The Villanovan | Volume 115, Issue 18: November 8, 2023

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2023 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 115 | ISSUE 18

STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916

SpO Spotlight: Medical Volunteers

Villanova Hosts Annual Special Olympics Fall Fest

Tallulah Laska Staff Writer

Over the weekend of Nov. 3 to Nov. 5, Villanova’s Special Olympics held its annual Fall Festival, the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world. Among the thousands of volunteers are committee members, volunteer coordinators and inclusion crew members (ICs).

Volunteers are typically assigned a location or activity to be a part of, such as a specific sport or awards. There are also medical volunteers, also known as MedVols. MedVols are a part of the medical-security team, called Medicurity.

Medicurity also has an inclusion crew within it, consisting of more than 50 Villanova student volunteers. The Medicurity IC is backed by four volunteer coordinators and five committee members. There are also MedVols separate from IC, consisting of doctors and athletic trainers.

There were always multiple MedVols, including at least one doctor or athletic trainer, stationed at every event, sport and dining hall throughout the weekend.

Committee member Matt Domanico explained how important the volunteers and IC members are to the Medicurity team, as helping hands are always necessary to help things run more smoothly.

“A lot of planning does go into the Fall Festival weekend, but we really appreciate all of the volunteers, including the MedVols, [for making] the weekend a very special and meaningful interaction for all of our athletes,” Domanico said.

Continued on p. 10

Student volunteers and Special Olympic Athletes dance in the quad, which was turned into Olympic Town.

Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photography

Finn Courtney Staff Writer

In one of Villanova’s most enduring and endearing traditions, the 35th annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania Fall Festival was organized and held on campus this past weekend. There were celebrations, games and more than 1,000 inspiring athletes from 39 different Pennsylvania counties who took part in the three-day event.

After months of prepping for both the athletes and those at Villanova making this majestic and inspirational weekend happen (along with including “Fall Fest Firsts” to make the event more inclu-

sive) it all came to fruition as the sun rose this past Friday morning. The theme of the weekend may also have been the theme for Villanovans involved as members of Villanova’s Special Olympics committee, Inclusion Crew, Local Program Hosts (LPHs) or Volunteer Coordinators (VCs) during the festival: “Together as a team, our dreams are closer than they seem.”

“Everyone involved, from the LPHs to committee members to volunteers, put in months of work,” freshman and LPH Aidan McGovern said. “All of them will tell you that the first smile they saw from an athlete made the entire process entirely worth it.”

The main portion of the event kicked off on Friday night with the opening ceremonies, culminating in the ceremonial lighting of the torch. However, many festivities began early the next morning. For those living in Sullivan Hall and Sheehan Hall, the day began very early as LPHs made sure to wake up all who live in the Quad at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning.

That day, the Quad transformed into “O-Town,”, with different student organizations and clubs contributing. Whether it was making waffles, doing trivia or playing an inflatable soccer game, it was a magical event to walk through, and was even more

magical for the athletes.

O-Town also had several different performances throughout the day, from a costumed Darth Vader walking up to the Connelly Center to the Villanova Irish Dance team performing on the steps of Bartley Hall.

Saturday also saw the main slate of this weekend in the competitions get underway, with athletes taking part in running and powerlifting competitions, bocce, roller skating, soccer, volleyball and flag football. In powerlifting, one of the most inspirational performances was turned in by 21-yearold A.J. Knight, whose 319-pound bench press made national headlines.

Continued on p. 3

MBB Preview: Le Moyne and Penn Owen Hewitt

Co-Sports Editor No. 22 Villanova’s men’s basketball team will play in two games in the coming week, the first at home against Le Moyne on Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and the second at the Palestra in a Big 5 matchup against Penn on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.

The ‘Cats improved to 1-0 with a dominant 9063 win over American on Monday night. Villanova

should see a similar blowout result against Le Moyne, but the ‘Cats may be faced with a slightly tougher task in their matchup with the Quakers.

Le Moyne traveled to Georgetown for its first game as a Division I basketball program on Tuesday night.

While the game was too

Tyler Burton dunks on an American player during the first half.

Ryan Sarbello/Villanovan Photography

close to the print deadline to have a result in this article, it was widely expected that the Hoyas would pull out the victory.

The new member of the Northeast Conference went 15-15 in D-II play last season. The Dolphins made it to the quarterfinals of the Northeast-10 Tournament, falling to Bentley. Le Moyne was voted ninth out of nine in the NEC preseason poll.

Graduate guard Isaiah Salter is the team’s top returner, as Continued on p. 14

Villanova/Cabrini Purchase Update p. 2

University Approves Mental Health Initiatives p. 3

Villanovans Vote in 2023 Election Cycle p. 4

Students Prepare for Basketball Season p. 5

Hobbies are Important to Student Well-being p. 6

Taylor Swift’s 1989: Her Best Re-Recording yet p. 9

SpO Volunteer Spotlight: Med Vols p. 10

SpO Reinvents the Victory Jamboree p. 12

WBB Preview: Portland and Oregon State p. 14

Swim and Dive Sweeps La Salle p. 17

2 | The Villanovan

News 1 Opinion 6 Culture 10 Sports 14

PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER

VOL. 115 | ISS. 18 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

COLIN BEAZLEY VIVI MELKONIAN MATT RYAN SARAH SWEENEY HAYDEN KARNES NATALIE ZICKEL LYDIA McFARLANE HANNAH SWEENEY ARDEN WEST JACKIE THOMAS BELLA IRWIN CHLOE MILLER EMMA CAHILL BROOKE ACKERMAN OWEN HEWITT MADELINE OKENQUIST GRAYDON PAUL MICHAEL BRADLEY CAT COYLE CONTACT

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

NEWS

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor-in-Chief Senior Editor Digital Editor Digital Editor News Editor News Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Opinion Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Copy Desk Chief Photography Editor Advisor Advisor villanovan.eic@gmail.com

Theft of Services November 5 - 6, A-2 PAVILION REAR LOT A staff member reported illegal dumping of tires and metal fencing in a campus trash dumpster.

Criminal Mischief November 5, MAIN CAMPUS GROUNDS Unknown suspect(s) vandalized several university decorations. The value of the damaged property is unknown.

Disorderly Conduct / False Alarm to Agencies of Public Safety November 5, SULLIVAN HALL A fire alarm pull station was activated within a residential building without a legitimate purpose resulting in the building being evacuated.

CORRECTIONS

Villanova University and Cabrini University have reached a final agreement for Villanova to assume ownership of the Cabrini campus following the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year.

On Nov. 2, University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A, Ph. D., issued a message informing members of the Villanova community that the boards of trustees of Villanova and Cabrini universities, along with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus finalized this decision.

Since announcing in June that Villanova University and Cabrini University were considering an agreement between the two Catholic institutions, Villanova and Cabrini have been completing the necessary due diligence to arrive at a shared plan.

As a result of this decision, Villanova will assume ownership of the Cabrini campus at the conclusion of Cabrini’s 2023-24 academic year. The Cabrini name will remain for the campus to preserve Cabrini’s overarching legacy and mission.

Several of Cabrini’s initiatives are set to continue as well, possibly including “the creation of an institute/center on immigration; incorporating the work of Cabrini’s Wolfington Center into existing Villanova programs; establishing a “Cabrini Scholars” scholarship program in conjunction with the program that currently exists with Cabrini High School in New Orleans, LA; and hosting an annual event focused on women’s leadership, honoring Mother Cabrini.”

Villanova and Cabrini’s shared commitment to advancing Catholic higher education is the foundation for this agreement.

Helen Drinan, Cabrini University President, issued a press release on Nov. 2.

“It was important to honor the work of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by

Disorderly Conduct / Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness November 5, MAIN CAMPUS GROUNDS A non affiliated male was cited by Villanova Police for Public Drunkenness, Underage Drinking, and Disorderly Conduct.

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness November 4, MAIN CAMPUS GROUNDS A female resident student, under the age of 21, was observed intoxicated in

public and evaluated by Public Safety.

Liquor Underage November 4-5, GALLEN HALL A male resident student, under the age of 21, was found in possession of alcohol.

Liquor Underage November 4, SULLIVAN HALL Two female resident students and one female visitor, under the age of 21, were evaluated for alcohol intoxication by VEMS and released to a friend.

Liquor Underage November 3, SULLIVAN HALL A male resident student, under the age of 21 years, was evaluated for alcohol intoxication

Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s attention. Please send an e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com to report errors.

Nova/Cabrini Update Arden West Co-News Editor

Disorderly Conduct November 5, MAIN CAMPUS GROUNDS A male resident student displayed a replica gun in a public area.

continuing to foster what St. Frances Xavier Cabrini called ‘education of the heart,’” Drinan said in part.

Villanova is similarly devoted to its foundation upon the ideals of truth, unity, and love, per its pillars of Veritas, Unitas, Caritas.

“We feel confident that our agreement with Villanova will preserve the Cabrini legacy and that our work to educate both minds and hearts will be carried forth,” Drinan continued. “The Cabrini University impact does not end when our doors close.”

To continue the spirit of Cabrini, Villanova will also provide resources to commemorate, celebrate and document the history and artifacts associated with Mother Cabrini and the Cabrini campus.

“Additionally, two designated representatives from Cabrini, including at least one representative from the Missionary Sisters, will serve on the Villanova Board of Trustees for up to two successive terms of five years,” explains the University in its statement.

University Father Peter closed by reminding the Villanova Community that this integration is meant to enhance the goals in our Strategic Plan, Rooted. Restless.

He also encouraged Villanovans to share their thoughts via a confidential survey if they have “any thoughts or suggestions regarding how to best integrate the Cabrini campus with Villanova.”

“Villanova’s and Cabrini’s shared faith, common values and corresponding missions allowed for a strong alignment of two like-minded institutions,” said Father Peter.

“This agreement provides an opportunity for Villanova to honor the legacy of Mother Cabrini and Cabrini University, while furthering our commitment to advancing Catholic higher education.”

If you would like to access the survey to provide feedback or suggestions, you can access it here, and if you would like to learn more about the agreement, you can read the press release online.

O-Town Criminal Mischief the glass.”

The value of the damaged property is unknown, according to Public Safety’s report. Koch explained that once maintenance crews arrived On Saturday, Nov. 5, between at the scene, the Special Olympics 12:00 and 5:00 a.m. several decorateam moved on from the incident tions were vandalized in The Quad, and the event continued to be a great which is dubbed “Olympic Town” for success.

Villanova’s Special Olympics Fall Fest.

“Grounds also reinstalled the The incident was reported to Public flags, which were fine as well,” Koch Safety at 6:23a.m. as criminal missaid. “The little pumpkins, four or chief. five of them, again, no big deal. They The incident was reported to were just on the ground messed up a the Villanova Department of Public little bit. No damage to any buildings, Safety by Steve Koch, Villanova’s no damage to any of the grounds, just Associate Director of Leadership a few very minor concerns.”

Programs and advisor for Fall Festival.

Villanova hosts the largest Koch described what he saw in The student-run Special Olympics event Quad Sunday morning. in the world, with more than 1,100 “Sunday morning a few athlete participants. This year marked students came into my office and the 35th annual Special Olympics Fall indicated there were some concerns at Fest at Villanova. Koch has served as Olympic Town with some damages,” advisor for Special Olympics for 13 said Koch. “I walked down there with years and explained the importance them, and we observed that some of of Special Olympics. the flags draped between flag poles “Considering the importance were down – maybe two rows of it. and the impact of the weekend, for Our mini pumpkins, maybe four individuals to think, for some laughs, or five, were torn up a little bit, and that it was a good idea to do somehonestly, a little bit of glass that could thing like that is sad,” Koch said. maybe fill a ball cap. We don’t even “But, it really was not an inconveknow if that was a part of the misnience for us. It was early enough in chief.” the morning that we adapted pretty Koch explained how he and quickly and we shifted our focus back Special Olympics student leaders onto what was important, which was addressed the vandalism and adjusted having a good Sunday at fall fest for as a team. our athletes.”

“They were very minor damThe matter is still under ages,” Koch said. “I wouldn’t even call investigation, per Public Safety report. them damages. Inconveniences, sure.

