VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1
WWW.READMYBEACON.COM
Monday, September 22, 2014
What’s your dorm’s personality?
News
Page 2
Monday, September 22, 2014
Dorm Personalities: Fact or Fiction? By David Williams News Editor Fall 2014 DUANE MEEKS Publisher HANNAH DEADMAN Executive Editor DAVID WILLIAMS News Editor SIERRA DARVILLE Features Editor JERIMIAH SATER Sports Editor RYAN ARNST Photo Editor AMANDA HIGGINS Art Director JAMES HALL Web Editor CELESTE BROWN Copy Editor MICHAEL BRACEWELL Advertising Director Weekly Staff: Peter Amirata Taylor Braneim Shaquanda Briggs Amanda Cairo April Evans Greg Halmos Jasmine McCranley Valeriia Nagovitcina Keisha Oakley Jonathan Reed Dana Stancavage Jackie Streng Becca Stripe Ashley Suter Ryan Teason Victoria Vartan
READMYBEACON.COM
Dorm life on campus extends far beyond the structure of a building. Often, dorms employ the personalities of many students who reside in the halls. The main campus dorms at Palm Beach Atlantic University include Rinker, Baxter, Johnson and Oceanview. Over the years at PBA, these dorms have adopted nicknames like Rinker Bros., Baxter Babes, Johnson Jewels and ODP (Oceanview Dixie Parking). These nicknames have developed stereotypes about the individuals living in each of the residence halls. The male population in Rinker Hall established themselves as “The Brotherhood.” “These names were created by the students, in order to make a community within the dorms,” Ben Goller, the residence director of Rinker Hall said. “In Rinker, many of the guys embrace the personality of being a ‘Rinker Bro,’ but by no means do these dorm names determine the personality of an individual — the spectrum is too broad.” In the short-term, this broad spectrum can affect the relationships between other students. For Johnson Hall in past years, residents of this hall were previously known to be isolated. “In my freshman year, I came into Johnson with the mentality that the girls’ personalities would be very introverted, like I’d been told before,” said Emily Alvarez, a resident assistant. “This year, a great staff was hired that would not allow the past reputation of Johnson dictate the social status of the entire hall, and the girls understand that their dorm experience is what they make it.” Kara Wenger, resident director of Johnson Hall, said she is in good spirits knowing that the culture at Johnson has changed, making their presence in the PBA community known more than ever. As a newer co-ed dorm, the
personality of Oceanview Hall is not yet completely defined. “I’ve been in Oceanview for a long time, and it just so happened that a good portion of people who lived here were immature last year, and other students outside of ODP viewed the people as ‘troublemakers,’” junior Jonathan Cruz said. “Now, that’s not so much of a case anymore; there are ‘troublemakers’ in every dorm. This year, it’s certainly different in a more positive way.”
Of all the dorms, Baxter Hall’s personality perhaps remains the most consistent. “Baxter has always been a fun residence hall,” said student body president Kelso Alyea. “The girls who live there are always great company, and I feel like it has a real personality of being sassy but classy. It has its ups and downs like most halls, but the positive outlook on definitely adds a community value.” The key word used by many
students who have lived in a main campus dorm is “past.” “As years pass, we understand that the culture of an environment can change,” said Alyea. “Some people change along with that environment. At the same time, others aren’t really affected at all, but if one’s personality is based off of a dorm’s name or reputation, it does not help the overall ‘personality’ of a Christian university.”
Photos by Ryan Arnst
Residents at PBA dorms (students, bottom left, clockwise): Gabby Lindquist, Philip Kalicharan and Cody Cox, Megan McKeon, and David Merrill in the corresponding environment of their residence halls.
Letter from the editor By Hannah Deadman Executive Editor
Photo by Ryan Arnst
Hannah Deadman, executive editor of the Beacon, said she is excited for this school year and looks forward to writing about upcoming events on and off campus.
I used to be afraid of change and the future. When I was in high school, God taught me the valuable lesson of learning to trust Him with my future – even when things became difficult. This summer, God showed me what it meant to trust Him in not just the future, but in daily life – whether classes, friendships, work or times of rest. I learned that change is not only
okay but also often necessary. The Beacon will have the familiar content you love, like campus news, local events, sports, features and entertainment in multiple print issues throughout the semester. But this school year, The Beacon is undergoing some serious changes. Our online component is getting a major makeover with fresh content on The Beacon’s website and social media. Readmybeacon.com will be your constant companion throughout the year with breaking news, photos of community events and videos.
