WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2020 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
VOLUME 111 | ISSUE 12
COVID-19 Tracker p. 2 Public Safety Blotter p. 2
BSU’s Week-Long “Say Their Name” Event Concludes with Campus Vigil and Protest
COVID Prevention Pantry p. 3 Class of 2024 Elects Six New SGA Senators p. 4 President Trump’s Debate Racism p. 4 Tensions Become War for Armenia and Azerbaijan p. 5 Letter to the Editors: Tolle Lege Award p. 6 Climate Change Needs a Spotlight p. 7 A Look at the Next Forty Days p. 8 CARITAS Committment p. 8 How to Make College Sundays Feel Like Home p. 10 Club Spotlight: Villanova Outdoors Club p. 11 Why “Schitt’s Creek” Dominated the Emmy Awards p. 11 Fall Trend Report: Unlikely Essentials p. 12 Yung Gravy Drops “Gasanova” p. 13 Student-Athlete of the Week: Haftu Strinzos p. 14 How Allen Iverson Changed Villanova Home Games Forever p. 14 CAA Football Reveals Spring 2021 Season Plans p. 15
Members of Black Student Union stand at The Oreo at Friday’s protest. Courtesy of Daphney Lebrun
Sarah Wisniewski Staff Writer
In solidarity with the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, the University’s Black Student Union held the “Say Their Name” event to honor individuals who have lost their lives due to police brutality. On its Instagram account, @novabsu honored a victim each day of the week. Each post included a short description of the victim, his or her death and resources, such as petitions and email templates, to send to state officials. “Say Their Name” concluded with a protest and vigil on Friday, Oct. 2. Monday was dedicated to George Floyd, a 46-year-old man who was murdered on May 25, 2020 on the streets of Minneapolis. Floyd’s death ignited protests and rallies in major cities across the nation, which attracted global attention. Breonna Taylor, a medical worker in Louisville, was honored on Tuesday. She was murdered in her own home on March 13, 2020 during a police raid. Wednesday’s post honored Elijah McClain, who died under medical care after police restrained him while he was walking home in a ski mask. McClain lost his life on Aug. 24, 2019. Daniel Prude was killed on March 23, 2020, and he was the final victim honored on Thursday. Prude lost his life during a mental health episode in Rochester, New York. The protest and vigil, held Friday, Oct. 2, brought the greater community together.
“I was really reminded of was how important it is to keep your peers educated if you want to be a good ally,” Catherine Kemnitz, a sophomore who attended the protest, said. The president of the Black Student Union, senior Daphney Lebrun, explained that the group decided to host the event to educate others on victims of police brutality and on social injustice. “Too many times we witness these traumatic events across the world as videos, pictures and articles of our Black brothers and sisters are watched in silence,” Lebrun said. “We wanted to use our platform to stand up for our people and stand up for ourselves because it could have been anyone of us.” The event also acted as a way to bring harsh realities to light for the entire University community. Lebrun continued to explain that students can often get stuck in the “Villanova bubble” and become ignorant to the realities of the outside world. She voiced that students of color fear the police and frequently analyze every move they make when off-campus. More so, the Black Student Union wanted other students to comprehend that their classmates face these realities daily and encourage them to make the change to be active allies. “We wanted our allies to stand up for us and speak out,” Lebrun said. “Too many times Villanovans are scared of speaking up and going against the norms, but it was time for that to end.” The Black Student Union also believes that in
order to make positive change on campus, the administration and staff must receive training in diversity and inclusion. Training would occur at all levels, from University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., to financial aid counselors and professors. The group also advocates for a distinguished committee to be formed to admit a more diverse student population and faculty. The committee would oversee diversity training for all University faculty and staff. Finally, the group has advocated that the diversity course required only for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences be
extended to every student. “Continuing the ideals of Caritas, Veritas and Unitas means acknowledging the realities of the Black students at Villanova,” Lebrun said. The Black Student Union will continue to host events to educate students, staff and faculty of the University and continue to advocate for change. The group’s upcoming events include a watch party of “Black Panther” to honor late actor Chadwick Boseman. There will also be girls’ chats and guy talks hosted for students to discuss issues and experiences that have occurred on campus.
Rise in U.S. Cases Part of Global COVID-19 Uptick Sarah Sweeney Staff Writer Claims that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is over may have been proven premature, as Johns Hopkins University reported more than 54,000 new United States coronavirus cases on Friday, Oct. 2. The highest number since Aug. 14, these new cases push the total number of confirmed cases in the United States to nearly 7.4 million and the death toll to around 209,000. Globally, the number of coronavirus cases is now over 34.5 million, with a death toll of over 1 million people. The United States is not alone in what is now a global uptick in coronavirus
cases. On Saturday, India became the third country, following the United States and Brazil, to surpass 100,000 deaths as a result of coronavirus. Madrid is returning to a city-wide lockdown, which prevents people from leaving their homes except for work, health or education reasons, and it limits gatherings to six people. Similarly, a record rise of new cases in England prompted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ban indoor household mixing and advise against non-essential travel in a number of cities in Northern England. More locally, coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania exceeded 1,100 three
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PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER
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EMILY COX TYLER KEMP ARIANA MEGERIAN RYAN HARMS CATE McCUSKER JACK ROBERGE GRANT CARTER A.J. FEZZA MADDIE BURKE BILLY VINCI HELENA ERNST MOLLY BAKER CHRISTINA IGLESIAS
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Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Digital Editor News Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Photography Editor Copy Desk Chief Copy Desk Chief
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Public Drunkenness / Liquor Underage October 2 South Campus Grounds A male resident student, under the age of 21, appeared in public and was evaluated for alcohol intoxication.
Public Drunkenness / Liquor Underage October 3 Sheehan Hall A male resident student, under the age of 21, appeared in public and was evaluated for alcohol intoxication.
Receiving Stolen Property / Liquor Underage October 3 Gallen Hall Three female resident students and five male resident students, under the age of 21, and one male resident student, over the age of 21, were found in possession of alcohol. Three female resident students were found in possession of stolen University signs.
Carrying a False Identification Card / Liquor Underage October 3 Sheehan Hall A male resident student, under the age of 21, in possession of a false identification card 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.
CAMPUS CALENDAR KPMG Tax MADA Information Session October 9 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Virutal
Rest and Unrest: Death and Dying in 2020 October 8 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Virutal
GWS Feminist Book Club October 12 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Virutal
Service & Justice Experiences Leader Wisdom Panel October 8 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Virutal
SJE Community Partners Virtual Panel October 12 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Virutal
CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES AS OF 8:00 P.M. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
193
Villanova University
11,803
CORRECTIONS
2020 U.S. Presidential Election Series: Race and the Election October 8 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Virutal
COVID-19 TRACKER
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament October 12 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. In-person, St. Thomas of Villanova Church BRIDGE Society in CLAS Information Session October 14 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Virutal Advising Begins October 16
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
165,243 Pennsylvania
7,722,746 United States
35,960,707 Worldwide
President Donald Trump Returns to House After Testing Positive for Cate McCusker Co-News Editor Early Friday morning, President Donald Trump announced that he tested positive for the coronavirus. On the evening of Thursday, Oct. 1, Trump tweeted that he and First Lady Melania Trump would begin the “quarantine process,” as they awaited test results following news that senior advisor Hope Hicks tested positive for COVID-19. At 12:54 a.m. on Friday morning, Trump announced his test results. “Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19,” Trump tweeted. “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!” For months, Trump has been criticized for ignoring CDC guidelines, holding in-person rallies and downplaying the seriousness of wearing a mask, even ridiculing former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden for wearing a mask at the debate on Tuesday evening. Trump also told an audience that “the end of the pandemic is in sight,” at a dinner on Thursday night, hours before testing positive for COVID-19. On Friday at 11:31 p.m. Trump tweeted a positive message that he was doing well. “Going well, I think! Thank you to all. LOVE!!!” Trump tweeted. According to CNN, Trump had a high fever and difficulty breath-
ing on Friday and was given supplemental oxygen at the White House. Then on Friday evening, Trump was transported to Walter Reed Medical Center where he started his first dose of a five-day treatment of remdesivir therapy. On Saturday, Trump received his first dose of the steroid dexamethasone. According to NPR, Trump’s physician Dr. Sean P. Conley said on Monday that Trump had not been on any fever reducing medications for more than 72 hours and that his breathing is normal, but that he is “not out of the woods yet.” Also, Dr. Brian Garibaldi said that Trump would receive the fifth and final dose of remdesivir at the White House on Tuesday night. On Monday evening, Trump returned to the White House, where he was seen removing his mask to salute Marine One before entering the White House. Trump then posted a video on Twitter at around 8 p.m., explaining that he was feeling well. “I know there’s a risk, there’s a danger but that’s okay,” Trump said in the video. “And now I’m better, and maybe I’m immune? I don’t know, but don’t let it dominate your lives, get out there, be careful. We have the best medicines in the world.” Trump may be optimistic about his progress, but as the President of the United States, he has received aggressive medical care that many Americans do not have access to. Others in the White House have also tested positive for the coro-
navirus, with the most recent case being press secretary Kayleigh McEnany who tested positive Monday morning. “Combined with the positive tests of two of McEnany’s deputies, that brings the number of Trump insiders to have contracted coronavirus to more than a dozen, including his wife, senior adviser, personal assistant, campaign manager, two debate prep advisers, party chairwoman and three Republican senators,” CNN said. Vice President Mike Pence has continued to test negative since Friday, and he is still set to debate against vice presidential nominee Senator Kamala
the White COVID-19
Harris on Wednesday night. Biden, who debated across the stage from Trump last Tuesday evening, has also announced that he has tested negative and is continuing to campaign. The Trump campaign announced on Tuesday morning that Trump plans to attend and participate in the next presidential debate on Oct. 15th in Miami. Biden has yet to respond. The coronavirus has infected over 7 million Americans and has killed over 210,000. Also, according to the New York Times, the number of new cases per day has risen by more than 25 percent since mid-September.