To report information on this matter, Did we adjust? Absolutely, and the contact Villanova Department of adjustment took about 30 minutes, Public Safety’s non-emergency line at and that’s because we were waiting for (610) 519-5800 or visit https://www1. grounds to clean up the glass because villanova.edu/university/public-safewe didn’t want our students to touch ty.html.

Vivi Melkonian Co-Editor-in-Chief

O-Town is the epicenter of Special Olympics.

Natalie Zickel /Villanovan Photography

The Villanovan | 3

NEWS

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Villanova Hosts Special Olympics Fall Fest Finn Courtney Staff Writer Continued from p. 1 And yet, Knight was just one of an infinite number of inspirational performances from this past weekend, a testament to the power of this special event. All one had to do was walk by Austin Field, duck into Jake Nevin or enter Villanova Stadium to see such an example.

The night was headlined by a Victory Jamboree, held outdoors. The event featured a DJ, an outdoor viewing of Disney’s Inside Out and both high-sensory and low-sensory tents, another of the

“Fall Fest Firsts” made important this year by the committee and the University.

While the event may have concluded on Sunday afternoon with a beautiful closing ceremony, the memories and experiences shared by the athletes will be timeless, as well as the experience for the Villanovans who helped organize and run this event. For McGovern especially, this weekend constituted something of a full circle moment for him.

“I grew up watching my sister compete in Special Olympics games, and I’ve witnessed firsthand just how magical the experience can be for the families involved,” McGovern said. “To see it from the other side, as an LPH, has been equally magical.”

Fall Fest was fueled by a huge turnout of student volunteers.

Natalie Zickel / Villanovan Photography

Campus was much busier this weekend, but it was all for a great cause.

Natalie Zickel / Villanovan Photography

The 35th annual Fall Fest was a massive success.

Natalie Zickel / Villanovan Photography

Student Spotlight: Fall Fest Director Moira Horan Caitlyn Foley Staff Writer This weekend, Villanova hosted around 1,100 athletes at the 35th annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania Fall Festival.

The Quad (branded “O-Town” for the weekend) was filled with students from all different on-campus organizations who showed up to support the festivities.

“All of this, every aspect of the event, has been student-led and student-run,” Moira Horan, 2023 Fall Fest Director, said.

While this day might seem like fun and games to many members of the Villanova community, Horan explained that months of planning and preparation go into this event to ensure its professional, as well as magical.

“It is still a Special Olympics Pennsylvania event because the athletes are SOPA (Special Olympics PA),” Horan said. “This is a state-level competition so, for example, they can qualify for the USA games at Fall Festival with the results of their competition. That’s why it is really important to us that the event is fun and engaging, but also professional and held to the standards of a state-level competition for all of the athletes.”

In fact, athletes must qualify during their state-level sectional competitions to even attend Fall Fest. Horan said that this day, filled with magic and sweet treats on the quad, is something that the athletes begin to work towards in early October as they qualify for Fall Fest through their local program teams.

“The athletes travel from all around Pennsylvania to come here,”

Horan said. “Delaware County is the local program host team, but then athletes come from all the way from Erie County, out west.”

For Horan, Special Olympics has been a part of her Villanova experience since her freshman year, when COVID-19 required the Fall Fest activities to be hosted virtually through Zoom.

“My first Fall Fest was [a] virtual Fall Fest, so it really was my following year when I learned all about the extent of this and how it operates and the excitement around it,” Horan said. “I would say my first year, I learned so much about Special Olympics and inclusion, but hadn’t visually seen Fall Festival in action.”

However, once Horan saw Fall Festival in action during her sophomore year, she became even more committed to the mission of Special Olympics. Her years of undergraduate involvement with the program have allowed her to have the unique perspective of the ways in which Villanova’s Special Olympics has changed over the years, especially when it comes to the structure of the Inclusion Crew.

“I would say the biggest change in Villanova’s Special Olympics, since when I first started to now, has been the transformation of the inclusion crew,” Horan said. “[My first year,] the inclusion crew was a group of around 800 students, and it was one big group. You would join a meeting, join a Zoom to learn more about inclusion, Special Olympics and disability advocacy. That was really meaningful, but recently the inclusion crew was restructured.”

This year, inclusion crew members have been split into what

they call “IC cubes,” with the “IC” standing for “inclusion crew.”

Horan said that each IC cube is led by volunteer coordinators and is made up of a group of students at Villanova that train to be involved at Fall Festival.

“The inclusion crew [in total] is about 800 people, so that has been one of the biggest ways we have been able to spread the mission and the culture of inclusion at Villanova, through that level of involvement,” Horan said.

Hundreds of Villanova studentget involved in fall fest each year, and Horan has been working on planning this weekend since early December of 2022. Horan has dedicated almost a year to this weekend long celebration, so some might wonder what inspired her to become Fall Fest Director.

“I can’t say that it was a specific moment [that I wanted to become Fall Fest Director], rather

than a culmination of moments and experiences,” Horan said “This journey of growth and support and learning about the impact of Special Olympics has motivated me to do more, be more involved, meet more athletes and reflect more on how I can have a meaningful impact on the athletes. Villanova has given me a great opportunity to have that impact, so that is why I decided to become so involved in Special Olympics.”

Horan also noted that this weekend is very emotional for her, as Special Olympics has been an integral part of her Villanova experience. She sees herself being involved with Special Olympics post-graduation because of the meaning that this organization now holds for her, as well as the friends she has met while being involved.

If one is interested in getting involved with SPO, they can visit www.novaspo.org.

Student volunteers dance in Olympic Town during Special Olympics.

Natalie Zickel / Villanovan Photography

4 | The Villanovan

NEWS

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Villanova Students Vote in 2023 Municipal Election for first-time voters. #Let’sVoteNova shared what items to bring, ways to find your polling place and other support services to help students have an effortless election day. And it only Voters across Pennsylvania seems to be getting easier from here. headed to the polls this Tuesday for “With the newest census, the 2023 election, including many Radnor Township has a proposal for Villanova students. Living in Pennreapportioning Villanova,” Ammons sylvania for the majority of the year, said. “[This] would mean cutting University students decided to make down the district amount from the an impact on how the state functions current four down to just two, furtherby heading to the polls. In this year’s ing student accessibility for election election, students enacted their civic day.” duties by voting for local and state Election day proves to have candidates. resulted in many successes and frusMunicipal elections happen in trations for University students, but odd years, and the races that appear with aid from Redistricting Commison the ballots cover the Supreme sioners and student initiatives alike, Court, Superior Court and Comfuture voting days will prove to be monwealth Court candidates. While it isn’t a presidential year, voting in this Last year students and professors helped students get to the polls by providing a shuttle. nothing other than triumphant.

For more information on election directly impacts pressing isLydia McFarlane / Villanovan Photography #Let’sVoteNova and their initiasues that elected officials handle, such Pennsylvania deadlines, but it ended ation, Office of Student Involvement, tives, visit https://www1.villanoas education reform, environmental va.edu/university/student-life/ up being a disappointing first voting as well as the Office of Government policy and abortion. student-involvement/vote.html. experience seeing as I was unable to Relations and External Affairs to Students chose to make their For posts, follow @letsvotenova on get registered here,” Sierra said. make election day as accessible as voices heard this year by figuring out Instagram. To get in contact with Being from Connecticut, a possible. their voting locations and making the the Office of Government Relations state with the option for same-day “Voting on this college cameffort to get there on Tuesday. & External Affairs, reach out to voter registration, Sierra did not know pus can be especially tricky,” Hally “It’s my second year voting,” that Pennsylvania had a different Ammons, Assistant Director for Gov- Hally Ammons at hally.ammons@ freshman Liam Mote said. “Being villanova.edu, as well as check out registration policy. Needing to register ernment and Community Relations, from Pennsylvania makes it even prior to Oct. 23 for this election year, said. “With some housing on campus www.villanova.edu/neighbors and more seamless. I was already regiswww.facebook.com/NovaNeighbors many out-of-state students shared being split into four separate polling tered, so the only next steps were to for updates. To get in touch with places, turning to #Let’sVoteNova as figure out my polling place and make Sierra’s experience. supporters of #Let’sVoteNova, the “The presidential election a tool helps students’ voting experia plan to get there.”

Office of Student Involvement can Freshman Paulina Sierra had next year definitely won’t go this way. ences go much smoother.”

I will be sure to get ahead of things This year, the #Let’sVoteNova be found in room 102 of Dougherty a different experience while registerinitiative worked to set up transporta- Hall or via email studentinvolveing to vote. Sierra was let down by her and register early,” Sierra said. #Let’sVoteNova, a stution out of the Connelly Center circle, ment@villanova.edu, as well as the first time voting and did not make it dent-run organization, has partnered shuttling students to their polling plac- Student Government Association at to the polls. sga@villanova.edu. with the Student Government Associ- es and providing crucial information “I wasn’t really aware of the Julia Prendergast Staff Writer

Preview: The Washington Minimester Emma Cote Staff Writer “I mean it when I say this: the Minimester has changed my life,” an alumnus said about the uniquely Villanova program, the Washington Minimester. Fellow past-participants echoed this praise.

Villanova students interested in pursuing politics have the ability to spend three weeks within the nation’s capital, meeting and networking with policymakers, lobbyists, journalists, staffers and others working within the political realm.

Living on the campus of Catholic University, students can explore the ins-and-outs of Washington D.C. and gain the chance to speak with politics’ most prominent figures.

In past years, students have been able to meet notable individuals, including “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd; former House Speakers Nancy Pelosi, Paul Ryan and John Boehner; Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and others. Additionally, students have had the opportunity to hear from various speakers at the Federal Election Commission, Department of Defense, the Federal Reserve and other prominent political organizations.

Upon completion of the distinctive program, students are to write a capstone essay on the interactions of federal level politics and policy and in turn will earn three credits towards their degree.

The invaluable experience is quite competitive, as the program only accepts 15 participants who demonstrate a deep interest in politics, as well as those who have shown impressive academic standing throughout the years.

Alongside these prerequisites, students must attend the required informational meeting after Thanksgiving Break to be eligible for application.

If a student is uncertain about attending due to the presented cost, they may apply to receive one of the six scholarships awarded annually, which cover 100 percent of tuition and housing for those who qualify on the basis of both need and merit.

Former attendant and current program assistant, Lydia McFarlane, spoke highly of the opportunity.

“The Washington D.C. Minimester has been such a transformative part of my Villanova experience,” McFarlane said.

“Being a part of the program, first as a student, and then as the program assistant, I have learned and grown so much as a result of this program.”

McFarlane stated that, through the opportunities to forge Villanova students meeting former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the Minimester.

Hannah Sweeney / Villanovan Photography connections during her stay in Washington, D.C., she has been relatively broad major, students gram director, Mathew Kerbel. able to reaffirm her decision to can narrow down their interests “I will always think highly become a political journalist. through first-hand experience. of the Minimester program and Additionally, she has been able Additionally, this early networking all that it has done for me, profesto secure her “dream internship can lead to future prized careers sionally and personally,” McFarworking with The Hill.” and internships. lane said. She expressed ultimate As emphasized by McFarStudents who have interest gratitude for the “professional lane, the program allows students in the Minimester are encouraged network and the friends [she] was to explore their distinct passions. to attend the informational meetable to experience the program As political science is a ing and should contact the prowith.”

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The Villanovan | 5

NEWS

University Approves Initiative for Mental Health Days Isabella Carlin Staff Writer SGA’s excused absence proposal for mental health was recently approved by the University. Beginning next semester, an excused absence policy will be in effect, where students can utilize “personal days” to prioritize their well-being and practice self-care.

This initiative was led by Student Body President, Thomas Dessoye, in an effort to reduce the stigma of mental health on campus.

“The purpose of this policy is not only to provide students with an opportunity to take a day off to care about their mental health and well-being, but it is also designed in a way where the University administration allows students to know that it is okay to not be okay,” Dessoye said. “When students utilize a personal day, the primary purpose is to use that day to seek help from either the Counseling Center or practice healthy habits that make students feel better.”

Dessoye said that he developed this idea after researching excused absences for mental health at different colleges and universities in early 2022. During this time, few higher education institutions offered these policies. He then began looking into how K-12 schools prioritized mental health and looked to incorporate it with his ideas for the SGA policy.

“By the end of the Spring

2022 semester, I was fortunate enough to have been able to present my proposed policy to the University’s Academic Policy Committee (APC), made up of faculty members,” Dessoye said.

