Halfway through microaggression workshops
Tennis player comes out as transgender
No such thing as a useless college major
Students on board with new SA shuttle
BY KAMIKO CHAMBLE Staff Writer
The Student Association upgraded SUNY Plattsburgh’s shuttle service this semester, with more space and more stops. Students love the new shuttle and everything that comes with it.
“I feel like all the new features are great and were needed,” said Tyler Dodson, a sophomore theater major. “This was a huge upgrade from the previous one. The space on the shuttle now doesn’t make you feel cramped, and there are enough seats for many more people.”
Dodson said the new shuttle makes it easier for him to do shopping.
“With the red shuttle, you were not able to bring a lot of stuff in after shopping, and it would force you to wait for the next one and just pray that there’s space for you and your stuff,” Dodson said. “With the new shuttle, all the worries are gone.”
Shaday Jackson, a sophomore majoring in psychology, said, “The new shuttle is way better than the last shuttle. It’s way bigger, the people are very welcoming this time. The people last
semester weren’t as friendly. I enjoy Don (one of the drivers) the most.”
When breaks come up for the holidays, the
shuttle will also take students to Plattsburgh International Airport and the Greyhound bus stop, which is in the process of
moving downtown.
“I actually like the shuttle, I mean it’s spacious and they put the girls first. This one driver
makes sure all the girls are seated in the front comfortably before he allows the boys to sit,” said Alex’andre Henry, a
joring in criminal justice and business.
ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points
Several of the exercises at “Strong Start” were aimed at mindfulness. A student colors a square to symbolize something he is thankful for at the event Sept. 10.
‘Plattsburgh cares a lot’: Students feel supported in mental health, stress
BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor
SUNY Plattsburgh is supporting students by investing in wellness and mental health programming and awareness — and students say it’s working.
“Plattsburgh cares a lot about the student body, I’d say — more than most schools,” said Nicholas Powers, a firstyear majoring in music arts management.
The college hired Heather Bennett as wellness and health promotion coordinator. Bennett said her position includes wellness programming, outreach to students, referrals to campus resources and health coaching. She also teaches group yoga classes Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and Fridays at noon, in Memorial Hall.
“Anything that I can do to try to help people,” Bennett said.
Bennett’s most recent endeavor was “Strong Start,” held Sept. 10. To host the event, she collaborated with access and opportunity programs, athletics, Campus Housing and Community Living, the Center for Student Involvement and the Student Health and Counseling Center.
“What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to make sure that we’re creating a sense of belonging for the students on campus,” Bennett said.
At “Strong Start,” campus clubs, offices and organizations tabled with activities, giveaways, fidget toys, coloring sheets, popcorn and cold-brew coffee. Boris, a therapy dog listed as Health and Counseling Center staff, was at the event, too. Bennett said she found that students were open to checking out the activities.
Title IX updates policy, ramps up training
BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor
Title IX Coordinator Kim Irland expanded the scope of the college’s jurisdiction and adjusted procedures for incidents taking place Aug. 1 onward. Students can also brush up on their knowledge of Title IX resources through a Brightspace course.
Title IX is a federal law against sex-based discrimination. SUNY Plattsburgh, and now New York
state, interpret Title IX to apply to “harassment due to actual or perceived sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation and/or gender identity,” according to its website.
The law also applies, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
The updated policy states that the college can now handle cases related to incidents occurring off-campus, when before it was
limited to campus or properties owned by student groups.
“If one of the parties, or both of the parties involved, are a student or an employee of us, then there’s likely something we can do to provide resources,” Irland said. Additionally, under the pre-existing policy, there was only one person making a decision to resolve a Title IX case.
sophomore double ma-
ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points
The Student Association swapped the shuttle service from a red van to a white county bus starting this semester. Students say they find it easier to do shopping since there is more space.
Detective Burghy has nothing to report this week.
Student Association Weekly Meme
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CP Corrections
OPINION:
1) Staff writer Ella Stuttard’s name was misspelled.
2) In the article “Constant renovations disrupt routines,” Matthew Edwards’ name was misspelled.
3) In the article “Students react to presidential debate,” Jayden Dabiew’s year level was incorrect. Dabiew is a sophomore.
If you see an error in Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com.
Senate swears in 9 senators
BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor
The Student Association Senate membership doubled at its first meeting of the semester Sept. 11.
The SA general election in April yielded seven senators, leaving the remaining seats open. As a result of the SA’s campaign to recruit senators in the first two weeks of the semester, the following nine students joined the table: Elizabeth Alden, Charlotte Feliz, Kritika Ghimire, Hrudayee
Jagtap, Janiyah James, Nishan Khadgi, Burke Nagel, Manshikha Neupane and Harmony Sanders. The students underwent an interview and selection process before the Senate meeting and were sworn in during it.
The newly sworn-in senators abstained from voting on a $52 allocation to the club Mail-a-Hug for a welcome event held Sept. 18. The club, built on the idea of sending letters to children in orphanages and nursing home residents, made s’mores at the campfire in the Angell
College Center courtyard. Usually, allocations less than $300 go through the SA Finance Board. The vote went to the Senate because the board doesn’t have enough voting members yet, SA Liaison Tyler Hargraves said.
The senators elected in April are Charmi Asodariya, John Carguello, Romita Chakraborty, William Donlon, Tasmayee Jagtap, Shahad Monir and Mrudangi Trivedi.
Another vote at the meeting confirmed the senators’ areas of respon-
sibility. Asodariya leads the Legislative Review Board; Carguello’s area is Clubs and Organizations; Chakraborty leads the Arts Acquisition Board; Donlon heads the Activities Coordination Board; Tasmayee Jagtap communicates with the Global Education Office; Monir is responsible for academic affairs; and Trivedi coordinates with Housing and Community Living.
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Cardinal Points is the only news source reporting on how the Student Association, SUNY Plattsburgh’s student government, spends students’ money.
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SHUTTLE
Continued from page 1
“With the new shuttle, way more people get to go on it all in one trip instead of the last shuttle that seated like six of us.”
The shuttle picks students up from the Angell College Center and stops at Walmart, Champlain Center Mall, Price Chopper, Family Dollar, and now at Clinton County Government Center. Some students don’t like this new stop as much as others, though.
Romaiya Underwood, sophomore majoring in criminal justice, said
she doesn’t go downtown, but feels that the shuttle is safe and useful. Jackson said few students ever get off downtown — “it just makes the ride longer.”
The downtown stop on the shuttle has connections to the county’s other regional public transit routes, which students can also access for free.
The shuttle runs seven days a week, starting at 11:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Sundays.
“The new hours for the shuttle as well help a lot due to it being available later in the night,” Dodson said.
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“Like, why would I be getting on the shuttle in front of the ACC if I don’t go to the school?” Underwood said. “It doesn’t make sense. I think it’s just really annoying.”
The SUNY shuttle runs thanks to funding from the Student Association, raised from students paying the mandatory SA fee. SUNY Plattsburgh is the SUNY school with the lowest SA fee.
While the new shuttle comes a new rule that students must bring and show their student ID before they board the bus. Underwood said she doesn’t always have her ID on her, which makes her dislike the rule.
ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points
ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points
The newly appointed senators read an oath as they are sworn into their positions during the SA Senate meeting Sept. 11. They had been interviewed and selected before the meeting began.
In the revised policy, there are three, who have to come to an agreement for handling the case.
The change reflects best practices in ensuring the decision maker is unbiased, but also supports the decision makers — members of the campus community who volunteer to help resolve the case.
“They’re not compensated to do that, and these are high-stakes decisions,” Irland said. “A panel of three employees having each other to make sure that their decision is that sound is more comfortable for the people making that decision as well.”
in an appropriate way,” Irland said.
The changes apply only to incidents occurring on or after Aug. 1, though Irland said she has hopes for the policy to eventually affect past incidents.
Consent and Title IX grievance policies are important for any student to know, Irland said, but the training is mandatory for student employees, athletes, Greek life members and club leaders.
