The Yellow Jacket | 2022 Commencement Issue

COMMENCEMENT EDITION

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@WUYELLOWJACKET

APRIL 21, 2022 • VOL. 99 NO. 03 • EST. 1924

COMMENCEMENT 2022

WHAT’S INSIDE: COMMENCEMENT NEWS AA1 — AA2 CAMPUS NEWS A1 — A2 SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS BB1 — BB4 REGION | OP-ED/SENIOR COLUMNS CC1 — CC4 SPORTS NEWS DD1 SPORTS SPOTLIGHTS D2 — D3

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS FROM 2021 COMMENCEMENT

410 graduates to receive diplomas in 2022 Alumni Relations offers advice RACHEL PELLEGRINO Executive Editor

“It is a very proud moment for me,” Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee said in reference to the 2022 Commencement.

It will not only be a proud moment for President Lee, but also for the 410 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students who will receive their diploma at the 171st Commencement Ceremony.

“It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to shake hands with the students at Matriculation as they begin their journey and at Commencement as they are conferred their degrees,” President Lee said. “As I congratulate each graduate, I think about how much they have grown during their time here.”

The class of 2022 has not only completed the requirements for their chosen degree, but they’ve accomplished that feat through the unprecedented events coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic.

From virtual classes to mask mandates, the class of 2022 experienced many changes throughout their years

at Waynesburg. However, after two years, normalcy is beginning to return.

For the 2022 Commencement, Waynesburg University will return to pre-pandemic traditions with its annual Baccalaureate Service and two Commencement Ceremonies.

There will no longer be separate ceremonies as required by COVID-19 restrictions.

“We are incredibly excited to be able to return to full capacity for 2022 Commencement,” according to a prepared statement from the Commencement Planning Committee. “The smaller ceremonies during the pandemic were very intimate due to the size, and that had its own special feeling, [but] there is still nothing better than being all together in the full ceremony setting.”

The weekend of events will begin Saturday, April 30 with the Graduate and Professional Studies Programs Commencement Service at 4 p.m.

Then, Sunday, May 1, the university will host the Bachelors Programs’ Baccalaureate Service at 11 a.m. in Roberts Chapel

and the Commencement Service at 2 p.m.

The Commencement Planning Commi t tee collectively decided to keep these ceremonies separate because they wanted to make each ceremony a special moment for all graduates.

In addi tion to celebrating the graduates, President Lee recog-

in attendance, which President Lee points out, saying, “There is a wonderful symbolism to have present faculty, staff, family and friends who, in their own separate ways, have collectively contributed to the achievements of our graduates that we celebrate that day.”

Addressing the class

“As I congratulate each graduate, I think about how much they have grown during their time here.”

PRESIDENT DOUGLAS LEE

Waynesburg University President

nizes the strength of the community in allowing these in-person Commencement ceremonies to persist.

“It will also be a time to celebrate the continuity created by our strong mission that helped us persevere through these last few years continuing the long tradition of in-person commencements with some modif ications, even in the midst of the pandemic,” he said.

It will be a time of celebration with several

of 2022 for Commencement will be the Honorable D. Brooks Smith, Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and Laural Ziemba, Director of Public Affairs at Range Resources.

Smith will speak at the undergraduate ceremony and Ziemba will speak at the Graduate and Professional Studies Ceremony. Marilyn West, owner and Chief Executive Of f icer of M.H. West and Co. will also address the class of

2022 as the Baccalaureate speaker.

According to the Commencement Planning Committee, the previously noted speakers were selected by President Lee for their commi tment to Waynesburg’s mission of faith, learning and service.

“All of the speakers for the three ceremonies have a love of WU and live our mission in their daily lives through their vocations,” the Commencement Planning Committee stated.

As of right now, the schedule for 2022 Commencement is “tentative.” However, the Commencement Planning Commi t tee does not foresee any changes to the previously published schedule on Waynesburg University’s website.

“While we do not expect that to happen, we always must be cognizant and follow our Keep Waynesburg Well guidance carefully for the safety of all graduates, guests and employees,” according to the Commencement Planning Committee.

Now that the date is official, graduates can commence the countdown.

MARLEY WOLF Editorial Assistant

“I think the success of any school can be measured by the contribution the alumni make to our national life,” John F. Kennedy said.

As yet another wave of Waynesburg University seniors become alumni and set off to make their marks on the world, they will each start their new journeys.

W hile they may be leaving Waynesburg, there are many ways for them to keep in touch wi th their now alma mater.

To stay connected and remember how they got to where they are today, they can look to Alumni Relations.

The Alumni Relations d e p a r t m e nt h e re at Waynesburg University helps graduated students maintain contact with the university.

ALUMNI >> AA2

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APRIL 21, 2022

Q&A with the Class of 2022 Valedictorians What was your reaction when you found out you were among the valedictorian candidates?

I was actually really surprised, but excited after the initial shock! I wasn’t expecting to be a candidate, so it was a super neat surprise.

Why did you choose Waynesburg?

Sophie Kipe Education

When I visited Waynesburg for the first time, I felt so welcome – the family/community atmosphere was really evident to me. And, WU’s education department is such a cut above the rest. It just felt like the right fit for me!

Kenneth Cairns III Criminal Justice

What will you miss most about Waynesburg?

Definitely the community I’ve been a part of here!

It’s really been a gift to be surrounded by such awesome people all the time.

What are your post-graduation plans?

After graduation, I’ll be looking for an elementary teaching position in the area!

What has been your biggest challenege as a student?

What will you miss most about Waynesburg?

I would say that my biggest challenge as a student has been consistency. I have always expected a lot out of myself, and I knew I would have to consistently do well to meet my own expectations. If you want to do well, it is not about doing well just one time, but instead, it is about doing well every single time.

I think the thing I will miss the most is just seeing all of the familiar faces.

What made you choose your major?

I knew that I wanted to work in the Criminal Justice field, so I chose my major accordingly. I’ve always felt a calling towards this line of work. It’s hard to describe, but I just can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

What did you choose Waynesburg?

Honestly, I knew nothing about Waynesburg before I came for my campus visit. I live on the other side of the state; so, Pitsburgh schools were not on my radar. Nonetheless, I toured the school and decided that Waynesburg would be a good fit. It had everything I wanted from a great cross country/track and field team to a great communication department.

What is your advice for other students?

Rachel Pellegrino Communication

Alumni CONTINUED FROM AA1 They also offer a number of resources for alumni to take advantage of, such as with networking and attending inperson events.

“We have a quarterly alumni newsletter, we have our Lamp and President’s Report, which is our large annual magazine, we keep in touch on social media platforms and via email,” said David Floyd, director of development and alumni relations.

The department even provides more interactive ways for alumni to remain in touch and up-to-date with the university.

“There are volunteer opportunities, coming back and speaking to classes, being a part of our alumni counsel or advisory board,” Floyd said.

“There are a lot of events that we do. We have some virtual events and engagement opportunities, and then we also have events on campus, here locally in southwestern Pennsylvania, and then also across the country as well. We do

I think something I learned, especially during the pandemic, was not to take anything for granted.

Your life can be turned upside down in the matter of seconds; so, don't take anything foregranted.

John Lennon Life happens when you're busy making other plans.

have some regional dinners in different cities.”

Another aspect for alumni to focus on is the idea of “giving back” to the university, which they can do through Alumni Relations. Alumni can help keep Waynesburg education affordable for current students.

Looking forward as COVID-19 restrictions continue to lessen, the Alumni Relations office plans to have more events in-person and less virtual, similar to the ones they have held in previous years.

“From a standpoint of personal and professional development and lifelong learning opportunities, people are still interested in those virtual options, but from a standpoint of those events, and some of the more social gatherings, there is certainly a large desire to gather in person,” Floyd said.

Graduating seniors are encouraged to fill out an online form to make sure their contact information is up-to-date in order to stay in touch with the university.

More information and editions of The Lamp and President's Report can be found at: https://www.waynesburg. edu/alumni-resources-0.

What are your post-graduation plans?

So far, I have a number of applications out, but the hiring process for most agencies is quite lengthy, so it is difficult to say exactly where I will ultimately get a job. But between the experience I’ve gained, and the networking I’ve done here at Waynesburg, there are plenty of good opportunities in front of me, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.

What will you miss most about Waynesburg?

I think I'm going to miss the 4th flour of Buhl. Not only the physical place but also the people. I've met a lot of great people in the department of communication throughout the years, and I know they're all going to do great things one day. I'm just happy to have crossed paths with each of them.

What are your post-graduation plans?

After graduation, I’ll be working as a multimedia journalist for WOWK-TV in Charleston, West Virginia. I’m nervous about my journey ahead, but I’m excited for where this new path will take me! I am confident that Waynesburg University has prepared me for whatever lies ahead.

Senior tradition from 1949 lives on

Class of 2022 raises $1,725 for Unity Trail project MARLEY WOLF Editorial Assistant

The idea of graduating seniors giving a “senior gift” back to Waynesburg University has been shown in records dating all the way back to 1949. This tradition still lives on today.

So far, this year’s class has received 19 gifts, totaling $1,725, which will be donated to updating and preserving the Unity Trail. This total continues to increase as gifts will continue to be collected until June 30.

Even though gifts are currently being collected, the senior gift process began months ago with the senior class gift committee.

Ever y year, faculty and/or staff members submit applications for students who they think would be the best fit for a committee in charge of that class’s senior gift.

“It is a great way for the senior class to really memorialize their four years here, or however long they have spent here at the university and all the accomplishments they have had over the course of their time as students,” David Floyd, director of development and alumni relations said. “It’s just a good way to springboard into their time

as alumni from a standpoint of giving back to the university.”

The committee of students met with President Lee to receive information and background history about senior g if ts. He also offered some suggestions for the members regarding gift ideas.

According to Floyd, past senior gifts range from the bell outside of Hannah Hall and the new Waynesburg University sign, to a garden by the chapel on campus.

This year, the seniors d ec i d ed t o d ed i c at e their senior gift to updating and preserving the Unity Trail. Possible ideas to this project include creating an easier path to access the trail, planting new trees, adding a new sign and any other upgrades or maintenance that are found necessary.

“I know so many of our students have benefited from the generosity of past alumni, so it serves as a great bridge.

One to memorialize all the accomplishments of the class, and also to leave a permanent physically lasting legacy at the university as well,” Floyd said.

Senior Emma Hardacre is a member of the committee and was the

Courtesy of Jesse Hazlett

Senior Gift donations will be dedicated to updating and preserving the Unity Trail. student to propose the idea of fundraising for the unity trail as their senior class gift.

“We thought about a bunch of different things the campus needs, but we ended up deciding on the unity trial down

by Martin,” Hardacre said. “The Bonner that is leading it is wanting to make a little worship space down there. He's going to be putting in a flag pole that can double as a cross.”

The fundraising for this project mainly consists of letters sent to seniors’ families, parents and guardians

to donate on behalf of seniors graduating this year. Current graduating seniors also have the opportunity to donate as well.

Floyd works on the fundraising and ensures that the idea students are hoping to perform for their gift is financially feasible.

“It is a great partnership between the university and the community, so I think that there will be some great opportunities we listed as we promoted it to students and their families for this year’s senior gift,” Floyd said.

campus SECTION A

APRIL 21, 2022 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

Sigma Tau Delta hosts high school reading festival RACHEL PELLEGRINO Executive Editor

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Courtesy of Sierra Medina

Sigma Tau Delta empowers learning and development through high school reading festivals. The books included: “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper, “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls, “The Dangerous Art of Blending In” by Angelo Surmelis and “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd.

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“These students come from a variety of backgrounds. Some of them may have just a normal life at home. Some of them may have a single parent household or substance abuse household,” Morar said. “And I’m hoping that having this festival will encourage them that there is hope for the future and that they’re not alone.”

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ALEXANDRA MORAR

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President of Sigma Tau Delta.

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APRIL 21, 2022

Special Olympics championship Pottery exhibit is week comes to Waynesburg bringing new life to fine arts display -

MICAH LIETH Region Editor

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BROCK OWENS For The Yellow Jacket

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Waynesburg University hosts Special Olympics Championship week through the Center for Service Leadership adjacent to The Nest.

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Women at Waynesburg: Diane Hughes then and now ALEXANDRA MORAR For The Yellow Jacket

A Lifelong Learner

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“I feel that the only way to grow in religion, life and your profession is if you are always willing to learn.

DIANE HUGHES 1974 Graduate of Waynesburg College

Courtesy of Sierra Medina

Diane Hughes audits classes for fun in her retirement.

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Female Empowerment

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spotlight SECTION BB

APRIL 21, 2022 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

E D U C AT I O N

‘Find your why’

Courtesy of Sophie Kipe

After graduation, Sophie Kipe wants to enact change in the education field. She hopes to eventually work in education policy or administration.

Education major focuses on her future goals and how she can impact the field SIERRA MEDINA

Managing/ Op-Ed Editor

Early childhood education major Sophie Kipe knew that Waynesburg University was home from her first visit.

Kipe said Waynesburg really gives you a lot of “bang for your buck,” especially within the Department of Education.

“They care about my interests. They care about what I'm good at. They care about what I'm not,” Kipe said. “I feel like they've just made an effort to get to know me, and I’ve also seen that with my peers.”

Kipe has participated in numerous types of cam-

pus ministry activities in her time at Waynesburg, including being a part of Upper Room, a studentled worship service, since her freshman year. She has also been a student worker at The Writing Center. Yet, Kipe said she has especially loved being a Waynesburg University Student Ambassador.

“I love advocating for Waynesburg, telling people about Waynesburg and bringing in new students and showing them how cool this university is,” she said.

According to Kipe, Waynesburg’s education program stands out for its emphasis on working out

in the field, even as early as her freshman year. She said these experiences have left a lasting impact on Kipe, intrinsically motivating her in her career.

“I’ve also just seen how important education is. I think seeing the opportunity and possibilities that education can open has really kept me in the field,” she explained. “It’s been worthwhile learning in an area like Greene County where not a whole lot of possibility or opportunity exists for a lot of students who are living in poverty and who have had really rough childhoods. It’s been cool to see the power of education and how it can

truly break cycles of poverty and break cycles of addiction.”

After Kipe graduates she will be certified to teach pre-K through fourth grade and would like to work in the classroom for a few years with goals of working in education policy or administration. Kipe said all of the field experience she has had has solidified her desire to enact change in public school education.

Chair of the Department of Education and Associate Professor of Education Dr. Kelley Solomon said she is confident of Kipe’s “bright future as an educator.” “​​With a passion for knowl-

NURSING

edge and growth, Sophie Kipe is a shining example of dedication and devotion,” Solomon said. “Sophie embodies the mission of WU demonstrated by her faith, service and love for learning. Her caring spirit is the light that she will take into her future to be a blessing to others.”

Kipe advised new education majors to take field notes, press on and to not “get stuck in the education bubble” but branch out and get involved in other areas on-campus.

Kipe believes that teachers have a unique opportunity to teach children not only formal education, but

how to be kind and generous people. She encourages incoming education majors to really consider their motives, because she said that although teaching is not an easy job, it is incredibly fulfilling.

“So many people are like, oh, I want to teach because I love kids. Or like, I love teaching because my mom was a teacher, but what I’m learning is that teaching is very hard and draining,” she explained. “So if you don't have a solid why you're doing it, pick something else.

We need good teachers.

There’s not really a space in the world for mediocre teachers. Find your why.”

