The Towerlight (December 3, 2019)

Towson’s campus and community news source

TheTowerlight.com

December 3, 2019

2020 VISION The Towerlight looks into the future and previews what the new decade has in store, pg. 10

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Illustration by Victoria Nicholson/ The Towerlight

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December 3, 2019

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Editor-in-Chief Bailey Hendricks Senior Editor Tim Klapac

News Editor Keri Luise Asst. News Editor Sophia Bates

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WINTER TRENDING. # BREAK

TOWSON

@madisonjgreen

Arts & Life Editor Meg Hudson

Just got done thanksgiving break and I’m already ready for winter break

Asst. Arts & Life Editor Grace Coughlan

Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editors Jordan Kendall Muhammad Waheed

Senior Staff Writer Mary-Ellen Davis

@siyaaahh_ Countdown to winter break started as soon as I came back on campus.

Staff Writers Alex Best Ashley de Sampaio Ferraz John Hack Grace Hebron Lauren Heyl

@kayjunn_ Winter Break me please!

I need to get away from school and BAND. People in general are draining my soul.

Suzanne Stuller Aaron Thomas Brooks Warren Kayla Wellage Marcus Whitman

Photo Editor Brendan Felch Asst. Photo Editor Amanda Bosse

@ImSephora

Staff Photographers Owen DiDonna

Slavin all winter break just to pay for spring break

Nikki Hewins Ryan Moriarty Karl Reimer Lacey Wall

The Towerligh t would like to wish everyone a sa fe winter brea k and a happy holiday season!

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8000 York Road University Union Room 309 Towson, MD 21252 (410) 704-5153 editor@thetowerlight.com thetowerlight.com The Towerlight print edition is published by students of Towson University on Tuesdays.

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HOLIDAY CARD MAKING

SUPPORT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

IN THE LIFE DRAG SHOW

TU HOLIDAY PARTY

46TH ANNUAL POTTERY AND ART SALE

Decorate holiday cards for incarcerated LGBTQ+ and HIV+ individuals. Card supplies will be provided, and snacks will be served! This program is sponsored by the Center for Student Diversity and the Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility.

Join the Counseling Center for “Grad Talk,” a space for graduate students to find support as they navigate the unique challenges of graduate school. Light refreshments will be provided.

Inclusion & Institutional Equity, Center for Student Diversity, Student Affairs and Student Government Association will host the In the Life Drag Show.

Join the Office of Student Activities and the Campus Activities Board for a holiday party that celebrates all denominations and includes crafts, fun activities, food, speakers, performances, raffles, and MORE!

Take home your own unique masterpiece and discover the exceptional caliber of work

by TU students and faculty. A vast selection of handcrafted ceramics will be available, along with illustrations, photography, painting, metalwork, prints and more.

University Union 313, 12: 30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Psychology Building 206, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WVC Ballrooms, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WVC 3rd and 4th Floor, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Center for the Arts 3012, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Follow us @TheTowerlight!

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Opinion

December 3, 2019

The rich are taking over our elections TIM KLAPAC Senior Editor @pacofkla

With the announcement that billionaire, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is running for president, his deep pockets were wide open for the world to see. Bloomberg made a massive advertising purchase before his official announcement, spending $30 million on advertisements that run from Nov. 25 to Dec. 3.

While Bloomberg’s net worth is the only one among the 2020 Democratic candidates that is greater than President Trump’s, his abrupt candidacy raises concerns about how much the polls are affected by the rich and powerful.

Trump announced his candidacy more than 15 months before the 2016 election, while Bloomberg is arriving much later to the party with the 2020 election less than a year away.

Bloomberg has already made one of the largest single-day ad buys in US political history and that’s just for the launching of his campaign. There is little evidence to doubt that he won’t continue to throw money at the poll numbers until his results improve.

What’s problematic is that his numbers already look good for a candidate that is new to the trail.

According to the latest national poll from Real Clear Politics, Bloomberg is already polling at 2.5%, higher than senators Amy

Kloubacher and Cory Booker and Representative Tulsi Gabbard. All three of those candidates qualified for the most recent debates in Atlanta, Georgia.

President Trump became the richest man to be elected president in 2016, with a net worth of $3.1 billion, according to Forbes. If Bloomberg were to be elected, he would skyrocket past Trump with a net worth of $54.5 billion.

The position of Bloomberg’s spending may not show results right away as the former mayor has placed the majority of his spending in what are known as “Super Tuesday” states.

These states announce their primary results on March 3, 2020 and hold one-third of all of the delegates in the primary campaign. While the other candidates are fighting to win early primary states, such as Iowa and New Hampshire, Bloomberg is attempting to get ahead in the bigger pond.

All of this raises the question “Does money buy politics?” There has always been the expectation that money has driven the direction of power in government and that notion is often used as a punchline by the media. However, this brazen move by Bloomberg sheds an entirely new light onto this closet of skeletons.

While the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) places limits on how much an individual, party or group can donate to a campaign’s funds, there is no limit on how much the candidate themselves can spend. There have been efforts to curtail ruthless spending on political campaigns, but little has been done to enforce these laws.

After the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act was passed in 2002, there have been many instances in which the Supreme Court has struck down provisions within this law, including the Citizens United decision in 2010, which allowed corporations and unions to spend as much money as they please on advertisements and other means of political influence.

It is unfair for the richest in the country to get away with using their money to control who is and who isn’t seated in government, but now we are reaching a tipping point. If the rich and powerful become the candidates themselves, no other candidate will have a chance.

With unlimited money coming from the individual and coming from outside sources in terms of third-party advertisements, we could soon see a presidential election between Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos.

Does that sound good to you?

A college student’s guide for off-campus living MIRANDA MOWREY Columnist @mirandamowrey

Although living on campus has its own perks, there is a sense of independence that comes with living off campus. If you have decided you want out of on-campus living, but aren’t sure where exactly to live in Towson, here is a breakdown of all the options you have: Cardiff Hall Apartments A Cardiff apartment comes with a high price tag, but the complex is so close to campus that you can hear the Stephen’s Hall bell tower ring in a new hour and the emergency siren system occasionally scare you into thinking the world is ending. As a resident of Cardiff, I can personally say that living here is best for those who value the convenience of its proximity to campus so much that they are willing to deal with hearing loud music on Tuesday nights and spotting an occasional mouse in your peripheral vision.

ALTUS “ALTUS is a great option for student living because it is brand new, fully furnished, has awesome amenities and is in a great location,” said Ariana Rodriguez, a sophomore at Towson and a leasing and marketing assistant for ALTUS. For around the same price as Cardiff, ALTUS provides residents with a pool, rooftop deck, and study bars equipped with computers and printers. Plus, most bedrooms have their own bathrooms – yes, you read that right.

Towson Place Towson Place is a bit cheaper than Cardiff and ALTUS and is still close to campus. However, these apartments are not as fancy or updated as other places to live. But seriously, as college students who drink boxed wine and use 1-ply toilet paper, we don’t need to live in the Ritz Carlton.

Donnybrook Ah, the ole Donny. Donnybrook Apartments are located directly behind Cardiff, requiring a longer trek to class if you don’t take advantage of Towson’s shuttle service. These apartments are known to be a bit sketchy, especially at night, but they are cheaper than the others on this list and almost always available for leasing.

House or Townhouse If you are a rising senior, like me, you are probably over the whole apartment scene by this point. There are tons of houses and townhouses for rent just off of Burke Avenue as well as further south down York Road. If you split a townhome with multiple roommates, they can be relatively cheaper than renting an apartment. However, it is important to keep in mind that renting a house requires more upkeep because there isn’t a nearby maintenance staff.

Take time to evaluate your own needs before deciding where to live next year. Make sure that you can not only afford the place you choose to live, but also try to picture yourself functioning in that environment for an entire year. After you have thought about it, start the application process immediately to secure a spot on the list. Good luck!

