The Towerlight (February 4, 2020)

Towson’s campus and community news source

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February 4, 2020

The Towerlight looks ahead to what the new season has in store for Towson’s spring sports teams, pg. 12

Photo by Amanda Bosse, Photo Illustration by Victoria Nicholson/ The Towerlight

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February 4, 2020

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February 4, 2020

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Editor-in-Chief Bailey Hendricks Senior Editor Tim Klapac

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What is currently your favorite show to binge watch on Netflix or Hulu?

Asst. News Editor Sophia Bates

Arts & Life Editor Meg Hudson Asst. Arts & Life Editor Grace Coughlan

Sports Editor Jordan Kendall Asst. Sports Editor Muhammad Waheed

@sar_rowan Shameless!

@leezanna_banana October fraction

@emehily_ Grace and frankie!!

@tired.luna Parks and Recreation

Your responses could appear in our next print edition. The Towerlight may to include your social media profile picture with your response.

Word on the Web compiles online submissions in response to questions posted by The Towerlight via social media.

Follow The Towerlight on Instagram and Facebook to respond.

Staff Writers Alex Best Ashley de Sampaio Ferraz John Hack Grace Hebron Lauren Heyl Suzanne Stuller Aaron Thomas

Are you surprised who won the Super Bowl?

Brooks Warren Kayla Wellage Marcus Whitman

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NEW & Q MONTHLY LUNCHEON

THINK LIKE AN ENTREPRENEUR WORKSHOP

Are you a first year or transfer student that wants to get involved and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community at TU? Join New and Q - a new CSD program designed for LGBTQ First Year & Transfer students to meet, connect, get resources.

Drop by the Student Launch Pad to whiteboard your idea, pickup a Think-Like-An-Entrepreneur technique, or learn more about Entrepreneurship@TU

Union 313, 12 p.m to 2 p.m

Cook Library, 401, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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TOWSON GYMNASTICS

EMPTY BOWLS WORKSHOPS

Experience all that Towson has to offer----SERVE, WORK, LIVE, PLAY. This event is hosted by the Office of Civiic Engagement and Social Responsibility, Career Center, and Student Activities.

Towson Gymnastics takes on University of North Carolina at SECU Arena. Meet starts at 7 p.m.

Anyone regardless of their experience with ceramics is invited to join TU students and faculty in creating a bowl after a demonstration on hand-building.

WVC Ballrooms, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SECU Arena, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

TOWSON 360

CA 3012, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Created a new club on campus? Got a role in the upcoming play? Involved in a club sport? Introduce yourself to us and get featured in the next in-print issue!

Email us at senior@thetowerlight.com to be featured in our next issue!

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Opinion

February 4, 2020

Why does the left always attack Sanders?

SAM JONES Columnist @SamJones1776

Senator Bernie Sanders recently took the lead in Iowa Caucus polling, greatly increasing his chances to become the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. With this week kicking off with the Iowa Caucus, things have really heated up, and true colors are beginning to show. A Sanders nominee would of course mean a campaign against incumbent President Trump, who has my total support at this time.

However, specifically in the Democratic primary, Sen. Sanders has earned my silent support. The amount of establishment backlash he has dealt with in two campaign cycles is laughable, but also very sad for democracy.

Many believe that Senator Sanders should have won the 2016 Democratic Primary against Hillary Clinton, but the DNC rigged the election in favor of Clinton.

Even the former chair of the Democratic National Committee, Donna Brazile, admitted that she had discovered evidence of the DNC rigging the election against Sanders. Clinton defeated Sanders in the 2016 primary, leading Sanders to endorse Clinton and encourage his supporters to switch their support to Clinton. However, Clinton and her aides still claim that his endorsement came too late and did not truly unify the party. Sand-

ers had a huge following in 2016, and continues to poll towards the top in nationwide polls.

Not much has changed for Sanders during the 2020 campaign cycle. A recently published Hollywood Reporter interview featuring Hillary Clinton included an extensive conversation into her feelings on Bernie Sanders. “Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done.

He was a career politician” she said. She also declined to say if she would endorse Sanders if he were to win the Democratic nomination.

The timing of publishing this interview just weeks before the Iowa Caucus was no coincidence. Clinton still does not want Bernie Sanders to succeed.

Additionally, Sen. Elizabeth Warren attacked Sen. Sanders in the CNN Primary Debate earlier in January. She claimed that in a private conversation, Sanders stated that a woman could not become president. This seems highly uncharacteristic of Sanders, as he endorsed Clinton in 2016 after being defeated in the primary.

Additionally, Clinton received several million more votes in Donald Trump in 2016, so any-

one who thinks a woman couldn't be president is just plain wrong.

CNN later released a clip of Sen. Warren approaching Sen. Sanders immediately after the debate, asking him “Did you just call me a liar on national television?” After Sen. Sanders pleaded with her to do this at a later time, the two dispersed.

CNN shined a spotlight on this conflict, which was merely an accusation with no proof from either side. Because of the timing of all of this, I believe that several leaders within the DNC are against Sen. Sanders’ bid for the White House. And while I simply disagree with almost every policy point that Sanders would advocate for, my inner-Trumpian can not help but silently root for him in the primary. If Sen. Sanders can pull off the nomination, he will do the same thing that Trump did in 2016. He will have overthrown his party’s establishment, and bring change to their politics.

Instead of spreading rumors about what Sanders may have said in a private conversation, a more effective strategy would be to call him out for being a socialist, which he is.

Baltimore City legislation aims to clean up the air HUMZA YAQOOB Columnist

In March 2019, former Mayor of Baltimore Catherine Pugh signed the Baltimore Clean Air Act which would tighten toxic emissions standards on the city’s two trash incinerators after it was passed unanimously by the City Council in February. Wheelabrator Baltimore, which wields the distinctive white “Baltimore” smokestack which can be seen from I-95 or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, is the city’s main incinerator and the 10th biggest in the country.

Curtis Bay Energy operates the largest medical waste incinerator in the country. Under the new bill, these two facilities would have until Jan. 1, 2022 to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions to less than a third of current levels.

In addition to emitting nitrogen oxides, the Wheelabrator incinerator is a source of lead, mercury, hydrochloric acid, and formaldehyde pollution. In support of the Clean Air Act, City Council members and city residents have pointed out the link between Baltimore’s industrial pollution and high levels of asthma and other respiratory diseases. Despite the bill’s widespread approval in city government, it continues to face challenges to its implementation.

Wheelabrator Baltimore hasn’t been letting the new bill go forward without a fight -- the company’s vice president of environment, health,

and safety has stated that the facility cannot be retrofitted and this bill would result in the closure of the incinerator and the loss of jobs for their 65 full-time employees.

The environmental advocacy movement Clean Air Baltimore, supported by the Energy Justice Network, holds that the incinerator’s closure is a much needed step for the city’s public health. In an effort to sway the public, Wheelabrator sent out flyers to residents expressing opposition to the Clean Air Act, making a number of dubious claims.

They boasted that the EPA prefers waste incinerators to landfills, and stressed that the city doesn’t have an alternative for waste disposal without the incinerator.

Clean Air Baltimore has rebutted these claims: the EPA’s own databases, they point out, demonstrate that the Wheelabrator is responsible for 427 times as much air pollution as the city’s Quarantine Road Landfill (QRL), where much of Baltimore’s trash and ash from the incinerator are dumped. EPA data further reports that the incinerator emits 16.6 times as much pollution contributing to global warming when compared to the QRL. As for what will happen to Baltimore City’s trash with the Wheelabrator gone, Clean Air Baltimore has outlined some of the steps that can be taken with optimism. Only 53.6% of the facility’s waste is from Baltimore City as of 2017 -- most of the rest is from Baltimore County.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com

Tales of the Tigers: A Race Against the Clock

Comic by Augustina Ugbaja/ The Towerlight

Opinion

February 4, 2020

The Division for Student Affairs offers the

The sound of sirens tells a tale of Baltimore’s violence 8:42. It’s 8:42 on a Saturday morning here in Baltimore, Maryland. 8:42 and I hear the first sound of sirens for today. I’m trying something new where I count how many times I hear sirens from the time I wake up, until the time I go to sleep.

The thing about this habit is that often, the sirens wake me out of my sleep. Should I count those too? The ones that I hear through the night, although they aren’t in my dreams? Are they real?

