Cardinal Points Fall 2025 Issue #9

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14

FALL 2025 | ISSUE 9 WHAT’S INSIDE:

OPINION

SPORTS

BASKETBALL SUNYAC PREVIEWS

Brightspace still sore spot for professors

Alpha Kappa Lambda aims for residency

Student Association

BY GRANT TERWILLIGER News Editor

ADAM BLANCHARD/Cardinal Points

Student Association Senators listen to Plattsfur Representatives on Nov. 3.

Furry club approved by SA

BY GRANT TERWILLIGER News Editor

The Student Association approved Plattsfur as a provisional club, approved two associate justices and one clubs and organizations affair board student representative.

Senator Leo Greer resigned as a result of time commitments. Currently there are two open seats on the Senate.

The SA senate approved the Plattsfur anthropomorphic club for provisional status on campus in an 11-1 vote. The club was pitched as a safe space for furries to socialize and create content around a joint interest.

The club currently has 17 members.

“We aim to not only have social dialogs, but also incorporate certain elements of crafts as well as arts, and not only teach methods, but also invite people to explore stuff that they may not have before,” junior anthropology major Styx Williams said.

“Originally, this started with a handful of us that were friends that kind of just found out that we’re all furries. We realized that there’s not really a club geared towards that on campus, and through reaching out to other people in different areas of campus we found out that there are quite a few furries on campus.”

Senator Villafuerte said in regards to the creation of content for the club they need to be careful as to not violate copyright laws, as well as exercise caution with sensitive content.

Junior political science major Landon Castine was approved as

an associate justice for the Student Association in a unanimous vote.

Castine’s career goals are to become a criminal defense attorney and potentially a judge.

“I’ve always been drawn to the study of law and justice because I believe strongly in fairness, structure and accountability. To me, the role of the court is not just to interpret the rules, but to uphold the integrity of our student government ensuring that every student and every organization is treated equally, equitably under the same standards,” Castine said.

Castine said he looks forward to bringing a thoughtful and objective approach to his work on the Student Association. He prides himself on approaching cases with impartiality and respect.

“We can agree to disagree on certain ideas, and I certainly disagree with other people’s ideas,” Castine said. “So I think I can work well with people, even if I disagree with them. I can be cordial.”

Economics major and criminal justice and international business minor Dalanda Diallo was approved as an associate justice for the Student Association in a unanimous vote. Diallo was a part of her high school’s student association and was on the board for civil conversations. Diallo would like to become a lawyer in the future.

“I know that this is a stepping stone to where I want to be, and I think it would be a great experience for me,” Diallo said. “I bring a lot of diverse opinions, and I feel like I would be able to contribute

to the Student Association using my culture and knowledge.”

Sophomore elementary education major Ariana Audett was approved as a clubs and organizations affair board student representative in a unanimous vote.

“I love seeing people be active on campus. I like to be active on campus, so getting to be a part of campus and then seeing the clubs people want to bring in,” Audett said. “People come in and give us their club ideas. They have their constitution written out on paper.

They read through the Constitution, making sure it’s correct. They have everything they need there and they present their ideas.”

SA MEETINGS Senate meetings are open to attend and are held Wednesdays at 8:30 in the ACC.

It’s not often that a new Fraternity comes to SUNY Plattsburgh’s campus, especially one the first of its kind in New York State.

Alpha Kappa Lambda, a Judeo-Christian fraternity based in the Western United States is seeking approval for a chapter on campus. Sophomore Jack Sweet is currently the Vice-President of the fraternity with Sophomore Jake Piazza as the President.

Sweet said that he had been trying to start Alpha Kappa Lambda since spring 2025. The members of Alpha Kappa Lambda had all tried different fraternities, but couldn’t quite find what they were looking for.

“We found ourselves, the foundJACK SWEET ing group, sort of united based on what we wanted to be. We wanted to be an organization that had a particular emphasis on academics and philanthropy, and still be able to maintain that traditional fraternal experience,” Sweet said.

“We are starting off with 10 guys so far, which is a big increase from our original four at the beginning of the semester, and we have received a lot of interest from others if we do receive approval.”

First year Samuel Nowetner was first approached by Sweet during a game of poker with Sweet and his friends.

“He said, ‘There’s this opportunity you can get to build a brotherhood with us all, build a deeper connection.’ I didn’t realize what he meant at first, but then when he started to explain the fraternity stuff a couple weeks ago, I was like ‘I really fuck with this,’” Nowetner said.