While much of Title IX’s outreach is in-person, such as tabling for Consent Awareness Week from Sept. 16 to 20, the resources are also in a Brightspace course Irland piloted last semester and built on over the summer.
course, too, by helping produce video materials.
Irland said she is open to further opportunities to work with students.
“I wanted it to be accessible, self-paced and available on demand,” Irland said.
“I don’t want to miss an opportunity for peers to be educating peers, and I think it’s more powerful,” Irland said. “It resonates more when you know a student created the content that you’re watching.”
“That cross-examination piece can happen so many different ways, depending on who’s asking the questions,” Irland said.
Under the updated grievance policy, both parties’ advisers submit
Title IX also has a requirement for cross-investigation, a process where both the accused and complainant parties have the opportunity to ask each other questions, to allow for due process. However, Irland said the requirement has been controversial because of the potential for questions to be asked insensitively and cause the parties hurt.
the questions for the decision-making panels to approve. The panel, the members of which have completed trauma-informed training, would then ask the questions instead of the advisers.
“It creates an extra layer of making sure that the questions are being asked
The course does not provide a credit or grade, and instead serves as a refresher or point of reference, with learning materials and quizzes.
Students Brooke Costigan, Zebulun Ducharme, Kimolie Heslop and Oliva Sorrell contributed to the
A coordinator at SUNY Delhi is working on an in-depth Title IX course that could also be used to remediate those facing disciplinary action, which they are willing to open to other schools, Irland said.
“Together, we’re hoping to create a version of the course that can be as-
signed to students who are found responsible, because there’s not a lot out there for them,” Irland said. Title IX also invited off-campus organizations Planned Parenthood and Behavioral Health Services North to host walkin hours in Meeting Room 3 in the Angell College Center. PP’s Sexual Assault Services coordinator is available Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and BHSN’s STOP Domestic & Sexual Violence coordinator is available Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Powers said the event was helpful for him.
The purpose of “Strong Start” was to raise student awareness about available resources for wellness and mental health.
“I think it’s very important to understand that having a strong start doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to stay strong the whole time,” Bennett said. “But having a strong start and knowing that if, by chance, you do start slipping or not feeling as healthy as you should be, there’s a lot of places out there, both on and off campus, that can help out if you need them.”
For some students, destressing events get repetitive.
Patrick Carter, a sophomore majoring in economics, suggested spicing up the events by gathering ideas from other students.
“It’s cool to check the stuff out, but it gets kind of old pretty easily,” Carter said.
Carter’s friend, sophomore computer science major Christian Perez, said he appreciates the continued efforts.
“Anything helps,” Perez said. “It’s better than not doing anything. As long as they try, it shows that they care.”
Undeclared first-year Koky Duarte, who is on the men’s soccer team, said he has a network of supportive coaches, professors and counselors.
“As a student athlete, my mental health has a lot to do with sports and school, because it can be very overwhelming at times,” Duarte said.
Duarte makes use of campus spaces, such as the library, and office hours for support — “all those things help me mentally,” he said.
For some students, such as first-years Matthew Pennise, an expeditionary studies major, and Ryan Baker, majoring
health
in digital media production, going outside is enough to feel better.
“I see the emails about (events), but either I’m too busy to go, or I just don’t feel like it,” Pennise said. “I don’t feel I need it as much as maybe some other people.”
Baker agreed, but said he’s not immune to Boris’ charm.
“Seeing the dog walk on campus, though, is kind of gas,” Baker said. “That makes me happy.”
Students all said they turn to their friend circles for support, but if they needed more, they could find it at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Perez said, “I feel like if I did need the help, the school would be able to help me.”
JAYNE SMITH/Cardinal Points Boris works at the Student Health and Counseling Center as a therapy dog, but can also be spotted at campus events.
Provided by Kim Irland
ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points
Wellness and
promotion coordinator Heather Bennett talks to a student at the “Strong Start” event held Sept. 10 in Memorial Hall.
via Adobe Stock
BY PHILO YUNRUI WANG Associate A&C Editor
The office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SUNY Plattsburgh hosted the first session of a two-part workshop series on microaggressions and microinsults Tuesday, Sept. 17.
The second part of the series, which will focus on microinvalidations and microassaults, is set for next Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. in the Alumni Conference Room in the Angell College Center. Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to attend this important event, which will continue discussions
on confronting subtle but harmful forms of discrimination.
DEFINING MICROAGGRESSIONS AND THEIR HARM
Microaggressions are everyday slights, comments or behaviors that, whether intentional or not, communicate derogatory or prejudiced messages to marginalized groups.
“Microaggressions are not always obvious. In fact, what makes them so insidious is their subtlety. But even comments that are meant
as compliments can reinforce harmful stereotypes,” said Allison Heard, vice president of the office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, who is one of the workshop’s facilitators.
One prominent example discussed was the comment, “You speak excellent English,” which, while seemingly positive, implies that the recipient is a perpetual foreigner — an outsider who does not truly belong in this country.
Participants were introduced to research showing that microaggressions can have a more profound and lasting impact than overt acts of racism, due to their frequency and the way they undermine an individual’s sense of belonging.
Microaggressions Workshop Series continues
Naomi Adebayo, another facilitator of the workshop, referenced a taxonomy from 2007, which helped to categorize different types of microaggressions and give marginalized individuals a language to express their experiences.
SHARING PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
‘Rolling on the Floor’ brings improv to campus with THE320
BY PHILO YUNRUI WANG
Associate A&C Editor
Next Friday, the SUNY Plattsburgh campus is in for a unique and hilarious treat as the theatre department presents “Rolling on the Floor: A THE320 Experiment Improv Extravaganza.”
The free event will take place Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Hartman Theater, located in the John Myers Building. Directed by Merritt Billiter, an acclaimed performer from the improv troupe Completely Stranded, this performance promises to be a night of unscripted magic.
One of the unique aspects of this performance lies in its foundation — THE320, a class that blends theater majors with students from
various disciplines, many of whom have no previous acting experience.
Billiter designed the course to foster creativity and spontaneity, welcoming students into the world of improvisational theater, no matter their background.
Billiter expressed his excitement about the diversity of the class, noting how seasoned actors grow and completely novice actors break out and do something they’ve probably never thought of.
“Improv allows performers to create in ways that no other performance art does. You are literally making something out of nothing live in front of an audience,” Billiter wrote in an email response.
Popular
BY CARLY NEWTON Press-Republican
As the workshop progressed, participants were invited to share personal experiences of microaggressions. One participant recalled being asked, “Where are you really from?” — a question that often implies that one’s ethnicity or appearance makes them less “American.”
Other participants spoke about instances where people assumed they were from specific countries based solely on their appearance.
comedian to perform at annual Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY
michael said The Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY typically gives away communication devices or other items that enhance the lives of people with autism — “iPads, swings, things like that,” she said.
The Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY is hosting its third annual benefit this weekend with popular comedian Hari Kondabolu as the headliner.
Kondabolu, a comedian, writer and podcaster based in Brooklyn, has made a name for himself with his 2018 Netflix special “Warn Your Relatives,” 2017 truTV docu mentary “The Problem with Apu,” and two comedy albums, “Waiting for 2042” and “Mainstream American Comic.”
Kondabolu has per formed on Conan, Jim my Kimmel Live, and The Late Show with David Letterman as well. He is also a former writer & cor respondent on the much loved, Chris Rock produced FX show Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell.
Those interested in catch ing Kondabolu in action can do so at the Strand Center for the Arts in Plattsburgh on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $29 and can be bought here: https://www.strandcen ter.org/theatre-events.
All proceeds will benefit The Autism Alliance of North eastern NY and will help pro vide grants and college schol arships to individuals with autism in the North Country.
Executive Director Laura Carmichael said that in recent years, the organization has been receiving more and more applications for their grant pro gram, which has increased their need to fundraise.
“Just the way inflation is now … we have to keep raising mon ey or we’ll probably have to start turning people away, which, luckily, we haven’t had to do yet,” Carmichael said. “This (benefit) will allow us to keep helping lo cal families and keep awarding the grants.”