FINE ARTS

WU prepares student for To Fallingwater and beyond, future success in nursing Petro chooses career path KEEGAN RAABE

For The Yellow Jacket

Grant Frye, a senior nursing major, is known by his professors as hardworking and caring.

Frye, a Waynesburg native, chose to stay local because he wanted to stay close to his family. Frye’s two grandparents, Leonard Frye and Betty Lee Frye, also graduated from Waynesburg University. The strong reputation of the university’s nursing department also played a role in his decision.

Throughout his four years, Frye worked as a writing center tutor for the Pathways Center and was a part of the student nursing policy committee, which evaluates different policies in the handbook of the nursing department on campus. Additionally, Frye worked in the Eberly Library during the week.

In addition to his work on campus, Frye has been involved working in the community at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in West Virginia, as well as Washington Hospital and St. Clair Hospital.

At J.W. Rudy Hospital, Frye was part of the surgical intensive care unit and worked as a clinical assistant on the surgical oncology floor for his external internship in the summer of 2021. Following his internship, Frye was awarded

Waynesburg’s Stover nursing scholarship.

Frye’s professors are very pleased with the progress that he has made throughout his years at Waynesburg and are excited to see him succeed in the future.

One of Frye’s favorite professors Dr. Sara Clutter stated, “In the three years, since starting his nursing education, Grant has grown from a quiet sophomore into a mature, confident soon-to-be graduate nurse. His caring nature is evident in every interaction he has with patients in various clinical settings.”

Frye considers his biggest accomplishment “gaining confidence in my abilities to function as a professional nurse.”

Outside of the nursing program, Frye volunteers as an afternoon tutor at the Bowlby Library located in Waynesburg.

He also enjoys watching Pittsburgh sports and the Boston Celtics. During his free time, Frye likes to participate in trivia and watch classic films.

Thinking back on his time at Waynesburg, Frye’s favorite memories are ones that include building relationships with other nursing students.

Frye has worked hard to set himself up for success in the future. As one of the leaders in the classroom for the graduating nursing class, Frye has set himself apart from the rest by

REBEKAH VAUGHAN

Digital News Content Directorr

Courtesy of Grant Frye

staying focused and finding confidence in himself to be the best professional nurse he can.

“He has worked diligently to not merely memorize important content but actually learn and understand it so he is now able to apply clinical reasoning to various healthcare situations," Clutter said. "I appreciate Grant’s willingness to grow and change by stepping out of his comfort zone with confidence."

After graduation, Frye plans to use his nursing degree and return to the J.W. Rudy Memorial Hospital, where he will work in the cardiac stepdown unit specializing in heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

“Grant will be a welcome addition to the profession of nursing. I look forward to working alongside Grant and his classmates,” Clutter said.

It’s not uncommon for incoming university students to not know exactly what they want to major in when they first arrive. This story is true for senior Emily Petro.

Petro was worried upon arrival that Waynesburg wouldn’t be the right fit for her because she did not have a specific area of study, but that worry quickly faded. Petro is an Entertainment and Arts Management major, and although it is a business degree, she is concentrating on the arts program at Waynesburg University.

According to the chair of the Fine Arts Department, Andrew Heisey, it didn’t take long for Petro to find her path.

“Em stood out as a student because she knew what she wanted to do, even as a first and second-year student,” Heisey said. “She wants to work with an art organization to organize and teach about the arts.”

As an incoming freshman, Petro was already working as a tour guide at the Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater house.

Later, she was offered an internship opportunity in Fallingwater’s Education Program.

Petro has been a part of various different organizations during her time at Waynes-

burg. She was a part of the Eco-Stewards Club, ASL Club and Art Club. She was also the Outreach Coordinator for the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club.

Petro also served on Waynesburg’s Diversity and Inclusion Student Advisory Panel and was a member of the Upper Room Worship Team for three years as a part of the tech and production team. She is also a part of the national honor society Sigma Beta Delta for students in business, management and administration.

Outside of school organizations, Petro worked for Waynesburg University’s admissions department, was a resident assistant for the residence life department and was a work-study student for the Department of Fine Arts.

According to Petro, her most influential moment at Waynesburg was the time spent with Heisey.

“Coming to Waynesburg, I had not a lot of interest in the arts, but having Professor Heisey as my academic and professional mentor has guided me to the direction I feel most called to in life,” Petro said. “I have learned practical skills of studio management while growing my knowledge of galley management, an area of the arts I am deeply passionate about.”

After graduation, Petro will be continuing her job as a Museum Educator at Fallingwater over the summer. There, she will continue to lead conversational house tours of the historic site. Once summer ends, Petro will be attending George Washington University in pursuit of a masters in Museum Studies and Exhibition Design.

Her biggest goal is to graduate from graduate school and hopefully secure a Ph.D. in art history. Alongside this goal, Petro hopes to pursue a career in the field of museum curation in either Pittsburgh or Washington, D.C. Petro said that the relationships she has formed at Waynesburg are what she will miss most.

“I have made lifelong friends here at Waynesburg that I am so thankful for every single day,” Petro said. “I will miss the friends I am leaving behind, but also the friends I am graduating with and going separate ways with.”

Although Heisey is not excited to see Petro leave, he leaves her with these words of wisdom: “No matter what anyone says, God made her unique and special. He has prepared her to be excellent and vital to spreading the Gospel while using her exceptional skills and personality to heal this broken world.”

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APRIL 21, 2022 PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology major discovers her inner self at Waynesburg RACHEL PELLEGRINO Executive Editor

Lexy Shaffer is a Type Nine on the Enneagram.

For some, that may just be a number. But for Shaffer, that number has aided in her self discovery journey.

Commonly referred to as “the crown of the Enneagram,” Type Nines encompass all other types. “Nines can have the strength of Eights, the sense of fun and adventure of Sevens, the dutifulness of Sixes, the intellectualism of Fives, the creativity of Fours, the attractiveness of Threes, the generosity of Twos and the idealism of Ones,” according to the Enneagram Institute.

Needless to say, Shaffer is “unique,” as professor of psychology Dr. Jenny Jellison puts it.

“She’s always been brilliant. She’s always been a hard working student.

That’s great and all, but she’s just accomplished so much as a person,” Jellison said.

Jellison furthermore described Shaffer as a “very compassionate and passionate” individual.

“She’s a strong woman and cares about people passionately and gets angry when there’s injustice and she’s going to change people’s lives,” Jellison said.

Shaf fer, a Nor th

Hu n t i n g d o n r e s i d e n t , chose Waynesburg four years ago for its psychology and music programs.

“I just liked a lot of things about it,” Shaffer said.

Even thoug h Shaffer found everything she was looking for at Waynesb u rg , w h at s h e d i d n’ t expect to find ended up being the most impactful part of her experience.

“When she started here as a freshman she was just so unsure of who she was and had a lot of self doubt and insecurities and she’s just so bold now,” Jellison said. “She’s strong and she knows who she is and she fights hard for other people that she cares about.”

Shaffer has been a resident assistant for three years. She has participated in varying music ensembles and has been involved in the psychology and fine arts departments.

Throughout her four years, she’s experienced a lot of self growth and discovery—something she didn’t expect.

“I think that I’ve grown a lot as a person in general and how I’m able to communicate with people, how to interact with people,” Shaffer said. “Part of that comes from being a psych major and part of that comes from experience.”

In addition to learning a lot about herself, Shaf-

fer has come to recognize what she’s truly passionate about.

“I’ve learned a lot of things from being here and it has helped me learn a lot about who I am. It has really shaped me so I am happy that I came here,” she said.

Shaffer, who’s acquired an interest in psychology, music, ceramics and even trapeze, has had a hard time deciphering between what makes a hobby and what makes a career.

“I have a really hard time between ‘Am I interested in this and I enjoy doing it so I want to go to school for it?’ or ‘Am I just interested in it and I want to learn more about it?’

It’s great to want to learn more about things but … I really need to focus on it if I want to make it a career,” Shaffer said.

Ultimately, she decided to combine her two passions—helping others and making music—to find a career.

“I def initely want to perform with music for a while playing in syphomines, whatever I can do but I think eventually I want to go back and get my master’s in group counseling and do music therapy.”

Shaffer, who has been passionate about music since middle school, plays several instruments including oboe, cello, violin, f lute, saxophone, piccolo as well as others.

BUSINESS

Photo Courtesy Lexy Shaffer

Shaffer plays several instruments, including the oboe, cello, violin, flute, and saxophone Even though she regrets not initially following her passion and going into music rig ht away, she loved her experience at Waynesburg.

“I do sometimes wish that I went to a school for music, but I know that I have learned a lot here, and I absolutely love the psych program,” she said.

“I love all the professors that I’ve met, the things

I’ve learned, the opportunities that I’ve gotten from it.”

Shaffer’s future might not be certain, but one thing is for certain.

Shaffer, a Type Nine on the Enneagram, will create a path that is unique.

“She just has a lot of different options and I ’m fully encourag ing her to not go a straight and narrow path because

she’s not a straight and narrow kind of person,” Jellison said. “She’s so unique, she’s young and without any kind of bonds and so I want her to do something unconventional.”

Jellison offered her own final advice to Shaffer.

“Stay true to herself.

Continue to trust her gut, trust her heart because she has a fantastic one.”

CHEMISTRY AND FORENSIC SCIENCE

Nicholas moves from the Vietti, Gordon shine through booth to the board room pandemic restrictions LACHLAN LOUDON Copy Desk Chief

Anyone driving near downtown Pittsburgh in a few months could take a look at the skyline, see the tallest building and find the workplace of one of Waynesburg University’s most recent graduates.

In 2018, freshman Jacob Nicholas matriculated into Waynesburg University as a sports broadcasting major in the Department of Communication. Nobody back then would have expected him to graduate in 2022 with a BS in finance and a job lined up at UPMC with their f inancial management rotational program in the tallest building on this half of the state.

“When I met him, he wasn't totally sure what direction he was going to take with his education,” finance professor and Nicholas’ academic advisor William Stough said. “Today, he is a focused young man getting ready to head into the finance world with his new role at UPMC. He has evolved into a critical thinking young man.”

Stoug h, also one of the baseball coaches for the university, first met Nicholas during a campus visit when he was interested in playing for the team. Nicholas ended up only playing varsity soccer. His absence from the dugout was partly due to his choice in major back then, where he pictured himself in the broadcast booth.

In his sophomore year, a few months before COVID-19 forced students to learn off campus, Nicholas decided to change his major to business, while using his communication credits to earn his minor.

Aside from being a finance major and playing for the soccer team,

Nicholas is a Stover S c h o l a r, s e n i o r c l a s s senator for Student Senate, the president of the Student Investment Club, the Program Coordinator for Upper Room and a member of the Honors Program. He was also voted onto Homecoming Royal Court in the fall.

Nicholas also completed internships with TE Connectivity as a marketing intern in the summer of 2020 and an integrated marketing intern in the summer of 2021.

Additionally, Nicholas helped put on the Money Matters workshop series this semester with other business department faculty along with friend and fellow senior finance major, Roby Redinger.

“I believe one of [Jacob’s] strengths is his willingness to take on challenges. Each time a new topic comes up in our finance classes he is ready to see how he can better understand the topic,” Stough said. “In addition, I believe he has shown a leadership quality, that other students turn to him when they need some guidance.”

W hile Stoug h rec ognized Nicholas as a leader to his fellow students, Nicholas also has developed strong relationships with the faculty, despite having joined the department a year and a half late.

“There were times after class where I’d stay on Microsoft Teams with [Stough] for 20, 30, 45 minutes sometimes and just talk about the current landscape of financial markets, the economy … and his personal and professional background,” Nicholas said.

“He was always willing to take that time and teach me a little more than what we’d get in class.

I appreciated that a lot.”

Nicholas also acknowledges another business

professor, Jennifer Roy, for helping expand his educational experience and preparation for career development. The educational experience Nicholas has received from both the business and communication departments has readied him to move from classroom to cubicle.

Learning about international markets was an area of growth for Nicholas. This “eye opening” course, Cultures and Environments of Global Business instructed

by Roy, taught Nicholas the importance of understanding different cultures between international lines, to state lines, to even different municipalities.

T h e S t o v e r p ro g r a m has also enabled him to learn about the connection between American politics and the economic state, and provided ample application to his coursework.

“Ever y class works well with one another to help prepare you and to [help you] better understand the business landscape of the world that we’re entering into as we graduate,” Nicholas said.

So far, Nicholas has taken six credits of MBA classes here at Waynesburg, at the cost of und e rg ra d u at e t u i t i o n , and hopes to finish his second degree at some point over the next few years, especially since Waynesburg University partners with his new employer, UPMC. As Nicholas moves on from the gates of Waynesburg, he gratefully looks back at his professors, both business and communication, for their investment in him, even after a “d au nt i n g ” c h a n g e of major and the challenges of adjusting to a new department during virtual learning. Downtown Pittsburgh awaits.

MICAH LEITH Region Editor

The Class of 2022 may well be most remembered for the things that they didn’t get to DO. When students at Waynesburg University got sent home in March 2020, students in the class of 2022 were in the middle of the second semester of their sophomore year. When they returned to campus for the start of their junior year, they were met with protective measures that reduced class sizes and mandated masks and social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.

According to Dr. Evonne Baldauff, chair of the Chemistry and Forensic Science department, the graduating seniors had to find ways to work through some of the pandemic restrictions during their most formative academic years.

“They stand out in their perseverance to make it through all that and do what they needed to do to get through,” she said.

Two seniors in particular stand out to Baldauff: Andrew Gordon, a biochemistry major, and Sophia Vietti, a forensic science major.

Baldauff attested to their dedication in their classes as well as their lab work.

Vietti stands out to Baldauff thanks in part to her work as Baldauff’s lab assistant.

“I know her most because she has been my laboratory assistant this semester, and man. She has everything together and is so organized, she’s always asking for projects and ways to help out

each week,” Baldauff said.

“She does a phenomenal job.”

During her time at Waynesburg, Vietti said that her instrumental analysis lab course stands out to her as her favorite class that she has taken.

“I have a lot of freedom with the labs because we get a bunch of different experiments to choose from, and we have the liberty to do what we want when we want as long as it is in a specific time frame,” she said. “I thoroughly loved that class because it gave me the experience I’m going to need for jobs.”

Vietti isn’t the only student to embrace the challenges of lab work. Gordon got the unique opportunity to work as a paid Research Initiatives in the Biomedical Sciences (RIBS) scholar during his junior and senior years. The position is funded by the National Science Foundation.

“It’s a really remarkable thing for him to say that as an undergraduate he worked on a government-funded grant,” Baldauff said.

Through that research, Gordon had the chance to present his work several times, including at the National American Chemical Society Chapter conference in San Diego.

Gordon is also a member of Waynesburg’s chapter of the American Chemical Society, and he is proud of everything the club has accomplished.

“We’ve won outstanding chapter nationally like three times in a row,” he said. “We

do a lot with the ACS club, lots of outreach like homeschool labs, going out in the community to do demo labs for kids.”

Gordon has been involved with organizations outside the department of chemistry. He has served with Upper Room, represented Waynesburg University as an ambassador, and participated in this spring’s musical.

Both Vietti and Gordon said that building good relationships with their professors was key to their success.

“My chemistry professors, Dr. Baldauff, Dr. Suyama, Dr. Fletcher, they’re honestly some of my favorite people in general here on campus.

They’re knowledgeable, they’re friendly, they have advice on everything from chemistry to where to get food in Morgantown,” Gordon said. “Everything that is Waynesburg’s mission, they encompass that, and I’ve been very fortunate.”