Nowetner said he is enthusiastic to help build the fraternity whether it be helping to fund a house or creating books with the bylaws.

“Definitely looking forward to kind of growing closer and growing out our own personalities a bit and becoming men of character,” Nowetner said.

“Making sure that we are someone who we’re proud of being.”

One of the goals of Alpha Kappa Lambda, like all Greek life, is to participate in philanthropy to help the local community.

“Our brainstorming includes offering ourselves as support for struggling middle and high school students who need a buddy at lunch or recess, and we are looking at volunteering at the ASPCA as well,” Sweet said. “Our feet are barely in the water yet, but we are fully ready to fully jump in and get these ideas off the ground.”

There will be a meeting on Dec. 3 with IFC Representatives and Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Volunteerism Allison Swick-Duttine. The members of the potential chapter of Alpha Kappa Lambda will answer questions and a vote will be taken for the approval of the fraternity. Fraternity and Sorority Members are welcome at the meeting.

Email GRANT TERWILLIGER

Email GRANT TERWILLIGER

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Stefanik announces bid for NY governor

BY CARLY NEWTON Press Republican

NY-21 Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has officially announced her candidacy for New York governor.

Stefanik’s announcement came Friday morning after months of speculation that she would challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in the gubernatorial race next year, if she is the nominee.

“Kathy Hochul is the worst governor in America,” Stefanik said in a statement. “Under Kathy Hochul’s failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent and grocery prices crushing hardworking families. Hochul has created a crime crisis with failed bail reform and her support of Defund the Police candidates.

“And when New Yorkers were looking for leadership the most, Kathy Hochul bent the knee to the raging Defund the Police Tax Hiking Antisemite Communist who will destroy New York. I am running for Governor to bring a new generation of leadership to Albany to make New York affordable and safe for families all across our great state. Our campaign will unify Republicans, Democrats and Independents to fire

Kathy Hochul once and for all to save New York.”

Stefanik also released her first campaign video on YouTube titled “From the Ashes.”

Stefanik, now 41, has served six consecutive terms in New York’s 21st Congressional District. At the time of her first election in 2014, she was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at the age of 29.

Since then, she has risen through the ranks of Congress

and is currently the Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership. She also serves as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was a founding member of the China Task Force.

ELISE> 2

2

▪ News Editor Grant Terwilliger

▪

NEWS

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025

Cashman wins 115th District special election

BY LUCA GROSS and CARLY NEWTON Press Republican

Michael Cashman will resign as Plattsburgh Town Supervisor and assume the 115th State Assembly District seat after a close victory in the special election Tuesday night.

Members of the Democratic Party and candidate supporters celebrated the results Tuesday night at the American Legion Post 20 on Quarry Road in Plattsburgh. Energy was high, spirits were flowing and applause rang out after each count update.

Cashman led Republican candidate Brent Davison, a retired New York State Trooper, 19,435 votes to 17,821, according to the New York State Board of Elections website’s tracker.

“I’m glad that he (Davison) got in the race and, you know, provided the public an opportunity for choice.I think that’s a healthy democracy,” he said.

During his speech, Cashman reflected on his first campaign memory as a child.

He told his grandfather he wanted to run for student council, who handmade campaign signs with pennies and nickels glued to them with slogans such as “Vote Cashman, the name that makes sense,” “Vote Cashman for change,” Vote Cashman, the name you can count on.”

While he lost that election, due in part to other students tearing his signs down for the money, his grandfather and the experience taught him a lesson he still holds close.

“It’s easy to tear things down — signs, ideas and even people,” Cashman said. “Anyone can destroy, but it takes strength to build, to believe and stay kind.”

He expressed gratitude for the support of Billy Jones and Janet Duprey, both of whom held the seat before him.

With a tear in his eye, he also thanked his wife, Olivia, for her sacrifices and unwavering support, stepping away from the podium briefly to hand her a bouquet of roses.

Cashman prepares to take over for Jones, who resigned earlier this year with on year left in his term, and anticipates Chuck Kostyk, Plattsburgh deputy supervisor, will assume Cashman’s current role of supervisor.

“I will resign my position as the timetable kind of unfolds over the course of the next several days … then the board will need to finalize an appointment,” he said.