More online at readmybeacon.com More than 100 people baptized at Flagpole Beach Album review on Lecrae’s Anomoly
News
Monday, September 22, 2014
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Operation of Hope Student’s heart for people helps change a life
Photo courtesy of Melchisedek Dagis
Deline Louis-Juene, left, post-surgery, Melchisedek Dagis, and mother, Marie Dagis, right, takes picture as Dagis holds copy of the Ocala Star-Banner newspaper, featuring Louis-Juene’s story on the front page.
By Jonathan Reed Staff Writer Every year, Palm Beach Atlantic University sends a number of students all over the world to impact the lives of those in need. Pharmacy student Melchisedek Dagis and his mother Marie traveled to Haiti together when they
encountered a woman in need. Dagis said he wept when he saw her because he felt terrible for her. Deline Louis-Jeune, who lived in Grand-Goave, Haiti, had a two-year-old infected tumor in her mouth, which made it difficult for
her to eat and talk. She had four children to take care of, and the tumor did not make anything easier. Dagis said that Haiti’s limited resources made finding help for Louis-Jeune more difficult. He called this act of service “The Operation of Hope.” Although Dagis and his mother were sometimes discouraged, LouisJuene never lost hope and never doubted they would find help. “I truly felt that it was God’s will to have the tumor removed,” said Louis-Juene. Even when things seemed hopeless after rejections from Cuban doctors and other hospitals, another opportunity presented itself. One hospital offered to perform the operation for $50,000. This presented a problem for the Dagis’ of having to raise the money quickly to end LouisJuene’s suffering and supply proper documents to get her to the states. First, they headed to the Dean of Pharmacy and PBA marketing building to raise the money. Word spread throughout campus, and in a matter of time, they raised $8,000. After successfully starting the fundraiser toward a goal that seemed difficult to reach, a surgeon offered to do the surgery free of charge. “Once we heard that amazing news, there was no doubt in my
mind that this was exactly what God wanted,” said Dagis. With a surgeon secured, they were only tasked with getting the legal documents - including a passport and a Visa to transport Louis-Juene to the U.S. After being granted a Visa for six months, the mission was finally complete. Following the surgery, Dagis was amazed at how different she looked. “With only one more surgery
to go, her face was nearly back to normal,” said Dagis. After, Louis-Juene rested for a few days before she was allowed to return to Haiti. Because she didn’t live in the U.S., Dagis used the $8,000 he raised to provide her with a hotel room in Daytona Beach and a caretaker for assistance. Louis–Juene currently lives in Daytona Beach and will return to Haiti soon to live a normal life at home with her family.
Courtesy of Melchisedek Dagis
Deline Louis-Juene’s before and after picture with the passage of Psalm 34:2 written on the photo, “My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.” (ESV)
Inexpressible Joy By Ashley Suter Staff Writer
With plenty of prayer, meditation and research, President Bill Fleming recently proclaimed the new theme for the 2014-15 academic year, “Inexpressible Joy.” Fleming said the term “Inexpressible Joy” was inspired by 1 Peter 1:3-8. “I believe that as followers of Christ, we should have joy, we should be filled with hope, and we should be filled to overflowing,” said Fleming. “In knowing, loving, receiving and serving, God should be exalted.” This is the fourth year that the University’s president chose PBA’s theme. This tradition began with the theme “Lead By Example” in 2010-11, followed by “Engagement Empowers” and “PBA One.” Fleming explains that although the themes change, the previous ones are not forgotten, and become words that the PBA community can live by everyday. President Fleming and his wife Pam attended a church service with Bob Lutz, director of the
S.A.I.L. office, when the passage from Peter was read and sparked the idea for this year’s theme. Lutz did not know then, but Fleming acknowledged that he played an indirect role in the decision-making for the theme simply because he was sitting next to Fleming in the service. “If we are full of joy, unbounded by time, and non-circumstantial, this year can be extraordinary,” said Fleming. He added that visitors like families, prospective students, vendors and those who pass by PBA, should notice something different and ask, “What is that?” During the first week of chapel services, President Fleming talked in detail about the theme and explained the difference between happiness and joy. He emphasized that happiness is circumstantial and temporary, while joy is long lasting and eternal. Fleming applied the year’s theme when he described this year’s Welcome Week as “Over the top good,” adding that the new class is very engaged and eager to serve in the PBA community. Although it has only been a
few weeks since the beginning of the semester, Fleming said that students have already found small moments of joy in the community, particularly during the first week of Workship while the new students engaged in serving the city of West Palm Beach. Apart from the central message of “Inexpressible Joy,” President Fleming also provided a few words to launch the new school year. “When you have the love of Christ in your heart, you are able to truly understand the inexpressible joy that comes with that relationship,” said Fleming. “That joy motivates PBA students to share and exhibit that same joy to others so that when they do recognize the unexplainable characteristic of joy, it will become contagious.” Fleming said he believes that if the student body of PBA can distinguish themselves as having inexpressible joy in their hearts, they can create a PBA glow with the love of Christ that reaches far beyond PBA ground.
