Skip to main content

Cardinal Points Fall 2026 Issue #7

Page 1

WHAT’S IN-

A&C

Opinion

Photo Page

Cardinal Creative

Clay Face Review

Mens Rugby and Mens Hockey

Student Association

SA approves funds for club trips BY GRANT TERWILLIGER Editor-in-Chief

The Student Association on Oct. 21 approved $1,500 each for the Accounting and Finance Association, Student Managed Investment Fund and the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization for conferences. Club Caribbean was approved $1,265 for their second annual Carnival of the Crowns event. The Accounting and Finance Association and the Student Managed Investment Fund were both approved $1,500 for their annual Boston trip taking place Oct. 30 in a 6-0-1 vote for AFA and a 6-0-2 vote for SMIF. The Boston trip allows students in the business department to network with professionals in the industry and learn about what they do. Joshua Betsinger, president of SMIF, said in a message to Cardinal Points that the trip is a great way to learn what jobs are in the finance and accounting field and to learn what ANYA KERN/Cardinal Points they need to do to succeed in future jobs. Senator Hrudayee Jagtap explains the finances for the AccountThe Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization, CEO, was ap- ing and Finance Association and Student Managed Investment proved $1,500 for its annual conference in an 8-0-0 vote. Lu- Fund Boston trip. cero Rojo, president of CEO, said they were selected as one of the top five qualifiers for the CEO Chapter of the Year Award. “This is our second annual event, so that is why we’re ex“It’s for entrepreneurs, and it’s for the entrepreneur mind- pecting such a big outcome for this year,” Jamel Bynum, treaset,” Rojo said. “So you get to meet other students, you get to surer of Club Caribbean said. network, and also do competitions while you’re there.” The Carnival of the Crowns event is $8 for students and $10 The conference will host over 250 additional chapters from for non-students. The SA funds will allow Club Caribbean to colleges across the country. Rojo said they will be doing a pre- finish financing their event. sentation on initiatives they have created, what they have accomplished and how they’ve been able to grow the club and host bigger events and network. Club Caribbean was approved for $1,265 in allocations for its Email GRANT TERWILLIGER second annual Carnival of the Crowns event Nov. 7 in a 7-0-1 cp@cardinalpointsonline.com vote. The event had a total of 140 people last year.


2

▪ News Editor Grant Terwilliger

NEWS

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

Men’s soccer tops SUNYAC

Photo by Emma Deo

Number 13 Sebastian Ruiz celebrates Plattsburgh scoring a goal during their last regular-season game Oct. 24.

BY MATTHEW PITARRESI Athletics Communications Associate

The Plattsburgh State men’s soccer team secured a 2-1 victory over Cortland in the regular-season finale, earning the No. 1 overall seed in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Tournament and ensuring the road to the conference championship runs through Cardinal Country. The matchup featured the SUNYAC’s two remaining undefeated teams, with the overall top seed on the line. The Cardinals entered the contest fresh off clinching the East Division’s No. 1 seed and looking to earn their first victory over Cortland since 2019. Plattsburgh broke through in the 32nd minute when sophomore forward Robbie Kapovic (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills East) found the back of the net to give the Cardinals a 1-0 advantage. The Cardinals added to their lead just before halftime, benefiting from an own goal by Cortland in the 45th minute to take a 2-0 lead into the break. The second half brought a major test for Plattsburgh, as senior defender Davis Lopez (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) was issued a red card in the 51st minute following a tackle inside the penalty area that denied a goal-scoring opportunity for Cortland forward Diego Rivera. The Red Dragons were awarded a penalty kick, but junior goalkeeper Matthew D’Ippolito (Baldwin Place, N.Y./

Somers) came up with a crucial save to preserve the Cardinals’ two-goal advantage. Plattsburgh was forced to play the majority of the second half with 10 men, with the Cardinals’ defense working to protect its lead against a determined Cortland attack. The Red Dragons finished with 15 second-half shots and six corner kicks as they looked to capitalize on the numerical advantage. Cortland eventually cut into the deficit in the 82nd minute, with Owen Brant scoring to make it a one-goal game. However, the Cardinals held firm over the final minutes to secure the 2-1 victory and complete the regular season on a high note. Cortland finished with a 22-8 advantage in shots and a 10-3 edge in shots on goal. D’Ippolito recorded nine saves for Plattsburgh, while the Cardinals earned three corner kicks compared to six for the Red Dragons. With the victory, Plattsburgh State finishes the regular season with a 10-3-3 overall record and a 7-0-1 mark in SUNYAC play, clinching the No. 1 overall seed in the conference tournament. The Cardinals earn a bye to the semifinal round and will host its matchup on Wednesday, Nov. 4, as it looks to start its postseason run. Email MATTHEW PITARRESI cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

