Bi-partisan Biden
The Glass slipper
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Jan. 28, 2021 — Vol. 99, Issue 8
COVID-19: The worst is behind us by EMMA HENNESSY staff writer
At the time of reporting, Jan. 22, there are about 24,861,388 reported cases of COVID-19, 10,845,438 reported recoveries, and about 413,259 reported deaths in the United States. The state of Iowa has about 310,893 cases, 273,021 recoveries, and 4,478 deaths from COVID-19. Dubuque County has 11,513 cases, 10,348 recoveries, and 159 deaths from COVID-19. Newly elected President Biden signed an executive order that requires masks to be worn in federal buildings. According t o t h e N e w Yo r k T i m e s , “Seeking to unify the global response to the coronavirus, President Biden on his first day in office retracted a decision by the Trump administration to withdraw from the World Health Organization.” President Biden also signed two more executive orders that will aid in workers’ rights and in fighting hunger during the pandemic. More than 11 million
residents of the United States have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting Feb. 1, The State of Iowa plans to expand the priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccine. Studies show that both vaccines have at least 90 percent (or more) efficacy rate. The CDC recommends that people ask their doctors before taking the vaccine if they have ever had an allergic reaction to other vaccines. Some side effects of the vaccine can include fatigue, muscle soreness, aches, joint pains, and headaches. Doctors say that these side effects are normal and are signs that one’s body is reacting normally. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Dubuque, please visit dubuquecountyiowa.gov. It is recommended by the CDC that you get tested for COVID-19 if you experience symptoms, have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, if you have taken part in activities that increase risk of getting COVID-19
(traveling, large gatherings, etc), and if you have been asked by healthcare p r o v i d e r, o r you state health department. Loras College, as of Jan. 22, has been put on Alert Yellow Status. Masks are required on campus when a distance of s i x f e e t i s n’ t me t . G ove r nor Reynolds placed limits on seating. Therefore, no more than eight photos by IOWA.GOV p e op l e c a n b e The graphs above indicate the sitting at a table percentages of positive cases among at the same time. certain age groups. College students To - go opt i ons have the highest percentage. for dining Loras residents are not allowed are encourage d. It is a ls o in college housing at this time. encourage d for g roups to For more information, please consider meeting via Zoom. look for COVID-19 update Dorm hall common areas will emails. be at 50 percent capacity. Non-
Why Black History Month feels different this year
MLK’s letter from Birmingham Jail put in present-day context by JON QUINN assistant executive editor
Black History Month is a time to reminiscence and celebrate the progress black lives have made towards a more equitable society. It’s also a time to learn about what the black population in America has endured since the first ship of enslaved people arrived on the coast of Virginia in 1619, marking the start of institutional slavery in America. This past Wednesday, Jan. 20, during common time, Loras College hosted a virtual lecture with Fred Saffold about America’s true Black history. Different organizations on campus plan to host events in honor of Black History Month. Event details will be included in next week’s issue. Nonetheless, it would be inappropriate to not acknowledge the weight being carried into Black History Month of 2021. It was almost a year ago when Ahmaud Arbery went for a jog and didn’t return. It wouldn’t be a month later when Breonna Taylor went to bed and didn’t wake up. And because of the ubiquitous use of cell phone cameras, the entire world watched the killing of George Floyd.
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Tensions subside after inauguration day concludes by DOMINIQUE JETER staff writer
Following an monumental election in Nov. 2020, 2021 began with a tense change of power. With
Biden’s unique inauguration an increase of security, Joe Biden was sworn in as the new president of the United States. T h i s ye ar’s i nau g u r at i on , which occurred on Jan. 20, is one that has made history for nu m e rou s re a s on s . Kam a l a
Harris made history not only as the first female vice president, but also as the first female who is of African-American and South Asian descent. The same was for President Barack Obama when he became the first male African American president in 2012. Harris is also now known for her famous combination of “Chuck-and-Pearls” symbolizing the pearls she wears around her neck and the Converse sneakers she wore during her presidential run with Biden. During this election, many younger voters came out and exercised their right to vote, especially the minority population; therefore changing some states that were not even consider swing states, such as Georgia.
Harris is becoming an inspiration to young girls and older women across the country by breaking the stereotypical barriers. Harris made the comment, “I always say this: I may be the first to do many things—make sure I’m not the last.” Within the first 100 days, President Biden is already trying to reverse some the bills and legislation that formerPresident Donald Trump passed. Harris is working on things to address the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can help front-line essential workers with childcare, while also avoiding foreclosures and evictions. These two things are often accompanied with a pandemic. For m e r- Pre s i d e nt Tr u mp also made history during this
inauguration by being the first president in 150 years to boycott his other opponents’ success and not attend the inauguration. Trump immediately left and went to one of his homes in Florida, according to numerous news sources. Many are not surprised t hat t his o cc ur re d af ter his previous denial of not winning the election against President Biden, and the disappointing event that happened at the Capital in Washington D.C. in which lives were lost. Now that the inauguration is over, both sides will be watching to see what President Biden and Vice-President Harris will accomplishment in their first 100 days, and what precedents they will set for their term.
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When history and government meet: The 1776 Commission Trump administration education commission among first policies reversed by President Biden by CONOR KELLY opinion editor
A controversy exploded within the history profession last Monday when the late Trump a d m i n i s t r at i on re l e a s e d it s controversial 1776 commission report. This commission, dedicated to what former President Trump called ‘patriot education,’ has long been a contentious point among historians. No less because President Trump has denounced recent academic efforts to address racial injustice within the historical narrative, Trump referred to such efforts as “child abuse” and a “twisted web of lies” in September of last year. Indeed, the 1776 commission was a long time coming for many conservatives who view recent shifts in historiography as attacks on the country itself. This attitude has provoked controversy that is unlikely to dissipate any time soon. From its inception, the commission was bound for controversy. A direct response to the New York Times’ 1619 project, the commission was firmly embedded in the partisan atmosphere compounded with a presidential election year’s intensity. Trump and his supporters promised to promote “American .” and “common American values.” More than that, it is deeply sensitive to many historians who see such an approach as inadequate. The executive director for the American Historical Association, James Grossman, referred to it as a “hack job” and said it was not a historical work. Others have questioned the original nature of the work. White House reporter for Politico, Tina Nguyen, noted that sections of the report were seemingly pulled verbatim from a 2008 article in Inside Higher Ed by one of the commission’s members, Thomas Lindsay. Far from a few complicating incidents, the 1776 commission has been almost uniformly condemned by historical associations across the countr y. The Organization of American Historians denounced the reports allegedly cavalier attitude towards slavery, saying, “The history we teach must investigate the core conflict between a nation founded on radical notions of liberty, freedom, and equality, and a nation built on slavery,” and noted that no professional historian of American history was included on the commission. The American Historical Association, along with 37 other historical organizations, also denounced the commission for its
triumphant narrative surrounding the founders and their story, arguing that “To purge history of its unsavory elements and full complexity would be a disservice to history as a discipline and the nation, and in the process would render a rich, fascinating story dull and uninspiring.” Overall, the commission was not well-received by the historical profession. Indeed, the Trump Administration’s decision to create the commission seems to stem from a hostile relationship with modern academia and historical criticism more generally. And this is reflected even on Loras College’s campus. In an interview with the Lorian, Dr. Kristen Anderson-Bricker, a noted professor of history at Loras, explained that “The vast reject the categorization that a mythical representation of history is good for the country…” She noted that American history has traditionally neglected other groups while elevating the power of the white, elite populace. In doing so, previous historians failed to fully represent the wide array of Americans who have made the country as it evolved. Key to Anderson-Bricker’s critique is the idea that history can be used to empower and that by seeing how America has increasingly democratized, modern Americans can see how democracy has grown stronger. C entral to the debate between contemporary historians and the Trump Administration’s report is what history is and what it seeks to do. On the one hand, the now removed Trump administration would seek to promote a version of history that inspires pride. But on the other end, historians such Anderson-Bricker have a very different idea of what history is meant to do. Upon being questioned about the nature of history, Anderson-Bricker noted that history “provides context…. It allows us to understand how people in the past are different from us today.” According to Anderson-Bricker, the purpose of history is not to inform anyone’s view or create a form of pride, but to explain why things are the way they are—to inform. The commission’s effects are likely to dissipate in the coming days, as the newlyinaugurated Biden Administration has since rescinded the 1776 commission, and its only source of written support has come from classicist historian Dr. Victor Hanson. And with Trump’s increasing absence, it is unlikely that there will be another commission quite like it. Whatever the case may be, Americans will have to come to terms with these two views on history. And whatever decision they make will set the tone for future generations of Americans for years to come.