Photo by Jeremiah Sater
The “Inexpressible Joy” banner hangs on the third floor of the Warren Library throughout the 2014-2015 academic year. The unveiling of the theme occurred during the annual prayer vigil held at the end of summer, prior to the school year.
Features
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Monday, September 22, 2014
Subculture rocks Clematis The history behind the local coffee shop founded by PBA graduate Sean Scott By Becca Stripe Staff Writer
Subculture, a new coffee shop on Clematis Street, is attracting many locals, especially PBA students who storm to the place to caffeinate themselves throughout the school year. Subculture opened its doors in March of 2014 and is rapidly growing as a popular coffee joint in the area. People are finding this to be a place that brews high quality coffee in a great community. Founder and owner of Subculture Sean Scott knew from the beginning he wanted to create a place that had great coffee and a good atmosphere. After graduating with a psychology degree from PBA in 2003, he and his band Wilderness of Tekoa toured the country. Scott has always been a coffee drinker and enjoyed coffee shops. During his travels he would visit local shops. However, while visiting these shops, Scott noticed they had either good coffee and a bad atmosphere or bad coffee and a good atmosphere. “It was a challenge because I’ve always wanted a coffee shop that had both,” he says. Scott said he liked watching what owners did, how they did it and seeing if it worked while asking questions along the way. For Scott, coffee is much more than a great product. His love for coffee came from a special time in his life. Scott started drinking coffee
at age 14 when he and his family drank coffee together at the table after dinner in their Massachusetts home. “Mealtimes were a big time for us,” says Scott. “We always ended meals with coffee and just hanging out together,” says Scott. “I think the sentimentality behind the feel of coffee shops goes back to when I was younger and just how special being around the table with my family was.” In 2009, Scott opened Habatat, his first coffee shop, just outside of Washington, D.C. Two years later he moved back to West Palm Beach and opened Habatat on Clematis Street. Habatat was only a success for Scott. He closed the shop December 2013 and in March 2014 opened Subculture on the same street. Last year Scott formed a partnership with Rodney Mayo. They quickly decided to work together with Subculture. The two shared similar work ethics, which made their partnership easy to maintain. “I thought that if I’m going to partner with anyone, this is the guy I’m going to partner with,” says Scott. Little time existed between the closing of Habatat and the opening of Subculture. Scott said the shop went from small to big and busy almost right away. “From city officials to students, everyone talks about coming here,” says Scott. “People want to hold meetings here and study here.” Scott said his vision has become a reality and now he can
Photo by Becca Stripe
PBA graduate and founder of Subculture Sean Scott plays an active role in day-to-day shop duties, while continuously engaging with customers.
experience it every day. “It’s been really rewarding,” says Scott. Many PBA students find Subculture to be a great study spot. Whether during the day or in the evenings, students are frequently found studying or hanging out. “I fell in love with Subculture from the beginning,” sophomore Kristine Martin says. “It was beautiful.” Martin frequently visits the shop with her friends to do schoolwork. She enjoys the atmosphere, high quality cof-
fee and the friendliness of the baristas. “I think Subculture does a really great job at making it feel like a really great coffee shop,” she says. The shop has board games for customers to play and is open until midnight every weekday and 2 a.m. on weekends. “I definitely plan to keep going back to Subculture,” Martin adds. PBA students and faculty can show their school identification to receive a 20 percent discount. “We try to support PBA as
much as possible,” Scott says. “We’ve definitely had a positive experience having them here.” Subculture will add a second shop in Delray Beach in December 2014 with a similar style to the original. Scott said he is excited to see the new shop open up. Scott lives in West Palm Beach with his wife Natalie, who he met while at PBA, and their two young children, Selah and Landon.