The answer is yes because the sounds from ambulances are indeed as real as it gets. In my mind, somewhere, someway, somehow, someone is hurting, and in some cases, dying.

I wonder if I’m the only person who is phased by the sirens all day long, not annoyed, but rather worried. When will this end? Will it end? What does it take for this to stop? Or slow down?

The noise is one that is engraved in my mind. It’s almost as if we’re friends now, I’ve gotten so acquainted with them that I’ve given it a name. The sirens. They’re there when I’m walking to class, when I’m studying for an exam, when I’m taking a shower, they’re even there when I’m sleeping. The sirens accompany me wherever I go, and this is the one friend I wish I never had.

This is unusual for me, as I am not new to Maryland, but I am new to Baltimore. In my hometown, sirens are not included in my daily routine, but when I’m on campus they become ritualistic.

According to a previous homicide report from the Baltimore Sun, there were 26 homicides in Baltimore -- for January 2020 alone. We can not forget that each of these deaths is more than a repetitive headline stating “another Baltimore man shot” or “another Baltimore woman killed.”

Journalists Christine Zhang, Mckenna Oxenden, and Lillian Reed collectively observed this petrifying trend in November 2019 in a Baltimore Sun article titled, “Baltimore hits 300 homicides for fifth year in a row.” The article notes that “Around 43% of victims were in their 20s.''

This is not what I want young people to be remembered for. This is not the narrative we want to portray. I wonder if my peers have gotten so acquainted with the si-

rens that they don’t actually hear them. I wonder if they know that some of those sirens represent people their age, people who are included in our generational footprint, people whose lives were just getting started.

Out of the 26 deceased in January, 11 of them were age 25 and younger. Justin Johnson was 25. Carter Strickland and Darius Massey were 24. Taquan Poole was 23. Darin White, Samuel Green, Dominic Watson, and Tariq Williams were 21. Khari Johnson and Raquiz Joseph were 20, and Dontae Patterson was 18.

In these circumstances, age is so much more than a number. Behind these numbers are decades of untapped potential. These were real humans that had an entire life ahead of them one minute and made friends with the sirens the next.

This is a problem within my generation, and it requires change that can only start with my generation. We can change our actions but first, we have to pay close attention to our peers because we have the biggest influence on one another.

So many people want to reverse this, so many people are working tirelessly to stop the violence.

Parents, teachers, mentors, law enforcement, elected officials, and so many other leaders are reaching their hand out to us, but why won’t we grab it?

What are we doing to ourselves? As young people, we need to have an open conversation surrounding violence. I want to know if we’re thinking about this. I want to know when we can start talking about this. I want to know if we hear the sirens.

- Kaila Hodge, Towson University freshman

Student LIFE Line

This telephone line assists students with any question they may have about the University. LIFE Line is staffed and ready to assist callers Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After these hours, a voice mail message can be left and will be responded to on the next business day.

You can also contact us with your questions via e-mail at studentaffairs@towson.edu.

(5433) 410-704-LIFE (54 33) E-mail: studentaffairs@towson.edu

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News

February 4, 2020

Coronavirus risk scares campus Local firm donates

$100,000 to TU CBE MARCUS WHITMAN Staff Writer

Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight Vice President for University Marketing and Communications Marina Cooper addresses the media after the University announced that a professor was removed from campus after a relative was being tested for Coronavirus. All tests results came back negative.

TIM KLAPAC Senior Editor @pacofkla SOPHIA BATES Asst. News Editor @sophiabates23 On Wednesday evening, the TU Health Center became aware of a TU professor who came in contact with a family member who was being tested for Coronavirus. According to an email sent from University Communications Thursday afternoon, the professor was removed from campus as a precaution as the family member was bing tested for the virus.

The family member’s tests came back negative for Coronavirus. As of now, it is not known when the professor can and will return to campus.

“As an update to the message sent to campus this morning, the University was informed this afternoon that the individual’s test results have come back negative,” the email read.

According to an email sent earlier that morning, the Maryland Department of Health indicated that the professor was low risk and precautionary measures were being taken by not having the professor return to class, pending the test results.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the professor will not return to class pending final test results expected in the next few days from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” the email read.

The identity of the professor has not been released by the University, however, the professor’s students

were notified and the University has offered support to them.

Vice President for University Marketing and Communications Marina Cooper addressed the issue Thursday afternoon at a media briefing prior to the test results coming back.

“The current risk to the Towson community is low and there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus at Towson University,” Cooper said.

Despite the low risk, freshman Zoe Rappoport still felt uneasy when she received the email.

“I was scared,” she said. “I was like, ‘We’re all gonna die.’ It’s hard because when everyone came back, we had no idea where everyone was over break. With everyone coming from different places, it’s not surprising that someone could have it.”

Cooper added that the University has suspended any sponsored travel to China.

“Until further notice, the University has continued to suspend all University related and sponsored travel to China,” Cooper said.

Towson has international students from China and they have already been reached out to, according to Cooper.

“We do have current international students from China as many campuses across the state do,” Cooper said. “As many campuses have done, our health center has reached out to them [and] asked about their travels over winter break. So far, we have not received any information that is of any concern.”

University Communications has updated the campus as more infor-

mation became available, which senior Ashley Masucci has mixed feelings about.

“They’re definitely not trying to miss a beat,” Masucci said. “In my opinion, I don’t know if the email [Thursday morning] was necessary.

I understand why they felt the need to reach out to us and say ‘This is a possibility.’ However, if it was such a low risk, I don’t know if it’s fair to the professor that’s been affected by this because now all of the students are going to be asking ‘Oh, was your professor out this week, it could’ve been your professor,’ and that might cause more issues later on. It’s nice that they’re being proactive about it. But at the same time, I don’t know if it’s smart to put every little detail out there about it as soon as it happens.”

Masucci added that her concern about the virus is low.

“I know it’s something new, so it can be scary, but I’ve done my research and people are saying that the flu has killed more people this year than this virus,” she said.

“I don’t think people are focusing on issues that are serious and big and have been here for a while.

I’m not super concerned but it is scary because we don’t necessarily know what it’s gonna do.”

Rappoport feels reassured about student safety on campus thanks to the emails.

“I feel like they did everything that they could,” she said. “They removed [the professor] from campus and everything. As long as it wasn’t [the professor] who had it and they got them out of there as soon as they found out, I feel safe.”

Towson University’s College of Business and Economics received a donation of $100,000 from local firm Rosen, Sapperstein & Friedlander Jan. 20.

“Over time, we’ve seen the quality of CBE’s students and leadership as well as the University’s progressive approach to community engagement,” said Jeff Rosen, RS&F Co-Managing Partner. “This has been extremely impressive, therefore we wanted to deepen our involvement beyond our successful internship program and board involvement.”

According to Shohreh Kaynama, TU dean of the College of Business and Economics, RS&F and the CBE have been partners since 2006 and ever since, the partnership has constantly grown.

“We have a great relationship with them,” TU President Kim Schatzel said. “They hire our graduates. We’ve been doing it for years. They work with the business school so it’s one more indication of the fact that we’ve got fantastic relationships with local employers as well as national employers. We’re really excited about that.”

The donation gift will help a number of programs both in and outside of the University’s classrooms. “[The] pledge to CBE will all go toward students by supporting scholarships and impactful programs, like the MentHER mentoring program and college case competitions,” said Kayanama.

Kayanama also explained more of this partnerships’ benefits to the program outside of the monetary gifts.

“RS&F is a fantastic partner on so many levels,” Kaynama said. “They truly are committed to Towson University’s success. Over the years, they’ve helped countless students grow by providing excellent, handson internships and they hire many alumni, too.”

According to entrepreneurship major and sophomore James Gruber, partnerships like these are beneficial for the CBE as whole, no matter which concentration specifically gets the investment.

“As an entrepreneurship major, I hope that The Tiger Cage and all those programs do continue to grow,” Gruber said. “I think it is a great opportunity for people with great ideas, especially college students that see needs within their peers.”

According to TU junior Anglea Green, partnerships like these are good for all students at TU. “It gives them more opportunities and internships, and things like that to help with their career and passion,” she said.