He emphasized the role is not about any one party in particular, but about the people he’s been elected to represent in Albany. Listening and learning from the people, as well as working toward affordability and safety, are his top priorities.

“We’re gonna work on protecting our future and planning for our future,” he said.

‘NEVER GIVE UP HOPE’

As results came in a little before midnight, Davison took to the podium to address his supporters in a more solemn atmosphere at the American Legion Post 1619 in Morrisonville.

“The election results are completely tallied. It looks like we came up a little short. The voters have spoken,” Davison said to a quiet room.

ELISE Continued from page 1

Stefanik has also been a key ally of President Donald Trump since his first term in office.

She was the first member of Congress to endorse him in his second bid for the presidency and was one of a few names rumored to be in consideration for his vice presidency last year.

Though she wasn’t chosen to be Trump’s running mate, after he was elected, he was set to appoint Stefanik as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

However, Trump rescinded her nomination before it could go before a confirmation hearing in April when it became clear the House Republican Majority may become even slimmer if she were to leave her seat and it not be immediately filled through a special election.

Stefanik has been teasing a run for governor, taking jabs at Hochul and routinely calling her the worst governor in America.

In her campaign video, Stefanik continued her bashing of Hochul and highlighted New York’s worsening affordability during her tenure as governor, which began in 2021 when former Gov. Andrew Cuomo stepped down. Hochul won her first election as governor the following year.

Since Stefanik’s campaign announcement for governor Friday morning, she has received several endorsements, including from 56 county Republican chairs across the state.

The 56 chairs represent 72% of the weighted vote; 50% is required to be the New York Republican Party’s nominee.

Stefanik said she is now the

LUCA GROSS/Provided by the PRESS REPUBLICAN

Michael Cashman waits to talk to reporters before election results came in Tuesday night. Cashman led Republican candidate Brent Davison, 19,435 to 17,821, according to the unofficial results on the New York State Board of Elections website.

“I want to thank everybody who supported me throughout this campaign — my wife and family, the county chairs that endorsed me, all the voters that voted for me, the people that knocked on doors, that went to events. I had an incredible amount of support and I want to thank everybody for supporting me.

In his speech, he wished Cashman congratulations and the district luck.

“Hopefully things will move forward in a positive manner,” he said. “The people in the district said they were looking for change, so I still think they’re looking for some kind of change.”

Davison said he didn’t know what more his campaign could have done to win, but he wouldn’t have done anything different.

“We worked our tails off for a couple months here and did everything that we could, knocked on as many doors as we could, attended all the events. I think we did everything we could,” he said, pointing out his endorsements from high-ranking Republicans in the state.

With the 115th Assembly District seat up for re-election next year, Davison said he has not made any decision on whether he plans to run again. He said he does not have a timeline on when he’ll make that decision.

“presumptive Republican nominee for governor of New York.”

According to a news release from Stefanik, Essex County Republican Committee Chair Jay Heald and Franklin County Republican Committee Chair Jason Ellis were among those who endorsed her bid so far.

Clinton County Republican Chair Jerika Manning was noticeably not listed among the endorsements received as of Friday morning.

“I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support all across New York,” Stefanik said in a statement about the endorsements.

“After serving New York families for over a decade in Congress and helping to support Republican candidates up and down the ballot, we have the infrastructure and support to mount the most unified campaign for a Republican candidate to defeat Kathy Hochul to save our state.”

Local officials made their support for Stefanik’s gubernatorial bid known as well.

State Sen. Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury), a long-time ally of Stefanik’s, shared a lengthy endorsement Friday.

“I was the first state legislator to endorse Elise Stefanik when she ran for Congress in 2014.

Since that time, as an assemblyman and senator with districts that are wholly encompassed by her Congressional district, I’ve worked directly with Congresswoman Stefanik and seen firsthand the qualities that have made her a national leader,” Stec said in his statement.

“Congresswoman Stefanik is a tenacious advocate on behalf of her constituents and improving their quality of life. She’s hardworking and knowledgeable on all the important issues

facing our state and nation, from affordability to the economy, immigration, the ongoing crises inside our correctional facilities and public safety, and puts the needs of our families ahead of political gain. Time and again, I’ve seen Congresswoman Stefanik work with a variety of stakeholders in order to achieve solutions that will have a lasting, positive impact on our communities.”

Stec said that approach is needed now more than ever.

“Governor Hochul and New York City-based Democrat leaders have enacted a spate of policies that have our state spiraling in the wrong direction,” he said in his statement.