photos by CNN
President Joseph Biden signs 17 executive orders on his first day in office. Most were regarding previous legislation put in place by former President Donald Trump.
Black History Month continued by JON QUINN assistant executive editor continued from Page 1
A summer of demonstrations followed, few turning violent as the nights went on. “Law and Order!” became a platform to stand on for those who did not approve of the riots, protests, and demonstrations. The events this past summer has happened before during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s; back when Black History Month was only Black History Week. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was in Birmingham Jail when he wrote his rebuttal to white clergymen why he was leading demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama. King explains that the demonstrations are supposed to create tension which exploits the perpetuation of unjust laws. To relieve that tension requires social change. The biggest threat to this strategy are the people with good will but shallow understanding. “I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress,” said King. Ki ng a c k n ow l e d ge s B l a c k s w h o endured oppression for so long, that they are drained of a sense of “somebodiness,” and Blacks that are academically and e c onom i c a l ly su c c e ss f u l c an b ot h insensitive to the injustice in society. The reason why Black History Month feels different this year is because people are realizing Black History Month is an annual observance, allowing those “with good will but shallow understanding” to be passive. It feels different because the injustice talked about in history class is still alive. It feels different because we are in a new civil rights movement. On Sept 8, 2020, Loras College made a decision to take down the statue of Bishop Mathias Loras because he enslaved a woman named Marie Louise for 800 dollars while living in Mobile, Alabama. The College acted swiftly in creating a scholarship fund in Louise’s name and will be ready by the 2021-22 academic year. The fight against injustice may be highlighted in February. but in actuality, is constant year round. I’m asking more people to get involved because “more and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will,” said King. It’s time to encourage those with good will, institutions and individuals, to use their time more effectively than those with ill will. “Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be coworkers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation,” said King. “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.”
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EDITORIAL STAFF executive editor: KEEGAN GODWIN assistant executive editor: JON QUINN opinion editor: CONOR KELLY sports editor: KEVIN KESSEL features editor: MARY FELLERS executive copy editor : AVERY WICKERSHAM assistant copy editor: ROSE GOTTSCHALK advertising manager: ASHLEIGH DIERKING
ABOUT US Circulation: The Lorian is published on a weekly basis, with exceptions of holiday breaks, examination periods and January Term. The newspaper is available in all main academic buildings and residence halls across campus on Thursdays during the afternoon/evening. Editorial Policy: The Lorian is the official student-led, award-winning newspaper of Loras College. The opinions expressed in The Lorian are those of individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the students, faculty or administration. The Lorian reserves the right to edit submissions for taste, length and grammar.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Do you have an opinion on something and want to write a “letter to the editor?” Do you have more questions about an article you read? Corrections or clarifications? A differing opinion about an issue brought up that you want to be heard? We want your input. In every published Lorian, all members of the Loras community are encouraged to write a letter to the editor. We encourage differing opinions, so take the time, and speak your mind. To submit a letter to the editor, please email Kelsey.Lansing@loras. edu. Letters should be no more than 300 words in length and include the name and article you are referencing. *Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
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Jan. 28, 2021
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Recognizing a radical: MLK by CONOR KELLY opinion editor
Last week, Americans celebrated Martin Luther King Day, something that has created a sense of great admiration for the civil rights activist. And rightly so, Dr. King’s legacy is one worthy of remembering and respecting, even if one does not hold to his view of nonviolence. But with all this admiration and respect, it is worth noting how whitewashed King’s legacy has become, perhaps intentionally. Much of King’s radical views, criticism of political parties, and his overall rejection of many capitalist elements have been removed from the narrative. In a way, many Americans celebrate a fictitious view of who King was. It is high-time that changed. When many Americans talk about Dr. King, they are usually inclined to bring up his famous I Have a Dream speech. Indeed, it is one of his most famous speeches. But more than a speech of optimistic defiance, King’s speech has been bastardized and removed from its context. This is particularly true when issues of racial justice are discussed. Many conservatives had used King’s speech to oppose affirmative action or any similar policies, quoting King when he said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” This quote, used as the sole representation of King’s beliefs, has been one of the most noxious quotes in modern political
by COY PEDERSON
commentary. For one, it’s common usage has been used to suggest that the mere mention of race is itself an act of prejudice. If accepted, this position would indict King himself, as he specifically criticized white moderates in his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, stating, “I must confess that over the past few years, I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Councilor or the Klu Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice…” Is King a racist for pointing out what was self-evident? Of course not. The mere mention of race is not an indictment on the personhood of the one mentioning it. It is how they chose to react to that race that determines one’s character. The white moderates of King’s day were unfazed by his pleas for justice, and they preferred to keep things lukewarm than to heat the passions of their racist counterparts if they were not racist themselves. That leads into yet another element of the whitewashing: how Americans reacted
to King. Though many Americans today would like to believe that King’s nonviolent protests changed American hearts, the reality is that most Americans detested King. In 1966, Gallup conducted a poll in which they asked everyday Americans how they felt about Dr. King. Not only did a majority say they disapproved of his work, but nearly 2/3 of respondents disapproved of him, more than two times the amount who supported him. The reality is that King was detested during his time and had to force America to hold up to its lofty goals, many times by flooding the jails of whichever community he fought to end. It would be a grave mistake on my part if I did not mention the reason King was so hated in 1966. Quite simply, King had joined the Left. During his Chicago Freedom Movement, King took a direct shot at the redlining policies of Chicago and numerous cities throughout the country, which have not been adequately addressed since King first arrived in the Midwestern city all those years ago. It was in Chicago that King was met with violence that shocked even him. After a mob tried to attack King and his supporters, King noted, “I think the people
from Mississippi ought to come to Chicago to learn how to hate.” King had seen cars blown up, colleagues shot, and yet what he witnessed in Chicago shook him. If there is one thing that makes Americans forget their lofty ideals, economic convenience seems to be it. But more than that, King was hated for his increasing radicalism near the end of his life. King was pro-distributionist in his political views. During one of his speeches, he said, “We must also realize that the problems with racial injustice and economic injustice cannot be solved without a radical redistribution of political and economic power.” And this was not a mere one-time thing. During his Riverside Church Speech in 1967, King explicitly warned about the excesses of materialism and the profit motive being part of racial injustice. It is one thing to disagree with a man, but it is another thing entirely to lionize him for positions that he never took. For all of his good work, King has been subject to one of the cruelest forms of revisionism that American society could have placed upon a man of his character: the defanging of a radical. Suppose America, and the American people more generally, are serious about showing respect to Dr. King’s legacy. In that case, it is time that Americans recognize that what King was marching for did not die with him. It is a continuous struggle that has not ended and will not end soon because we as a society don’t want it to. We want to keep living in our myths.