“One of the things that fundamentally changed my Waynesburg experience was taking that first step and going to my professors for help,” Vietti added. “It starts out with you going to them for help, but then you start to develop a really good relationship with them and then you go to talk to them during their office hours just for fun.”

Upon graduation, Gordon will attend medical school, likely at West Virginia University School of Medicine. Vietti will join the workforce while researching and applying for graduate school.

Courtesy of Karolina Grabowska, Pexels

APRIL 21, 2022

PAGE BB3 M AT H E M AT I C S, C O M P U T E R SCIENCE AND PHYSICS

C O M M U N I C AT I O N

Herrle leads WU PRSSA to success College mows the path for Faber’s future career SETH EVANS

For The Yellow Jacket

With graduation on the horizon, Waynesburg will be saying goodbye to another senior class. Among the senior class is one person who is a demonstrated leader, Emma Herrle.

As the President of the University Chapter of PRSSA, Herrle has been entrusted to handle many important facets of the chapter, which include the “Give Me Five Campaign” and the 2022 PRSSA District Conference.

Herrle said that being involved inPRSSA has taught her “how to work with different people and the different challenges of different people.”

When reflecting on those who have made the biggest impact on her in the classroom, Herrle was adamant that it was never just one

educator who has been the biggest aid to her. She listed several professors in the Department of Communication.

She said Dr. Chad Sherman, associate professor of communication, Melinda Roeder Skrbin, instructor of communication, and Richard Krause, chairperson for the communication department, all had a hand to play in her involvement within the department, as well as her development as a student.

For someone who has so much experience built up in just four years Herrle is one of the first seniors most would go to for advice.

When asked what message she would give to others Herrle said, “Be mindful of where you want to go next. Be mindful of putting yourself out there into the real world of jobs and careers and professionals.”

She followed this by ad-

dressing just the upcoming senior class, saying, “To seniors and current leadership, while you get ready to finish up your degree here, make sure you do your best to set aside time for where you are going next.”

For Herrle, she already seems set on where her immediate future lies.

Since the beginning of the fall semester, Herrle has been interning at Greene County Tourism.

She was also recently offered a part-time position on the marketing team for a company called Bandwango, a third-party company associated with Greene County Tourism.

According to Herrle, this company is responsible for making mobile tourist passes for a specific destination and destinations to see during one’s travel.

After graduation, Her-

rle will join the Bandwango staff on a full-time basis and believes that, unlike many people who leave college and have to settle for what job is given to them, her first job will be one that she loves.

She said her time working there and Greene County Tourism has been a “super cool experience” and attributes JoAnne Marshall, who served as Tourism Director during her internship, as being a “great mentor” to her.

Great students are brought up by their former educators to the current student body even when they have long since graduated, so when asked what she wishes to be remembered for as a student and student leader, Herrle said, “I would like to be someone who is remembered for not being afraid to step up and be demanding.

To be able to see and implement innovative change.”

AT H L E T I C T R A I N I N G

AT major hones skills off the court MARLEY WOLF Editorial Assistant

Noticed early on by her academic advisor, Alyson Johnson has what Dr. Andrew Palko calls the “trifecta” for the perfect recipe of success in her field of athletic training.

"She is a leader, she is intelligent and she shows a lot of empathy. That is a trifecta that is very very conducive to being a special health care clinician,” Palko said.

Johnson, a graduating senior in the athletic training department at Waynesburg, is enrolled in the five year master program.

Being a successful student in this department carries even more weight considering it is not what attracted her to Waynesburg in the first place. She said everything fell perfectly into place when it came to continuing her education at Waynesburg.

She was first drawn to Waynesburg because of its volleyball program, but eventually the other aspects of the school won her over.

On a visit with Wayneburg’s volleyball coach she stumbled upon the Center for Service Leadership Office and decided to apply for the Bonner Scholarship.

When she came back for the interview part of the application, she found out about Waynesburg’s five year Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. She said it felt like everything just fell into place for her.

Participating heavily in

many activities across campus, Johnson is a decorated volleyball captain and has dedicated many hours to service.

Johnson’s drive to learn and deepen her education and knowledge contributes heavily to her success in the classroom and is one of her strong factors according to Palko.

“Her academic fortitude in some of the subject matter makes her successful.

She is very persistent and deliberate in her approach to grasping information and understanding it,” Palko said. “She is able to process the information, synthesize it and then craft reasonable responses.”

Learning both in and out of the classroom, Johnson said she has grown so much through her time of being here at Waynesburg.

“Keeping your faith is a big one. Just trusting God’s plan that you are in the right program for what you are supposed to be doing,” Johnson said.

Johnson attributed much of her success to her professors who not only drove her to work her hardest but also inspired her by doing so.

“Dr. Hamilton is a super hard professor, but he is a really good guy and puts a lot of effort into what he is doing. Andy also, I really look up to him. He has really been preparing us this year as we have been transitioning into learning basically all athletic training based stuff,” she said.

Dr. Bryan Hamilton had

Courtesy of Alyson Johnson

Alyson Johnson assists at Waynesburg’s athletic training clinic.

Johnson in a couple of different classes and described her as being “a joy to teach.”

“Besides being a really strong academic student, she was quite engaged in conversation, vicariously, got along with everybody, was helpful to her classmates and was an outstanding student athlete,” Hamilton said.

Johnson is now doing her clinical rotation at clinics near campus. This coming fall she is planning to do her next rotation in a clinic close to Washington, Pennsylvania.

As for the spring, she said she is interested in applying for an opportunity to work with the Philadelphia Phillies in Orlando, Florida.

Thinking long term, Johnson said she likes the clinic and rehabilitation setting of athletic training.

“A clinical setting is more of where my head is at right now because I want to be able to have a family,” she said.

Looking into the future, Johnson could follow the same advice that she wanted to leave for the up and coming students in the athletic training department.

“Don’t get discouraged whenever you feel very overwhelmed. Really absorb everything that you can,” she said. “Don’t get too overwhelmed to the point where you feel like you can’t do it because you definitely can.”

TIM DURKIN

For The yellow jacket

Colin Faber, a cyber security and forensics major, is a senior at Waynesburg University. The department of mathematics, computer science and physics nominated him because of his academic performance and character.

Faber’s college journey, which began four years ago, is characterized by self growth. At first, Faber was unsure if going to college would be the right path for him.

He had a lawn mowing business and thought that if he had focused solely on growing it, he could have been successful. Despite his decision to attend college, Faber still mows lawns to this day and considers it his backup plan if anything goes awry in the cyber security field.

Waynesburg was not the only college he was considering. He also applied to Robert Morris University and the University of Pittsburgh. He ultimately chose Waynesburg for a few reasons. When he toured Waynesburg as a prospective student, he found it to be the prettiest out of all the campuses he visited.

Distance was also a factor in his decision process.

“I live close by,” he said. “I wanted to commute to save money, and they offered me a very good price.”

Faber came in as a freshman knowing what he wanted to major in. He said two factors influenced his decision to choose cyber security: a friend of his was in the program, and most colleges at the time only had computer science as a major, not cyber security.

Professor Kathryn Waddel, instructor of computer science and Faber’s academic advisor, gave Faber credit for his self awareness.

“He knew exactly what he wanted to do,” she said. “He was always prepared.”

As a freshman, Faber got involved with the Republican Club and the campus ministry. He said he still continues to assist the ministry by singing, playing bass at chapel, leading worship, choosing songs and helping plan trips. It was being involved in this one area of campus that encouraged him to be more outgoing later on.

“Through campus ministry, I meet all these people and I end up becoming really close with them, and now I’m here constantly,” he said.

His Christian faith is a large part of his everyday life, something that does not go

unnoticed by Waddel.

“I think that Colin is our poster child for faith, learning and service,” she said.

“He is the embodiment of a strong Christian man.”

Faber’s sophomore year was similar to the previous one until the COVID-19 pandemic forced Waynesburg University and most other establishments to shut down temporarily. At first, he said he was relieved because the mowing season started just as school closed, so he was able to focus on that. However, when school started up again in the fall of 2020, he was more than ready to return.

Faber thinks that the pandemic helped him grow a lot.

Since large groups were discouraged, he met a lot of people through small groups of friends. From there, he would make connections with the friends of his friends and so on. He also said that being distant from people for the months of lockdown gave him the drive to want more friends.

“Somehow I became, like, way more self-confident,” he said.

He also stressed how influential making friends was to his overall experience.

Even if he never uses his degree and works in landscaping for his whole life, he wouldn’t trade his time at Waynesburg “for anything.”

He said it was almost worth the financial investment of tuition alone just to become the person he is today.

Thanks to the emergence of new friendships in the community, and becoming more involved with the campus ministry, Faber said his junior and senior years were his favorite years of college.

In the summer of 2021, Faber got an internship with MSA Safety, a company based in Cranberry Township that makes protective equipment for hazardous conditions. He said he did cyber security work for them and worked for the company into his senior year until roughly the beginning of 2022. As for his future beyond Waynesburg’s campus, he has a plan.

“For this summer, I’m definitely cutting grass,” he said.

He is not aggressively applying for jobs in the cyber security field, but he is still actively looking for them.

Faber had some advice for new students.

“Make friends. I think college is the time that’s going to shape you,” he said. “If you’re surrounding yourself with good people, you will probably succeed.”

HISTORY

Double major and double minor, Morar never stops RACHEL PELLEGRINO Executive Editort

With only 24 hours in a day, Alexandra Morar manages to balance school, athletics, friendships and extracurricular activities.

“I think that she’s probably discovered a way to add three extra hours to a 24-hour day,” Rea Redd, director of Eberly Library and professor, said when describing Morar.

Throughout her time at Waynesburg, Morar has been involved in just about everything.

If double-majoring in political science and history and double-minoring in Spanish and sociology wasn’t enough, Morar is also a Stover Scholar, a member of the Honors Program and President of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society. Aside from academics, Morar plays violin for the chapel worship team and orchestra and is an editorial assistant for

the Yellow Jacket newspaper.

In previous years she was also a cheerleader and resident assistant.

If you asked Morar why she is involved with so much, she would probably tell you she’s an overachiever, but really she’s just passionate about learning.

“My mission statement for this year was to learn all you can from anybody you can,” Morar said.

Even though this mission statement is for this year, her strive to learn has been apparent to others throughout her academic career.

“She was very much eager and willing to learn,” Redd said.

Despite being a “jack of all trades,” Morar does not consider herself a “master” of anything.

“I do so many things but I’m spreading myself so thin that I can’t do everything well.”

Like so many others, COVID-19 disrupted her college experience, but Morar said it also taught her the importance

Adam Hartnett, The Yellow Jacket

Alexandra Morar looks around the corner to upcoming future. of valuing free time and what really matters in life.

“I’m a very productive person and I feel like every minute needs to be spent doing something productive but I often miss out on the little things because I’m often planning for the future and I’m not focused on today,” she said. “I’m thankful COVID happened to kind of give myself and the world a break and kind of teach what really

matters in life—the relationships we have with people.”

After many late nights of studying, working hard and committing her time to extracurricular activities, Morar said what she misses most won’t be any of that. It will be the people.

“I’ve never had friendships before like I do here at Waynesburg,” Morar said. “I just really feel like I have a family here at Waynesburg whether it’s my

former RDs, my former RAs, my friends here, my professors. I just really feel like I belong and I’ve never felt unwelcomed.”

From the random run-ins and conversations to the intentional assistance and support, Morar will miss everything about the people that have made her experience at Waynesburg worthwhile.

“I’m so thankful for the intentionality, friendliness and care of the community and faculty here on campus,” she said.

“Anywhere I go on campus I can reach out to a professor and get a resource, get advice for the future, and I just don’t know if you get that on any other campus.”

It is because of that support that has allowed Morar to explore several options for postgraduation. In the fall, she will either be in Puerto Rico with AmeriCorps volunteering with their Boys and Girls Club in San Juan or working as a research assistant in Washington D.C. Even though she has several

aspirations, her long-term career goal would be to find a job that combines her two passions of law and journalism.

“I have a huge heart for activism and I love middle schoolers so if there’s any way I could advocate for juveniles in the court and legislation. I’m hoping to go to law school for civil rights,” she said. “[But] if that doesn’t work out I’ve also considered journalism because I love meeting people. I love sharing their stories.”

Despite being unsure of her future, she is looking on the brightside.

“I’m trying to just enjoy the moment, go with the flow, hoping something falls into place.”

With only a few days left until graduation, there’s still more to learn. Redd offers his one last lesson to Morar as a Waynesburg student.

“Don’t let the world change you into someone else. Continue being patient. Continue being kind. Always explore for new opportunities,” he said.

PAGE BB4

APRIL 21, 2022 ENGLISH

BIBLICAL AND MINISTRY STUDIES

Gary leaves behind legacy of Ratcliffe enhances faith with diversity and inclusivity community involvement ALEXANDRA MORAR

RACHEL DUNCAN

For the Yellow Jacket

For the Yellow Jacket

Every year Waynesburg University’s academic departments are asked to provide one graduating senior whom they believe has stuck out most in their department. Professor Jill Sunday and the English Department said the decision was difficult because they are proud of each of their seniors. Nonetheless, the department came to an agreement on one outstanding student.

Ashley Gary, the English Department’s choice for their outstanding graduate, is a double major in English and Psychology. Ash, who is a Greene County native, was described by Professor Jill Sunday, chairperson for the English and foreign languages department, as reliable, kind and passionate.

During their time at Waynesburg, Ash has been involved with various activities including: being a tutor for the Writing Center, working for the facilities building, pursuing an internship with Keith Rieder and numerous events within the English Department.

As Sunday described, Ash grew during their time at Waynesburg within these various responsibilities.

“I’ve known Ashley since, I guess, their sophomore year, when they took a creative nonfiction writing course with me,” said Sunday. “One of the reasons [the department] also picked them is because of seeing the growth in their writing and scholarship skills over the four years we have known them. We saw Ash blossom.”

Sunday went on to describe the growth she had seen within Ash. As a writer, she said Ash was a sharp scholar by being very powerful, persuasive and exciting with their writing.

As a person, Sunday went on to describe her personal experience on Ash’s personality.

Courtesy of Ash Gary

Gary grows from diversity conversations at Wayenesburg University “Their personality is very engaging and very warm,” said Sunday. “[They're] so reliable, so kind, so passionate. On top of all that, they have a wicked sense of humor. That’s been delightful.”

Ash also recalled their time at Waynesburg and the impact they may have left on the campus community.

One of the two biggest things Ash did during their time here was being a tutor for the Writing Center. However, the largest impact Ash believes they had on Waynesburg did not stem from the Writing Center experience.

“I think the biggest thing that I’ve done during my time here is increase the diversity talk on campus,” said Ash. “I was diagnosed with Autism over the summer. So, this past two semesters I’ve been having conversations with professors about it a lot … specifically with my bosses down at the facilities services.”

Alongside the conversations about diversity with their bosses, friends and professors, Ash mentioned how they are also part of the Diversity and Belonging Student Advisory Board, which was established about a year or two ago.

Ash said their ears have

been more open to the conversations about diversity since being a part of the board. The largest influence from the diversity conversations happened within Facilities Services, which they have been working at for about three years now.

As Ash reflected on their time at Waynesburg, they took the time to point out a few people who have had the largest impact on them.