Trump saluting from the balcony of the White House after returning from Walter Reed. Courtesy of The Boston Globe
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
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times last week, bringing the statewide total to more than 161,000. Acknowledging the increased hardship of Pennsylvanians due to the pandemic, especially those in the BIPOC community, Governor Tim Wolf unveiled a comprehensive health care reform plan on Oct. 2. “I am proposing a health reform package that will make healthcare more affordable, hold health care corporations accountable and tackle the health inequities resulting from systemic racism,” Wolf said, highlighting that “even before the pandemic, there were warning signs that Pennsylvania’s health care system wasn’t working for everyone.” Although the coronavirus pandemic disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, the recent rise in coronavirus cases has not left the elite untouched. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were among those who tested positive for COVID-19. As a result of President Trump’s Rose Garden gathering on Sept. 26, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, White House
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counselor Kellyanne Conway, Utah Senator Mike Lee and North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis all contracted the virus as well. Things are not likely to improve soon, as Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel recently announced at a Financial Times event that it would be late November at the earliest that the company could file for emergency use authorization for a potential COVID-19 vaccine. Bancel explained that this is due to the necessity of collecting two-month safety data for at least half of trial participants who received their second doses of the vaccine. As their 15,000th patient received their second dose on Sept. 25, emergency authorization would therefore not be permissible until Nov. 25. Additionally, a group of researchers brought together by the Royal Society stressed the importance of patience in awaiting a vaccine for the coronavirus. “A vaccine offers great hope for potentially ending the pandemic, but we do know that the history of vaccine development is littered with lots of failures,” said Dr. Fiona Culley, who is one of the researchers.
The Impact of Trump’s Illness Julia Butch Staff Writer The 2020 election cycle has been beset by an almost unimaginable series of substantive events, most recently President Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis as this year’s “October Surprise.” Max Zahn of Yahoo wrote that the news, which came early on Friday, Oct. 2, “scrambles every assumption we have about the election, the economy — and pretty much everything else under the sun.” Perry Bacon Jr., senior writer at FiveThirtyEight, wrote,“This is truly unprecedented...in American elections — the president getting a serious virus, weeks before the election. I can’t think of any leader abroad who has gotten a virus like this weeks before the election either.” Trump has been widely criticized for his handling of the virus over the last seven months, with the left claiming he hasn’t taken COVID-19 seriously. He has faced new criticism for his decision to greet supporters
from his SUV outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. While he did not exit the van, Dr. James Phillips tweeted, “Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary Presidential ‘drive-by’ just now has to be quarantined for 14 days. They might get sick. They may die. For political theater. Commanded by Trump to put their lives at risk for theater. This is insanity.” The trip also drew criticism from Secret Service agents and doctors who risked unnecessary exposure. Meanwhile, Former Vice President Joe Biden has released a series of ads criticizing Trump’s rhetoric on the pandemic. Reuters wrote that “Biden’s campaign is looking to keep its focus on the nation’s response to the pandemic in the final month before the presidential election.” Recent polls show that Biden is leading in key swing states and also nationally. According to polls conducted by The Guardian, Trump’s numbers are slipping in Ohio, Pennsylvania and even Florida. According to Beto O’Rourke, Texas is now up for grabs and could determine the election entirely.
Senior Jasmine Mays Starts Freshmen Elect SGA Senators COVID Prevention Pantry to Provide Health and Safety Supplies to the Community Sophia Pedro Staff Writer
Katie Reed Staff Writer As COVID-19 spread throughout the U.S. and impacted millions of people, Villanovans were preparing for an unprecedented fall semester and to abide by the CARITAS Commitment to ensure the safety of all students. Amid the uncertainty, Jasmine Mays, a senior at the University studying psychology and biology, decided to take matters into her own hands and help her community. Mays not only led a food donation drive on June 19 in North Philadelphia, but she also founded the COVID Prevention Pantry on campus. The COVID Prevention Pantry, or CPP, is an organization that distributes COVID-19 relief kits to students in need to ensure that everyone feels safe and equipped with necessary resources. The kits contain masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, wipes, tissues, laundry detergent, tea, Theraflu, cough drops and eye drops. CPP was launched in response to the wellness kits that the University distributed to all students upon arrival for the fall semester. Those kits included masks, hand sanitizer, a thermometer and wipes. Many students were afraid that they would need more supplies to keep the campus community safe but would not be able to afford them on their own. “Fueled by their willingness to speak up and appreciative of what we were receiving from ’Nova, I decided that students needed a supplemental kit if things were going to be manageable,” Mays said on her GoFundMe page. On Saturday, Aug. 22, Mays
and the CPP gave out 100 supplemental relief kits to students who reserved them on the field near Tolentine Hall and Simpson Hall. The headquarters for the CPP is located in Simpson Hall and serves as a place where students can receive COVID-19 prevention supplies. “To see this all come together not only made my heart feel full but also realize there is still more to be done,” Mays said in response to this successful event. To do this work, the CPP is seeking donations to provide students with the resources needed to produce more COVID-19 relief kits. Mays created a GoFundMe page for the organization on July 29, 2020. According to the University, within the first three days of the creation of the page, Mays raised over $1,500, which was half of her total goal of $3,000. Currently, she is close to reaching that goal, with approximately $200 left to go. Mays has been working closely with the University’s Center for Access, Success and Achievement (CASA), the Office of Student Involvement and Student Life to spread information about the CPP among students. Mays has also been using Instagram as a tool to receive feedback about the CPP and gain suggestions from students, as well as to promote the cause through the NovaNationer and NovaInsider Instagram accounts. “Students need to know there is a place on campus that they can go to get items if they need them,” Mays said in closing on her GoFundMe page. “Your support would mean a lot to me on this as I am trying to make sure students are healthy and able to continue their studies this year.”
The six Student Government Association (SGA) senators that will represent the Class of 2024 are Lauren Amoo, Tom Dessoye, Andrew Kline, Preston Munoz, Tee Parris and Elizabeth Vaughn. As one can imagine, the race for this year’s freshmen SGA senators was very competitive, as there were 18 candidates. The University has not had that many freshmen run for a senator position in several years. After the results came out on Saturday, Oct. 3, the new representatives provided some insight into what they are most excited for now that they are a part of SGA, as well as what they want to accomplish early on as representatives for the Class of 2024 and the University. Lauren Amoo is excited about the diverse group of senators representing her class and said, “This will allow us to get different perspectives from a diverse array of students and greatly increase our ability to affect change for all.” One of Amoo’s concerns is sustainability on campus. She hopes to accomplish “changing the Styrofoam containers in the dining halls to a more eco-friendly alternative.” Tom Dessoye is devoted to staying on campus and concerned with the mental and physical health of students. He is excited to “to pass legislation to enhance the safety of our campus.” A few of his goals are to implement “a mask cleaning station using UV lights” and a “Check-Up from the Neck-up,” which would have kiosks around campus to briefly screen the mental health of students and faculty. Similar to his fellow senators, Andrew Kline is excited about “being a part of such a diverse group of elected senators that isn’t afraid to make their voice heard,” as well as being able to further the mission of diversity, equity and inclusion on campus. In the first weeks of his candidacy, Kline hopes to “open lines of communication with the student
Members of SGA last year Courtesy of SGA
body.” Both communication and representing the vision of his class is important to him. Kline hopes to do this by “scheduling zoom meetings, answering text messages [and] responding to emails.” Preston Munoz is “so excited to be a voice in SGA for freshmen, especially for minority students, giving them the voice they deserve.” Like his fellow senators, Munoz is passionate about and concerned with mental health and sustainability on campus, focusing on current available resources and how the University can improve in these two areas. Tee Parris “is thrilled to see so much diversity in the senate and to add varying narratives to SGA.” In her new position, Parris hopes to tackle different initiatives, but at the forefront is “a qualitative diversity tracking system that documents not just the number of minority students and faculty on campus, but also their experiences.” She is excited to embark on this journey with her fellow senators, as well as her University and Class of 2024 peers. Finally, Elizabeth Vaughn is honored to be representing her class and is most excited “to help our community grow closer and the opportunity to immerse [herself] into SGA and build upon the strong sense of community that Villanova has.” Potentially for next semester, Vaughn plans “to advocate for early syllabi access to allow students to view past syllabi before signing up for a class.”