The donation contribution will specifically go towards initiatives at the university including expanding the CBE academic programs, learning opportunities, and career options, providing support for programs that advance the university’s community, and promoting mentoring and coaching skills across an intergenerational group of women.

“Their team members of all levels from associate to partner have volunteered to mentor students and speak to student organizations and classes,” Kaynama said. “The wealth of strategic consultation, connections and opportunities provided by their participation in the CBE and Accounting Advisory Boards as well as the TU Foundation and Board of Visitors have provided immeasurable benefits for the institution.”

According to Rosen, the firm is looking forward to providing CBE students with unique opportunities.

“As an accounting firm, we’re excited to offer scholarship opportunities for worthy candidates within CBE’s Accounting program,” Rosen said.

“Additionally, we’re ecstatic to support the MentHER program that will further TU’s impact on current and future women leaders in our community.”

According to Gruber, partnerships like these were not only good for the company, university, and students, but also for the state of Maryland as a whole.

“I think that everybody in the business program understands whatever donation comes in benefits the business program is going to benefit the local economy because graduates are going to have better education,” he said. “There might be higher retention for students, which is going to turn out more jobs, more local employees, which is going to be better for the Towson area in whole.”

Green also mentioned that she would like to see partnerships like this grow in the other majors as well.

According to Kaynama, this partnership is likely to continue growing for years to come.

“RS&F is a well-established institution in the Baltimore region, and they’ve tremendously supported TU for a long time,” she said.

“We’re very honored and proud to call them partners.”

News

February 4, 2020

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Art explores facets of Bay water General advances MEGHAN HUDSON Arts & Life Editor

The Center for the Arts opened its first Arts Gallery exhibit of the decade, “Stacy Levy: Collected Watershed” by guest artist Stacy Levy, on Jan. 30.

This installation features thousands of jars of water placed strategically across the gallery floor in alignment with a map of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Each jar is filled with water samples collected from its corresponding location.

“I took the watershed and I placed it into the gallery, trying to figure out how best to make it fit with both the impact of the Chesapeake, but also dealing with [the gallery’s] fire exits and things,” said Levy. “It’s not based on cardinal points, it’s tipped so that it works for this particular space.”

The Chesapeake watershed, the largest watershed on the Atlantic seaboard, spans 11,684 miles of shoreline, and is local to over 18 million people. According to the Chesapeake Bay Program, 80% of the tidal Chesapeake Bay is partially of fully impaired by toxic contaminants.

“My job is mostly to introduce people to all sorts of different types of water, and how it flows, and where it flows, and how it connects,” said Levy. “To bring people

closer to water is something that has been very important to me.”

Levy shared that she views watershed maps frequently. She noted that the capillaries of the streams seem to resemble blood vessels, which then run across land and course through landscapes. Levy also noted that this dendritic pattern is recurring throughout all life forms.

“I do think that this intimacy with water, and getting to know the universality of that pattern is a very, very important way of reconnecting to the natural world, a connection that is often lost on us,” said Levy. “Stomping around the streams is a very good way to get that sense of your own pattern that’s flowing in your own capillaries inside, and to realize that the world is a sort of more unified place then it sometimes feels.”

Levy says that artists in general tend to create patterns which can link people to their inner landscapes of blood and neurons.

Erin Lehman, director of Holzman and Center for the Arts galleries, worked alongside Levy to curate an exhibit that would be interdepartmental to the University.

“We felt that the intersection of environmental and biological sciences with fine arts was the perfect match for the interdisciplinary nature of the galleries, and TU in general,” said Lehman. “Also, issues surrounding water felt very relevant both in the Baltimore area

and the world in general in this era of climate change. It is STEAM [Education] in practice. In other words, it uses art to get across scientific concepts, like the interconnectedness of waterways to the health of the Bay, for example, in a really immediate, visceral way.”

For the past two years, Levy has been collecting jars from a variety of sources. She ran a jar collection drive at Towson University, and she even thrifted some from Goodwill.

“There’s a total of about 8,500 or so jars out there right now,” said Levy.

During her lecture, Levy also pointed out that one gallon of water weighs about eight pounds, and that the buckets used for collecting water samples, were five gallon buckets.

“So we’re hauling out just under 40 pounds after some spills out the top, everytime you haul a bucket, so there’s quite a lot of muscle work in this,” said Levy. “Then we loaded all of that water into cars and vans after carefully labelling them. This stuff becomes like fine wine when you go down steep slopes and down into mud and then haul all this water back. You want to know what water this is and not lose the label.”

-Grace Hebron and Grace Coughlan contributed to this article.

- To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowerlight.com.

Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight Stacy Levy collected thousands of glass jars with the help of TU students and departments. The jars, then filled with water from different regions of the Chesapeake, were placed strategically across the gallery floor in alignment with a map of the watershed.

leadership at TU SOPHIA BATES Asst. News Editor @sophiabates23

The University has hired former adjutant general of the Maryland Military Department Linda Singh to be TU’s first Leader-in-Residence.

Singh started her new role on Jan. 22 and has been working on examining where her skillset is needed to move campus forward in what she calls her “learning mode.”

“My first couple of months is really going to be focused in on trying to learn the people and get to know some of my peers and some folks and what they do and their programs and so that I can actually look and see ‘Are there any gaps?’ And see if there are any places where my skill set can add value to the leadership programs,” Singh said.

“That is what I’m kind of focused in on. I’m all in this kind of intake and learning mode right now.”

The new Leader-in-Residence program brings in nationally recognized leaders to influence the campus.

According to University President Kim Schatzel, Singh’s new role is meant to advance and develop leadership programs on campus.

“We want to take a look at the different programs that we have across campus that foster the development of leadership skills and qualities within the students and to be able to develop a program where we can be more deliberate about it and to be able to advance our capabilities and capacities for that,” Schatzel said.

Leadership opportunities on campus can also help students excel in their future and have a foot in the door for careers.

“I think leadership positions can really make you stand out for future careers and also give you a voice as a student that a lot of other students don’t necessarily have,” said senior English major Maria Asimopoulos.

Schatzel added that leadership is crucial everywhere.

“Leadership is something that every place I go to talk with people, leadership matters,” Schatzel said. “People will tell you that all the time. We have lots of students on campus that are already in leadership positions or are aspiring to leadership positions on campus, or aspiring to leadership positions and being changemakers in their careers.

So, what we want to do is be far more intentional about how do we do that as

a campus. Linda is going to be the inaugural leader in residence that’s going to help us advance that agenda.”

According to TU junior english major Breanna White, this new position is “a good idea” for TU. “I think no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to develop new skills,” White said. “College is often a jumping off point into the true workforce and leadership skills will always be useful in a work environment.”

According to Singh, Schatzel’s vision for the future of TU’s campus is what drew her into joining as the Leader-in-Residence.

“As I was looking at universities, I really wanted an environment that was set up for what I would consider to be innovation, to be forward thinking, wanting to be on the leading edge, not being satisfied with the status quo,” Singh said. “I wanted a Maryland school and what I think appealed to me most is that President Schatzel’s view on where she sees the organization going is what resonated with me. That made me very excited to join the Towson team.”

One of the programs that Singh is planning to develop is an annual leadership lecture series. This is in the early stages of development, as Singh is just looking at campus needs.

“Since I am really at the early stages of looking at what’s needed, I would like to ensure that the lecture series may end up being internally focused and externally focused,” Singh said. “I have to really assess what we think is the best thing to do and what is going to add the most value.”

Singh is currently the interim Executive Director and CEO of TEDCO, Maryland’s investment engine for start-up technology, and has also worked in her own consulting and advisory services company, Kaleidoscope Affect LLC. Prior to these roles, she was the adjutant general of the Maryland Military Department.

One thing Singh specifically seeks for Towson’s students as she joins campus is that they become continual learners throughout life.

“What I would say to the students is as you are embarking on your education, don’t just look at it as in ‘yep, I’m checking the box,’’ she said.

“Think about how you are going to be continual and life-long learners because that’s what we need in the world. And when you do that, your mind stays sharp. As you get older, you are going to live a longer and healthier and more productive life.”

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Arts & Life

February 4, 2020

Conquering College

Protecting the Earth A student’s guide to thrifting one Tiger at a time VICTORIA NICHOLSON Art Director @ToriNickel

Courtesy of Mike Mozart on Flickr Creative Commons

As conversations surrounding environmental sustainability arise, many consumers have turned to thrifting as their method of buying clothing. Thrift stores usually sell pre-owned clothing, accessories and more.