Bible Study welcomes PBA students By Celeste Brown Copy Editor
Photo by Celeste Brown
Shaquanda Briggs, chats with Dr. Stephanie Bennett, communication professor, who will host a weekly Bible study in her home.
PBA professor Dr. Stephanie Bennett will open up her home on Friday nights beginning Sept. 19 to host a Bible study for PBA students and members of Bennett’s church home, Shoreline Church. The study will dive into Ephesians, a book Bennett says is “very Christocentric.” Bennett has a passion for the body of Christ and helping people grow closer to God. She says the point of the study is “To see [students and professors] worship together and see each other in a non-formal setting.” Friday nights will consist of snacks, fellowship, worship through music and time spent studying God’s Word. Shoreline’s college director Brittany Cornett will help lead the Bible study at Bennett’s house. She also has a heart for seeing students grow in their faith. Cornett says Shoreline has a vibrant ministry that reaches
out to the community while equipping students in their walk with Jesus. All students are encouraged to attend. Bennett hopes to provide a “homey” atmosphere where students can gather to build relationships with members of Shoreline and find guidance, support and love. Bennett will give her address to students interested in the study. Students can contact her through phone at 561-803-2617, email Stephanie_Bennett@pba. edu or by visiting her office on the second floor of Pembroke, Room 206. Students unable to attend the study at Bennett’s house can attend other Shoreline studies such as the Young Professionals Group. This group is mostly made up of PBA students that meet on Monday nights at 8 p.m. at 515 Palm St. “[Shoreline is an] awesome community,” says senior Rachel Bartolotta. “It’s easy to get involved.” She said Shoreline is teeming with young people and there is always a place to get connected.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Features
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New family additions PBA welcomes several new professor to the university By Jasmine McGranely Staff Writer
Ryan Ladner Assistant Professor of Marketing Rinker School of Business B.S., The University of Southern Mississippi; M.B.A., Mississippi College; M.A., Liberty University; Additional Studies: George Fox University.
Dr. Angela Witmer Assistant Professor of Biology School of Arts and Sciences B.S., M.S., New Mexico State University; Ph.D., Texas A & M University. Dr. Angela Witmer hails from Georgia Southern University and is an assistant professor of Biology and Oceanography. Growing up, Witmer had always had a passion for teaching. This new member of the PBA family said she chose the school because of the people, location and Christian foundation. Witmer believes she brings a different perspective of biology and oceanography to PBA. “I tend to be in the water as much as possible,” says Witmer about life outside the classroom.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Wyma
Dr. Katherine Wyma Part-Time/ Assistant Professor of English B.A., M.A., Bob Jones University; Ph.D., University of St. Andrews (Scotland.)
Assistant professor of Marketing Ryan Ladner is originally from Mississippi and has lived in Florida for almost three months. He enjoys days at the beach and time in the gym. Ladner visits the gym six days a week and plays basketball and racquetball. Ladner also signed up for PBA’s intramural flag football team. Teaching in the Rinker School of Business, Ladner says he believes he brings a practical approach to the classroom. “Marketing is so much more than advertising,” says Ladner. He believes it is important for consumers to remember that they control advertising and marketing, and that young employees entering the field will be able to solve future marketing problems.