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Wednesday, October 7, 2020
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OPINION
President Donald Trump’s Blatant Debate Racism Joe Adams Staff Writer Chaos. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about the first presidential debate from last Tuesday. Former Vice President Joe Biden and President Trump faced off head-to-head in a series of heated arguments that felt more like a ‘who can speak louder’ competition than a presidential debate. Was I surprised that the debate was so chaotic? Absolutely not. Why wouldn’t it be? This is 2020, after all. There were many defining moments throughout the debate, but none were as dramatic as when the moderator of the night, Chris Wallace, asked Trump “to condemn white supremacists and militia groups and to say that they need to stand down.” It was a simple question –– probably the easiest one to answer all night. Trump’s response to this question was, “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by!” Donald Trump is a racist white supremacist. After hearing Trump say this, I felt angry, disgusted and fed up, but not surprised. I’d heard these racist remarks by Trump before, so why would debate night be any different? How awful is it that our president, the leader of our country, is a white supremacist? How many more times does Trump need to do things
The
Great
Jacob Artz Staff Writer There is one constant in this altered world we find ourselves in, and that is the beauty of nature. Even though the University has many beautiful spots across campus, there is a natural garden right by West Campus that offers a breather from campus life. The garden features lovely trails that wind through rugged, tall and entangled trees. You will also find colorful and lively flowers that border the trails. This wonderful escape is owned by Natural Lands and is named Stoneleigh, a natural garden. The natural garden would not be accessible to us without the work of Edmund Smith. According to Natural Lands, Smith, a rising executive for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in 1877, purchased the 65-acre property (now 42 acres) at Villanova in exchange for a “gentleman’s farm” and dubbed his estate “Stoneleigh.” This began the long journey to the marvelous natural garden we see today. In 1932, Otto Haas, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Rohm and Haas Chemical Company, started a nearly 80-year ownership by the Haas family. Otto, his wife Phoebe’s son John and John’s wife Chara acquired the property in 1964 and lived there for the next five decades. In 2016, the Haas family generously donated Stoneleigh to
President Trump failed to condemn white supremacist groups during the debate. Courtesy of The Los Angeles Times
like call white supremacists “very fine people,” or tweet, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts,” until his supporters give up in defending his racism? I am absolutely appalled at his words, his mannerisms and his deep-rooted racism that existed even before he was elected into office in 2016. Comments like these do more than deeply upset me. They enrage me. They worry me for our future. They make me wonder how he got elected in the first place. They
Escape:
are the types of comments that I never, ever, thought I would hear a president say. We’ve seen his racism in the past, and one incident of many that stands out to me is his questioning of whether Barack Obama was born in the United States. When I heard this racist lie around the time that the 2016 election heated up, I was truly drawn back into the political world. However, the origin of my interest in politics came from an earlier election. In first grade, I
Stoneleigh
Natural Lands, and it has been open for two years. Ethan Kaufmann, the director of Stoneleigh, has much experience in natural lands management. He explained how Stoneleigh is different from many others in its beauty and accessibility. “Stoneleigh is open 10-5 Tuesday to Sunday, and many students come here to walk, run and set out their blankets to eat or study,” Kaufmann said. “There are neat insects, old trees, many over a hundred years old, and a circle garden. The beauty is accentuated especially when students come later in the day to see the sun soften on the trees. We are constructing a new garden, called Catalpa Court, which will include a 50-foot long, gentle waterfall. The court can be enjoyed while sitting on its walls and eating at the pavilion.” Another distinctive aspect of Stoneleigh is its free admission, whereas many other Natural Lands areas require patrons to pay to walk on their trails. The employees work year-round to keep the lands open all year except for major snowstorms. The free admission is made possible through many generous donations, including the Haas family. There are other amenities that Stoneleigh offers to entice students to check out what they are all about. If you are interested in the environment and natural studies, you can apply for a membership. This is a good avenue to connect with
remember watching Barack Obama become the first African American president in the United States. As a class, our teacher had us watch the inauguration together. I’ll never forget sitting on the elementary school rug, watching with awe and hope and believing that people of all backgrounds could become president someday. I miss that America. It made me love where I lived and gave me inspiration to become more politically engaged. Hearing Donald Trump continue to use racist terms like he did during the debate makes me question how we have done a complete 180 in the qualities that characterize a president. We quite literally went from an honest, caring and inclusive president to a racist, homophobic and misogynistic man who cares nothing about the American people and everything about himself. As I sit and reflect on this mess of a debate, I still think of that word repeated over and over again during Obama’s campaign and in his inaugural address: hope. I have hope that the American people will do the right thing. I have hope that we will denounce racism and remove this stain on our democracy. I have hope that America will do the right thing. I have hope that Trump will be voted out of office. I also hope that everyone reading this registers to vote, because your voice matters. Please, make your voice heard as soon as you can. Voting has already started. You can make a difference.
Natural
Garden
The Main House at Stoneleigh Natural Garden is a popular site. Courtesy of The Villanovan
people of similar interests. In addition, you will garner intimate access to certain events that are held for the public like Natural Land’s concerts, featuring Field Jam, food and drinks, as well as educational and children’s programs. Despite many companies struggling during this time, Stoneleigh is seeing a substantial increase in visits during the pandemic. Like any other entity, Stoneleigh changed its operations to combat the spread of the virus. This includes a policy that if the parking lot is full upon arrival, you must come another time. In addition, people of the same household must keep six feet of distance from others, and everyone must wear a mask at all times. Some facilities are closed,
such as the public restrooms, water fountains and the Main House (as pictured). Stoneleigh is an amazing way to forget about all the class assignments and stresses of a job or internship for a few hours. “Stoneleigh is a great place to come and recharge,” Kaufmann said. “Everyone likes beauty, and beauty is inspiring. Students can come to see the new gardens and learn about the plants. We need the younger generation to keep being awesome on the environmental issues.” This great escape should be used by everyone to receive the full taste of what southeastern Pennsylvania nature has to offer.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
EDITORIAL BOARD EMILY COX Editor-in-Chief TYLER KEMP Editor-in-Chief JACK ROBERGE Opinion Editor
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LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. Letters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonyous letters will be published. All submissions become property of The Villanovan and are subject to editing for clarity and space.
POLICY
The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as deteermined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their auhtors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.
Tensions Become War for Armenia and Azerbaijan Taleen Postian Staff Writer There is a war going on, and nobody is talking about it. According to Politico, “Armenia says that ‘on the morning of September 27, Azerbaijan launched air and artillery attacks on Nagorno-Karabakh,’ while Azerbaijan says it was conducting a ‘counter-offensive in response to military provocation.’ As the fighting turned deadly, Armenia declared martial law and general mobilization. Azerbaijan announced a state of war in some regions.” The two countries’ conflicting reports of the attacks expose the ongoing tensions in the region. Civilian populations in Artsakh are being targeted. The rising death toll so far has surpassed 200, making this outbreak the most serious escalation of violence between the Republics in years. The geographic region at the center of this conflict is Artsakh, also known as Nagorno Karabakh. This is a disputed region in the Middle East with an Armenian ethnic majority of over 95% of the population. Because of Soviet-era border configurations, however, Artsakh lies within the modern borders of Azerbaijan. In 1988, the Armenian majority declared itself the independent Republic of Artsakh, but internationally, the region is still regarded as a part of the country of Azerbaijan. This war is not a recent development in the region of the Caucuses, but it is instead an eruption of tensions in the region that goes back decades. To understand what is going on between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Artsakh, you need to look at the geopolitical history of the region. According to Britannica Encyclopedia, in 1923, Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union placed a majority ethnic Armenian region under the rule of the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic, establishing it as an autonomous “oblast” (province) of the Azerbaijan S.S.R. With the Soviet Union in firm control of the region, tensions froze until 1988, when “the ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh began agitating for the transfer of their oblast to Armenian jurisdiction, a demand that was strongly opposed by both the Azerbaijan S.S.R. and the Soviet government. Ethnic antagonisms between Armenians and Azerbaijanis grew inflamed over the issue, and when Armenia and Azerbaijan gained their independence from the collapsing Soviet Union in 1991, Armenians and Azerbaijanis in the enclave went to war,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica. In 1991, Artsakh declared
One of the many civilian homes destroyed because of this conflict. Courtesy of Agence France-Presse - Getty Images
its independence as a constitutional republic and has since held multiple elections and, in 2006, approved a new constitution. Azerbaijan claims that these exercises in democratic governing are against international law. Another important player in this conflict is Turkey. In 1915, the Young Turks, a Turkish nationalist movement who governed the Ottoman Empire, committed a genocide against Armenians. These massacres are recognized internationally as the first genocide of the 20th century. One and a half million Armenians were killed, and countless more were subjected to torture, rape, starvation and forced removal from their historic homelands. Turkey has refused to acknowledge the Armenian genocide despite the fact that Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term “genocide” in 1944, specifically used it to describe the atrocities the Ottoman Turks carried out against Armenians. With that background, I introduce the comments of the current president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey has been supplying Azerbaijan with weapons to attack a nation against which it committed crimes against humanity only a century prior. This perpetuator of modern genocide, through denial, claims that peace will be achieved only if Armenia ends its “occupation” and vacates the inherently “Azerbaijani land.” There are multiple reasons Erdogan’s claims are false. Armenians are the indigenous peoples of the land in question, with roots dat-
ing back to 15,000 B.C. Therefore, if anyone is occupying the region, it is the new Republic of Azerbaijan. In that vein, the Republic of Artsakh declared itself independent nearly three decades ago, meaning that once again, the occupying force in the region is Azerbaijan and their ally Turkey. Artsakh is Armenian and deserves to have its independence from Azerbaijan recognized. The former president of Armenia was born in Artsakh. Azerbaijan was only established as a country in 1918, while the first mention of Armenia as a country was in the 6th century B.C. Artsakh has been voicing its Armenian identity for decades. On Feb. 20, 1988, the highest body of the Karabakh autonomous oblast passed a resolution asking to be reunified with Armenia. Artsakh has been working towards breaking away from Azerbaijan for decades. The current war is only the latest iteration of that wish. If you wish to hear from the voice of one of the people in Nagorno-Karabakh, I give you remarks from Robert Avetisyan, the Permanent Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States, on the conflict. “This is the type of war, unfortunately, where they are striking any object or civilian building, anything and everything that they can hit,” Avetisyan said. “It is very strange for us that there does not seem to be a proper understanding of the scale of this conflict. Many are saying that a large-scale
war must be prevented, but this is already a large-scale war. It is the largest the entire region has seen since 1994. If the world can do something, it is never too late, but they should have done something much earlier.” Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan emphasizes the gravity of the war. “We have declared several times that we don’t support war, but we are ready for it,” he said. “We didn’t want war. The war was imposed on us, and it is our duty to defend our homeland and families.” This is not a conflict you can ignore; it is affecting your fellow classmates and by extension, you. “I am praying for Armenians all over the globe,” Armenian Villanova student Tiffany Martitossian said. “The travesty that is happening at the border shocked me but did not surprise me. It was just weeks ago when the Turkish president stated that his country must ‘finish what our ancestors started.’ Armenians everywhere must stand strong together to support those who are fighting for our home country.” University student Isabel Hagobian reiterated this sentiment. “I would say that the recent attack in Artsakh demonstrates the need to take immediate action by both Armenians and non-Armenians,” she said. “It is crazy to think that a few days ago, young Armenian men our age and younger woke up to go to the Artsakh region to fight for their country’s territory and now are no longer alive. We need to use the power of social media to increase awareness of these atrocities before it’s too late.” Hagobian raised an important point. While we as students cannot fly over and help in the conflict, we can make a difference and help fight against this injustice. We urge you to text ARTSAKH to 52886 on behalf of ending the fighting over a territory that has already declared independence from its oppressor. A message to my fellow Armenians: I feel the crushing weight of our silent suffering that we are all experiencing right now. I know how pointless the rest of our everyday responsibilities and assignments feel when halfway around the world, Armenians are hurting and dying because of a centuries-old goal of eliminating our people. But I am here to urge you not to lose hope: not in yourselves and not in our people. We have been here before and we have beat this before. We are survivors. Artsakh is Armenia. Turkey failed and so will Azerbaijan. This is a call for empathy, for justice and for action. Do not let these horrific events fall on deaf ears.