▪


▪

News Editor Grant Terwilliger

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

Women’s soccer finishes second

▪

Photo by Gabe Dickens

Sophomore defense Mariah Nowicki takes a shot at the net during their last regular season game Oct. 24. BY MATTHEW PITARRESI Athletics Communications Associate

The Plattsburgh State women’s soccer team wrapped up the regular season on the road, falling to Cortland, 5-0, in a rematch of last season’s SUNYAC Championship game with the conference’s No. 1 seed on the line. The Cardinals entered the matchup needing a win to claim the top seed in the SUNYAC Tournament, but Cortland scored once in the first half before adding four goals after the break. Cortland opened the scoring in the 22nd minute as Gianna Cirilla found the back of the net off an assist from Tyla Vuotto to give the Red Dragons a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. The Red Dragons extended their advantage early in the second half, with Haley Loscalzo scoring on a free kick in the 51st minute. Just 22 seconds later, Cirilla struck again, heading home a cross from Vuotto and Leah Rehm to make it 3-0.

Cirilla completed her hat trick in the 61st minute, finishing a through ball from Rehm to push the Cortland lead to four. Vuotto added the final goal in the 75th minute, scoring off another assist from Rehm to cap the 5-0 result. Plattsburgh recorded nine shots, including three on goal, while Cortland finished with 21 shots and 12 on target. The Cardinals earned five corner kicks compared to four for the Red Dragons. With the loss, the Cardinals finish the regular season with a 9-3-4 overall record and a 6-1-1 mark in SUNYAC play, earning the No. 2 overall seed in the SUNYAC Tournament. Plattsburgh receives a bye to the semifinal round and will host its semifinal matchup on Wednesday, Nov. 4, as it looks to start its postseason run.

Email MATTHEW PITARRESI cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

3


‘Clayface’ neither good nor bad BY EVAN RANDO Web Editor

“Clayface,” directed by James Watkins, starring Tom Rhys Harries and Naomi Ackie is the newest installment in James Gunn’s extended DC universe, and it’s a muddy one. Synopsis Harries plays Matt Hagen, an up and coming actor who is on cloud nine after receiving his first academy award nomination. Hagen’s fortune quickly shifts after an entanglement with the fiance of Gotham City crime boss Markos Sabo, played by David Dencik. The actor is attacked and left horribly disfigured. A face that once turned heads in admiration and enamorment now draws the same attention, but in fear and disgust. Desperate, Hagen turns to doctor Caitlyn Corr, played by Ackie, an excommunicated scientist whose work in cell regeneration may provide Hagen the miracle he needs. Corr agrees to give Hagen an experimental and unapproved procedure, and against all odds it works. Hagen is quick to get back into his celebrity lifestyle, but the side effects of this procedure prove to be quicker. Our protagonist is left in a disgustingly wicked battle against not only his own body, but those who wronged him before. Review I, like most fans of the genre, have grown tired of the formulaic and cookie cutter nature of these superhero flicks. So when I heard “Clayface” was going to be an R-rated body horror film, inspired by the works of industry staples such as David Cronenberg, I figured this may have been just what the doctor ordered for DC studios. However, I held some slight concerns about how the general audience would re-

Creative Advertising Group/ Wikimedia

Clayface movie poster.

act to a film about a D-list Batman villain that doesn’t even bother to mention even the name of the titular character. Nonetheless, my interest was definitely piqued. “Clayface” will satiate a certain bloodlust that the modern superhero audience has been desperately lacking. It’s filled with enough blood and gore to make it stand out amongst a heap of comic book slop, and admittedly that blood and gore is great. All the scenes involving Hagen descending into an amalgamated mess of clay and goop are beautifully grotesque and squirm-inducing. One scene in particular involving eyes, an airplane bathroom and a pair of scissors is sure to bring even the most desensitized of viewers to heavy discomfort. When you look past the gnarly visuals and practical effects, the movie starts to show some serious flaws. It doesn’t matter how hard this film tries to divert from its inherent genre, it’s still a comic book movie that shares a lot of the