“It’s a needs-based grant, so it is based on income, and of course, they have to
Through the grant program, which can be applied for here: https://www.aaneny. org/scholarships-grant-applications, Car-
The organization’s college scholarships are also in high demand. She said right now,
MICRO > 6
PHILO YUNRUI WANG/Cardinal Points
Figurative Forms: Logan Brody on art, inspiration, mediums
BY CINARA MARQUIS Arts & Culture Editor
Logan Brody is a New Yorkbased multimedia artist, originally from Brooklyn, New York. Through an interdisciplinary approach, she explores the intimacies of the human body with sculpture, painting and metalsmithing. Brody is inspired by the relationship between the body and its environment and aims to recognize its presence,
A: My work is influenced by a variety of different things. I’m fascinated by the inter play of light and shadow; broken relics preserved with out all their parts and piec es; figurative painting and representation from across global history; and a slew of artists working in all sorts of media and time periods. I also feel it’s important to make physical objects, re ally building things with my hands.
Art Institute of Chicago.
This question-and-answer was conducted over email Sept. 18.
Question: When did you start making art? What keeps you passionate about art?
Answer: I’ve made art since I was a child, growing up in a household with two parents who taught and made art themselves. They encouraged me to seriously pursue my talents and passions and that’s what I’ve done ever since. Over the years I’ve tried differ ent types of artmaking and me dia, from creating my own visual art to supporting oth er artists through grant writing and advocacy. I find that being an artist is intrinsic to what I do and who I am, no matter how I ex press it.
Q: What is your fa vorite medium and why?
A: Picking a favorite me dium is difficult. While I feel energized and challenged making sculpture, my first love will always be painting. It’s a language I never forget and a way of making I come back to again and again. I’m constantly learning and ex ploring new ways to engage with the medium.
Q: What is your favorite subject?
A: Primarily, I’m a figura tive artist. My work almost always deals with the hu man figure and the spaces it occupies. That doesn’t mean my work is hyperrealistic. Instead, I’m most interested in how far we can stretch our ability to recognize a body’s presence, its condition, or assimilation into its envi ronment. The fracturing and disintegration of the figure is really what inspires me to investigate and make.
Q: What influences your work?
I enjoy the process of mak ing but I don’t let that take precedence over creat ing an object that I feel stands up to my vision of what it should be.
Q: Could you tell me about your process with your Pe-
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That collaborative spirit has been further strengthened through special workshops featuring Completely Stranded members Jason Borrie and Andy Ducharme, who visited the class to share how they approach a scene and how they create a character. This connection between the students and seasoned improvisers has been a key factor in preparing for the big night.
That drive really influences the way I work and what I ultimately create.
Q: Where are you from? If not the Plattsburgh area, how did you find yourself here?
A: I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and at 18 years old moved to Chicago to attend college (at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago). I lived there for several years until relocating to Plattsburgh in 2016 with my partner, who accepted a position
Strand Center for the Arts to bring art outside the traditional gallery setting and into everyday life. Mollie Ward, the Strand’s clay studio manager, conceived of the idea to celebrate joy and playfulness in art. I loved the idea and, after Mollie approached me to see if I’d like to be the inaugural exhibiting artist, I enthusiastically said yes.
Much of my 3D work is on an intimate scale — small or handheld. I use the process of life casting to take molds of real body parts that I then mash-up and remix into wax, resin, and metal sculptures.
The idea of a gallery where my art could be viewed as monuing. When I create many of my sculptures, I like to imagine them ing in the where on display outdoors or in a gallery and large enough for people to walk around. Pushing the limits of how we understand and perceive what a body is, especially out of the familiar context of human-scale.
You can visit Brody’s portfolio and learn more at her website, https://loganbrody.com/
Email CINARA MARQUIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
“It truly becomes amazing when students create entire scenes together off of one tiny suggestion,” Billiter wrote. As improv veterans, Completely Stranded will also kick off the performance with a game or two before handing the stage over to the student performers.
The excitement for this event extends across the entire theatre department. Shawna Mefferd Kelty, chair of the department, emphasized the accessibility of improv as a gateway into theater for students.
“Our THE106 Acting for Everybody classes, which are part of the Cardinal Core, are rooted in improvisation,” Kelty wrote in an email. “Improv teaches great life skills — collaboration, problem-solving, communication and thinking on your feet.”
In addition, this year’s theater season provides students from all majors with numerous opportunities to develop their crafts as theater artists. The theater department is expanding its collaborative efforts through partnerships with the Plattsburgh State Art Museum for the upcoming play “The Water Station,” as well as with the nursing department and guest artists. Additionally, it is gearing up for their third semi-annual student-directed 10-minute play festival, set to take place in downtown Plattsburgh in late spring 2025.
“Rolling on the Floor will be the only performance for the students involved in the show,” Dwayne Butchino, office assistant for the music and theatre department, wrote in an email.
For the audience, next Friday’s performance may be the only chance to see this particular group of students in action.
“Rolling on the Floor” is free for all attendees. The seats will fill fast, so make sure to mark your calendars for this creatively charged night of laughter and creativity.
For more information, please visit https://campusgroups. plattsburgh.edu/web/rsvp_ boot?id=379093
Stay updated on “Completely Stranded,” at Facebook @completelystranded
Email PHILO YUNRUI WANG cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Continued from page 4
“Which is the most, actually, we received so far since we’ve been doing this, so it’s exciting.”
In addition to Saturday’s benefit, the Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY hosts monthly meetups to connect people with resources available and a main annual event — a walk geared toward families and children — in the spring.
She said she hopes Kondabolu will bring in a bigger crowd than the past two years.
“We’re trying to bring in bigger acts and people that typically wouldn’t … perform around here,” she said. “I hope we get a good turnout. Since COVID, so many of us are — I know myself — I’m tired of Zoom, and I really love connecting in person. I think, sometimes, it’s easy to be like, ‘Oh, I just want to stay home tonight,’ but it’s going to be a really fun night. I might be biased, but it’s for a great cause, so I’m hoping people will come out and join us.”
For more information of the show visit the Strand Center for the Arts theatre events tab at https://www.strandcenter.org/ theatre-events
CARDINAL CALENDAR
Sept. 16 to Sept. 23
MONDAY 9/23 TUESDAY 9/24
Autumn Equinox meditation
Move into fall with new introspections and better balance.
Hawkins Pond from noon to 1 p.m.
Modelling Practice
Join the House of Divinity in learning how to walk with confidence.
Multi-purpose Room 108 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 9/25 THURSDAY 9/26
CTA Karaoke
Come sing with the College Theatre Association.
Alumni Conference Room from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
FRIDAY 9/27
Meet and Greet with Alums
Chat about your career goals and network with SUNY Plattsburgh alums.
Myers Fine Arts lobby from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Rolling on the Floor:
An Experimental THE320 Improv Extravaganza
Merritt Billiter of “Completely Stranded” and his THE 320 students present a free unscripted live improv performance.
John Myers Building from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ghibli Movie Fan Night
Join the Japanese Cultural Association to talk about the Japanese animated film studio: Ghibli.
Yokum 206 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY 9/28
Wild Center Trip
Discover the history of the Adirondacks through indoor and outdoor experiences, sightseeing, animal exhibitions, and more.
The Wild Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Transportation available through registration.)
SUNDAY 9/29
Poke O’ Moonshine Hike
Join the Plattsburgh Ski/Snowboard and Outdoors Club to hike up Poke O’ Moonshine.
Poke O’ Moonshine from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Zeebstock is ready to rock
BY ELLA STUTTARD Staff Writer
Zeebstock music festival, presented by the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, is amping up the campus Saturday with many talented bands taking the stage.
Logan Toleman, president of ZBT and lead guitarist of “Reverse The Grin,” hopes to open new horizons for not only listeners but artists.
“Look forward to some really exciting performances and hear a lot of really great music being made right now,” Toleman said. “The bands playing are very high energy and very professional.”
