12.4.16 by Trinitonian

theTrinitonian

WINTER CONCERT REHEARSAL 15

Vol. 115 Issue 14

MEN’S BASKETBALL 19

MARATHON INSERT 11

Serving Trinity University, San Antonio Since 1902

December 04, 2015

2016

The annual Student Government Association elections allow students to select five First Year Senators, five Sophomore senators, five Junior senators, and the President and Vice President. All positions will be decided based on a majority of a popular vote. compiled by Angel Lozano & Abigail Birdsell graphic by Sam Skory

Vice-President

President After all that Trinity has given to me, I feel blessed to be given the greatest opportunity to give back to the campus and community that has truly changed my life for the better. There is nothing I want more than to represent the student body.

My goals as Vice President is to uphold Trinity’s longstanding traditions and to innovatively create new traditions for students, especially the international community. I intend to help the university grow and move forward with a studentminded perspective.

If elected SGA President, I will serve as a voice for the student body. I am interested in listening to the concerns of all Trinity students and pursuing issues that students are passionate about and in areas they wish to see change.

Brenna Hill

Chloe Bales

Regis Noubiap

I want to create unity between organizations on campus through a student House of Representatives. I would like there to be a mandatory percentage from every organization to participate. The subcommittee would be able to vote on a myriad of issues that students face.

Shivani Parmar

First Year Senator I am running for the position of first year senator because I can help further develop Trinity’s ever evolving and adapting community. I have held a variety of leadership positions in the past that I think adequately prepare me to take on this position.

Sam Afshari

Elise Hester

Emma Birbeck

I am hoping that, if chosen as the SGA Senator, I would be able to help improve and optimize communication channels between the student body and the Trinity administration. I love and care for the school, its students, and their respective ideals.

Iwanttohelpmake positivechangeat Trinity,andthereare alotofpeopleonthis campuswithgreat thoughtsonhowto improveourschool.I thinkpeopleshouldbe abletoturntheseideas intoareality,andifSGAis theorganizationtohelp makethathappen,then Iwanttobeapartofit.

Andrew loder

Monty McKeon

NEWS...1-6

MARATHON INSERT... 11-14

OPINION...7-10

I do not have any specific platform nor do I have many desires of my own and I’m not afraid to admit that. My goal if elected is to listen to my peers and to act on the basis of what they want and need, instead of acting on the basis of my own personal desires.

As a senator, I’d like to make it easier for students to be able to participate in volunteer opportunities despite their busy schedules. I love working with others in general, but I especially enjoy striving to create amazing and memorable experiences for my peers.

I will establish regular hours to be available to the student body for proposals and general discussion, and will collaborate with administrative personnel to begin growing cultural norms on our campus. Improving alumni relations is also one of my top priorities, as these associations can prove especially beneficial to both the student population and the administration alike.

Chloe Bales

I would be honored to serve because I believe it will give me a platform to better serve the Trinity community. My goal as a member of SGA will be to create that communication so the issues students feel strongly about can be heard at the decision making level.

I am interested in pursuing a wide range of issues around campus. For one, I believe that diversity should be expressed more on campus than it is now. I would like to see more cultural events and diversity programs, like Diwali, on campus.

Emmanuella OoguduPULSE...15-16

Jacob A. Sanchez

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...17-18

SPORTS...19-24

LET TER EDITORS

WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM • DECEMBER 04, 2015 •

TO THE

NEWS

WEEKLY FORECAST

NEWS BRIEFS

Friday H 64 L 39

San Antonio

Three buildings on the west side of Alamo Plaza have recently been purchased to undergo renovations. The Texas General Land office bought the buildings for $14.1 million from the Service Life and Casualty Insurance Co. of Austin. There is no news as to what will happen specifically to the buildings. Currently, tenants such as Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, the Guinness World Records Museum, Del Sol and Grand Trolley are housed in the three buildings. The project is one piece of a master plan to rejuvenate the area and bring it into the 21st century. mysa.com

National

On Tuesday, December 2nd, three heavily armed assailants attacked a social services center in San Barnadino, California. The attackers killed 14 and left 21 others wounded. After an initial escape from the scene, the three were found in a suburb near the scene. A shootout initiated which killed two of the suspects. Police are investigating possible motivations and possible connections to terrorism. cnn.com

Sunday H 69 L 41

Saturday H 66 L 44

UPCOMING EVENTS What: First Friday Breakfast When: 10:30 a.m. Where: Heidi Lounge

6 SUNDAY What: Christmas Vespers When: 6:00 p.m. Where: Parker Chapel What: San Antonio Rock ‘N’ Roll When: 7:30 a.m. Where: Through campus

7 MONDAY What: Biology Seminar When: 4:00 p.m. Where: CSI Room 437 What: San Antonio Youth Literacy When: 3-4:30 p.m. Where: Waxahachie

Tuesday H 68 L 46

Wednesday H 70 L 51

Thursday H 74 L 56

TUPDBriefs

4 FRIDAY

What: Christmas Concert When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Laurie Auditorium

Monday H 66 L 42

Location: McLean Residence Date: 11-24-15 Time: 1:25 a.m. Classification: Alcohol consumption

Location: Sector 2 Date: 11-20-15 Time: 12:43 a.m. Classification: Alcohol Violation

Location: Mabee Dining Hall Date: 11-21-15 Time: 2:21 a.m. Classification: Alcohol Violation

Location: Lot A Date: 11-24-15 Time: 2:51 a.m. Classification: Controlled Substance Act Location: Marrs McLean Date: 11-27-15 Time: 3:07 p.m. Classification: Fire Alarm

Location: McLean Residence Date: 11-20-15 Time: 2:08 a.m. Classification: Fire Alarm

Location: Herndon Residence Date: 11-22-15 Time: 4:30 a.m. Classification: Alcohol Violation

Location: McLean Residence Date: 11-24-15 Time: 1:25 a.m. Classification: Alcohol Violation

Location: Beze Residence Location: Bell Center Date: 11-20-15 Date: 11-19-15 Time: 9:09 p.m. Time: 10:44 a.m. Classification: Controlled Substance Classification: Fire Alarm Act Location: Sector 2 Location: CSI Date: 11-21-15 Date: 11-19-15 Time: 2:07 a.m. Time: 3:37 p.m. Classification: Evading Arrest Classification: Burglary

Classifieds

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International

On Thursday, December 3rd the United Kingdom began air strikes on Syria. In the wake of the Paris attack France began dropping deadly bombs on heavily guarded jihadist territory. In addition to the French air attacks the UK has begun as well. Some have argued that the air strikes will only further the jihadist movement and push more individuals to join the movement against the West. The UK attacks were centered on six targets within the occupied state. It is unclear yet how long the strikes will continue. bbc.com compiled by Tyler Boelts

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Corrections In our previous issue the story Housing survey circulates Trinity campus, the reporter covering the story was Jessica Luhrman and not Alexandra Uri.

Opinions expressed in the Trinitonian are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Trinity University, its students, faculty, staff or the Trinitonian. Editorials represent the opinions of the Trinitonian Editorial Board. The first copy of the Trinitonian is free; additional copies are 50 cents each. ©2015. All rights reserved.

NEWS • DECEMBER 04, 2015

• WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM

Sophomore Senator I want to represent the wants and needs of my constituents. Being involved in the campus life of students is very important to me, and I feel like SGA is a way to get involved and help better the campus life for students.

Sammy Abdallah

I want to create the change that Trinity students want to see in their community. I am a firm believer in the fact that you cannot complain about something unless you take initiative to change it—running for SGA is my initiative.

nathan dullea

james burford

rebecca andruzzi

I would like to improve the communication between the student body and Student Government by getting suggestion boxes set up around campus, and improving the SGA social media accounts.

If you know me, you know I love animals. As a senator, I would seek to create a pet friendly dorm for other animal lovers. This matter is especially important for individuals who need animals for mental health.

connor hahn My goals, should I be elected, would be to address the allergy issues in Mabee and the quality of food on campus as I am gluten intolerant and also face a lot of issues regarding the food. I would also like to address the issue of the residency requirement on campus.

madeline sears

My goals are to work towards having the voices of the student body heard by their representatives and do what it takes to bring these views to the attention of the Trinity Administration.

My goals are to successfully represent and listen to various issues of the student body. Specifically, I want to be part of legislation that discusses residential housing and dining plan options that best fit our growing student’s growing desires.

lena dennington As a senator I would continue following the favorable ideas of the existing administration. However, I will also learn and develop new ideas from the student body and staff, present these ideas, and hopefully implement them.

joseph khalaf Should I be elected, one of my goals is to improve the budgeting for campus clubs and organizations so that each club is able to get the most out of their club for its members.

I believe I can represent the students of Trinity University. Most students do not know where to address their problems and I feel I would able to send them to the right place. Also, my goals include more trinicats.

alexander perkowski

election ends dec. 6

brittany yeargan

Junior Senator My main goal will be increasing attendance at SGAsponsored events and response rates to SGA announcements, electronic surveys, and etc.

chloe bales

stephen thai

I would like to focus on bridging the gap between the administration and the student body. I will do this by pursuing different initiatives that will ultimately make information more accessible to students.

nicole gardini

This position would allow me to serve my fellow students and gain valuable experience in working with fellow officers and achieving success. I feel that this position would serve as an excellent opportunity to give back to this stellar university.

brian goll

kyle knusten

WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM • DECEMBER 04, 2015 •

NEWS

Day against tobacco

Trinity joins the nationwide stand against tobacco usage BY ALEXANDRA URI

NEWS REPORTER

Earlier in Nov., Trinity University participated in the 1Day Stand Against Tobacco. The national event was sponsored on campus by Trinity University Health and Wellness Services in order to encourage members of the Trinity community to quit using tobacco products. “In years past it was called the Great American Smokeout. So the name has just kind of changed over time. It just helps students, faculty and staff who are looking to quit smoking or some form of tobacco product for one day in hopes of getting them talking about making it a longterm health decision,” said Katherine Hewitt, wellness coordinator at Trinity University. The day was used to encourage people to stop using tobacco products and inform them of the health benefits of quitting. According to the American Cancer Society, “The Great American Smokeout event challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps people know about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit.” Health and Wellness Services hope that the 1Day Stand Against Tobacco will help anyone looking to quit learn the best way to go about it. “This just kind of plants the seed and helps people start thinking about if they would want to quit tobacco products long-term. It lets them know that the support and resources are available at Trinity, whether it be having a wellness consultation with me to set up a plan or we have nurses and a medical doctor on campus if people are concerned a little bit more medically about implementing their plan to quit,” Hewitt said. The campaign includes all types of tobacco products from cigarettes to chewing tobacco to electronic cigarettes. The 1Day Stand also focuses on the damages to the environment that tobacco products cause. “It’s also an environmental health issue. Whether it be a second hand smoke problem, which is an air control problem or whether it’s a chewing tobacco problem in terms of sanitary issues,” Hewitt said. The 1Day Stand was a part of the ongoing Tobacco Free Trinity Policy. This policy was created under the Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. According to the Wellness page of Trinity’s website, “The Health and Safety Committee of Trinity University recommend that Trinity University become a Tobacco-Free Campus beginning Aug. 1, 2017. This proposal is made in support of the University’s Strategic Plan and commitment to pilot new programs and expand existing ones to improve student success, career exploration and holistic wellness.” Students who did not participate in the 1Day Stand Against Tobacco but want to quit smoking can go to Health and Wellness services in the Halsell Center for help.