OPINION
6 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Crucial Moments in the Trial of Breonna Taylor Killers Vivi Melkonian Staff Writer Breonna Taylor’s story is one that has become all too familiar in this country: An unarmed black person killed at the hands of police. In the months following the murder of Breonna Taylor, protests erupted throughout the country calling for justice and an immediate end to systemic racism. In Taylor’s case, many of the protests were fueled by the lack of punishment against the three officers who shot her. Officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove remained free, and only Officer Hankison was fired from the force. The lack of action taken against the officers is unjust and has sparked insurmountable outrage in the media and streets. The nation demanded justice for a woman who was murdered in her sleep by the people who were sworn to protect her. On Sept. 23, the grand jury charged former officer Brett Hankison with three counts of “wanton endangerment,” for the shots that went into the neighbor’s walls, potentially endangering them; no
officers were directly charged with her death. In other words, Hankison was only charged for the shots that he missed. On Friday, Oct. 2, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron released the tapes from the grand jury hearings. Cameron was ordered to release the tapes by Judge Ann Bailey Smith of the Jefferson County Circuit Court, after jurors complained that he was putting the blame for the results on them and not taking accountability, according to The New York Times. The information gathered from the released tapes revealed that the night of Taylor’s killing was complete and utter chaos. The officers claimed on the tapes to have announced themselves multiple times before using a battering ram to bust the door open. CNN reported that Sgt. Mattingly specifically said that they “banged” on the door at least six times and announced themselves before entering. Mattingly was shot by Taylor’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker, who thought he was an intruder. Mattingly fired back after being shot.
Walker, however, recalled no such announcement and stated that there was no response from the officers when he asked who was at the door. Walker said the couple was “scared to death” upon hearing the knocking outside the door in the middle of the night. Jurors also heard testimony from three additional officers who reported hearing the officers announce themselves before entering. CNN reported that Detective Cosgrove, who fired the shot that killed Taylor, sounded extremely confused during the raid, as he described seeing “vivid white flashes... and blackness at the same time.” He then stated he was “almost positive” he fired in the midst of the aforementioned “flashes.” The tapes revealed a disorderly scene, to say the least, and numerous inconsistent accounts of what exactly transpired. Perhaps the most perplexing part of the tapes being released is that they did not include prosecutor recommendations or juror deliberations. Prosecutor recommendations include statements about whether or not officers should be charged in
the case and what they should be charged with. On the report of The Washington Post, Attorney General Cameron stated that he had not recommended homicide charges towards officers Cosgrove and Mattingly. He went on to say that jurors had the liberty to indict on charges they saw fit, regardless of the recommendation of prosecutors. The Washington Post also claimed that this particular unreleased portion of tape may hold vital information which could provide much-needed insight as to how Attorney General Cameron’s office handles Ms. Taylor’s case. While the events of the night of Breonna Taylor’s murder are not clear, one thing is: The justice system has failed once again, and systemic racism continues to corrode our society. Attorney General Cameron’s questionable behavior shows just how corrupt the justice system is and how, now more than ever, we need leaders who will fight for equality and equity for every single human being. Breonna Taylor was robbed of a long, happy life, and we need to keep fighting for the justice that she so rightfully deserves.
President Trump, Insulin Does Not Flow Like Water death rates. Insulin is not equivalent to rationing your White Claws for Labor Day Weekend. DKA is almost the physical embodiment of watching that first debate. It first starts out as a headache, then you start drinking like crazy (again, interpret that as you may), before your body begins to eat you from the inside out. Insulin is a necessity to function properly. Similar to when I experienced DKA for the first and hopefully last time, Trump is failing to function for the benefit of the American people. After over four years of pledging to get rid of Obamacare, lower drug prices, and in his own terms “help people,” it seems that nothing has been done. In my microscopic two years as a type one diabetic, I have already seen major price jumps in my life saving medication that make me fear what my future may look like. We all know the satisfaction a nice old glass of water gives us. So, shouldn’t the reasonable and “cheap” equivalent of insulin be a given to all regardless of the price? I’ll take a shot for that one.
Ryan Henry Staff Writer Last week’s presidential debate made many Americans think about shots. Some of those included insulin shots. Interpret the rest as you may. In the midst of a global pandemic, it seems that other medical issues and debates have been thrown aside. Sadly, these issues can determine who lives and dies in our country. Over the past 20 years, Big Pharmaceuticals like Eli Lily, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi, have dominated the insulin industry and caused prices to increase by close to 1200%. For explanation, insulin is a hormone used by both type one and two diabetics to help regulate blood sugar levels. This means that these Big Pharma’s incomes derive 99.9% from those suffering from pre-existing conditions, and the other .01% really enjoy the smell of hospital storages rooms. President Donald Trump attempted to tackle this concept during his most recent broadcast anxiety-inducing appearance, aka The Pres-
Letter
To
Juniata Weaver Senior Instructor, Department of Communication
On Friday September 11th, I attended the Villanova University College of Liberal Arts and Science Welcome Back faculty meeting hosted by Dean Lindenmeyer, where new faculty were introduced, numerous faculty accomplishments were announced, and faculty award winners were recognized. During this virtual event, I was troubled by the lack of racial diversity in the winners. At the end of the meeting we were directed to check out the Dean’s newsletter for more information on the awards and winners. When I did this, I noticed at the very
President Trump claimed again during the last debate that he would lower insulin prices. Courtesy of Julio Cortez, Associated Press
idential Debate. Not only were his interruptive remarks combative, but his answers inflicted pure anger to the members of the diabetic community. “Insulin, it’s going to — it was destroying families, destroying people,” he said. “The cost, I’m getting it for so cheap it’s like water.” Typically, people with diabetes go through two to three vials a month. A bottle of insulin can cost up to $350 per vial, and this is the cost of a diabetic’s life for one month.
the
People are worth far more than a $1.99 Poland Springs water bottle. In an effort to work his way around addressing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) properly, as it affects millions of Americans, Trump’s comment did more harm than good. With insulin prices continually rising, it has forced some Americans to ration out their overall insulin intake to save money, leading to more cases of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and rapidly rising diabetic
Editors:
end of the post, for those who read that far, that Dr. Emory Woodard, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the chair of the 2020 CLAS Faculty Award Committee shared a letter from a faculty nominee for the Tolle Lege Award. This anonymous longtime faculty member offered congratulations to all of the winners for their accomplishments. This faculty member also requested that his/ her/their name be withdrawn from consideration for the award because “I could use the privilege and honor of this nomination, for which I am truly grateful, to disrupt a national and even, dare I say, an institutional system that has historically made people like me matter more than
Tolle
Lege
people who don’t share my racial assignment. Until Black Lives Matter none of this matters.” I too offer my congratulations to all of the winners for their accomplishments. This in no way diminishes their rewards. I also want to thank the anonymous nominee for their thoughtful and courageous letter requesting the withdrawal of their name from consideration for the Tolle Lege faculty award. At this time at Villanova University when so much of our dialogue centers around our responsibility to embrace diversity and inclusion, this letter reminded me that it is more than lip service that is needed. This professor made a choice not to accept a nomination which could have led to
Award
an award that would have greatly enhanced a personal vita. To me this letter was a powerful reminder that working for justice, is not always easy, and at times requires personal sacrifice. While I respect this professor’s desire to remain anonymous for whatever reasons, I believe their words deserve a broader audience and invite all of us to read the letter and be challenged by it to “take a deep uncomfortable and internal dive into the structural inequities that have plagued this country” and I would add, on a local level, our university, of which we are all a part. I invite all of you to read the letter posted below and consider what it calls each of us to do as our part of dismantling racism at Villanova.
OPINION
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
The Villanovan | 7
Climate Change Needs a Spotlight at Presidential Debates Shannon Kauber Staff Writer The West Coast of the United States is currently plagued by one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, with 2020 containing three of the four largest blazes in California history. Along with this, the Midwest was slammed with a derecho in early August that destroyed infrastructure and left more than one million homes and businesses without power across Iowa, Indiana and Illinois. Some may say that the U.S. has just suffered bad luck with the weather over the past two months, or like President Trump, some may believe that wildfires can solely be attributed to a lack of forest management. However, storms and wildfires are getting more severe across the country with every passing year, and this can be attributed to climate change. According to Alan Czarnetzki, a meteorologist at the University of Northern Iowa, the warming of the Earth’s surface can increase atmospheric instability. Czarnetzki says that this atmospheric instability has the possibility to increase the likelihood and strength of storms such as derechos and hurricanes. While research conducted by the Climate Science Special Report shows that the warmer and drier conditions, increased drought and a longer fire season caused by climate change increase wildfire risk and severity. Now, why is this important? The impact of climate change on extreme weather is clearly severe, and the U.S. cannot afford for this situation to get worse. Between loss of human life, billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure, the loss of ir-
Racial
Bias
Derek Ramirez Jerez Staff Writer In the tense racial climate currently within the United States, many Black athletes have taken to using their platform to speak on the issues affecting people of their race. However, many face backlash, with the most common argument being that they should just stick to their respective sport instead of speaking on political issues. The problem with this is that there seems to be a bias against Black athletes, with white athletes being celebrated for sharing their political opinions by prominent members of the media and society. This should not be the case. Athletes, no matter what, should be able to speak on issues pertaining to them, without their opinions undermined just because they play a sport. Many examples persist of this implicit racial bias toward Black athletes, with the most recent example involving the NBA’s boycotting of playoff games. In response to the Jacob Blake shooting that happened in late August, many players boycotted their playoff games to raise awareness on the issue of police brutality, causing NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to postpone other games that week.