Five bands are scheduled to play and are all freshly out of college or still in school. Headlining the festival is Reverse The Grin, a post-hardcore
DEI
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student band founded at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Hip-hop fans can look forward to PStreet Bandits, Imperia will be playing alternative rock, Us is a jam band and Tyler Serani is an indie pop artist.
This festival is a personal fundraiser for the ZBT fraternity in hopes of eventually giving back to the community.
“I really hope people come to support the local artists, and have a really fun start to their Saturday,” Toleman said.
The Zeebstock festival will take place behind Memorial Field House from noon to 5 p.m, tickets are on sale on Cardinal Link.
Email ELLA STUTTARD cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Using stereotypes as conversation starters, such as speaking random phrases in Spanish to non-Spanish speakers, was also brought up.
Participants discussed a video example where someone’s hair was touched without consent. Many attendees resonated with this scenario, sharing their own similar experiences and expressing how such actions treated them as an object of curiosity and made them feel dehumanized. The facilitators highlighted how this form of intrusion, though seemingly small, conveys a lack of respect for personal boundaries and cultural sensitivity.
BUILDING SKILLS FOR ADDRESSING MICROAGGRESSIONS
One of the key goals of the workshop was to equip participants with the tools to address and prevent microaggressions in their daily lives.
“The goal is not to be perfect, because no one is perfect,” Heard said. “Rather, it’s about learning to reduce the frequency of these incidents by becoming more self-aware and thoughtful in our interactions.”
The
card depicts sovereignty. Confront difficult authorities in your life and act with confidence and competence against their potential mistreatment.
The reversed Hermit card is about loneliness. A lack of intuition will lead to unwanted isolation. Reach out for guidance to the people you trust for companionship and advice.
The reversed Lovers card represents disharmony. Relationship issues may arise this week due to a misalignment of values or a lack of desire. This card may also be related to issues within the self.
The reversed World card signifies delays. This week may not go how you planned it to. Mourn, but do not let your disappointment consume you — there is always more for you out there.
Participants discussed the importance of self-reflection when engaging with others, particularly those from marginalized groups. Simple but critical questions such as “Is what I’m about to say based on a stereotype?” or “Am I being unnecessarily intrusive?” were offered as tools to prevent microaggressions before they occur.
The session also focused on the role of bystanders, encouraging attendees to intervene when witnessing microaggressions.
“It’s not enough to avoid being part of the problem,” Heard said. “We need to be active in creating solutions — whether that’s calling out a microaggression in the moment or supporting those who have been affected by it.”
FROM THE PERSONAL INTERACTIONS TO PROFESSIONAL SETTINGS
In addition to personal interactions, the workshop highlighted how microaggressions can occur in professional settings. One example from the discussion centered on workplace dynamics, where assumptions about someone’s qualifications based on their race or gender can undermine their accomplishments.
“This type of microaggression,” Heard explained, “can have longterm effects on career progression and self-esteem.”
The reversed Hierophant card refers to unfaithfulness. Challenge common beliefs and question everything this week. You can create your own values and traditions.
The Trial card signifies patience. Things may feel uncertain or stagnant this week, this card suggests that you step back and take a break. Time will bring new clarity.
The Empress card represents fruitfulness. Your creativity is flourishing this week — be certain to utilize it to empower yourself and others.
The reversed Star card entails doubt. It may feel like everything is turning against you, like all of your hopes are gone, but it is only pessimism. Take time to nurture yourself.
LOOKING FORWARD TO PART II
The second part of the series, scheduled for Sept. 24, will build on the discussions from the first session and focus on microinvalidations and microassaults — forms of discrimination that, while more overt, are still deeply harmful. Participants will engage in further discussions on how to recognize and dismantle these behaviors, both as individuals and as a community.
“Trust, collaboration, and accountability are at the heart of this work,” Heard said in closing. “We all have a role to play in building a community where everyone feels seen and respected.”
For more information about the two-part workshop series on microaggressions, microinsults, microinvalidations and microassaults hosted by the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SUNY Plattsburgh, please visit: Instagram @platts_dei or email the DEI at diversity@plattsburgh.edu.
Email PHILO YUNRUI WANG cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
The High Priestess card signifies intuition. Trust your instincts and dig deeper to access wisdom within and outside of yourself. Ask questions, especially about what you find uncomfortable.
The Tower card symbolizes revelation. Chaos will bring about a dramatic change this week. Find liberation in these surprises.
The reversed Judgement card is about denial. Take action this week, no longer is the time to delay or avoid potential problems, you are missing out on life. Address the situation and move on.
The reversed Magician card represents confusion. You may be feeling like you have lost touch with yourself or others. Take some time to remember your goals and let them ground you.
Aries (March 21 –April 19)
Emperor
Cancer (June 21 –July 22)
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Gemini (May 21 –June 20)
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Scorpio (Oct. 23 –Nov. 21)
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Pisces (Feb. 19 –March 20)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 –Dec. 21)
Capricorn (Dec. 22 –Jan. 19)
Aquarius (Jan. 20 –Feb. 18)
Graphic by Nghi To
When: Saturday, Sept. 14
This week in photos: Battle of Plattsburgh
Photos by Collin Bolebruch, Cinara Marquis
Cardinals women’s hockey player Adriana Urban helps to push a bed.
Representatives from the North Star Underground Railroad Museum in Ausable Chasm, New York table at the celebration.
(Left to right) Cardinals women’s lacrosse players Leah Klotz, Adrienne Gunyo, and Maggie Mayuer push a participant of the Bed Races. The Bed Races have been held as part of the Battle of Plattsburgh festivities annually since 2010.
U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division Marching Band drummers perform in the parade.
Cardinals men’s hockey player Tyler Ramm celebrates with Burghy after they cross the finish line.
Intramural soccer faces declining body
BY EMMA DEO Staff Writer
Athletics are a key part of Plattsburgh State, but not just at the NCAA level. Students also have the opportunity to play in intramural basketball and co-ed outdoor soccer leagues on campus. This year, intramural soccer is seeing less interest.
“The recreation department definitely relies on word of mouth to gain interest in intramurals, but there are also flyers around campus to try and increase involvement,” said Kevin Abbondanza, who oversees the intramural soccer and basketball teams.
The soccer league is composed of just four teams this season: The Northern Warriors, Ice Spice Elite, Soccer Team and Sock Shifters FC. Turnout is much smaller than previous years. Last year eight teams were registered.
In addition to the small team pool, games have been forfeited because teams have been unable to get enough players to both scheduled games and friendly scrimmages.
The limited size of the league this year means every team will advance to the playoffs, meaning that teams will no longer have to earn their spot in the postseason, making the league
Photo illustration by ALIYAH EGAN
less competitive as a whole.
“We try to recruit more players, but with intramurals, you need a whole team, so it’s hard to group people together who don’t know each other,” said Andrew Moore, sophomore intramural soccer player.
As the league gets smaller, perks are slowly disappearing. Moore began playing in his first year on campus when the league had more teams. The larger league allowed them to play more games in a week than just the regular season contests that count toward playoffs, but after losing players to graduation, numbers just were not high enough anymore.
REC > 11
Women’s soccer
Cards feel growing pains
BY JUSTIN RUSHIA Staff Writer
With two opportunities to prove itself on its home turf, the Plattsburgh State women’s soccer team failed to protect its nest.
Frary, though, isn’t pressing the panic button just yet — she said the Cardinals are still learning about themselves before the SUNYAC season starts tomorrow.
The Cardinals (1-5-0) took the pitch against Skidmore (3-0-1) on Wednesday, Sept. 7, and RIT (3-0-2) on Saturday, Sept. 14, for two non-conference games where they came away scoreless.
“We’re playing a really hard
schedule while also trying to figure out our identity with the players we have,” head coach Whitney Frary said. “I think we have seen some great improvement, and now it’s just moving forward.”
Plattsburgh had its work cut out for it against Skidmore. The Thoroughbreds came into the game undefeated, averaging 2.5 goals per game and allowing 0.75.
The Cardinals came out with high energy against Skidmore, pressing the Thoroughbred de-
Cardinals NO. 17
of the season in a 2-0 win over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at the Field House soccer pitch Sept.