“There is nothing I want more than to represent the student body, improve the quality of life for all students on and off our campus, and exceed all expectations for our 2016 Student Government Association.”

Faculty and Leeroy discuss the dangers of smoking.

photo by Alexandra Uri

NEWS • DECEMBER 04, 2015

• WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM

Trinity Spirit Organization cheers onto the scene

New spirit organization aims to get students pumped up for events on the campus BY JESSICA LUHRMAN

NEWS REPORTER

The Trinity Spirit Organization became a registered student organization on Nov. 10. The organization aims to increase school spirit on campus. TSO’s constitution states: “The purpose of this organization is to infuse spirit into events and spaces on campus that are spiritless.” John “J.J.” Jacobs, assistant director for Student Involvement, serves as the advisor for the organization. For the past year TSO has been working towards fostering spirit on campus with the help of University Marketing and Communications, Trinity Athletics and the Faculty and Staff Spirit Committee. Spirit has steadily been increasing at Trinity, according to Jacobs, through a series of strategic efforts. The first step was for the university to embrace a social media movement by using #TigerPride on posts. “If you look up #TigerPride and compare it to last year, we are one of the most dominant

institutions that use that hashtag. There are a lot of institutions that have tigers as their mascot,” Jacobs said. “But if you #TigerPride, you don’t have to scroll all the way down to find Trinity, you can do one scroll and you’ll find Trinity. I think that’s the goal.” In addition to promoting the hashtag, TSO works to support the branding of the university within the community. “It’s been a movement. Once we took the first step of #TigerPride, getting a new spirit logo, doing the student organization, establishing the Faculty and Staff Spirit Committee, changing the logo on outfits, and embracing it, everyone started joining in,” Jacobs said. The organization also aims to promote campus spirit through tailgates, according to Katherine Devney, sophomore and co-chair of TSO. “For tailgating we’re out there with spirit items like the thunder sticks and foam paws. We do face painting and maroon hair spray,” Devney said. During games, Anthony “Scuba” Sanchez rings the Victory Bell when the team scores. Jacobs explained that the Victory Bell was transformed this year. “It’s the same Victory Bell, but we’ve updated it. Over the summer the O-Team

co-captains painted it and added the stencil of the spirit logo and repainted the sides,” Jacobs said. The Fight Song was also updated this year in hopes to increase spirit on campus. “University Marketing and Communications and I thought, ‘We have a fight song but it was kind of ragtime 1950s, and it hadn’t been updated since then.’ And so Dr. Brian Bondari over the summer organized and polished it up and created a score for the fight song,” Jacobs said. The Tiger Stand Band and O-Team practiced the song and rehearsed it over the summer. Jacobs explained that the sound was updated and a few new lyrics were added. “O-Team learned the fight song and added to shout ‘Tiger Pride’ at the end. And the song was born and recreated,” said Jacobs. One way that students can raise spirit on campus is by wearing maroon on Fridays, according to Devney. “Participating in Maroon Friday is a great way to show your spirit. That’s something that I don’t think a lot of people consider as they get ready in the morning. It’s fun and an easy way to unify the campus,” Devney said. The Maroon Platoon, which began last year, has been working to increase the number of individuals wearing maroon on Fridays.

“It is an opportunity not to reprimand students but to increase spirit and to make sure faculty, staff and students understand that on Fridays we want you to wear maroon. Do your best and if not you’ll get a citation. The good thing about a citation is that you get a 25 percent off discount at the bookstore to get a spirit item,” Jacobs said. Looking ahead, TSO desires to branch into the arts and theater to raise spirit in those settings. The organization also hopes to continue fostering spirit at athletic events. “In the future I can imagine TSO helping out with the programs at half time, and there’s talk of buying a giant spirit flag for every time we score someone will run down the field,” Jacobs said. TSO aims to act as an umbrella organization and work with other groups to raise school spirit. In the future, TSO hopes to work with Tigers for Tigers to create more tiger imagery on campus. “We don’t see too many tiger stripes on campus.” Devney said. “There’s really only see the mural in Prassel but not too many tiger centric things. So we’re interested in partnering with Tigers for Tigers to have more Tiger spirit on campus.”

Texas rejects refugees attempting to enter state

Governor Abbott along with several other governors close off state borders to Syrians BY ALEXANDRA URI

NEWS REPORTER

On Monday Nov. 16, Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, announced in a letter to the United States President that Texas would not accept any refugees from Syria in light of the events in Paris. In the letter Abbott wrote, “Given the tragic attacks in Paris and the threats we have already seen, Texas cannot participate in any program that will result in Syrian refugees—any one of whom could be connected to terrorism—being resettled in Texas.” Abbott’s statement deals with issues of state’s rights and federalism and is an area of interest for Trinity University political science professors. John Hermann, a professor of political science at Trinity, believes that statements like Abbott’s have some precedent based on three Supreme Court Cases. The first case is New York v. Miln (1837).

“There were a lot of immigrants coming into the country and New York prohibited paupers from becoming citizens of the state. The question became whether Congress had the authority to force New York to take these citizens. And the Supreme Court said no, New York had complete police powers over who could be a citizen. So, it’s not without precedent that state’s have certain regulatory powers,” said Hermann. Next, Hermann thinks that Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857) has elements of the Governor’s sentiments. “Tawny, who wrote the majority decision said you can be a citizen of a state without being a citizen of the United States. So that must mean states can have unique qualifications for citizenship,” said Hermann. The final case that Hermann discussed was Edwards v. California (1941). “The Supreme Court took a very different approach. The law was very similar to the one in New York v. Miln. California, it was right after the Great Depression, in 1941 wasn’t allowing paupers to be citizens of the state. And the Supreme Court basically overturned the Miln decision by saying Congress did have the authority under the Commerce Clause,” Hermann said. Despite this, the Supreme Court often holds the Supremacy Clause gives federal government the authority.

“Its pretty much held that the Supremacy Clause precludes states from getting involved in immigration issues, it is a federal issue,” Hermann said. While this topic is a political issue it has a human aspect to it. Some students and faculty disagree with Abbott’s statements. “I just hate the idea that because of something that happened we’re going to outlaw an entire group of people from coming to the United States based on their religion. I think it’s unwise. I think it’s un-sage. I think it’s un-American,” Hermann said. Many of those who oppose Abbott’s statement do so on the belief that the Syrian refugees are fleeing from the terrorist group that Abbott says will come to the United States if the refugees are let in. “As a Syrian I look at is as because you are not allowing people who are already dying because of ISIS and because their government is so bad you are making them victims. These people are the same victims of the attacks in Beirut and in Paris. When ISIS came into Syria in 2013, people were getting butchered. The Syrian people are fleeing them even though they are Muslim. ISIS does not represent Islam,” said Yara Samman, a sophomore at Trinity.

Trinity and multiple Texas schools under investigation

Care of sexual assault cases to be investigate by Department of Education BY JESSICA LUHRMAN

NEWS REPORTER

Trinity University is one of five Texas universities being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights in response to a complaint regarding the handling of a previous sexual assault case. Steven Bachrach, Title IX coordinator, indicated that Trinity disagrees with the complaint filed against the university and is contesting the case. “A complaint against Trinity University in how we have handled a Title IX case was made to the Department of Education and the Office of Civil Rights. We received notice of this complaint, and the DE and the OCR are now investigating that,” Bachrach said. “We are providing them with

documentation and interpretations of what happened. We do not believe that we have violated our policies or the policies of Title IX as dictated by those two departments.” The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has received only one complaint against Trinity for the handling of a previous sexual misconduct case. “In our case it’s just a single complaint. Other schools may have had multiple complaints but once a single complaint has been received then the Department of Education and Office of Civil Rights have to investigate and that’s the list we’re on,” Bachrach said. “It is not indication of wrongdoing or right— doing. It just means that there is an investigation that is taking place.” At Trinity, it remains unclear what caused the complaint to occur. In accordance with its privacy policy, Trinity is not releasing any specific information about the complaint or the sexual assault case related to the complaint. “The university position is that we feel that we followed all of our internal protocols, procedures and policies, all of which are aligned

with recommendations by the Department of Education and Office of Civil Rights,” said Sharon Jones Schweitzer, assistant vice president for external relations. In 2014, the DE was investigating 55 schools. This year, the number has risen to 146 schools, according to a list provided by the Department of Education. In addition to Trinity, Texas A&M University and the University of Houston join the list of universities being investigated by the DE this year. Two older cases are still underway at Cisco College and the former University of Texas-Pan American. Federal scrutiny often begins when someone complains that a university did not do enough to punish a student accused of sexual misconduct. The Texas Tribune reported on Nov.17 that Texas A&M is currently under review for the opposite claim—that administrators went too far when they suspended a male student accused of assaulting a female student. At the University of Houston details of the ongoing investigation have also not been released. Trinity’s federal review began this year on July 31. Schweitzer explained

that the length of time for the investigation is unknown. “I think it’s going to be a long process but I don’t really have any details about how it will be handled,” Schweitzer said. In 2011, the Office of Civil Rights compelled universities to investigate and adjudicate all alleged incidents of sexual harassment or violence regardless of whether or not criminal charges had been filed. The Office of Civil Rights pointed to Title IX, the federal policy that prohibits sex discrimination in education and threatened to cut federal funding to colleges and universities that did not take action to prevent gender-based harassment or violence and protect those students who had experienced gender-based harassment or violence. Rather than using “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard of evidence used for criminal trials, oncampus judicial proceedings may use the “more likely than not” (50.01%) standard to find a student responsible for sexual misconduct. Schweitzer noted that Trinity’s sexual assault policies are often considered a national model.