The Republican Restoration
staff writer
One does not need to possess an intimate knowledge of history to recognize its stunning prescience. The rise and fall of Donald Trump within the Republican Party is no different, as it is uncannily similar to the ascendancy and deposition of Napoleon Bonaparte in 19th century France. For example, Donald Trump spurred an intraparty civil war that diminished the influence of the establishment in his own party in order to perpetuate his own ideals. Similarly, Napoleon asserted his larger-than-life persona on an already weak and politically precarious system of government – the French Directorate. The two figures not only changed but ultimately reshaped their nations by implementing their own political, national, and social prerogative. The successors to Napoleon’s tumultuous reign were the Bourbon monarchs, who ruled France prior to the French Revolution. The nations that took part in the redrawing of the map of Europe thought that returning France to the Ancien régime would restore the balance of power to the continent. However, in the end, the French people rejected the Ancien régime for the second time in the July Revolution of 1830. You may be asking yourself, how exactly does this relate to a “Republican Restoration?” Well, the answer to that question is a simple one; either the Republican Party as it has always existed returns to take up its mantle as the preeminent leader in a party that has been dominated by a populist and a quite unsavory flavor of politics for the past four years; or, a new and reinvigorated brand
of Republicanism born from the crucible of Rockefeller-style politics decides to supplant the former. I would be remiss if I had not mentioned the “Trumpists” of the Republican Party who are likely here to stay, for better or worse. The Trumpists, who much like the Bonapartists of France, will undoubtedly reassert themselves on the national stage once the fervor surrounding the Capitol Hill insurrection settles. The Republican Party finds itself in a unique and incredibly optimistic position that rarely occurs in a major political party. In order for the Republican Party to survive, I will attempt to provide a much-needed prescription for the continuance of a party that was first brought about in a small, liberal arts college in 1854 Ripon, Wisconsin. “The Party of Lincoln” is rightfully the moniker of the Grand Old Party, which in modern parlance is synonymous with “The Republican Party” of today. Fortunately, if the past four years have taught us anything, it is that the American spirit is enduring and unwavering in its commitment to providing the “American Dream,” which is still alive today, albeit more difficult to attain. The Party of Lincoln must once again acknowledge our founding principles as a party devoted to equal treatment under the law. In the wake of the 2012 Presidential Election, the Republican Party launched what has been described as the “autopsy report.” This report identified some of the key reasons why Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney gave such an abysmal performance against the incumbent, President Obama. The overarching answer to this question is that the Republican Party is predominately
old, white, and male. The Republican Party must adopt policies and attitudes that speak to question of racial injustice in this country. The problem won’t go away simply by ignoring it.
President George W. Bush’s “compassionte conservatism,” must once again enter the lexicons of ever Republican in America; race-baiting, fearmongering and the othering of immigrants must be challenged and addressed in Republicans politics and thretoric. Also, the party must recommit itself as the party of moderation and pragmatic conservatism, devoid of “QAnon” and cults of personality. President George W. Bush’s “compassionate conservatism” must once again enter into the lexicons of every Republican in America; racebaiting, fearmongering, and the othering of the immigrant must be challenged and addressed in Republican politics and rhetoric. Furthermore, the increased alienation of people within the LGBTQ+ community must cease. Republicans must recognize that the LGBTQ+ community is not a monolith; there is as much diversity in identity as there is in thought. We must also come to terms with the ongoing climate crisis that is already ravaging parts of the globe. The private sector can only do so much to combat the ever-increasing
temperatures and rising sea levels without government assistance. Moreover, we must reaffirm our status as a big-tent party. All factions within the Republican Party ought to be respected and listened to. Our opposition must be more constructive than the grandstanding which is common among both parties in the halls of Congress. Although we claim to be the party of religious liberty, we must make good on that claim by respecting those within the party and outside of it who have differing beliefs. There is such a thing as conservatism without theism. The use of religion as a political prop in order to promulgate divisive speech is distasteful and is quite frankly bad politics. We must make the party palatable to an increasingly nonwhite and non-religious population with substantive policy proposals. In addition, we need to stop being the party that is simply the “alternative” to Democrat ideas, which although can be extreme at times, are at least ideas that nevertheless address societal problems. We want to be a pro-business party, but that doesn’t mean we have to proverbially “rob Peter to pay Paul.” Republicans must address the need for economic reform that aligns with, and can be solved by, capitalist-centric policies. Egregious corporate greed is a real and present danger to society. I speak only as a member in the Republican Party. It is my sincere and earnest hope that something new is born from the ashes of a once-great and respected party.
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Biden: Bipartisan President by DARBY CALLAHAN staff writer
President Biden swore into office on Jan. 20, and he promised unity within the United States government while giving his inaugural address. There are a few things he would need to do in order for unity to work in American politics. A great number of former President Donald J. Trump supporters still believe that Trump won the 2020 election, and some members of Congress agree that the election was rigged. In order to bring unity, President Biden and Vice-President Harris need to work with Republicans in Congress to pass a great number of policies instead of focusing on the current Democratic agenda which appears to just overturn every single policy former President Trump signed into law. President Biden needs to urge the Democratic Party to back down from packing the courts. Packing the courts would only upset the Republicans even more, and it could potentially backfire for the Democrats when the Republicans take back power in Congress and when the next Republican president is elected. According to Marc A. Thiessen, an opinion columnist for the Washington Post, President Biden “needs to find a major initiative to work on with Republicans early on in his presidency. When President Bill Clinton took office, one of the first things he did was push for the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, negotiated by his Republican predecessor and opposed by many of his own party.” Thiessen goes on to say that former President Bush worked with liberals to pass the framework that would become known as the “No Child Left Behind Act.” I agree with Thiessen that President Biden needs his own initiative that he can help Republicans and Democrats unite and become bipartisan again to show the American people that their voices matter. One piece of legislation that would be a good fit for President Biden to work with Congressional Republicans would be election reform. nymag.com has a list a reforms that the Democrats are trying to push through the Senate, but I think that if they try and work with Republicans who have concerns over the integrity of future elections, they will have a better chance of getting the election reforms passed through both chambers in a bipartisan bill and signed by the president. I think the Republicans have a justified concern over mail in ballots and how safe the mailing process is with how slow the post office is.