President Trump and Vice President Biden barely discussed climate change at last week’s debate. Courtesy of Getty Images
replaceable heirlooms in homes and more, the increase of severe weather could have detrimental effects, which is why there needs to be more focus on climate change in the presidential debates. Tuesday’s presidential debate was nothing short of embarrassing. Both former Vice President Joe Biden and President Trump failed to engage in civil discourse about any of their policies, hurling personal insults at each other instead. Climate change is largely considered a second-tier issue, which makes its presence in the presidential debate uncommon. However, while the fact that climate change was simply touched on in the debate is exciting for environmentalists, the few words the candidates did say about climate change were extremely disheartening. President Trump refused to acknowledge that climate change existed. He briefly stated that he wants clean water and air for Americans, despite his own administration rolling back over
Against Many players also took to Twitter to express their opinions and emotions on the issue that has affected a large portion of Black-Americans in recent years. However, President Trump saw this protest by NBA players and went on Twitter to publicly condemn them. Instead of talking about the issue at hand, the President chose to attack the NBA for its ratings, saying, “[People] are tired of watching the highly political @ NBA. Basketball ratings are WAY down, and they won’t be coming back…” It seems like President Trump wants politics out of sports, but his actions later on do not reciprocate this. On Sept. 20, MMA fighter Colby Covington, wearing a MAGA hat in support of President Trump in a post-victory interview, received a call from the President himself congratulating him on his victory. With this, the President was openly showing that it’s good to politicize sports if it benefits him but not acceptable when it’s in support of something else, like the Black Lives Matter movement. There is a clear racial bias against Black athletes when it comes to expressing something they believe in. In the media, there are instances of this same idea. In 2018,
100 environmental rules targeted at providing clear air and water to supposedly unburden the fossil fuel industry. In addition to this, when asked to address the wildfires along the West Coast, he went on the offensive and attacked California’s forest management programs, blaming “the poor management” for the hundreds of thousands of acres burned in the state every year during wildfire season. However, President Trump failed to realize that only 3% of California forests are state owned, with the federal government owning the most land with 57% of forests falling under their jurisdiction. While Biden acknowledged the existence of climate change, his responses to debate moderator Chris Wallace’s questions were also lacking luster. Biden discussed the Biden Plan for Environmental Justice, specifically outlining his plan to retrofit four million buildings and reach carbon-free electricity by 2035. These plans sound promising, but Biden shocked viewers
Black
when he refused to support the Green New Deal, a congressional resolution aimed at solving climate change, despite his support being listed on his policy website. The Green New Deal is considered largely by Democrats, even Biden’s own campaign, to be extremely crucial in facing the ongoing climate change issues. Therefore, Biden’s solution to climate change was extremely disappointing. The United States is suffering because of climate change, and something must be done. The West Coast is burning. The Midwest was wrecked. It’s only a matter of time before a hurricane slams into the East Coast and Southern U.S. Presidential debates cannot favor insults over discussion of policy. It is time that both candidates, and the debate moderators, prepared for a real conversation about climate change before it is too late. Climate change needs to be solved now, and the American people deserve to know which President will save them.
Athlete’s
Fox News host Laura Ingraham condemned NBA player LeBron James over his views on being a Black man in America and on President Trump. According to an article from National Public Radio, Ingraham publicly addressed James, and “she was not interested in the political advice from ‘someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball,’” and she told him to “shut up and dribble.” These highly degrading and disrespectful comments undermine LeBron James’ responsibility as a prominent figure in the Black community to speak on issues regarding race, especially since his comments were in response to questions on racial graffiti sprayed on his Los Angeles home in May of 2017. Something like this is relevant to who he is as a person but apparently not to her and many who reflect her ideals. To make matters worse, Ingraham recently defended NFL player Drew Brees and his comments on why people should not burn the flag during the George Floyd protests in June of this year, showing a blatant double standard between the opinions of Black and white athletes. These two examples show something alarming within our society. Often, the opinions of Black
Opinions
people are disregarded, while for white people, opinions are heard and celebrated by many prominent people we might look up to. A clear double standard exists, but especially in the realm of athletes. Black athletes are supposed to stick to their sport and not speak out of line, but white athletes can show support for whatever they want, according to the examples listed. If anything, it should be seen as a good thing for athletes to share their opinions on topics relevant to them, because even though they are famous for their sport, they are often prominent figures that many look up to, just like many do for the President. Black athletes should not be condemned for speaking on issues pertaining to them or for fighting for something they believe. It disregards something everyone has the right to do, and it seems that many are discouraged by our society from doing so. I am not advocating for only Black athletes to be heard. No matter what, any athlete should be able to have opinions on any issues pertaining to them. It just seems that certain demographics are discouraged when everyone, no matter their skin color or beliefs, should not be condemned by society as many Black athletes are. Everyone has the right to an opinion.
FEATURE
8 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
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Wednesday, October 7, 2020
FEATURE
The Villanovan | 9
I pledge to keep the Villanova Community healthy and safe by: • Putting Community First by considering others when making decisions and doing my part to keep myself and others healthy and safe. • Wearing a mask in public and shared spaces. • Practicing good personal hygiene, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. • Following social distancing guidelines in all my interactions. • Self-monitoring and reporting any COVID-19 symptoms. • Limiting non-essential travel. • Holding my fellow community members accountable and reminding them to put Community First. • Acting respectfully and caringly in all my interactions.
Working together, we are capable of having an incredible year at Villanova!
CULTURE
10 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
CULTURE
Villanova Squirrels Draw Attention Across Campus ery video that is submitted, as long as the video “promotes the safety and integrity of Villanova squirrels.” We don’t want to see any Do you love the crazy squirsquirrels getting hurt out there. rels around campus? If so, you will The page receives videos probably enjoy the Instagram acfrom all parts of campus, but the count dedicated to Villanova squirrel majority come from Main Campus. content. While the owner of this South Campus is also a great place account wishes to remain anonyto catch some crazy squirrels. Howmous, The Villanovan received some ever, the owner doesn’t receive many insight into the world of our squirsubmissions from West Campus, so rels. stay on the lookout and keep your Created in 2019, the account cameras ready when you are over is run by a self-described translator there. for the squirrels. The owner was The account has received inspired to start sharing squirrel some crazy submissions over the past content with the student body after year and a half. A personal favorite receiving many videos from friends of the owner’s is when a squirrel and from personal observations of was seen climbing the ROTC rope squirrels doing outrageous things. outside of John Barry Hall. This is a “The squirrels on Villanova’s reminder that squirrels also need to campus hit different, and we wanted exercise. Another submission caught to celebrate them,” the anonymous a squirrel doing a backflip. Perhaps account owner said when asked he was training for the Squirrel about why the account was created. The account is very active, as Olympics. Squirrels get hungry like we it receives about two or three submis- do, and they have been seen eating sions daily. The fanpage likes to keep out of the trash cans all over campus. followers updated with new content One submission features a squirrel and daily posts. Currently, the owner eating a whole slice of pizza. Anothis very busy and is working through er one, staying true to its Philadel20-30 videos he has received and phia roots, was seen eating an entire needs to post, some dating back to Philly cheesesteak. Bagels are also 2019. The account posts almost evMadeline McCarthy Staff Writer
a staple in a Villanovan squirrel’s diet, as the squirrels are often spotted spreading cream cheese on discarded bagels. One might think that they can find some peace away from the squirrels inside of buildings, but unfortunately, one would be mistaken. Last year, during Special Olympics Weekend, a squirrel was spotted in the basement of Tolentine Hall. Honestly, I find this to be very impressive, as probably more than half the student body hasn’t
even stepped foot down there. More recently, a squirrel was spotted in Driscoll Hall. It’s nice to see squirrels following their dreams of becoming healthcare workers. If they haven’t already, the squirrels will now catch more of your attention as you walk around campus. Next time you see one doing something out of the ordinary, be sure to record it and send it to @villanovasquirrels. Make sure to follow the account to see some daily squirrel content on your feed.
Squirrels can be seen lingering around campus in a variety of places. Courtesy of Villanova Squirrels
How to Make College Sundays Like Home Sundays Elena Rouse Staff Writer With the fall season underway and football gaining momentum, college students are reminded of their childhood Sundays spent with family. While college brings many opportunities and experiences, what it does not offer students are the comforts of home on a fall Sunday. Although being at university might not be the same as cuddling up on a family room couch, wearing your favorite team’s jersey and enjoying a spread of food in front of you, there are some things you can do to make Sundays at college feel a little bit more like the ones at home. Here is a list of some of the ways to cozy up your Sunday: Turn on football. Whether you actively watch football or not, the sounds of the game were most likely
the background noises of your childhood Sunday homework grind and will undoubtedly give you that home feeling. Plus, it gives you and your friends a reason to gather together and safely enjoy each other’s company. Eat some comfort food. Everyone loves a good Sunday feast, but that’s not always readily available for college students. If your dorm room needs a little taste of home, try out Good Uncle, which is a food truck service that delivers right on campus. For all the Sunday vibes, try its buffalo chicken dip, mac and cheese and sweet chipotle chicken wings. For dessert, you can order some Insomnia Cookies. Get cozy. Sunday is the day of rest, right? Well, that’s not technically the case for most college students with a heavy workload, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress the part. Put on your coziest sweatpants, socks and
sweatshirts. Autumn Sundays have arrived. Spend some quality time with friends. Everyone knows what it’s like to be a stressed out college student during the week. Remember to take time out of your Sunday to connect with your friends. There is nothing that prepares you for another hard week like hanging out with friends and engaging in some medicinal laughter (with football on in the background, of course). Connect with family. For most of us, Sundays at home revolve around family. During your Sunday, reach out to someone from back home to check in. What could remind you more of home than someone who lives there? Sometimes a familiar voice is all college students need to get re-centered and ready for the week. Talking to someone you love at home will no doubt make your Sunday all
the more homey. Get some fresh air. You don’t need to do too much, as even something small like opening the window to get some crisp, fall air filtrating into your room will do the trick. Autumn weather always lightens the mood, so make sure to utilize it for your Sunday vibes. Freshen up your room. If you’re finding you have some free time on Sunday, try doing a little tidying up around your room. Wash your sheets, fold your clothes or maybe even wipe down your desk. Cleaning at the end of the week is good for clearing your mind and relaxing. Do something that you love. It can be anything: play some music, read a book or attend a church service. Make Sunday a day where you celebrate something that you love to do just for yourself. Try out a fall activity. There are so many activities that are perfect for our Autumn Sundays. Apple picking and farmer’s markets are two options in the area to try. Activities like these will undoubtedly bring you back to the childhood joy of family trips to similar places. Check out last week’s issue for the best things to do around the area in the fall.