“We take each complaint very seriously, and we act quickly. We do it in an atmosphere where fairness and sensitivity are vital. Our processes and policies are evaluated annually, and they are often looked at as a model across the nation,” Schweitzer said. The Texas Tribune reported on November 17 that the Department of Education has the ability to cut off federal funding for universities that do not follow Title IX guidelines. However, in some previous cases, the funding has not been taken away and instead the department has recommended that universities reform their policies. Schweitzer explained that sexual misconduct of any kind is not tolerated at Trinity. “There isn’t a college campus across the country that isn’t dealing with these issues of its campus and doing everything it can to help students that find themselves either accused or find themselves in a situation where they have to bring a complaint. “Sexual misconduct and sexual assault are not tolerated among our community.” Schweitzer said.

Students prepare for the upcoming holiday concert at Trinity University.

WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM • DECEMBER 04, 2015 •

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

photo by Sarah Thorne

OPINION • DECEMBER 04, 2015 • WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM

...

pinion

We want to read your thoughts! Whether its about UFOs or pugs we love all topics. Submit your written pieces to trinitonian@ trinity.edu with your name, year, major and headshot for a chance to be featured in our upcoming issues.

Terrorism and red rhetoric

The past month was plagued by tragically violent acts of terrorism. Outside the United States, ISIS successfully carried out three separate acts of terror. A Russian plane was destroyed in the sky above Egypt, suicide bombers attacked Beirut and Paris was besieged by barrages of bullets and bombs. JEFF SULLIVAN In total, nearly half a thousand people lost My Perspective their lives. In the days and weeks following the attacks in Paris, various Republican candidates unleashed a torrent of support for the swift and immediate decimation of the rising threat of radical Islam that is ISIS. They spoke of the tenacity that this enemy poses, and rightfully so. However, the rhetoric didn’t stop at defeating ISIS. Purposefully or not, Muslims as a whole seem to have been affected following the attacks in Paris, and it may have something to do with red rhetoric spillover. Immediately following the attacks in Paris, many of the Republican candidates were quick to voice their beliefs that the US should no longer admit Syrian refugees into the country. Despite the rigorous background checks that are purportedly used when determining whether or not to admit refuges, the right called for a complete halt. Well, not all of them called for complete blockage. Dwindling presidential hopeful Jeb Bush asserted that Syrian refugees could be

admitted, as long as they could prove they were Christian. Donald Trump made statements that were falsely interpreted as him suggesting American Muslim citizens ought to wear special ID badges. This is not what he said. He simply suggested that Muslims be entered into special databases that specifically recognize their status as Muslims in the country. Small swatches of radical Islamic terrorists seem to have succeeded in terrorizing beyond Paris. The backlash against Muslims, even those who are American citizens, was striking at first. On Nov. 22, it became revolting. It was then that at least a dozen people gathered outside of a mosque in Irving, Texas to protest the “Islamization” of America. Several of the protesters carried assault rifles. This protest was an act of terrorism on its own. It was designed to strike fear into the hearts of those who may have been going to worship that day, as they believed they could freely in America. Unfortunately for one Republican candidate, the protesters seemed to have clear political associations. Along with a tactical shotgun, one man brandished a Ted Cruz yard sign. Others held signs that supported the Cruz sign, and it seems fair to assume that any of the protesters gathered would have voiced their support for at least one of the Republican candidates. However, that is only an assumption. Ted Cruz does not support domestic terrorism; at least I don’t believe he does. I don’t believe that any of the Republican candidates

How to converse

It is no secret us millennials have a different take on activism than our predecessors. Many groups of millennials take stands on social Stefanie Schutz issues and do not leave Guest Column room for discussion or less-than-extreme resolutions. Thanks to social media, the direct consequences of challenging views are not always expressed when we share that somewhat radical article on Facebook. It goes without saying that social politics surrounding race and religion are complex, and to ignore their nuances is to ignore the issue altogether. Censorship scratches away at free speech and causes the loss of the ability to converse and learn from one another. College campuses all over the country are experiencing this new activism which aims to create a safe space at the expense of the free speech of those with opposing views. Tension builds when administrators do not act to punish or stop those who express hurtful speech or opinions. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and others are protesting the lack of action by college administrators, to protect minority groups. In the case of Mizzou, protesters did not back down until the president of the university stepped down. This issue is being seen not only with regards to racism against African Americans but also against Syrian and American Muslims. While it seems Islamophobia is slowly taking over people’s attention, in reality, the issue of Islamophobia is converging with the current political tensions surrounding race, compounding the nuances, while offering a very similar example of the issue of free speech in social politics and the ability (or lack thereof) to converse. With the Paris terrorist this November, Islamophobia has regained its spot in every news and media outlet out there. A large manifestation of Islamophobia among American people is people’s hesitation to accept Syrian refugees into the country. Islamophobia is defined by dictionary.com as the “hatred of fear of Muslims or of their politics or culture.” Those who oppose acceptance of refugees are afraid of the culture these refugees may have been exposed to and their possible actions as a result of such culture and exposure. Those who support the acceptance of refugees draw attention to the radical nature of ISIS and how this radical behavior is not characteristic of all Syrian Muslims. While either view may be offensive to some, they are views which if unspoken or unexpressed could cause great tension, possibly greater than what we are

COMMENTARY

experiencing today. Some suggest a need to combat anti-Muslim protests and rallies in response to the reports of armed groups protesting Islamization of America by standing outside of mosques. Imagine if these people were not allowed to vocalize or assemble around their view, what means would they go to in order to express their views? College campuses provide a unique setting for political views to come together and be shared. Private universities like Trinity University do not allow campus carry and would not tolerate armed protests on campus. For a reason. Such protests are meant to intimidate and silence the opposing view. Instead of acts of armed protests, Trinity University and other universities invite students to have a conversation, and most attempt to welcome all views. Silencing a voice, by not allowing verbal expression of an opinion, does not make that opinion change, it just takes away the chance for fruitful conversation and resolution. I am not among the 40% of millennials who believes we should enforce a speech code, that prohibits speech which is offensive to minorities. I believe as young adults, millennials should work harder to understand one another and learn from one another. To the Muslim American who is afraid to practice their religion out of fear someone may say something, do not stop practicing. Continue to practice and engage in conversation about the personal value of doing so. To the BLM protesters, remember the value of conversation and seek to engage others with opposing views. Remember to respect each other, and your backgrounds. To universities around the country, enable the conversations, and do so by providing settings for students with all views to be heard by one another. Protect students from physical harm, but allow students to be challenged by words, especially those of different views. Islamophobia is not going away, neither is racism. As the U.S. heads towards becoming a minority-majority country, the number of people affected by Islamophobia and racism will only grow. It is an issue that will continue to cause tension until we can learn to converse with one another, without hate speech or violence. Silencing voices we do not agree with is not the answer. Conversation, which allows individuals to learn from others is the key. Social media allows for people to promote hate speech, but is not often used for constructive conversations. Each individual must choose for themselves to learn and engage rather than oppose and bombard. After all, a conversation is the only road to compromise. Stefanie Schutz is a senior biology major.

support domestic terrorism. I don’t believe that the greater majority of Republicans or Conservatives support domestic terrorism. But could the rhetoric they use be fueling instances of domestic terrorism? Threats and small acts of violence against Muslims are rising in the United States. Republicans seem prepared to keep refuges out of the country, and for what? Because it’s possible that one of the Paris attackers was brought into the country amongst refugees, although the evidence against that proposition is strengthening. The actions of radicalized Islamists are having impacts on Muslims as a whole, which is unfair, unjust and illogical. Muslims aren’t the only ones facing danger now either. A lone gunman opened fire in a Planned Parenthood parking lot, which left three people dead. There are traces of evidence suggesting he had intentions of acting directly against the organization. Who has been fiercely attacking the organization throughout their respective campaigns? It would be absurd to suggest that Republicans are terrorists. They’re not. Nor are they sympathizers to terrorism. They shouldn’t be associated with the Irving protester, or the Planned Parenthood shooter. It wouldn’t be fair to tie their rhetoric against the organization with the actions of the alleged terrorists, right? That would be a bit of a generalization. Jeff Sullivan is a junior political science major with a minor in English.

In the park, without a hurry After leaving home at the end of Thanksgiving break, I got stuck in some bad traffic. It wasn’t the worst delay I’ve experienced, but it was certainly nerve-wracking COURTNEY JUSTUS to wait behind a long line Turquoise Verses of cars, wondering if the main roads had it as bad today as the backroads did. My brother asked me if this route was usually so crowded. When I told him it wasn’t, he looked at me like I was crazy. He was worried about getting to the bus station on time. At first, I told him confidently that he would be fine, and would get there with time to spare. After getting onto Highway 281, however, I wasn’t so sure. As I sat with my car in park behind an old van, music playing on my stereo, I thought about just getting through this moment, then the next one, and all the moments after, as they came, just one at a time. I told myself that we would make it through this awful traffic and dreary weather, and we’d get back to our respective universities that day (and we did). We just didn’t know what our arrival times would be. In the end, my brother and I both made it back just fine. We were delayed a little under two hours, and I still got back to my dorm before it was dark outside. After the traffic jam, the rest of the drive was easy and even somewhat pleasant. The backroads from Austin to San Antonio have

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some lovely scenery that’s easy to admire even when the weather is awful. I have to admit, it was easy to forget about the anxiety long drives tend to cause me as I noticed the trees and houses that dotted the sides of the road and, in the case of the Hill Country near Austin, the mansions nestled among seas of green. These sights helped me realize that driving doesn’t have to be as bad as I often make it out to be. Even when you’re stuck in almost the same spot for nearly an hour, you can still enjoy the views, the music, and even the company of a passenger or two. I’ve often fretted over losing time, as well as simply not using it properly. Even when I’ve been productive with my time, I wonder whether I could’ve done more with it. Coming back to San Antonio that day, I thought at first of all the “lost time” that has accumulated. I remembered papers that needed to be written, reading that had to get done, unpacking and organizing that needed to happen later that day. But when I think about listening to that music, laughing with my brother, and admiring the views, I realize that I don’t have any real loss to account for. That day, I learned to stop rushing, cease my worrying, and slow down. Everything will turn out all right in the end, I told myself. And, in the end, it did.

Courtney Justus is a sophomore English and philosophy major with a minor in creative writing.