NIA FITZHUGH Columnist

From clothes to shoes to houseware, thrift stores sell donated items back to the public at unbelievably low prices. Thrifting isn’t for everyone, but according to The Ithican, those who do thrift are supporting environmental sustainability. Thrift stores help reduce the manufacturing process that has become burdensome on the planet, and it’s also easier on your wallet.

Here are some tips if you’re looking to take your first trip to a thrift store: Have an idea of what you’re looking for: After you decide you’re ready to thrift, think of what you might want to look for, and try to narrow it down to a few different categories like: houseware, clothing or electronics. Because thrift stores resell donated items, there is often only one of a kind articles throughout the entire store. Having an idea of what you want will help you gravitate towards the areas of the store that you want to explore.

For example, if you are looking for pots and pans, start in that area of the store so that you don’t get sucked into the racks of clothes. If you are looking for clothes, try to narrow down what exactly you want to get. If you know you definitely want to find jeans, you can efficiently spend your time looking for the perfect pair. I personally

love to buy jeans from thrift stores because they are a fraction of the price that you’ll find at the mall. It also gives you the opportunity to play around with design and DIY your clothes without breaking the bank. However, be careful of being overly specific. If you set out to find blue jeans with gold buttons, you might be at a loss that trip as they are most likely not going to have exactly what you want.

Take your time and be patient: Your first time may be a bit overwhelming because of the expanse of the store and everything in it.

Set aside a day where you can look around the entire store and take your time looking through the racks and shelves because you never know what you’ll find. If you’re taking your time and going through the racks and still not finding anything, remember to be patient. Sometimes thrifting can take time and dedication to find the perfect item for you.

Pick up anything and everything that could have potential: Basically, pick up literally everything that catches your eye. Think of all the ways that you could possibly use the garment in your wardrobe.

For example, if you love the color of a sweater but its three sizes too big, consider cutting and cropping it when you get home. The more you pick up, the more options you’ll have at the end of your shopping trip, and you can always narrow down what you want before you checkout.

Be mindful of sales:

If you thought thrift stores couldn’t get any better, brace yourself for this next tip. Be mindful of the ongoing sales that thrift stores have each day.

At most thrift stores, each item will have a color on the tag and the color of the day offers a percentage off of the total of the item. For example, a pink tag may be 30% off on Thursdays and a blue could be 50% every Monday.

With all of this in mind, you are ready to make your first trip! Check out some of these stores in the Towson area: Goodwill (1012 York Rd, Towson, MD 21204): This non-profit chain offers a wide range of pre-owned clothing, furniture, housewares and more. They also offer special discounts, such as the color tag discount mentioned before!

For those of you in the uptown area, this is the closest shop to you!

Surprise Shop (122 Allegheny Ave, Baltimore, MD 21204): The Surprise Shop is a consignment store housed in the historic stone corner rectory of Trinity Church. This is the most convenient shop for anyone in the Kenilworth area.

Savers (1925 E Joppa Rd, Parkville, MD 21234): This thrift store chain offers secondhand clothing, footwear, furniture, books and household items.

They also offer “Deal Days” several times throughout the year, where they may offer 20% off to students with a valid student ID as well as other deals.

You know that quote, “We only get one planet”... well, I hate to break it to you, but it’s true. Our best friend planet Earth is slowly deteriorating and sadly enough not a lot people care. I do have to give a mighty shout out to those VSCO girls for at least trying with their reusable hydroflasks and metal straws, but there are a lot more ways to reuse, reduce, and recycle.

My sophomore year is when I finally realized how much waste college students produce when I witnessed the garbage shoot in Tower A was overflowing. I should note I was on the fifth floor so imagine at least five stories worth of trash just piled up in a building. Not only was the garbage overflowing, but there was legit trash in the recycling bin. The amount of times I would run into my room venting to my roommate on decent recycling habits was obnoxious. You may think you’re helpless when it comes to saving the planet in college, but really there are multiple ways to stay green as a student.

Reusable bags: Major key alert! It can take many years for a plastic bag to decompose but these harmful plastics are ending up in our waterways endangering our sea life. Keep a reusable bag on you at all times, this can include places like your bookbag, car, or even on your keychain.

Used books: If you have the option to buy used books in your class, which I promise 99% of the time you will, take it! Not only are these books

cheaper, but it enforces a healthy way of reusing items. The best part about this is when you’re done with the book you can stop by local resellers, such as BookHolders, and they will personally buy the book off of you so it can go back into the system for other students to enjoy!

Reusable water bottle: It’s 2020 -- plastic water bottles are so out of style. Take advantage of the water refill stations located all around campus! If you’re a little iffy on water from the tap, there are plenty of water bottles out there that have a filter built inside of them, such as the Brita water bottle.

Donating: A lot of clubs on campus will hold annual drives for charities and good causes. You can see some of their donation boxes laying around certain academic buildings.

Donating y o u r unwanted items w i l l help you declutter your closet but also will provide your items to people who may need it more. Don’t ever throw away clothes unless they are in terrible condition, clothes are the easiest thing to donate.

On-campus food choices: If you were to go into Susqehanna to get food you would leave with multiple things that will eventually end up in our landfill. This includes plastic silverware, cardboard to-go boxes (which you can’t recycle if dirty), or even a plastic bag.

Instead, eat more at dining halls!

Dining halls only cost one meal and they build their system on traditional plates and silverware. The only waste you could create there is food, which takes less time to decompose.

Arts & Life

February 4, 2020

9

ROARING REVIEWS

New novels to look Oscars “Best Picture” predictions out for this year TYRONE BARROZO Columnist

Before I begin, I have a confession to make. I hate the Academy Awards. And it isn’t simply because the Oscars seem to have it out for entertainment converging with streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. In short, I hate how unabashedly spineless the organization is as a whole. With all of that said, I have one more thing to confess: I am an absolute hypocrite.

I hate the Oscars, but to the same degree that people hate reality TV—I fully acknowledge that what I’m going to watch is garbage but I’m going to have a great time doing so. So, with less than a week away before the 92nd Academy Awards, I’ve decided to share my top five for the “Best Picture” category.

Do keep in mind that as a film-loving hypocrite in college, I’ve not seen all of the films nominated due to financial constraints, but I will still be including them on the list and attempt to explain myself to the best of my ability.

5. “1917” If my previous experience with Sam Mendes’ films are any indication, then I missed out on a really good time. Unlike previous entrants on this list, Mendes’ strengths reside in the very core of cinema—cinematography. If the aforementioned “Skyfall” was any indication, then “1917” would both be a feast for the eyes and another great work of cinema that manages to translate the adrenaline, fear, and absolute intensity of war.

“1917” has accumulated several accolades at the moment including Best Drama and Best Director at the Golden Globe Awards, and I reckon that the film still would still have a good chance at taking home an award from one of the big Oscar categories if the Academy weren’t so intent on giving out long overdue awards to actors

and directors who should’ve won awards years ago.

4. “The Irishman” With “The Irishman,” director Martin Scorsese takes all of the cinema knowledge he’s accumulated throughout his illustrious career and incorporates it in this epic crime story.

Despite the intimidating length of the film being over three hours, I never got bored when watching the film. Scorsese manages to deliver the same roguish charms and tough guy charisma throughout the film much like he did in previous projects with strong acting performances from Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and the return of Joe Pesci. But, the great surprise with this epic, in my opinion, came in the final third of the film where the audience starts to see Sheeran’s building regret and grief as he ages into late adulthood and, by the end, we truly feel how pained and lonely one person can get. And just when you start to feel for Sheeran, the story leaves you wanting more in the best way possible.

Not only is this film plagued with that pesky Netflix label, but I doubt that any Oscar voters actually watched the movie in one sitting thanks to its pretty obscene length. It certainly deserves all of its numerous nominations and I’m betting that it will take

in awards for “Best Adapted Screenplay” and “Best Supporting Actor” (for Pacino).

3. “Parasite” Ranking “Parasite” at number three on this list makes me sad because, in all honesty, I believe that this is the film that deserves to take home “Best Picture.” But because I’m speaking honestly, I have no hope that “Parasite” will win due to the Oscars’ historic snubbing of international films for the “Best Picture” award (see “Roma”).