A sophomore in Sullivan Hall watches football on a Sunday. Courtesy of Elena Rouse
At the end of the day, get yourself ready for the week ahead After you have spent the day embracing all the wholesomeness Sunday has to offer, get yourself organized for the week. Once you’ve relaxed, the stresses of the week will look a lot less daunting. While Sundays at school are different than the ones at home, all these tips and tricks can help you feel some of the same comfort.
CULTURE
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
The Villanovan | 11
Weekly Club Spotlight: Villanova Outdoors Club (VOC) Ryan Weicht Staff Writer In a world filled with quarantine, Zoom classes from bed and restrictions on off-campus travel, many University students are searching for ways to get a break from the campus bubble. With the help of the Villanova Outdoors Club, the community accomplishes this goal in safe, healthy and adventurous ways. By offering hiking trips on weekends throughout the semester, the club is helping connect students with the outdoors even during the pandemic. The Outdoors Club was founded in 2010 with the intention of giving students an easy outlet
to nature. Since then, the club has welcomed students of all levels of experience to join in on a range of activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, paintballing, apple-picking, white water rafting, camping and skiing. When students were sent home in March, the club had to cancel the majority of its trips for the semester. Rebuilding momentum since then has not been easy. “It was quite difficult to get the club moving this semester,” President Jenna Kolano said. “We typically run one to four trips every weekend of the semester, usually taking about 12-24 people. Because of COVID-19 restrictions on campus, we were told we can only run one trip every month with a fifteen-person limit.”
In a semester where students have been encouraged to venture outside, interest in the Outdoors Club has been higher than ever. As a result, the COVID-19 restrictions that the club has faced have not been easy to deal with. “We are doing everything we can to run as many trips with as many students as possible while still staying safe,” Kolano said. “Hopefully, if things are looking up, we’ll be able to get more vans and more space.” The club has a loose plan to run one hiking trip with a maximum of 15 people every other weekend. The club hopes to bring back other previously featured, non-hiking activities soon. For now, it is safest not to work with any third parties when arranging ad-
Villanova Outdoors Club members hike the Conestoga Trail in Pequeia, PA. Courtesy of Villanova Outdoors Club
venture activities. Despite their more limited abilities this semester, club leaders are still grateful for what they have been able to organize. Coming into this semester, some questioned whether any trips would occur. Now, the club is looking forward to continuing the progress it has made this semester and seeing new students on every trip. “Getting some fresh faces on trips and hearing different perspectives on what’s going on has been awesome,” Kolano said. “In particular, a lot of freshmen and sophomores don’t have cars, so it’s been really encouraging to get those students outside.” The Outdoors Club is made up of an executive board of about 25 members and a general body, which receives club communication primarily by email. General body members have no dues and can participate as much or as little as they like, signing up for each weekend’s activities online. Students who are interested in joining the mailing list can find the form on VU Groups or email outdoors@ villanova.edu. Looking forward, the club hopes to recruit new members to join the board and elect new leadership for the coming semester. Current officers hope the bond that ties the board members together stays tight despite obstacles that the club has faced due to the pandemic. “I’m doing my best to make sure that the students who will be taking higher leadership positions next semester will have the tools they need to unite the club,” Kolano said. “I hope they will keep fighting to get students outside. At the end of the day, we do it for the general body members that make our trips great.”
Why “Schitt’s Creek” Dominated the 2020 Emmy Awards Maddie Schieder Staff Writer For those who watched the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, you may recall the immense amount of nominations and awards allotted to the Pop Original Series “Schitt’s Creek.” This iconic cast was capable of sweeping five categories: Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series this year. Having watched the show twice, I fully advocate for the series and believe it deserves each win that it received. However, for individuals who have no idea what this show is and why it is making a name for itself in the Emmy world, I am here to tell you more about this five season production. Eugene Levy plays the character of Johnny Rose. Most of you may know him from the family-oriented movie “Cheaper by the Dozen 2.” He created the masterpiece “Schitt’s Creek” with his son, Dan Levy, who plays the character of David Rose, Johnny’s son. Along with Dan, Eugene’s daughter, Sarah Levy, also has a role in the show, playing the character of Twyla. The Rose family has an
enormous culture shock when they are kicked out of their mansion due to a scandal with their business manager, who defrauded their fortune. They are forced to live in a town that Rose purchased as a joke many years ago, known as Schitt’s Creek. In an interview with BUILD Series, Eugene Levy spoke about the realness of working with his children as an on-camera family and how it makes the show more authentic, given he is speaking with his son like he would offset and in real time. He joked and asked, “Are we even acting?” While creating laughter in the interview, his comment indicated the legitimacy of the acting and instills a connection between the show and its viewers. To paraphrase, Dan Levy said in an interview at the Emmys that the goal of the show was to depict perspectives that not all television series encapsulate and to be realistic as well as comedic. Topics and themes that are sometimes “taboo” were their goal, and to address them in ways that connect families is extremely powerful. Although Annie Murphy, who plays Alexis Rose, and Catharine O’Hara, known as Moira Rose, are not part of the Levy family, they make each episode ex-
tremely seamless and come off as a realistic family, given their polished acting and relationship to their costars beyond the show. Dan Levy explains that the purposeful avoidance of homophobia or bigotry on the show and the ability to express their messages in such a gentle way was somewhat of a political statement in the actions it has taken on many viewers and their own individual relationships.
The dedication of each actor as he or she accepted such respectable awards provides insight into how much work was put into the series. It is clear that the cast and producers were not expecting such a positive outcome at the Emmys, and the emotion they conveyed beyond their on-camera roles is what makes this show so special and significant.
Actors who play the main family on “Schitt’s Creek” pose for a photo. Courtesy of Andrew Lipovsky
CULTURE
12 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Fall Trend Report – Unlikely Essentials for Your Closet Devin Toolen Staff Writer Fashion is cyclical. Styles that were popular more than ten years ago are making their way back into modern looks. Young women are drawing fashion inspiration from icons like Rachel Green in “Friends” and even Paris Hilton in the early 2000s. Sometimes finding outfit inspiration is as easy as opening up your mom’s wardrobe. Let’s talk about some things you might find in the back of the closet begging you to wear them. The mom jean was a trend popular in the early 90s that has come back into style. According to some people, like my mother, it’s a trend that should stay in the past. However, I think mom jeans are great, and I am a strong believer in the idea that if something makes you look and feel good, wear it as often as you like. Mom jeans have a high waistline that rises to about the center of the stomach, and they tend to have a lightly washed fade to them. Their versatility allows them to be worn in many different styles. You can wear mom jeans with a babydoll tee and white Keds or with booties and a turtleneck. The possibilities with these jeans are endless. Mom jeans are not necessarily a new trend, as some people haven’t stopped wearing them since the 90s. However, with the rise of Gen-Z fashionistas taking ideas from the past, younger women are starting to incorporate mom jeans into their everyday looks. Another trend that has become increasingly popular over the last few months is the tennis skirt, which features a pleat in the design. You can buy tennis skirts from
American Apparel, Brandy Melville or even Walmart. A lot of celebrities have been seen wearing tennis skirts with oversized crewneck sweatshirts and penny loafers or Doc Marten oxfords. Another way to wear a tennis skirt is with a men’s dress shirt over a tank top and some cute heeled booties. The tennis skirt style is definitely more fitting for late summer or early fall, but it is something to try while the weather is still warm in the area. Next on the trend report is the sweater vest. Oversized, fitted or even cropped sweater vests have become popular over the past few months due to influencers like Emma Chamberlain and Olivia Rouyre incorporating them into their styles. This trend is definitely one I’ve struggled to try because it reminds me of my high school uniform. However, I’m surprised to see myself liking the style more and more. Sweater vests are easy items to thrift. Go into the men’s section in your local thrift store and look for argyle print or solid-colored sweater vests to add to your wardrobe. You can style sweater vests with a white men’s tee underneath, mom jeans and sneakers, or even with a dress shirt and a skirt. Lastly, fun pants are really popular this fall. They can range from leather pants to jeans with prints, dress pants or even baggy pants. These styles were very popular in the late 80s. For many people, it’s easy to throw on a simple pair of jeans or even leggings with a top or sweater. However, taking risks and wearing unique pants this fall will definitely add excitement to your wardrobe. Not only will wearing a pant other than jeans elevate your look, but it’ll also make you feel more stylish. A great place to buy fun pants is Jaded London. This is an online
shop from the United Kingdom that has amazing options for cool pants at great prices. For leather pants, try Aritzia. The leather pants it sells are more expensive. However, the price directly relates to the quality of the item. Quality leather products will last a long time. If you’re looking for a pair of dress pants or baggy pants, check out your local thrift store. These pants can look great paired with a corset top, creating a nice juxtaposition of tight and loose fitted
clothing. Trends come and go all the time. Styles from the early 2000s are now regaining their popularity. While it is fun to analyze fashion trends and keep up with current styles, it’s also important to embrace your individuality and wear whatever you want. If you like a certain style that might not be “trending,” you should wear it. The only thing that will never go out of style is confidence, and with that, you will always be on trend.
This outfit features a tennis skirt and an oversized crewneck sweatshirt.
This outfit is an edgy way to wear leather pants paired with a bomber jacket.