“Even though it was not approved, it also was not totally dismissed, so there was still an opportunity to do something.”

In Fall of 2022, the idea of the policy was raised again after Northeastern University announced its “Wellness Days” initiative, where students could be excused from class due to mental health concerns.

“After many revisions, I based the policy on Northeastern’s, and it unanimously passed out of the APC towards the end of the Spring 2023 Semester,” Dessoye said. “Over Fall Break, it was ultimately approved by the Provost’s office.”

Students will be allowed two personal days for 50-minute classes that meet three times per week and one personal day for 75-minute classes that meet two times per week. To get their requests approved, students must contact their professors by email before class and state their personal day as the reason for their absence.

“I firmly believe this will help students not feel as overwhelmed with their various responsibilities as a college student,” Dessoye said. “If a student who is experiencing an intense depressive episode and feels as though they

are not in the right state of mind to attend class, then they should be able to miss class to feel supported without being penalized.

Mental health should be treated like any other issue when it comes to physical health.”

Personal days will not grant automatic extensions to students’ assignments that are due. Students will still be responsible for the work assigned for class that day.

Additionally, personal days cannot be used for labs, clinicals, internships or courses that meet once

per week.

“I believe there is so much more that needs to be done by administrators to adequately and effectively address how students are feeling at a competitive university,” Dessoye said. “It is difficult to open up to someone you may not know, because it may be seen as vulnerability. But I do not believe that at all. To seek help is to be courageous, and we need to cultivate a university that recognizes that it is okay to need support when someone is struggling.”

Students will now be allowed two mental health days a semester.

Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

Students Prepare for Basketball Season Lauren Armstrong Staff Writer It is that time of year again. Tens of thousands of people around the nation will begin to start tuning in to college basketball, and at Villanova, students, staff, alumni and parents take it very seriously.

“I am ecstatic for basketball season to begin,” sophomore Claire Gaza said. “Seeing the community come together to support our school is one of the ways Villanova is so unique.”

From now until March, students will be entering lotteries in order to secure tickets to games in Villanova’s famous Finneran Pavilion.

“I really like how Villanova does the lottery system for games,” sophomore Betty Dorsey said. “I think that, due to needing points to get higher priority, it allows more students to go to other sporting events and to support all of Villanova athletics.”

However, this is not an opinion shared by all.

“I think that having the words lottery and point system when talking about the same topics is counterproductive,” sophomore Ryan Levey said. “I think it should be one way or another to make it the most fair to Villanova students.”

While many Villanovans fight it out for tickets to home games on campus, the community truly comes together for the games

played in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center.

“I love games at Wells,” sophomore Kara McGoldrick said. “Getting to the games early and seeing everyone come together on a Saturday or Sunday to support our University feels like a dream. I love going to Wells Fargo, as these games really [capture] the ideas of unitas, veritas and communitas.”

This year, Villanova’s men’s team will be playing at Wells Fargo on Dec. 9, Jan. 20, Feb. 4, Feb. 11 and Mar. 9.

This season, many Villanovans are hopeful for a strong season from both the men’s and women’s teams. The women’s basketball team won its first home game, 69-42, and the men’s team is looking strong after gaining strong transfers and incoming first years.

“I am really excited to see how the teams perform this year,” Gaza said. “I believe that, with these strong additions to the men’s team, we hopefully can go further than we did in the 2022-23 season.”

“I am excited to see how the [women’s] team performs this year,” Dorsey said. “After Maddie [Siegrist] graduated this past year, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the team adapts and performs this year.”

Villanova rallies around this season for different reasons.

“I love attending events with my friends,” sophomore Nadia Balduf said. “Being able to take the train into Philly before-

Wells Fargo or walk to the Finn from the Quad, it just brings me joy and excitement for this upcoming season.”

Others are excited for the sport itself.

“I love watching basketball,

and Villanova having such a strong team is one of the reasons I came to ‘Nova,” Dorsey said.

Villanova is so excited for this upcoming basketball season, and cannot wait to see how both teams perform.

The Finneran Pavilion sits mostly empty, waiting for students to arrive.

Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

6 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

OPINION

OPINION

Villanova’s Overachiever Culture Harms Students’ Health Carter Smith Staff Writer By the first week of October, I was completely exhausted. The semester thus far has been jam-packed with a large amount of course work, club responsibilities and time with friends. While some people traveled to Las Vegas for Fall Break, I simply went home. I needed a week to myself under the rainy skies of Tacoma, Washington to recuperate.

When students returned from break, many of my peers felt similarly. The only thing they had the energy to do over break was nothing at all.

It is seemingly commonplace for the daily lives of Villanova students to be stressful and largely devoid of free time. Many students take a tough course load and involve themselves in multiple on-campus organizations, while still attempting to maintain a vibrant social life. These are schedules that require constant attention and effort to maintain.

While we don’t pack our schedules because we are gluttons for punishment, we do pack them so much because Villanova perpetuates an overachiever culture.

In order to seem successful, feel adequately prepared for the professional world and fit in with everybody else trying to do the same, it is a cultural expectation that we do as many things as we possibly can. This is detrimental to mental health.

“Feeling pressed for time can have many harmful consequences such as poorer health, trouble sleep-

ing and depression,” an article from ScienceDaily that explores how a busy schedule affects our health said.

The article further postulated that an excess of commitments makes one feel guilty about not being fully invested in each one, amplifying the feeling of being pressed for time.

I often feel this way. As a junior, I am fully engaged in the upper-level courses for both of my majors, so academics are a constant stressor. I have also been consumed with planning the Villanova Singers’ fall tour to Montréal, in addition to my day-to-day duties as president of the group.

Furthermore, I sing in and manage the social media for Measure Up A Cappella and, of course, write articles for The Villanovan.

I deeply enjoy all of my commitments and I have met many amazing people through my on-campus involvement. However, it would be a lie to say that my responsibilities are not occasionally suffocating.

Despite that, I feel stuck. If I lessen my involvement, I fear to be seen as second to everybody else who is similarly involved. I would hate to be seen as boring or lazy. I am not the only one who feels this way, either.

“I feel like there’s an expectation to say ‘Yes’ to every meeting, every club and every opportunity, because if you don’t you’re ‘lazy,’ ‘not motivated’ and ‘not preparing for the future,’” junior Katie Brumbaugh said.

“I felt this [my freshman year],” sophomore Joey Klieman said. “I was so desperate to fit in that I was trying to do too many activities

at once and it led to burnout and scheduling fatigue. I slowly had to accept that it wasn’t healthy to do it all.”

“I’ve personally felt this, especially my sophomore year,” senior Kritika Jain said. “But also I don’t know what will change the culture because it’s perpetuated by students, too.”

While the rigorous curriculums and numerous extracurricular organizations that Villanova offers make it hard to pass up on all the opportunities which come our way as students, I believe the real driving factor of this overachiever culture is the ways we contribute to it ourselves. Even professors are taking notice.

“Villanova’s busy culture is adding so much unnecessary stress to students’ lives,” professor of interpersonal communication, Megan Cardwell, said. “You are valuable if you have a busy class schedule and go out every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. If you aren’t as involved you feel as if you have less value.”

Due to Villanova’s status as a prestigious, selective university, many of its students were brought up in families of means, or are now surrounded by people who were.

As such, many of our parents and other relatives have led economically successful lives thus far, setting an example for us to follow.

Many Villanova students, such as myself, likely feel some pressure, parentally and self-imposed, to follow in their footsteps. We want to live up to or surpass the wealth and success of our parents.

When I was young, I was

(and still am) told by my parents that the way to accomplish such a goal is to “do well in school.”

While times are changing and going to a university is not everybody’s path to success, it was during the time most of our parents came of age, and such traditions have been imparted onto us. Thus, we feel we must make the most of every opportunity we get here to be successful in life.

This pressure certainly gets to me and many of my peers. There have been many days where I feel like my brain and body are being stretched in multiple different directions, like a thousand people are demanding something from me all at the same time.

I have little time for my brain to cool down, leaving me completely drained by the time breaks roll around. I’ve had many nights where I couldn’t sleep or times where I just couldn’t focus on work because my inner thoughts were shooting frazzled brain cells off like radioactive uranium.

How little sleep we get and how stressed out and overloaded we are is a common topic of discussion amongst my friends and their friends and their friends.

While there is no grand solution that would fix Villanova’s overachiever culture, I have made progress in assuaging some of my struggles by forcing myself to take breaks.

Most importantly, I am being honest with myself about how much I actually need to be involved in versus what campus culture is pressuring me to do.

Hobbies Are Important for Student Well-being Avery Chalk Staff Writer It’s been a hard day of classes. A hard week, at that.

What’s the best way to unwind?

Odds are, it includes some form of technology, a snack and the comforting embrace of a bed.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with taking some time to mentally reset. Alone time is necessary, especially for those who might be easily overstimulated or are in need of rejuvenation.

The problem lies, in my eyes, with the way that this time is being spent. Mindless scrolling and other technologically-related pastimes have eliminated “the hobby.”

Especially among younger generations, standard recreational extracurriculars have become obsolete, replaced by poor individualized substitutes. Book clubs became Goodreads. Scrabble became The New York Times Mini Games.

It’s certainly the easier option to reach for a phone rather than a sewing machine for stimulation, but is it the more rewarding one? Hobbies are how individuals

develop a sense of self. Interests are what differentiate how someone is unique beyond their career or academic aptitude. Without them, humanity is doomed to a fate of loneliness and ubiquity.

Take, for example, the rapidly declining rate at which people engage in the practice of playing musical instruments. According to a 2017 article by The Washington Post, electric guitar sales have plummeted in the past decade, from 1.5 million sold annually to just over one million. People simply aren’t as interested in learning to play the instrument anymore.

Concedingly, not everyone who picks up a guitar will become a professional musician. But, why does a career always have to be the goal? The practice of playing an instrument is objectively therapeutic.

It allows for time spent with oneself, improves the memory and relieves stress. It can even provide valuable interaction with others if engaged in a group setting. These qualities are crucial to not only a strong sense of self, but a satisfying social life.

“I think it’s incredibly important to engage in activities for the sole purpose of having fun,”

freshman Lily Lincoln said. “I’m in club pickleball with my friends, I like going to the gym and I read daily. It keeps my life interesting.”

Lincoln’s assessment aligns heavily with the Bowling Alone Theory, first penned by Robert Putnam. Putnam argued that Americans aren’t joining, as they once did, the groups and clubs that promote cooperation and social interaction. He hypothesized that this will inevitably lead to constant alienation, and ultimately, the demise of civic life as we know it.

Putnam’s Bowling Alone Theory is bleak, taking societal conditions to the extreme. Still, humanity is already seeing parts

of his hypotheses come to fruition in real time.

According to a study conducted by neurology expert Johanna Goll, 10 to 50% of adults experience loneliness, with linkage to increased morbidity and mortality. Especially for college students, picking up a new hobby rather than spending all free time alone is crucial for prohibiting prolonged depression.

Engaging in recreational activity, whether independently or with a group, is crucial to bettering mental health. We must accept technology as a cultural norm, but also realize that a balance between screen-time and other extracurriculars is necessary.

Villanova students need to find new hobbies and ways of decompressing.

Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The Villanovan | 7

OPINION

EDITORIAL BOARD

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. LetVIVI MELKONIAN Editor-in-Chief ters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not MATT RYAN Associate Editor-in-Chief exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions beJACKIE THOMAS Opinion Editor come property of The Villanovan and are subject BELLA IRWIN Opinion Editor to editing for clarity and space.

COLIN BEAZLEY Editor-in-Chief

POLICY

The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as determined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.

Villanovans are Ignoring University’s Sustainability Plan Kayla Verga Staff Writer Villanova University is constantly having conversations about its role in bettering the environment. We even have a sustainability plan to make our university greener. Nonetheless, I have doubts about the extent to which this plan is actually put into practice on campus.

Part of this plan is to prioritize renewable energy and to reduce carbon emissions, which is why one may see signs in campus parking garages stating, “Reserved Parking. Low-Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicles Only.”

These signs are plastered in front of many of the first and second-floor I-1 Garage and S-5 Law School parking spots: spots that are strategically close to the exit to prioritize students and visitors that have these environmentally friendly vehicles. My next question is, how often are there actually low-emitting fuel cars in these specific spots?