United Soccer Coaches selected Plattsburgh State (5-0-2) as the 17th best team in the country in a new poll Sept. 17, a one-spot drop from last week’s ranking. The Cards are one of two SUNYAC teams to appear on the list, behind the Cortland Red Dragons (6-1-1), who are ranked 10th. Plattsburgh is second in the conference in goals for average with three per game, behind Buffalo State (6-0-1), and leads in goals against average with .057 per game. The Cardinals open conference play tomorrow, Sept. 21, with a home matchup against the Fredonia Blue Devils (4-3-2).
fense early and often, earning themselves a corner kick 51 seconds into the game.
The game started with high-intensity back-and-forth play, with neither team finding the back of the net.
Goalkeeper Lauren Haley played a large part in Plattsburgh’s scoreless first half, making impressive save after impressive save to keep the sheet clean.
In the 28th minute of the first half, the Cardinals had another opportunity to score with two consecutive corners.
Mascot battle royal: Which school wins?
BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Editor in Chief
Having reported on SUNYAC sports for three years now, I want the sports section to expand beyond Plattsburgh. In this column, I will explore membership issues, rivals’ seasons and the conference the Cardinals call home.
In the fourth week of SUNYAC fall sports, we’re on the brink of the drama and excitement of the conference season. With no playoff scenarios, breakout players or rivalry games to discuss, I want to move outside of the realm of reality.
In the SUNYAC, the Cardinals face off against the Lakers, the Bengals hit the road to play the Bears and the Mustangs and Kangaroos are ready to take the stage. Obviously, these are college students in uniforms. But what if it wasn’t?
What if these fearsome mascots really took to the battlefield?
COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points
The Cardinals, at 1-5, were 2-2-2 through six in 2023. Plattsburgh starts SUNYAC play tomorrow.
Whitney Frary
COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points
(Left to right) Xavier Kamba, Danny Perry, John Hayes and Santiago Vargas celebrate Hayes’ seventh goal
18.
SOCCER
Student-run football kicks off
Non-SUNY option begins third season
BY MICHAEL PURTELL Staff Writer
It’s gridiron season, which means college programs across the nation are kicking off in the NCAA.
For Plattsburgh State, it means the Backyard Football League has begun its season behind Memorial Hall.
The BFL is a 4-on-4 flag football league that is staffed and organized by Plattsburgh State students, unassociated with Plattsburgh State Athletics and recreation. Commissioner Sam Morse, an accounting major, runs the eight-team league, with each team rostering seven to nine students as athletes and coaches.
Teams currently include: the Baltimore Blue Crabs, Virginia Vipers, Washington Wolves, Montreal Monkeys, Tennessee Tigers, Jacksonville Jammers, Georgia Grizzlies and Scranton Squirrels.
“He puts a lot of effort into the league,” said Jayden Neptune, quarterback for the Jammers. “It’s nice to see someone put that much effort into something that is a really, really good time for others.”
The BFL was revived with Morse last fall, although it looked much different in his Vermont hometown. Originally, he organized wiffle ball matches with his friends and neighbors. When he transferred to
Plattsburgh, interest in wiffle ball wasn’t as strong, so Morse made the switch to football.
then I just reached out to individuals until word-ofmouth spread.”
“I’m playing against a bunch of people that I know and see all the time, so there’s bragging rights if you beat the guys that you know,” Neptune said. “It gives you that extra edge to try to go out there and beat them.”
The league has been a great help to developing those social ties, with players building connections with each other over the seasons of competing against each other. The league is always something for those involved to talk about.
“I’ve met people that I would probably never meet doing this,” Morse said.
Morse also runs the league’s social media pages, livestreams games, collects stats, creates schedules and pays out of pocket for custom uniforms.
“Coming into college I thought, ‘I don’t want to give up on this idea yet, it’s a lot of fun.’ So I end ed up bringing it here,” Morse said. “Luckily I was able to find enough people.”
The school no lon ger has an official football program, and intramural or club football is also absent from campus. When it came to drumming up interest for the league last fall, Morse had his work cut out for him.
“The groundwork was a pain in the ass,” Morse said. “I reached out to fraternities to see if they were interested in making teams — and a bunch of them actually ended up making one and still to this day have teams — and
The BFL doesn’t present itself as a replacement for official school programs. Instead, it exists as an entirely student-focused league — something Neptune believes benefits the BFL.
“I think you keep students’ creative spirits alive and you see how much you can do with something independent,” Neptune said.
Each season has seen rosters change dramatically and rules adjusted in the offseasons to try and refine the league to be as fun and competitive as possible.
The league’s competitiveness is one of its greatest qualities, according to Neptune. It’s especially true when it comes to facing familiar opponents.
The league has amassed more than 500 followers on both its YouTube channel and Instagram page.
Morse’s work on the league has created something special on campus, but its future is uncertain. When he graduates, the league may leave with him.
Unlike many clubs and recreational teams on campus, the BFL isn’t suffering membership issues. In fact, Morse has a list of students looking to join, with no spots available.
“It’s probably a lot more work than someone would expect if they were to try and fill my shoes,” Morse said. “That’s up to someone else if they want to keep it going or not.”
Ask an Athlete: Tristan Laundree, MSOC
BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Editor in Chief
Tristan Laundree — a sophomore forward and adolescent education major on the men’s soccer team — has earned a more prominent role this season. The shifty, technically sound forward has started four games for the Cardinals.
Laundree has already doubled his goal total of one from last season and is primed to be one of the teams top contributors. Laundree, a native of Keeseville, New York, has the luxury of playing in front of family and friends. Outside of soccer, Tristan is known to play pickup basketball in Memorial Hall and ranking up in Valorant.
This question-and-answer was conducted with Tristan over email on Sept. 18.
Question: You play in the local men’s soccer summer league — what does competitive play in the summer do for you?
Answer: The local men’s soccer league provides me with some ingame experience over the summer and a chance for me to play with my friends at home. The games can get really rough so it helps me prepare for the toughness of a college soccer season. I train a lot on my own, or with a small group, so the games I play in the league are my way of trying out new things I’ve been training for. Also, being involved in a championship winning team over the summer means so much for a lot
of the guys, and it was awesome to be a part of it.
Q: Out of all the guys from this year’s and last year’s men’s soccer team, what would be your ideal basketball starting five and why?
A: This is a hard question, but I’d have to go with Matt D’Ippolito, me, John Hayes, Teddy, and Randall. Sorry, Modou.
Q: What has been the biggest area, whether mentally, emotionally or physically, you’ve seen yourself improve on as a player from 2023 to 2024?
A: I have definitely improved a lot in the past year in many areas, but I would say the biggest improvement is mentally. Coming into this year, I had a ton of confidence in
myself — and our team — to make a statement about what we are as a program. Coming off last year not making the SUNYAC playoffs, we had a lot to prove in terms of results. So far we are on the right track to have a great season. We just have to keep rolling.
Q: I’ve heard you’re good at Valorant and Rocket League — what games are keeping you busy now? Which have fallen off?
A: Recently, I haven’t played many video games that I used to play a lot of. One game that always keeps me busy is FIFA. There is nothing better than coming home from an away win and beating Bradyn Primus at FIFA.
COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal
Tristan Laundree
MICHAEL PURTELL/Cardinal Points
Sam Morse, commissioner of the Backyard Football League, is excited to open play, but unsure of its future.
Baltimore Blue Crabs
Scranton Squirrels Tennessee Tigers
Georgia Grizzlies
Virginia Vipers
Jacksonville Jammers
Montreal Monkeys
Washington Wolves
MSOC 2-0 over week
The Cardinals remain undefeated after defeating Union (2-4-1) 2-1 on the road on Sept. 14 and RPI (2-4) 2-0 at home on Sept. 18.
Plattsburgh led Union in shots nine (six) to six (four) in a down-to-the-wire game.
John Hayes took the lead for the Cards at the 36-minute mark, assisted by Bradyn Primus.
Union immediately answered, tying the game less than a minute later, remaining 1-1 at the mid-way point.