This includes Jim and Terry at Facilities Services, Professor Jill Sunday, Dr. Jamie Dessart, Dr. Keith Rieder, Dr. Jenny Jellison and the friends they have made during their years here.

“I think I would like to thank everyone for helping me grow as a person and also as an adult with a critical thinking mind,” said Ash. “I feel like the biggest thing that anyone ever taught me here is to think for myself and have opinions and not be afraid to say those opinions and also not be afraid to hear everybody else’s opinions. Just thanking everyone for giving me that life skill cause that’s gonna be ingrained in me for the rest of my life.”

After graduation, Ash has decided to take a gap year to decide which career path they would like to follow.

“Waynesburg has been a place that has taught me how to love the Lord, myself and others,” Heather Ratcliffe said as she reflected on how she has grown at Waynesburg.

Ratcliffe is a children and youth ministries major with a minor in theater. She has been a four-year member of Sting Swing and was president for the past two years. She was a member of the Upper Room team for three years, serving as a tech team member from 2019 through 2020, and then testimony coordinator from March 2020 to March of 2022.

Ratcliffe has been a part of the Student Activities Board (SAB) and even held the position of arts and culture chair her sophomore year. Ratcliffe was also a campus ministry assistant for the 2020-2021 school year. Her heavy involvement has also translated over to theater,, as she participated in four shows, two one-acts and even directed a one-act in the Fall of 2021.

Ratcliffe originally chose Waynesburg because of the atmosphere of campus and the biblical ministries studies program. Ironically, she never even heard of Waynesburg University until she received an intriguing pamphlet in the mail.

“I did not know Waynesburg existed until the end of my senior year,” Ratcliffe said. “They sent me something in the mail, and so I was like ‘hmm, this place sounds interesting.’”

Ratcliffe mentioned that she was specifically looking for a Christian college, and after exploring the university’s values, she and her father scheduled a tour.

After touring and meeting with biblical ministries studies chair, Joshua Sumpter, Ratcliffe “decided this seemed like the right place.”

Sumpter is Ratcliffe’s advisor and remembers meet-

ing her when she was just a senior in high school.

“We had lunch and it was clear that she was going to be engaged in not only her studies, but the campus community before she even arrived at WU.” Sumpter wrote in an email. “Her interest, engagement and passion that was on display in that meeting has carried over to her time at WU.” Sumpter views her as a distinguished student.

“It has been a blessing to have Ratcliffe in class as a student,” Sumpter said.

“Ratcliffe is thoughtful, reflective and can articulate her faith in Jesus Christ very well. Whether in writing or in speaking, Ratcliffe is at the top of her class and has impressed me from day one.”

She began her academic career at Waynesburg as a media ministry major, but after having the youth ministry course her freshman year, Ratcliffe switched to children and youth ministry.

“The Lord really just revealed my heart for children and youth in that class,” Ratcliffe said.

Sumpter not only recognized Ratcliffe’s schoolwork success, but he also took note of her achievements outside of the classroom.

“It has been a joy to see her be involved on and off-campus in a variety of leadership roles:the classroom, Upper Room, bible study, theater, Sting Swing, the local church and with a Christian camp,” Sumpter said. “She has been able to gain valuable ministry and life experience beyond the classroom, and it has been a joy to see her continue to grow with each semester that she has been at WU.” In addition to wearing many hats on campus, Ratcliffe spends much of her free time engaged with the Waynesburg Borough community. She has attended the Waynesburg First Assembly of God church since her freshman year and currently assists with their youth program.

“I just really fell in love with that church,” Ratcliffe said. “It was a really small church [and had] a lot of old people, but they were just so nice and so loving. They just were so excited that I was coming to that church and just really welcomed me in.”

Ratcliffe is currently completing her church leadership practicum through the Waynesburg First Assembly of God church. She assists the youth group with events and meetings, as well as the youth interim with weekly tasks.

“We’ve really just built this really cool bond just getting to know them and talk to them about the Lord,” she said. “A lot of them are about to graduate high school and go into college, some of them are going into ministry, so it’s just been really cool to pour into them and get to kind of learn from them as well,” she said.

As Ratcliffe prepares to leave Waynesburg, the part she will miss the most is living at 74 Wayne St. with her housemates. Throughout the year, she has treasured the memories of having their support, eating meals with everyone, performing music together and even making a podcast with them.

Throughout her time at Waynesburg, Ratcliffe feels she has experienced much personal growth, including finding herself.

“The Lord has provided me a lot of people in my life who have really spoken some things into my life and reminded me of who I am,” Ratcliffe said.Ratcliffe encourages students to not waste time and to make the most of one’s college experience.

“College is a very unique experience, and don’t take advantage of that,” Ratcliffe said. “Spend time with your friends and reach out to people and be intentional with the people around you, instead of just hoping that someone will invite you to do something, invite them.”

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Koontz follows career dream to Washington, D.C. COLIN C. RHODES For the Yellow Jacket

For the graduating class this year, COVID-19 played a big role in how their education played out.

The challenges were great, but many students rose to the occasion. One of the best examples of this is criminal justice administration major Jalen Koontz.

When Koontz first visited Waynesburg University, he was being recruited to play football.

At the time, criminal justice wasn’t really something he had in mind, but everything changed when he met professor Adam Jack.

“I came on my first visit with my dad, and I met Prof. Jack and I just thought it would be interesting to enter in law enforcement,” said Koontz. “I didn't really have any passion for it at the time, but I just thought it would be interesting to have a action-filled career.”

Jack convinced him to go for criminal justice by showing him all the opportunities that come with it as well as the advantages of coming to a smaller school like Waynesburg.

Deciding not to play football and instead focus on academics, Koontz came in his freshman year with his mind made up and many things he wanted to get done.

“When he showed up here as a freshman… he was very ambitious,” said

Jack. “He had a lot of different ideas and I knew he was going to be a very special student in the criminal justice program because he was not only a very polished young man already, but his aspirations were very high.”

Koontz joined the riminal Justice Club as a freshman and desired to study abroad at some point, but the pandemic hampered those plans. He, and every other student of Waynesburg University, were forced to do classes online.

“I think it was a learning curve for everybody,” Koontz said. “You know it was frustrating at times.

You know, we went from being fully in person to this whole new online format that was unprecedented, at least in my college career, so, I had never taken an online class prior to that.

But I was amazed with how the professors and staff at Waynesburg University they adapted to that.”

Koontz credits his professors for making the switch to online learning easy for him and other students when the pandemic started.

He said they were providing the students with PowerPoint presentations, trying to make it easier on their workload while dealing with an online teaching format.

But when in-person classes resumed, it became difficult for students to return to learning the old way of taking notes. Still, Koontz

persevered.

“It was a learning curve,” he said. “And I feel like I did well in that, and I think a lot of my classmates did well as well as professors.”

When in-person classes resumed and opportunities began to open up, Koontz finally got the chance to do something the pandemic

kept him from doing: studying off-campus.

He has spent his last semester as a Waynesburg University student at an academic internship program at the Washington Center in Washington, D.C. “He tried to study abroad twice, but COVID hit and he was not able to study

abroad,” said Jack. “And… in his last semester, he finally got to go away to the Washington Center, which I was so happy for him because he has really aspired to do more than the average student to go above and beyond, you know, the normal four years of being a criminal justice student at

Waynesburg University.”

Koontz credits his family, friends, and professors for being major influences on his time here at Waynesburg. After graduation, he plans on either attending the Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service or joining the Army as an intelligence officer.

By Abigail Phillips, The Yellow Jacket

region SECTION CC

APRIL 21, 2022 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

Molzon and GNP return to Waynesburg for final concert RILEY HOLSINGER For The Yellow Jacket

The Beatles, Guns N’ Roses, The Eagles and many other very noteworthy bands have suffered breakups for one reason or another. Gross National Product (GNP), originated in the same era as The Beatles, endured the remarkable feat of growing and keeping the band together through 55 years of its existence.

After GNP’s final performance was delayed by two years, the band is finally getting back together one last time on May 21 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will take place in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center, doors will open at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, food items and cash donations will be accepted for the Corner Cupboard Food Bank.

“I’m really excited to be back on stage with GNP,” band member Jim DePriest wrote in an email interview. “Since COVID prevented most live music for almost two years, most of us haven’t had opportunities to perform in front of a live audience.”

GNP originated in New Jersey back in 1967, but soon found a home in south-

western Pennsylvania. The band has been a staple in performing at Waynesburg College, now Waynesburg University, since 1970.

GNP’s 50th anniversary concert at Waynesburg was supposed to be held on April 25, 2020, but the emergence COVID-19 in March 2020 had different plans.

“50th anniversary weekend normally puts a shine on it,” original band member and Waynesburg College alumnus Bill Molzon said. “We haven’t seen each other in three years so that’s going to make it an extra nice event.”

DePriest joined the band and its behind the scenes operations in 2007, but even with his shorter time with the band, he foresees a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the concert.

“It’s going to be an emotional week,” DePriest wrote. “With it being the last show, several members are returning that weren’t able to attend previous shows. Add the COVID delays to the 50th (anniversary at Waynesburg) and this is going to be even more of a family reunion than normal.”

Other than the familylike environment, GNP has

Photo courtesy of Bill Molzen

Gross National Product performs a set in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center at Waynesburg University with its members, Molzon believes that the variety of music played by the band makes it even more special.

GNP will perform styles of rock, bluegrass, folk and jazz music.

“One of the factors that has kept the show going for years is the variety of music,” Molzon said. “It’s not like you got to go to a concert with one band and they have one sound that you hear the whole night. I

describe it like you’re moving up and down on your radio dial through different stations and music genres.”

DePriest shares similar thoughts.

“I’ve really enjoyed (the concert) every year,” DePriest wrote. “I love hearing and getting to play a wide variety of music on our stage.”

Inclusiveness is certainly another noticeable factor about GNP as the

band grew in adding newer members, like Waynesburg University students, to help perform with the original members.

“It’s not just the members from the original high school band,” Molzon said.

Despite not performing with the band in years and not consistently practicing, Molzon doesn’t see the long layoff affecting his performance as a rhythm guitarist.

“I know others have (been practicing),” Molzon said. “I’m what I often describe as a frustrated three chord rhythm guitar player.

So, it’s not as demanding to get back into that.”

Even if GNP isn’t as notable as other bands like The Beatles, the 50th anniversary and final concert could almost be seen as Gross National Product’s “Get Back” session after not performing in three years.

Commissioners, University win Greene County United Way grant for business incubator to hold Food Fight contest MICAH LEITH

SIERRA MEDINA

The Greene County Commissioners have secured a $1.4 million grant for the renovation of the Silveus building on High Street.

According to a press release from the Greene County Commissioners, the incubator will “provide workspace, services, access to industry experts and mentors to foster development of early-stage companies and create new jobs in Greene County.”

Funding for the project will come from the $1.5 trillion omni bus b i l l t h at wa s s i g n e d

by President Biden on March 15.

“We applied for the r e - a c t i va t e d f e d e r a l ear-marks through Representative Reschenthaler’s of f ice.

We we re n o t i f i ed i n early March that the Omnibus Bill signed by President Biden contained our requested funding at $1.4 million,” Mike Belding, chairman of the Greene County Commissioners, said.

Initially, the Silveus building was intended to be used for office space for the county government when it was purchased in 2019. Following the 2020 election, Belding said that the size of the county government decreased and allowed the commissioners to explore alternative uses for the building.

“After an engineering study proved the building sound, just needing significant renovations, we looked at alternative options for its use. In an effort to offer financially reasonable office and working space to start-up businesses, and after discussions with Waynesburg University, we embarked on a business incubator project,” Belding said.

According to the executive summary for the project, the renovations will encompass a significant portion of the building. An elevator will be installed

The Greene County United Way is hosting “The GCUW Food Fight – Best of the Best Competition Dinner” which begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at Valley View Farms in Waynesburg.

According to GCUW’s websi te, “ The GCUW Food Fight is a headto-head culinary showdown with four categories - Appetizers, Sides, Entrees and Desserts!”

The finalists made it to this showdown by submitting videos they created making their favorite dishes which were aired weekly on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram beg inning March 31. The videos were then, “critiqued by local judges,” and a winner was selected from each course.

The evening of April 28 will include a cookoff between the three finalists Don Patrons, BBQ Piccolos and Willow Tree Farm Bakery, as well as a basket auction, wine samples from Thistlewaite Vineyards, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and the recognition of the 2022 Community Impact Grant Awardees.

“This event is a fun way for United Way to support our community while showcasing our programs and partners, who are actively working to make Greene County better each and every day,” said Executive Director of GCUW MaChal Forbes. “We love collaborating with local businesses to highlight all of the good in Greene!”

Forbes said that with the lifting of COVID restrictions it was possible to combine two popular fundraisers – Greene Cuisine and A Taste of Greene, so it’s no surprise the tickets are almost sold out.

The EQT Foundation, Greene County PA Eats, Blueprints and the GCUW Board and

Region Editor

Managing Editor

Photo Courtesy Greene County Commissioners

The Silveus Building, located at 30 West High Street as part of a larger effort to make the building conform to accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The HVAC, electrical, and plumbing will be upgraded, and the sprinkler systems and fire tower stairways will be overhauled. In addition, the cosmetic appearance of the outside of the building will be improved and the building will get a new roof.

The building will serve as a space for small businesses to develop, potentially bringing new jobs to the area.

“We would like to see new businesses developed and mature to the point of being able to then move from the incubator into other facilities or build new facilities and continually turn businesses over in the business incubator,” Belding said. “Numbers are hard to predict, but dozens is not out of the question.”

The commissioners partnered with Waynesburg University to secure the funding for the project.

“Waynesburg University is very excited for this project to become a reality. Our Entrepreneurial Leadership program was developed several years ago with a focus on strengthening problem

solving skills. The Silveus Building plan is a wonderful next step to advance the work we are doing by engaging and supporting the Greene County Community, as well,” Stacey Brodak, the vice president of institutional advancement and university relations at Waynesburg, said in a press release.

Long term, the Greene County commissioners are exploring similar opportunities. According to Belding, the commissioners have been in contact with the Ignite program in Washington County. The Ignite website identifies the project as “empowering the success of the entrepreneurial spirit.”

As for the Silveus building, Belding thinks that the opportunities are exciting.

“It repurposes an uptown Waynesburg building, develops opportunities for start-up business to start with reasonable facility costs and counseling and mentorship programs with the university,” he said. “Every contribution to stabilizing our businesses in a tough economic environment and the opportunity to keep high school or college graduates in the county as they grow will have positive impact to the overall stability of Greene County.”

“This event is a fun way for United Way to support our community while showcasing our programs and partners, who are actively working to make Greene County better each and every day,” MACHAL FORBES

Executive Director, Greene County United Way

Volunteers are helping to sponsor this event, “where 100% of the profits will go to local programs supporting financial stability, health and wellness, and the education of our community,” according to GCUW’s website.

Attendees must purchase a ticket for $35 to have the opportunity to taste each dish and vote on the winner. Forbes said that unfortunately, not every restaurant that wanted to enter the competition was afforded that opportunity.

“Our biggest challenge was that many of the restaurants who wanted to compete couldn’t due to staffing issues,” Forbes

explained. “I think employee retention is a huge obstacle right now, not only for the food industry, but for businesses and nonprofits alike, in every community.”

But, according to Forbes, that is the reason these very events exist– to help the community in any way they can.

“Greene County United Way's mission is to meet our community's needs through leadership, partnership and individual growth opportunities for a better Greene County.