In my experience, most of the cars parked in these spots are not only non-fuel efficient cars, but often some of the worst, most harmful fuel emitting vehicles present at this school. There are Jeeps, Dodges, Fords, Rams and all different types of truck brand cars that don’t require any special knowledge to know that they are bad for the environment.

students are holding Villanova’s sustainability plan to the standard that they should.

Those who are taking the initiative to help our planet, such as having these low-fuel emitting cars, should be given the priority of having these spots to publicize the importance of eco-friendly vehicle options. Not speaking out to fellow students silently states that this part of our environmental mission may be less crucial than others.

Many other students agree, including senior Sustainability Club member Erin Costa.

“I am disappointed in how serious people take our sustainability plan on campus,” Costa Villanova’s sustainability plan includes special parking spots for fuel efficient vehicles. said. “I constantly notice high-fuel Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography exhaust cars taking those spots inIn addition, because we go We have parking police stead of the cars that work to betto a school with a wealthier stuthat patrol the entire campus and ter our environment. As someone dent body, there are also cars such hold students accountable for who cares about the environment, as BMWs and Cadillacs parked parking violations, but never this I take the initiative to not park in these fuel efficient garage spots type of parking violation. Beyond in those spots and I hold myself which are also seen as highly dam- this, there is a parking patrol car accountable.” aging to the environment. specifically located at the bottom Students can do our part It is only in very few and of the Ithan Garage that can see for the environment by cooperatfar between moments that I acthese high fuel-emitting vehicles ing with the University and obeytually see a hybrid type of car in parked in these spots, but no one is ing signs like this. Ultimately, these these parking spots. So, maybe ever told to move.

“Reserved Parking. Low-Emitting students don’t know the definition These parking patrol offiand Fuel Efficient Vehicles Only” of what a low-fuel emitting car is. cers have the duty to make sure signs represent an important asWhile this could be true, that students are following these pect of Villanova’s sustainability I have a strong feeling that if it is signs, if students themselves won’t. plan. your car, you know exactly how it As members of the Villanova However, they have never would be categorized. One reason community, it is our responsibility been acknowledged, encouraged this keeps happening day after day to abide by the sustainability plan or emphasized by students or staff is because no one is ever told not outlined by the University. alike–at least throughout my last to, nor held accountable for parkUltimately, this phenomefour years on campus. Instead, ing in these spots. non makes me question whether they are deliberately ignored.

Doing You: The True College Experience Juliana Burke Staff Writer Upon first coming to college, I heard from recent graduates and adults alike about how lucky I was to participate in the “college experience.” I had heard this phrase thrown around quite often, and when I found myself in a dark, sweaty fraternity basement for the first time, I realized that it was not something I wanted to “experience.”

Having to admit to myself that I was not a fan of the college-party scene was a difficult admission.

How could I not like what everyone deems as the peak of one’s life, the ultimate rite of passage?

I contemplated forcing myself to continue going out, to psychologically program myself to enjoy the shoulder-to-shoulder, loud and overwhelming functions that my friends spend the greater part of the week anticipating.

However, upon further reflec-

tion, I do not believe this is the solution. Rather, the solution is achieving an acceptance of your unique needs and desires. This is the true “experience” a college student should undergo.

As a university student, you only have so much free time between a packed class schedule, homework and club participation. With these occupying a bulk of the average university student’s day, why would you elect to spend your free time in a way that does not align with your true preferences? Social media has convinced us that if we aren’t partying every weekend and posting with large groups of people that we are somehow doing college “wrong.”

What these posts fail to depict is the lack of true, meaningful connections that are formed on these fleeting nights out, hangovers that make waking up for your morning class a living nightmare and the disruption to one’s circadian rhythm that participating in the “nightlife” scene promotes.

Choosing your health and

peace over what is deemed “cool” is actually much cooler and promotes individuality, something that is lacking greatly in the age of secular trends and the digital sphere.

Upon realizing that I was not a “going-out-gal,” I shifted my focus to the activities that made me happy, such as getting breakfast with friends, engaging in meaningful and sober conversations, going for runs, photographing nature, reading books and writing articles on topics I am passionate about. Once I accepted what made me happy, I also accepted what did not make me happy. And I am better for it.

Additionally, realizing that many students internally feel this way is helpful to accepting these sentiments. Even those who truly enjoy going out consistently also appreciate the benefits of a wholesome night-in, such as freshman Angela Choi.

“I love going out on the weekend, but occasionally enjoy staying in and watching a movie,” Choi said. “Having this time allows me to regroup and reset my priorities for the

week and be in greater alignment with myself.”

For some, their ideal Friday night, when stripped of the fear of being perceived, may consist of reading a book, going to the gym or cooking a creative meal. For others, it may genuinely be going out and living the “college experience.” If you are forcing yourself into situations that do not bring you peace and fulfillment, pause, and ask yourself: why?

If you’re miserable and partying into the late hours of the night for social validation, have you ever contemplated how unintentionally egocentric this is? The truth of the matter is that everyone in college is trying to figure themselves out. They’re too preoccupied with how others perceive them, their perfectly-curated social media presence and their general existence to notice you and what you are doing.

Regardless of what your ideal is, make sure it is yours and no one else’s. At the end of the day, the only person who is preoccupied with you is you.

8 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

OPINION

Post-COVID Achievement Gap Must be Closed

readings and difficulty remembering essential knowledge on exams.

The issues displayed by college students, especially newer Many colleges are becoming ones, go deeper than just burnout increasingly selective in admissions or laziness. They are the conseand are reporting higher average quence of low standards placed on GPAs and SAT scores with each students when online learning was year’s admitted freshmen class. At being used during the pandemic to the same time, however, a large maintain safety. Many school disnumber of colleges, including Viltricts loosened previous attendance lanova, are actually seeing a decline policies, eased the grading scale in general academic performance. and assigned far less homework or University professors have tests. noticed a decline in several essenMany professors who retial skills with each incoming class. sponded to the Chronicle of HighThis includes weaker writing skills, er Education say they believe that having a more difficult time focusstudents who were in high school ing, struggling to engage with lonfor online learning, came into ger forms of reading material, not college expecting the same relaxed taking notes during lectures in class workloads, flexible deadlines and and constantly looking at phones or lower expectations of participation. computers during class.

The methods of teachThis new trend is not ing and learning being used also specific to one discipline and is changed during this time, as reflectbeing seen by professors across all ed on by freshman Jess Hartley. disciplines in universities across the “My transition from online country. to in-person education in 2021 In April of last year, the made me realize my preference for Chronicle of Higher Education hands-on learning,” Hartley said. reported on the experiences of “By being in classrooms, I felt more more than 100 professors who had comfortable understanding mateall noticed some level of student rial- especially in science classes detachment and disinterest. where we could implement lab Though this group of proexperiments.” fessors was small, it contained a diWhile this course of acverse group reflecting a wide range tion was understandably taken to of higher education institutions, avoid overwhelming students in an representing community colleges, already highly uncertain time, it large state universities, small priultimately only hurt students in the vate colleges and some of the most long run, many of which have lost prestigious and selective universities essential aspects of their educationfrom around the country. al experience and are now facing Common challenges rethe consequences. ported to the Chronicle of HighIn 2022, the National Aser Education included low-class sessment of Educational Progress attendance, low-class participation, released a study that found student skipped homework assignments or performance to be significantly Srihi Surapeneni Staff Writer

lower than it had been before the pandemic, with the greatest decline being among those who stayed at home for remote learning.

This decline also exacerbated inequality between students, as students from middle or upper-class backgrounds lost less learning progress than students from impoverished backgrounds. Schools with African-American or Latino majority populations also tended to recover this loss at a lower rate, according to a test administered nationally by Curriculum Associates.

At universities, including Villanova, the impact of virtual learning on students’ preparedness for college is highly apparent. Even before COVID, professors have felt that the standard of education had been consistently dropping, but now, the all-time low standards set during the pandemic still have not been raised. Professors are forced

to lower their standards to what the students have become accustomed to.

Surprisingly, one aspect that some college students are struggling with is actually using technology, challenging assumptions that the younger generation is most familiar with using technology for education.

The pandemic was a time of unpredictability and stress among students and teachers alike.

The adjustments made to the educational experience of students were made in an attempt to help students cope with the difficult period.

But now that those times have ended, schools and universities across the nation need to reckon with the consequences of these changes and forge a new path forward, one that both values helping students get ahead and takes into account their needs.

The pandemic left students without key skills, and schools and universities must help bridge the gap.

Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

Excused Mental Health Absences are Long Overdue Ciara Dursee Staff Writer It’s been a long time coming. The Villanova Student Government Association recently announced the approval of excused mental health absences starting in the Spring 2024 semester.

Led by Student Body President Thomas Dessoye, and with the help of other SGA members, the mental wellness of Villanovans will be acknowledged and prioritized. Mental health awareness has been rising in recent years as more concerns are brought to the surface. The time is long overdue.

While I am just a freshman in my first semester of college, I can recall several times in my educational career where I found it nearly impossible to get out of bed in the morning to go to class.

Stressors included an overload of work, problems with friends or family and stress that comes with playing a sport or acting in a play.

Sometimes it feels too overwhelming, and our minds and bodies need a break.

This policy has the chance to break the stigma revolving around mental health concerns for college students. Even in today’s world, the importance of mental health hides in the shadows be-

SGA’s initiative to bring excused mental health absences to Villanova is a breath of fresh air.

Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

cause students fear opening up about their problems. Students are piled high with assignments, exams, presentations and endless amounts of work while also trying to balance extracurriculars and a social life. This is no easy feat.

Therefore, it should be recognized and understood that it is normal to feel overwhelmed.

While students may not be physically ill, it is important to remember mental well-being and the significance of having a healthy mindset.

But, what took so long?

The major concern around distributing these excused absences is the risk of college students abusing the policy.

As a result, SGA put an extreme amount of thought and care into the regulations to make sure students use this gift responsibly.

Students cannot use these personal days on consecutive class days, use them in the same week, preceding or following holiday break periods or when exams or presentations occur.

The list goes on and was constructed with the hope to make sure students take these excused absences seriously.

Although the biggest issue is whether or not the students will use the absences responsibly to help their mental health, I believe it is necessary to enact these days into the school system with the potential benefits that could emerge.

This policy has the power to help a student struggling to get out of bed in the morning. It has the power to aid an overwhelmed and anxious student who may not be able to sit through class that day. It has the power to help a student who may be severely depressed and lacking motivation.

In the end, the overarching goal for this policy is to help a student in dire need of mental rest.

While it is possible for a student to misuse it, the possibility of it saving someone’s life is worth the risk. Dessoye adamantly agrees.

“This policy is better than not doing anything to try to help our students who may face issues including depression or anxiety,” he said.

Villanova is bringing change to the University next semester by destigmatizing mental health in general and allowing students to know that “it is okay to not be okay.”

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The Villanovan | 9

OPINION

Taylor Swift’s 1989: Her Best Re-Recording Yet Zoë Kim Staff Writer 1989 was the re-recording that Swifties and casual listeners have been waiting for. It did not disappoint. Since its drop last Friday, 1989 has broken record after record.

To no one’s surprise, the album is dominating the charts, with all 21 tracks accounted for within Spotify and Apple Music’s Top 25. As of this week, it has surpassed over one billion streams for both streaming services.

Is this her best re-recording yet? Without a doubt, yes. 1989 will never go out of style. The beat is sophisticated and eclectic, and the lyrics are witty and sleek. It has its share of catchy tracks, like “Blank Space” and “Shake it Off,” but only Swift can pull this off without being cheesy.

The re-recording features all 16 of her 2014 tracks, with five unheard “from the vault” tracks, which are all standouts. The country-turned-pop sensation has released tracks that her college-aged listeners can relate to. Villanova senior and “Swiftie,” Chloe Miller, agreed. “‘Now That We Don’t Talk’ and ‘Is It Over Now?’ are two of the best songs I have heard in a while,” Miller said. “The re-recordings are for her grown-up audience and are special to me. I have been listening to Taylor since I was eight-years-old. It takes me back.”

I get nostalgic when I listen to this re-recording, too. Hearing

her classics like “Out of the Woods” and “Style” take me back to when I would listen to them through the radio. For day-one fans, the re-recordings represent Swift’s rise as an artist. Senior Maggie Winston is one of these fans.