Four minutes into the second half, Hayes took the lead, assisted by Brian Coughlan.
Plattsburgh held the lead until 88:34, when Union was awarded a penalty kick. Teddy Healy made a diving save to hold on and win the game.
The Cardinals returned home, for the first game at the Field House in 18 days, to face RPI.
The first half ended scoreless, though Plattsburgh controlled the ball, leading five shots to one.
The stalemate at the 61-minute mark. ended when Tristan Laundree took a pass up the middle from Coughlan and beat the defense and scored.
For good measure, Hayes scored unassisted six minutes later for his seventh of the year.
The Cardinals open the SUNYAC season tomorrow, hosting the Fredonia Blue Devils (4-3-2) at 1 p.m.
VB 0-2 in tournament, then win first Plattsburgh (1-8) dropped both games in the VTSU Castleton Tri-Match on Sept. 14, losing 2-3 to VTSU Castleton (6-3) and 0-3 to SUNY Delhi (3-9).
The Cards followed up by taking its first win under head coach Eimile O’Brien, beating Norwich (1-8) 3-0 at home Sept. 17.
Plattsburgh put up a fight against Castleton, losing its three sets by an average of six and winning by an average of four. The final set was decided by four.
WSOC
Continued from page 8
The sequence concluded with defender Amy Crowley taking a powerful shot on goal that looked destined to go in, only to be saved by the Skidmore keeper.
Plattsburgh finished the half with six total shots to Skidmore’s 10, none of which found the net, making the score at half 0-0.
“We often wait for the perfect pass to score. In reality, we just need to keep getting numbers up front to increase scoring opportunities,” Haley said.
The Cardinals’ clean sheet was snapped only 97 seconds into the second half when Skidmore’s Ella Stone put one past Haley and into the back of the net.
Ella Stone continued her offensive barrage, adding another goal just five minutes later by heading the ball into the corner of the net past Haley. Stone completed her hat trick 10 minutes later after securing her brace.
Team captain and standout midfielder for the Cardinals Jess Mare went down in the second half with “really bad cramping,” according to Frary.
Plattsburgh lost the shot battle 7 to 20. The Cardinals also finished the game with only seven shots on goal to Skidmore’s 10.
STATE
Continued from page 8
10TH PLACE:
PLATTSBURGH CARDINALS
On one hand, I have pride in my school and in the Cardinal red. On the other, I don’t think it would be controversial to say the Northern Cardinal — the species the logo represents, and the only one native to the area — stands no chance against its opponents.
The bird’s diet consists mostly of seeds, grains, fruits and insects.
The Cardinal has multiple natural predators, including…
9TH PLACE:
NEW PALTZ HAWKS
A variety of hawks call the Hudson Valley home, but the red-tailed is safely the most prominent in the region. Adult red-tailed hawks stand fairly unopposed in the wild as far as natural predators stand. As
Liya Girma led the Cardinals with 19 points, digs with 15 and kills with 17. KC Burke and Bridget Ryan followed in digs with 13 and 11 respectively.
Almeida Anabella finished with 16 assists, followed closely by Kyleigh Ganz with 15.
The Cardinals kept the first two sets close against Delhi, losing by two and four, before dropping the final by 12.
Girma and Ryan led in digs with 14 and 13, respectively. Almedia again finished
first in assists with 12.
The energy was high against Norwich, as Plattsburgh won in deciding fashion, snapping an 11-game losing streak dating back to last season.
The Cards convincingly won the first by 10, the second by six and the final by five.
Girma again led in points with 13, and Collyear finished second with 12.5. Almeida had 17 assists and Ganz had 12.
Plattsburgh next plays Clarkson (2-7) on the road tonight at 5 p.m. The Cardinals then host the Plattsburgh Tri-Match tomorrow, with games against SUNY Poly (0-6) at noon and Anna Maria (1-6) at 4 p.m.
Chatt hired to assist MLAX
Plattsburgh State Athletics announced the hiring of Mark Chatt as men’s lacrosse assistant coach Sept. 13.
The job will be Chatt’s first coaching professionally. The 2024 graduate played under new head coach Zach Nedbalski at Methodist University for five seasons.
MHKY’s Araujo signed in ECHL
Matt Araujo, a five-year member of Plattsburgh men’s hockey, has signed with the Rapid City Rush of the ECHL, the Calgary Flames affiliate, based in Rapid City, South Dakota.
During his time with the Fayetteville Marksmen of the SPHL, Araujo recorded eight goals and 30 assists in 65 games.
6
Six players were named to MHKY’s 20152024 all-decade team: goalie Jimmy Poreda ‘21; d-men Matt Araujo ‘23 and Jacob Modry ‘23; and forwards Dillan Fox ‘16, Bennett Stockdale ‘24 and Adam Tretowicz ‘24.
Haley finished the game with seven saves, many of them being of great difficulty.
Plattsburgh finished off their week with another chance to prove themselves in front of a home crowd against RIT.
The game began with both teams showcasing their grit and strong defense. RIT took the first shot five minutes into the game, but Haley saved it.
That one shot initiated RIT’s control of offensive possession, taking seven more shots in the first half while preventing the Cardinals from taking a single shot.
The second half picked up just as the first left off, with RIT dominating possession of the ball. Five minutes into the second half, RIT scored its first and only goal.
Plattsburgh midfielder Alexis Patrick took the team’s first and only shot at the 56-minute mark.
Plattsburgh’s defense remained strong for the remainder of the game, not conceding any further goals.
RIT fired away 12 total shots in the second half, tallying for 20 total.
“Between the two games, I think there definitely was an improvement in our defending, and I think that we’re still tweaking some things just to make sure that we get to a point that we need to be at for SUNYAC play,” Frary said.
Haley once again performed exceptionally in goal for Plattsburgh, making eight saves and limiting the Tigers to just one
birds of prey, hawks have been known to eat smaller birds. Sorry, Plattsburgh, but you’re dinner to New Paltz.
8TH PLACE:
OSWEGO LAKERS
The Oswego Lakers, or the Great Lakers, stand to represent the people of the Great Lake region of New York. A Laker, a person, with nothing to defend themselves but their bear — sorry, bare — hands, will have a difficult time advancing far in the SUNYAC gauntlet. The Laker has wit on their side, but ultimately falls short in terms of physicality.
7TH PLACE: CANTON KANGAROOS
The Canton Aggies — no, Northmen — no, Northstars — yes, Kangaroos, finally, have suffered an identity crisis throughout its existence, eventually landing on the animal native to a country 10,000 miles away. Though scarce, lethal kangaroo attacks have been reported in Australia. If motivated, the roo could very
2
7-0 on its senior day Sept. 19. It is the second sweep Plattsburgh has completed this week after defeating Mount Saint Mary 7-0 on the road Sept. 15.
125
The Plattsburgh cross country teams finished with 125 combined points at the Aldrich Invitational hosted by Middlebury. The men placed third, with 66, and the women second with 59.
goal. During the game, Haley surpassed 150 career saves.
The Cardinals are still confident in their ability to make a strong push in the SUNYAC and a potential NCAA tournament appearance.
“To make the tournament, I think our route has become the one route of winning SUNYAC, but I definitely think we can still do it,” Frary said.
Plattsburgh’s next game will be its SUNYAC opener at Fredonia (4-3-0) on
well employ its thumping kicks and surprising strength to defeat an ill-equipped average New York resident.
6TH PLACE:
MORRISVILLE MUSTANGS
A mustang, a wild American horse, weighs on average 800 pounds — 700 pounds heavier than the average kangaroo. There’s a reason why fighters compete in weight classes. A bucking, untamed horse could easily stomp out a kangaroo. The sheer size and force of a horse would put an end to any attempt at punches or kicks.
5TH PLACE:
POTSDAM BEARS
The Potsdam logo resembles a brown bear, yet only black bears are native to New York. Nativity isn’t definitive — see Canton — but it makes this exercise easier. Black bears aren’t as aggressive or as strong as grizzlies, but in desperation, will use its 800 pounds per square inch bite and large paws to tear a horse apart.