Dr. Katherine Wyma lives in Greenville, SC and teaches online classes as a part-time professor of English. She received her doctorate degree in Early Modern Literature-16th century from the University of St. Andrews. “PBA’s appeal [is] the people,” says Wyma. This was part of her decision for making PBA her new family. Wyma enjoys reading, cooking and hosting parties. “I think it is very important for Christians to welcome people into their hearts and their homes,” says Wyma. “It is a way we can reflect God’s love for us.” Wyma has presented on popular works including “V for Vendetta” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She is writing an excerpt on the Marvel Universe. Photo courtesy of Dr. Witmer
Photo courtesy of Dr. Werntz
Dr. Myles Werntz Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies School of Ministry B.A., Ouachita Baptist University; M.Div., Ph.D., Baylor University. Former Waco, Texas resident Dr. Myles Werntz joined Palm Beach Atlantic University as an assistant professor of Biblical and Theological Studies. Outside of class, Werntz enjoys music, running, biking and entertaining his four-month-old son Eliot. Werntz also participates in marathons and half marathons. His last marathon was The White Rock Marathon in Dallas. Werntz said he chose PBA because of, “The size of the school, the opportunity to teach and the School of Ministry’s Master of Divinity Program.” Werntz focuses on the book of Philippians during personal Bible study.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Ladner
Pastor to speak on love, doubt and God’s presence at Christival By Peter Amirata Staff Writer
During the week of September 23-26, Palm Beach Atlantic University will host the annual Christival event in the Greene Complex. Like prior Christival events, it will have a theme and message. This year’s theme is, “I Wish I Knew What to Believe.” Christival, a long-standing PBA tradition of praise, worship and learning, is the school’s longest running conference. Dr. Rick Blackwood of Christ Fellowship Church Miami will lead the event. A chapel credit will be provided to those in attendance. Blackwood’s message to students will complement PBA’s 2014-2015 chapel theme, “Inexpressible Joy.” This year’s Christival theme
has several components. The Christival messages will discuss issues like God’s existence, the role of science, the presence of doubt and the reliability of the Bible. Other topics include God’s design for relationships and dating, biblical guidance on character, marriage and sexuality as a gift from God. According to chapel coordinator Robin White, a major problem that college students experience involves youth programs. She says students need youth programs, which focus on integrating students, rather than just challenging them to learn about their faith. In order to fix this crucial issue, this year’s Christival aims to achieve both student integration and the enticement for students to learn more about their faith. “Put Jesus at the center of everything and then ask Him to give you a vision of what could be for every component of your life and what should be for every component of your life.” Blackwood says of his main message. “That’s the vision, and He wants
to give it to you.” Blackwood is the author of The Power of Multisensory Preaching and Teaching, which received Preaching Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. Christ Fellowship’s mission is to make fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. According to their website, they are one of the largest multicultural congregations, comprised of more than 80 nationalities. Because Miami is one of the most unchurched cities in the country, they visit many college campuses in the South Florida region. The mission of Christ Fellowship is, “Everything we do, from our worship, teaching, small groups, outreach and missions is driven by our vision to reach 100,000 people for Christ – 50,000 in Miami and 50,000 abroad.” Courtesy of Rick Blackwood
Dr. Rick Blackwood, pastor of Christ Fellowship Miami, will be this year’s Christival speaker, Sept. 23-26.
Sports
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Monday, September 22, 2014
Sports and speech come together New communication professor uses gift of speech on and off the field By Amanda Cairo Staff Writer David Knight, one of Palm Beach Atlantic University’s new communication professors, has a passion for public speaking and recently decided to bring his passion to Florida to share with PBA students. Although Knight was born in Orlando, Fla., he has lived across the country due to his father’s position as an army chaplain. He attended four different elementary schools, three middle schools and four high schools, which Knight said he enjoyed. However, Knight said he had difficulty as an athlete, because there was never any past performance off which to build. He developed character by making a new team and proving himself a valuable player each year, according to Knight. In high school, he played football and baseball, but Knight continued playing baseball through college. Prior to being at PBA, Knight coached baseball, though he said it was not his primary vocation. He added that coaching has always been important to him and is something he enjoys. As a speaker, he was able to communicate well with his athletes and connect with them.
Photo courtesy of David Knight
David Knight is one of many new professors to join PBA this semester. He brings his gift of speech to PBA to help students find what God wants for them.