“With the election of Zohran Mamdani as next mayor of New York City, it’s almost certain the governor and Democrat legislative leaders are going to push for further taxes that drive up the costs of living and working here, further criminal justice reforms that punish law enforcement and law-abiding families, and further out-oftouch policies that fail to meet our current needs.”

Stec said Stefanik will be the next governor of New York state and believes she will “provide the vision, determination and follow-through needed to turn our state’s prospects around.”

“We can count on her to push for desperately needed tax relief and to address the illegal immigrant crisis that’s impacted our Northern Border and cities across the state. As our next governor, Elise Stefanik will provide the strong leadership that’s sorely needed if New York State is to reclaim its status as the Empire State,” he continued.

“I’m proud to endorse Elise Stefanik for Governor of New York State. I look forward to

“I definitely had several people voicing their displeasure with the shutdown as I was knocking on doors,” he said, although he was unsure if the federal shutdown had anything to do with the results.

To his supporters, Davison said to “always keep hope alive.”

“You never give up on hope. I think things, hopefully, will turn around,” he said.

“Hopefully, some of the laws that have been passed, people in Albany will realize are not practical. That they don’t make sense. That they don’t work, like the bail reform, the HALT Act, the electric mandates — none of that stuff is working up here,” Davison said.

“Apparently, it just wasn’t enough to get us over the hump, so we’ll see. But you never give up hope.”

Asked what’s next for him, he said he plans to go on vacation.

“We’re going to try to enjoy that. Get some good sleep in, get a couple days off here and move forward.”

Email LUCA GROSS and CARLY NEWTON news@pressrepublican.com

JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AP File Photo

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Feb. 22, in Oxon Hill, Maryland. running for re-election to the state Senate, so I can help our next governor pass and enact an agenda that will save New York.”

Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondacks) also shared his full support of Stefanik, calling her leadership “exactly what New York needs to end one-party rule and restore common sense.”

“Elise has always fought for the people of the North Country and for hardworking families across this state,” Simpson said in his endorsement statemen.

“She’s proven that strong, principled leadership can deliver results, not just for one region, but for all New Yorkers.

“She has never lost a race, flipped a congressional seat when she first ran and has been a tireless, bipartisan fighter for upstate values and affordability. She will bring the accountability, balance and vision Albany desperately needs.”

Simpson continued to state Stefanik’s candidacy represents “a new opportunity to break free from the failed status quo of one-party control that has left

New Yorkers struggling under the weight of endless mandates, runaway costs and policies that undermine affordability and public safety.”

“It’s time to end single-party rule and return to solutions that work for everyone, restoring affordability, supporting law enforcement and protecting our communities.

“Elise will bring that fight to Albany and deliver the leadership our state has been missing for far too long.”

Simpson concluded his endorsement by saying he looks forward to helping “unite voters across New York behind a new vision of accountable, results-driven government that puts people first.”

Email CARLY NEWTON news@pressrepublican.com

▪ Photography Editor Hiram Cowhey

▪

PHOTO SPREAD

Friday, Nov 14, 2025

Club Caribbean’s Carnival of The Crowns pageant

By Hiram Cowhey

HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points

The winners of the Carnival of the Crowns pageant with Club Caribbean’s officers

HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points

Mr Haiti, Christian Barjon, during the Q&A segment of the pageant.

HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points

Christian Barjon, Mr Haiti, and Kimole Heslop, Miss Jamaica, pose after being named the pageant’s king and queen.

HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points

Miss Jamaica, Kimole Heslop reads poetry.

HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points

Miss DR, Adrianna Jackson, describes the DR.

HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points

Miss Grenada, Shana Wright, describes Grenada.

FRIDAY, NOV. 14, 2025

Women’s Basketball

As of Nov. 14

STANDINGS M. HOCKEY

W. HOCKEY

TEAM

SUNYAC

OVERALL

TEAM

SUNYAC

OVERALL

1-Cortland

0-0

2-2

1-Oswego

0-0

2-2

2-Oswego

0-0

2-0

2-Plattsburgh

0-0

1-1

3-Buffalo St.

0-0

2-2

3-Cortland

0-0

1-2

4-Canton

0-0

4-0

4-Morrisville

0-0

0-3

5-Fredonia

0-0

0-5

5-Canton

0-0

4-0

6-Potsdam

0-0

2-2

6-Buffalo St.