Our vision is to live in a diverse and thriving community where each person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Photo Courtesy Jonathan Borba, Pexels

Local chefs will put their skills to the test in Greene County United Way's "Food Fight" competition that will culminate on April 28

PAGE CC2

APRIL 21, 2022 S PJ B E S T A L L - A R O U N D N O N - D A I LY N E W S P A P E R

WINNER: 2004 2016 FINALIST: 2003 2013 2014

SENIOR COLUMNS

Learning how to say “goodbye” RACHEL PELLEGRINO

STAFF

Executive Editor

EXECUTIVE EDITOR MANAGING/OP-ED EDITOR REGION EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR SPORTS WEB EDITOR DIGITAL NEWS DIRECTOR COPY DESK CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER GRAPHIC DESIGNER WEB DESIGNER SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR MARKETING & ADV. ASST EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS SPORTS ASSISTANTS

RACHEL PELLEGRINO SIERRA MEDINA MICAH LEITH AUSTIN BECHTOLD JARED WIKER REBEKAH VAUGHAN LACHLAN LOUDON BEN CHAMP ABIGAIL PHILLIPS JOSHUA HUGHES IVY ALLEN ROBERT REDINGER ADAM HARTNETT ALEXANDRA MORAR MARLEY WOLF JEREMIAH MILLER CALEB YAUGER

TECHNICAL/FACULTY ADVISORS: RICHARD KRAUSE KRISTINE SCHIFFBAUER

EDITORIAL

Return to Print

After two years, the commencement edition is back in its print glory March 13, 2020, Waynesburg University students received a notice in their email inbox regarding the newfound virus that made its way to the United States. This email would halt all campus operations for the next two weeks, and that weekend, students were told to vacate campus.

Everyone remembers the misery that followed, but this affected print news drastically.

"Print is dead," to quote the late Harold Ramos' character, Egon, from the 1984 film, "Ghostbusters."

According to the "Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2020" survey, only 26% of respondents said they received their news from a printed publication. This number is down from 63% seven years prior.

The status of The Yellow Jacket wasn't any different.

All content was published online for the remainder of 2020 and a majority of 2021. It seemed as if print was officially dead for Waynesburg University's beloved student newspaper.

In November of 2021, The Yellow Jacket printed for the first time since the pandemic. Many underclassmen would feel the ink on their fingertips for the first time.

Now, having printed multiple issues since the return, the commencement issue finally makes its comeback, the first commencement edition since 2019, where the freshmen at the time are now the seniors graduating.

The commencement issue is the most dense edition The Yellow Jacket prints each year, serving as a capstone to the seniors on staff and to the seniors of each department spotlighted throughout.

While this is a triumphant moment for The Yellow Jacket, it is also a triumphant moment for the university. Much progress has been made since COVID-19 first showed its face. Waynesburg University avoided any massive outbreaks or any need to send the student body home again.

Now, for the first time since 2019, the university will hold one, in-person commencement ceremony.

"Unum initium," or "one commencement" in Latin, is what President Douglas Lee says to fellow students as his vision for graduation. What was once a hope of Lee is now days from being a reality.

As this year's staff from The Yellow Jacket types its last sentence, blocks its last quote and prints its final paper, this redemptive arc the class of 2022 has displayed will be remembered.

TO THE READER In order to provide better coverage in a more timely fashion, The Yellow Jacket focusses on an online-first format. Online coverage for campus, region, Op/Ed and sports can be found on our website, theyellowjacket.org. Due to this change, the print publication has been condensed to 16 full-color

ABOUT OP/EDS

Editorials in the left-hand column represent the views of the Yellow Jacket. Letters from readers, columns, cartoons and other elements on the editorial page do not necessarily reflect the position of this newspaper and university.

NEWSPAPER POLICY

The Yellow Jacket is the student-operated newspaper of Waynesburg University funded by student fees and advertisements and is intended for the entire college community. The Yellow Jacket is produced by the student staff on a weekly basis during the academic year.

The office of the Yellow Jacket is located in room 400 of Buhl Hall. It is the right of the Yellow Jacket to print all material deemed newsworthy and gathered in a fair and unconditional manner. No advance copies of stories will be shown, and reporters' notes are considered confidential. No "off the record" information will be accepted.

ADVERTISING POLICY

Anyone wishing to advertise in the Yellow Jacket should email the advertising director at jacketads@waynesburg. edu. Ads must be submitted by the Monday before publication date and not conflict with the university mission.

Copyright © 2022 Waynesburg University 51 W. College St.Waynesburg, Pa. 15370

As the weeks until graduation slowly dwindle into days, I’m left sitting here reflecting on the past four years.

Ref lecting about the memories I’ve made.

Ref lecting about the people I’ve met.

Reflecting about the little things I’ll miss.

Wi th graduation approaching, reflecting just seems like the only thing I can do to ease my mind.

But, for once in my life, I’m left speechless.

It’s hard to put into words and say goodbye to everything you have known for the past four years.

Waynesburg, the physical place and also the people who dwell here, have been my home.

How do you say “goodbye” to your home, your family?

Whether we like to admit it or not, “goodbyes” are a part of life.

They are something that is inescapable: we’ve all had to say “goodbye” to someone or something before, and we’ll all have to do it again.

The last time most of us had to say “goodbye” to both our home and family

was freshman year.

Coming from a closeknit family with four sisters and amazing parents, I struggled with saying “goodbye.” Eventually, I was able to persevere and find another family and home within Waynesburg, but moving away was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

Something that will always remind me of this journey from freshman year until now is my Waynesburg ID card headshot.

The one thing none of us can change about our experience here at Waynesburg is our ID photo.

Because of that, some people look at theirs with disdain. However, when I look at my ID photo it reminds me of freshman move-in day.

As a cross country runner, I had to move in a week early for training camp.

Since I live six hours away, the journey to Waynesburg was in fact a long, tedious journey. It took so long to get to school that all of my worries about moving in didn’t physically hit me until I got to campus. At that point it was too late to turn around and go home.

I’ll still remember this day because I sat in Burns sobbing as my dad and the R A tried to console me. Nothing they said or

did would stop my crying.

However, I did stop for a few brief moments so I could get my ID headshot taken. Then, I continued.

Looking back at that day, I think about how I was so young and unaware.

If only I knew what the future held for me, then saying “goodbye” wouldn’t have been so hard.

The problem with saying “goodbye” is that you don’t know what is going to happen next.

My parents would argue that not knowing the future isn’t a problem, but it’s the beauty of “goodbyes.”

In fact, when I was inconsolable on move-in day, my parents left me with two things which I still have to this day.

One was the book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss, and the other was a card with a note from both of them.

As I leave Waynesburg, these are the two things I look to for comfort and motivation because both not only talked about saying “goodbye” but also embracing change and moving forward.

My favorite line from the book is, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU

are the one who’ll decide where to go.”

In times of change, it’s important to remember that you’re in charge. You are in control of your own journey.

Even though we are in control of our journey, we must choose to move forward and embrace the change with open arms, maybe even tears like me.

Because if you choose not to move on and not to say “goodbye,” you’ll never know the beauty of what lies ahead.

As my parents’ card from freshman year explained: similar to a butterfly, we cannot become beautiful without becoming uncomfortable first.

So, go out, and embrace the change that lies ahead, and become a beautiful butterfly.

As Dr. Seuss puts it, “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So ... get on your way!”

Before I get on my way, I’d like to first say “goodbye.”

Goodbye to the professors who’ve aided in my self-growth and knowledge discovery.

Goodbye to my friends who’ve stood by my side all these years.

Goodbye Waynesburg University.

You will be missed.

Photo courtesy of Kristine Schiffbauer

From left to right: Austin Bechtold, Lachlan Loudon, Micah Leith, Rebekah Vaughan, Sierra Medina, Rachel Pellegrino, President Douglas Lee

Taking time to reflect on WU SIERRA MEDINA

Managing Editor

I wa s fee l i n g a b i t desperate my freshman year, as a lot of people do, and as I was venting to my mentor she told me about something that happened to her that has stuck with me every time I’ve needed to weather a storm.

She had just gotten a young fig plant, and if you don’t know what that is, it’s a beautiful tropical plant native to Africa. She invited her friend over and when she arrived and noticed the plant she picked it up and started shaking the crap out of it.

My m e nt o r wa s s o confused and started freaking out and told her, “hey, stop it, you’re going to kill my plant!”

Her friend replied, “it will actually die if you don’t shake it. If you do not mimic the tropical storms, the plant's roots will be weak and more susceptible to disease, the leaves will fall off.”

I know sometimes the last thing we want

to hear when we are struggling is that it’s for our good. But throughout my time at Waynesburg, I’ve learned that the difficulties I’ve experienced and all of the emotional pain has set me on a trajectory that I am incredibly grateful for.

Living life well requires a great deal of ref lection and practicing self-awareness. So, I thought it was fitting to frame my ref lection around Mazlow’s facets of self-actualization, the highest achievement on his pyramid. The first of these being significance.

It’s an understatement to say my time here has held signif icance in my life. Something noteworthy I have learned is that if being hard on yourself worked it would have worked by now.

I spent the first two years of my service with youth as a Bonner Scholar having imposter syndrome, scared the kids would notice that even though I loved God I wasn’t close to having all the answers.

I wanted them to look up to me for someone

I wasn’t when they already looked up to me for who I was.

Next, my spiritual growth has evolved in rather peculiar ways. I am actually leaving this university less conf ident in my faith than I was four years ago, and I think that is helpful.

We all get stuck in grooves, prone to move throug h the motions.

My time here has put me in many situations where I truly had to question my beliefs, and struggle to give an answer for what I believe in. It has helped me to reevaluate my spiritual life, and I have come to a few conclusions.

There is so much more that connects us than drives us apart.

W hether it be politically, denominationally or even differences in personality, I’ve learned

that abounding in grace always serves me better than harboring bitterness.

Just because you're not as mature as you want to be in your faith doesn't mean that others cannot learn from you. I learned this while serving at West Sides Youth Group in West Waynesburg and that our spirituality and its expressions will change over time!

I know that some times I see God and experience Him more outside of a worship service than I do in one. Maybe you feel His spirit more strongly in unorthodox ways and that’s okay!

It was hard to accept these truths because usually we’re not wellversed in humility, but I promise you, it’s freeing.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

REFLECT >> CC3

Letters to the editor are encouraged as a method to bring issues of concern into the public eye. Letters should be typed, limited to 300 words, signed and include a phone number for confirmation. Letters may be submitted to 400 Buhl Hall, sent to the Yellow Jacket via campus mail or via email to jacket@waynesburg.edu. Letters may also be sent to Yellow Jacket, 400 Buhl Hall, Waynesburg University, 51 W. College St., Waynesburg, Pa. 15370.

APRIL 21, 2022

PAGE CC3

Journalist headed to law school in the fall Reflect LACHLAN LOUDON

Copy Desk Chief

The 1972 broadway musical “Pippin” is all about a boy who holds massive aspirations. All he wants is to be “extraordinary,” but can seemingly never find that fulfillment. He is led down a path of war, love, revelry, riches, art, kingship and more, but is never satisfied. He wants to be like the brig ht, golden sun, as the show’s grand finale suggests.

My sophomore year, I had the honor of performing in “Pippin” as the Leading Player, who narrates the show and guides Pippin through all of his false fulfillments. Unfortunately, our show was canceled in March 2020 due to the pandemic, forcing everyone to vacate campus.

I came to Waynesburg University in the fall of 2018 with no real aspirations. I always knew I wanted to go to college, but I had no direction.

Both of my parents went to WU, so I already had a

school in mind. I visited three schools in total and entered as a sports broadcasting major simply to foster my love for sports as a retired high school hockey player.

It didn’t take long for me to realize my talents in the field of communication. In high school, I took video production and digital design classes, and I always enjoyed writing. By my sophomore year at Waynesburg, I was a journalism major with an interest in TV news.

During my sophomore year, I felt a spark. I volunteered at the regional Emmy awards ceremony at the breathtaking Wyndam Grand Pittsburgh. I handed trophies of gold to local news celebrities.

Famous news anchors looked at me in the eyes as they clasped the gilded, atom-bearing angel out of my hands.

I wanted to win one of those trophies and eat those lavish dinners while staring at skyscrapers through 30-foot-wide windows. The thought of being part of that high society inspired me. Going into the news career was my path to get there. That

was my path to becoming “extraordinary.”

WU’s inclusive Department of Communication allowed me to get involved and work my way up to the top of our campus media. One of our professors actually has an office full of Emmys; she’s won so many. I was on a mission. I was going to be extraordinary.

When COVID-19 interrupted our education, I was distraught. For an indefinite amount of time, I had no way of building a demo reel, or so I thought.

I was off campus, out of my comfort zone. I had the opportunity to make a news package at home, in Pittsburgh, the market I wanted to do news in, but I couldn’t do it. I didn’t want to do it. Something changed.

I reconsidered my career path. I frequently tossed around the idea of graduate school, but I wasn’t sure what kind of professional studies I wanted to do. Originally, I wanted to be an investigative reporter and break the next Watergate Scandal, so law school seemed like the most logical path.

Then, I started to think

beyond a news career.

I envisioned myself as a lawyer, making a thick paycheck with an office plated in gold. I could run for governor if I wanted to. I could be “extraordinary.”

I took the LSAT and immersed myself in pre-law activities. I applied to law schools at the beginning of my senior year and sealed my fate, but I was putting the cart before the horse. I wasn’t in it for the right reasons. I didn’t actually want to be that fictional courtroom lawyer like Saul Goodman or Matt Murdoch. I had no question about my passion for the law through my exposure to it in my communication studies, but I was still lost.

It wasn’t until February of this year when I understood my vocation.

A private legal counselor spoke at one of our prelaw events and said, “You need to love service to love being a lawyer.”

That’s when the pieces fell into place. I wasn’t going to find fulfillment from being “extraordinary.” I was going to find it through a love of service.

Even in the field of pri-

vate, corporate counsel, where desks are piled high with research and paperwork, lawyers are still serving. They’re serving clients, serving companies, serving workers, serving the world. As a journalist, we served the community of Greene County, Pennsylvania wi th our informative, objective news stories, and that's what I adored about it.

I feel estranged walking out of the communication department as a law student. I recently confirmed my seat with little doubt for this fall at Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, the city I love. Meanwhile, I see my friends accepting jobs at news stations around the country or turning their internships at public relations firms into full-time jobs.

Despite this feeling, being a journalism major has shaped me. I was exposed to policy and the law. I was forced to talk to strangers. I was constantly writing and researching, but most importantly, I learned that I didn’t need to be “extraordinary” to find satisfaction in life.

CONTINUED FROM CC2 Lastly, is fulfillment.

Fulf illment means the achievement of something desired. Ever since I can remember I’ve had a heart for the vulnerable populations within society, whether it be those struggling through reentry, at-risk youth or those with mental health problems.

Growing up with incarcerated family members and rampant substance abuse spurred me towards looking for practical ways to alleviate these issues. Because of what I have here and through my involvement in the Bonner program, I have had the opportunity to learn about sustainable civic options, talk wi th leaders in those areas of activism and acquire placements that have prepared me for the Law School Admissions Test and my future within the legal system.

Waynesburg University has helped me find fulfillment within my career path, and personally as well, satisfied that my heart’s desires can come to fruition.

From kid to college grad, dreams are within reach RILEY HOLSINGER Columnist

Graphic by Lachlan Loudon

Most kids watch Disney, Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon at the age of nine. Not me. At that age, I was glued to the couch watching ESPN shows like “Around the Horn” or “Pardon the Interruption.”