Tales of the Tigers: A collegiate recession

Comic by Augustina Ugbaja/ The Towerlight

Opinion

December 3, 2019

Republican immigration policy can be humane SAM JONES Columnist @SamJones1776

During the 1995 State of the Union Address, President Bill Clinton stated “...we will try to do more to speed the deportation of illegal aliens who are arrested for crimes [and] to better identify illegal aliens in the workplace.” President Barack Obama and the Democrats had a majority in both the House and Senate for two years of his presidency.

Immigration was never prioritized under these administrations.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was started under President Obama via executive order. It granted immigrant children brought here by their parents legal protection from being detained or deported.

However, the protection was not permanent.

March 5, 2018 was the end of protection for DACA recipients. Some still qualify for a two-year renewal; however, the issue was pressing in March of 2018 more than ever. President Donald Trump had the choice to continue to kick the issue of unclear citizenship down the road, or force Congress to take action. So, the president announced in September of 2017 that there would be no renewal of DACA. What this meant, was that Congress had the ability to grant a path to citizenship for DACA recipients.

They could change the lives of as many as 800,000 Dreamers, granting them an opportunity to become American citizens through a lawful and democratic process.

Instead, when President Trump proposed a path to citizenship for an estimated 1.8 million young undocumented immigratnts in exchange for his $5 billion border wall, the Democrats rejected his offer. Keep in mind that this $5 billion only makes up 0.5% of the government’s discretionary spending each year, and 0.1 percent of the nation’s total annual budget.

Trump forced Congress to do their jobs, and they failed the DACA recipients, not the President. The only way to fix DACA permanently is to do it though Congress, and it makes things quite difficult when one party refuses to work with the

other on immigration.

Congress has also failed to act on the visa lottery immigration system, which randomizes which immigrants are granted citizenship. Some can be in the visa lottery for years, while others can be rewarded in weeks to months. President Trump tweeted in 2017 “We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems.”

The lottery system was first created to help Irish citizens fleeing an economic crisis, and now does not fit that purpose.

Republicans are generally in favor of Merit Based immigration because it allows for sponsorships, such as an employer or relative, unlike the current visa program.

Australia operates a point-style system, that awards potential immigrants points based on several factors dealing with merit. For example, speaking the native language, having sufficient work experience, and certain educational qualifications are prioritized when granting citizenship.

However, refugees and relative sponsorships are also prioritized.

This way, Australia receives a healthy mix of immigrants that will immediately contribute to the economy, while still taking in refugees seeking safety or a better life. Many republicans are in favor of adopting a similar plan in America, myself included.

No, I am not calling for mass deportations, and I am not calling for deportation of Dreamers. The leftist media will paint all Republicans as racists who do not want to let anyone into the country. This is simply not true. They claimed that President Trump wanted to end DACA, which is true.

However, ending DACA and forcing Congress to do their job would be a good thing for all DACA recipients and Dreamers.

Immigration policy can be lawful, and humane. Yes, the topic is a hot one with many emotional ties on both sides of the isle. And yes, there are children locked behind fences at and around our southern border.

However, the permanent solution must come from Congress. And before any progress can be made, both sides have to agree to come to the table, and negotiate comprehensive immigration reform.

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Montgomery College is an academic institution committed to equal opportunity.

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News

December 3, 2019

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“Own your Roar” sheds light on athletes’ mental health

Towson gymnast starts organization in partnership with Towson University GRACE HEBRON Staff Writer

After rupturing her Achilles tendon her sophomore year at Towson University, gymnast Olivia Lubarsky knew what to expect in terms of physical recovery, but the student-athlete struggled to navigate a different aspect of her wellness.

Lubarsky, now a senior, began to struggle with symptoms of depression starting her freshman year, and before her injury, had hoped to use athletics as a way to cope.

“I instantly noticed a disconnect between support and treatment I received for mental illness versus physical injury,” said Lubarsky, who wasted no time after surgery approaching Towson with her plans to enact a mental health initiative.

Lubarsky partnered with TU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in 2018 and founded “Own Your Roar,” an awareness program which uses sports as a platform to start conversations about mental health among student-athletes.

“With the copious stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental illness, I thought that developing an awareness campaign would be a beneficial start to normalizing and validating mental health,” she said.

The campaign works to show the importance of mental health alongside physical wellness.

“Counseling Center clinicians know that mental health awareness is just as important to living well as maintaining good physical health and fitness,” said Greg Reising, Director of TU Counseling Center. “Programs like ‘Own Your Roar’ as well as the various outreach programs that are offered through the Counseling Center can help our students to be more aware of mental health issues and to take steps toward improving their coping skills and resilience.”

The name “Own Your Roar,” Lubarsky said, is a play on

Towson’s tiger mascot, as well as a symbol of channeling one’s strength and inner voice. In a profession where physical injuries are expected, the program aims to eradicate the stigma associated with the treatment and perception of mental illness in sports.

“Starting the conversation and creating an environment in which student-athletes are comfortable to openly express themselves will only serve to increase their competitive advantage on and off the field,” Lubarsky said.

The TU senior is all too familiar with the pressure accompanied with high standards set for student-athletes. A fear of failure, she said, is what led her to depressive symptoms.

“When I didn’t achieve the unrealistic and perfectionistic expectations, I was extremely hard on myself and soon this spiraled into a fear of failure that made even the simplest of tasks difficult and dreaded,” Lubarsky said.

Lubarsky worked with her fellow student-athletes in 2018 to create a promotional video for “Own Your Roar,” highlighting many of the emotions and stressors involved in playing a sport.

“I want to be the best that I can for my team, but I’m so trapped in my head and I just can’t get out,” Kalyn Fetter, senior swimming and diving student-athlete said in the video.

Juwan Gray, a redshirt junior for the men’s basketball team, credits

“

Courtesy of Olivia Lubarsky

Student-athletes’ mental health awareness is supported through the “Own Your Roar” campaign as teams like Towson’s women’s lacrosse team showed their support at their “Own Your Roar” game last spring.

Roar” introduced a trained mentorship program led by 80 older student-athletes who represent all sports on Towson’s campus.

Lubarsky said the program was designed to help student-athletes who may be feeling isolated as they come to terms with their mental health.

“While mental health education

curriculum, we give student-athletes the tools to cope with their emotions, cope with the unique stressors that we face as collegiate athletes, and cope with failure - which is hardly ever acknowledged in athletics and deemed unacceptable,” she added.

According to Reising, giving emotional support is “one important part of maintaining good mental health.”

“For example, the Counseling Center offers various kinds of counseling groups for this purpose, in which students learn to share of themselves and mutually support each other OLIVIA LUBARSKY toward their goals,” he “Own Your Roar” Founder said. “Students can also is extremely important, we run benefit from the many mentorship the risk of telling student-athletes opportunities that are available at and anyone that their feelings of Towson University.” depression, for example, are due Since launching “Own Your to a chemical imbalance in their Roar,” Lubarsky has been brains,” Lubarsky said. approached by other student-ath“Own Your Roar” works with letes hoping to start similar prostudent-athletes to show how mengrams at their universities. The tal health can be both properly gymnast’s nationally recognized understood and managed. mental health initiative has “By coupling this education with inspired ones similar such as mindfulness, leadership, resilience UCLA’s #BruinBrave campaign,

With the copious stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental illness, I thought that developing an awareness campaign would be a beneficial start to normalizing and validating mental health. good mental health to success as a student athlete.

“Being a student-athlete is already stressful enough with maintaining a high GPA, being 100% committed to your sport such as practicing 30 hours a week, and maintaining a social life,” Gray said. “The physical ability is important, but the mental side is even greater.”

This semester, “Own Your

”

and James Madison University’s #DukesLetsTalk campaign. “‘Own Your Roar’ is a place of expression, free from judgment, and has developed a sense of community within the athletics department, uniting athletes of all class standings and sports,”said Lubarsky.

Lubarsky, a business administration major from Santa Monica, California, was also invited to be a keynote speaker, alongside ESPN reporter Darren Rovell and WNBA player Imani McGee Stafford, at the #SameHere Sit-Down College Tour through the global mental health nonprofit called ‘We’re All a Little “Crazy” Global Health Mental Alliance’ during the fall 2018 semester.