There are other concerns regarding when a state should be able to change election laws so close to an election, and I think if both parties can work together to make election integrity laws, the Republic will be safe from any harm going forward, and we can likely prevent another president from feeling as though the election was “stolen” from them. The second thing I think needs to happen is to set up the Senate Impeachment trial in a way that allows other Senate business to proceed as normal. A Senate trial in the mornings or afternoons only would allow other scheduled business to stay on the calendar. This will allow the trial to occur while still allowing the country to move on from the Trump era. I did not vote for President Donald J. Trump in the 2016 presidential election, but I voted for a different Pro-Life candidate from the Constitutionalist Party, Darrell Castle. In the 2020 election, I did vote for President Donald J. Trump because I really cared about the policies he was enacting, and he really surprised me at what he got done in four years for the Pro-Life movement and put qualified judges in federal courts as well as in the Supreme Court of the United States. The insurrection at the capital building is something that should have never occurred, and that is why I believe Trump should be held liable, but there needs to be a trial set up in a bipartisan format if enough Republicans are going to come forward to vote in favor of convict. There are numerous republicans questioning the constitutionality of such trial according to msn.com. The article on msn.com says, “Though there is disagreement among rank-and-file Republicans about how Trump should be punished for his role in the riot with conviction dangling the possibility that Trump could be barred from holding federal office in the future.” Republicans are wondering if it is even constitutional to hold such a Senate trial of a former president. There does not seem be any reason to believe that a Senate trial could not take place as the constitution does not way on such an issue other than that the Senate is to hold the trial. The article in question, article 1, Section 3 states, “The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present. Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal
from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.” There is no mention of how a trial of a former president should preside. With Chief Justice Roberts saying he will not proceed over the impeachment trial, there are numerous questions remaining how such a trial will be able to preside constitutionally. Instead, according to the hill, Senate President Pro-Temp Leahy will be presiding over the trial which worries some of the Republicans for the sake of impartiality. For this reason, I think President Biden should press one of the Supreme Court Justices to agree to preside over the case whether it be trying to convince Roberts to preside or seeing if an associate justice can preside. The third thing I think President Biden needs to do in order to remain bipartisan is to listen to the ProLife movement and to his Catholic voters. Issues such as abortion and the death penalty should be discussed within Congress in a bipartisan fashion. As Catholics, we are called to uphold the dignity of all human life. The United States was founded on Christian principles and was founded to protect citizens of the United States of America, and yet we remain divided on two of the biggest human rights violations of our day, abortion and the death penalty. There seems to be a pick-and-choose narrative within Congress when it comes to deciding what constitutes human rights violations and what does not. The African-American population should be outraged what is happening with Planned Parenthood, and more information regarding the African-American targeting by Planned Parenthood can be found at blackprebornlivesmatter.com. They are killing minorities for their own profit as noted in my article regarding the Students for Life of America’s Black Preborn Lives Matter (BPLM Movement). Overall, President Biden can be bipartisan and that would be very beneficial to moving our nation closer to an era of unity. President Biden wants unity, and I believe Republicans want unity as well, but it is going to take both parties to work together to bring valuable policy legislation bills to a vote. Human dignity needs to be upheld at all cost and that means limiting his Pro-Choice agenda and listening to Pro-Life voters. The fact that Senator Lindsey Graham is ready to take Biden’s plan and use it as a foundation is a great start, he is stated in CNBC.com’s article on Biden’s plan for COVID-19 Relief. The article states, “He said his proposal has bi-partisan support from the “majority of American mayors and governors.” However, the Biden administration must get Congress to pass the plan. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said the plan is dead on arrival, but noted “there are components of it that I like.”
Don’t trust the snakes
As President Biden attempts to unite the parties, he must be wise with his coming words and actions the WHO, establishing a strong a science-based team to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, Biden has enacted mandatory mask-wearing on federal property—a There are times that I wish I could write sign of a dynamic administration. directly to the president to let my thoughts be That said, it would be naïve of the Biden known as opposed to some intern who would Administration to assume that summarize my concerns. the Republicans will cooperate or Regardless of their party, coalesce around a common purpose presidents have always At the core of the to fight COVID-19. Several of provoked my admiration and ire, issue, is whether or not the Republican members of the but alas, I doubt my words would Republicans have the House have openly been hostile reach the president’s ears. But with power and the desire to mask-wearing. In one instance, the current administration facing an to act with reason Republican representative Marjorie unprecedented wave of problems, it Taylor Greene provoked a shouting and good faith. is increasingly necessary to make my match on the house floor due thoughts on what I would demand to her refusing to wear a mask from President Biden if I could. during her swearing-in. During It should be clear that Biden was the insurrection, in which members of the House were not my first choice; Elizabeth Warren was my preferred choice. But so far, it seems that Biden has made substantial locked together in close quarters, multiple Republican steps in the right direction. When 417,000 plus Americans representatives refused to wear masks even when they were offered to them. At the core of the issue is whether have died, Biden has wasted no time undoing many of or not Republicans have the power and the desire to act the mistakes of his predecessor’s mistakes, returning to with reason and good faith. And considering how Senator by CONOR KELLY opinion editor
Cornyn threatened to use impeachment last Saturday, it would appear unlikely. Simply put, President Biden can seek to pursue unity all he wants. And he should, but not at the expense of a strong agenda. Nearly a million people have filed for unemployment in the last two weeks, something that requires immediate action. Biden has taken the initiative to act, and if he can get the Republicans to help him act against the virus, then I am all for it. But if he expects unity where this is none, then he will have shot himself in the foot. There is an old story that comes to mind when I think about Biden’s interaction with the Republican party. Imagine for a moment that a young girl sees a snake stuck under a rock, desperately crawling for its life. The girl, motivated by sympathy, removes the rock and lifting the snake to herself. In gratitude, the snake bites her, and the poison rushes through her. As she lies dying, she gasps in shocked protest, to which the snake responds, “Oh, please. You knew damn well I was a snake when you held me close. What did you expect?” So, Mr. President, don’t fall for the snake, or they will bite you too.
F eatures by JOSH VOGT
When Vilstram showed up at the place, an open intersection in the middle of the town, the snow flurry had turned into a full blown blizzard. He could hardly see until he put on the glasses, and the snow almost seemed to disappear, a filter over his perceptions rather than a barrier to sight entirely. He saw someone approach from his right, and though he had no idea who they were, they seemed to be wearing similar glasses as his own. The figure walked straight up to him without hesitation, and though the confidence jarred him, he stood his ground and tried to look professional. “You Squirrel?” the figure asked in a high, raspy voice that rattled Vilstram’s bones in an uncomfortable way. He sighed, dreading that the name was catching on, “Yes. You are?” “Unimportant, just follow me and stay out of my way,” he barked, gesturing for Vilstram to follow without questions. “Fine,” he whispered under his breath, “Ass.”