As a third grader, I was not only growing a love for watching sports, but also the media side of it.

After morning announcements in elementary school, I would go to the back of the classroom in Ms. Freshour’s class acting as a sports anchor by breaking down the biggest sports news from the previous day.

Playing sports served an integral part of my

entire life growing up for a plethora of reasons.

However, I never thought of sports turning into a career of mine, unless I turned into Hines Ward overnight.

Throug hout middle school and high school, I lost sight of what I wanted to do for my future profession. I thought about being a history teacher, an athletic trainer or an engineer.

One piece of mail from Waynesburg University gazed my eyes back onto the sports media side.

I received an invite to Lanny Frattare’s Sports Announcing Camp. Although I could not attend the camp, it put Waynesburg and sports media programs on my map.

Immediately upon stepping on Waynesburg’s campus full of hills on a rainy and cold fall visita-

tion day, I fell in love with it and knew it felt like home.

Not only did Waynesburg become like a second home to me, but I also got to follow out my childhood dream the past four years. Not many people can say or do that.

Looking back to my freshman year, I did get fantastic opportunities that gave me a great taste of working in the sports media field.

Covering Steelers training camp back in the summer of 2019 gave me a taste and realization of my dream. I’ve thought to myself that if that experience doesn’t make me want to be great then I don’t know what will.

Despite Waynesburg being a smaller school, it has certainly helped one kid attempt to reach some big dreams.

PAGE CC4

APRIL 21, 2022

Greene Historical Society Opening Day set for April 30 Event will feature tours, printing, civil war, reenactments, blacksmithing, and pottery COLIN C. RHODES For the Yellow Jacket

Excitement is in the air at the Greene County Historical Society, as opening day for the museum is just around the corner, set for April 30, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Historical Society is looking to make this opening day a special one, as it’s the first one since the start of the pandemic to not be limited by COVID-19 protocols. In fact, they plan on making it bigger than it was before the pandemic.

It is going to be much more of an event this year than it has in the past, even before the pandemic,” wrote Event Coordinator Janis Rohanna in an email.

“More or less it was the first day we were open for guests to come and visit after being closed for the winter.”

Guests will be able to have self-guided tours at the museum and get to experience demonstrations in blacksmithing, horse team plowing, pottery, and printing.

There will also be reenactments of Civil War drills as well as interactive displays of Native American. Guests can also learn about the Washington & Waynesburg Railroad.

If guests want food, they’ll be able to get some provided by the historic brick oven owned by the Historical Society. Some of the items that will be served include pizzas, pierogies, hot dogs, and pepperoni rolls. “ The Historic Brick Oven will be f ired up for Opening Day, offering guests a delicious a s s o r t m e nt of i t e m s available through our concessions,” wrote Rohanna. “You won't want to miss grabbing lunch

while you're here.”

Opening Day will also have a virtual 5K for those registered to participate in. It can be done anywhere and anytime the runners want to. As stated in a Facebook post, participants will receive a tshirt and have their time posted to social media.

All of the proceeds will go towards the Greene County Historical Society.

“Our hope is to have several hundred guests visit us in person at the Museum for the activities and demonstrations,” wrote Rohanna.

Further information about Opening Day and the virtual 5K, as well as links for registration for the 5K, can be found on the Historical Society’s Facebook page. A list of other events that will be held at the museum can be found on the events page of the Historical Society’s website.

Micah Leith, The Yellow Jacket

The Historical Society's historic brick oven, visitors will be able to sample food cooked in it.

New Bookstore Opens in Claysville REBEKAH VAUGHAN

Digital News Content Director

Looking for your next favorite book? A trip to Claysville might have you covered for your next goto story.

On Saturday, April 10, the Little House of Books opened its doors for business on Main Street in Claysville. The store, which is family-owned and operated, is roughly a 30-minute drive from the campus of Waynesburg University.

Shelly Nadler, one of the bookstore owners, said that the inspiration to open the shop in Claysville came from her travels with her husband.

“We like to drive around the little towns that we can go to within a few days, like over the weekend, and we always look for a bookstore,” Nadler said. “We were in Virginia at a little town, I think it was called

Lexington, and they had a bookstore and I thought ‘Oh my gosh, Claysville would be a wonderful place for a bookstore.’”

The Little House of Books of fers a handpicked selection of books for purchase, as well as hand-crafted gifts such as stuffed animals, pencil toppers and more.

Nadler said she hopes to inspire locals and everyone who comes through the doors of the shop to pick up and enjoy a good book.

“I hope to inspire people to read. I’ve got a lot of responses as in ‘I haven’t read a book since grade school,’ or ‘I don’t really read,’” Nadler said. “It’s so nice to hold a book in your hand and that seems like something that’s in the past.”

W hile Nadler hopes Waynesburg residents visit the shop in Claysville, she also hopes to inspire

someone to open a bookstore of their own in Greene County.

“I personally love Waynesburg, and I think that would be a perfect place for a bookstore,” Nadler said. “If [students] had a place to go like this, then maybe kids would like to read more.”

Some Waynesburg students are willing to make the drive to Clayville to visit the Little House of Books. Sophomore Tim Durkin is one of them.

“A 30-minute drive, an hour drive is worth it for a book good in my opinion,” Durkin said.

Along with books and other knickknacks, the shop also has a kitchenette area where specialty coffees will be served.

“I do like a good bookstore that also has the vibe of a coffee shop,” Durkin said. “Coffee shops are kind of associated with

writing and reading and just literature in general.”

While the 30-minute drive from Greene County to the bookstore may seem daunting to students, some shoppers in the store came from further for opening day.

Melissa Treglia, from Pittsburgh, was visiting the shop to support the small community of Claysville.

“It brings back so much histor y,” Treg lia said.

“The community gets together, you get out, get to meet everybody again, especially during what we just went throug h with COVID. It’s nice to get out and interact with everybody.”

When asked if she would be back to visit the shop, Treglia responded, “Absolutely, you know I will. Yes.” Editors note: This article was previously published April 19, 2022 at theyellowjacket.org

Photo Courtesy of Little House of Books

Rebekah Vaughan, The Yellow Jacket

A view inside the Little House of Books in Claysville

County hosts Spring Cleaning Electronic Recycling Event RACHEL DUNCAN For The Yellow Jacket

To help Greene County residents prepare for Spring and Summer cleaning ef forts, the county will be hosting an electronic recycling event for two days out of the year. Residents will be able to recycle a plethora of things, such as televisions and fridges, on either day, with the first approaching on May 4.

Due to an increase in the need of recycling and to keep in line with the county’s Solid Wa s t e M a n a g e m e n t Plan, Greene County

has hosted this event for several years.

According to Jeremy Kelly, Greene County’s director of planning, the Solid Waste Management Plan was put in place to meet the needs of the county residents.

Kelly said the county has done its best trying to suit everyone’s recycling needs.

“In that Solid Waste Municipal Plan there was an obvious need for recycling, not just paper and everyday products, but a need for electronics recycling,” said Kelly. “Many years ago, with the help of the state representative at the

time, we were able to kind of piggyback back on with what Washington [County] kinda was doing with JVS Environmental. We worked with them, and we've evolved over the last couple of years with this program to try to better suit everybody.”

JVS Environmental is an electronic recycling company which serves several states, including Pennsylvania. Since Greene Arc. and the county are not qualified to recycle electronic items such as televisions or computers, a partnership with JVS gives the county permits to col-

lect such items for the allotted time slot. Although the county does a lot of the work, JVS Environmental is the one to pick up the items. “ We provide … the location, we provide help sometimes … I'll be there all day on May 4.

We do signs. We do site control,” said Kelly. “JVS Environmental, they're the ones who technically are collecting the product, and they're packaging it and putting it on their truck to take back to recycle.”

According to Kelly, the event has only been held for the past couple of years, which has been

difficult because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because CDC guidelines for interactions and passing objects, the state tried to cancel the event, but the county argued for the event to still be held given more people were working from home, which meant they were updating systems.

Kelly said the state eventually allowed the event to still be held, but with more restrictions and regulations.

Even with the new regulations, Kelly said the county experienced more than 400 cars on the first day. Although it

is unclear if that number will be met, lowered, or increased on May 4 due to the removal of preregistration, the county is prepared.

“It’s very difficult to gauge and we never really know,” said Kelly. “ We’re really just on guard for anything.”

The first event will be held Wednesday, May 4 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Greene County Fairgrounds. For more information about acce p t a b l e e l ect ro n i c s and Green Arc. go to www.co.greene.pa.us/ News-Electronics-Recycling-Scheduled-inGreene-County.

sport spotlight SECTION D

APRIL 21, 2022 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

MEN’S SOCCER

FOOTBALL

From England to WU, McCann chases dream to follow athletic career

Menges mans DB’s and classroom

TYLER ZEMAN For The Yellow Jacket

Ryan McCann’s journey to Waynesburg University is one you typically do not see, moving from a small town outside of Liverpool, England to a small town in Waynesburg, PA. His path has been led by two things: family and soccer.

McCann was born and raised in Runcorn England by his parents Sean and Sharon McCann. He also had one older brother, Sean, who like himself loved soccer.

At four years old, McCann already had a soccer ball at his feet due to his father.

From there, soccer became a passion that he would continue to pursue as he grew up watching and playing the sport every chance he could.

McCann would eventually move into the Pittsburgh region and attend Moon Area High School. While he was Cann was accepted into the Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy in Leeds, England.

During his time with RIASA, McCann would graduwould continue to play and study with RIASA until the his way onto the pitch with someone very familiar to him.

“My brother actually played here on the soccer team and he convinced me to come here to play soccer,” McCann said.

During that fall season in play alongside his brother who came to Waynesburg a senior that year.

Along with the chance to spend time with his brother was also accepted into one of the highest academic programs here at Waynesburg University.

“I got accepted into the Stover Program here at the university so that was a big deciding factor too,” McCann

said.

McCann getting accepted to be a Stover Scholar brought forward the biggest challenge he would have to face here at Waynesburg University.

“In Europe basically I was a full-time athlete and a parttime student. I played soccer six days a week for four said. “So, when I transitioned over to Waynesburg I had to understand how to be a student-athlete and not just an athlete at that time.”

McCann was able to balance out the school work and soccer over his three years here at Waynesburg University. The defender would a Yellow Jackets jersey.

McCann will be graduating with a degree in political science. He will continue his by attending Duquesne University’s School of Law. For McCann, the biggest things he will miss are the friendships and bonds he has been able to create with his teammates here at Waynesburg University.

As for soccer, McCann still has two years of eligibility left and would like to continue to play at the college level.

“If not, I would like to still be involved whether it be a manager on a team or something like that and obviously I still will play in summer leagues,” McCann said.

No matter what the future brings, McCann will always have the endless amount of memories he has been able to make along with the lessons the sport has taught him, including one particular one.

“It teaches a lot of things like teamwork, work ethic, how to be a good loser and how to be a good winner,” McCann said. “But more importantly understanding though there are trials and tribulations with life and bouncing back from that and seeing how you will respond to those negative environments.”

Courtesy of Luke Menges

Safety Luke Menges (20) is preparing to become a teacher after graduating from WU. RILEY HOLSINGER For The Yellow Jacket

Donning a red or scarlet football uniform has always been something at the forefront of Luke Menges mind, whether if it was a water of putting on a Union Local Jets jersey or as a high schooler wanting to wear an Ohio State Buckeyes jersey.

He might not have had the tremendous opportunity of playing collegiately in “the shoe,” but his love for football remained the same even as a Waynesburg University Yellow Jacket safety in John F. Wiley Stadium.

“It means everything,” Menges said on what football meant to him. “I just grew up around it my whole life and loved it.”

Football has even helped pave his life outside of the game. Menges was inspired to pursue a bachelor of science in mathematics degree cate with some assistance from his high school offensive coordinator Randy Thompson.

“Midway through my se-

nior year [of high school], I wasn’t really sure on what I wanted to do. I knew I really liked math so I wanted to do something in the math fensive coordinator was a retired math teacher and he said ‘you know you really like football and math, so why don’t you give this thing where you teach and coach football?’”

Fast forward four years and Menges is enjoying his decision to follow Thompson’s advice. He is still looking to become a coach post-graduation to coincide with his goal of being a high school math teacher.

“I’m student teaching now and I love it,” Menges said.

“He’s an impressive individual,” Former Waynesburg head football coach Chris Smithley said. “He’s going to be very successful wherever he goes.”

Menges got his fair share in learning how to be a teacher and leader with this Waynesburg football team and his student teaching at Margaret Bell. He now has experience teaching

a young Waynesburg secondary and young minds in a classroom setting.

“He was a very lead by example type of individual, but he was that coach that said. “He was coaching his defensive backs in games and warmups. He knew for himself to be successful that he had to grow the guys around him.”

Speaking of growth, there’s been plenty of it in Menges.

“Over the years he never got complacent. He always grew,” Smithley said. “He always strived to take that next step in his development as a player on and off most special thing about Luke.”

“I ’ve grown to love Waynesburg,” Menges said.

“There’s a lot of things that I would change, but I wouldn’t change my experience for the world. I’ve absolutely loved it and I’m grateful this is where my journey led me.”

Even if he never got to wear that Buckeyes jersey for Urban Meyer or Ryan

Day, Smithley believes another legendary head football coach at the college ranks would be more than happy to have players like Luke Menges on his team.

“Nick Saban would say ‘man, I’d love to have 22 Luke Menges,” Smithley said. “You have 22 of [him] and you’re cooking with gas.”

Menges’ tenure at Waynesburg didn’t feature a ton of team success, but he greatly appreciates the wins the sport has given him “Coming up with a victory on senior day, it seemed like I was content after that. It made everything worthwhile,” Menges said. “It’s a game, but it’s so much more outside of the game that you don’t realize at the time. You’re building lifelong relationships outside of it.”

While his playing career may be over, football will always be in Luke Menges’ heart.

I’ll definitely miss it,” Menges said. “I plan on staying active in football in some way shape or form for a good while. I love football too much to give it up.”

WOMEN'S SOCCER

Briski leaves major impact on Waynesburg soccer bring the energy.

“God gave me that energy for a reason,” Briski said.

“It’s not worth it to have that energy and waste it.”

CALEB YAUGER Sports Assistant

“She is, by far, one of the hardest workers I have ever coached.”

These were the words of first-year Waynesburg head women’s soccer coach George DeAugustino.

They were describing senior All-PAC Second Team defender Meghan Briski.

Briski is a nursing major and a Bonner scholar at Waynesburg University.

In her final season as a Yellow Jacket, the squad Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) tournament for Similar to many soccer kids, Briski started to play the game at a young age.

“I started playing soccer when I was about four years old,” Briski said. “Throughout the years, I continued to love it, so I just kept moving on up.”

From local leagues, to junior high teams, to high school teams at Pine Richland, to club travel teams, Briski was passionate about the game of soccer.

When it came time to make a decision about col-

Courtesy of Meghan Briski

Women's soccer defender and nursing major Meghan Briski brought an energetic presence to the program during her four years at Waynesburg. lege, Briski wanted two things: a smaller Division III school, and an institution where she could pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

“That’s kind of what put [Waynesburg] on the map for me,” Briski said.

The faith component of Waynesburg also enticed

Briski.

Around the campus of Waynesburg, the nursing majors are known as some of the busiest students.

Briski had to manage being a nursing major, student-athlete, and Bonner scholar.