The gymnast applied on behalf of Towson University, which was one of 15 universities chosen by the nonprofit to take part in a campus tour event centered on mental health. “‘Own Your Roar’ will be the reason that many people gain confidence within themselves and ultimately succeed in life past college athletics,” said Jake McLean, who plays for The Towson Tigers Men’s Lacrosse team.

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News

December 3, 2019

Labor union protests contractor MARY-ELLEN DAVIS Senior Staff Writer @Mel_Davis_1998

Nov. 23: An unknown person stole a piece of athletic equipment from Johnny Unitas Stadium.

Nov. 23: A commuter student was escorted from Johnny Unitas Stadium for acting disorderly.

Nov. 23: There was an incident of trespassing when a non-affiliate entered Johnny Unitas Stadium without a ticket.

Nov. 23: TUPD is investigating complaint of a reckless endangerment at Burdick Hall.

Nov. 22: A resident student using a ride share service was assaulted by the driver and prevented from leaving the vehicle at Millennium Hall.

Nov. 21: An unknown person emptied trash onto the street at Glen Drive and Smith Loading Dock.

Nov. 19: A commuter student was arrested at the Center for the Arts by warrant for making threats via social media.

Nov. 16: An attempt was made to extort money using an intimate photo at Tower A. Nov. 16: A report for the odor of marijuana at Tower C resulted in several people trespassing into the room of another.

Nov. 16: A wallet was removed from an unattended purse at the field house.

Nov. 15: Graffiti was discovered in an elevator in West Village Garage.

Last spring, Towson saw protesters come to campus, spreading anti-semetic and homophobic rhetoric. This semester, a different type of protestors are attempting to protect the workers contracted to help build the new science building.

Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters, a union, has had a small group of local representatives posted on campus since late June, protesting the local contracting company, Commercial Interiors.

Union representative John Barber said that Commercial Interiors is being sued for wage theft and the use of labor brokers. The lawsuits stem from the company’s work on the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C. Commercial is being accused of misclassifying workers as independent contractors.

This can lead to cheaper wages being paid to those workers.

The Towerlight reached out to Commercial Group, the company that oversees Commercial Interiors, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company of Towson, the general contractor of the science building.

Neither company responded by The Towerlight’s print deadline.

“Our union bases its public outreach off the motto of our founder PJ McGuire, ‘Organize, Agitate, Educate,’” Barber said. “The public should know that Commercial Interiors has utilized labor brokers who misclassify their workers

which lets the contractor get away with not making payments towards workers compensation, unemployment insurance, and more.”

With a banner reading “Crime Scene” across the top and bottom as a backdrop, union members can be seen throughout the week talking to passers by and handing out flyers explaining their protest.

“Commercial Interiors, Inc., is being sued for wage theft,” the flyers say. “They subcontracted drywall work to a series of labor brokers who often short changed workers.

Commercial Interiors along with their business partners are bad for our communities and workers in the construction industry. Does Towson University, Care??”

TU’s Director of Media Relations and News Matt Palmer said, “it’s an issue [the protestors] hold with the contractor that the contractor is addressing.”

Towson, Barber said, was a spot of choice for the protest because college students could be part of the solution not just in the future.

“When educating the public we look for many audiences and know that college students are not just our future leaders, but also active and important members to our community right now,” Barber said. “We need this generation to understand the importance of unions and what they do for the community. Our country needs a strong middle class to survive.”

Towson senior Athena Visillias says she often sees the protestors as she drives by campus to go to her internship, but she hasn’t had the opportunity to interact with them.

“If it is a problem and people

aren’t okay with it, and there’s a group that’s not okay with it, then something should be said in more detail,” Visillias said.

Visillias also said that she feels that without the protestors, people wouldn’t know about the suit against Commercial Interiors, and that wouldn’t find the issue important without the protestors.

“Local and highly skilled members of our union are always the best choice when it comes to safety on the jobsite, as well as getting jobs done on time and within budget,” Barber said. “The fair wages that the union negotiates makes sure that local working families can provide for their families and invest in the local community helping create more revenue for small businesses and local treasuries.”

Junior Victoria Delgado has also passed the protesters on her way to school, and feels that the wage theft suit demonstrates a larger issue.She added that she feels the protesters should continue to protest if it helps their cause.

“It’s America -- you should be allowed to protest if you don’t like something an institution is doing,” Delgado said. “It’s one way to get attention about this.”

Barber knows that this issue isn’t going to go away immediately, and hopes local institutions will come to understand that the projects contractor has used self-serving and harmful tactics in the past.

“Defending the rights of local workers will not be fixed overnight,” Barber said. “We will be educating the public indefinitely.”

Nov. 15: A campus security authority reported an incident of fondling at William Paca House.

Nov. 15: TUPD is investigating a possible simple assault at University Union.

Nov. 11: A call for the odor of marijuana resulted in the seizure of paraphernalia with residue at Residence Tower.

Nov. 8: A campus security authority referred one student to Student Conduct for underage possession of alcohol at Tower C. The Towerlight’s “Police Blotter” is a representative sample of crimes occurring on and off campus. The blotter is not intended to be all inclusive.

For a list of local crime reports, visit www.towson.edu/police or https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/PoliceNews/ iWatch?from=7&to=9.

Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Local representative union members are posted on campus talking to passersby about their protest and handing out informative flyers explaining that “Commercial Interiors, Inc., is being sued for wage theft.”

News

December 3, 2019

HRL revises campus housing eligibilities ALEX BEST Staff Writer @Ayedabest Towson University’s Department of Housing and Residence Life has scrapped upcoming revisions to on-campus housing eligibility requirements.

The revisions would have made it so that only students with 74 credits or fewer at the end of the fall 2019 semester would be eligible for on-campus housing.

Currently, full-time students must have 90 credits or fewer to be eligible for on-campus housing.

The plan was originally proposed to student leaders by Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Kelly Hoover during a Nov. 19 Student Government Association meeting as a part of a presentation on upcoming changes within the Department of Housing and Residence Life.

During the meeting, it was stated that the proposal for revisions were related to an upcoming phased renovation project to the Glen Housing Complex.

The renovation would involve the closing of each of the four Towers in phases, beginning with Tower C being offline from approximately June 2020 until July 2021.

“The project has been in the queue to be completed for several years,” said Hoover. “Once finished, the exterior of the buildings will have a similar look to Residence Tower, and provide a greener climate footprint because of improved insulation, new air control units in individual rooms, and the instillation of new windows.”

A document that was distributed to members of the SGA by the Department of Housing and Residence Life during the meeting also included a proposed increase in room rates of 2.5% for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The SGA later released the document to the public on social media.

“The proposed increase in room rates is to cover the departmental costs to pay back our loans and bond debt from the construction of Carroll and

Marshall Hall, as well as the renovations of Residence Tower,” Hoover said.

During and following the meeting, students voiced concerns about the change to the eligibility requirements, particularly that it would put certain groups like seniors and transfer students at a disadvantage.

Other students took to social media to voice their frustrations.

According to the reversed revision, credit exception requests could have been submitted to the Department of Housing and Residence Life for consideration.

However, many students expressed that they were upset that the department had not told them about the changes sooner.

“I was shocked that this was something that the University was planning to enact and initially keep hidden from students,” said TU sophomore Taryn Painter. “I thought the SGA was right to publicly release the information that was presented to them at [the meeting], and to let the student body know about policy changes that would affect us directly.”

According to a Nov. 22 press release by the SGA, the 74 credit limit had been rolled back to the current 90 credit limit after SGA President Naimah Kargbo voiced concerns in a Nov. 20 meeting with senior University leadership, which Hoover later confirmed.

“The press release is a hopeful sign that the University is listening and aware of our concerns as students, but I’m also worried that the proposals will still be pushed through despite SGA’s efforts,” Painter said.

Kargbo says she plans on having regular meetings with Housing and Residence Life to encourage an open line of communication between the department and students.

According to Hoover, the original presentation was an attempt by the Department to be more transparent with students.

“Typically the proposed rate increases would not have been shared until the spring semester,” Hoover said. “We felt it was important to share this information sooner, which is why we went to SGA.”