He is invested in athletics and has worked with a project called Per4mance Plus since 2004, which handles sports nutrition for high school athletes. In addition to his work with
Performance Plus, Knight has been on ministerial staffs of various churches and is on leave from Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Orlando, Fla. “I am a preacher first and a
speaker second,” said Knight. With coaching as another main priority, he has been able to take his knowledge of scripture and speech to the field. Knight’s methods have been successful during his years of coaching. He coached Rafael Lopez, who has been drafted by the Chicago Cubs, and currently plays in the MLB. Whether it is with the athletes themselves or with their families, Knight believes there is a certain way to speak with one another with respect as a team to receive positive results. Knight said he took a leave of absence from Saint Mark to relocate to West Palm Beach to be closer to his parents. He added that he discovered PBA when he used the library to do research for a project and said the kindness of the library personnel and the students intrigued him. He then found an open teaching position. “This is proof of my conviction that God will get you where He wants you to be,” Knight said. “I am [a] firm [believer] of that conviction, and He will do it in the most surprising ways.” Knight said his passion is public speaking. He has been invited to speak or preach in different places for over 30 years. Knight has preached in Australia,
New Zealand, Canada and across the United States, and thanks God for that. Knight added that he has preached in mega churches and small congregations of 25 people. Knight said he believes in the traditional style of teaching adding that his teaching style is a combination of classic. “I think a teacher is there to teach, to impart knowledge that the recipient does not have and that they need,” Knight said, “but it definitely is a two way conversation,” said Knight. Knight said he admits to being a little “whacky” and said it is okay if his students are too. He said he advises his students to be active and believes there is always someone sitting in class that wants to do as he instructs. He wants to help those students and aims to inspire the ones who are not interested. “Let’s take this journey,” Knight said. “Let’s take this trip. Let’s learn how to speak publicly. Let’s engage people. Let’s change and shape society. We can only do that when we open our mouths.” Knight said he believes there is much God wants to do for students at PBA, adding that a cultivation of whom He wants them to be. Knight said he wants students to seek out God’s plan for their lives before leaving PBA.
Four seniors return for final season PBA’s men’s basketball prepares for season with new recruits By Ryan Teason Staff Writer The men’s basketball team will return only six players this upcoming season, including redshirt sophomore Stefan Dombrowsky, sophomore Cory Kenning, and seniors Evin Graham, Ronnell Ross, Garet Tucker and Clayton Williams. Second-year head coach David Balza recruited the entire roster and started to see the team he envisioned, according to the players. For the past two years, the Sailfish have played independently in Division II basketball. At the end of last season, Palm Beach Atlantic University joined the Sunshine State Conference, where the men’s basketball team will take on the likes of Florida Southern, Eckerd College and Barry University. The Sailfish are now eligible to compete for a conference championship and hold a conference schedule. Last year, the men’s basketball team finished with an 8-18 record, an improvement from the previous season when the Sailfish finished with a 2-24 record. Senior forward Garet Tucker
said he was happy with the strides made by the team, but was not satisfied with last season’s record. “You cannot be satisfied,” said Tucker. “You got to keep moving forward and building off of your previous success from each year.” According to Tucker, the team lacked chemistry last season on the court, adding that the team has made it a priority to bond more this year. “The chemistry is a lot better than it was last year,” Tucker said, “It is really apparent that the new group of guys on the team know how to play the way Coach Balza wants us to play.” Last season, the men’s basketball team struggled to score points at times, finishing the season averaging only 74.1 points a game, according to the Official Sailfish Athletic Website. A player to watch this upcoming season is Division I transfer Nigel Sydnor, a 6-foot-2 guard from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, said Tucker. According to the NJIT athletic site, Sydnor started 14 games and averaged five points per game last season. “He is a big, strong athlete that has a lot of skill and a very good feel for the game,” said Tucker. “He is going to be someone to
The score on
March Madness
Photo courtsey of Sailfish Athletics
Senior Garet Tucker, 24, is one of six players returning to the team from last season. He brings past experience as a senior under head coach David Balza.
watch out for on the court.” Senior transfer Clark Major from Francis Marion University in South Carolina, started every game last season and averaged seven points for his previous team, according to the Francis Marion University’s website. Major said he compares his game to the Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins, who has a big body and similar skills. Clark is the biggest player listed
on the PBA roster at 6 feet 10 inches and 240 pounds. Clark said he chose to come to PBA because of the great coaching staff, Christian atmosphere and to be closer to his hometown. “I can bring experience,” said Clark. “I am coming in as a senior, so I view this season as a now or never situation. I am very focused coming into the season.” Major and Tucker both share the same season goals as they
hope to compete for a conference championship and the national tournament. “Expect to see a team that is bigger, faster, stronger and more focused than last year’s team,” said Tucker. Despite the new players, the men’s basketball team’s game plan and goals have not changed.