0-0

3-1

7-Plattsburgh

0-0

2-0

7-Potsdam

0-0

2-2

8-Morrisville

0-0

1-2

Provided by EMMA DEO

Imani Walcott puts up a layup through contact in the Cardinals’ game against RPI on Nov. 8.

M. BASKETBALL

W. BASKETBALL

TEAM

SUNYAC

OVERALL

SUNYAC

OVERALL

1-Cortland

0-0

0-1

1-Cortland

TEAM

0-0

2-1

2-New Paltz

0-0

1-1

2-New Paltz

0-0

2-0

3-Oswego

0-0

2-1

3-Oswego

0-0

0-1

4-Oneonta

0-0

1-1

4-Plattsburgh

0-0

1-0

5-Plattsburgh

0-0

2-1

5-Canton

0-0

3-0

6-Morrisville

0-0

0-0

6-Oneonta

0-0

1-1

7-Buffalo St.

0-0

1-0

7-Potsdam

0-0

0-2

8-Potsdam

0-0

0-1

8-Fredonia

0-0

2-0

9-Fredonia

0-0

0-2

9-Morrisville

0-0

0-1

10-Canton

0-0

0-2

10-Buffalo St.

0-0

0-1

BY KAMIKO CHAMBLE Sports Editor

STATISTICS M. HOCKEY GOALS

#

ASSISTS

#

POINTS

#

A. Catron, F

2

L. Bulger, D

3

A. Catron, F

4

G. Filion, F

2

A. Catron, F

2

L. Bulger, D

3

B. Hall, F

2

R. Sutherland, F

2

G. Filion, F

3

PLUS-MINUS

#

SAVE %

#

SHOTS

#

S. Bellina, D

+5

B. Hall, F

.667 V. Pshenichnikov, F

10

Three players

+4

Two Players

.500 A. Catron, F

7

S. Bellina, D

7

W. HOCKEY GOALS

#

ASSISTS

#

POINTS

#

T. Morris, F

3

Four Players

1

T. Morris, F

3

E. Kasprzak, F

1

Five Players

1

PLUS-MINUS

#

SAVE %

#

SHOTS

#

T. Morris, F

+3

T. Morris, F

.750

K. Ruegge, F

8

E. Kasprzak, F

+3

E. Kasprzak, F

.167

B. Terry, F

8

Five Players

+2

Four Players

6

M. BASKETBALL PTS AVG

#

AST AVG

#

REB AVG

#

K. Welch, G

30.0

K. Welch, G

4.5

K. Welch, G

12.5

J. Gladney, G

15.5

E. Morris, G

3.0

Three Players

5.0

E. Morris, G

9.0

K. Screen, F

1.0

STL + BLK

#

FG %

#

3PT

#

J. Gladney, G

6

C. Hartig, F

.667

D. McKnight Jr, F

2

K. Welch, G

5

D. McKnight Jr, F .500

K. Welch, G

2

E. Morris, G

5

J. Gladney, G

E. Morris, G

2

.462

W. BASKETBALL PTS AVG.

#

AST AVG.

#

REB AVG.

#

J. Wilson, G

20.0

J. Greek, G

8.0

I. Walcott, C

15.0

I. Walcott, C

13.0

K. Johannesen, G

2.0

R. Sculco, G

7.0

J. Greek, G

11.0

Three Players

1.0

Three Players

5.0

STL + BLK

#

FG %

%

3PT

#

I. Walcott

4

J. Wilson, G

.538

J. Wilson, G

4

R. Sculco, G

2

K. Morgan, F

.500

J. Greek, G

1

Six Players

1

I. Walcott, C

.417

K. Johannesen, G

1

UPCOMING Friday, Nov. 14

Saturday, Nov. 15

WHKY v.s. William Smith College 7 p.m.

WBB v.s. Utica University 1 p.m.

WBB v.s. Mount Holyoke College 5:30 p.m.

MHKY @Oswego 7 p.m.

WBB v.s. Potsdam 7:30 p.m.

WHKY v.s. Buffalo State 3 p.m.

MHKY @Hobart College 4 p.m.

12 Cards return to roster hungry

The Cardinals aim to make real progress in the SUNYAC as the 202526 season begins, the program is excited to prove itself as a perennial competitor after going 14-12 overall and 10-8 in conference play in 202425. Last season was the first time they made the playoffs in ten years.