Courtesy of Devin Toolen
Spooky Autumn Activities Around the Philadelphia Area Chloe Miller Staff Writer Looking for fun and spooky activities to do during the month of October? With the current state of campus, finding ways to get into the upcoming holiday spirit can be especially challenging. There has been an influx of yearly Halloween events that have been cancelled, like the Harvest Festival at Reading Terminal Market. However, there are still many activities you can partake in around the area while, of course, following COVID-19 guidelines. Linvilla Orchards and Halloweenland Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA is open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Specifically for the fall season, Linvilla has reopened Halloweenland. At this seasonal event, Linvilla offers train and hayrides, corn mazes and a jack-olantern exhibit. Not only are there a multitude of activities in Halloweenland, but Linvilla also allows for on-site fishing at Orchard Lake. Linvilla also offers other activities, such as the Witches and Autumn Moon hayride at night. Looking to spend the day at Linvilla? Some of the orchard’s fall food attractions include the Apple Cider Donut Tent, Candy and Caramel Apples Tent, Linvilla Cafe,
Roasty Toasty, Funnel Cake and Apple Fritters, Cotton Candy and Caramel Corn, Blooming Onion and more. It also has its own Farm Market for which you can place orders online. All of the produce available is from Linvilla itself or is locally sourced. It also offers homemade pies, fudge, ice cream, donuts, cookies and custom cakes. With a plethora of activities day through night, Linvilla Orchards is a fantastic day trip if you are looking to get off campus. Wolff’s Apple House
Wolff’s Apple House, started in 1910 in Media, PA, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the farmers market, Wolff’s offers fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, meats and a garden center where you can buy fall plant decor and pumpkins. Inside, local vendors, such as A Casa Pizza, My House Cookies and Di Bruno Brothers, sell freshly prepared foods. If you want to go to a simple farmers market for some local food options or a place to buy pumpkins to carve, Wolff’s is the place to check out. Eastern State Penitentiary Want something especially scary? The Eastern State Penitentiary is open Friday through Sunday for daytime tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special night tours for the fall open on select days. The penitentiary is located at 22nd Street and Fairmount, which is
Courtesy of Linvilla Orchards
five blocks down from the Philadelphia Art Museum. In the past, the prison used strict isolation for inmates inspired by the values of Quakerism and was closed in 1971. Since then, it has been claimed a National historic landmark that contains art installations and stories from inmates. At this creepy exhibit, you can explore the cell blocks and yards, including Al Capone’s cell. Along with being able to walk around the ruins, there are projections on the walls of the penitentiary including silent and short films created by former inmates. The tours are self-guided to ensure social distancing with an audio guide narrated by Steve Buscemi. Masks are also required. Bates Motel Haunted Attraction Another option, not for the faint of heart, is Bates Motel Haunted Attraction in Glen Mills, PA. The haunted attraction is open from 6:30
p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, with shortened hours Sunday through Wednesday. They offer a plethora of haunted events such as a haunted house, a haunted hayride and a haunted corn maze. They also offer an escape room option that is available for teams of 6-10 (a slightly less horrifying option if needed). There are food stands and gift shops available on the site as well to give you the full experience for the entirety of the night. Bates Motel uses a combination of live actors, sound, animatronics and pyrotechnics to provide the full horrifying experience. Many visitors have called it a must-see Halloween attraction, especially if you want something more heart-dropping. As you can see, there is no shortage of Halloween events in and around the Main Line. Even in a pandemic, you can make the most of this glorious season.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
CULTURE
The Villanovan | 13
Villa-Vogue: An Easy Guide to Being Fashionable Kaelin Trombly Staff Writer College student creates an experience at their university that is incomparable to those of their peers. Despite studying in the same location, we all form different memories from different emprises that are unique on their own. No matter how different our college experiences are, there is one thing that most college students have in common: We are broke. Whether it is textbook costs that are piling up or Uber expenses that are through the roof, money can be a scarcity for many at the university level. As a student myself, I’ve found that I have become innovative to spare my wallet from debt. Extra thousands of steps are gained each day from avoiding transportation fares, and many bagels have been smuggled from the Pit. Regardless of the situation, college has forced me to think creatively to avoid spending money. However, on the days when money needs to be spent, every college student is on the lookout for one thing: a bargain. Picture this. You are walking through Suburban Square or the maze that is the King of Prussia Mall, and you come across a sweater you like. You try it on, check yourself out in the mirror for a bit and fall in love. You need this sweater. While walking to the cash register, you look at the price tag and much to your dismay, you realize it is far out of your price zone. You leave the mall without a sweater. As new trends emerge left and right in the fashion industry,
it can be hard not to succumb to spending your entire bank account on a new wardrobe. Even though purchasing clothing is inevitable, there are many steps that college students can take to save money. To make your job easier, I have listed five different ways you can save while staying fashionable. 1. Student discounts. The clothing industry is aware of college students’ financial struggles, and therefore comply with discounts. Companies that offer student discounts include: ASOS, Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Top Shop, Levis and more. By signing up with UNiDAYS, students gain access to 15% off discounts from companies after verifying their student identification. 2. Thrift stores. Thrifting has become popular this past year and is a great way to save money while helping the environment. Along with the many Goodwills in the area, Good Shepherd Thrift Store and Bryn Mawr Hospital Thrift are only a quick walk away from campus. 3. Purchase higher quality staple pieces. Everyone needs a pair of jeans and simple t-shirts to wear with any outfit. These are your staple pieces. Since you wear your staple pieces most frequently, it is important to spend more money on them so they last longer. This way, you avoid the need to purchase your staples over and over. 4. Sell. Nowadays, technology has given us the opportunity to sell and buy clothing online. In the past, I have made a profit by selling my old clothes on Poshmark and Depop. Both apps are extremely easy to use and helpful when you
want to replace your old clothing items with new ones. Simply download the app, make a free account and list your items. 5. Promotional codes. Searching the internet or browsing catalogs for coupon codes seems strenuous, but there are many instant promo code companies that will do the job for you. Honey, the most popular instant promo code industry, will automatically find
promotional codes for you as you shop online. All you need to do is download the free Honey browser extension on your laptop, and you will never have to search for a promo code again. While shopping for clothes can be expensive, there are many steps college students can take to save. By following these steps, anyone can wear the clothes they want while balling on a budget.
A student makes online purchases with Honey. Courtesy of Kaelin Trombly
Rapper Yung Gravy Debuts A Villanovan Fall Cookbook New Album: “Gasanova” Emily Cox Co-Editor-in-Chief
Sporting curly hair, gold chains and colorful “Pro 1973 Roe” shirt in support of protecting Roe v. Wade, Yung Gravy’s charisma and energy was palpable through the computer screen at a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 30, ahead of the drop of his new album, “Gasanova.” Fans, who Gravy refers to as his “Gravy Train,” should be excited about this new album release and his development as an artist. He cares a lot about his fans, reminiscing during the conference about a proposal that happened between two fans at one of his meet-and-greets. The rapper, first made famous through his SoundCloud hits, “Whip A Tesla” and “Mr. Clean,” began freestyling with his friends in high school, but did not pursue music until late in his college career. As evident from his fun, upbeat tracks and laidback attitude, Gravy is big on not taking himself too seriously. In order to maintain his normal life as a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Gravy started his career anonymously. About two or three months before graduating, he revealed his face to the world, via a music video for his track “Mr. Clean,” which blew up on SoundCloud. Since then, Yung Gravy signed with Republic Records in No-
vember and has continued to impress with hits that are both funny and impressive, featuring top-notch bars and beats. He explained how coming up in the SoundCloud rapper community gave him various connections and friends who became future collaborators. Gravy made the most of his quarantine, writing the entirety of “Gasanova” in his newfound free time. When asked what three words Gravy would use to describe his album, he mention, “thumps,” “carefree” and “gas.” “I think the confidence that [my music] helps give some people is one of my favorite parts,” he said. He went on to describe what he wants for his listeners. He wants others enjoy what’s around them. “Just kind of being able to kick back and enjoy themselves and not stress about what’s going on on social media . . . there’s too much, like, judging people,” Gravy said, “and I think it’s dope to just go and feel like you can express yourself and be confident.” Gravy named “Always Saucy” as his favorite track to make on the new album. It features verses by TrippyThaKid and Ski Mask The Slump God. Gravy discussed being excited about the track’s sample from the theme song of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” In the conference, he also teased future collaborations with Thundercat and Zack Fox.
Julia Stanisci Staff Writer
Happy comfort food season, Villanova! With the temperature dropping, it’s time to start eating cozy foods that make us feel at home. Whether you have your own kitchen or have to hijack a friend’s, be sure to try cheffing up some of our best meals and treats to enjoy this fall. Pumpkin Bread: Grandma’s recipe, packed with fall flavor and perfect for breakfast or just a snack. Ingredients: 15 oz can pumpkin puree 1 c canola oil 4 eggs 3 c sugar 3 c flour 2 tsp baking soda 1 ½ tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg Instructions: -Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together everything except flour and pumpkin. -Add in flour and pumpkin and mix until blended. -Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. -Bake for 1 hour and enjoy!
Apple Crisp:
Absolutely to die for. Thanksgiving dessert simply cannot wait. Warm cinnamon sugar apple slices… a crunchy brown sugar streusel… it’s all over…. (serves 6-8) Ingredients: 5 c sliced and peeled apples (4 or 5 apples) 3 tbsp sugar 1 tsp cinnamon ¾ c rolled oats ¾ c flour ½ c brown sugar ⅓ c butter, melted Instructions:
-Preheat oven to 375 degrees. -In a 9’’ baking dish, toss together apples, sugar, and cinnamon -In a bowl, mix together oats, flour, and brown sugar -Add in melted butter and stir until all is moistened -Sprinkle streusel evenly over baking dish -Bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender and bubbling Pro tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream Whether you’re baking in your apartement, a friend’s house or at your own home, these recipes are sure to become a favorite treat. Happy fall and happy cooking!