same problems that studio-heavy productions have been plagued with. This film sacrifices so much intriguing material and potential for the sake of still being able to appeal to a larger audience. They show their hand just enough for you as an audience member to be impressed or grossed out, but never seem to be willing to completely dive into what it truly wants to be. This movie could be a complete full course entree of atmospheric weirdness and stomach turning body horror, however it chooses to only let those elements be small side dishes in what is a meal stuffed with rushed story beats and hollow characters. The first 30 minutes of this film are paced poorly, with many plot points thrown in and glazed over without a second thought. Never once does the film let you sit with a scene and think on it. Combine this with some truly cringe worthy dialogue that couldn’t even be salvaged by the great performances from our lead actors, and I was left with a sort of whiplash type feeling I couldn’t really shake. Was this a bad movie with some good parts? A good movie with bad parts? I honestly can’t tell. “Clayface” is a film that doesn’t know what it wants to be and I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel about it. On one hand, I feel obliged to give this movie some flowers for going out and taking a swing. It’s important for films to keep trying to push boundaries especially with a genre so chock full of cliches, but if you really want to reinvent what this category of movie can be, you gotta commit to the bit all the way. Unfortunately, “Clayface” shied away from going all in on that risk. With all that being said, I’m giving DC Studios’ “Clayface” a strong 2.5 to a light three on stars. Email EVAN RANDO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com


▪

Arts & Culture Editor Adam Blanchard

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

Connections By Anya Kern

Answers > 9

▪

5


Cardinal Creative: Calico Withall

Withall transforms mundane routine into expressive paintings BY ADAM BLANCHARD Managing Editor

Art major Calico Withall’s passion for painting started early in her life, with her mother being her biggest influence. Withall’s mother, an artist, had a studio in her house. Withall said she would watch her mother create art and began to love the medium as a result. “There was never a doubt in my head that painting, or art, was what I wanted to do,” Withall said. “From as long as I can remember, it’s always been my thing.” Originally from New Paltz, Withall attended Ulster County Community College prior to SUNY Plattsburgh where she concentrated in painting. Now a senior at SUNY Plattsburgh, Withall maintains her concentration in painting. Withall said her favorite subjects to produce are portraits. She said she enjoys the complexity of telling a person’s story through a painting. Withall said she also enjoys painting still lives, but has never found landscapes fun to create. When making portraits, Withall focuses on color theory to make her pieces unique. Her current series, “Human After All,” aims to show love for everyday activities through specific color choices. One piece in the series, “Out of Place,” consists of Withall straightening her hair in the bathroom, which uses a variety of colors such

Adam Blanchard/Cardinal Points Art major Calico Withall beside her painting, “Out of Place.”

“I don’t know where it comes from, but as neon green for the bathroom tiles in the background as well as dark blues and color is one of my favorite things in the purples for the figure. Withall said her pro- world,” Withall said. “So bringing it to fessors consider her work contemporary in my art is just second nature.” Withall said she hopes that these col terms of topic and general style.


▪

Arts & Culture Editor Adam Blanchard

ors help bring about the emotional aspects of mundane activities. She said she hopes that people can relate to the content in her paintings. “It’s about describing what it means to be human and taking ordinary human experiences and portraying that,” Withall said. “When people look at my art, I want them to see a piece of themselves in it.” When starting on a painting, Withall begins by thinking about an issue to tackle that will fit into her overall theme. For example, in her piece, “Out of Place,” Withall said she wanted to

ARTS & CULTURE create a commentary on fitting into societal norms. After coming up with an idea, Withall gathers reference pictures and projects one that best fits her vision onto her canvas and begins the painting process. She said she works section by section, concentrating on a single object or area of the painting until the canvas is filled. Withall has submitted and has had multiple artworks in exhibitions. This semester, Withall has a piece in the Myers Lobby Gallery as part of the “Studio Select” Exhibition. Withall has also had work in the “Best of SUNY” exhibi-

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

▪

tion on two separate occasions. Withall said she submitted another piece to “Best of SUNY” this semester. “I don’t exist without art, it’s everything to me.” Withall said. “The world would be such a different place if we didn’t have art.” To see more of Withall’s art, check out her Instagram, @calicoivvy.

Email ADAM BLANCHARD cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Tradesmen of the North Country immortalized in Slatkins exhibition BY KHAELLE HARRIS Staff Writer

Artist Shawndel Fraser explores the connection between work, devotion and toxic masculinity in “Hands That Nurture: Perspectives of Masculine Devotion,” an exhibition which features sculptures and photographs of tradesmen and craftspeople from the North Country and Adirondack region. The exhibition opened on Oct. 20 in the Slatkins Gallery and remains open to the public through Dec. 4. Fraser, environmental psychologist and artist, said the project grew from reflections on how the men in her family expressed devotion as well as her interest in the history of the abolitionist John Brown. Fraser’s interest in Brown and the Adirondacks influenced her decision to work with tradesmen in the region. She said she wished to explore whether the same kind of devotion she saw in the historical context would be found among tradesmen. Fraser said she focused on sculptures of hands because she saw them as a way to

Khaelle Harris/Cardinal Points

Photos of North Country tradesmen in the Slatkins Gallery exhibition. communicate the nurture aspect men carThe relationships she built with the ry. Through sculpture and photography, subjects shaped the project in various she could present their hands while also EXHIBITION > 8 documenting their work environments.