Sports
Monday, September 22, 2014
Page 7
Chris Gnehm takes the helm PBA Women’s soccer starts new era under new head coach
Photo courtesy of Michael Brown
Kasey Wyer, 13, moves the ball up field during a match. Wyer is one of four juniors returning to the team after spending the previous two years under former head coach James Kryger.
Valeriia Nagovitcina Staff Writer Last April, former women’s soccer head coach James Kryger stepped down for family reasons, according to Palm Beach Atlantic’s Athletic Department. Nearly three months later, Carolyn Stone, Director of Athletics, announced the hiring of Chris
Gnehm as Kryger’s replacement. Gnehm said he is excited to be at PBA adding that he has family in Florida. He has immediately taken the team as his own and said he does not want to equal Kryger. “We stay committed to the process of getting better,” said Gnehm. “We are disciplined in our play and we will reach the goals that we have set in our
team.” Gnehm inherited many players who played their entire college careers with Kryger. “The biggest adjustment is the expectation for the program,” said Gnehm. “I want to make players raise their expectations and raise their ability to work harder than they were.” Gnehm said he wants the players’ perspective to change, so the
team can move forward. “We will get more out of our student athletes,” said Gnehm, “We will attract better student athletes and we will be able to accomplish more on the field and concentrate on the environment off the field.” According to Gnehm, he wants to change the players’ focus from the way Kryger led the team to his own methods.
Senior Laura Geisler said Gnehm is helping the team move in the right direction under the new leadership. The program is undergoing many changes, according to Geisler. “We [are] learning a new style,” said Geisler, “And it is bringing us closer to each other as we are learning together.” Geisler said she believes Gnehm will help the team as it transitions from Kryger’s leadership. According to Senior Moriah Zusi, the first game of the season tested the new players at a collegiate level. “We have a lot of young people in our team,” said Zusi. “For the first game they didn’t know what to expect, as college level is really fast and physical.” Despite replacing long time coach Kryger, the players have dedicated themselves to his methods. “He is very passionate in what he does,” said Geisler. “We believe that we can succeed and have a great season.” As part of Gnehm’s arrival at PBA, he has involved the team with a project called “The Water Project,” is a non-profit organization that helps provide sustainable water sources to communities in Africa, according the Water Project website. Gnehm said he has asked people to sponsor the team that so a dollar can be donated for every goal scored this season. Gnehm said he plans to do the best he can for the graduating seniors so they can end their PBA careers on a high note.
Fresh fish fit right in
PBA women’s volleyball begins season with seven freshmen By Michael Bracewell Staff Writer Palm Beach Atlantic University’s women’s volleyball team began the year with seven freshmen and only two seniors. Head Coach Bob White said he has been pleased with the team’s performance and that the younger players have had no negative impact on their gameplay. “It’s worked out well,” White said about the younger players. “That’s been really positive.” White went on to say that the team was in a good place on the court. The unity of the team is thriving, according to White. Senior Becca Acevedo said the freshmen integrated with the returning players without issue. “I think it’s actually been really beneficial,” said Acevedo. Acevedo added that the new freshmen were impressive on the court. “The freshman class coming in this year was really athletic,” said Acevedo. “There’s really no drop off if any one subs in.” She added that the upperclassmen and freshmen have bonded
well, which have allowed the upperclassmen to take on the role of mentors for the new players both on and off the court. The upperclassmen and underclassmen have become prayer partners in order to strengthen relationships within the team and encourage players to grow spiritually, according to Acevedo. “Age doesn’t matter whether, you’re a freshman or a senior,” said Acevedo. “Everyone plays an equal part.” The freshmen’s inexperience at the collegiate level has not affected the team as the Sailfish swept the Hyatt Place Sunshine Classic hosted by Palm Beach Atlantic on Sept. 5 and 6. The Sailfish went 4-0 during the tournament, and only lost one set. The team also swept the USCAiken Tournament in South Carolina with four straight victories without losing a set. The Sailfish have since improved their record to 11-0 to begin the season after a home victory against Northwood University on Sept 17.
Photo by Jeremiah Sater
From left, Sara Ragland, 5, Becca Acevedo, 7, Stephany Brown, 3, Katie Ballantyne, 14, and Rachael Holehouse,12, celebrate after starting the season 4-0 during the 2014 Hyatt Place Sunshine Classic hosted by Palm Beach Atlantic University Sept. 5 and 6.