“I’m a person who loves

to tackle new experiences,” ficult; however, I did find that being in season kind of pushed me to study more.”

But with the experience of being a soccer and track athlete in high school, Briski was “already wired for it.”

In terms of Briski’s style

of play, her peers and coaches could always sense her tenacity.

“She’s relentless,” DeAugustino said. “She just brings a passion and a love for competition, let alone soccer.”

Briski was always that one player on the team to

competitiveness the Briski brings, the defender, deep down, is really a comical character.

“She’s kind of a jokester at times,” DeAugustino said.

“She was always the one bringing the music.”

Before games, the women’s soccer team would blast classic hits in the locker rooms pregame, as a reminder that there is more to life than just sports.

“It was a great moment for all of us to kind of just laugh, relax, and have fun,” Briski said. “We could make mistakes and laugh about it.”

In addition to PAC AllSecond Team, Briski also made it to the PAC Fall Academic Honor Roll in each season that she played.

Briski’s collegiate soccer career may be over, but everyone around her knows that this is only the beginning.

“She’s going to be a great nurse,” DeAugustino said.

“She’s going to crush it.”

sports SECTION DD

APRIL 21, 2022 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

Q&A: Matt Pioch named first Esports coach

Women seek to continue Waynesburg’s winning ways Men’s team eyeing improvement

RILEY HOLSINGER For The Yellow Jacket

The Waynesburg Esports program has been teased and developed over the past school year as a new addition to Yellow Jackets sports. Former Assistant Dean of Student Services, Matt Pioch was announced as the newest addition as the program’s Question: How excited are

Courtesy of Gabi Reifsnyder

RILEY HOLSINGER For The Yellow Jacket

The Waynesburg University Track and Field teams opened their outdoor season at Mylan Park in West Virginia and will close its regular season there for the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship Thursday, April 28, and Friday, April 29.

“I ’m so exci ted. I ’m a competitor at heart,” Waynesburg Director of Track Operations Chris Hardie said. “Big meets or cross country races are more of an entertainment thing for me. It’s like watching a movie and I love it so I’m going to be the biggest fan when that starts.”

The women’s team is looking to pick up its when the team won four straight outdoor championships. The men’s team to hoist the championship ever in outdoor track and “I take a lot of things personally when we are not doing well, but I try to push the credit back to the team when we’re doing great and I think right now we’re in this happy place where the team seems to be functioning really well,” Hardie said.

The one team that is really functioning well

is the women’s team as they look primed to compete for a championship once again after finishing fourth in the indoor championships.

“I think that they have all of the ingredients this year to make a run for it,” Hardie said. “I would say we’re still a little bit of the underdog heading into it. I think we’re in a good trajectory to be in the top three, but it’s going to take some really good performances.”

Keeping up with Kat K at He n d e r s o n h a s dominated the indoor and outdoor season so far competing in a plethora on the track.

“She’s at a tremendous level rig ht now. She’s jumping phenomenally in the long jump,” Hardie said. “She’s all in with helping this team get as many points as they can.

That’s just the type of competitor that she is.”

At the conclusion of the indoor championships, Henderson was named Co-PAC Most Outstanding Field Performers along with Westminster senior Megan Parker. She also broke the school’s record for the long jump earlier in the outdoor season as all-time in school history for the heptathlon.

Return of Rose Michaela Rose didn’t start out running for the

Yellow Jackets, transferring in from West Virginia University this year. As she approaches the PAC Championship, Rose will be competing in a venue she’s more than used to.

Rose has turned heads this season with top perdusting Division I and II competitors along the way. Rose has consistently placed within the events throughout the season.

“What Michaela does is give you an immediate frontrunner that can go out there and be able to “She’s one of the hardest workers of the group, a backbone and one of our leaders.”

Winning with Wingeart Aubrey Wingear t is best known for helping Waynesburg win when it comes to cross country, but she’ll play a factor in the women’s team vying returns to the team for the first time since the indoor championships.

Despite not running with Waynesburg since February, Wingeart has been running side by side with D-I competition while she gy coursework at Coastal Carolina.

“I think that when she’s

there that the girls feel a lot better about their chances,” Hardie said.

“She’s been working really hard for this. This is one of her goals is to try and help the team get a little bit closer to a championship.”

Men’s team moves up Last season, the men’s last in the conference championship. In the indoor season championship, they came in eighth eran throwers unit and youthful presence all throughout the team may be responsible for more movement in the f inal team results.

“Heading into it (the throwers) have a little bit of pressure on them which is good, as a thrower, we thrive off of that.

They’ve been scoring a lot of points and we go head-to-head with a lot of division two teams and we hold our own,” Hardie said. “I do think we’re going to jump at least two spots probably and they’re excited about that.”

Overall, Hardie maintains a high level of excitement for both of his teams entering the biggest stage in the conference.

“I think we’re going to see some great performances and even see some histor y,” Hardie said.

head coach of the Waynesburg Esports program?

Answer: Absolutely. I think this is a great opportunity to add to our athletics program in possibly the most equitable sport in Esports. I can’t wait to get everything up and running.

Q: What made you want to pursue this position?

A: Esports is growing extremely quickly worldwide.

The League of Legends championships had more viewers than the Super Bowl last year. The idea of building a program from the ground up and creating opportunities for students to compete in a new sport on campus really appealed to me. I have played video games most of my life starting with the NES until eventually, I began building PCs to game with regularly in college selling parts to friends to continue upgrading my rig. Back when I was in college, having an Esports program was unheard of, so I played with a group from my residence hall as well as endured a lot of solo queue. When the opportunity to lead a group of college students in competitive gaming presented itself, I was quickly reminded of how much I truly valued playing and was excited that this position would allow me the opportunity to advocate and establish a program that celebrates the importance of gaming.

Q: Most people know you as a big fan of board games, what is your background in Esports or competitive video gaming in general?

A: fan of board gaming and even more traditional sports in general. I would say that I am just a competitive person in general and really enjoy opportunities to test my skill in different games. I started my college career as a Division III Basketball player, but afI decided it was time to hang the jersey up. Video games

had always been a large part of my life, but it was after my injury playing basketball that I really began looking for another competitive outlet.

I found a game called Global Agenda by HiRez Studios that I absolutely fell in love with.

This is really where I got my tive gaming could look like.

Unfortunately, the game is no longer supported, but

Matt Pioch after playing that for about 3 years, I moved to playing games like League of Legends, Smite, Overwatch, and Paladins. I didn’t have an Esports program at the university I attended, but I played competitively on the regular through ranked play and such.

Q: Obviously Esports is a newer entity to the NCAA and especially to the sports world, what do think the look like for you personally?

A: It will look a lot like being a track coach honestly.

If you think about it, there are quite a few different events in track that all require a different skillset, so the head coach has to really hone in on the administrative side of the role organizing practices, coaching, etc. to match the different events each athlete participates in.

In Esports, the number of games is growing every day.

My role will be looking to the needs of each athlete for the game they compete in and developing a plan for them to compete on the highest level.

Q: Out of all the video games you’ve played your whole life, which one would you say is your favorite?

A: This is a really tough question because I have played so many different games on so many different consoles in addition to playing a plethora of PC games. If I had to choose, I would have to go with Global Agenda because of how it created a space for me to compete when I had walked away from basketball after injury.

Softball splits ‘home’ doubleheader with Grove City LOGAN LEPISCOPO For the Yellow Jacket

The Waynesburg Universi ty sof tball team served as the visiting team in its home stadium for a doubleheader against Grove City College. The matchup was continued following a postponement earlier this season at Grove City due to the weather.

Waynesburg contin-

walk-off loss in game two.

Despite all of the snow, rain, wind and low temperatures, the Yellow were able to blow away 5-5).

Backed by an eight run fourth inning, the Yellow Jackets packed on their

innings this season.

Freshman phenom Sydney Wilson said the team needed to properly adjust to weather condia mix of rain and snow throughout the day.

“It’s pretty toug h to put the ball exactly where you want,” Wilson said. “Some days you just have to work with what you’re dealt and hope for the best.”

In game one, Waynesburg freshman Mackenzie Kearns led the way going 3-for-4 o and helped spark the eight run inning. hits in 24 at-bats as a ferent batters.

Sydney Wilson threw a complete 5-innings in two runs on four hits

as well as adding four strikeouts to her season total. Wilson pitched a total of nine innings including four pitched in the second game.

Sophomore Ella Brookman got the start on the hill for game two, but was pulled in the third inning after allowing five runs on seven hits.

Way n e s b u r g h e a d coach Brett Shimek ended up dealing with a dif-

Brookman.

“I just think Sydney threw well to that zone all day,” Shimek said. “I was proud of both of them. It was just a gut feeling, a coach’s decision.”

For a moment, it seemed like Waynesburg would pull off a sweep as the bottom of the six inning.

Grove City graduate student Hannah Detz drove in freshman Maci Linhart for an RBI single to tie it all up heading into the seventh inning.

After a scoreless top of the seventh inning, it was on the shoulders of the Waynesburg defense to make a play and force extra innings.

However, the Wolverines won on a Cara Polese single up the middle that sent Morgan Prouty home for the game winning run.

The Yellow Jackets are in third place in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and the team has a busy schedule ahead the next few days.

Waynesburg will hostSaint Vincent College (second in the PAC) in a doubleheader today. The -

Austin Bechtold, For the Yellow Jacket

The softball team has won at least 18 games for the first time since the 2012 season when the team finished 1818 overall.

PAGE D2

APRIL 21, 2022 BASEBALL

VOLLEYBALL

Pitcher Corey Fischer continues Buhr done spiking volleyballs, to strike back against cancer turns to saving lives as nurse TANNER CYPROWSKI For the Yellow Jacket

Corey Fischer has loved playing baseball since he was

for two more days of chemo.

Fischer started radiation about a month ago at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh while still receiving chemo treatments.

During his time in the hospi-

busy schedule, Fischer is still a main contributor to the baseball team.

“The passion he brings to the know he’s taking to his mediPerry Cunningham said in an interview for WCTV. “If we can plug him in certain situations and a certain role for us, I think that just makes our team that much better.”

His first pitching appearance since starting treatments was against Concordia College during the team’s annual spring break trip to Florida. That performance was something you couldn’t write. Fischer had a no-hitter going into the sev-

Courtesy of Gina Fischer

Fischer is 3-2 in 11 appearances for the Jackets staff. in the way of that. Not even cancer. In his fourth year at Waynesburg University and as a member of the baseball team, Fischer received news that would change his life forever.

He was diagnosed with Ewing’s

Starting in late November,

tal, Fischer had the opportunity to FaceTime with a few famous Pittsburgh athletes. First it was Sidney Crosby and Jason Zucker. In January, he received a surprise call from TJ Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fischer received two Super Bowl tickets and a paid trip to California for the big game.

“It was awesome, it came as a complete surprise,” Fischer said. “I’ve never experienced anything like it, so I’m very appreciative of Children’s Hospital and the Steelers for that.”

Fischer can’t say enough good things about Children’s Hospital and how they’ve treated him.

“You wonder when you hear about cancer research, where all that money goes,” Fischer noted. “There’s a lot of stuff that people do for the whole

of in-patient chemotherapy, blood work, getting a week off, and then back in the hospital

whatever you can do is helping kids, which is pretty awesome.”

Even during his incredibly

and family thought he had a hip or groin injury. After a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee to watch his favorite team, Pitt football, play, Fischer decided it was time to really find out what was going on.

“It got to a point in October where I couldn’t really drive,” Fischer explained. “I didn’t sleep for probably two months.”

After multiple hospital visits and talks with different doctors, the devastating news was

strikeouts, only giving up two victory.

ida trip with a save in the last game against Wartburg. Sealing the week with a strikeout.

This situation for Fischer is difficult. Family, friends, and Waynesburg University have been with him every step of the way and don’t plan on slowing down. But for Fischer, baseball has always been the answer.

“The one thing you want to do is try as much as possible to try to keep things normal,” Fischer said. “Baseball has always been my escape from anything going on in reality.

This is my biggest testament to that now.”

There are no words to describe what Fischer’s been going through. But you can dewarrior. Everyone’s rooting for him and he’s received endless support from everybody. When this is all over, everyone’s going to look back and realize cancer really did catch the wrong Fisch.

AUSTIN BECHTOLD Sports Editor

From crushing volleyballs to saving lives, Hannah Buhr leaves a lasting impact on those around her.

A senior outside hitter from Jefferson, Maryland, on the court, but will be remembered in even higher regard for her contributions off of it.

Waynesburg’s nursing program, along with the opportunity to continue her volleyball career, is what drew Buhr to Waynesburg after initially being her third choice.

“I didn’t expect to love Waynesburg as much as I did,” the memories, friendships, and amazing education I couldn’t be more blessed to attend a school as great as this one.” leyball season is one that will stick with Hannah Buhr forever.

The Yellow Jackets did not find the success they were looking for after a strong as a team and rallied around each other. Buhr appreciates the relationships she created with her teammates and community.

“This past season is one I’ll remember forever,” Buhr said. “I may not have been in the greatest health, but the way our team came together to support me and one another was awe-inspiring. We bonded like no other team I have ever been a part of.”

Buhr had a career game during her sophomore year the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse,

assists in a four-set victory against W&J on November 2.

Head coach Emily Grossman highlighted Buhr for her titude.

“Hannah is someone that brings light and positivity with her wherever she goes. self to others and genuinely cares about those around

Courtesy of Hannah Buhr

The 2021 season will stick with Buhr for the bonds and relationships she created. her,” Grossman said. “I knew I could trust Hannah to show up every day and be the biggest team player in any role she was given. She truly supports those on her team and wants to see them succeed, even if it means they are playing over her.”

After graduating from Waynesburg, Buhr plans to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and work at the VA hospital in Martinsburg, West Virginia. She wants to be remembered for her faith and work ethic.

“I want to be remembered by that hard work pays off, kindness and compassion matter, and all things are possible with God,” Buhr said.

TRACK AND FIELD / CROSS COUNTRY

Reed, Kurka race to final finish line RILEY HOLSINGER For The Yellow Jacket

“I used to hate cross country back in eighth grade,” senior women’s cross country and track runner Gloria Reed said. wanted to give up.”

Seeing Reed run at the collegiate level, you would not have a suspicion that she hated her most beloved sport at one point. The old adage “mother knows best” played a role in Reed sticking with running as her Mom told her to give it another month.

“I did that and I was like ‘okay, I actually kind of like it,’” Reed said. “You kind of

said.

Kurka, a Purchase Line product, had his college career and goals derailed by ankle and hip injuries.

“Those are things you don’t really expect,” Kurka said. “Sometimes curveballs come and you really don’t expect things. It took a toll on me mentally and physically.”

Despite facing curveballs on the track instead of the diamond, his adversities have changed his mindset as a runner and teammate.

successful.”

Speaking of success, the Waynesburg women’s cross-country team has seen a lot of it recently by just hoisting its sixth straight Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship.

Reed has served a critical role in winning the past four as one of the stars on the team.

“Not one girl alone can win a team title. However, we couldn’t have won a championship without her,” Hardie said. “She’s been

Now she doesn’t know where she would be without running competitively.

“I can’t imagine life without running,” Reed said.

“That’s my characteristic, that’s my trait. I feel like I would be a bland person without it.”

It’s no secret that the Waynesburg running programs, whether cross have built a winning culture. Reed and men’s captain Micah Kurka are two of the members that have been crucial to men’s and women’s teams over the past four years.