Frye, Dylan Wagner, Emily Elliot, Oumoul Setamou, Davis Alcorn columnists: Nikita Chirkov, Courtney Justus, Callum Squires, Jeff Sullivan copy editors: Daniel Conrad, Zach Wilson, Emily Wood photographers: Karina Duran, Eva Littman, Jordan Leeper, Sarah Thorne, Nayeli Perez distribution manager: Nikita Chirkov advertising staff: Donovan Allen, Laura Campbell, Lauren Harris, Kayla Hood, Jordan Leeper, Erin Patridge business staff: Krushi Patel, Jessie Taube adviser: Katharine Martin

WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM • DECEMBER 04, 2015 •

OPINION

EDITORIAL

A year in review Another year, another finals week of late night cramming, fervent praying and uncontrollable crying. Stockings hung by the fire with care will likely find themselves filled with adderall, liquor and general sadness. So first off, let us say, to all of Trinity, good luck. We hope you don’t need it. It’s been a crazy year: with that in mind, and with this paper marking our last of the year, join us for a look at the best, worst and downright strange of 2015.

The Good

Overall the year has been kind to Trinity: a new president, re-envisioned curriculums and programs, everyone’s favorite traditions upcoming. No one can say it hasn’t been somewhat exciting. And to culminate it all, this Sunday will mark another year of our participation in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, which, during its course, will pass through our campus. Everyone who lives around campus knows this all too well, particularly at 7 a.m. But despite the inconvenience that the road closures may cause or the fact that you may have to get up early, hold a sign and try to act alive, the marathon is a wonderful event. As President Anderson said in a recent email, the race offers a “tremendous opportunity to put Trinity University on the map for runners throughout the country.” To be a part of the huge event, which according to the race’s website, has raised over $310 million, is phenomenal. Marketing billboards and commercials on PBS’s “Downton Abbey” are great, but a real, visceral experience, from which runners and participants can share the experience with future students, alumni and donors, is what Trinity is all about. Even if it only lasts for a small portion of the overall route, get up, get out of bed and get excited. This is a chance to show San Antonio, and everyone, that we love our school. Feel free to stay in bed if you think otherwise.

The Bad

The Entertaining

According to NBC News, there have been more mass shootings than days this year in the U.S. alone. The recent tragedies in San Bernardino and Colorado Springs, which saw 17 dead and others wounded, has left us, speechless and saddened by the senseless violence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected. Every time we experience this type of horror, candidates, pundits and experts alike are ready to chime in; was it religion’s fault? What about mental health? Why aren’t guns banned yet? What about self defense? One thing is clear. Whatever we are doing isn’t working. And that’s a major problem. Take California. They have some of the more stringent gun regulation laws in the country, San Bernardino County included; buyers must fill out lengthy forms, get fingerprinted and pay fees. And yet it couldn’t stop the shooting. Information from the New York Times shows that reported criminals have used around 6,000 guns from other states such as Arizona and Nevada, where regulations are much less strict. Maybe part of the problem lies here. Maybe another part lies in the unfortunate fact that, for monsters like those who perpetrated the recent shootings in California, Colorado and even Paris, no amount of regulation or laws can stop them. Someone intent on breaking the most sacred of laws and human norms likely won’t be stopped by a piece of paper. Owning a gun is a right — yet it shouldn’t be a right that someone should enjoy if they attempt to use it to take the lives of others. True, if we limit the ability to own a gun then we are taking away a fundamental right that many Americans want and deserve. But if we don’t deal with the real problem of guns in the hands of dangerous individuals, the only way we can respond is reactively. We refuse to accept these incidents as normal or inevitable. Something needs to change—the United States makes up 31% of the world shootings, a number which is drastically too high. We don’t have an immediate solution. But whatever side you support at least we can agree on one thing: these shootings need to stop. We should be trying whatever it takes to get there.

Politics. From Turkey’s Prime Minister attempting to jail someone for comparing him to Gollum to whatever the hell Ben Carson thinks the pyramids were built for, the political circus that has been going on, notably in our own backyard, has made for some splendid entertainment. With the likes of Canada’s pretty boy PM Justin Trudeau to our very own no-holds-barred Bernie Sanders, the candidates running for office are offering us more than the rest of TV Land could hope for. Red Starbucks cups? War on Christmas? Stand aside war on terror says Trump and his sentient hair piece. Critique of donations and ties to Wall Street? 9/11, says Clinton stoically. It’s important to realize that these are potential elected officials and to keep in mind the weight of politics and our role as citizens as we laugh and cringe. But sometimes doing just that — sitting back and laughing, is just as important. That’s all folks! Have a happy holiday and we hope to catch you reading the Trinitonian come next semester. We’re sure the new year will be just as exciting as the last.

s r u o H e c i v r e S y t Communi r a e y is th r fa o s b a G e iv G Logged in All community service hours must be placed in GiveGab by Dec. 15

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Top volunteers so far:

Brendan Kennedy Emily Lupo

Hall 290hrs.

C A V U T rs. h 0 20

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Kappa Kappa Delta 89hrs.

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DECEMBER 04, 2015 • WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM

WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM • DECEMBER 04, 2015 •

rock‘N’

roll

San Antonio Marathon and Half Marathon

The P lan

here are some designated spaces for various groups. See the guide on the back of this insert for more information. Runners will have ascended a brutal hill on Tuleta only to face another one on campus. We ask that most student groups and departments line up on Stadium Drive. Prassel residents are encouraged to cheer from the south-facing balconies.

What You Can Do Runners are slogging through as many as 26.1 miles. They LOVE and appreciate attention, noise, spirit and, creativity. Come with noise-makers, colorful-dress, and loud cheers! Words of encouragement mean a lot to all runners-not just the ones from Trinity. • Wear club jerseys, athletic team jerseys, or anything Trinity. As a default, wear maroon! • A fun distraction for runners are the funny and encouraging homemade signs. Signs can be inspirational “Pain is temporary, Pride is forever,” or fun “Worst Parade Ever.” • The first runners through will be the elite runners. Cheer them on but give them space as they are competing for pride and cash!

Want a Trinity Rocks t-shirt?

oday is the last day you can get a t-shirt! To get one donate today at the Coates Center. The Kayla Mire Food Drive is named for 2010 Trinity graduate Kayla Mire who died shortly after her graduation. She was an ASR/SGA Senator and a strong ally for those in need.

Why it matters This marathon, which features as many runners as there are living TU alumni, is a chance to showcase the University. Annually, many runners listed Trinity University as the favorite part of the race – in spite of the hills! Specifically, this affords Trinity the chance to support runners, and burst the bubble by showing campus and civic pride. This has quickly become a new campus tradition!

s t c a F t Fas

• Runners will be participating in the half marathon (13.1) miles and full marathon (26.1 miles). • Annually about 25,000 runners from around the world participate in the San Antonio event. • The marathon course winds north through Brackenridge Park and past the zoo. Runners will enter Trinity at Devine and Stadium Drive. • Trinity University will be at approximately the six mile mark on the course. All runners (half and full) come through campus. • The relay hand-off spot, for those doing the half marathon relay, is at Alamo Stadium. • The Spurs sorority is staffing the hand-off spot! • As many as 100 Trinity Runners will be participating. Give them special cheers!

Our Neighbors Support Runners Too!

PUGELS Hotdogs

rock‘N’

l l o r

This space is left blank for you to make an awesome poster encouraging the runners!

18 theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014

Rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roll Marathon 2014

Available entrance to campus

KEY Group Marker

7 6 8

for supporters Taco Breakfast Race Path

The Trinity Experience

1. Victory Bell

3. Stand Band

2. Various Groups

4. ZipCar

President Student Groups Greeks Hope Hall Cultural Groups Athletics Teams Staff Parents Faculty Alumni

5. Cheerleaders 6. KRTU 7. Water Station 8. Band 9. James Hill (The velvety voice of Trinity)

The race goes on rain or shine and the runners can use your support regardless of the weather!

Feel free to stand with any number of organizations or to move around throughout the morning!

CAMPUS PULSE

• DECEMBER 04, 2015 • WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT “I think what sets Trinity apart are my interesting and caring colleagues, the motivated and committed students, and the hardworking staff.” Bill Christ, Communication

ulse

Trinity musical ensembles prepare to perform sounds of the season at anticipated annual concert BY EMILY ELLIOTT

PULSE REPORTER

In order to celebrate the highly anticipated holiday season, Laurie Auditorium will be filled with the sounds of bells clanging, voices chiming and musical instruments ringing; several of Trinity’s musical ensembles will be gathering on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. to perform their traditional abundance of seasonal holiday songs. With performances from the wind ensemble, the symphony orchestra, the jazz band, the hand bell ensemble and the assorted choirs, a great diversity of music has been organized and rehearsed to perfect in order to entertain the audience. Several holiday favorites are expected to be played, and as each of the musicians anticipate a great turnout, the performing arts department has prepared for a successful show. As large crowds have gathered for the concert in the past, performers often look forward to this concert in order to have the opportunity to play for a large number of people. “The Christmas concert is by far the most popular concert at

Trinity, both with the students and with outsiders from around San Antonio. It is a lot of fun to provide a fun time for such a large crowd,” said Bryan Schrock, a senior computer science major and jazz band performer. The concert also allows students to enjoy performances executed by friends and peers in other ensembles, which is a rare opportunity. “This will be my fourth and last Christmas concert. I play in the jazz band, and we normally play as exit music in the lobby, which is actually great because I can sit back and enjoy the full concert and then play in a much more intimate setting. People normally will stand around and watch our entire performance,” Schrock said. Many ensembles select wellknown pieces to perform. For example, the Trinity jazz band has selected a montage of holiday music from one of the most familiar, beloved sources of entertainment in production history. “Jazz ensemble will be playing a Peanuts Christmas montage, and it’s very fun. I think people will really enjoy it,” said Savannah

Senior NICK TOFFOHETO prepares to play bass at the Christmas concert which will take place Friday.

photo by Sarah Thorne

Sophomore FINLAY MCCRACKEN (middle) and senior MATTHEW SAXON (right) practice saxophone.

Wagner, a junior religion major and jazz band performer. Despite the stress of finals building, performers practice frequently, guaranteeing high quality performances. “While it’s not my first performance, I expect a good show from all the groups. We often don’t have much time to put together a Christmas program, yet it still turns out well,” Wagner sad. The concert also provides an opportunity for members of the Trinity community to come together; some performers have already begun looking for ways to include even more listeners. “It’s just a nice time to get together with family for some spirited music. There are a lot of talented people playing who make a wonderful evening of it. I only wish it was more of a holiday concert instead of a Christmas concert as far as music selections go, but maybe this year will surprise me. I think more diverse music might draw even more people,” Wagner said. For some, this performance is one of their first at Trinity, and the excitement leading up to the concert has prepared performers for a special night. “This is my first Christmas concert at Trinity, so it will be different performing for this community, but I look forward to playing the music and helping bring the community together,” said Marshall Tickner, a first-year physics major. The ability to observe the talents or others while performing simultaneously is a chance the student performers really look forward to.