They made their way through the streets until they reached a building with enough handholds to climb to the roof, at which point his partner took off at a dead sprint. Vilstram wondered if he planned to leap off onto something in the street that had been planted to secure a landing, but he jumped with no safety net to the building across the alley from them. Vilstram gulped and followed, as they crossed from building to building to make it to a particular side road, one of the bigger, yet less traveled ones that they apparently expected to find someone on. Surprisingly, as they stopped, crouched, on a particular rooftop, he could see a cart coming their way in the storm. Looking over the cart with his partner, Vilstram was growing more and more nervous. It was way too late to be having misgivings this large about the whole venture, not that his accepting the offer was exactly a discussion. He had gotten too lost in thought and the cart had gotten up ahead of where they had planned to set up the ambush. He sighed and looked over to his nameless associate with a shrug. The other guy gave Vilstram a dirty look and moved up to catch
Rising to the Challenge by JOSH VOGT staff writer
Things come at you from all sides Rushing in or out like the tides And there is oft no time for quick asides Nor for one who runs off and hides. Facing your challenges is not so easy Making many so easily queasy But life is never really easy breezy And oft you’ll find it makes you wheezy. But, go, go and face the hardship Powering through every rise or dip And find that even if you really slip You can always once again find your grip.
Jan. 28, 2021
5
D isney E aster E ggs Part 1
VILSTRAM: FINAL
staff writer
The Lorian
up to the cart, leaping across the large gap between roofs, somehow managing to make it look so easy without slipping at all. “Show off ”, Vilstram sighed and slipped down off the roof, following by the alleys and being careful. They caught back up to the cart in no time at all, but the poor man driving it was now shivering horribly, looking like he’d just as soon die from the cold in his desperate attempt to simply survive. It was only at that range that he started to recognize the man, but couldn’t quite place him, remembering him sort of fondly. Yet here they were, about to mug him for all that he had left, which judging from the cart’s contents, was either a whole lot of wind chimes or Vilstram just couldn’t see the useful stuff hiding underneath it. Suddenly it was time to go, and Vilstram rushed the cart with his nameless companion, searching for some other route, some other way, but before he knew it they were both on the back of the cart, overlooking this poor shopkeep who had never done anything wrong to them. That was when it hit him who the man was. His name was something that started with an “A”…eh, it was unimportant. He had given Vilstram food over the years, even though Mr. A had never really had much for himself or his family if he had one. What if he had a family waiting for him? Or friends? Or…what if hurting him might leave a child orphaned and all for what? He hesitated, noticing that the other thief didn’t have the same misgivings. His partner drew a dagger and raised his arm, ready to end a life, but something in Vilstram just snapped and he tackled the monster, desperate to keep what little humanity he had left. He wouldn’t be made into a murderer, he wouldn’t destroy someone else’s life like his own had been so long ago. He wouldn’t—and then the knife sunk into his ribs and everything went dark. The last thing he saw was the shopkeep sprinting off into the snowy streets, as his killer gave chase. He prayed for the man.
by CALASANDRA SPRAY staff writer
Disney is a film industry that entertains children and adults alike. Moral lessons are taught to eager young minds, and wholesome plot lines give adults something to believe in. Magic is created in each tale, and not just because magic exists in the Disney universe, but because the classics as well as the new films bring hope for humanity. Sadly, the Disney universe seems a little too far away sometimes, a screen separating us from the magic. However, if we were to reach the other side, it wouldn’t be too far off to say that if you reach one Disney universe you’ve reached them all. They may not all be in one tight-knit location like Disney World, but the filmmakers have certainly hinted that most (if not all) of the stories reside in one world. Zazu from The Lion King seems to have this figured out. When he is imprisoned by Scar he briefly sings “It’s A Small World” before being cut off by an irritated lion. The song itself is an attraction at many Disney Parks as a water-based dark ride. So how does Zazu know this? Many Disney fans like to think perhaps Zazu is connected to a higher level of consciousness. After all, he predicted Scar’s inevitability as a throw rug. In the Lion King we aren’t told what happens to Scar after he runs away, however, his fate is revealed three years later when Disney released Hercules. During the song “Zero to Hero,” our hero can be seen wearing the pelt of a lion. This in itself is a nod to the Nemaen lion, one of the 12 labors Hercules underwent. If you look closely though, Scar’s telltale scar reveals the pelt to be Disney’s own villain. The level of self-awareness shown from Zazu’s knowledge is freaky, but there’s much more. Beginning as early as Bambi in 1942 and into the present, Disney has been hinting at a universal reality for its characters with cameos and Easter eggs in almost all of its films. Some are incredibly easy to spot, like Scar appearing in Hercules or Sebastian snapping onto Genie’s finger in Aladdin. Others, like two elephant girls dressed as Anna and Elsa in Zootopia or Han’s wanted poster in Big Hero Six you have to pause the movie to catch. No matter big or small, Disney fans love looking for all the connections between films. After all, who wouldn’t want to believe that all of our favorite, and least favorite, characters share a universe.
The Glass Slipper
by SARWAN MOGHAMIS staff writer
All fairy tales begin and end the same way. This story is nothing like the others. This fairy tale isn’t a fairy tale at all; it’s a reality. In a small village in England, 1650, lives a young woman, Ella, and her step-mother, Celia, and two step-sisters, Hattie and Hazel. Ella is constantly mistreated by her mother and sisters. They work her to death and every day they force her to clean the cinders from the fire pit. They tease her and call her Cinderella. No one knows why they mistreat her. Cinderella’s mother died after she was born. Cinderella’s father married Celia, but tragically passed away due to an illness shortly after the wedding. These days, Celia and her daughters are never home, so Cinderella is always alone, but every day at noon she is visited by her Godmother. Godmother has grey skin, wears a torn black gown, and has spiders that crawl out of every tear. She carries a wooden staff with a red stone on the tip. She’s the only one who has ever paid any attention to Cinderella. Every visit, Godmother tells Cinderella what the future holds for her. She tells her of a glass slipper that will change everything. She then tells her that she must attend a royal ball at sundown. Once night arrives, Godmother, using her staff, disguises Cinderella in a red dress. She turns her staff into a small, skinny, wooden wand and hides it in
her pocket. Godmother tells Cinderella to complete the deed before the next hour. She gives Godmother a hug, then goes to the ball. At the ball, Cinderella spots the prince, Prince James, with his father, King Proteus. She then spots Celia, Hattie, and Hazel. She looks at the prince, then back at her family. The next hour passes, but Godmother continues to wait for Cinderella. She stops waiting and teleports into the ball. She is faced by King Proteus. The two were already familiar with each other. Godmother made a deal with the king years ago. If he allowed Prince James to marry Cinderella, he would be rewarded with a drink from the Fountain of Youth. Proteus allows her to pass. Godmother spots a trail of fresh blood on the ground. She follows that trail into a dressing room. On the ground with their eyes and mouths sowed shut are Hattie and Hazel. Standing above them is Cinderella with a large grin on her face. Godmother is horrified by the bodies. She checks her pocket and notices it’s empty. Cinderella pulls the staff out of her pocket. She admits that she’s been using Godmother the entire time so that she can steal the staff. She hid Celia in a lost realm and put a spell on the glass slippers. As long as she wears them, James will be desperately in love with her. Before Godmother can reach for the staff, Cinderella turns her into a mouse. She walks up to the mouse and stomps on it, crushing it to death. The next day, Cinderella and James get married. They take their place as future king and queen… for now.