Watching this film was a fulfilling and completely satisfying experience. Writer and director Bong Joon-Ho seems to deliver nothing short of near-perfection with this work of art. Take aim at actor performances, cinematography, general storytelling and you will not find a weak aspect.

“Parasite” is a film that constantly keeps you guessing, is a feast for the eyes, commands deserved attention, and manipulates audience emotions like marionettes.

While I continue to grieve the low chances of “Parasite” winning “Best Picture,” I am completely convinced that the Academy will award the film with an Oscar with “Best Director” as consolation for what will undoubtedly be another robbery.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com.

Courtesy of Davidlohr Bueso on Flickr Creative Commons

The Oscars are set to air on Feb. 9. Sam Mendes’ “1917” and Bong Joon-Ho’s “Parasite” are amongst this year’s “Best Picture” nominees.

ZAC SOPER Columnist

Since this is my first column of the year, I wanted to bring attention to a few of the releases I’m looking forward to reading.

I want to start this reading year off strong and I hope to maintain stamina through the coming months and read as much as possible. Making lists like these can be a good way to keep you excited about reading through the whole year as you anticipate releases.

“Infinity Son” by Adam Silvera.

NYT bests e l l i n g author of “ T h e y B o t h Die At T h e E n d ” a n d “ M o r e H a p p y Than Not” switches up his genre from contemporary fiction to high fantasy with the first installment in his new trilogy, “Infinity Son.” This story follows two brothers as they attempt to navigate a New York filled with magical ‘celestial’ beings and monsters sent to destroy them. These brothers will put their relationships and morals to the test when confronted with a magic they have never possessed. Silvera is known for his contemporary romance stories and I am interested to see how well he tackles fantasy, with all of his hardships in world building and magic systems.

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins.

After years of silence following the major success of “The Hunger Games,” Suzanne Collins is hitting the market again with a prequel to the trilogy. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”

is set to follow a young President Snow. It should be interesting to get the villain origin story of the dictator we all came to hate in 2011. There are a lot of mixed feelings from readers- those who aren’t interested in Snow at all and are disappointed that this is the origin story we’re getting, rather than Haymitch or Effie, and there are readers who can’t wait to see into the mind of the raging antagonist.

“Chain of Gold” by Cassandra Clare.

Cassandra Clare continues writing in the Shadowhunter world with “Chain of Gold,” the first in “The Last Hours” series.

We are traveling back to Victorian London for this series, following Cordelia Carstairs as she interacts with the cast from Clare’s “The Infernal Devices” trilogy. Monsters have been let loose once again and it is up to our young group of heroes to save London. There is sure to be some romantic conflict and gory battles that Clare is so famous for as well as more unpacking of the lore of this ever-expanding universe.

“More Myself ” by Alicia Keys.

To branch out of Young Adult Fiction, I’m excited for “More Myself ” by Alicia Keys. This autobiography is the first book to be published under Oprah’s imprint of Flatiron Books (a division of Macmillan Publishing) and is set to be released in late March. Keys’ life has been one without privacy and one of many pressures and hardships, “More Myself ” will reveal the star’s inner monologue through her fame. Keys, in writing this autobiography, is on a journey of self-discovery after letting the public be her voice of reason for so long.

12 February 4, 2020

Spring Sports Preview

Spring Sports Preview

Amanda Bosse/ The Towerlight

Senior guard Brian Fobbs, Towson’s leading scorer at 16 points per game, has scored 10 or more points in nine consecutive games. The Tigers currently sit in second place in the Colonial Athletic Association after their seven-game winning streak ended with a 79-70 loss to the College of Charleston Saturday. Towson travels to Drexel and Delaware this week.

ISSAC DONSKY Contributing Writer Towson’s softball team will suit up for the first time this season on Friday, Feb. 7 as they begin play in the USC Upstate Classic Tournament.

As head coach Lisa Costello put it, this year will be about continued growth from last year's squad.

“We competed well last year and gained plenty of experience,” Costello said. “We’re taking that experience and applying it to this year’s team.”

Last year was a rebuilding year for the Tigers. Following a 2018 season that saw the team set numerous program records for offense, Towson had to retool for 2019 with 11 incoming freshmen. They exceeded expec-

tations, going 27-27 and finishing the year third in conference play.

“We had a lot of freshmen on the team last year,” Costello said. ”So I think finishing third in the regular season is a lot better than many people expected.”

Similar to last year, the 2020 team is a young one, but they have continued to develop as a group and will continue to do so.

“Considering that we’re a team mostly made up of freshmen and sophomores, the gains that we have made this offseason are really great.” Costello said.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, their season came to an abrupt end in the CAA tournament with a loss to Drexel. On top of that, star players in utility Nicole Stockinger and outfielder Kendall Arcia, first and third in batting average respectively, both graduated at season’s end.

Despite these setbacks, Costello is confident that the team will continue to grow throughout the upcoming season.

“We’ve built on everything from last year,” Costello said.

“We’re deeper at pitching. Our offense is starting to work together. And defensively we’ve gotten better.”

Leading the way for Towson on offense is senior first baseman Madison Wilson, who was second in batting average last season for the Tigers, scoring 16 runs on 40 hits. There is plenty of young talent for Towson as well as sophomore third baseman Chloe Poulich scored 23 runs in her first season with the Tigers, and fellow sophomore outfielder Nicole Kidwiler scored 16 runs on 13 hits.

If hitting isn’t your thing, then look no further than Towson’s

pitching. Junior Melissa Abrahamian struck out 53 batters last year, compiling an 8-9 record. Sophomore Sara Johnson was one of the breakout young stars of last year's squad -- she was named to the All-CAA Rookie team with a 12-10 record, finished the year with an ERA of 3.43, and pitched a total of 155.0 innings which were the fifth most in the CAA. Johnson also finished the year third in strikeouts in the conference.

Defense is a point of emphasis this season, and Costello has been impressed with the play so far this offseason.

“Our defense has been playing really well in practice for how early it is in the year,” Costello said.

Then there is senior Julia Smith-Harrington, who was the team's best pitcher with an out-

standing 2.20 ERA and a 6-3 record. Smith-Harrington also finished second in home runs for the Tigers with eight and had 36 runs on 50 hits.

Towson starts the season off with a long road trip, playing in four straight tournaments before they open up their home schedule against La Salle on Friday, March 6. Costello is not concerned about the extended road stretch.

“We’re not going to play a whole lot in February here at Towson due to the weather, so our choices are either go south to play or do nothing at all,” Costello said. “We’ll go down to North Carolina and South Carolina and we’ll get better thanks to it.”

The Tigers first game is this Friday at 11 a.m. against Bucknell. They will also play Saint Francis at 5 p.m.

Spring Sports Preview

February 4, 2020

13

teeing off into briggs praises the core a new season First-year coach excited to see her key players Alexander and Courtney look to guide Tigers into the spring JORDAN KENDALL Sports Editor @jordankendall54

The 2019 fall season was a tale of two halves. The Tigers finished outside the top 10 in their first two meets. However, as the season progressed, so did Towson as they finished ninth in West Virginia. The Tigers finished the season at the Towson Fall Invitational.

The Tigers finished in fourth place led by senior Spencer Alexander and junior Jackson Courtney. They each finished with a one-over 73.

For head coach Mike Larkin, the improvement the team showed as the season progressed gives him hope for what’s ahead of this spring.

“That was a nice trend to see,” Larkin said. “We started the season a little rough at Missouri but we had a lot of strong performances as we got towards the end of fall. It’s kind of a new different energy so far, seems like deeper commitment from the guys so that’s been exciting.”

Alexander is the lone senior on the roster, and his leadership has been important for mentoring the younger players.

“He sets a great example as far as how hard he works on fundamentals,” Larkin said. “He’s a guy always putting in reps in the indoor facility and it pays off when you look at his scoring average.”

Alexander’s 71.9 average was the lowest of his career in the fall, and Larkin expects him to continue to improve it this spring.

“Sticking to the process and being as locked in as he needs to be and as focused as he needs to be,” Larkin said. “Every time he tees in getting his mentality in a locked in and focused state.”