The returning core sets a solid foundation: Junior guard Julia Greek brings range as a shooter, senior guard Jaden Wilson averaged 10 points a game, senior forward Imani Walcott brought 14 points and 3 blocks per game, junior guard Rosie Sculco, sophomore guard Katie Cunningham, senior guard Selma Deszi, sophomore guard Meredith Bush, sophomore Guard Tori Russo, sophomore guard Kayla Johannesen, sophomore forward Kaelyn Morgan, senior forward Kathy Peterson and junior guard Lauren LaFountain.

While the roster is heavy on returning contributors, the Cardinals also welcome a wave of new talent; four newcomers join the squad to fill out the roster: sophomore forward Desiree DuBois, a transfer from St. Lawrence; first year guard

Samantha Calahan, first year forward Calleigh Franklin and first year forward Carmen Marino.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the underclassmen go to work, and help them prepare to fill the seniors’ roles for next season,” said Walcott.

The Cardinals started their season at home on Nov. 8 against the RPI Engineers. The team’s early, non-conference games are meant to be tough and help it prepare for SUNYAC play against long-standing rivals.

“I’m excited to see if we can make a serious run with teams that we haven’t played well against in the past, it would mean a lot to me to leave here with a championship win under my belt,” said Walcott.

Before the conference competition starts, the Cardinals will test themselves and work on their rotations and chemistry. The regular season will involve important games against challenging SUNYAC teams like New Paltz, aiming to beat SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Brockport, and SUNY New Paltz. Road travels and home stands will test this team’s depth, toughness, and ability to regularly close out wins.

“We had a great win in the scrimmage against D2 St.Micheals. In the past, they’ve always beat us by a

great lead, but this year, my teammates and I, we’re prepared to work hard. We’re all stronger, faster, lasting long, making wiser decisions on the court, but most of all our chemistry on and off the court has grown tremendously since last season,” said Walcott.

The team has to fill up the gaps left by graduating and no longer returning players Payton Courture and Felicia Caarls and keep getting better at winning back-to-back conference games, especially on the road. The Cardinals will need to play well down the stretch, limit turnovers and rebound well in games like conference road trips and against strong teams in the SUNYAC. They showed signs of this last season, as when they beat the Buffalo State Bengals 64-45 at home behind Walcott’s 11 rebounds.

Fans in Memorial Hall should get ready for a group that’s hungry to deliver on the promise of a strong season.

Email KAMIKO CHAMBLE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Men’s Basketball

Cards eye third tournament bid

BY KAMIKO CHAMBLE Sports Editor

As SUNYAC play approaches, the Cardinals are poised to build on back-to-back appearances in the SUNYAC Tournament and make a serious push toward the conference championship.

Last year, the team finished 15-12 overall and 11-7 in SUNYAC play.

They won the first round of the tournament and made it to the semifinals, where they lost to SUNY New Paltz 72-74 by one bucket.

The returning core features some key contributors: senior point guard Kareem Welch, senior guard Anthony Williams Jr., senior guard Damari Johnson, senior guard Jeremey Jolly, sophomore guard Jaiden Gladney, sophomore forward Nate Pondexter Jr., junior forward Wol Machteng, and junior forward Aiden McGuire.

Joining the Cardinals are new and fresh faces junior guard Elijah Morris, a transfer from Cobleskill; first year guard Matty Stolfo; sophomore guard Mari Hodnett, a transfer, and senior forward Khalil Screen, a transfer from Potsdam.

The Men’s basketball season started on Nov. 8 at Skidmore, where the Cards brought home a 80-73 win. The home opener saw the team face off with Norwich on Nov. 10, where they won 67-60.

The Cardinals will face the St. Lawrence Saints on Nov. 18, the Union Garnet Chargers on Nov. 22 and the Middlebury Panthers on Nov. 25. The SUNYAC season open-

Provided by EMMA DEO

Kareem Welch plays into the body of a Norwich defender Nov. 11. er will take place with back-to-back games at the Plattsburgh home court on Dec. 5 and 6. Plattsburgh will face off against the Fredonia Blue Devils and the Buffalo State Bengals.

Regardless of the opponent, the Cards are ready to compete.

“The team plays good together on the court, and picks up after one another where the other can’t. We have a great squad,” said Williams.