Saturday, Sept. 21.
“Everyone loves to win. But I think that we’re still, you know, pushing forward. The belief is still there,” Frary said, “I think we’re still trying to put pieces together, but we have some really great leadership, and I think that’s been really pulling us through.”
cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
4TH PLACE: FREDONIA BLUE DEVILS
Now, there is no clear origin available online that explains the Blue Devils name. Blue Devils is a name used by 11 colleges, and as Duke University has published, derives from the French infantry force, “Les Diables Bleus.” The unit handled Lebel Model 1886 rifles, a bolt-action 8mm rifle, enough to safely take down a black bear. Now I’m just left wondering how this became a popular sports mascot.
3RD PLACE: BUFFALO ST. BENGALS
Humans stand atop the food pyramid thanks to their cunning and use of tools, which has helped Fredonia come this far — but their run stops here. A rifle designed 137 years ago likely does not pack enough power to take down one of Earth’s few maneaters. Bengal tigers have been known to hunt humans. Their combined strength, speed and leaping ability make them nearly unbeatable in this ring.
1ST/2ND PLACE: CORTLAND/ONEONTA RED DRAGONS
Dragons are not real, so there’s no true way to measure their power. I can make them fight in my mind though, and they’re pretty cool. The impossibly large, scaly, flying, fire-breathing beasts could turn all of their opponents into ash with little effort. Game of Thrones type stuff. This awesome ending is dampened by the fact that two schools in a 10-team league share the same name, leaving us with no clear winner.
Wait, I decide what happens. I’m tired of seeing Cortland take our championships. Oneonta’s dragon is way cooler and way bigger and defeats Cortland’s dragon. Oneonta wins.
COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points
Kathy Peterson-Ross (32) fights an RIT Tiger for the ball at the Field House on Sept. 14.
COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points
Melina Morillo hugs Liya Girma after the Norwich win at Memorial Hall on Sept. 17.
Cardinals tennis defeated VTSU Johnson
Tennis player transitions, left in limbo
BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Editor in Chief
Chuck Stone didn’t expect to play college sports. As a sophomore computer science major, Chuck was just looking to get his bachelor’s. When Chuck landed a spot on the Plattsburgh State women’s tennis team, the Cardinals welcomed him with open arms.
Now a year removed from his rookie season, Chuck won’t be allowed to see the court.
“I miss playing a lot,” Chuck said. “I like to watch everyone, but it definitely makes me sad that I can’t go out and play.”
Now that Chuck has begun medically and socially transitioning, he’s stuck in an athletic limbo — able to experience the environment he finds himself comfortable in, yet unable to participate.
Head coach Kelci Henn said Chuck brings positivity and motivation to the team. Teammate Hallie Hurwitz commended him for his loyalty to the program and care for the success of his teammates.
He’s trying his hardest to take this roadblock on the chin.
“But you know, so it goes,” Chuck said. “I knew this would happen.”
Chuck was assigned female at birth, and when he played on the team last year, he still presented himself as a woman. But early on, he felt different from his peers. Chuck said he didn’t understand what it meant to be transgender until middle school.
“You know when you’re young that something’s not quite right,” Chuck said. “But you don’t have the vocabulary to talk about it.”
People around Chuck weren’t likely to understand the conflict he felt, even if he was able to explain it to them. Instead, he took to sports — a space where he found the lines of gender were blurred.
From a young age, Chuck played ice hockey, like many kids in Glens Falls, New York. Unlike most of those kids, Chuck found normalcy in the sport.
“I think there’s a lot of gendered ideas in different hobbies we participate in. I think ice hockey is a good outlet for that,” Chuck said. “It’s one of the only women’s sports that’s full contact. It’s just good to be able to get in a suit of armor and go beat people up.”
Chuck picked up tennis during his first year of high school, and found the same sort of gender disassociation.
“I like to play singles, I’m not a fan of doubles. It’s all on you and in your head. It’s very genderless,” Chuck said. “It doesn’t feel as much like you and your opponent. It’s you and the ball.”
A self-described bench warmer, he didn’t attract any attention from the NCAA. Just like that, when he graduated, he was done — his realm of expression was gone.
That was Chuck’s reality for a year, attending classes at Plattsburgh and meeting new people as someone who wasn’t himself. No one knew he was Chuck.
Chuck found some sanctity in his study, describing its demographic as more “queer” than some may realize. He made some friends, not knowing his break would come within his major.
During his second semester, while studying one morning at Einstein Bros. Bagels, Chuck was approached by a familiar face. Hallie, then a sophomore, introduced herself, recognizing Chuck, a saxophonist, from the jazz band and a few classes they shared.
Continued from page 8
Issues could snowball if involvement doesn’t pick up.
“It’s hard because if nobody wants to play, I’m just going to try and do something else,” Moore said. Moore has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember and was originally interested in playing soccer at the Division III level.
Hallie told Chuck she played for the Cardinals’ tennis team. When Chuck mentioned his experience, she didn’t hesitate to invite him to practice.
“I was like, ‘We’re looking for people for the tennis team, maybe you should come try out,’” Hallie said. “It was awesome, and he just clicked with everybody.”
Kelci immediately liked Chuck’s scrappiness on the court, a quality she said all the best players have. Off the court, his personality shone.
“I just felt that confidence right out of the gate, and the hustle was unbelievable,” Kelci said. “He really brought another level of energy, another level of motivation and just pure positivity.”
Hallie called him witty, and his friends can always tell when he’s “calculating a joke” in his head.
Chuck spent his first season, fall 2023, practicing and growing close to his teammates. Between team meals, road trips and being there for each other at matches, Chuck found a place and a people he hadn’t had since high school.
During the season, Chuck played in just one game, winning a singles match against VTSU-Johnson on Sept. 28, 2023. Whether he played or not, he was a valuable asset.
“His ability to make another teammate feel better, support another teammate during their match, even if he wasn’t starting, was huge,” Kelci said.
The friendships followed Chuck through the offseason — and to the most important moment of his life. Kelci said she “envies” his ability to form those connections.
After returning from winter break, something felt different to Chuck. After a day of classes, he returned to his dorm and cried. And cried. He needed to live as his true self.
Chuck called his parents and siblings,
“Over time I realized I wanted to focus more on school, so I compromised and started to play intramural — which I don’t have to commit my entire college experience to,” Moore said. “It’s just fun.”
The flexibility and lower commitment of intramurals make them appealing to many students, but this also presents challenges in maintaining team consistency and commitment.
While Plattsburgh offers a variety of club sports like rugby, cheerleading and tennis, intramurals offer students an
and spoke to some friends. Now, he needed to talk to his team. He drafted a text and dropped it in a chat with his teammates and coaches.
Then he waited for a reaction.
And waited.
Nothing.
“Everybody just liked the message, and no further discussion,” Chuck said.
Chuck’s teammates adjusted, started using he/him pronouns, and moved on. A few asked clarifying questions, but nothing changed about their bond.
“I’m proud of our team for allowing Chuck to have a space to come out,” Kelci said. “It speaks to the team culture that the girls have really cultivated and made the atmosphere a welcoming one for everyone.”
Chuck started taking testosterone shots, cutting his hair short and wrapping his chest. He’s now on the journey of being who he truly wants to be.
“I was eager to start hormones and feel something was changing,” Chuck said. “I feel like I have so long to go, still.”
Kelci took straight to the books, trying to see how Chuck’s new identity affected his status.
“It’s not fair to the athlete to wait in limbo and put their life on pause,” Kelci said. “I wanted him to be able to live who he is and comfortably.”
erything ready,” Kelci said. Chuck’s still there at games, and the Cardinals are happy to see the same, encouraging teammate he always was.
“Seeing him at the matches makes me play better,” Hallie said. “That’s just another person there rooting for us.”
But it’s still difficult for Chuck. Everyone on the team has been inclusive and uplifting, but he still feels “separated.”
“I definitely feel different and out of place, but nobody ever makes me feel that way,” Chuck said. “It’s just like being the black sheep, but everybody treats you totally cool.”