“I’m performing in three of the groups, so I’m really looking forward to the diverse experience of performing in each of the groups. It’s going to be a great night with lots of great music from all of the ensembles. I think it is a great opportunity for the Trinity community to come together and celebrate the spirit of the holidays,” Tickner said. The holiday concert is an event open to the public, allowing the performers to share their talents with viewers not associated with Trinity. “It’s a really unique event for Trinity because it not only pulls all the musical ensembles together in a way the other concerts do, but it’s also really popular with the San Antonio community. I think it’s a really fun time to connect with the community and showcase some really great artists and musicians at Trinity,” said Anna Rigodanzo, a sophomore neuroscience major and jazz band performer. Some performances of the concert will also allow for audience participation, which is a favorite portion of the event for both the musicians and audience members. “Everybody should come out. There’s a sing-a-long part that’s really fun because it gets the crowd involved; two Christmas sing-a- longs were picked to sing with the choir. It’s a really fun, interactive way to get in the holiday mood during such a stressful time. It’s important to take a study break; the concert isn’t very long but it’s definitely worthwhile,” Rigodanzo said. The concert offers new, distinct performances every year,

photo by Sarah Thorne

providing audience members with alternative renditions of songs in the program. “This is going to be my fourth time around, so I already have some notion of how it’s going to pan out. I gotta say though, every year the choir always surprises me with some really cool rendition of a timeless Christmas tune. I’m excited to see what they have in store this time around,” said Gary Herron, a senior biology major. With timeless classics, altered renditions and holiday cheer in the air, this annual concert promises to get all of the audience members excited for the show; free admission and refreshments may even beckon more viewers to attend. “Every year there’s something different. In addition to the main concert, there’s music provided before and after the concert, giving the audience a wealth of Christmas cheer. And of course it’s free,” Herron said. As the semester concludes, students and faculty members will begin to prepare for finals, submit final papers and hastily pack their bags to return home; in the middle of this hectic, stressful time, the performers and organizers of the concert hope to remind everyone that this really is the most wonderful time of the year, and soon enough, everyone in the Trinity community will be celebrating the holiday season and the end of another semester. The annual holiday concert will take place this Friday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is organized on a firstcome, first-serve basis.

WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM • DECEMBER 04, 2015 •

CAMPUS PULSE

Faculty on Oakmont deck the halls for annual tradition PULSE REPORTER

On Sunday Dec. 6, Trinity will continue its annual Christmas on Oakmont tradition. This festive event, includes free food and caroling and will take place after the annual Christmas Vespers worship service. Both of these events are preceded by Trinity University’s annual Christmas Concert on Friday, Dec. 4. Students will be able to visit houses on Oakmont Court, as well as the Holt Center. Faculty members such as President Danny Anderson and David Tuttle, dean of students and vice president for student affairs will open their houses to the community to share the holiday spirit. Michael Bacon, the vice president for alumni relations and development, and his family will be joining the tradition for the first time. The event is open to Trinity students and their guests, as well as families dwelling in the San Antonio area. During the event, music ensembles such as the Chamber Singers and the university’s a cappella groups travel around to each home to sing for the guests of the evening. The Chamber Singers in particular break into small groups and travel door-to-door to sing holiday favorites. Kassie Kelly, a member of Trinity’s Chamber Singers, states that it is her “most favorite Trinity tradition.” She enjoys the festive community affair, and participated in the caroling last year. “It’s very welcoming to be able to see presidents and administration members participate,” Kelly said. Kelly is also involved in Overheard, Trinity’s co-ed a cappella group that specializes in jazz and hinted towards a possible appearance by the group. Attendees are free to come and go as they please and can travel to each house to enjoy different foods and decorations. Reverend Stephen Nickle, the university chaplain, has enjoyed the tradition with his own children and states that the custom was around before he began serving at Trinity in 2000. Nickle enjoys

running into students he knows and being able to wind down after the more traditional Vespers service. He calls the Oakmont custom a “transitional moment in the life of the University” as the students and professors prepare for finals and the following winter break. There is a wide sense of hospitality during Christmas on Oakmont, and several of Trinity’s student groups participate as well. The Saturday before the festivities ensue, groups such as the Trinity University Student Ambassadors participate in decorating the

Christmas on Oakmont

BY SIDNEY HOPKINS

Dean Tuttle & family Gingerbread squares with whipped cream and hot apple cider

Conferences & Special Programs Mini pumpkin tarts and eggnog

neighborhood. They also help the faculty members serve food and keep order as participants move throughout the Oakmont houses. Many guest dress up in festive wear for the caroling — which means ugly Christmas sweaters and Santa hats galore. Christmas on Oakmont is a moment for everyone to be able to relax before finals begin the following week. Vepsers will take place at 6 p.m. at Parker Chapel, and Christmas on Oakmont will immediately follow on Oakmont Court.

VP Michael Bacon & Family

VP Michael Fischer & Family

Susie cakes and hot chocolate

Chicken and pork tamales with salsa and fresca, gingerale, and orange juice punch

VP Charles white & Family

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

President Anderson & Family

Chicken and pork tamales with salsa and fresca, gingerale, and orange juice punch

Chicken taquitos with mild salsa and almond horchata

Individual pretzel candy canes and cranberry apple mulled cider

FYE: The first semester A century of memories: the Mirage turns 100 BY ZOHEB HIRANI

PULSE INTERN

This semester was the first in which every first-year student took a first-year experience class (FYE), which is essentially a 6-credit class with a writing workshop and a seminar class combined. FYE topics ranged over many diverse topics, from food and happiness to climate change. The “guinea pigs” of this combined structure have reported mixed feelings about their experiences. Yasmeen Alayli, a student in the HUMA FYE, said that it’s been an enjoyable part of the semester. “I think the content is useful. I feel more well-rounded. I don’t know how applicable the content is to the real world, but it’s fun to have a relief from major-related classes.” Victoria Abad, a student of the FYE, What We Know that Just Ain’t Know, had a lot to say about her experience. “I like how we talk about things that we think are true. We investigate myths and challenge our beliefs. It just makes you ask yourself, ‘what are we doing in this world?’ I do wish the activities varied more because the classes get repetitive. Maybe we could have done some debates.“ Not every student was thrilled with their FYEs. Emily Babcock, a student in the Science Fiction FYE, disapproves of the 6-credit, compact course structure. “I feel like it’s made me a better writer, but it’s a lot to handle. It’s really hard to adjust to right after high school, especially if you’re a bad writer. I wish the classes weren’t integrated into a 6- credit course. My essays usually don’t even have much to do with the readings.” Jacob Hudson, in the FYE, Being Young in Asia, is also annoyed with how FYEs demand both writing and reading. “I like the discussions we have and it’s active thinking rather than just listening to a lecture. The volume of writing isn’t fun, but it’s good for teaching kids how to organize your writing and research efficiently. I think my class focuses too much on the content and quantity of writing rather than mechanics and syntax. I feel like I’ve gotten worse with my mechanics. I wish we could have a few lectures based solely on how to write.” Whether a student liked FYEs or not, he or she will be able to evaluate the overall experience during upcoming course evaluations and feedback will be taken into account when designing and preparing FYEs for the future.

photo by Karina Duran

Junior KATY FREEMAN and sophomore SHELBY DEVORE serve as the co-editors of the 100th Mirage yearbook.

BY OUMOUL SETAMOU

PULSE REPORTER

Have you ever wondered why yearbooks are so important? No, seriously, ponder this question for a moment. Beyond the countless “awe I looked so good” or “whoops, did I really dress like that my first year of college?” what is your motivation for looking through a school yearbook? With today’s technology, it is easy to look up an old friend through social media and communicate there, but a print yearbook is so much more than that. Yearbooks are written records of what is most relevant to students. Collective and ageless, yearbooks tell the story of the year at a specific

school, reflecting on its richness and diversity. The Trinity Mirage does just that. This school year marks the 100th anniversary of the Mirage and yearbook co-editors Katherine Freeman and Shelby DeVore couldn’t be more excited and determined to celebrate the anniversary in a very specific way. “We are trying to show the history of the Mirage and show how it has been portrayed the last 100 years. We are including old pictures from past books, facts and interviews from professors,” Devore said. Looking at old copies of the Mirage, it is pretty evident that the quality of the pictures and the

design of the Mirage has changed drastically. The evolution of Trinity’s unique heritage is portrayed in past yearbooks that truly showcase how Trinity has grown to become a top private university for the study of liberal arts and sciences. “I have really enjoyed looking through the ‘70s and the ‘80s. There are some really funny and interesting pictures. It’s cool to see how things have changed since then,” Devore said. Good storytelling never gets out of style and as time comes and goes, you will always be able to look back at the memories saved in yearbooks. That being said, what can we look forward to in this year’s Mirage? Both Freeman and Devore are exploring new ideas and twists to making this anniversary one to remember, and have done that through different event promotions ranging from a Dia de los Libros event where old pictures and old yearbooks were out, allowing the Trinity community to look through them and possibly see previews of this year’s yearbook. Long after you’ve graduated, your yearbook will hold photos and reminders of your time at Trinity for you to look back on with fondness.

“I think many people find joy in possessing a physical copy of their memories. From photo albums, to scrapbooks, to yearbooks, holding your memories in front of you and sharing them with someone else is simply really fun. Yearbooks do a great job of grouping these memories and describing them in imagery and story, something you can’t always find or preserve online,” Freeman said.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT•

NEWS MTV announced its name for the generation following Millennials: the Founders. Founders, who have grown up in a fully digital world, are becoming more and more coveted by marketers and advertisers as they try to understand the up and coming group. Other names surrounding the generation’s digital lifestyle are also popular, but according to MTV, “Founders” seems to focus on the building mentality so commonly found in teenagers today.

AE 17

DECEMBER 04, 2015 • WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM

TV Amazon pulled advertisements for its new show “The Man in the High Castle” from the New York City subway system. The show, which shows an alternate world where Axis powers won World War II and divide the United States, began streaming Nov. 20 with ads planned to run through Dec. 6. Mayor de Blasio urged the tech company to remove the ads saying they are “irresponsible and offensive to World War II and Holocaust survivors, their families, and countless other New Yorkers.”