“I love that Taylor expresses her creativity in all her re-recordings,” Winston said. “I see her iconic style and sound in 1989, as compared to her other pieces. 1989 will always have a special place in my heart. It is my favorite album.”

The Pennsylvania native is not trying to abide by any style or genre. Her producer, Jack Antonoff, has given her the freedom to lyrically express the heartbreak of her twenties. For example, the beat in “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” is her heartbeat. No other Swift album has this degree of creativity. 1989 stands out as an album because of this character. It is by far her best re-recording, despite her earlier success.

Critics will say that it sounds too similar to the 2014 release. But all 21 songs are crisper and are sung in a lower register. Take “Clean” for example, in which her vocals are stronger and richer than before. Her voice has a maturity that it did not have nine years ago. It is not only her singing, but the lyrics and tension, too, have enhanced.

As compared to her earlier recordings, there were no re-recordings that disappointed. “I Know Places” was one track that stood out for greater depth and vocal strength.

Listening to the songs, there is great-

er confidence in her lower register while packing the pop punch that it did in the past.

“Now That We Don’t Talk” is only two minutes and 26 seconds, Swift’s shortest song to-date, but it hits home in a way that can be compared to her 10-minute song “All Too Well” from the re-recording of Red. It delivers Swift’s frustrations and hurt after what is a devastating break up, as she sings, “I cannot be your friend / So I pay the price of what I lost / And what it cost.” Swift has expressed her love for this uncharacteristically short song.

“It is Over Now?” is another Vault track that is beautifully crafted with Swift’s trademark of a scathing breakup song. This track has been

viral, with TikTokers dancing and sharing details of their own past relationships.

1989 is not only a collection of 21 songs, but a story. It recounts a story of Swift and a boy (Harry Styles) whose love was in “screaming colors” but “went down in flames.”

When the boy comes back to her 10 months later, she no longer seems to care. Swift does not need to pretend to like “acid rock” or “mega-yachts,” as she has finally learned to love herself for who she is, the artist of our generation.

Swift continues to raise the bar as she re-releases her albums, and with Reputation soon to come, there is no doubt that it will be another hit.

Villanovan editor and Taylor Swift fan Emma Cahill was excited for the 1989 re-release.

Emma Cahill/Villanovan Photography

CULTURE

10 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

CULTURE

Special Olympics Volunteer Spotlight: Medical Volunteers Tallulah Laska Staff Writer Cont. from pg 1 MedVols did anything from cheering an athlete on during their soccer game, handing out ice packs after a fall, or even providing critical care, as necessary. While it is always hoped that medical care is not necessary, it was important that volunteers were trained and ready to handle it all.

Junior Khoa Nguyen, a Medicurity volunteer coordinator, explained that, while a lot of work is put into making the weekend perfect, it is always worth it when volunteers get to interact with athletes.

“Volunteers get up super early for Fall Festival, but it is super worth it to see all of the athletes and cheer them all on,” Nguyen said.

While MedVols had shifts at designated locations, they were also able to explore and experience Fall Festival during break periods.

From walking through Olympic Town (“O-Town”), to cheering for long distance runners and walkers as they pass by, to attending opening

MedVols sported berry tee shirts during Fall Festival weekend.

Tallulah Laska / Villanovan Photography

and closing ceremonies, there was no shortage of activities for volunteers.

Freshman Isabella Mirarchi attended her first Fall Festival this

year. As a new volunteer, Mirarchi was not well-versed in what the weekend would consist of, but as a pre-medical student, she knew she wanted to be a MedVol. After being

stationed at seven-versus-seven soccer on Pike Field, Mirarchi had the opportunity to stroll through O-Town, watch and cheer during powerlifting and see the flash mob from the Local Program Hosts.

“Volunteering at Special Olympics my freshman year gave me the wonderful opportunity to watch athletes perform at their best and feel the excitement of the crowds as we cheered them on,” Mirarchi explained. “[I] could see the spirit of friendship radiating from the athletes’ faces, not only as they showcased their incredible abilities, but as they encouraged their teammates and competitors, as well.

Celebrating our differences, accomplishments and talents to create a more inclusive world is the mission of Fall Fest, and I am so blessed to have been part of it.”

Being a MedVol is a unique aspect of Fall Festival that not many people were a part of. MedVols were able to experience it all and made a difference in the health of each person they helped. While this year’s Fall Festival has sadly come to a close, the effort and love put into it will have lasting effects on athletes and volunteers alike.

Falvey’s Collections Hosts Tricks or Treats Brendan King Staff Writer There was a little less reading and a little more scaring going on at the Falvey Library this past Halloween.

Falvey’s Distinctive Collection and Digital Engagement staff hosted “Tricks and Treats from the Vault” in the Speaker’s Corner on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Originally started in 2019, this was the fourth consecutive year of the event.

The main focus of “Tricks and Treats from the Vault” was to highlight various Halloween-related pieces that Villanova has in its archived collections at Falvey. Beaudry Allen, Falvey’s Digital and Preservation Archivist, wanted to display pieces from these collections in order to entertain as well as educate.

“This is meant to bring some levity for the students as well as spread the word about special collections in University archives as a resource for student research,” Allen said.

Some of the spooky pieces displayed at the event included issues of the Weird Tales series from the Dime Novel Collection, The Amateur’s Guide to Magic and Mystery and the Black Art: Fully Exposed, a copy of a late 1800s letter about exorcism that was sent to a Villanova priest, Irish Witchcraft and Demonology and a handwritten Halloween-themed card from Oct. 22, 1925.

Both Irish Witchcraft and Demonology and the card were from Villanova’s McGarrity Collection, which archives various pieces of Irish literature.

One of Allen’s favorite pieces displayed was the card. Despite being nearly one-hundred-years old, it remains in great shape, complete with full-color drawings of jack-o-lanterns

Attendees placed stickers on campus buildings they find eerie or haunted.

Courtesy of Falvey Library

and fruit.

“It’s really cute to see the illustration of jack-o-lanterns from the past and how Halloween used to be talked about,” Allen said.

Besides showing items from Villanova’s various collections, “Tricks and Treats from the Vault” also featured Halloween-themed prints designed by Michael Sgier, one of Falvey’s Distinctive Collections Coordinators. Shawn Proctor, Falvey’s Communications and Marketing Program Manager, said that this was a very popular station at the event.

Visitors enjoyed getting to learn about the printing process.

“He created the print blocks to make those prints by hand,” Proctor said. “[They were] really nicely done, and it shows off how much talent he has.”

In addition, Christoforos Sassaris, another Distinctive Collections Coordinator at Falvey, presented a haunted map of Villanova’s campus.

Visitors were encouraged to place a sticker on any building on the map that they either heard was haunted, had a supernatural experience in

themselves or were just generally creeped out by.

Allen and Proctor both enjoyed the inclusion of the map at the event. Allen liked that it got students and faculty members talking to each other about specific parts of the campus that stuck out to them, strengthening the Villanova community overall.

“Everybody has a good time telling stories of when the lights accidentally turned off or something like that,” Allen said. “I think that not only brings us the ability to have conversations with students and staff, but I think that brings people together [to talk] about how big and fun Villanova as a campus is, and [people are] sharing stories about what dorms they used to live in and where they hang out now. It’s really wonderful to hear that stuff.”

Proctor enjoyed this part of the event because it provided some background as to what some of the buildings on campus were used for in the past and how they have changed over the course of Villanova’s history.

For example, Allen mentioned that

Alumni Hall was used as a hospital during the Civil War, and Proctor talked about how St. Mary’s Hall was once a convent.

“I think people, when they’ve been on campus for a year or two, start to take a lot of it for granted,” Proctor said. “There are a lot of really interesting places, not necessarily unsettling and scary, but it makes you more curious about the stuff that you’re seeing every day. What’s the history of it? What was its prior purpose? How has it been transformed over the years?”

Overall, Allen believes that the importance of events such as “Tricks and Treats from the Vault” comes from their spreading the word about the archives and collections that Villanova possesses.

“The archives represent the Villanova community,” Allen said.

Proctor praised the events organized by Allen and the rest of the Distinctive Collection and Digital Engagement staff, particularly how they make them interactive for the students who attend them.

“Their area does a great job of trying to make sure that they find ways to engage with students and do things that are really exciting,” Proctor said. “[They] bring out a lot of these neat treasures that they have in their collections to make them accessible for students.”

Proctor and Allen think that it helps to host these types of events in Falvey because it is a central location for all students, regardless of their different majors.

“When we have an event and we have a panel of people and we’re trying to appeal to people to come in, this central location is really great because it allows people to know that this event is for everybody,” Proctor said.

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12 | The Villanovan

CULTURE

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Special Olympics Reinvents the Victory Jamboree Anna Schoorlemmer Staff Writer Over the course of this weekend, Villanova welcomed thousands of athletes, coaches and volunteers to campus for competition and celebration events. One event, the Victory Jamboree, was back and better than ever for Fall Fest 2023.

The Victory Jamboree took place on Saturday evening of Fall Fest and was an opportunity for athletes to celebrate the past two days of competition and fun. The event was previously called Victory Dance, but was rebranded last year. In addition to a dance floor and a DJ, it featured crafts, bingo and a movie to ensure there were options for everyone.

According to the members of the Entertainment Committee, the group in charge of the Victory Jamboree, the event had undergone further changes to make it more inclusive. Previous Victory Jamborees have taken place in the Finneran Pavilion and the Connelly Center.

“We couldn’t use the Finn this year,” junior Colin Nemeth, who spearheaded plans for the event, said. “Conn did not work out that well. It is not very accessible because there are a lot of stairs and only one elevator. We thought the best idea would be outside.”

This year, the event was held on Mendel Field, with two

large tents to host the festivities.

“One tent [had] the dancing and [was] more high-sensory,” junior Leah Jones said. “The crafts and bingo [were] in the lower sensory tent. The separation help[ed] make sure [it was] not overwhelming.”

This change was made to improve the event’s inclusivity, building on last year’s progress.

With the new design, athletes could stay in the tent they preferred or switch between them.

In addition to the Victory Jamboree, the Entertainment Committee also planned O-Town, where dozens of booths were set up in the Quad. These booths featured crafts, games and other activities. The committee handled a range of tasks, and the members relished the opportunity to collaborate and come up with innovative ideas.

“The Entertainment Committee is a really creative committee,” Nemeth said. “It also has a very dynamic vibe to it. You can crunch the numbers and sign-ups, or you can work on painting and drawing. There’s a big range of things we do.”

“Something I really like about our committee is that we all have different strengths and they all bounce off each other very well,” sophomore Nicholas Grieco said. “Our committee has big responsibilities to come up with ideas, so it’s nice that we can all build on each other.”

The broad scope of the committee means each member has an opportunity to make a difference.

“I would say my favorite part about entertainment is that we put so much planning in, but once the events start, they essentially run themselves,” Jones said.

“Sure, there might be little things to figure out, but mostly we get to enjoy it with the athletes and make connections. You’re not only behind the scenes, you’re also there in the moment.”

The Entertainment Committee agreed that the special

moments throughout the weekend make all of the hard work worth it. Members emphasized that anyone interested in getting more involved with Fall Fest next year should “go for it.”

“Even though I walked into this position knowing nothing about what I was doing, I felt so supported,” sophomore Natalia Rodal said. “Even if you just want to show up the day-of, you will be able to help.”

Check out @villanovaspecialolympics on Instagram and the website, novaspo.org, for more information.

Victory Jamboree took place on Saturday night of Fall Festival.

Courtesy of Annie Snyder

Have you Accomplished an Aesthetic Autumn?

Ciara Dursee Staff Writer As cold air rolls in and sweaters are pulled on, there are going to be several changes to the average individuals’ seasonal aesthetic.

We’ve all heard of “hot girl summer,” but if you’re anything like me and enjoy the brisk temperature and colorful leaves falling to your feet, it’s time to review the ultimate starter pack for an “it girl” fall.

But the real question is: Do you think you embodied the “aesthetic autumn” look this fall?

Clothing trends change as the temperature degrees drop one by one. Villanova students have the opportunity to embody this main character persona while casually walking around campus.

“A puffer vest with some jeans, and maybe even a hint of red, really completes the fall look,” freshman Jules Lee said.