'Tis The Season With CAB The annual Tigerfest Survey party! Come tell us who you would like to see! UU 306 @12-3PM Come and catch a carriage ride around campus while enjoying some hot chocolate!

WVC @ 8-11PM Come enjoy mocktails as we paint ourselves into finals week! Chesapeake 3 @ 7-10:30PM

@TOWSONCAB

GOING HOME FOR RESERVE YOUR FREE RIDE WINTER BREAK? ON THE

BWI-PENN SHUTTLE!

THE SHUTTLE DEPARTS FROM UNION GARAGE BUS SLIP (LOWER LEVEL) ON DEC. 13, DEC. 16 AND DEC. 17 DEPARTURE TIMES ARE 11 A.M., 1 P.M. 3 P.M. AND 5 P.M. JUST BRING YOUR ONECARD TO BOARD THE BUS. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION AT BIT.LY/TUSHUTTLE MAKE SURE TO ALLOW TIME FOR TRAFFIC AND SECURITY CHECKS WHEN CHOOSING YOUR DEPARTURE TIME. *THERE ARE NO RETURN SHUTTLES FOR WINTER BREAK.

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10 December 3, 2019

Year in Preview

YwEAR IN PREVIEW The Towerlight peeks into the future and previews what is going to happen in the upcoming decade.

Compiled by Grace Coughlan, Bailey Hendricks, Meghan Hudson, Jordan Kendall and Tim Klapac

ARTS & LIFE NEW HITS ON THE HORIZON With the new year around the corner, there is a ton of new music that will follow.

Harry Styles will be releasing his second solo album, “Fine Line,” on Dec. 13, with 12 new songs, including the singles “Lights Up” and “Watermelon Sugar.” Selena Gomez will also be releasing her third solo album called SG2 on Jan. 10 of 2020.

She released her first single from the album on Oct. 23, “Lose You To Love Me” with “Look At Her Now” being released the next day. Tame Impala will be releasing a new album, “The Slow Rush,” on Feb. 14, 2020. They performed the songs “Patience” and “Borderline” from the album on Saturday Night Live earlier this year. The album was originally intended to drop this year, but continues to build anticipation as the deadline has been pushed to next year instead.

Court e Comm sy of AleeD ear o ons nC

reativ

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2020’S BLOCKBUSTER FLICKS TO HIT THE BIG SCREEN The year 2020 is already looking promising as far as films go.

A third installment to the “Bad Boys” films, “Bad Boys for Life” will be released on Jan. 17. Also premiering Jan. 17 is a rebooted Doctor Dolittle, this time starring Robert Downey Jr. and is simply titled “Doolittle.” Speaking of reboots, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is set to release on Feb. 14, with a re-designed hedgehog, and the much anticipated “A Quiet Place 2” will be out on March 20. Disney also has a big year ahead, with a live action “Mulan” releasing on March 27, and “Black Widow” releasing on May 1. As far as chick flicks go, “Legally Blonde 3” will be out on May 8, as well as “Barbie” starring Margo Robbie. “Ghostbusters 2020” will be released on July 10, and is unrelated to the all-female 2016 version. This film features Finn Wolfhard and Paul Rudd.

Courtesy of junaidrao on Creative Commons

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TOWSON THEATRE DEPARTMENT PREPARES TO LIVEN STAGE

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Towson’s theatre department will be putting on two plays in the spring of 2020. The first play is called “Lasso of Truth” by Carson Kreitzer. This story follows a group of major academics in the field of psychology, who have created the character Wonder Woman to spread awareness on the superior strength of women. They also form a polyamorous househould where the group explores role-play of dominance and submission, physical restraint, and raise children collectively. The second play is “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage. This play takes place in Reading, Pennsylvania, and follows the story of the working class citizens living in this highly impoverished town. While the scenery mainly remains within the local bar, the weight of the world can be felt when 2008 strikes, and factory workers begin getting laid off, suddenly becoming pitted against one another.

Year in Preview

December 3, 2019

11

NEWS COMPETITIVE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION GEARS UP The 2020 Presidential Election is expected to be the most expensive and aggressively campaigned in history. Following an unexpected election in 2016, and a polarizing first term, President Donald Trump is up for reelection and has no serious challengers in the Republican Party while the Democratic field is flooded with candidates. Former Vice President Joe Biden, senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg are among the candidates looking to challenge the president. The last three presidents have successfully captured a second term. The last president not to do so was George H.W. Bush in 1992. National Voter Registration Day is on Sept. 22, 2020. You can check to see if you’re registered to vote by visiting vote.org. College students should make sure that they are registered to vote in Maryland to avoid having to travel back home for Election Day. The Democratic nominee will be announced at the Democratic National Convention on July 16 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Election Day will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES ACROSS CAMPUS The landscape of Towson University is constantly changing, renovating and expanding. The newly renovated Glen Dining Hall is expected to open during the spring 2020 semester. The new science building is still on track to open in the fall 2020 semester. Also coming in fall 2020 is the new Chapman Quad, Cou rtes which will be where the old Stephens Annex was. The quad will act as a gathering yo on C f Gage place for students and faculty. Also set to open next fall is Towson’s first business rea tive Skidmo engagement center, which will replace the armory on the corner of Washington r Com mon e and Chesapeake Avenues in uptown Towson. Further into the future, the renovated s University Union will be opening in the fall of 2021 and the new College of Health Professions building will be taking shape and is expected to open by the spring of 2024.

TIGER DANCE MARATHON TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S TigerTHON, Towson’s 12-hour dance marathon, will be supporting the John Hopkins Children’s Center on March 28 at Burdick Hall. TigerTHON members will fundraise throughout 2020 ahead of this event and encourage all to attend. The event starts at 10 a.m.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER TO TALK FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Jimanekia Eborn is an assault survivor and sexuality educator. Eborn looks to support survivors and build allies in the community. During the keynote, Eborn will be discussing how to be an ally and how to give and find support.

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Year in Preview

SPORTS AMERICA LOOKS TO TAKE THE GOLD IN SUMMER OLYMPICS In the second of three consecutive games, the Olympics return to Asia.

The 2020 summer Olympics will begin on July 24 from Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. This is the fourth time that Japan has hosted the Olympics and second time Tokyo has hosted the summer games. There will be more than 300 events across 33 different sports, including baseball and softball, which return after being removed from the Olympics following the 2008 games in Beijing. As of November 2019, 137 nations have qualified for the 2020 games. The United States led all countries at the 2016 Summer Olympics in both total medals with 121 and gold medals with 46. The 2020 games will commence on Aug. 9 with the closing ceremonies. More than 11,000 athletes are expected to participate and more than 600,000 visitors are being expected. As of July 2019, the budget for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games has reached more than Brendan Felch / The $12.5 billion, making this the most expensive Olympic Games to date.

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MEN’S BASKETBALL EYES CAA CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE When the calendar turns to a new decade, the Tigers will be stepping into Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) competition with a lot to prove. After last season’s 6-12 conference record, the expectations are low for Towson, as they were picked to finish sixth in the CAA preseason polls this year. Senior guard Brian Fobbs looks to continue his scoring ways after leading Towson in scoring last season. However, newcomers up-and-down the roster give the Tigers an edge against CAA foes. Redshirt junior Juwan Gray and a pair of freshmen in guard Jason Gibson and forward Charles Thompson put new faces on a Towson lineup that aims to surprise some opponents.

The Tigers open conference play at the College of Charleston on Jan. 2 and will have a three-game home stand running from Jan. 9-18. Towson will honor the program’s 1990 team, the first to reach the NCAA Tournament on Jan. 30 against UNC Wilmington. The CAA Championship will be played not far from the Tigers backyard, at the Entertainment and Sports Complex in Washington, D.C. from March 7-10.

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM GOES INTO NEW SEASON AS REIGNING CHAMPS Towson will have a target on their back in 2020 as the reigning CAA champions.