Cruisin’ for a snoozin’: Where to sleep on campus BY DYLAN WAGNER

A&E WRITER

Pros: Private, secluded, includes bathroom and (emergency chemical) shower Cons: Is a bathroom

Dicke-Smith Art Building Let’s be honest: dorms are the worst places to study. But with finals rapidly approaching and sleep rapidly decreasing, we college students need our sheep-counting time more than ever — it’s a Catch-22 (for those of you that aren’t English majors, a Catch-22 is a game in which you try to catch 22 hours of sleep over two weeks of finals). So how can you keep up with your studies without losing precious time sleeping in your knowledgesucking dorm bed? Whether your roommate is aerating the room with Mabee gas or you are locked in an academic building, it is important to know alternate places to sleep on campus.

The Basement of CSI

This spot gets taken quickly, so you have to be ready to act as soon as you need some shut-eye. If you are studying in CSI, sneak down to the basement and head down the creepy hallway where the strange mechanical noises come from. After walking for an eternity and a half, you will find a unisex bathroom. Sleep in it.

Before choosing this spot, be warned: you will need a friend who is enrolled in a music class. More accurately, you will need their Tiger Card access to the private music practice rooms. After you recite the ritual incantation to keep the cursed pianos from feeding on your soul (they think non-music majors are delicious), put on your nightcap and take a ride to slumberland! Pros: Has insulation, individual thermostats, semi-soundproofing and soft carpet. Cons: The walls and windowed doors make it look like you are in an insane asylum, and if you leave the door open, a horrible, wailing alarm sounds.

Dorm Lounges If there’s one thing that Trinity does very well, it’s public relations. During both of the tours I took of Trinity, the guides steered far away from upperclassmen campus, for a very good reason: for the most part, the freshman dorms are better than the sophomore and upperclassmen dorms. Keep this in mind when searching

Coleen Grissom releases highly- anticipated memoir The Trinity University experience is incomplete without a few key occurrences: eating a Mabee cookie, running up Cardiac Hill and taking a class with Coleen Grissom, professor of English. Her intelligence, wit and ability to improve her students writing and understanding of literature have formed her reputation as one of Trinity’s driving forces. Between being an English professor, dean of students and vice president for student affairs, Dr. Grissom has had a career at Trinity for over five decades. Dr. Grissom has recently published her newest memoir, “The World According to Coleen,” a 215-page collection of personal essays in which she reflects upon her time at the university and her various life experiences. One of the most memorable aspects of the book would be the dry, yet hilarious voice behind the words. “I do not tell jokes,” says Grissom, “I have a great appreciation for the absurd, something I have developed through observing life.” She

then proceeded to explain an instance on her drive to work in which a trucker had two bumper stickers. One said ‘Smile: Brighten someone’s day’ while the other read ‘Flash a trucker.’ “Do they really want me to lift up my shirt?” she asks. Grissom expresses that her favorite essays are “‘Companion’ Animals,””In Defense of Solitude” “The Art of Fine Dining,” and “Getting the Girl Out of East Texas.” All of these essays fall under the section titled “Life Choices and Challenges” and specifically focus on aspects of Grissom’s personal life. Grissom has no plans to retire either her career or her writing. “What’s most important is doing what you love and I have realized that I love leading discussions of great literature with intelligent people,” Grissom says. She also will continue writing either in her journal or through her monthly columns in “The Trinitonian.” “The World According to Coleen” is available online and at The Twig Book Shop for $17.99.

for places to sleep. If you have a scarily unshaved beard or your body odor clears a 15 foot radius around you, consider crashing in the Calvert or WittWinn dorm lounges. Your personal scariness will drive people away, and the lounges have nice couches to sleep on. Pros: A couch is almost a bed, and the Miller public bathroom is just a short walk away. Cons: People will probably throw things at you.

Places to Avoid: The Library Yes, the obvious thing to do would be to check out a study room and just collapse in there. But not only are these rooms in very short supply come finals season, students are so desperate for places to study that they will break down the door violently if you overstay your 2-hour welcome. As for the rest of the Coates Library, the constant surveillance from hidden security

cameras and experimental fear gas periodically pumped through the vents makes this a real no-no for slumber.

Your RA/RM/HM’s Room

Are you kidding me? In conclusion, life is hard, and finding a place to sleep is harder. But with these tips and a healthy competitive spirit, you should be able to find unoccupied snore spots, or at least kick out the unlucky sucker sleeping there. Happy Finals!

How to prepare for finals This also works if you look particularly haggard (which you will) and someone asks you how you are doing. Force a smile on your face, and they will immediately be assured of your mental stability. Man, the last three and a half months have flown by so fast! Now our professors are trying to cram the last bit of knowledge into us since final exams are right around the corner. The joke is on them because I know most of us have been checked out for at least a month because I can see several hundred vacancy signs when I just walk across campus. Unfortunately, we have to get our butts in gear if we want to be able to walk through our parents’ threshold with our heads held high and not in shame. It can be a stressful time, so let me offer some free advice.

Talk Less. Smile More.

Stop gabbing with your friends and hit the books. When finals are about, there is no time for chitchat. Just smile politely if you cross paths with a comrade, and then run as quick as you can to a solitary space.

Plan, Plan, Plan!

I’m gonna be frank, you need to plan out the next two weeks to the minute if you don’t want to go crazy. With finals, holiday activities, and gift makin and buying you do not have much time on your hands. And I’ll tell you, you don’t look cute when you pull three all-nighters in a week. Plan your studying and writing into specific increments so you can keep the stress as much at bay as possible. It’ll be a pain in the ass to follow, but you’ll thank yourself in the long run. Also, plan where you will study aside from the library. That place will be so jammed pack the next two weeks it’ll make a sardine can look cozy.

Eat/Sleep Regularly

This drone please meals

one is a given. I won’t on about specifics, but try to have at least three a day and six hours of

sleep. I don’t care what you eat, just do it. If you can manage, try to eat something orange or green all for the better. Also sleep wherever the hell you can. In the library, study room, or lounge. No one will judge you. In return, I ask that none of you judge me when you find me passed out under stairwells. Pretending I’m Harry Potter calms my nerves, okay?

Become a Trophy Wife or Husband

Just drop out of school and marry a millionaire. Then you don’t have to worry about making good grades, and your parents (specifically your mom) will be hella proud of you. It’s sooooo much easier than studying. For more information, there are many websites that can guide you in the right directin. Try Craigslist? Plus if you choose smartly, you’ll be set for life. Eyes off Daniel Radcliffe. That short nerdy man is mine. I sincerely hope that each and every one of you ace your finals. But keep in mind that your health comes first. That, and becoming a trophy spouse. It’s a tie really.

WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM • DECEMBER 04, 2015 •

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

#Notallmemes: The best memes of 2015 Here they are: by Nabeeha Virani

A&E INTERN

Looking back at 2015, it’s hard to find a way to sum up the entire year. Technology advancements and social justice initiatives, the politics and economics of the world and the music, movies and books of 2015 can’t be compacted into a single newspaper article. However, one way we can stand the test of our memories and time is through memes. Through social media, people have created memes and the best ones have spread and are widely known cultural references. The word “meme” comes from “mimesis” which means “that which is imitated.” It means “an element of a culture of system of behavior that may be considered to be passed from one individual to another by nongenetic means, especially imitation.” With memes being so popular (and hilarious) I decided to sum up 2015 with a meme of each month.

January: Not all men.

This meme makes fun of those who do not understand feminism and use “not all men…” as an excuse for the male gender. Yes, not all men behave in the same manner, but there are enough men who do for it to be a problem. This meme really brought a different perspective to those who thought in this way before and contributed to more people being disgusted at the concept of meninism and more open to use the word feminist to describe themselves.

February: Super Bowl left shark.

The shark that performed with Katy Perry during halftime and became instantaneously famous after seemingly forgetting his routine. It brought those who don’t really pay attention to the game itself something to talk about.

March: Iggy rapping.

This meme came to light after a radio show asked Iggy Azaela

to freestyle, but she did not fulfill that request very well. She became a laughingstock and even had to cancel her tour.

over the past couple of years, especially towards young black boys and men.

April: Rare Pepes.

Essentially, necessary items and equipment to do something or be someone. For example, I saw an “I’m not voting for Donald Trump starter pack” where underneath was a picture of a brain.

2014 brought us Pepe the frog, but 2015 was the year for rare Pepes, namely for good luck. Mainly different filters over the original Pepe that started spreading throughout social media. For example, “spread this Rare Pepe for good luck on your next exam.” Stuff like that.

May: Zodiac Signs.

Similar to horoscopes except for more fun and creative. Personally, one of my favorite memes. I just love knowing what kind of pasta corresponds to my star sign.

June:What are those?

This video included a young man speaking to a police officer, pointing to his shoes and asking, “What are those?” in an enthusiastic voice. The reason the young man was recording this interaction was because of the rise of discrepancies and shootings committed by cops

July: Starter Packs.

August: Miley, what’s good?

The end of August brought us the VMA Awards. Along with that, Nicki Minaj brought her A+ sass game, calling Miley Cyrus out for criticizing her previously. Nicki’s shade sparked a discussion on cultural appropriation and how women should support fellow women despite race and sexuality etc.

September: Why you always lying?

Created by Nicholas Fraser from New York, this meme became insanely popular because it is catchy, funny and relevant. His initial vine that included

the song he made was captioned “When she say she got a cute friend for you.” One of the best memes of 2015.

October: Hotline Bling. This song became instantly popular, but the music video was released in October, featuring Drake dancing adorably with aesthetically pleasing backdrops and dancers. It became a hit, originally because Drake is amazing and soon people started using it as reaction gifs and replacing him with other celebrities.

November: Thanksgiving Clapback. A Twitter hashtag that was meant to help people answer dreaded annual questions relatives ask during Thanksgiving dinner. For example, a reply to a relative telling you to watch what you eat would be “But you didn’t.” (Hope anyone didn’t actually use these, though. It just seems like unnecessary drama.)