Lee said that most people on campus were ready for their fall outfits. She even had prepared some looks based on what she saw others wearing or what she saw on social media to be “in” this season.

Freshman Dylan Dickensheets said that there were several new additions to fall fashion trends this year.

According to Dickensheets, to fit the fall aesthetic, one has to embrace the fall weather. In this case, accessories are key in catching others’ attention and really enhancing an outfit.

Lydia McFarlane celebrated Fall by showing off her thrifted style at the Renaissance Fair.

Lydia McFarlane/Villanovan Photography

“I saw a lot of girls this year wearing cute headbands or using a ribbon to tie their hair in a cool style,” Dickensheets said.

She also recommended making a purchase for short UGGs, which were popular last year and have successfully made a return.

“I like to dress presentable to class, and seeing what others wear helps me enhance my own eye for fashion trends and style in general,” Dickensheets said.

Now it’s time to match music with the seasonal atmosphere.

As one struts through campus, headphones on and music blasting, one is going to want to update their playlist to fit the “it girl” fall.

Student Lenna Reilly explained that Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan are artists that are

rising in popularity and fit the vibe that encapsulates that fall feeling.

“The Lumineers are always on [repeat] for me as I walk through campus to class,” Reilly said.

Now, let’s add some spice to that look. The most integral part to any fall aesthetic is having a warm drink that fits comfortably in your hand as you walk from class to class.

“The order that never fails in the fall is the classic pumpkin spice latte,” Reilly said.

Some other popular favorites on students’ menus would include apple cider, a chai latte with extra cinnamon and maybe even a caramel coffee.

Are you really capturing the full main character moment without showcasing your cute outfit, listening to music and sipping on a drink while walking throughout campus?

My current claim to fame has been a large, iced apple cider paired with a pumpkin muffin served at Bartley Hall’s Holy Grounds. Nothing is better than a taste of fall as you get all of your homework done.

As the leaves change, Villanovans embrace current trends like jean skirts and trendy hats.

Vivi Melkonian/Villanovan Photography

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

CULTURE

The Villanovan | 13

Christmas on Campus: Is It Too Early to Deck the Halls?

Sophie Latessa Staff Writer In the famous words of Mariah Carey, “It’s time.” That’s right, it’s about time to start debating that age-old holiday question once again. With the official end of eventful Halloween celebrations and the start of November, some students are fully ready to get “the most wonderful time of the year” started, while others are a bit more hesitant.

There are two kinds of people when it comes to the start of the holiday season. The first is the person who strictly waits until after Thanksgiving dinner to start the festivities. The second is the person who, like Carey, emerges with Christmas spirit on Nov. 1 after counting down the seconds until midnight on Halloween (I must admit, I am guilty).

Where do Villanova students stand on when is the perfect time to start celebrating? It is a tough decision for many, but students seem to be full of passionate opinions when it comes to this heated debate. When is it truly the “right time to rock the night away?”

“As soon as the clock hits midnight on Halloween, it is a great time to start celebrating Christmas,” freshman Ean Steidle said.

“It’s hard because I love Thanksgiving, but the Christmas season deserves to be more than a month,” freshman Olivia Farrell said. She ultimately settled on

Villanova students posed for a photo op with Santa during last year’s Winter Villiage Chloe Miller/ Villanovan Photography

the day after Thanksgiving as her answer.

“But I do secretly listen to Christmas music, now, sometimes,” Farrell said.

It seems that the main reasoning given by students who support the Nov. 24 theory is the idea that Thanksgiving also deserves to have its own month. Freshman Dorothy McCarthy wholeheartedly agrees with this timeline.

“I think that the day after Thanksgiving is the perfect day to start celebrating Christmas because it gives each holiday its time to shine,” McCarthy said.

Though many only consider it to be the holiday season when

Thanksgiving ends and December begins, the U.S. is trending towards an earlier start to the festivities. In 2022, 56% of consumers reported they planned to begin their holiday shopping in October, up from 45% in 2021, according to statista.com.

As mentioned early on, I personally counted the days to Nov. 1. I consider it the first day I can officially listen to Christmas music and look forward to the holidays. I also grew up watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, however, and getting even more into the Christmas spirit when Santa “officially” kicked the season off at the end of the parade.

The debate surrounding the most acceptable moment to start celebrating Christmas is a timeworn battle, and the opinionated thoughts of Villanova students are clearly no exception.

Last year, the first on-campus Christmas event held by the University (the Jazz Band Holiday Concert) took place on Nov. 30, seemingly taking the side of the post-Thanksgiving contingent.

In addition to the first official Christmas event, decorations are a big to-do in declaring when the holiday season officially starts on campus.

Many consider the tree lighting the true start of the holiday season. Others consider Christmas to start when Villanova starts to decorate their buildings.

One great example of this phenomenon is at Donahue Hall on South Campus. Each year in early November, this dining hall commonly regarded at Spit hangs up their holiday decorations.

Many refer to these decorations as, “Spitmas”. Oftentimes, many regard “Spitmas” each year as the official start of the holiday season.

“I look forward to Spitmas every year,” junior Jane Maleady said. “I love seeing all the holiday decorations up and to me, it feels like the start of the Christmas season.”

No matter where one stands on this controversial issue, the holiday season is approaching quickly and will be an exciting time on campus, regardless of when one chooses to start decking the halls.

“NovaKnicks”: A Roster Filled with Villanova Champions Sydney Singh Staff Writer On July 8, 2023, the New York Knicks announced that the team had signed former two-time Villanova national champion and 2020-2021 NBA Champion guard Donte Divincenzo. Then, against (some) odds, guard Ryan Arcidiacono, re-signed with the Knicks on Sept. 15, 2023, completing the “quadfecta” of ‘Nova players on the Knicks: guard Jalen Brunson, forward Josh Hart, Divincenzo and Arcidiacono.

Not only do these players add a winning culture to the Knicks, but it more-or-less tells

a story about the Villanova Basketball program: that it has an underrated, winning culture. This culture was mainly built by no other than former head coach Jay Wright, who coached all four of the current Knicks during his 21 year tenure.

Looking at the former ‘Cats in the NBA, some analysts questioned if Brunson was worth his four-year, $104 million contract going into the 2022-2023 season after the Dallas Mavericks did not re-sign him during free agency. But, after averaging 24 points and 6.2 assists in the 202223 season, Brunson proved his ability to bring a winning culture to the Knicks after they experienced years of playoff drought and

Villanova students cheer on the men’s basketball team at a game last winter.

Graydon Paul/ Villanovan Photography

Former Villanova basketball player Josh Hart, pictured above, now plays for the New York Knicks.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

internal problems with players and management.

Hart, Donte and Arcidiacono also had unbeatable effects on the NBA during their careers, after taking part in playoff and even championship rosters.

Brunson, Hart and forward Mikal Bridges, had substantial contributions to the USA basketball team in the qualifying rounds of the FIBA World Cup. The team finished fourth after losing to Canada in the third place game, despite Bridges’ buzzer beater shot to send the game to overtime.

“Obstacles are going to happen in any style of basketball or any league,” Brunson said to Sports Illustrated. “It’s all about how you bounce back, how you respond and how you overcome

those obstacles, how you really ... not necessarily change your game but your mind has to change now that it’s single-game elimination, things like that. So you can’t ease into games, just got to tap in from the beginning. It’s a basketball game. There’s a lot at stake, but there’s no pressure. We’ve just got to go out there and play our style, do what we do, and stay together, just bounce back.”

After being taught the iconic Villanova basketball “attitude,” during their time as Wildcats, the Villanova Knicks are sure to embody this winning culture, constantly bringing it to the NBA. Let’s call it now: the New York Knicks are more successful because of the ‘Nova players it has added to its roster.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

SPORTS

14| The Villanovan

SPORTS

MBB Preview: Le Moyne and Penn Owen Hewitt Co-Sports Editor Continued from p.1 he averaged 11.7 points on 40.4% shooting from beyond the arc in D-II last year.

Like the ‘Cats, Le Moyne’s 2023-24 roster was greatly aided by the transfer portal. Players with D-I experience should help the Dolphins in their aim to not completely drown. Head coach Nate Champion added graduate guard Kaiyem Cleary from Ball State and junior forward Jamal Melvin from Northern Colorado.

Even with Le Moyne’s slightly amended roster, Villanova should have no issue at all with the Dolphins in its second game as a D-I program.

The ‘Cats’ matchup on Monday night will see much better competition. In the first game of the revamped Big 5, Villanova will see the Quakers at “the Cathedral of College Basketball.”

The Quakers finished last season 17-13, falling in the first round of the Ivy League Tournament to Princeton. They trounced D-III John Jay College in their opening game of the 2023-24 campaign, 102-57.

Penn will struggle to replace the talent of star guard Jordan Dingle, who transferred to St. John’s in the offseason. Dingle averaged 23.4 points, which was nearly 31% of the Quakers’ per

game scoring output.

The Quakers’ top returner is senior guard Clark Slajchert, who averaged 13.6 points over the course of last season. He scored 14 points in the Quakers’ first game, sinking three three-pointers.

Junior guard/forward Eddie Holland III led the way against John Jay, scoring 16 points in just 16 minutes on perfect 7-7 shooting.

Penn was a strong offensive team last year, largely due to the talent of Dingle. The Quakers went 9-3 in games where they scored more than 80 points. It is yet to be seen if the Quakers can replicate that offensive success without Dingle at the D-I level.

For the ‘Cats, the game plan will revolve around controlling and slowing the tempo.

Eric Dixon and Tyler Burton led the Wildcats with 15 points each in their win over American.

Ryan Sarbello/Villanovan Photography

In last season’s meeting, the ‘Cats were able to limit the Quakers to just 59 points in a 70-59 win. It marked the Quakers’ third-lowest offensive output of their campaign.

Since 1950, the ‘Cats are 51-17 against the Quakers. The last loss to Penn came in the 201819 season.

Villanova’s emphasis is always going to be on the defensive side of the ball, but if it can keep the even spread of offense that it had in its opener against American, the ‘Cats should have no problem with the Dolphins or the Quakers.

In Villanova’s first win of the season, the ‘Cats had six players go into double figures, including the new frontcourt of graduate forward Tyler Burton and redshirt senior Eric Dixon, who recorded 15 each to lead the way. Senior guard TJ Bamba scored 13 in his Main Line debut, while graduate guard Hakim Hart contributed 11 off the bench.

The even spread of offensive contribution is something Villanova hopes to maintain as it looks forward to Le Moyne and Penn. That, alongside maintaining defensive intensity, should prove vital to Villanova’s success in its next two games.

The game against Le Moyne will be televised on Fox Sports 1, while the game against Penn will be on ESPN+ nationally and NBCSN Philadelphia, locally.

WBB Preview: Portland and Oregon State Katie Lewis Staff Writer The Wildcats will open the 2023–2024 regular season on the road against Portland. The game will take place on Friday, Nov. 10 and tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST. In their second game of the regular season, the Wildcats will compete in another away matchup against Oregon State. The game is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. EST. While the Wildcats will go into the contest with the Pilots with a clean slate, Portland will be entering their second game of the season after opening against San Diego State.

The Pilots are riding the momentum of a 2022–2023 season full of victories, including claiming the West Coast Conference championship. The team finished with a 23–9 overall record, ending its season in the first round of last year’s NCAA tournament.

However, this year’s Pilots will be missing star forward Alex Fowler, who returned to her home country of Australia to play for the University of Canberra. Portland also lost its second-leading scorer, Haylee Andrews, who graduated.

Nevertheless, the Pilots have high expectations for returning players, especially junior guards Maisie Burnham and Emme Shearer.

The preseason poll predicted Portland to finish second in the WCC.

forward Raegan Beers, who will be entering her second season with the Beavers after being named the 2023 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and Sixth Player of the Year.

Junior guard Talia von Oelhoffen, the team’s second-highest scorer, and sophomore forward Timea Gardiner are also top returning players for the Beavers.

The team has similar overall expectations to last season and was picked to finish tenth in the Pac-12 preseason poll.

While the Wildcats are establishing a strong foundation from their starting five, some of the team’s Lucy Olsen will lead the Wildcats in their first two regular season games this week. youngest players are also rising up to Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography earn more playing time.

Portland.