The Tigers will play 10 home games in 2020, including a four-game homestand that stretches from Jan. 3-12. You can expect multiple events to accompany these games, including Alumnae Day on Jan. 12 against James Madison, Special Olympics Day on Jan. 26 against Hofstra and the annual Autism Awareness game on Feb. 26 against the College of Charleston. Towson’s five seniors will be honored in a Senior Day that will also be a rematch of last year’s CAA Championship when the Tigers host Drexel on March 1. Redshirt junior guard Kionna Jeter continues to lead Towson in scoring and senior forward Nukiya Mayo, who became the 17th Tiger to score 1,000 career points, is close to averaging a double-double. Towson will defend its conference title at the CAA Championships in Elon, North Carolina from March 11-14.

FOOTBALL TEAM ON PLAYOFF HUNT IN NEW SEASON

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Towson finished 7-5 and just missed the FCS Playoffs. Despite injuries on both sides of the ball, the Tigers went 3-1 in November and were in the playoff hunt all season. Towson returns key pieces on both sides, while also returning depth players who got valuable experience in 2019. The offense will have a new look next year as quarterback Tom Flacco and wide receiver Shane Leatherbury will both be gone.

Towson’s defense showed progress each week and return five players who played in every game. The Tigers’ season kicks off on Sept. 5 at the University of Maryland before returning home for three games. Towson will host six games at Johnny Unitas Stadium including non-conference opponents Morgan State and Dartmouth. The Tigers will face Stony Brook, James Madison, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island at home in conference play. Towson will travel to Villanova, Richmond, Delaware, and Elon for their remaining CAA contests. As of now, this will be the first 11-game regular season since 2017, however, this season’s home opener vs. NC Central was added in December of 2018, so more changes could be coming.

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Borrowing Whether it’s a loan to help finance your education or your first car, understanding how to borrow money is important. You and your family can discuss the importance of building a credit history, how much you can borrow and the various types of loans (and interest rates) available to you.

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TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributes securities products. ©2019 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund, 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 1012239

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16 December 3, 2019

Arts & Life

Conquering College

How to conquer Spicing up your winter look finals week stress VICTORIA NICHOLSON Art Director @ToriNickel

This is your emergency broadcast system announcing the commencement of finals week stress sanctioned by Towson University… let the anxiety begin.

This is in fact the week each student has dreaded since syllabuses were posted. Yes, it has already arrived. Here are a few tips and tricks to aid you through the longest week of the semester: Yoga: An important part of maintaining your cool throughout this stressful week is to breathe.

Yoga allows you to enjoy a calm workout that makes you focus on how your breathing flows throughout each stretch.

Stretching out your muscles gives you a great opportunity to get out of your chair and loosen up a bit.

At the end of your session remember to take a few moments to thank yourself for the effort you are putting into your classes and relax. Students can sign up for a free class on-campus through Towson’s Campus Rec Portal online.

Adult Coloring Books: As a kid I would have a ton of coloring books, which looking back, makes sense as to why I am studying art now in my twenties. I remember feeling so calm, moving slowly, trying to stay in between the lines. As you are preparing your bookbag for the library, throw in a coloring book and colored pencils for times when you just need a break.

Time Management: I’m not usually the person to

carry around a planner, but I really should be. Having a planner gives you a day-to-day layout, which helps you plan out your responsibilities for the week and month. Before you start studying, plan out how much time you will spend on each course.

Managing the time you spend on each course allows you to focus on one subject at a time and rotate out the amount of work you have to do.

Sleep: Sleep is the one thing each college student lacks, but that is the most essential to their success. Ways to better your sleeping schedule is to get tucked in at a good time, use lavender oil in your nightly routine, and take a hot shower before getting into bed. Sleep is said to make your memory stronger, helps in decision m a k ing, and overall, puts you in a better mood.

Self Care: Baby how you feeling? Good as hell! Lizzo boosts my spirits when it comes to healthy self-care. Self-care is more than just face masks and lighting some candles, self care can also just be motivating yourself and staying positive. During finals students can doubt themselves and tear down their self-esteem.

Rather than speaking negative things about yourself, speak words into action! In the words of DJ Khaled, “you smart.”

Remember you are not alone this week as you prep for your finals. As much as you want to procrastinate, take the extra resources you are given and get stuff done! I am personally sending out some positive vibes to all of the students this week.

Good luck!

GRACE COUGHLAN Asst. Arts & Life Editor

With winter approaching much faster than most of us would care to admit, it’s time for us to look to new trends for the new season. The holidays are here, so let’s reevaluate what’s in our closets.

While I am mainly focused on trends of the 2019/2020 winter season, it’s important to remember (even more so with the holiday season sales) that you don’t need to buy something just because everyone else is wearing it. Buy what you need, and think about whether or not you want to wear a certain trend because you like it or because everyone else is wearing it, and make sure that it won’t sit in the bottom of your drawer for months. It’s okay to follow trends because you absolutely love them, and it’s okay to stray away from them in pursuit of your own style!

Who knows, maybe you’ll start your own trend!

On that note, let’s get into some pieces that may inspire you to spice up your wardrobe this winter: Faux Fur Coats: Everyone wants to stay warm in the winter and not freeze walking across campus, or going out for a night with friends. Instead of a regular puffer coat, why not dress up your outfit with a faux fur coat. You can make it the statement of your outfit by choosing a bright colored one, like fuschia, or keep it casual with a brown or black one.

Blazers and Suits: If you think about, pantsuits for women are kind of like dresses. It’s two items that form into one whole outfit. Pantsuits are a good choice for a put together but not too formal look.

If a pantsuit still feels like too much, you can add a little professionalism to any outfit with a blazer instead! Like a faux fur coat, a blazer can serve as

the staple of your outfit. Maybe reach for one with patterns or pops of color, or your standard, yet trusty, black and blue.

Snakeskin Boots and Combat Boots: Boots are back for the winter season! Faux snakeskin boots are a great balance of casual and formal. You can go casual with a chunky sweater, flared jeans, and snakeskin boots, or you can go formal with a long sweater dress and snakeskin boots. It’s a great way to make any outfit stand out. Lace-up combat boots are also in now. They can function the same way that snakeskin boots can, dressed up or dressed down!

Chunky Chain Necklaces: This trend has been slowly making its climb to popularity.

Chunky necklaces are a perfect accessory that can be paired with any type of shirt. Turtlenecks or sweaters match ideally with chunky necklaces. Pair that with a blazer and jeans, and you’re ready to take on the day. These necklaces also work really well with low cut blouses.

Turtlenecks: Turtlenecks are a great article of clothing for winter because, one, they keep your neck warm, and two, they are great for layer-

ing. As mentioned earlier, turtlenecks can be the background for bold necklaces and blazers. They can also be the base for sweaters or cardigans. Layering with a turtleneck underneath, allows the turtleneck to be featured as part of the outfit, instead of hiding a regular neckline shirt underneath a sweater, and grants one to still look cute even if when removing top layers, like a sweater or jacket.

Headbands and Hair Pins: Remember those hard headbands that you used to wear in your hair as a kid? Well they’re back but with a much classier and polished look. These chunky headbands are a great way to solve a bad hair day and still look trendy. They come in a variety of designs, some just solid colors, while others are decorated with little pearls or studs. Hair pins are also back, a lot of them reading personal messages with funky colors and jewels. Both are a great way to dress up an outfit or make a statement while still doing it casually.

These are just a few of the trends that have emerged throughout the fall and winter season of 2019. Keep a lookout for new trends as we move into 2020!

Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Turtlenecks serve as a versatile winter fashion option, as they can spice up any sweater by being layered, and also look chic on its own.

Arts & Life

December 3, 2019

ROARING REVIEWS New Hulu series hits home run

Build for what’s next.

Earn your graduate business degree from Johns Hopkins.

LALITA HAMILTON MS IN FINANCE ’10

Meghan Hudson/ The Towerlight

Hulu’s exclusive new series, “Dollface,” released Nov. 15. The series stars “2 Broke Girls” Kat Dennings, whose character is tasked with befriending women again after exiting a long-term relationship.