How to avoid awkward questions over the holidays Paige Perez

A&E WRITER

It’s finally December, and we all know what that means: ‘tis the season to be verbally accosted by your family! At this point in your life, the only reason you show up for family holidays anymore is the homemade food, and the possibility that one of your cool relatives will slip you some Benjamin Franklins (that you will definitely spend on college tuition and not beer.) However, that being said, spending time with your relatives is rough,

because they always seem to ask you questions you don’t want to answer. That’s okay — follow this handy guide, and you can make it through the holidays without giving out any serious information about your personal life. Have a coughing fit As much as you love the fam, every time someone asks what you’re doing after college you can feel a quarter-life crisis coming on. Don’t give anyone time to induce your feelings of impending doom- instead, be ahead of the game and cough incessantly as soon as anyone approaches you. No one can question your life’s trajectory if they can’t get a word in

edgewise. The only thing people will be asking you tonight is if you have bronchitis. (The correct answer is “yes.”) Interrogate them first Anytime you’re in the hot seat, unexpectedly turn the tables and return the rapid fire. “Hey Aunt Becky, are you adjusting well to life after 50? Also, why did you and Uncle Tim get divorced again?” Whatever the elephant in the room is, be sure to address it. The more ruthless the better. You know you’ve done the job right when everyone is shocked

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information literacy

into silence and you’re left feeling the sweet bliss. Sure, your mom might get mad at you, but you can honestly say, “What? She started it!” Get it over with all at once Since you’re unlikely to get away completely unscathed and very likely to hear the same things over and over, it might be best to just get it all out in one go. Try making one big announcement when the whole family is gathered: “Before we begin eating, I would just like to say something. I am single,

Take a Paws

from studying for finals and come spend time with some therapy pets! Come by the Coates Library lobby on Wednesday, December 9th from 4-6pm some fun finals stress relief and play time!

directionless, completely broke and yes, an art major. No, I don’t expect to ever be employed. Yes, I will probably die alone with 16 cats. Great chat, let’s eat!” Hey, at least you’re up front about it. Fake your own death They say that teamwork makes the dream work, and that’s especially true if your dream is to escape your grandma’s relentless barrage of questions, such as but not (unfortunately) not limited to: “Why are you single?” “Why did Jason break up with you?” “Are you aware that your biological clock is ticking? Seriously. Have kids already.” Faking your death is the only rational way out of this situation. Keep in mind that this option is only for pros- it can be tough to pull off. The best method is to pick a sibling or cousin (preferably one also trying to weasel their way out of family togetherness) who can help you out. Then, stage your death, whether it’s “choking” on some Christmas ham or tragically getting “crushed” by a fallen Christmas tree. Your partner in crime can pretend to drive you to the hospital, and you’ll both be free from this holiday nightmare. At worst, you can kill a couple of hours while your family desperately tries to cope with the tragic loss. At best, your parents go along with the charade and you never have to see or speak to your extended relatives again. Be overly honest “Every time you ask me about my future, I break out into a nasty, tri-colored rash. Wanna see?” You’ll nervously look around the room before commenting on the interesting aroma coming from yellow snow. The subject will never come up again. Happy holidays!

SPORTS •

DECEMBER 04, 2015 • WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM

ATHLETE INSPIRATION “Time management used to be prob-llama until I came around.”

Dali Llama

ports

Men’s soccer concludes post-season run in NCAA

Trinity Tigers’ soccer finishes season with a 22-3-0 record

occasions, notching five saves in what would be the final match of his collegiate career. With this final game, Margotta reached a total of 89 saves. This is the most saves in a single season for a Tiger goalkeeper since 1995, and he allowed nine goals over the course of 25 games and posting a 0.36 goals-against average. Earlier in the match, sophomore defender Brent Mandelkorn struck the crossbar with a left-footed drive in the first half, while senior Derrick Horvath and sophomore Danny Ruano also tested the Amherst goalkeeper, Thomas Bull, with shots of their own. First-year standout Christian Sakshaug had two

decisive attempts on goal, both of which were stopped by the Amherst keeper to force the game into extra time. The Tigers reached the quarterfinal match by defeating the top nationally ranked, Brandeis University with a resounding 2-0 shutout. Sakshaug finished his ninth goal of the season to put the Tigers on the scoreboard early in the 10th minute of play. Just before the halftime whistle, fellow freshman striker Austin Michaelis delivered his fifth goal of the season to cushion the Tigers lead. On the defensive end, the Tigers led in the back by senior captain Tom Carwile, thwarted

numerous offensive runs by Brandeis and Margotta prevented all five shots on goal from finding the back of the net to preserve the shutout. This would prove to be the Tiger’s 14th and final shutout of the 2015 fall campaign. Reflecting on his collegiate career and his team’s performance this season, Margotta stated, “This has been my favorite season of my career because the brotherhood that comes with being a part of this team is second to nothing else.” Carwile and Horvath echoed Margotta’s feelings about the team and the season. “Although it was my last season at Trinity, I think that made it the best. Every practice, game and travel trip was cherished more because I knew it would be my last year participating in this amazing program,” reflected Carwile. He also added that, “During the NCAAs, I felt blessed I was still able to play the game that I love and enjoy more time with this team.” “We started out as just a group of very, very talented, individual soccer players. We became a real TEAM and group of brothers that I would do anything for in the future,” reflected Carwile. Margotta also added that “over the course of the season, our players really adapted into their roles, making us a better team overall.” On a personal note, Horvath shared that he enjoyed “playing a bigger role personally for the team this year” and that he, “really enjoyed the group of guys I got to play with this year for my senior season.” Trinity completed its season with a 22-30 record, falling just shy of a trip to the Final Four in Kansas City. It was a tough defeat for the Tiger men, who fell at the Elite 8 stage for the third year in a row, all in one-goal differential games.

This game was all about the turnovers with Trinity only having 8 to Hardin Simmons’ 19. Everything else on the board was fairly equal, Trinity had 42 rebounds and 15 assists and Hardin Simmons had 44 rebounds and 14 assists. Junior guard Monica Holguin led the team by 18 points followed by Richardson adding 13 points. Senior forward Bryony Harris led the team in rebounds having 9 total, really contributing to the number of turnovers, while also tying for the lead in total assists with senior Caitlin Barrett each with four for the game. Richardson added to her successful game by also trailing in rebounds having 6 total behind Harris. Overall, the Tigers had a solid game leaving no room for a comeback for the Cowgirls. This has been the best start for the Tigers since the 2003-04 season with eight consecutive wins.

Even though the Tigers have started off with such a great season it has not always been easy. The Tigers tend to get too comfortable with their lead letting their opponent comeback in the second half allowing the games to get close. “When the game gets close we just have to remember that basketball is a game of runs,” Richardson said. “We can catch on to what we need to fix to keep the game competitive or make a lead bigger.” With the team being led by six seniors and three juniors the Tigers are heavily stacked in upperclassmen as opposed to under class men representation The older girls on the team have done a great job according to head coach, Cameron Hill, on creating a team that comes together in times of struggle and competes every second of the game. “The driving factor for us this season has been the leadership of the upper class. I can’t say enough about them!” Hill said.

With a head coach so excited about your team and your showmanship on the court really helps the motivation aspect of the sport. With every game there is something to learn from because no one is perfect, and understanding that the Tigers continue to improve in order to achieve their goal of conference champs. Richardson said “We have so many things to work on like finishing lay-ups, free-throws and open shots. Our coach and our seniors notice that and we work on that during practice. We put focus on our flaws and really try to make sure we can rid of them by conference.” The season is still young, so the Tigers have lots of time for improvement in order to perfect their flaws by the time the playoffs come around. With goals set in mind, the Tigers continue their season attempting to further their record at home Saturday, Dec. 5 against Incarnate Word at 4:00.

BY DANA MCLAUGHLIN

SPORTS INTERN After 109 minutes of play in the NCAA quarterfinals the Trinity men’s soccer team found themselves in the final minute of the second overtime period. The second ranked Tigers were unable to find the back of the net with their five shots on the match, and it would be the host team, the Lord Jeffs’ of Amherst College, who scored the lone goal of the match to advance with a 1-0 victory to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. The match was a true clash of styles. The Tigers favored a more possession-oriented game whereas the Lord Jeffs or Amherst College relied on long, direct balls forward and a more agricultural or straightforward attacking style. The Tigers did lots of defending for the regulation period and in the overtime periods that followed. Eventually, Amherst’s attacking runs and shots into the Tigers’ defensive end, in addition to their significant size advantage, with five starting players who were 6’3” or taller, proved to be a largest difference in the final minutes. In the final minute of play, the ball was thrown into the six-yard box right to the feet of senior forward Nico Pasqual-Leone who prodded the ball past senior keeper Chad Margotta into the goal. Margotta saved the Tigers on many previous

photo by Nayeli Perez Trinity Men’s soccer ends 2015-2016 season strong with 22 wins, three losses and none tied.

Women’s basketball starts season with wins and victory

Trinity establishes competitiveness as the 2015-2015 basketball season tips off BY SARAH PRICE

SPORTS REPORTER Trinity women’s basketball conquered Hardin Simmons 64-56 on Saturday to continue their 6-0 undefeated record. The Tigers came out strong with a 22-4 start to the game, then kept the lead the rest of the game making it 39-23 at halftime. Senior center Anecia Richardson speaks on the team’s focus and determination. “Remembering to play our game and not play down to our opponents. Every team we play is going to want to be that team that ends our streak. We have the same goals for each game and we try to meet those goals every game,” Richardson said.

SPORTS •

DECEMBER 04, 2015 • WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM

Trinity men’s basketball starts off season with a struggle

Trinity Tigers defeated for their opening game of the 2015-2016 basketball season BY SARAH PRICE

SPORTS REPORTER Men’s basketball faces a tough start to the season including their trip this past weekend to Pacific Lutheran University. The Tigers opened up with a battle against University of Puget Sound losing 99-105 in double overtime. They did not go down easy half. In the first half, they were down 36-44, but the Tigers then outscored Puget Sound in the second half 41-33. Tied at 77 all going into the first overtime, the Tigers led by eight points with 2:30 minutes left, but Puget Sound came back to tie it up 87-87. The second overtime was a heartbreaker with Puget Sound taking the lead at 100-95 then finishing the game out with the lead. Rebounds and turnovers were the main factors in this game, having the Tigers ahead with 55 rebounds to their 43 as well as 24 turnovers to their 14. The teams tied with 16 assists each and Trinity led in fast break points scoring two to none. Junior A.J. Pulliam had an outstanding game shooting a career high of 31 points, going 10-20 from the field, 11-13 from the free throw line and 9 rebounds. Pulliam also led the Tigers with 5 assists. Sophomore point guard Matt Jones led the team in rebounds having 10 while also contributing 18 points to the mix. A game well-fought making 46.1 percent of their shots to Puget Sound 40.3 percent. The following day the Tigers took another hard lost against Pacific Lutheran 70-79. The Tigers were up 47-35 at half, but the Lutes came back strong after halftime tying the game 53-53 within the first two minutes.