Hopes are high. In order to get further than last season’s squad, The Cardinals will need last season’s top performers to bring back their high level play as they fold in the new talent. One athlete to keep an eye out for is Welch, who was named all SUNYAC second team in 24-25, averages 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game.

“Our goal is to be 1st team SUNYAC, a championship and hosting the playoffs. We just need the

opportunity, but we’re off to a good start right now and, if God is willing, we’ll do everything in our power to achieve that,” said Welch.

In the end, this is Plattsburgh’s season of chances. If the new players fit in well with the team and the chemistry is right, the Cardinals could not only make it to the SUNYAC Tournament for the third year in a row, but they could also make a real run at the title game.

“We have a good shot because we are still finding a way to win with the amount of injuries we have,” William said. “Just imagine when people are back.”

The Cardinals want to make it obvious that they are no longer simply participants; they are competitors.

Email KAMIKO CHAMBLE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

FRIDAY, NOV 14, 2025

A screen-grab of the Plattsburgh Brightspace header.

Brightspace growing pains still felt

BY SOPHIE ALBERTIE Opinions Editor

How have instructors adjusted to the shift from Moodle to Brightspace?

SUNY Plattsburgh has used Brightspace as their primary learning system for two years. The transition from Moodle has been swift for some faculty, others struggle with the new program. Take Greta Hoffman, a Plattsburgh Math professor, who said she found Moodle quite useful before everyone switched over.

‘It was nicer to put stuff up somewhere students could get to it for the whole semester, now things just get lost in an email. I also can’t add students who may be taking my class as an independent study,” Hoffman said. “Tutors from the learning center used to have access to my material in order to help students of mine who came to them, I think getting rid of that is a major drawback.”

Where some instructors struggle with function, others struggle with

what the system means for students to receive the proper knowledge for their classes. Adjunct lecturer Tim Branfalt has been teaching communications for 12 years and using content management systems the whole time, but said he prefers to give feedback by hand, which has been lost in the era of CMS. Branfalt also leaned towards previous systems.

“Moodle was intuitive, it was easy to set up, it was easy for students, it was easy for us. I dont love Brightspace, I think it’s a waste of money. I think that paying someone to administer it is a waste of money,” Branfalt said. “I just want to put this out there, the whole website redesign is one of the dumbest, most unintuitive things that I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

Is there anything that can be said for the efficiency of learning systems? Indifference is found in the most unexpected of places. Steven Maynard has been teaching expeditionary studies for 20 years at SUNY Plattsburgh, he’s seen it all.

“When I first got here, there was a house system called Angel, which then went to Moodle and then to Brightspace. For the way I use it, I’m not sure there’s much difference between all three. I think from an environmental point of view, I’d rather save a few trees than print rooms of paper. On Brightspace, students should be able to find pretty much anything.” Maynard said.

In the digital age, an adjustment is definitely in order for those who refuse to learn the system at all.

Then again, an adjustment is in order for learning anything new. As long as students can easily access assignments, and faculty can balance between hands-on learning and remote instruction, the label of the management system doesn’t matter as much.

Email SOPHIE ALBERTIE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Chainsaw Man rips through audiences

BY MICHAEL PURTELL Editor in Chief

Leave any reservations about anime movies at the door.

“Chainsaw Man — the Movie: Reze Arc” brings artistic shot composition, brilliant animation, an emotionally poignant score and the brilliant writing of Tatsuki Fujimoto. There is not much more an audience could ask for from any film.

The movie is a follow-up to the first season of the anime series “Chainsaw Man,” which follows the devil-hearted, teenaged orphan Denji as he chases his dream: Three warm meals a day, a roof over his head and a beautiful girl to play video games and share his life with.

As he is hired to a secret government organization of devil hunters

by Makima, who offers to make his dreams come true, his idea of a perfect future grows and changes.

The Reze arc, which the movie covers in a tight 100 minute runtime, follows Denji’s meeting and subsequent relationship with Reze, a coffee shop waitress who Denji suspects has a crush on him. Having the context of the show helps contextualize the characters involved and elevates the movie, but I would not consider it wholly necessary, as the movie’s plot is self-contained.

I experienced the movie on Halloween eve in theaters, with Japanese audio and subtitles. An English version is available as well for those with an aversion to subtitles.