Under NCAA rules, Chuck would be able to compete on a men’s tennis team, but the Cardinals would face challenges in adding a squad.
Plattsburgh State did field a men’s tennis team in the mid-20th century, even producing a school hall-of-famer in Harry J. McManus. The team has likely been defunct since the 70s, according to the athletics department.
To re-establish the program, Plattsburgh would need to meet Title IX standards, allocate money in the department’s budget and find an athletic conference.
I’m proud of our team for allowing Chuck to have a space to come out
There was some confusion and back-andforth, but ultimately, since Chuck started treatment, he is no longer allowed to compete on a women’s team. Just two weeks away from paperwork due dates, he then worked out with Kelci a way for him to return to the team.
Kelci Henn, head coach
Chuck now serves as equipment and team manager. In the preseason, he set up the locker room reveal and team scavenger hunt. On game days, he fills out the score book, sets up the courts and cheers for his squad.
“He saved my life day-to-day, getting ev-
option where they can play against their peers and stay on campus, rather than traveling to play against other universities. Intramurals also offer a lower commitment compared to full programs or clubs.
Kevin Hicks, sophomore intramural soccer player, attributed the lower participation to a lack of advertisement.
Although the outdoor season has already started, he has thought about ways to spread the word about the indoor season to increase involvement.
“I think it might have to do
In the meantime, Chuck is a member of the co-ed tennis club on campus and likes spending time with his Cardinal teammates.
“I hope I know everybody for a long time,” Chuck said. “I think it’s just a good place to make good friends.” Kelci said she’s “honored” Chuck chose to remain with the team, and hopes he never stops being himself.
“There’s only one you, only one life to live,” Kelci said. “He chose to advocate for himself, and that’s the best thing you can ever do.”
with outreach, but it’s definitely not about people’s interest in playing soccer,” Hicks said.
Intramural basketball hasn’t started their season yet, but in the past, they have not experienced participation issues.
“Basketball is always huge,” Abbondanza said. “We’ve never struggled to fill teams.”
With an average of 15 teams per season and rosters of about eight players each, intramural basketball maintains these numbers through immense student interest.
Intramurals are an opportu-
nity for students to keep sports a part of their lives. If student interest continues to decline, it could leave current members without a place to play.
Students can sign up for intramural soccer at the recreation desk in Memorial Hall’s second floor. Even though the season has already begun, late registration as a free-agent is available throughout the season.
JAYNE SMITH/Cardinal Points
Junior Chuck Stone walked onto the team in 2023, finding a home. Since he’s come out as transgender, he’s lost that outlet.
Kelci Henn
Hallie Hurwitz
No major problem: All studies equal
BY NADIA PASCHAL Opinion Editor
Declaring a major is the one experience that every college student shares. With a large selection to pick from on this campus, many may opt into more popular programs, while others may pick ones that aren’t as large. Those students are often poked fun at for having what many call a useless major.
With jokes such as working in coffee shops or other minimum wage jobs for the rest of their lives to picking an easy major on purpose, there can be a lot of judgment surrounding students within these classes. I’ve heard these jokes from my friends and have even started to make them myself.
As someone studying something that has sometimes been deemed a useless major, it has certainly impacted my college experience.
I’ve been on this campus for over four years and have heard and seen many examples of what majors others may deem useless. Theater, art history, communications, philosophy, anthropology — the list goes on and on really.
Being a sociology major, I often feel like I chose the wrong path, and there’s not much to do with this degree. I’ve been told often that this degree is both too broad, and too limiting, from peers and family.
Where did this hierarchy of majors come from? Liberal art degrees are just as important as any STEM program. No student is better than another, just because of their coursework. Some people are more suited to subjects that are writing oriented rather than math oriented.
I started off my college career as a biology major and changed it several times, never really feeling like I could keep up with the other students. However, that didn’t make me a bad student. It just made me realize I wasn’t in the right program.
These programs open the doors for other opportunities as well. After experiencing less stress in a new major, I realized how much I loved writing. I finally felt like a capable student again, and could work on my academic strengths.
Although a student may have different strengths than you, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place in the world for them. Every job is needed and important to our society. If everyone had the same major and the same skills, the world would not be able to function.
Let’s use an art student as an example. Some minimize this to just drawing and arts-andcrafts classes. However, if art, in any form, did not exist, the world would be bleaker. There would be no music, movies and books. These things are essential to happiness and destressing after a long day.
Let’s stay with this art example, as it’s sometimes argued students don’t need to go to school to learn art because it’s something that can be self-taught. That is true, but couldn’t any topic be self-taught? There are many books, videos and tutorials online, on every topic that one can access.
An important part of college that’s often forgotten is the connections that students can make. Meeting professors and learning about internship opportunities that people not in college might not be aware of gives students in that field a leg up and bolsters their resume. It’s important to keep in mind that there is no such thing as a useless major. If a program was not important and did not open new doors for students, no college would offer it. So keep studying what you are passionate about, no matter the subject and no matter what others may say.
Via Cardinal Points Archive
of college graduates regret their major according to an article published by BYU Idaho.
‘In A Violent Nature’ flips script
BY KOLIN KRINER Public Relations Chair
What if “Friday the 13th” was filmed from the perspective of Jason, or “Halloween” from that of Michael Myers?
“In a Violent Nature,” directed by Chris Nash, came out this summer and did just that: presented the world with a slasher from the perspective of the killer, and it’s genuinely phenomenal.
This movie is so humorous in the dullest way possible, and that’s on purpose. The film sits there and really takes in what a killer does when not on screen.
The film follows Johnny, a spirit on the path of vengeance, as he slowly, and I mean slowly, traverses the world around him. Most of the film is made up of him walking from place to place, kill to kill, and it is genuinely hilarious once you realize what the film is doing. It drags on purpose, because if you were watching any other slasher, for example, what would Jason Vorhees be doing between kills? The man would slowly be walking toward his next kill.
The kills in this movie are amazingly shot, using primarily practical effects. They are gory, gruesome and incredibly artistically done, which adds a layer to the point of the film — if Johnny is always walking, he has a lot of time to really sit there and plan out his kills.
You follow Johnny for genuinely the entire movie — there are other characters, of course, but they are never the center of focus. Characters are talking? The camera is just watching Johnny under the bed listening. It’s completely and utterly fascinating that a movie like this hasn’t been made before.
I give this film 4.5/5 stars, for the beautifully dull, bloody, yet hilarious masterpiece it is.
Hi! I’m Nadia Paschal, the opinion editor. Fall is right around the corner, and with a new season comes new trends. I’m very in tune with pop culture and trends and these are some of my picks for what should stay and what should go.
Fall 2024 ins and outs
Local coffee shops
Support local businesses! With cozy environments and unique drinks offered, these are great places to sit and observe the changing leaves.
Earth tones
Welcome fall in by breaking out your orange, tan, dark green and brown clothes. These neutral shades are easy to mix and match and go great with just about everything.
Pumpkin spice
The most popular drink and scent of the fall for a reason.
Chappell Roan
The music industry’s current it-girl, whose voice is just as powerful as her outfits. Many of her more upbeat songs were hits this past summer, but her slower and more melancholy tracks can be a great soundtrack to the season.
Chunky boots
A great accessory, whether you’re going to class, studying in the library or having a night out.
you
for
Maybe
you’ll be able to pull them out again, but it’s time to find something slightly less fuzzy.
Brat summer
Unfortunately, summer has come to an end and even Charli xcx has said goodbye to this era. The album ‘Brat’ took the world by storm this summer, but it’s time to start searching for the album of autumn.
Doomscrolling
It may be tempting to stay inside on your phone all day as those cold weather blues start to creep in, but there are many fall activities to partake in. So put down your phone, grab a friend and really get into the spirit this season.
White nail polish
A bold choice, but, personally, I’ve never been a fan of this color, especially during fall.
Dating apps
It’s tempting to want a partner to go on those cute pumpkin patch dates you’re seeing all over social media, but you’re not going to find that person on Tinder.