The game was tied 67-67 with just over five minutes left, but Pacific Lutheran outscored the Tigers 12-3 to take the win. Leading the Tigers in points this game was first-year Ben Beatie with 19 points, shooting 8-13 from the field and 3-4 from the 3-point line. Beatie also led in rebounds with 8 total, while Pulliam had 16 points and 5 rebounds. First-year forward Isaiah Specks contributed eight points; sophomore Brian Blum and junior Joseph Thomas both shot seven points for the game to round it off. Josh Ingram led the Tigers in assists this game with four total. Trinity led in bench points this game with 23 points, 8 more points than Pacific Lutheran. The Tigers have different people stepping up in each game which is a sign of true depth on the team. Overall, the main difference in total stats was second chance points with Trinity having 11 points to the Lutes 23, as well as our 18 points in the paint to Pac Lu’s 30 points. Trinity finished the game with 39 rebounds, 21 assists and 13 turnovers, while the Lutes had 44 rebounds, 19 assists, and 9 turnovers. Even though they are off to a rough start, they know what they need to improve on and it is never too late to turn the season around. The Tigers have not had it easy having multiple injuries this season. “The biggest challenge early on this year has been the loss of 3 players due to injury and 1 due to ineligibility,” Jones said. “This has caused us to have to play a lot of young guys and so we are all trying to gain some experience together on the court.” Being such a young team brings many challenges having to know everyone’s tendencies on the court and learning all the plays. Court experience is not something that can be memorized it takes lots of time playing together in order to really gel as a team.

Trinity Men’s basketball kick off season with two straight losses.

Sophomore Nik Oakes speaks on the team’s plan as they move forward through the season “Our plan to improve is to obviously learn from games that don’t fall in our favor. We need to focus on learning how to play together and close out games,” Oakes said.

photo by Nayeli Perez

This team is one that will not give up quite yet and will continue to work on improving their game throughout the season. Looking forward, the Trinity Tigers put in more work this week and they will continue play at home on Friday, Dec. 18th at 6:00 against Hendrix.

Tiger Cross Country Trio races at Nationals Three Trinity athletes compete at Nationals BY CLINT SCHROEDER

SPORTS REPORTER Three members of the Trinity University cross country team recently raced their

way through a competitive field of cross country runners at the Division III National Championship meet which was held in Winneconne, Wisconsin. Senior Taylor Piske, a captain of the men’s team, and first year Oliver Langselius represented the Tigers in the men’s race while the women’s team was represented by sophomore Emma MacEachern.

In the men’s event, Langselius finished 149th out of 278 with his posted time of 25:46.50 while Piske finished 179th with a time of 25:56.10. MacEachern, who was under the weather for her race, finished 236th out of the 280 competitors with her time of 23:17:40. Head cross country coach Emily Daum was especially pleased with her runners’ performances at the National meet. “It was such a good learning experience for both Oliver and Emma with being so young,” Daum said. “Emma showed so much strength during her race, especially with the circumstances she had to overcome. Oliver recovered quickly from his fall and had the highest finish of any male Trinity runner at the national meet since 2008.” Langselius, who is was named the SCAC newcomer of the year for his performance throughout the season, became tangled with a group of University of Chicago runners and

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tripped over other members of the group, but he remained unfazed by the incident. “When something like that happens, you just have to adjust,” Langselius said. “Things like that happen. The same thing happened [to me at the Chile Pepper Invitational race earlier this season.]” Similar to Langselius, Piske also had a noteworthy season, which was recognized by the SCAC after he was named the SCAC Runner of the Year, which, along with his other accomplishments this season, Daum is very proud of. “Competing at nationals was the cherry on top of an already stellar year, Daum said. “It’s wonderful he was able to bookend his college career competing at the NCAA Championship meet.” Piske, enjoyed running a carefree final race of his collegiate career as a member of the cross country team at the nationals meet. “I came into nationals with all the weight off of my shoulders,” Piske said. “My goal since freshman year had always been to make it back, and I accomplished that. Finishing my career with the top 350 DIII runners in the country was all gravy, no stress.” With Piske’s and Langeselius’ performances in the men’s 8k event, both of them wrote their way into the Trinity history books for posting top 10 finishes all time in the nationals meet. “I couldn’t be much happier with how my

continued to page 21

WWW.TRINITONIAN.COM • DECEMBER 04, 2015 •

SPORTS

D. Alcorn’s NBA semester wrap-up Oh yeah, there is also Stephen Curry (averaging 5 three pointers a game, and 34 points) but I will refrain from gushing over his highlight-heavy year for a third straight week.

DAVIS ALCORN

SPORTS REPORTER

Well everyone, we made it! Wait, no I don’t mean to the end of the semester, but through one month of the topsy turvy NBA season. So much has happened so far that no one could predict, so let’s take a look at some of the biggest storylines from the Association one month in.

Perfection I almost feel bad for writing about the (at the time of this writing) 190 Golden State Warriors. Not only is this the best start for a team in NBA history, but since they won the last three games of last season’s NBA Finals, the warriors are on a 23 game win streak. This ranks as the third longest win streak in NBA history. So, they are pretty much setting all kinds of records. This is probably due to the fact that their roster has stayed healthy, which is especially important for their interior defense through Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli. Add in the ever-present defensive punch of Draymond Green and the athleticism of Andre Iguodala and the Warriors make for an incredibly well-rounded team.

The Opposite of Perfection Just as the sun has the moon, yin has yang, and the POD’s chicken sandwich has the weird Mabee equivalent, the Warriors have the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers are currently 118 but even that does not tell the whole story. Before Dec. 1, 2015 the 76ers actually had not won since Mar. 25, 2015, which was a little under a month before the last NBA season ended. What could make this worse? How about the 1st pick in the NBA draft, Jahlil Okafor reportedly getting into fights outside clubs, going over 100 mph on a Philadelphia bridge and attempting to use a fake ID at a bar (he is 19). Yes, you read that right. If any of you see him at Bay’s this Thursday, just know something is not quite right.

Surprising Disappointment I am going to give the award of biggest disappointment (narrowly beating out Anthony Davis and the Pelicans) to the chemistry experiment gone-wrong Houston Rockets.

Three Trinity XC represent in Nationals

I am actually baffled by the start the Rockets have had. They have only amassed 7 wins and have tallied 11 losses so far this season. What is even more unimpressive is their losses, who have come against basketball powerhouses (sarcasm) like the Denver Nuggets (twice), the New York Knickerbockers and the Detroit Pistons. Now I am not saying any of these teams are 76ers-level bad, but last season, all of these games would have been looked at as relatively easy wins. This can be partially attributed to the firing of former head coach Kevin McHale, the horrible numbers put up by Ty Lawson (averaging a career low 7 points per game and a measly 4 assists), and the comic-relief of James Harden’s defense.

PorzinGod Yes, the New York Draftee Kristaps Porzingis appears to be the real McCoy. Through the storm of draftday booing from Knicks fans, Porzingis has given us some of the best highlights of the year so far. In fact, some even began to use his name as a verb to indicate a ferocious putback dunk (“Porzingising”) because of the smattering he served up against the Knicks early competition. The rookie is averaging 13 points and 9.3 assists (almost a double double) through the first quarter of the NBA season and has given the Knicks’ “booers” their own foot to eat on most of his outings.

With his versatile size, solid footwork, and three point range, the 20-year-old Latvian is drawing comparisons to the likes of Dirk Nowitzki. Look for Porzingis to be a surprise rookie of the year contender if his good fortune on the court continues.

Wave Goodbye to the Bean The last major story this year was just legitimized as Kobe Bryant announced that this is his last year playing in the NBA. With enough champion rings to fill out one, very shiny hand, Kobe will play out the end of his NBA days as a true champion of basketball. Did he have bumps along the way? Yes. Was he accused of breaking the law in a fairly heinous fashion in the middle of his career? Yes. There is no doubt that he became a controversial character in the basketball landscape. What is not controversial is the fact that Kobe was, and is the epitome of passion, and dedication for my generation of athletes and spectators. From the behind the back reverse jam against Denver, to the Michael Jordan esque game winner in Phoenix, watching Kobe was guaranteed to bring out the “Did you see that?” and “Is he even human?” questions. Anyone interested in watching the Black Mamba on campus should note his final appearances against the Spurs next friday, the 11, Jan. 22, and Feb. 6 and 19.

continued from page 22 cross country career ended. My name is probably gonna get bumped off (the top 10 list) eventually, Piske said. “But, I’m proud of myself just for getting it up there in the first place.” As for the sole women’s representative at the National Championship meet, MacEachern did not finish as high as she was hoping for, but her ability to fight through her sickness proved the how tough of an individual she is, which Daum was especially proud of. Daum mentioned that MacEachern had to stop less than a half mile into the two mile warm up run before her 6k race due to dizziness. Daum noted that at that point, it had come into question whether or not MacEachern would be able to compete in the event, let alone finish. MacEachern also admitted that she too was questioning her ability to run in the race. “The thought of not running crossed my mind several times as I felt dizzy and my mind felt cloudy,” MacEachern said. “I had a mini panic attack, thinking I would finish last or have to drop out.” MacEachern cited the hours of training she put in with the coaches and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) involvement in bringing her and the rest of the runners to Wisconsin to run in the

championship meet as a major factor in enabling her to compete in the race. “I told myself to stop being a wuss and just run,” MacEachern said. “As soon as I started, all the worry dissipated and I felt alright. When I finally crossed the finish line, I had the best feeling ever.” MacEachern is aware that her experience would have been a more positive one, had she been completely healthy, but she is not letting the negative parts of her experience weigh on her too much. “Even though I did not have a great time, just the fact that I had competed at Nationals with the fastest DIII girls in the nation was a great accomplishment,” MacEachern said. “I would have definitely regretted [it if I had not] run.” With the nationals meet behind her, MacEachern mentioned, with her fingers crossed, she can now look forward to next year, where she hopes to be running at the nationals meet once more, but next time with the whole women’s team. With the promising results from the young team this season, Daum is already looking forward to next year’s season. “I’m very excited for both teams in what’s to come,” Daum said. “They are quite young, but are more determined than ever after the progress they made this year.”

Congratulations Christelle... You are making it happen!

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For unto us a child is born...

December 6, 2015 6 o'clock pm Margarite B. Parker Chapel Trinity University