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Jan.28, 2021
M ind & S oul
The Lorian
THREE WAYS TO STAY MINDFUL
Tips with Trish:
by AVERY WICKERSHAM
This IS The Dream by TRICIA BORELLI Director of the Counseling Center
Dear Trish, I passed someone in the hall the other day and asked them how they were doing. The response was not uncommon. “Livin’ the dream” he said with a sarcastic tone. I laughed and walked away thinking about how much 2020 sucked and how 2021 has not exactly started out like I thought it would. It was not too long after that I heard the sad story about a friend who couldn’t return to school because of financial issues brought on by problems at home. Made me realize that for some people, I am, in fact, living the dream. Perspective is an interesting thing. Maybe you should write about that. Signed, Livin’ the Dream Trish says, I happen to say this very statement often. Usually after a long night with kids who can’t sleep or don’t come home on time. Sometimes I have said it after a long day at work without lunch or even more than a few minutes to use the bathroom. Poor me, huh? Although I am all about embracing all your emotions or even having a pity party on some days; there is something to be said about perspective and counting your blessings. Thanks for bringing this to light at the beginning of the New Year. I’m sorry about your friend. He/she is not the only one who can’t return to school because of financial reasons. Some can thankfully still participate online but are missing the college experience because it makes
more sense for them to stay at home with family and a steady job. Many of us are struggling to make ends meet financially. The economic state of the country, especially since COVID-19, makes the future quite uncertain. The need for a healthy perspective is more important now than ever. We can’t connect with people in the same way because of COVID-19. Some of us live in fear for our health or that of our friends and family who are at higher risk. In addition to the virus, we have had a year of significant conflict among our own people who do not see each other as equals. Our country’s leadership has been in question and there is division like no other time in recent history. There is definitely much to unpack about the work that needs to be done in order to improve our situation. I echo your acknowledgment that even though the American Dream may not be looking how it once did, we are still very blessed. The fact that we are here at Loras getting an education or working says something. This likely also means that most of us have our basic needs being met. This is unlike many in our world. In America, despite the division, we are still seen as the world’s most powerful nation because of our strong military, political and economic influence. Thankfully, we also have good reason to believe that the new COVID-19 vaccine will help us tackle the current pandemic which will help us get back to some sense of normalcy. Let us try not to forget that even though things could always be better, some people think our lives look pretty good right now. Signed, Trish
Mug Meals by CALASANDRA SPRAY mind & soul editor
Got used to home cooked meals over winter break? While it is certainly no replacement for a stove and oven, there’s more you can cook in a microwave than you would think. When you simply can’t face another bowl of Ramen noodles and can’t afford to go out, try these quick and easy recipes instead. Start your day packed with classes, after school activities, and work than with a filling breakfast. With five minutes, a few ingredients and a microwave you can have French toast ready to go, and for on the go it’s already in a cup. You’ll need one tablespoon butter, one-fourth cup milk, one egg (beaten), one-fourth teaspoon ground cinnamon, one-fourth teaspoon white sugar, onefourth teaspoon vanilla extract, and two slices of bread (diced into cubes). First you’ll place the butter in a microwave safe mug and cook for roughly thirty seconds. Once the butter is melted tip the mug so that the entire bottom and sides are coated. Next add all the ingredients except the bread. Mix these well and slowly add the bread, making sure it gets well coated. Microwave the mixture until cooked, about a minute and a half to two minutes. Last step, enjoy! If you’re craving your mom’s homemade meatloaf (a favorite in my household), then mug meatloaf might be for you. You’ll need one slice of white bread (torn into small pieces), two tablespoons milk, one-half tablespoon Worcestershire sauce,
executive copy editor
one-fourth pound ground beef, one green onion (thinly sliced), one-fourth teaspoon salt, and one-eighth teaspoon pepper. Unfortunately, this one takes two dishes, a bowl and a mug. First you’ll place the torn bread into the bottom of the bowl pour the milk and Worcestershire sauce over it. You’ll want to let it sit for a few minutes so the bread can absorb the liquids. Once the liquid is absorbed, place all your other ingredients into the bowl and mix well. After everything is mixed you can pack it into your microwave safe mug and cook for four to five and a half minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it is firm and no longer pink in the middle. For those of you with a sweet tooth, why not make your own cake? In under five minutes you can have a personal serving of cake without leaving your room. With six tablespoons chocolate cake mix, one tablespoon water, two tablespoons applesauce, and two tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) you’ll be ready to make your personal cake serving. Once again using a microwave safe mug, pour in all the ingredients. If available to you stir with a small whisk, if not a fork works just as well. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth. Once it is, cook for one minute, let it cool and eat cake! If none of these recipes interest you, there’s a plethora more of microwaveable mug recipes at your fingertips on the web. Happy eating!
Whether in a pandemic or not, mindfulness is an important aspect of everyday-life. As a college student, it’s easy to fall victim to a heavy workload and unnecessary stress. Everyone is privy to it, and there can be consequences: missed classes, late assignments, suffering grades, and anxiety that can cloud up the college experience. There are many mindfulness tips that can take as little five minutes to complete. Meditation, walks, and even breaks away from electronics can help. Three different approaches will be explained in more detail below with tips from Ellevate, a community for women, and Insider, a health magazine. Meditation—Meditation is an easy way to be mindful. I mediate for five to ten minutes a day, either in a guided form or in solo fashion. Insider suggests to “create a designated space to meditate.” I like to sit in a dark room with an essential oil diffuser running with a relaxing scent, like lavender. I turn my phone on silent or on airplane mode: silent, if I’m listening to a guided meditation on YouTube, or airplane mode, if I’m just listening to a meditative playlist. Sit on the floor or in a chair and take deep breaths. If it’s guided, follow the narration. If one is meditating without guidance, explore a happy place, such as the beach or a hiking trail. I usually meditate at night, right before I go to bed for a good night’s sleep. Nature walks—Even if it’s cold, it’s a great idea to get out of one’s room or dorm and spend time outdoors. Ellevate’s article suggests, “Take walks through a park, the woods, mountain trails or by the beach – wherever you can be outside. Getting outdoors is good for body, mind and spirit, and keeps you in the present.” There are many places around Dubuque that have walking paths, such as Mines of Spain, Eagle Point Park, or the Riverwalk. Each of these places are unique in their own way, but can provide a lot of relief. Eating—While it seems simple, it’s important to watch food intake. It’s common for college students to pick up a package of Ramen over fruits and vegetables, but fruits and vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet. Taking time to include them in one’s meals is an easy and pertinent step in being mindful, and in putting good things into one’s body. The Ellevate article takes it a step further, and says, “Eating your meal without the TV, computer or paper in front of you, where you can truly taste and enjoy what you’re eating, is good, not only for your body, but for your soul as well.” Taking a break from electronics can provide relief from blue light, which is harmful to the eyes, and from the busy noise and expectations from media. Try a book instead! These are really simple steps that can be incorporated in a dayto-day schedule. Once they become habitual, being mindful won’t seem like such a chore, and can help alleviate stress and fatigue.