Junior Derek Gold’s best finish in the fall was 11th place at the Towson Invitational. Larkin believes he has what it takes to enter the top 10 this spring.

“Derek and I had this conversa-

tion earlier this week,” Larkin said.

“For him, a little bit of that mentality as he’s having a good round, finishing strong. A lot of it is getting the ball off the tee and course management, always making the right decision and putting in that work to take him as good as he wants to be.”

The Tigers’ first competition is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will be hosted by Loyola. They will travel to Greenville, South Carolina three weeks later for the Furman Intercollegiate. Larkin sees this gap between competitions as an advantage with the opportunity to get familiar with courses coming up later in the season.

“For us, it will be an advantage,” Larkin said. “During spring break we’re going to North Carolina to the site of conference championships.

The entire team will be there. Everyone will have the full week and a lot of golfing and team conversation.

So, I expect to go into Furman in a very good place.”

Towson will spend April across Connecticut, competing in the Sacred Heart Spring Invite before a one day meet at the Yale Invitational. This will be the first one-day event for the Tigers since competing in the Yale Invitational in 2015. Yale will be the final stop for Towson before the CAA Championships in St. James, North Carolina beginning on Friday, April 24.

“It’s definitely unique,” Larkin said. “This is my sixth semester as head coach at Towson and the first time we have a single day 36-hole event. This one’s kinda different, like you're playing the first day of an event and then you’re done. So, it’s a little strange but what’s nice about Yale is it’s a great golf course. I played there in the 2004 NCAA regionals while I was playing at Towson. It will give us a great test before conference week.”

None of the start times have been announced. However, the Tigers will take the course in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Monday, March 2.

File photo by Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Sophomore Jordan Cornelius (right) leads the Women’s Golf team into the spring season as the first golfer in program history to earn All-CAA honors. Cornelius finished third at the CAA Championships in the fall.

BROOKS WARREN Staff Writer @Broookksss

Head coach Shannon Briggs leads a young team into spring play. The Tigers consist of six underclassmen, two seniors, and one junior. Despite the young team, Towson has some golfers with high expectations this spring.

Last fall, sophomore Jordan Cornelius became the first golfer in program history to earn AllCAA accolades after finishing tied for third place at the CAA Championship.

She carded a nine-over 225.

Cornelius leads a young lineup of Towson golfers that Briggs believes offers her unique depth to work with.

“There could be a little variety in the lineup as the season progresses,” Briggs said. “Which is exciting as a coach to kind of, you know, give everyone a chance to test their abilities this season.”

Briggs is optimistic about this

spring season following a fall (the) conference (tournament), season where the team hit the that fourth, fifth, and sixth spot.” ground running and worked their According to Briggs, the litway to some early success. mus test for the season will be The team will be built around Sunday, March 1 at the Kiawah the cornerstone pieces of CorneIsland Women’s Intercollegiate lius, sophomore Jayla Kang, and tournament. junior Sarah Perine.

Briggs also said it’s the largest Each golfer played in five events women’s golf event in the NCAA and posted the lowest average with 43 teams playing, it is held scores during the over three days fall season, Corneand teams play lius averaged 75.1 on two different There’s definitely a courses. while Perine was second with 76.6, core of the team that “It’ll be a great and Kang narrowinitial test for the has sparked the com- girls to kinda see ly behind at 76.9.

So far, Briggs petitiveness of the where we stand says that everyone against some top entire group has impressed her teams in the naand she believes it SHANNON BRIGGS tion,” Briggs said. could be a sign of The Tigers will Head Coach things to come. take the course in “To be honest, I could list the Kiawah, Island, South Carolina on whole team, which is a good sign Sunday, March 1. right,” Briggs said. “I would say Towson closes the spring reguthere’s definitely a core of the lar season with their lone home team that has sparked the comevent, which will take place at petitiveness of the entire group Prospect Bay Country Club in Graand I think everyone is kind of sonville, MD. This Intercollegiate jockeying for those last few spots Tournament begins on Saturday, on the team. Meaning to travel for April 4.

“

14 February 4, 2020

Spring Sports Preview

Defending the caa crown tigers buying in Last season’s success creates increased hype

Seils, Fields excited for season

File photo by Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Junior pitcher Josh Seils will be taking on a bigger role this season. Seils made 13 starts last season and held hitters to a .254 batting average.

KAYLA WELLAGE Staff Writer

File photo by Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Senior attacker/midfielder Brody McLean is one of 12 returning seniors for the Tigers. Towson captured the CAA Championship last season before falling to Maryland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

JOHN HACK Staff Writer @johnhack10

Towson men’s lacrosse team is coming off an up and down 2019 campaign. Starting off the season with a hot 5-0 start against wins that included then-top ranked Loyola, it gave the Tigers their first ever No. 1 ranking in program history.

Despite their success, they also suffered some adversity, losing three straight in March before winning their final four games in the regular season.

Towson led Maryland 13-12 in the NCAA tournament with under two minutes remaining.

However, the Terps came back and won in overtime to end the Tigers season.

“Looking back on the year and then areas that we had success but also areas that we struggled in, we wanted to continue to focus on the fundamentals but also the attention to detail,” head coach Shawn Nadelen said. “We struggled at times just being clean in the clear-

ing game and closing out games in a certain fashion.”

Despite losing 10 seniors from last year’s team, Nadelen feels confident in the experience of the 2020 Towson lacrosse team.

“It’s not that we just looked at (Midfielder) Grant (Maloof ) or any of the other seniors directly.

It’s been well-managed from different guys on the team, which is good,” Nadelen said. “Being able to have a voice from different players is important.”

Towson lost some key pieces on defense including defender Chad Patterson, sophomores Garrett Zungailia and Mo Sillah are expected to step up this season.

“Defensively, we return our entire close defense,” Nadelen said.

“We lose Chad, but you know, being able to have guys like Garret and Mo, who played for us last year to kinda fill some of that void, those guys are back.”

Senior attack Brody McLean finished third for the Tigers with 45 points including 39 goals last season and is expected to produce at a similar rate in 2020.

For redshirt senior midfielder

Grant Maloof, Towson still has a strong core and some new additions that should be beneficial.

“We still have Brody (McClean), who is a huge piece of our attack.”

Maloof said.

One of the new additions is Denver transfer sophomore attack Austin Stewart. He only played in two games for the Pioneers last season, but he’s made a strong first impression with the Tigers.

Expectations remain high for this team after debuting at No. 17 in the NCAA Preseason polls. This year’s schedule features many ranked opponents.

This season Towson opens with a match against Johns Hopkins in Baltimore on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Their home opener is the following week against Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday, Feb. 15 at noon.

Some of the notable non-conference opponents include Loyola, Cornell, and Duke. Towson opens CAA play on the road on Saturday, March 28 at noon against Hofstra.

The following week, the Tigers face Fairfield on Saturday, April 4 at noon in their conference home opener.

Towson closed out their 2019 season with an 11-6 win against Northeastern, making their final record for the season 14-39 with seven wins and 17 losses during conference play.

The coaching staff and players believe that the team is well prepared for the upcoming season.

“Overall, we’re in a good place.

We just need to make sure that we continue to go forward,” associate head coach Miles Miller said. “We want to be playing our best baseball at the end of the year.”

The Tigers head coach Matt Tyner returns for his third season, as well as 17 players from last year’s roster.

Junior pitcher Josh Seils is hopeful that this new team will be successful this season.

“I’m just excited to get out here with the guys. I think this is going to be a good group this season,” Seils said. “We’ve gone down a couple guys, but we’ve got [players] who are going to step up and fill those roles.”

Towson will look to get off to a strong start playing their first nine games on the road.

Sophomore outfielder Javon Fields praises his teammates for their effort at recent practices.

“We’re constantly working hard. Guys are getting their extra work in and we’re getting what we need to get done,” Fields said.

“We’re all just going to come together Friday night and hopefully end up with a ‘W’.”

This season, the Tigers will face non-conference opponents such as the University of Miami, High Point, and Penn State, and will travel to face the University of Hawaii for the first time in program history.

“It’s a little trickier because we have less information than teams we play every year in our league,” Miller says. “There will be some things we aren’t ready for, but we’ll prepare the same we would for the teams we’re familiar with.”

Miller has noticed the culture has changed surrounding the team. “[This season], there seems to be more purpose with what we’re doing,” Miller said. “The guys are buying into the things that the coaching staff wants them to do.”