“I’ve appreciated working with both of them because when you do this a long time you start to realize everyone has a different set of skills and you play to them,” Hardie said.

In Kurka’s case, he was blazing out of the starting gun as someone who could break track records over his four years wearing a Yellow Jackets uniform.

“I came in wanting to break records and be top on the team and really strive towards big goals,” Kurka

Courtesy of Gloria Reed

From Texas to PA, Gloria Reed journeyed to Waynesburg University to continue her running career. ing some things out, I’m a runner still, but I’m a different runner,” Kurka said. “I’m more team oriented. I’m more focused on seeing my friends and the team’s successes more so than myself.”

Director of Track Operations and cross country coach Chris Hardie has seen that shift in Kurka overtime.

“For him, he’s come to everything he can to become that support network and leader,” Hardie said. “He has to use the gifts God has given him to lead this team into a direction to become

crucial to everyone that we have won. When you talk about a championship culture, you need someone like her.”

Ref lecting on her experiences, Reed has had plenty of great memories to choose from, but pinpoints one championship as her favorite.

“Not a lot of teams can win four titles,” Reed said.

“I think [my favorite mochampionship with the cross-country team.”

“There’s been a lot of great running memories

with her,” Hardie said.

Reed will be remembered very fondly from coaches and runners around her.

“She’s just grown to be well respected by everyone.

She’s the one that everyone will go to for questions,” Hardie said. “I’m getting goosebumps talking about her. She just means a lot to me. She’s a good girl.”

Kurka’s favorite memories come from those competing in the same uniform as him.

“Honestly, some of my best friends for life are a part of the team. From the aspect of running, my favorite memories have always come from my friends,” Kurka said. “It just makes running more fun.”

Hardie foresees a great future from Kurka and Reed after they grab their diploma in front of Miller Hall.

“I think they’ll both be very successful,” Hardie said. “Micah’s always been a dreamer and an adventurer. The competitive spirit in Gloria is going to help her her and her personality and skill set.”

Kurka will carry that “adventurer” title that Hardie alluded to. He is serving at a summer camp in Hawaii through the Salvation Army this summer and then will be a nurse in Charleston, South Carolina afterwards.

Reed will have the “competitive spirit” with her as she graduates. She may not have liked running competitively to begin with, but now she may not be fully ready to run away from the sport.

“I’m probably either going to take a year off or buy new running shoes and start training for marathons or half marathons,” Reed said. “I want to give my body a break, but I know I’m going to miss that competitive side.”

“My experience at Waynesburg has provided me with a solid foundation to succeed in my profession.”

Grossman commends Buhr for the person she has become and the mark she leaves on Waynesburg volleyball.

“She respects every opponent, holds herself accountable, and loves the game. She also has a killer arm swing

down the line,” Grossman said. “Hannah stands true to herself and always tries to do the right thing. I am proud to have her represent Waynesburg and Jackets Volleyball.”

Though college can be a short amount of time in a person’s life, Buhr feels the impact of being at Waynesburg for the past four years and the personal strides she has taken to bring her outside swing with her and attack the world.

“I have grown so much in such a small amount of time,” Buhr said. “I want to thank my friends and faculty members here at Waynesburg for helping me on this journey and preparing me for my next chapter in life.”

GOLF

Hole-in-one

Diel chips in last putts for Waynesburg golf COLIN RHODES For The Yellow Jacket

Political science major Luke Diel has had quite the career playing golf at Waynesburg University. He’s been the number one golfer on the team, a captain, and made milestones in his time as a Yellow Jacket.

But as a senior, his time on the course in the Orange and Black will be coming to an end.

“Without a doubt, Luke will be missed,” head coach Mike Cipoletti said. “He has set the bar pretty high for future number ones and captains on this golf team.”

Diel has been raising that bar ever since his freshman year. He with the distinction of All-PAC honorable mention that year.

He continued to be the lowest-scoring member of the team his sophomore year.

During preparations for the spring season, however, the COentire season.

For Diel, this became a blessing in disguise.

“I was diagnosed with two back diseases that summer,” Diel said. “It kind of gave me the opportunity to work out some issues with my back that I had been having.”

The pandemic also canceled the fall season of his junior year, meaning he had missed two seasons in a row. On the bright side, he and his fellow golf players received eligibility back for those seasons, although Diel doesn’t think he’ll be using it any time soon.

When play resumed the spring of his junior year, Diel was given the role of team captain. According to Cipoletti, it was an easy decision.

“Luke has been our team captain because he’s our best

leader,” Cipoletti said. “He routinely shoots our lowest scores, but he also does an excellent job of communicating with the other guys and with the coaching staff.

He also leads by example in the practice room [whether] he’s on the course or in the simulator room every chance he gets.”

In his senior year, he started to gain more attention with his performance at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Fall Championship at Avalon Falls.

“First day, it’s on hole number Diel said. “The previous day in the practice round, I broke my driver, and the face cracked, so I wasn’t going to be able to use that… When I was playing this tournament, [it was] only with a three wood… Ended up hitting a good ball online and I knew it was certainly going to be within my reach… The ball rolled in for a hole-in-one.”

According to Diel, this was a par 4 in not only PAC history, but all NCAA history as well, regardless of divisions.

“An ace [hole-in-one] on a par four is an estimated six million to one odds,” Cipoletti said.

“The PAC is pretty sure no one has ever hit a hole in one in PAC championship play. It’s one of my most memorable moments on a golf course as well.” onship seventh out of 35 contenders, his best finish in his career. He received high praises from everyone at the Waynesburg, including President Douglas Lee. “That was an incredible two days for me,” Diel said. “It’s an experience I won’t forget.”

Diel credits his grandfather for supporting him and getting him into the sport of golf. He also credits his family, friends, and the University as a whole for supporting his time on the golf team.

APRIL 21, 2022

PAGE D3 MEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

After one year at Waynesburg, Kirkman takes game overseas

Fuller stepped into leadership fulfilling legacy built by Jones

Courtesy of Nijon Kirkman

Nijon Kirkman transferred to Waynesburg after four years at Allegheny College.

Kirkman is planning on playing basketball in Melbourne, Australia after graduation.

AUSTIN BECHTOLD

one game during Waynes-

Sports Editor

demic was a detriment in numerous different ways for student-athletes across the world. It disrupted their way of life and threw a curveball at players looking to make like an easy layup.

Despite the downsides and missed opportunities, one positive emerged from a dire time in college igibility. “The COVID year.”

For Waynesburg graduate student Nijon Kirkman, it includes taking advantage of an extra year to play basketball and earn his MBA, which gave him additional lifelong bonds.

After spending four years at Allegheny College, Kirkman moved from the northern to the southern part of Pennsylvania down games for the Yellow Jackets prior to only cracking at Allegheny.

“What first drew me to Waynesburg was the coaching staff and their co m m i t m e nt t owa rd s me,” Kirkman said. “Also giving me the opportunity to compete and win and they gave me the chance to pursue my master's degree. Every expectation I had for this program and team was met and I had a great time with the guys where now I can call them my family.”

Kirkman missed only

despite his absence, the memorable contest was the one he witnessed from the sidelines.

“My favorite game and moment was the game against Bethany at home,” Kirkman said. “I was on the bench cheering the loudest and I was happy because everyone played that game and we won big and as a team. From the starting five to the last man [off the bench] everyone was ready to play and I loved every single moment of that day and game.”

Head coach Tim Fusina pointed to Kirkman’s experience and willingness to help his new teammates in any way possible.

“He showed our younger guys the way to approach a college game and practice on a daily basis and was a great mentor to them,” Fusina said. “He has the respect of his teamHe was always helping the younger guys along with certain individual work in practice. He showed how was willing to take time to help his teammates out.”

Although he only donned a Jackets uniform for one season, Kirkman left a major impact on the men’s basketball program both on and off the court.

“He cares about his teammates and the people around him. He is an extremely positive person

who has a positive and infectious personality,” Fusina said. “It is hard to not be in a bad mood after seeing Nijon. He is always He wants what is best for the people around him.”

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Kirkman wants people from southwestern Pennsylvania to recall him for both his love of basketball and dedication in the classroom.

“I want to be remembered as the guy who always was happy and grateful for everything because I was, I loved to play and I’m getting an education out of it,” Kirkman said. “I gained a family which made me smile every single day. My legacy here was to make others smile and feel great about meeting me and about themselves.”

Following graduation, Kirkman is set to play basketball overseas in Melbourne, Australia. He credits the Waynesburg community for making a positive impact on him during a major point in his life.

“I want the community to know that I’m thankful for accepting me for me and welcoming me and my family with open arms,” Kirkman said. I will always be a Jacket and I’m thankful for all the fans, the community and the families that came to support the team each night.

It was an amazing time to rock out the Rudy with you guys.”

LACROSSE

Three graduates, one lasting friendship leads lacrosse team JARED WIKER Sports Web Editor

“It feels like the end of an era.”

That statement by Grace describe the end of the lacrosse careers for both she and her friends Cam Dyer and Lily Portman. The three seniors played together on the Waynesburg University lacrosse team for three seasons before Portman moved from a player to a student assistant coach this season.

Dyer and Zablosky were the only two seniors playing this season. esting transition going from being on the team to coaching the team,” Portman said.

“I think it gives me more of a bond and a connection with the girls. I know what they’re going through and I'm really proud of them.”

Portman ended her time as a player last season with three career goals and two assists, which were all scored and attacker.

Zablosky left an instant impression on Yellow Jack-

ets head coach Gennaro Bonaventura from the time they met.

“I remember her and Lily coming to me four years ago and saying that they really wanted to play. [Zablosky is] a good athlete. She works hard, she's always in the gym and I’ll remember her work ethic and how fast she picked up the sport,” nitely could have quit plenty of times, but she loves it and loves the team. We’re going to miss her.”

Zablosky, unlike Portman, had to wait until senior night the back of the net. Playing all four seasons as a defender finally paid off this season scored two goals against Division II West Virginia Wesleyan. core memory of college and I'm going to miss the girls. It felt amazing,” Zablosky said.

“It was really special on senior night. I can't believe that it's going to be over soon, but I've really enjoyed my time.”

All three players will have many great memories, but

the sweetest to them will Thomas Moore University that was heard all over the Waynesburg campus back the shortened season due to demic.

“That was just a different experience actually winning a game. I still have videos from that game,” Dyer said.

“Every year I watch it and it's crazy that I got to experience that.”

Portman, Zablosky and Dyer were sophomores on the team that was able to break a 45-game losing streak that dated all the way team only played a total of “She's really laid back and a great teammate for everyone on the team. She tries to be as vocal as she can. She is just a really awesome person and that’s the thing about our program,” Bonaventura said. “We might not be the best program, but we have a lot of great girls on the team and Cam is one of them. She will be truly missed.”

Courtesy of Brooke Fuller

Brooke Fuller reached the 1,000-point milestone during her senior season and has collected numerous accolades spanning her four-year career.

SETH EVANS For The Yellow Jacket

Waynesburg University is less than a month away departing from campus and beginning its journey out into the world.

One of these soon-tobe graduates is Brooke Fuller, who has undoubtedly put her name among the greats in Waynesburg women’s basketball history.

Head coach Sam Jones did not hold back on his praise for Fuller when asked about her. “ T h e at t e nt i o n s h e draws opens up so many things for us,” Jones said.

Jones knew from the start that Fuller was going to be a crucial part of the Yellow Jacket team.

“I saw a lot in her as a freshman, and to her credit, Brooke put in a lot of work to improve and do what we ask her to do and get better,” Jones From Fuller’s perspective, she knew she had “I knew what was ex-

pected and what I wanted to follow,” Fuller said. “It was really easy to be vocal on the team. I just fell into the role very seamlessly [because] I felt like I did perform on the court, and it’s easier to listen to a player who puts in a lot of work.”

Fuller mentioned she had many great leaders during her f irst three years on the team, with

a matter of reaching that, and I think I really did exceed my expectations and hopefully exceeded my coach’s expectations.”

Besides being a

Orlosky being someone who helped “guide” her.

Fuller made it to the

Fuller also currently holds the Waynesburg Women’s Basketball record for rebounds in a

when asked about those accolades, she described a particular wall in Jones’

Fuller concluded with praise for Jones and the pride she takes in being a part of the Waynesburg family. “[Jones] built this legacy, and I really wanted to be a part of that,” Fuller said. “He’s just helped me through so much, not just basketball-related. He’s someone I could look at

On this wall are the names of all of the seniors that had played under Jones since he became head coach of the program.

“When we’re in there watching film, he’ll always point to a name and tell us a story about it. I’d always be like, ‘I hope he tells stories about me,’” Fuller said. “Any player wants to hear they have a lot of potential, but it’s all

some of Fuller’s other accolades as a Yellow Jacket include: two-time PAC Rookie of the Week, -

is so helpful to not just me, but to everyone on the team. He’s there for you anytime you need him. You could go to him for anything.”

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS

Yellow Jacket seniors Schmidt and English reflect on careers MARLEY WOLF Editorial Assistant

Common life lessons that men’s tennis senior Joey English and women’s tennis senior Kyleigh Schmidt have agreed on when regarding the sport is growth and patience.

While looking around for strong criminal justice programs, Schmidt stumbled upon Waynesburg. She said luckily for her when she decided to change her major, Waynesburg also has a very recognized nursing program.

Through playing tennis at Waynesburg, Schmidt said she learned many different lessons.

“I always knew patience was a virtue,” Schmidt said.

“Patience is definitely the biggest life skill I have ever learned in my entire life through playing tennis here

good with just helping others, being a leader on the team as one of the team captains” As a senior nursing major close to graduation, Schmidt currently has a job at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Behavioral Health Hospital. She said she enjoys psychiatric nursing, and would like to move in that direction, eventually become a nurse practitioner and obtain her master's degree.

Looking back, Schmidt will always have fond memories and relationships created by playing tennis at Waynesburg.

“My favorite memories I’m going to remember would be the long lasting relationships I have gained through tennis that would have been nonexistent,” Schmidt said. “Just being able to look back and

“Patience is definitely the biggest life skill I have ever learned in my entire life through playing tennis at Waynesburg.”

KYLEIGH SCHMIDT On What She Learned Playing Tennis

at Waynesburg. Discipline is also a big one in tennis.”

Men’s and women’s tennis head coach Ron Headlee commented about how he sees leadership qualities in Schmidt.

“She has very good form,” Headlee said. “She’s very

see I had a great time and met some of the most amazing people in my life.”

Headlee said he observed some of the same leadership qualities in Schmidt in English for the men’s program.

Orig inally broug ht to Waynesburg for basket-

ball, English was contacted

by Headlee and decided to come and play both sports.

As basketball didn’t work out, tennis became a main priority.

“I feel like I have grown a lot, whether that is in patience or anything else,” English said. “I have learned some great lessons from my coach, he has been a great role model for me.”

Headlee thinks highly of English, his personality, and how he helps other players on his team.

“He has good leadership qualities, he is really loose.

I like that about him. Guys are able to joke around with him,” Headlee said. “He's easy going. He has a great personality. He cares for all the guys on the team and he tries to help them out. He gets along with everyone real well.”

English is majoring in explans for the future include coming back next semester degree.

Thinking long-term, English might come back to Waynesburg and play for a school since he said he is trying to get into physician assistant (PA) school or med school.

“I am very blessed to be able to play,” English said.

“There are a lot of people that can not play. I am blessed whether it is a good day or a bad day that I can get up and go play and be an impact from God.”