The movie excels — much like its source material — foremost through its exploration of its well written cast. Fujimoto’s characters all provide strong identities which are understood quickly and then studied

Via Wikimedia Commons

Theatrical release poster for “Chainsaw Man - the Movie: Reze Arc.” through the plot meaningfully. The characters which are familiar, most notably Denji and his roommate/ coworker Aki, are each paired with new members of Public Safety which clarifies aspects of their ideologies as their relationships develop.

Through these relationships, including Denji’s with Reze, the movie makes itself a commentary on love, desire, control, hatred and intimacy.

Denji and Reze’s relationship is truly touching, and following Denji’s internal struggle with his romance defying his allegiance to Makima adds a layer of tension which keeps the slower paced, character focused section of the film engaging.

The most emotionally charged scenes in the film are also underscored by a gorgeous, piano-led soundtrack composed by Kensuke Ushio. It swells so brilliantly that I feel no shame in admitting tears were brought to my eyes at several

points in the movie.

And then, once you’re completely drawn in by the romance the movie explodes into its third act: a city destroying kaiju, destruction of scores of civilians and devil hunters alike and gore-splattered chainsaws.

Animation studio MAPPA and director Tatsuya Yoshihara flexed every cent of their $4.1 million budget — a controversial number as MAPPA remains ensnared in criticism of refusing to allow its animators to unionize — throughout the movie’s extended action sequence. Several stylistic choices coalesce to create sequences that feel totally fresh in a non-stop barrage of violence that spans city streets, collapsing skyscrapers and the eye of a monsoon.

Many took to social media to comment on the movie’s quality. Fans of Fujimoto and Chainsaw Man, of course, nearly universally were elated that the story was animated with such quality, but many who were unfamiliar with the prior work also wrote about how the movie led to them reconsidering their blanket disdain for Japanese animation.

“Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc” is something that transcends its genre. It not only stands as the best anime-series-tie-in movie I’ve seen, but as a phenomenal film that is worth experiencing if you are a fan of animation, film, action or thoughtful and emotional character studies.

Five stars from me.

Ban the bearistas ASAP Starbucks

BY SOPHIE ALBERTIE Opinions Editor

Who else but Americans?

If you or someone you know is above the age of 13 and waited in line at 4 a.m. this past week for a Bearista Starbucks cup, you may be entitled to staying away from me and evSOPHIE erything I hold dear.

ALBERTIE This holiday season, greed is presenting itself as a designer bear shaped cup from Starbucks, with a green hat and straw to match.

It is to be understood that black Friday isn’t what it used to be. Nowadays, uppercutting someone in the jaw for a 90% off flat screen TV has lost all edge. Deals have plummeted, the people yearn for mindless competition and a little bit of blood. The cup itself is cute for maybe $10-15, but this battle of the bucks is deeply unnecessary when the exact same cup is available on amazon in a surplus–just without the logo. Either way, frappe-heads still have to face a whopping $30 for the glassy cub cup.

30. Dollars. You could buy enough strawberry acai refreshers to feed a family of four and still have enough for a cakepop. Go anywhere else and 30 dollars is a full meal, an apple airtag, or a head-to-toe outfit from Goodwill.

We as a society need to fight against this poster child of overconsumption.

At least the Popeyes chicken sandwich was edible.

The real tragedy of this genre of ridiculousness is still having to pay ten dollars for a venti iced gingerbread chai and jalapeno chicken pocket after calling an ambulance for the woman in line behind you who is freaking out and posing questions to the workers like: What do you mean they only have two? I thought they had one for my daughter! I’ve been to every starbies in the tri state area!

Tis the season.

Email SOPHIE ALBERTIE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Email MICHAEL PURTELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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Awards

Cardinal Points has received the following awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP):

ACP Hall of Fame Inducted in Fall 2010

Contact CP cp@cardinalpointsonline.com 118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY 12901

All American

First Class Spring 2018, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2013, three Marks of Distinction Spring 2016, five Marks of Distinction Fall 2012, three Marks of Distinction Spring 2014, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2011, three Marks of Distinction Spring 2010, two Marks of Distinction Spring 2012, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2008, three Marks of Distinction Spring 2011, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2007, one Mark of Distinction Fall 2010, five Marks of Distinction Fall 2007, three Marks of Distinction Fall 2009, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2009, four Marks of Distinction Pacemaker Recognition Fall 2008, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2010, Honorable Mention Spring 2005, four Marks of Distinction 2006-2007, Newspaper Finalist Spring 2004, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2003, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2002, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2001, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2000, four Marks of Distinction