Freshman guard Maddie The Wildcats gave ‘Nova The Wildcats are competing Webber will be a player to watch this Nation its first look at the 2023–2024 upcoming season. Webber appeared team last week, claiming their first win against the Pilots for the first time in women’s basketball school history. on the court in all four quarters of the season in an exhibition game Portland also did not face any Big during Villanova’s preseason test against Jefferson.

East opponents last season. against Jefferson, ending the night as The team’s highest performAs for the Oregon State Villanova’s third-leading scorer. ers against Jefferson were junior guard matchup, the Beavers struggled in As the Wildcats will need Lucy Olsen, who led the team with the 2022–2023 season, ending their to bring a dynamic offense against 22 points, and junior forward Chrislast run in the Pac-12 Tournament the Beavers, fans can expect to see a tina Dalce, who led the team with 10 quarterfinals and second-to-last in the combination of seasoned players and rebounds. new faces on Sunday. These first few Both players were featured in conference.

Going into the new campaign, games have the potential to be deciVillanova’s starting five, along with the Beavers will lose star center Jelena sive for how the Wildcats’ lineup will senior guards Maddie Burke and look as the season progresses and the Bella Runyan and junior guard Zanai Mitrovic, a primary defensive player who chose not to return for a fifth team develops as a unit.

Jones.

Villanova’s last matchup While head coach Denise Dil- season.

However, this upcoming against Oregon State was in Decemlon has alluded that the starting five ber of 2021. The Wildcats won a will vary from game to game, fans can season, Oregon State is led by young players. close one at the Finn, upsetting the expect to see Olsen and Dalce leadLast season’s top scorer was then-No. 23 Beavers, 56–52. ing the Wildcats once again against

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

SPORTS

The Villanovan | 15

Field Hockey Ends Season in Big East Semifinals WEEKLY SCOREBOARD

Ali Benjamin Staff Writer Villanova’s field hockey team’s season came to an end on Nov. 3 with a loss to No. 7 Liberty.

The Flames defeated the ‘Cats in the Big East Championship semifinals, 3-2. The ‘Cats ended the season with a 9-9 overall record and a 4-3 record in conference play.

The ‘Cats scraped into the Big East Championship bracket as the No. 4 seed after a win against Providence on the last day of the regular season. However, their matchup against the No. 1 seed Liberty proved to be a feat too difficult to overcome.

“From the opening whistle to the ending whistle our team gave literally 110%,” head coach Joanie Milhous said. “They had all the intangibles and brought the skill, so the combination of the intangibles of the heart, desire, competitiveness, work ethic, they brought all of that with their skill level. There is nothing I regretted about that game other than just not having another goal or two.”

Freshman goalie Maddie Sears protected the Villanova net from several shots by the Flames in the first quarter. However, the score was 1-0 by the third minute of the second. A second goal from Liberty at 24:56 had the ‘Cats down two at the half.

Senior forward Amanda Middleman aimed to put points on

Nov. 1 - Nov. 7

Wednesday, November 1 Men’s Swim vs Rider 128-165 L Women’s Basketball vs Jefferson (Exb.) 69-42 W

Villanova ended its 2023 season with a loss to No. 1 Liberty in the semifinal game.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

the board right out of the locker room. Her attack led to a foul on Liberty. Senior back Sabine de Ruijter capitalized on the penalty stroke, scoring Villanova’s first goal of the game. Liberty responded with back-to-back scoring attempts, the first of which Sears successfully saved, but the second put the Flames ahead, 3-1, at the end of the third quarter.

Off of another shot attempt by de Ruijter and a penalty corner by junior midfield/forward Emma Schwarz, senior forward and leading scorer Amanda Middleman put one more goal in for Villanova with only seven minutes of game time remaining. The clock eventually ran out on the ‘Cats, with Liberty claiming the victory. “[I’m] very happy about this season,” Milhous said. “I think the growth that [the team] had from game one to [their] final game was really good and really strong.”

Thursday, November 2

The loss brought the Wildcats’ nearly three-month season to a close.

“I think this group of seniors has done an amazing job of instilling the importance of our culture in the younger players,” Milhous said. “If anything, our culture can only keep getting stronger and stronger each year because this group were really role models in showing how important it is to have this culture. It’s great when times are easy but when times are difficult, to have our culture to back on and rely on our core values and standards of passion, growth and accountability is what these upperclassmen really taught the younger girls. If anything, our program culture is going to keep improving.”

Villanova finished the season with a 7-3 record at home, a 2-5 record on the road and a 4-3 record in the Big East. The ‘Cats will now turn their attention toward the 2024 season.

Friday, November 3 Field Hockey vs Liberty (BE Tournament) 2-3 L Men’s Swim @ NJIT 139-157 L Volleyball @ Butler 3-2 W Saturday, November 4 Men’s Swim vs La Salle 169-108 W Women’s Swim vs La Salle 190-102 W Football @ New Hampshire 45-33 W Sunday, November 5 Rowing @ NYRA Invite No Team Scoring Volleyball @ Xavier 2-3 L Monday, November 6 Men’s Basketball vs American 90-63 W

Volleyball Goes 1-1 on the Week Genna Cottingham Staff Writer This past weekend, Villanova’s volleyball team headed to the Midwest, where it defeated Butler on Friday but fell to Xavier on Saturday. With only two more weeks of Big East play remaining, the Wildcats are 16-9 overall and 7-7 in conference play.

On Friday, Nov. 3, Villanova defeated Butler in five sets (2517, 12-25, 27-25, 20-25, 15-10).

The ‘Cats still stand at fifth in the Big East, whereas the Bulldogs fell eighth in the conference.

Although the Wildcats were only able to pull off three blocks

on Friday, their strengths were more apparent on other areas of the court. Senior Madeline Barber was a force against the Bulldogs with 18 kills, while senior Kiera Booth was not far behind with 17.

Senior setter Andrea Campos led the team with 47 of the 56 assists, while senior Taryn Whittingham also helped with seven assists.

Senior Riley Homer and junior defensive specialist Elizabeth Feczko both matched each other with one assist. Whittingham also had 24 digs across the five sets, with sophomore Skylar Gerhardt contributing 16 digs of her own.

On Sunday, Nov. 5, Villanova lost to Xavier at the Cintas Center (25-17, 25-22, 23-25,

The Wildcats will honor their seniors in next week’s matchups.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Villanova now has a .500 conference record.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

19-25, 8-15). The Musketeers are now No. 5 in the Big East with a conference record of 9-5.

In the match, Booth led her team with 16 kills, while freshman outside hitter Abby Harrell put up 15. Campos again led the Wildcats in assists with 48 to total her weekend assists at 95. “[Campos] is continuing to prove over her career and over the season she is one of our most athletic kids on the floor,” head coach Josh Steinbach said.

Whittingham and Feczko matched their dig total at 15, while Gerhardt contributed with 11. Gerhardt and Harrell both

pulled off three aces.

Villanova had six blocks on Sunday afternoon, and Barber, Booth and Harrell each had two blocks to hold off the Musketeers from sweeping the match.

“For us, being able to get some defensive stops is really important,” Steinbach said.

Looking ahead, the Wildcats are back at Villanova this upcoming weekend, where they will celebrate senior weekend and have their last home games of the season. The Wildcats will face DePaul on Friday, Nov. 10 and Marquette on Saturday, Nov. 11. Both matches are set to begin at 6 p.m.

16 | The Villanovan

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Belmar Joseph Concludes Promising Freshman Season

Following their move to Paris, Joseph joined the academy at Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG has gained a reputaMost college freshmen tion as one of the best sides in Euplaying a sport need time to adjust rope and is consistently producing to the rigor of being a student-ath- world-class talent. lete. It takes time to get used to the “That experience over physical and psychological dethere was amazing,” Joseph said. mands of college soccer. For fresh- “It was a different culture. Euroman midfielder Belmar Joseph, the pean soccer is way different and is transition was seamless. way better, but I feel like the [U.S.] Raised in West Orange, is catching up to that standard. I New Jersey, Joseph’s Haitian herfeel like I became a better player itage meant he was always surmentally, physically and everything rounded by soccer. all around by just staying there in As a standout midfielder for Europe.”

Cedar Stars Bergen and St. BeneEntering his freshman dict’s Prep, Joseph was recognized season at Villanova, the skills he for his leadership, work rate and learned in Europe were vital. technical ability.

When he first arrived on In 2021, these traits caught campus, Joseph had to compete for the eye of Tom Carlin, head coach a spot in the starting lineup. Gradof Villanova men’s soccer. uate midfielder Marcus Brenes and “He checked all the boxes senior midfielders Jorge Garcia, of what we look for at Villanova,” and Dominic Cyriacks were all Carlin said. “He was an amazing above him in the depth chart. All player, [amazing] young man and three players were centerpieces of a great student. We knew he could Carlin’s midfield. play, but once we met the family Joseph was expected to and learned about the kid’s life, he come off the bench, but an injuwas a no-brainer.” ry to senior defender Jack Bonas While his play in New changed that plan.

Jersey earned him a Division I Following the injury to scholarship, Joseph’s international Bonas, Brenes was converted to a experience was a pivotal chapter in defender. his development.

With Brennes moved to the Between the ages of 13 and backline, a space in the midfield 14, Joseph’s family lived in France. was open.

It was in La Ville-Lumière that Rather than watching and his soccer education rose to new learning from Garcia and Cyriheights. acks, Joseph soon found himself Elijah McDow Staff Writer

playing next to them.

“Dom and Jorge, those are two amazing midfielders,” Joseph said. “I really look up to them.

Every day on the practice field I ask for advice about the way they play and I feel like their leadership has set us up to be really good next year.”

As the season progressed, Joseph continued to showcase his potential. These performances put him in a similar position as junior striker Balthi Saunders and graduate defender Gray Ricca as one of the first names in Carlin’s starting XI. “I feel like as a player you always need to have determination and you need to be eager to start and eager to play,” Joseph said.

“That’s the mindset I had coming in. Even though I was a freshman, I always tried to have the mindset of a senior, the mindset of a postgrad or the mindset of a professional player. I was never afraid of being a bench player, I always had the mindset that I’m gonna start, and I’m gonna make an impact for the team.”

Following the game against Western Michigan on Sept. 19, Carlin had high praise for his breakout star.

“We saw early on that we had to find a way for him in our scheme,” Carlin said. “He wasn’t initially in the lineup, and we saw early on that he brought a lot of intangibles that we needed. His length, his ability to be a two-way

guy, being able to run behind but also defend. He is invaluable and has become our key piece.”

Thiry-two days later, Joseph scored his first career goal, against Xavier, on Oct. 21.

“That was amazing and I was so happy,” Joseph said. “ I could have scored a goal against FDU, but I was very excited that I just scored my first collegiate goal and I was just hoping that there could be many more down the road.”

Despite the team finishing with a 1-8-7 record, Joseph has high spirits going into next season.

“Next year’s gonna be great,” Joseph said. “We have good freshmen coming and also the current players this year, I feel like they’re determined to fix the errors that we had this year. I know that we all have an objective, every team has an objective to win the Big East. But for us, we’re making it known that we want to win the Big East and we want to go far in the NCAA.” Through his experience in France, his roots in New Jersey, and the knowledge obtained from Garcia and Cyriacks, Joseph is ready to help Villanova soccer thrive.

“He’s a guy that when you look at the future, he makes the future real bright” Carlin said. “As a sophomore, he’s a guy that we are gonna turn to right away. He’s gonna be at the core of everything we do.”

Murphy and Strintzos: Two Paths, One Finish Line Dylan Johnson Staff Writer The 2023 Big East Cross Country championships occurred on a cold, windy day in Wisconsin.

The finish line sat untouched until Liam Murphy and Haftu Strintzos crossed it first and second, respectively. They were the only two runners to achieve sub-25-minute times on the eight-and-a-half-kilometer course.

On the surface, they are two highly-skilled runners for Villanova’s cross country team, but their journeys to get there were very different.

In Millstone, NJ, Murphy had an athletic life from the very beginning that wasn’t always characterized by running.

“I didn’t really like [running] in seventh grade, so [in] eighth grade I quit and didn’t do it,” Murphy said.

Murphy then started focusing his attention on soccer, convinced he was going to play it in college. It wasn’t until freshman year that his parents started to change his mind.

