauman said.

Cougar Nation Rewards App

As a result of a partnership with SuperFanU, SAU athletics released a new fan engagement app earlier this week called Cougar Nation Rewards. The app was designed to reward students for attending events and getting involved on social media.

“We are thrilled to partner with SuperFanU and provide this innovative and engaging mobile app to our fans and students. We feel that our Cougar

Cougar Nation Rewards can be found on iOS and Android app stores. It is free to download and will provide all registered fans with up-to-date information on campus events and athletics.

Coaches

Along with all of the other changes and updates to SAU athletics, SAU has also added a few new coaches to the Cougar family.

Ryan Marken, Head Baseball Coach Josh Tropea, Assistant Mens Basketball Coach Rich Bradley, Assistant Bowling Coach Erik Baum, Head Womens Golf Coach Tim Daniels, Assistant Mens Soccer Coach Randi Greenslade, Assistant Womens Soccer Coach

September 9, 2016 • thesaupulse.com

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SPORTS

Celebrating Quinten Hannah Shimanek | Staff Writer

T

his summer Spring Arbor University (SAU) lost one of its students, Quinten Greiner.

Greiner was an incoming junior urban ministry major who ran on the track and field team and was a member of Expose SAU’s leadership team.

Students and faculty closest to Greiner were asked to share some words about him.

“Quinten was my brother in Christ. He always gave me a different perspective on things and was able to encourage me in my walk with Christ.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Simon Reidsma

Not only that, but Quinten could always bring a smile to my face, and his charisma brought people to him. I will always remember him for his welcoming smile, for his love of One Direction and, most important, his lifelong commitment to serve and follow Jesus Christ.

Quinten left a legacy that was far above himself.”

-Kenan Swihart, junior “I bonded with Quinten crawling through caves and scampering up mountains on a spring break trip to Arizona. He was a fearless adventurer, jumping from rock to rock and venturing close to the edge.

Quinten carried himself with this same courage in day to day life and was a friend to everyone.”

-Simon Reidsma, alumni “He was so patient in everything and completely trusted God would direct his path in life. The way Quinten studied God’s word and sacrificed his time to serve others in a Christ-like way was a way of life I envied. I am just extremely thankful I was able to get to know Quinten on a brotherly level. He will forever inspire me to be my best, not only in track and field and friendships, but in my walk with Jesus Christ. I love you, Q, and I can’t wait to jam out to One Direction with you when I get to Heaven.”

-Sam Comden, senior

“Quinten was a guy that was true to what he believed in. He truly followed God’s greatest commandment of loving one another. He just loved people and shined the light of Jesus through his actions and his life.” -Alex Lodes, senior “His bright smile, infectious laugh, incredible sense of humor and his heart for God made Quinten so easy to love. He lit up any room he walked into with his God-given joy. Quinten’s ability to make every person he came in contact with smile and laugh was like nothing I’ve seen before. Never have I felt so cherished and never have I been more excited for the future than when Quinten Greiner jumped into my life. But of all of his amazing qualities, the one that shone the brightest was his love for our Heavenly Father.”

-Mycah Ridder, junior “In my conversations with him, Quinten was preparing to bring a unique and non-traditional perspective to a ministry context and I believe he had the creative energy to lead well in whatever he chose to do. His compassion and life was never more evident than when he entered a room.

His jovial spirit and welcoming heart was magnetic, and though he was a giant in comparison, kids comfortably flocked around him.” -Brian Kono, Assistant Professor and Director of youth ministry