MEGHAN HUDSON Arts & Life Editor

Hey all you Hulu-havers! This week we’re gonna talk about a new show that was recently added to the platform: “Dollface.”

“Dollface” stars, Kat Dennings from “2 Broke Girls,” Shay Mitchell from “Pretty Little Liars,” and Brenda Song from, yes, “The Suite Life and Zack and Cody.” It’s a comedy web-television series that centers the life of Jules Wiley, who gets dumped by her long-term boyfriend in the first minute of the first episode. Don’t worry! This isn’t a spoiler! The real story lies in what is to follow.

Jules has spent so long devoting all of her time to her relationship, that she didn’t realize that all of her friendships had in turn, slipped away. She must now learn how to be friends with other women again.

If you’ve ever been through a breakup, every episode may surprise you with how relatable they are. The writers truly did an excellent job of finding some of the most obscure, yet relatable issues that come from going through a breakup as a woman.

Especially when you find your-

self trying to re-socialize, and not really knowing what you’re doing. Those awkward, tense, and cringe-worthy moments seem to be perfectly encapsulated into this series.

Furthermore, while the episodes seem to cover some fairly predictable issues that come from exiting a long-term relationship, such as running into your ex, navigating online dating and several tests of friendships, Jordan Weiss and the rest of the writers did an excellent job in making the comedic elements of each episode the true centerpiece, with conflicts serving as a basic framework to push you through the series.

For example, in Episode 3, “Mystery Brunette,” the gang all go to an exclusive magic-themed party hosted by a famous celebrity. While the episode’s conflict surrounds the issue of fixing a work related mistake, the comedy that comes from being at an exclusive magic-themed party keeps the episode interesting and unpredictable.

One recurring character is Cat Lady, played by Beth Grant. In the show, Cat Lady is a lady whose face is an actual cat face.

This unreal looking character serves as the voice of guidance for Jules, helping her make decisions as she navigates single life. Cat Lady is pretty frickin’

funny, too. She helps Jules make decisions via game shows, road trips and other dream state situations that only Jules can see.

It reminds me of cartoon Lizzie from “Lizzie McGuire,” not appearing in scenes so much, serving as a voice of reason when conflicts arise.

This first season of “Dollface” released on Nov. 15 on Hulu exclusively, and is only 10 episodes long. Plus, every episode is only about half an hour long, some even being shy of that.

Because of how short the series is, it’s super easy to binge within a couple days or so. It only took me about four days, and that was with having a super busy schedule. It’s one of those shows that I could throw on while cooking dinner or doing some easy homework, just to keep the mood light, and that didn’t require too much attention.

Overall, I really enjoyed watching this series. I hope this show inspires other writers to create similar shows for more communities of people who aren’t just heteronormative and/or cisgendered individuals as well. I felt so validated watching this show and realizing that my own feelings and experiences weren’t so weird and embarrassing, and I’d love for everyone to be able to watch a show like this and feel this way as well.

Build for what’s nextTM

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18 December 3, 2019

Arts & Life

Groove your way into 2020 MARY-ELLEN DAVIS Senior Staff Writer @Mel_Davis_1998

The Towerlight

THIS IS OUR FINAL PRINT EDITION OF

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Happy Holidays!

With the end of 2019 getting near, I’ve found myself starting to look back over my year. It’s been one filled with a lot of personal ups and downs, but one thing I was always able to find solace in was my music and let me tell you, there’s a lot of it.

Some of my favorites, however, were some new artists. Some of these groups have some faces and names that we know and love, some were new to me, and others are ones you may have never heard of. I’d like to share with you some of my absolute favorites, and I hope that they will bring you into the new year with a smile on your face.

My first favorite of the year is the band Simple Creatures.

Comprised of All Time Low’s frontman Alex Gaskarth and Blink-182 bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, the band first came about at the beginning of 2019, making their first official Instagram post in January. After dropping several singles, the duo released their first EP at the end of March. “Strange Love” is a six-song EP with songs that will have you hooked from beginning to end.

Their next EP, “Everything Opposite,” dropped in October.

Just as good as the last, the album satisfies that craving for something that sits between pop and pop-punk. My two favorite songs by the band are “Drug” and “One Little Lie.” They are great songs to dive into, and you’ll bop your head every second.

Next on my 2019 must listen list is an artist called Dodie. This one is significantly quieter than Simple Creatures, but just as good.

I found this artist on my Discover Weekly playlist from Spotify after she dropped her September single “Boys Like You.” The song is very relatable and heartfelt, causing me to thoroughly enjoy it and go back for more.

I fell in love with Dodie this year

because of her raw lyrics. She pairs these with simple musical lines that make her songs feel beautifully complex once everything is put together. If you haven’t heard of her before, I strongly recommend giving Dodie a listen, because she has a song for every mood.

New Dialogue is another band that I discovered this year that I was instantly drawn to. Back in May, I went to see a band I’ve known forever, and New Dialogue was the opening band.

Hailing from Los Angeles, the band features both a male and female vocalist, and they know how to take a stage with style.

The band pulls influence from bands like The Killers and Local Natives, but bring it all together in a very indie way.

With well balanced music and a synth-like sound, New Dialogue was a surprising find for me. They fall well out of my typical musical styles, and yet I can’t get enough.

The band’s EP “Teach Me How To Feel” dropped in May, and some of my favorite songs off of that album include “Neon Ocean” and “Loose Ends.” In both of these songs, the vocal balance is almost hypnotizing, and they carry some of the best energy.

I could go on and on about my favorite 2019 bands, but one last one to keep an eye on is WhoHurtYou.

Featuring All Time Low’s bassist Jack Barakat and musician Kevin Fisher, WhoHurtYou was a project that came to the forefront back in July. The duo teased several singles before dropping their EP “Stages” on Halloween.

Straying away from his poppunk roots while Gaskarth worked on his side project, Barakat and Fisher produced a pop album that delves into the struggles that they had faced throughout parts of 2018 and 2019. Putting lyrics of heartbreak over top of pop-synth sounds makes the entire relatable and danceable. Personally, I got through many sleepless nights with this group. Dancing my way through the early hours of the morning while cleaning my room or doing homework kept my mind off the troubles and stressors in my life this semester. The best songs off of this EP, in my opinion, are “Wish We Never Met” and “Lesson in Letting Go.” Both songs resonated with me, and are definitely the easiest to dance to.

With so many great bands out there, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. Especially when music tastes are continually evolving and genre lines have become increasingly blurred in some areas. I’m looking forward to what 2020 will bring, and I can’t wait to discover some more great music.

Courtesy of Alie Krohn on Flickr Creative Commons

This year, Alex Gaskarth, All Time Low’s frontman, joined forces with Blink-182’s bassist, Mark Hoppus, and have since released two EPs.

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December 3, 2019

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19

20 December 3, 2019

Sports

Mayo reaches 1,000 points as Towson competes in Puerto Rico File photo by Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Senior forward Nukiya Mayo became the 17th player in Towson history to reach 1,000 career points and the first player to do it under head coach Diane Richardson. Mayo is averaging 15.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game this season. Six of the next seven games for the Tigers will be at SECU Arena, including Wednesday’s game against Temple University.

BROOKS WARREN Staff Writer @Broookksss Towson spent Thanksgiving break playing in Puerto Rico, leaving the Puerto Rico Clasico splitting their two games. Senior guard Nukiya Mayo etched her name in the program history books when she scored her 1000th career point against the University of Iowa. Mayo is the first Tiger under head coach Diane Richardson to score 1,000 points.

The second game of the tournament came against Iona College, with the Tigers (3-4, 0-0 CAA) leaving victorious 75-58 behind a season-high 31 points from redshirt junior guard Kionna Jeter. Towson had three other double-figure scorers in sophomore guard Myasia Jones, Mayo, and redshirt senior guard Qierra Murray. Jones scored 14 points and Mayo contributed 11 points and six rebounds.

“We bounced back,” Richardson said. “We were down at half and we fought our way through. So, I like that.”

The Tigers built their lead in the second half with hot shooting, outscoring the Gaels (1-5, 0-0 MAAC) 44-21 shooting 57.6% from the field.