LIFE OF A NON-TRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENT by JENIFER BRENNER staff writer
When we think of college and our first semesters, we think back to when we were eighteen or nineteen years old. For some of us, we think of “now” at the age of thirty. College originally was for anyone bsetween the ages of eighteen and about twenty years of age. Now when we look around we see a plethora of ages and gaps between the youngest students and the oldest. As a transfer student into Loras College, I am thirty years old and have a different view of the college experience. For most, college is about experiencing new things and opening your mind to expand your horizons. For me, it’s been a complete fresh start. As a nontraditional student, I am unable to look towards my parents for assistance with going into college nor am I able to rely on my peers for guidance either. I’ve had to figure out this journey relatively alone. While my advisors and transfer coordinators have been astonishingly helpful, my first steps into college life have been full of struggles. As someone who can not live with their folks or on campus (Can you imagine a thirty year old sharing a room with an eighteen year old? I go to bed by 9pm!), I had to try and find that balance
of school and job life so that I can still pay my bills while also trying my best to study as much as I possibly can. Being a nontraditional student adds extra stress to your life just to achieve your dreams. While they may sound like a cry for help or a woe is me article, it is far from it! I would not give up my nontraditional ways for anything. I’ve been fortune enough to get to have some life experience between entering this strange and new world that is college. I’ve been able to have jobs and work in different environments and cities that I may not have had if I was able to go straight into college. I’ve been able to spend more time figuring out who I want to be and what I want to be “when I grow up” which is what most people spend their college years on. Sometimes they even decide by the time their my age that they messed up and picked the wrong career and college degree. I’m fortunate enough to have experienced all of that and finally fully decide what I want to do. While the struggles of a traditional college student are enormous, and college is difficult for all, a nontraditional college students’ struggles are just a bit different than the average traditional student. So here I am as a Loras transfer student, excited to go on and get my Bachelor’s much like all of you.
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The Lorian
Bama topples Ohio St. in championship game Alabama defeats Ohio State 52-28 to claim their eighteenth national title wide receiver and Heisman winner DeVonta Smith went off and made a stament and showed why he’ll be in the Heisman house. Smith went off that night, catching 12 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns. Smith did all this in three quarters, as he broke his finger towards the end of the third quarter. The Tide combined for a total of 157 rushing yards with Najee Harris leading the way with 22 carries for 79 yards. Harris, Smith and Jones along with many other stars from the Crimsion Tide will be leaving and head to the NFL, in hopes to
Fields second (first was with Georgia in 2018). Fields and the Buckeyes didn’t This year’s National Championship quite have the night they where hopping game was nothing short of legendary. for on the biggest stage in College That is if you where Nick Saban. football. With Fields taking a gruesome Saban claimed his seventh National shot to t he r ibs against C lems on championship victory over Ohio St. Linebacker James Skalski in the Allstate in Miami this year. Saban has won Sugar Bowl a week earlier. Fields, still not six National Championships with the 100 percent went 17 of 33 for only 194 crimson tide and one with the LSU yards and one touchdown. Fields favorite Tigers in Baton Rouge. Of those six target throughout the season didn’t quite National Championships with the tide, show up when he needed too. Chris three of them have been in the college Olave, who’s set to return to Ohio St. next football playoff era. year, caught only eight passes for 69 yards and no touchdowns. Just i n F i el ds a ls o led the Buckeyes in rushing yards as well. Fields rushed six times for 67 yards and no touchdowns. Master Teague III came just short in yards rushing yards with 65 and rushed the ball 15 times for a total of tow touchdowns. Alabama wins the National Championship game 52-28 over the Ohio St. Buckeyes. For a y e a r t h at h a d s o much uncertainty and challenges, College Football managed to prevail and give the photo by MARK J. REBLILAS - USA TODAY SPORTS student-athletes and Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban hoists the college football national championship fans a season during a trophy for his sixth time with the team. pandemic. This season had a lot of ups and Mac Jones shows w hy he was a live out a childhood dream. downs. cancelations and openings. Heisman finalist with cementing his Justin Fields and Ryan Day both had I hope that you all have enjoyed name into the Alabama books. Jones their fair share of struggles this season reading these articles as much as went 36 of 45, throwing for 464 yards and post season. This being Ryan Day’s I have written them. Have a great and five touchdowns. Jones averaged first time in the post season ever, and weekend, and Go Duhawks! 10.3 yards per pass. Mac Jones favorite by MATTHEW HADDAD sports writer
Jan. 28, 2021
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Coach’s Column
Dylan Ross Men’s Volleyball As a young teenager, I was offered a spot on Loras Men’s volleyball team and had no clue what was in store. The ability to be a college athlete was a blessing in and of itself and that was all I expected. My first year, I learned this place would become much more than just where I attended college, it was home. Looking back through my four years, the memories that turned strangers into my brothers will stick with me forever. Your typical college lessons I will cherish as life lessons and it is crazy that just a name on my diploma means so little to some yet so much to me. During my time the Men’s Volleyball Program went from a 3-20 team that everyone wanted to whoop up on to losing the conference championship to the number one team in the nation. What I thought was the end for me at Loras has now turned into only the beginning. Having the opportunity to pick up where I left off as the Head Coach here is a dream come true. Over the past few years since my time at Loras, I have worked all over the nation as a Graduate Assistant at Arkansas State University, Assistant Coach at University of Houston and Assistant Coach at Bradley University. Through my time at all these varies universities there was still no place that felt like the home Loras did and that’s why I knew this job would be a perfect fit for me. I look forward to being able to lead these young men through the same life endeavors that I walked through just a couple of years ago. I’m excited to pick up the same goals I once sweat for every day, bringing this program’s first conference championship to Loras. Have a coach in mind that you think would love to write in the Lorian’s Coach’s Column? Email Sports Editor Kevin Kessel at kevin.kessel@loras.edu with suggestions!
Duhawks dunk on UD by KEEGAN GODWIN executive editor
DUBUQUE, IA – On Jan 16, the Duhawks battled their UD rivals at home for their third game of the season. Wasting no time at all, the Duhawks quickly grabbed a nine-point lead at the end of the first quarter. An early three-pointer from sophomore Cierra Bachmann gave Loras a lead that they would never give up. The second quarter was all Loras. With scoring led by sophomores Allie Brownson and Maddie Haslow, the team quickly jumped to a double digit lead against their rivals. Despite a desperate UD comeback at the end of the second quarter, the Duhawks quickly destroyed any hopes of a comeback with a three pointer from Brownson. After four quarters of complete d om i n anc e, L or a s d e fe ate d t he Spartans 97-71 to move to 2-1 on the season. Haslow led the team in scoring with 25 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Bachmann followed right behind with 15 points, nine assists, and two rebounds. The Duhawks schedule is currently up i n t h e ai r r i g ht n ow du e t o
COVID-19 protocols, but their next game is scheduled for Jan. 30 at Central College. Loras looks to continue their hot streak against their conference rivals.
photo by DUHAWK ATHLETICS
Sophomore forward Madison Haslow is hyped up by her teammates as starting line ups are announced before the game. The Duhawks would go on to defeat UD 97-71.