“My freshman year, my parents said why don’t you try it one more time?” he said. “So I did outdoor track my freshman year, and it went pretty well.”

While Murphy’s parents helped him greatly, he grew up influenced by his older brother.

Conor Murphy ran at Rutgers.

“I’d say he’s probably the first person I text after every single

Murphy (above) and Strintzos were the only two Wildcats to run a sub-25 on a 8.5 kilometer course.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

race,” Murphy said. “My parents, I will text them about it…but’s [it’s] definitely a better connection when I could talk to someone who’s actually been in the same sport.”

While Murphy’s accomplishments were clear after the Big East championship, it was not always an easy road for him. For Murphy, achieving his goals took years of dedication, and back in 2022, he hit a low point. It was a mix of poor diet, poor training, constant burnout and frequent illness. Murphy could not seem to catch a break.

“My coaches were telling me that the training really hasn’t

been going the way it should be,” Murphy said. “I was getting sick.

And getting sick breaks up your training.”

In 2021, Murphy placed 21st overall, something that still sits with him today. With his own training and heavy summer training days, he finds himself now a Big East champion, joining his teammate, Strintzos, who won it in 2020.

Despite Strintzos finding success earlier in his career, it wasn’t an easy journey for him, either.

Strintzos was born in Tigray, a very remote part of Ethiopia. He lived there until he was

10-years-old. Tigray is a town with no electricity or running water, and there was a constant possibility of not being able to get a meal multiple days of the week.

After a decade of these conditions, Strintzos was adopted by an Australian aid worker.

Shortly after, he moved to Australia, which he still calls home to this day.

As for Strintzos’ running career, cross-country wasn’t something he discovered until a sixthgrade physical education coach pointed him into what is now his decorated career.

“My [PE teacher] said, ‘Hey, you should try for the state championships,’” Strintzos said.

“All [of] the sudden in grade six I was representing the primary school in the state championships.”

All it took was a push of encouragement, and Srintzos was put on track for the rest of his career.

“I love running with a purpose,” Strintzos said. “My background and the opportunity I have been given certainly gives me a lot of motivation to keep me going.”

Despite having opposite paths, running for Villanova has brought them to where those two roads now converge.

Strintzos and Murphy will continue their journeys as the men’s cross country team travels to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional on Nov. 10. The runners will have their sights on finishing the season at the NCAA Championships on Nov. 18.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

SPORTS

The Villanovan | 17

Swim and Dive Sweeps La Salle Peyton Brau Staff Writer This past week, Villanova’s men’s swimming and diving team lost to Rider on Nov 1., 128-165, and to NJIT on Nov 3., 139-157. However, the men’s and women’s teams both picked up wins against La Salle on Nov. 4, 169-108 and 190-102, respectively.

“Our guys actually stepped up really well,” head coach Rick Simpson said. “We’re much more improved against Rider than we were at Georgetown, so we were really happy with the way they swam.”

On the men’s team, senior Charlie Hinckley had a stellar performance on the road against Rider, taking first place in the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle.

“He’s very consistent and he really doesn’t ever have a bad day in training,” Simpson said. “He really does lead by example.”

Sophomore Chris Jones also dominated on the platform, taking first place in the one meter and the three meter diving competitions. “[Jones] had a fantastic week,” Simpson said. “He’s really stepped up his game. He’s had his best week of his career in terms of his performance.”

Another notable performance came from senior Richard Nolan, junior Henry Halloran and freshman Ben Tunila. The group finished second through fourth in

the 200 breaststroke and picked up crucial points for the Wildcats.

At NJIT, Hinckley won the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle, repeating his sweep.

From the platform, Jones showed his consistency, scoring 293.25 to beat NJIT divers by more than 60 points. He also improved upon his three meter score from Wednesday’s competition against Rider (281.63), and defeated NJIT’s Aiden Ban by just one point, 260.55 to 259.05.

Sophomore Gavin Jones also remained consistent, picking up points in three different events. He finished third in the 200 freestyle, tapping the wall at 1:43.90, third in the 100 freestyle and fourth in the 50 freestyle.

In the victory against La Sal-

le, both the men and women’s team had a powerful showing.

For the men, Hinckley won the 200 freestyle (1:40.71) and the 500 freestyle (4:39.42), two events in which he has won both times where he has competed in them. He has won the 500 four times this year and the 200 three times.

Jones saw a pair of wins with yet another one-meter (252.60) and three-meter (324.08) sweep.

Another standout performance came from Hinckley, junior Henry Halloran, sophomore Henry Gingrich and junior Patrick Hemingway, who picked up a win in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:33.01.

The men were very successful in the 100 backstroke with a win from sophomore Gavin Jones, and freshmen Josh Seidman and Max

Women’s swim and dive fell to Rider, 128-165.

Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photography

Christensen finished just behind him in second and third place.

On the women’s side, the A-team of senior Audrey Pastorek, junior Lainey Quinones, sophomore Winnie Jalet and freshman Alyssa McHale won the 200 medley relay.

“We’ve spent a lot of time talking about [the 200 medley relay], and we’re really trying to focus on it,” Simpson said. “It’s the first event of a dual meet and we usually feel a little flat with that relay, so it’s an area as a team where we know we have to focus on it.”

Freshman Marlene Blanke had multiple wins for the ‘Cats, touching first in the 1000 Free (10:25.85) and in the 500 freestyle (5:07.35).

In diving, freshman Katie Vaughn took first place in the one-meter (230.61) while sophomore Mimi Danzis took first place in the three-meter, recording a new personal best of (242.92). “[The diving team has] a fantastic chemistry going on right now,” Simpson said. “They’re all working hard and staying focused and they all contribute equally right now, which in diving is not always the case. This is a group where another name pops up that stands out, which makes this group really special.”

The men are preparing for the West Virginia Invitational starting on Nov. 16. The women will face Penn on Nov. 8, before joining the men at the West Virginia Invitational.

Men’s swim and dive beat La Salle, 169-108.

Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photography

Women’s dive took first place in both the one-meter and three-meter dives against La Salle.

Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photography

Women’s swim and dive beat La Salle, 190-102.

Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photography

18 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

SPORTS

Rowing Competes at NYRA Invitational Amanda McKean Staff Writer Last weekend, Villanova’s women’s rowing team competed at the New York Rowing Association Invitational in Ridgefield, NJ, where each of its boats placed third in their respective finals.

Starting Sunday off strong was the Wildcats’ V8 team, which competed against UConn and Fairfield. The V8 team (composed of graduate student Kara Dempsey, seniors Madison Girard, Anna Flynn and Jayden Ramos, juniors Kira Capaldi and Isabella Thorne and sophomores Maggie Coyne and Sarah Robillard) pulled three seconds ahead of both teams, winning their heat with a time of 6:57.511 to move on to the 1V A Final.

The Wildcats’ 2V8 team was composed of seniors Julia Kreisl and Caroline Colgan, junior Grace Quirk, sophomores Cate Donnelly and Sabrina Pauli and freshmen Hannah Jenkins, Makenna Davis, Silvana Torres and Sage Santora.

“I think [the freshmen] are an athletic group,” head coach Carissa Adams said. “They have never rowed before, so they are really doing a good job of picking up the stroke. We have tried to slow down the practices a little bit to work more on technique since Head of the Schuylkill. I think they’re doing a great job, and it will be exciting to see how they do against Buck-

nell’s novice crews.”

Villanova’s 2V8 boat’s morning did not start off as successful as the other Wildcat team, after it finished second to UConn in the first heat with a time of 7:18.048.

“I thought they did really well,” Adams said. “I was really proud of their efforts. The start of the day exceeded our expectations, and both boats had solid races. The V8 got out ahead, and they were able to keep that lead. The 2V8 was actually in third place for most of the heat, and in the last 500 meters, they were able to pull through Fairfield.”

The V8 team for the Wildcats faced tough competition in the finals against Marist and Holy Cross, with the Crusaders finishing four seconds ahead of both teams.

In the race for second place, the Red Foxes beat out the Wildcats by one second, leaving them with a final time of 7:24.704.

In the 2V8 finals and second heat of the day, the second Wildcat boat fell behind the Huskies and Crusaders again, finishing with a time of 7:44.649.

“For the second race, I’m proud of the results of the day, but I think that we didn’t handle the dual race format very well as a squad,” Adams said. “It gives us an area to focus on for improvement for the spring. It’s a matter of having a mindset shift about having two races in one day and making sure we go out and have consistent

performances in both races.”

Next weekend, Villanova will travel to Lewisburg, PA to compete in the Bucknell Invite on Saturday, Nov. 11 for its last competition of the fall schedule.

“I think that we need to make sure that we have the right people in the right places in terms of the V8 and the 2V8,” Adams said. “We are going to be rowing

a novice eight as well so we will be taking three squads. I want to go out and have a solid performance that’s similar to the performance we saw in our heats over this past weekend. There could potentially be a few shifts in our lineups and personnel as well. We are going to do some seat racing this week to determine if we want to make any shifts.”

Rowing had two boats finish third in NYRA finals.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Football Prepares for Towson James Haupt Staff Writer On Saturday, Nov. 11, No. 18 Villanova hopes to earn its eighth win of the season against Towson. The ‘Cats will take on the Tigers at Villanova Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.

This will be the ‘Cats’ seventh conference game. They hold a record of 5-1 in the CAA after their win against New Hampshire.

Villanova is 7-2 overall.

Villanova is in the midst of a five-way tie for first place in the CAA. Delaware, Elon, Richmond and UAlbany are all in contention for the association’s championship.

The Great Danes gave the ‘Cats their only conference loss of the season.

The matchup against Towson will be Villanova’s penultimate game of the regular season. It will be a crucial matchup for the ‘Cats, as they hope to remain at the top of the CAA. The Tigers currently sit in a six-way tie for sixth in the CAA with a 3-3 conference record.

Though the Tigers sit with an overall record of 4-5, Villanova should be careful not to underestimate them, as Towson has delivered two ranked upsets this season.

The Tigers beat then-No. 14 New Hampshire in overtime, and delivered a loss to then-No. 13 William & Mary.

The Tigers are coming off a victory against North Carolina A&T in what was an offensive

Villanova is in a five-way tie for first in the CAA. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

battle. The final score was 42-32, marking the Tigers’ second-highest point total on the season. The Tigers posted 263 passing yards and 179 rushing yards, and had two passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns.

Villanova is coming off a high-scoring victory, as well. It defeated New Hampshire, 45-33, in what was also its second-highest scoring total on the season, only behind the Stony Brook game,

when it scored 48 points.

The Wildcats stayed with their dominant running game against New Hampshire, as they put up 248 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Graduate quarterback Connor Watkins had a great day under center, as well, posting 188 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Despite the comfortable win, this was the second-most points that the Villanova defense

has allowed this season, only trailing the loss at UCF. The Wildcats need to make sure to maintain a strong defensive presence going into this matchup with Towson.

The Wildcats are favorites to win this matchup. While Towson dominated the Wildcats last season in a 27-3 victory, Villanova is a much better team this season.

The Wildcats are scoring 32.2 points per game while allowing only 19.7 points per game.

The key to a Wildcat victory in this matchup is heavy usage of the run game.

The ‘Cats average 219 rushing yards, while Towson allows 190 rushing yards per game. The Tigers also utilize the ground game, but not as efficiently as Villanova, as the Tigers post 156 rushing yards per game. The Wildcats’ strong defense against the run will prove to be a game changer, as well, if they can force the Tigers to pass more often.

Villanova has four players who consistently carry the ball.

The ‘Cats’ top three running backs (Jalen Jackson, Deewil Barlee and TD Ayo-Durojaiye) are all graduates who provide experience and leadership to the team. They each have over 70 rushing attempts this year and have accounted for 1,472 yards and 16 touchdowns.

It also helps that the team’s next highest rusher is their quarterback, Watkins, who has proven he can get it done in the air and through the ground game. Watkins has 270 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns this season.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

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DINING SERVICES

Villanova Dining Services

You’re invited to Friendsgiving Dinner THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Donahue - Dougherty - St. Mary’s

MENU Roast Turkey with Gravy Brussels Sprouts & Cranberries Mashed Potatoes Candied Sweet Potatoes

Wild Rice Stuffing Cheese Lasagna Butternut Squash Carbonara Pie Dessert Bar