After Iona cut the lead to 55-47 after

a pair of free throws, Mayo responded by knocking down a 3-pointer to bring the deficit back to 11-points.

Jeter than took over in the final frame with 12 points, five steals, and three assists. Jeter’s performance in Towson’s final game of the tournament was a confidence booster for her going forward.

“It felt great,” Jeter said. “I knew my team needed me just to play better than I was playing. I got my head right, my mind together.”

Jeter admitted that Friday was therapeutic for her after dealing with some personal issues. The call to action really came from assistant coach E.C. Hill who implored Jeter to step up and lead the team like the coaching staff knew she could.

“Today was just one of those days where I knew I had to step up.” Jeter said.

The first game of the tournament was against Iowa from the Big Ten, which Towson ended up losing 10072. The Tigers were led by Mayo and her 22 points and five rebounds, Jones contributed 14 points, and Jeter scored 12 points. “[Mayo] played like a pro today,” Richardson said. “I’m glad she got that.”

The closest the Tigers got after a competitive first quarter was six points after Mayo knocked down a 3-pointer for her 1000th point with

nearly six and a half minutes left in the third quarter. Senior guard Ryan Holder nailed a pair of free throws to make the score 48-42.

“I was just excited,” Mayo said.

“Once I hit the three I was just like “Oh! It was just great.”

Iowa held a 16-point lead going into the final quarter of the game. The Hawkeyes (5-2, 0-0 Big Ten) outscored the Tigers 31-19. Iowa shot 66.7% from the field and held Towson to converting 45.5% of their shots.

Towson outlasted the American University Eagles, 63-60, for their second consecutive victory of the season before moving on to the Puerto Rico Classic later this week.

“It was a hard-fought win,” head coach Diane Richardson said. “American came back at us hard and we were poised with our defense and turned them over a lot in the third quarter. That enabled us to be able to pull the game out.”

The Tigers (2-3) were led by sophomore wing Myasia Jones, redshirt junior guard Kionna Jeter, and redshirt senior point guard Qierra Murray.

Jones had a team high 17 points and five rebounds, Jeter contributed 16 points and five steals. Murray finished with 14 points and seven rebounds.

Towson’s 3-point shooting is improving game-by-game, they hit 36.8% which is a season-high. The Tigers de-

fense has also gotten a lot of production, holding the Eagles (2-3) to 40% shooting, and forced 20 turnovers, scoring 16 points off those turnovers.

Towson continues to trend upwards as they continue to ride the blue-collar play of Jones. In her second start of the season, the sophomore guard continues to play a hardnosed style of basketball that the program hopes symbolize their identity according to coach Richardson.

“I feel like I’m more of a key player now,” Jones said. “I have more confidence to help [the] team.”

American was off to a hot start from long range, 4-for-6 from beyond the arc, that helped build a 21-12 lead going into the second quarter. The Tigers didn’t falter despite the Eagles sharpshooting, instead, they outscored the Eagles 51-19 in the final three quarters.

“Another one of those quarters, first quarter 21-12,” Richardson said.

“We need to be scoring more than 12 points in a quarter, but again we were poised and came back out and took the game back a little bit.”

Jeter took over in third quarter scoring all 16 of her points in less than ten minutes. Twelve of her points came from three-point range. Senior forward Nukiya Mayo contributed five points and five rebounds in the quarter and helped Towson outscore

American 25-10 in the third.

“I think that’s part of our identity,” Murray said. “Just not giving up, having that dog mentality. Having heart.”

That dominating run including what might quite possibly have been Jeters’ most dominant quarter at Towson. The redshirt junior guard struggled for much of the first half going 0-for-6 from the field, but in the third quarter, her stroke returned.

None more enthralling than the stepback she hit over the outstretched arms of junior guard Indeya Sanders who finished with seven points, nine rebounds, seven assists.

The double-digit lead didn’t last, however. The Eagles methodically came back, cutting the Tigers lead to 59-58 after sophomore forward Taylor Brown scored on a cutting layup. Mayo assisted on a Jones dagger 3-pointer that gave Towson a four-point lead with less than a minute left. With six seconds left American made a layup, but graduate senior guard Myka Johnson-Matthews then secured the victory at the line, splitting the final free throws of the game. “[We] fought, fought, fought,” Richarson said. “I got to give [the team] a hand because [we] were poised.”

The Tigers return home to SECU Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 4 against Temple. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.

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22 December 3, 2019

Sports

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tu plays tough in charleston

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Marissa Wonders Volleyball

Senior setter Marissa Wonders received multiple honors from the Colonial Athletic Association. Wonders was named the CAA Player of the Year as the Tigers won the 2019 CAA Championship and advanced to the NCAA

GEAR UP FOR THE Tournament for the first time since 2004.

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File photo by Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Freshman guard Jason Gibson is averaging 8.7 points per game off the bench for the Tigers. Towson finished in fifth place at the Gildan Charleston Classic last week following a victory over the Saint Joseph’s Hawks.

AARON THOMAS Staff Writer @3zzzUp

Towson managed to snap a fourgame losing streak with a victory against Saint Joseph’s, 76-64, in the seventh-place game of the Gildan Charleston Classic at TD Arena.

Head coach Pat Skerry was pleased with his team’s performance after the win.

“I am proud of the guys with the way they responded against Saint Joe’s, an Atlantic-10 team with rich tradition, who has already beat UConn,” Skerry said.

For the first time in program history, the Tigers defeated the Hawks with their stellar defense swarming all over the court. Towson led by 20 points with under three minutes left and never surrendered the lead.

The physicality on defense forced plenty of rushed shots by Saint Joseph’s causing them to shoot 36.8% from the field. The Tigers have held four opponents, including two consecutive games, to shoot under 40%.

“We have about nine guys and any of them can start or finish games,” Skerry said. “The big thing to me is that we made shots when our ball movement was better. We are a team who will take more threes and I think eventually will shoot it pretty well.”

Redshirt junior forward Juwan Gray provided a huge lift off the bench with a team-high 14 points.

Sophomore guard Allen Betrand scored 13 points while sophomore

guard Jakigh Dottin posted 10 of his 12 points in the second half.

Senior guard Brian Fobbs also contributed 12 points. Freshman guard Jason Gibson added nine points in the first half. Redshirt Freshman Nicolas Timberlake tallied a season-high eight points in only his third game of the season.

Towson’s defense was not the only impressive output in the win over Saint Joseph’s. The Tigers made a season-high 10 3-pointers while all nine of Towson’s players who entered the game scored.

“Our defense carried us, but we had really good ball reversals and we knocked down shots which will be a sign of things to come as we start to get guys back healthy.” Skerry said.

The Tigers fell to Buffalo, 76-73, despite 22 points from Fobbs and a double-double from redshirt senior forward Nakye Sanders in a consolation game of the tournament.

Sanders was inserted into the starting lineup for the first time this season and he certainly did not disappoint his team nor Towson fans.

Sanders stuffed the stat sheet as he put forth his best performance of the season with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. He also contributed three steals, and two blocks. This was the second straight game Sanders recorded 10 or more rebounds.

Fobbs stepped up his play after halftime scoring 15 of his season-high 22 points in the second half. This marked the 14th time in Fobbs’s career that he scored 20 or more points and the second time this season. Betrand continued the trend

scoring eight of his 10 points in the second half.

The Tigers were in good shape to win the game after leading by nine points on two separate occasions and holding the lead for over 25 minutes in the game. However, the Bulls forced four Towson turnovers while controlling the offensive glass leading the comeback.

Buffalo scored six points in 15 seconds with under two minutes left, and sophomore forward Josh Mballa’s tip-in gave the Bulls the lead with 23 seconds remaining in the game. Buffalo was able to capitalize on 22 Tigers turnovers which led to 26 points.

Towson stumbled losing 73-51, in a very physical matchup against no.

18 Xavier in the first round of the Charleston Classic.

“Xavier is good and to beat a team like that, you have to shoot an incredibly high percentage from three and the foul line,” Skerry said. “We didn’t do that, but they had a lot to do with that.