SPORTS
14 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
SPORTS
Student-Athlete of the Week: Haftu Strinzos, Cross Country Zac Tipton Staff Writer When the University’s campus shut down in March, all sports were cancelled, and everyone was sent home. This included international student-athletes, who had to work with the time change to make sure they were still succeeding in the classroom. Haftu Strintzos, a junior on the cross country and track teams, was one of them. Strintzos is from Australia and was adopted from Ethiopia by his parents. He has been very successful on and off the track since coming to Villanova. He won all-Big East in 2019 in cross country and won all-Big East in the 2020 indoor track season. When he was sent home in March, he continued to excel in the classroom and was named to the Big East All-Academic Team, as well as the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. Strintzos is an electrical engineering major and chose Villanova because of its success both on the track and in the classroom. Since the new school year started, Strintzos has remained in Australia. His town was greatly affected by COVID-19 and went into a strict lockdown that only allowed him one hour a day to get out of the house. In this hour, Strintzos would
“The pandemic has affected our everyday lives,” Strinzos said. “My grandpa used to go and play cards with his friends all the time, and now he can’t do that. It is all about adjusting to the current situation.” In terms of academics, Strintzos said that it was challenging to set up a schedule to make sure his classes were all online and to make sure that it was feasible. With the 15 hour time difference from Villanova to Australia, most of his classes could have fallen late at night. “I don’t know if my coaches really want to know this, but I have a class from 11 to midnight,” Strintzos said. He said he originally had classes at around two in the morning, but he ended up dropping both of them. Strintzos said that he has been able to focus well on academics while making sure he is staying safe back at Strinzos competing in the NCAA Cross Country Mid-West Regional Championship. home following all the guidelines. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics “I am grateful for everything Villanova has given me,” Strintzos choose to run. Strintzos said that for “I have a lot of friends on distance runners, this “wasn’t long the team that are also international,” said. “They gave me a scholarship to come play. I want to show them that enough,” and that they usually run Strinzos said. “They have been able “10 miles for training.” to keep me updated on how the situ- they made the right choice in award “Health and safety come ation is and how the season is looking ing me that scholarship. I have found a home at ’Nova, and I want to make first,” Strinzos said. “I just have to in the spring.” do as much as I can in that time.” Quarantine life has been diffi- them proud.” Strinzos has been able to do Strintzos has been able to cult to adjust to, especially with the stay in contact with his teammates strict guidelines that Strinzos has had just that by excelling on the course or track and also in the classroom. despite time differences. to abide by.
How Allen Iverson Changed Villanova Home Games Forever Tyler Kemp Co-Editor in Chief Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson is one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. For the better part of the last 20-plus years, the longtime Philadelphia 76er and former Georgetown Hoya has been in the spotlight for his on and off the court activities. Before he became the golden child in Philadelphia in the 2000’s, Iverson encountered what kind of banter and behavior Philadelphia fans have to offer during his time at Georgetown. The former Big East standout was beloved by the Georgetown faithful but was of course an archrival to Villanova. Iverson recently went on “All the Smoke,” a sports podcast hosted by former NBA champions Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, to recount the story of a road matchup against Villanova in the old Pavilion. “We were playing Villanova,” Iverson said. “A dude had a sign that said ‘Allen Iverson is the next MJ.’ It had MJ crossed out and it had ‘OJ.’ It was four dudes in the stands and they all had on four orange jumpsuits with chains and shackles…and coach Thompson was like, ‘No. If y’all don’t get them out of here, out of this gym right now, we’re not playing.’ And they escorted them out of there, and the game went on.” As a junior in high school in 1993, Iverson was arrested and convicted on felony charges following a brawl in a bowling alley in Hampton, Va. The state of Virginia tried
to convict Iverson on maiming by mob, but video surveillance showed Iverson leaving the scene shortly after the fight broke out. After spending four months in a correctional facility in Newport News, Va., Iverson was granted clemency, and the conviction was overturned. No matter where Iverson went, his reputation would precede him. Not his reputation of being one of the best basketball players in
Iverson during his time at Georgetown Courtesy of ESPN
the Big East during his two years at Georgetown, but his reputation of being tried as an adult for a crime he did not commit and spending time in prison for it. In any road matchup against a heated rival, players should definitely expect to catch some flak from an opposing crowd. Whether it be about their lack of skill in a certain area or their subpar performance during the game, some trash talk is expected. On that fateful
night in the Pavilion, a line was crossed. Crossing out the ‘M’ on the poster and making it an ‘O’ was a gut shot into a personal matter that concerns Iverson and Iverson only. On the contrary, when such a public person is involved in a publicized incident, everything is on the table for fans to use as ammunition to get into a player’s head. The silver lining from all of this is that Villanova Athletics knew that changes needed to be made to not only protect its own student-athletes, but to protect all student-athletes who take part in competition in any Villanova facilities. In the Finneran Pavilion A to Z Guide, there is an emphasis on making sure fans conduct themselves in an orderly manner. For example, one point is that disorderly conduct including “abusive language towards coaches, student-athletes, officials or spectators” is prohibited. In addition, the Fan Code of Conduct includes the prohibiting of “using/displaying foul or abusive language or gestures.” In the case of Iverson more almost 25 years ago, the four Villanova fans were out of line. The fact that coach Thompson threatened to walk off the court if the four fans were not escorted out of the building says that something was wrong on Villanova’s end to allow that to happen. Fast forward to the present day, and now there are rules and regulations in place to make sure that an incident like this will not happen at another Villanova basketball home game.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
SPORTS
The Villanovan | 15
CAA Football Reveals Spring 2021 Season Plans Anders Pryor Staff Writer Well, if the Power Five conferences can do it, so can Villanova. The Colonial Athletics Association (CAA), home of Villanova’s football team, along with other FCS programs such as Towson, Delaware, Stony Brook and Rhode Island, among others, has officially released the teams for their plans to play football in the spring. The blueprints for this season were published Wednesday, Sept 30, 2020 by the CAA itself. Its statement outlines specific components and structures for how the season will be carried out. Here is what it includes: Each of the 12 teams will play a six-game conference only schedule. Each team will be given the opportunity to add two additional non-conference games to their schedule if they choose to do so. Those games would potentially be scheduled as early as Jan. 23, 2021. The conference will be divided into north and south divisions, six teams each. The divisions will be determined based on the geographic location of the schools themselves. The winner of each conference will be determined by who has the best overall record after the six game schedule has concluded. In the event of a firstplace tie, a tie-breaking policy will be instated. The winners of the two
divisions will be automatic qualifiers for the Championship Game. Any optional non-conference games will not count towards conference standings, tie-breakers or qualifying for the Championship Game. Conference play will begin on March 6 and conclude on April 17. During the seven-week period, each of the 12 teams will receive one bye week. The NCAA FCS Playoffs will feature 16 teams, featuring 11 automatic qualifiers based on division victors and seeding births based on total record of wins and losses. The specific makeup of the divisions, as well as further details, will be announced in the weeks to come. CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio is taking a lead on the conference’s voyage towards college football. He has given clear intentions of the procedures on caasports.com. “All of our institutions know that today’s announcement is simply the first step in the planning process associated with playing football on each of our campuses in the spring,” D’Antonio said. “Each member institution, as well as the Conference office, has additional protocols that must be finalized and approved in order to ensure a safe return to the field. Our goal in creating this unique scheduling format was to implement a competitive model while also trying to reduce
the risks associated with travel as much as we could. It’s been an extremely difficult and challenging time, but it’s nice to be able to give our coaches, student-athletes and fans something to look forward to.” The most important thing to D’Antonio, however, is that the players and coaches are safe. “Health and safety remain at the forefront of every decision we are making, and we are hopeful about getting the Spring 2021
season underway.” Ever ince the suspension of the season on July 17, the CAA has expressed a strong intention to resume the season in the spring, and make the appropriate adjustments needed to put the health and safety of the players and staff first. The Villanova roster continues to practice, train and condition to remain in appropriate shape for the start of their unusual yet highly anticipated season.
Junior kicker Nate Fondacaro, among players practicing in the offseason. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Women’s Soccer Announces Captains for 2020-21 Season Meghann Morhardt Staff Writer This past week, the Villanova Women’s Soccer coaching staff announced its three team captains for the 2020-21 year. The three captains are senior Bri Austin, junior Chloe O’Neill and graduate student Sam Rosette. Despite not having a fall season, the team is still practicing and working hard in hopes that there will be a spring season. Given the current circumstances with COVID-19 and all of the uncertainty and confusion that it can cause, leadership is key for a team’s success. The coaching staff feels as though these three players have stepped up and are the best ones for the job. Rosette is entering only her second season as a Wildcat after transferring to the University as a graduate student last year. She played in all 20 of the team’s matchups last season at the forward position and was a stand-out player for the ’Cats. Austin has been a key piece for the Villanova offense in her three years at the University. In her first two seasons, Austin tallied 17 points, including three game-winning goals. After having an impressive first two seasons as a Wildcat, Austin suffered an injury that forced her to sit out all but four games of her junior season. Austin will look to come back strong this season if and when the team is given the opportunity to play. Lastly, O’Neill has been outstanding in her first two seasons at Villanova. She started in 30 out of the 38 games she played in over two years and earned all-Big East
Freshman Team honors in her first season. O’Neill also contributed 28 points and three game-winning goals. In an interview with Villanova Athletics, Rosette, O’Neill and Austin discussed their feelings and reactions to being named this year’s captains. Rosette explained how she felt being a graduate transfer and still being named captain. “I am humbled that I have earned the trust of the coaching staff and my teammates in such a short amount of time to be given this opportunity, and this only drives me to be the best possible leader I can be for them, both on and off the field,” she said. Austin said that she is looking
forward to taking the already established momentum and leading the team to “bigger and better things.” “It’s been a goal of mine to be named a team captain,” Austin said. “I’m grateful that my coaches have the faith in me to lead this team.” Lastly, O’Neill acknowledged the feelings that she has about being named captain in only her third season and what that means to her. “I think being named team captain is considered such an honor, especially as a junior,” she said. “My time at Villanova has really been a process, especially with having a new coach and rebuilding a whole new program. Through hard work, we have been fortunate enough to have such success for the first time in
many years.” O’Neill was a member of Head Coach Chris McLain’s first recruiting class and knows that she has been and will continue to be an integral part of helping the program grow. As of right now, the team is only participating in socially distanced practices and conditioning. The Big East cancelled all fall sports and has yet to make a final decision about having a spring season. After falling to Xavier in the conference semifinals last year, the team is as motivated as ever to redeem itself. The team will continue to practice and get better so that if given a spring season, they will have another chance to compete for a conference championship.
Rosette, O’Neill and Austin will lead womens soccer for the 2020-21 season. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
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DINING SERVICES
Villanova Dining Services
Hispanic Heritage Dinner THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 Donahue - Dougherty - St. Mary’s
Chimichurri Flank Steak Fried Plantains Chicken Fajitas Spanish Rice
Chile Relleno Poppers Mexican Street Corn Chips & Salsa Caramel Flan