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Jan. 28, 2021
The Lorian
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Men’s swimming heats up San Jose water Men’s swim team defeats Coe in season opener while the women’s team posts strong performance
freestyle, Bogen took third at 1:00.00. On the men’s side, the Brad LaGrange, DUBUQUE, IA – Gainer, and Holmes trio Nearly a year after their took second (51.01), third last competition back in (52.40), and fourth (56.74). February 2020, the Duhawks In the 200-yard backstroke, came back to competition in Shafer had a dominant win, historic fashion to open their with a time of 2:19.31, and 2020 – 2021 season. On Jan. 23, the Schiro followed closely men’s (1-0) and women’s (0-1) team behind taking second stepped out onto the San Jose pool (2:20.34). On the men’s side, deck seeking a win against their rival Broas took second (2:15.98), Coe College. After a tough battle, the with Nelson close behind in men’s team were victorious against third (2:20.38). the Kohawks, scoring 115 points to In the 500-yard freestyle, their 110. The last time the men’s Hrabak returned to the team won in a Coe matchup was in w at e r, p l a c i n g s e c o n d 2014. For the women, the Duhawks (5:54.33). First-year Brian fell short, with a score of 69 points to Day took third in his first the Kohawks 130 points. r a c e of t h e d ay, goi ng “Saturday was a great opening 5:45.52. In the 200-yard meet for the women’s team, even breaststroke, Siegrist placed though the score didn’t favor our second, touching at 3:10.25. way,” said Sarah Shafer (’21) about And on the men’s side, the the meet, “there was still some great pair of Tim LaGrange and swims and a lot of potential to build Day would be separated off of for the end of the season.” photo by HARRIET SIEGRIST by only 1.01 seconds, with To start the meet, the 200-medley The men’s swim team celebrates in the San Jose Pool during their match with Coe. The team travels LaGrange taking second relay team of sophomores Nina to Decorah next week to face Luther College on January 30th. (2:26.36), and Day third Schiro and Kinsey Bogen, Shafer, at 26.21, just missing first and claiming silver. Schroeder was and sophomore Taylor Hrabak took first in 1:58.77, out close behind, coming in fourth (28.16), and Gourley sixth (2:27.37). In the final race of the day, the LaGrange brothers touching the Kohawks by nearly five seconds. Seniors AJ (31.17). For the men, Gainer joined first-year Izaak Miller would join Lynch and Miller for one final win, this time in Gainer, Tim LaGrange, John Lynch, and sophomore Charlie and Holmes. Gainer came in second (23.57), immediately the 200-yard freestyle relay. The Duhawks finished in a time Holmes also took first in a time of 1:44.85. With only two followed by Miller in third (25.07), and Holmes in fourth of 1:34.88. Reflecting back on the meet, Gainer had a lot of minutes of rest, Hrabak dove right back in for the 1000-yard (25.23). In the 200-yard IM, first-year Elli Stine placed freestyle, joined by senior Harriet Siegrist. The pair placed second with a time of 2:45.09. On the men’s side, first-years excitement about how the team performed. “As a senior, I second (12:36.40) and third (14:01.63) respectively. Making Payton Markowski and Jon Broas teamed up with junior have experienced our team being on the opposite side of his career debut, first-year Brad LaGrange swam to victory Cole Rabedaux. Markowski and Broas were separated less the stick more times than we would have liked, and finally in the 1000-yard freestyle, finishing at 11:13.87. Sophomore than a second apart, with Markowski grabbing silver at pulling out a win against a very respected and highly touted Chris Grunke followed behind placing third (12:32.66). 2:17.57, and Broas claiming bronze at 2:18.88. Rabedeaux team felt amazing!” Gainer continued, “This year has been an absolute grind Coming back from the relay one event earlier, Schiro and took fifth at 2:25.84. from day one, and seeing our men’s team come together and Bogen were back again, this time in the 200-yard freestyle. Looking to make their diving debuts, Schroeder and Schiro took second in a time of 2:10.00 and Bogen followed junior Nicholas Schlader took their first diving session to the achieve something that we haven’t achieved since 2014 was behind, placing third at 2:12.70. The pair was joined by first- diving well. Schroeder nabbed second with 91.05 points, and really special, and I am so proud of everyone on this team!” The Duhawks look forward to next week as they travel to year Gabi Held, touching in sixth with a time of 2:34.52. Schlader won the event with 127.90 points. In the second For the men, sophomore Zach Nelson and junior Jacob session, Schlader would complete six more dives before Decorah, IA to face Luther College. The meet starts at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, and will be livestreamed on the Priewe joined first-year Bobby Solis to go third (1:59.18), taking first again, this time earning 161.10 points. fifth (2:07.16), and sixth (2:12.82) respectively. Returning back to the competition pool, Lynch Loras College Swim & Dive Facebook page. For full meet In the 50-yard freestyle, three seniors were seeking the and Grunke took second (2:10.11) and third (2:24.40) results visit Duhawks.com. top spot. Shafer was joined by Marissa Schroeder, making respectively in the 200-yard butterfly. In the 100-yard her swimming debut, and Brianna Gourley. Shafer touched by HARRIET SIEGRIST sports writer
Duhawks wrestle their way to the top by NATE KAISER sports writer
Hungry and dangerous: that’s the only way to describe the Loras Wrestling team. After a fast start to the season, the NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association) has ranked the Duhawks ninth in the team poll, and four wrestlers within the top 10 of their weight classes. Led by head coach TJ Miller, the Duhawks put up a great effort against the Iowa State Cyclones in their first dual of the year. “Hilton is just a cool place to compete, and it didn’t really hit me until I looked up and saw all the Olympic banners,” Miller said. “Here we are, Loras College, and here we are about to compete against a top 10 Division I opponent. We were just so grateful for the opportunity.” The chance to compete against Division wrestlers so early in the season also raises the bar for the wrestlers themselves. “We knew they had some world-class athletes on their squad, but for the chance for our guys to roll around with them, have a chance to be on ESPN + and get that (level) of competition early on is amazing,” Miller said. The season may only be one dual in, but the changing landscape of college athletics due to the COVID-19 pandemic leaves some unknowns for the future of college wrestling. The Duhawks were scheduled to compete against Central College and Coe College this past weekend, but the duals were re-scheduled due to positive tests. Changes to the layout of the season, including more tests in order to practice and compete and social distancing
photo by DUHAWKS ATHLETICS
Junior Daniel Ruiz faces an opponent at the Duhawks first meet at Iowa State earlier this year. Ruiz ranked seventh at 149 pounds.
guidelines, created a new environment for the team. “It’s been challenging, the guys have to fill out their surveys every day before noon, or they don’t practice. Trying to keep the guys grouped to, but not altogether, those are just some things we face on a daily basis,” Miller said. Although being in top physical shape is a key to being successful on the mat, Miller stresses the importance of staying mentally strong during these challenging times and focusing on not dwelling too much on the things they can’t control. “It says it on the door as soon as you enter the wrestling room, ‘one day at a time,’ and that’s how they have been approaching every single day. When you simplify it like that,
life just gets easier,” Miller said. While some may have changed their coaching style due to the pandemic, Miller is confident in his team and his staff that the season will be a success for the duhawks. “Right now, we are doing what we can control and not worrying about the uncontrollable. The transition has been seamless for us; we are a young coaching staff, and trying to stay grateful for every opportunity we get moving forward,” Miller said. The Duhawks will return to the mat in Storm Lake to compete against Buena Vista and Luther college on Jan. 30.