The Musketeers were just too tough and physical on the defensive end for the Tigers. Xavier held Towson to 30% shooting from the field and 25% from 3-point range while out-rebounding the Tigers 45-32.

“I thought Xavier was really good coming in and they don’t give you a lot of easy buckets. They don’t turn it over much,” Skerry said. “They’re hard to score on and have good length. They’re a physical group and it reflects with their defensive numbers.”

- To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowerlight.com.

Sports

December 3, 2019

23

The NFL embarrassingly A sour end to Babcock’s time in Toronto tried to handle Kaepernick ANDY PALM Columnist

The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t seemed to have found their footing just yet this season. The chemistry has just seemed off, mistakes are being made, the team is not the offensive juggernaut that it was supposed to be, and they just can’t seem to figure out why. In situations like this, there is one person in a high position who usually has to face the music and take the fall; the head coach. That is exactly what has happened, as the Maple Leafs have relieved head coach Mike Babcock of his duties this past week.

Toronto named Sheldon Keefe as Babcock’s replacement. Keefe formerly coached the Maple Leafs AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.

Babcock’s tenure with Toronto is a mixed bag. On the positive side,

he took a struggling organization and was able to bring them back to respectability. He and general manager Kyle Dubas did a tremendous job of drafting great young talent and mixing it with solid veterans.

The team has been competitive throughout Babcock’s time there, finishing with 100-plus points in each of the past two seasons.

Despite the regular season success, they were never able to get past the first round of the playoffs.

In the three times they qualified for postseason play under Babcock’s watch, they lost to the Washington Capitals in 2017, and then to the Boston Bruins in both 2018 and 2019. The playoff failure is something that loomed large over Babcock’s head this season. There was a feeling that if things didn’t change this season, his job could be in jeopardy. After a 9-10-4 start to the 2019-20 season, the Leafs decided to go in a different direction for the rest of the year.

The big question is, was this a premature reaction in a state of panic by the front office of Toronto, or was it really time for Babcock to go? Coaches like Babcock don’t come around every day. His success with the Detroit Red Wings speaks for itself, along with the success he had in his relatively short time in Toronto. There was a sense of frustration this season between the players and Babcock.

It seemed as if the team felt they weren’t being utilized correctly, and Babcock’s stubbornness was somewhat holding them back. Now, the Leafs look to have a fresh start with new head coach Sheldon Keefe.

The 39-year-old Keefe brings a new, young mindset to this talent-heavy roster. In his first game at the helm, Toronto defeated the Arizona Coyotes 3-1. After the game, it seemed that the locker room had been re-energized.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com.

Blazers welcome Melo with open arms JALON DIXON Columnist

In just two games after debuting for the Portland Trail Blazers, forward Carmelo Anthony is already showing that despite being away from the league for over a year, he still has what it takes to compete at a high level.

The day was Nov. 8, 2018 where a Houston Rockets loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder went from bad to worse for Anthony. After only playing for the Rockets for 10 games, Anthony was cut by the team and forced to stare down his basketball mortality. Soon came months and months of work out videos, outcries on social media by high profile players and fellow draft mates like forward Lebron James and guard Dwayne Wade. Yet, as the days passed, the chatter of a ‘Melo return soon died down and slowly started to come to a silence.

Then the fateful day came. As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Nov. 15, Anthony agreed to a non-guaranteed deal with the Trail Blazers that would bring him back into the league with the chance to prove himself in what is now his 17th season. When you look at it, the deal actually works well for both parties.

With the departure of front court players like forwards Al-Farouq Aminu, Maurice Harkless and center Enes Kanter, the Blazers came into this season desperate for bench depth. Although they have an all-star backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, the Blazers were in need of not only depth, but a third scoring option that could provide consistent points on a night-in, night-out basis.

As much as Portland would love to hand the reins over to their young players like rookie forward Nassir Little or point guard Anfernee Simons, this team is in more of a win now mode that requires veteran leadership across the board. Hence where Anthony comes into play. As

a career 24 points per game scorer, Anthony may not be much of a defender, but one thing he can definitely do is score the basketball. Not only can he score, but in his first two games with Portland, Anthony has already shown that he still has that scorer’s mentality.

In his Blazers debut on Nov. 19, Melo did not have as great of ‘welcome back’ game as he would have liked. Shooting 4 of 14 shooting for ten points, four rebounds and had five turnovers in a 115 – 104 loss to the Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans. Although the stat line was not great, what stands out is the amount of times he shot and his willingness to shoot them rather than playing relatively passive.

Then after shaking a little bit of the rust off, Anthony showed signs of him getting back in rhythm in his second game for the Blazers against the reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com.

JORDAN KENDALL Asst. Sports Editor @jordankendall54

It finally happened, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick got a workout. There was a lot of controversy surrounding his workout, and it seems that no one benefited from it. Kaepernick is getting criticism for how he handled the workout, and I understand why. But this was a horribly planned workout by the NFL. This is the first time in recent memory the NFL scheduled a workout for one player in the middle of the season. Usually, teams invite players to their facilities, but the NFL scheduled a workout similar to a pro day. They also scheduled it on Saturday, when most teams are either traveling to away games or preparing for home games. In a combine/ pro day workout, the head coach and general manager are usually present. This workout was seen by the lower level scouts, who likely are not as experienced.

Arguably one of the biggest issues was the shortened waiver. The NFL sent an initial waiver they claimed was the same that any other free agent would sign. Kaepernick’s team sent a revised waiver that was reported to be less than 300 words, compared to the standard NFL waiver that is over 1,200 words long. Initially, it seems that Kaepernick would agree that the NFL isn’t responsible if he gets hurt. However, there seems to be more involved than just injuries.

Michael McCann of Sports Illustrated said, “the NFL’s waiver uses the expression “any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, grievances.”

Kaepernick could rightfully question why the league is concerned about “any and all” claims if only physical injury claims are at issue.

Further, the phrase “demands, actions, causes of action, suits, grievances” probably gave Kaepernick pause. By signing such a statement, he might have relinquished the chance to grieve or sue over an employment matter.”

Most fans would agree that Kaepernick was blackballed by the NFL, and I can’t blame him for wanting the possibility to sue for collusion again. Since beginning his protests over police brutality and racial injustice in 2016, he has not

been signed by an NFL team. Some have been interested, but no one had brought him in for a workout.

He believed he was intentionally being kept out of the NFL and sued the league. Kaepernick reached a settlement with the NFL, but it’s hard to believe money healed every wound.

This workout was unique, and I don’t think the NFL realized it.

Neither side trusts the other at this point, and it seems the workout was rushed. Kaepernick was informed on Tuesday about the workout and had two hours to accept. Considering how unprecedented this was, I don’t think two hours is enough time to decide.

The NFL denied his request to move the workout to another day.

They didn’t even inform the teams before the statement came out, according to ESPN. Kaepernick questioned if it was legit, and I still have questions about its legitimacy. The NFL reported that 25 teams would attend the workout at the Atlanta Falcons facility. I find it hard to believe that 25 teams are currently interested in Kaepernick since none have brought him in for a workout.

Kaepernick wanted the media to be present for transparency and the NFL refused to allow it. This seemed suspicious to me. If it’s a legit workout why prevent the media from covering it?

Kaepernick moved the workout to a high school one hour away from the Falcons facility. This angered many of his critics and resulted in eight teams showing up. The move was announced within an hour of the initial workout starting. Most of the reported 25 teams who came to Atlanta left, but there’s a question that came from it. The move was announced within an hour of the initial start time to the teams, but fans were already at the high school.

If this was a legit workout, how did the fans find out the location before anyone else?

If the NFL really wants Kaepernick back in the league, why haven’t they encouraged a team to bring him in? Players try out all the time, many who are significantly less talented than Kaepernick. I find it hard to believe that quarterbacks such as Jake Dolegala of the Cincinnati Bengals and Tim Boyle of the Green Bay Packers are better than Kaepernick.

He is easily as good, if not better than most of the backup quarterbacks in the NFL, and likely better than some of the starters.

- To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowerlight.com