Towson finished the 2019 season at the bottom of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).

Despite finishing last in the conference, the team has high hopes heading into this season.

“I hope we can just string everything together and put together a good season whether we go to the CAA tournament or win a CAA championship and go to regionals,” Seils added.

The Tigers play their season opener against Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia on Friday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m.

“Opening Day is like Christmas as a little kid,” Fields said. “We’ve been waiting for it since September.”

Towson’s home opener will be on Tuesday, March 3 against UMBC.

Spring Sports Preview

towson aims to raise the bar Jackson eyes a conference title after success indoors team. [Junior] Adia Cavalier has already broken the school record MUHAMMED WAHEED twice in the triple jump. She’s Asst. Sports Editor improving in the long jump and @MuhammedKWaheed sprint.”

Junior Asia Chen will be one of The indoor track and field seathe Tigers hurdlers, and Jackson son is coming to an end which has high expectations for her. means that Towson is now tran“She runs well in the 400 hursitioning into the outdoor season. dles as well so she’ll make an Last year, the Tigers finished impact. That’s kind of the bulk with 73 points at the Eastern of the new student-athletes that College Athletic Conference we have that I think are going to (ECAC). This was the best score make a really good impact.” in program history and trailed The season begins at the Albany by three points who won Roadrunner Invitational in the event.

San Antonio, Texas going from With the success of the outThursday, March 19 to Saturday, door team last season, head March 21. coach Mike Jackson has some “This is going to have kind of expectations set for his team an early high end feel,” Jackson this season. said. “Sometimes we’ve gone in “We want to win conference, and done meets that were a litput in a great eftle bit more balfort, get more anced I guess… athletes to NCAA Just come out first round, and We want to win con- with some great become all-Amerperformances at ference, put in a icans,” Jackson the national levsaid. “And then great effort, get more el and prepare lastly there’s a posto get back home athletes to NCAA and start school sibility of making some internationagain.” first round. al teams for some Towson will MIKE JACKSON compete against of our student-athHead Coach schools such as letes so we want to prepare for the big North Carolina stage and make sure we come to State, Navy, and Florida this play when we get there.” season.

Jackson believes the key will The Towson Invitational will be focusing on what’s important. take place on Friday, April 10 and “Focus on team, focus on the Saturday, April 11. reality of highs and lows of athThe Tigers finished first at last letics and sports,” Jackson said. year’s Towson Invitational and “Doing the right thing, doing the second at the Colonial Athletic Assmall things right and most cersociation (CAA) Championships. tainly being mentally tough and “That’s a really premier event having confidence going into a lot for us and also something that we of these challenging opportuniwant to create a safe environment ties that we have.” for people watching because it’s Some of the upperclassmen are a big dangerous event,” Jackson expected to step up this season said. “And then we’ll have all the across multiple events. other events on Saturday the 11th “[Junior] Elisia Lancaster is an so our team always is ready and outstanding athlete and throwexcited to compete at a meet like er,” Jackson said. “She’s going our home meet and I’m confident to make a huge impact to our we’ll do very well.”

“

February 4, 2020

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16 February 4, 2020

Sports

Winning streak ends with loss to Cougars Amanda Bosse/ The Towerlight

Senior guard Brian Fobbs, Towson’s leading scorer at 16 points per game, has scored 10 or more points in nine consecutive games. The Tigers currently sit in second place in the Colonial Athletic Association after their seven-game winning streak ended with a 79-70 loss to the College of Charleston Saturday. Towson travels to Drexel and Delaware this week.

JORDAN KENDALL Sports Editor @jordankendall54

KAYLA WELLAGE Staff Writer

Towson celebrated Autism Awareness on Sunday, but their seven-game winning streak came to an end as Charleston won 79-70.

Sophomore guard Allen Betrand led the Tigers with 18 points, while Cougars senior guard Grant Riller led all scorers with 28 points shooting 9-13 from the field.

“Great crowd,” head coach Pat Skerry said. “Appreciate everyone coming out. It was a great atmosphere. Our guys gave great effort.

We’re disappointed in the outcome, but we do appreciate everyone coming out.”

Towson (13-10, 7-4 CAA) got out to an early 10-3 lead with Fobbs hitting two straight layups.

Three pointers were a common theme in the first half for both teams. Each team hit six threes in the first half.

The Tigers led 30-18 but Charleston responded with seven unanswered points. The Cougars

seemed to favor the corner three, hitting it three times before halftime. At halftime, Towson held a 36-33 lead as Riller hit a three just before the buzzer.

Betrand led the Tigers with 12 in the first half shooting 62% from the field (5-8). Riller led Charleston with 17 points at halftime, leading all scorers. Riller finished the game with 28 points.

“I thought we settled for too many jump shots,” Skerry said. “In this streak only 33% of our shots have been threes. And when we lost to them (Charleston) last time, 47% of our shots were threes. We gotta shoot some threes and we’re comfortable doing that but I thought we settled a little bit too much.”

The Cougars began the second half with a three, cutting Towson’s lead to 38-36 and improving on their 43% shooting from three before halftime. Charleston hit another three to trail by one point, and on the following possession took their first lead of the game 41-40. The Cougars 11-0 run resulted in them taking a 46-40 lead.

After nearly three minutes without a basket, redshirt senior forward Nakye Sanders hit a layup to give the Tigers their first field goal of the second half. Despite a slow second half offensively, Towson responded and cut the deficit to 48-

46 after senior guard Brian Fobbs made a jumper.

“We played hard but we made some untimely mental errors,” Skerry said. “We fouled a three point shooter three times in the second half and we were a little bit wild on offense when they were switching ball screens. We settled for some jump shots vs attacking the paint.”

Charleston continued to hit three pointers, making six of 10 attempts in the second half. The Tigers struggled inside missing close shots near the rim, and it led to threes from the Cougars multiple times.

“They’re not trying to miss those,” Skerry said. “It felt like a stretch where we were getting the ball to the rim and missing them and then a guy’s making a contested three at the other end.” Skerry said.

A three pointer from freshman guard Jason Gibson cut Towson’s deficit to two points, getting the crowd to cheer the loudest they have all game. Charleston hit a three in response, and with 1:49 left led by eight. Gibson hit another three and the Tigers trailed 75-70 with 49.8 seconds left.

“He’s (Gibson) playing great,” Skerry said. “He played great early in the year. We fed him to the lions a little bit with some of the people we played, but he’s been playing good.”

Towson had no choice but to foul, and the Cougars hit 85% of their free throws in the second half.

“There’s no easy nights in this league -- we’re well aware of that,” Skerry said. We knew they were a good team coming in, we thought we were a good team and we’re gonna play another good team Thursday.”

The Tigers defeated UNCW 77-66 for their seventh consecutive victory.

Minutes before the start of the first half, SECU Arena paid homage to Kobe Bryant and the victims involved in the tragic accident that occurred on Sunday, Jan. 26.

"I couldn't believe it when my brother called to tell me," Sanders said. "I was a Kobe fan my whole life. It just really makes you enjoy life. This hit home for me. Anytime something like this happens, it just humbles you."

Towson won their third consecutive game against the Seahawks (716,2-8 CAA), scoring ten three-pointers which tied their season-high.

“I probably thought we’d shoot more threes coming into the season. I certainly think that we’re capable of it,” Skerry said.

The Tigers scored seventhree-pointers in the first half, three of which helped them take an early 13-4 lead. The first half concluded with UNCW trailing by ten points.

Gibson was honored by the

CAA as Rookie of the Week last week, and after scoring 21 points against William and Mary, finished with a career best six assists vs the Seahawks.

Skerry praised his defense despite not being fully prepared for UNCW’s offense. Towson held the Seahawks to 37.5% shooting from the field and 29.2% from three point range.

“I thought we spent a lot of time watching [UNCW film], I probably didn’t do a good enough job getting ready for [the Seahawks offense],” Skerry said. “They play hard, they’re fast, but what’s been typical for us over a stretch is that our defense is what carries us.”

Early in the second half, the Seahawks cut the Tigers lead to two points on a dunk, but that was the closest UNCW would get to a comeback. Following the dunk Towson went on a 8-2 run to extend their lead including two three pointers.

Sanders had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Fobbs led the Tigers with 14 points. “[We] look at every game like it’s the Super Bowl,” Sanders said.

“We came out and played aggressive early.”

Towson travels to face Delaware on Thursday, Feb. 6. The game will be nationally broadcasted on CBS Sports Network with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

Sports

February 4,2020

17

tough weekend for tu Tigers fall to Drexel and Delaware during road trip

Jason Gibson Men’s Basketball

File photo by Amanda Bosse/ The Towerlight

Sophomore guard Shavonne Smith lines up for a shot in the Tigers home opener against Penn State.

Towson’s six-game winning streak was snapped with back-to-back conference losses over the weekend.

BROOKS WARREN Staff Writer @Broookkss The exhilaration of the six-game winning streak for Towson University has officially worn off now, losing two in a row over the weekend and falling to Drexel University and the University of Delaware.

As the wins kept coming and coming, players grew more confident in their ability to run the table against a deep gamut of CAA teams this season.

Senior forward Nukiya Mayo remarked consistently how the team’s attitude has been.

“We shouldn’t lose to any other team,” she said.

After losing 59-50 to Drexel (156, 8-1 CAA) and 69-62 to Delaware (7-13, 3-6 CAA), now the team is looking to not only get back on track but regain the swagger identity they rebound.

“I’m in a bad mood,” head coach Diane Richardson said. “I think we should’ve had a good weekend but we got to be willing to do the work to get (wins).”

The game against the firstplace Dragons started off optimistically, the Tigers 10-10 (5-4 CAA) began the game with a seven-point lead that forced Drexel head coach Denise Dillon to spend a timeout. That timeout

“

eight rebounds, but it wasn’t subsequently woke Drexel up, enough to deliver the win. Deloutscoring Towson 23-8 the reaware struck a glancing blow in mainder of the quarter. the second quarter This led to the when they went Dragons taking a lead they wouldn’t I’m in a bad mood. on a 10-2 run and led by 11 late in relinquish. Most of I think we should’ve the first half. The the damage Drexel dealt occurred had a good weekend run only exasperated a woeful secin the first half, but we got to be will- ond-quarter showknocking down ing to do the work to ing where the nine threes while Tigers scored six shooting over 44% get (wins). points to the Blue from the floor.

Despite a deficit DIANE RICHARDSON Hens 16.

“I mean it’s imHead Coach as large as 16 late in portant, but the the second half, the Tigers steadiperson that I am, it doesn’t matly fought back in the second half. ter,” Jeter said, referencing her Senior forward Ryan Holder cut high point totals but not delivering the lead to single-digits midway wins. “We need to do more as a colthrough the third quarter but backlective group.” to-back scores brought the deficit Towson responded with an 11-0 back to 12 points. run to take their first lead since “I mean we got to keep our head the first quarter, highlighted by up, we still got more games to Holder tying the game 33 with a chase,” redshirt junior guard Kislicing layup. However, Delaware onna Jeter said about the team’s responded and retook the lead mood. “Just play, hit first.” and built a double-digit lead. A It nearly became a game earJeter 3-pointer with 25 seconds left ly in the fourth when Towson would cut the deficit to six points outpaced Drexel 9-2 and Holder but that’s as close as the Tigers whittled the deficit down to four would get. with 1:22 to go, but then the DragTowson is back on the road ons halted all momentum and finagainst James Madison Univerished the game scoring the final sity, a team they previously beat five points to hold off the Tigers 76-75. Tip off in Harrisonburg, and win the game.

Virginia is scheduled for Sunday, Jeter led Towson against the Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.

Blue Hens with 28 points and

Freshman guard Jason Gibson followed up his CAA Freshman of the Week performance last week with two more strong outings this week. Gibson shot 50% both from the floor and from three-point range as the Tigers split their two conference games.

18 February 4, 2020

Sports

tu posts multiple records Tigers set new benchmarks at Penn State Nationals MUHAMMED WAHEED Asst. Sports Editor @MuhammedKWaheed

https://tinyurl.com/spx3bx Submit a note for your loved one, best friend, classmate or even a family member! Your note will appear in our next print issue.

At least four new school records and personal bests were set as Towson competed in the Penn State National in University Park, Pennsylvania.

For head coach Mike Jackson, this was a special performance for the Tigers.

“It was one of the strongest performances we’ve had in our program’s history,” Jackson said.

Sophomore Crystal Johnson won the second heat of the 60-meter dash preliminaries setting a new school record time of 7.45. Johnson set another record in the 60-meter dash semi-final round with a time of 7.42. She then finished third with a time of 7.40 in the finals.

“I think just knowing the level of competition and also her preparation this week was very good,”

PuzzleS on page 19

finish the shot put with a toss of 16.12-meters.

“It’s so funny because I feel like I have the same exact answer for everybody,” Jackson said. “Everybody’s competing as a team.

They’re competing for one another and believing in how great they can be so she obviously has a really good story.”

Coleman missed last year due to surgery and made the most of her opportunities while rehabbing.

“During that time she just trained and went to school,” Jackson said. “(She) graduated undergrad so now she’s in graduate school so she’s literally just getting her feet back under her so she’s just getting started and getting to back where she was and beyond.”

Junior Elisia Lancaster took third in the weight throw with a toss of 19.35 which now stands as the second best mark of all-time.

- To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowelright.com

Ottawa Senators are a hockey team on the rise ANDY PALM Columnist

SolutionS for

Jackson said. “We paid attention to some of the details that we felt needed to improve and I think some of that work paid off and we hope to continue.”

Redshirt sophomore Christina Riggins and sophomore Shamika Burton each had personal bests in the 60-meter dash Riggins finished in 7.61 seconds while Burton timed 7.54.

Sophomore Hayley Horvath had a 4.07-meter mark in the pole vault which bests her previous indoor school record.

“Once again the preparation,” Jackson said. “She’s had this meet on her calendar all year. We’ve all had this meet on our calendars and we knew that in the areas that we feel that we’re good we’re going to be able to compete against some of the best and work on trying to beat the best.”

Redshirt senior Lauren Coleman set a new school record and was the top collegiate athlete to

The Ottawa Senators are going through a transition period right now. They aren’t necessarily tanking, but they’re not competing for anything major either. The Senators’ storyline is a fascinating one.

From being one of the more talented teams in the east, playing in the eastern conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017.

To now being a group of young players, with their eyes completely turned to the future.

Ottawa has taken a giant leap forward this season. This young group had a lot of question marks last year, there was very little clarity in regards to the direction this team was heading. Those questions have been answered, as this team has consistently seen flashes from its young stars. The optimism for this team is headed up by their two

young forwards, Anthony Duclair and Brady Tkachuk.

Both Duclair and Tkachuk are under 25 years old. Tkachuk, an American born player, is in his second season and isn’t even old enough to drink yet at 20 years old. We saw flashes of his talent last season, but also saw significant struggles with transitioning to the speed of the NHL game. This season Tkachuk has taken great strides in progression, and earned himself an All-Star nod in the process.

His stats this season are not necessarily eye popping, but they’re something to easily build upon and be optimistic about. Tkachuk has tallied 29 points in the 2019-20 campaign, 15 of which have come from goals. A 20 goal season well within reach for the young Senators star, especially considering the scoring ability he has.

On the other hand there is the 24 year old left winger out of PointeClaire, Quebec in Duclair. Duclair is an intriguing story by himself. He’s not even 25 yet and could already

be considered a journeyman. He was drafted in the third round, 80th overall, by the New York Rangers in 2013. After that he then saw playing time with the Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Columbus Blue Jackets as well. Duclair seemed to be a lost hope, there were complaints about his work ethic and how he composed himself while on and off the ice.

He did not make a friend in Columbus head coach John Tortorella.

Tortorella consistently scratched Duclair from the lineup, and said, “I don’t think he knows how to play.”

Tortorella sent Duclair to Ottawa in February of last year. Which is how Duclair ended up playing in his native country of Canada, a place where he has really found his stride.

Duclair has been arguably the Senators best player this season. Putting 21 pucks in the net, and helping 13 others, Duclair leads the team with 34 points. In Ottawa he has really been able to display his flashy speed.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com

Puzzles

February 4, 2020

Crossword

Sudoku

?

See page 18 for answers to this week’s

Puzzles

19