7


8 ▪ Arts & Culture Editor Adam Blanchard

ARTS & CULTURE

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

Exhibition Continued from page 7 ways. Fraser said some involved creating art together, while others involved shared dinners and collaborative activities. Norman Taber, professor of art, said he attended the reception after collaborating with Fraser and discussing her work on previous occasions. He said the combination of sculpture and photography offered a way to consider how people’s work relates to the identity of a person as a whole. “The person’s hands say a lot about them,” Taber said. Taber said many men associate themselves closely with their trade identity, making the exhibition an opportunity to investigate how work can shape the identity of a person. Taber also said art contributes to education

by helping people express themself and understand other perspectives. Marcus Marenda, associate for academic budgets and resources in the provost’s office, said a photograph of Farmer Aaron Calazza holding apples particularly stood out to him as well as a sculpture of a hand holding a lighter. Marenda said he was drawn towards the photograph’s contrast of the earthy setting between apples and the dirt on Calazza’s hands. Marenda also said he believes the exhibition creates a connection between the university and the rural community that surrounds it. Museum Director Tonya Cribb said Fraser’s exhibition was a great fit for the museum’s programming, which includes

artwork encouraging conversations about gender and masculinity that connect to regional history and issues that remain relevant today. Cribb said she appreciated Fraser’s approach to combining art with research because it gives students an opportunity to engage with ideas beyond traditional classroom settings. “I don’t think it’s us and them. It’s all of us,” Cribb said. Fraser said she hopes visitors will keep an open mind as they move through the exhibition rather than have a predetermined interpretation. Email KHAELLE HARRIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

BY GRYPHON AKRIDGE-PHILLIPS Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Gatherings could put you in contact with people from your past. Pleasant memories will pave the path for a better future. At this time situations are of a favorable enterprise.

Gemini (May 21 Now is a good time to take action on financial – June 20) or business plans. Involvement in social events will brighten your life.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Important and powerful forces are affecting your life. Be sure you are on a positive path to take advantage of this.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Important news and messages may come to your attention, be careful in how you use this information. There may soon come a time when you experience betrayal, misfortune or loss.

STAFF WRITER

Sagittarius Opportunities will (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) come for you to learn new skills.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

There could be a new job on the way, a change in location or some experience gained.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 There is success, – Feb. 18) You are building a firm hope and triumph foundation however in what you hope more patience and time for currently. are needed before all the pieces are in place. Pisces (Feb. 19 – Financial security is on the way to make your March 20) Scorpio (Oct. 23 Your past efforts and life easier. If you are – Nov. 21) thoughts directed at hanging onto somechange may allow you thing no longer needto take on a new role or ed, you must release it make a radical change in before new opportuniyour lifestyle. ties can occur. Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

▪


▪

Arts & Culture Editor Adam Blanchard

Answers Continued from page 5 Category 1: HORROR HOMETOWNS: ELM STREET, CRYSTAL LAKE, HADDONFIELD, AMITYVILLE Category 2: KILLERS FIRST NAMES: JASON, FREDDY, MICHAEL, NORMAN Category 3: STEPHEN KING ADAPTATIONS: MISERY, CARRIE, CUJO, CHRISTINE Category 4: DIRECTORS’ LAST NAMES: CRAVEN, CARPENTER, ROMERO, RAIMI

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

▪

9


10

▪ Photography Editor Anya Kern

PHOTOSPREAD

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

Men’s hockey knocks out Kangaroos 7-5

Anya Kern/ Cardinal Points

First-year Charlie Burchfield celebrates with his team after scoring his first goal of the season.

Anya Kern/ Cardinal Points Emily Benard/ Cardinal Points

Burchfield facing off.

Plattsburgh State took on SUNY Canton on Oct. 24. The Cards fought a neck-and-neck battle, but ended up taking it by two points. Plattsburgh State launches into the regular season on Oct. 30 as they head out of town to face VTSU-Castleton.

▪


▪ Photography Editor Anya Kern

PHOTOSPREAD

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

Cardinals face defeat in last regular season matchup Photos by Anya Kern

Peter Speranza preparing for the scrum.

Jack Fitzgerald, Speranza and Joshua Grant mid-lift.

Grant initiating a tackle.

▪ 11


Editorial Board Editor in Chief Grant Terwilliger

Managing Editor Adam Blanchard

News Editor Grant Terwilliger

Arts & Culture Editor

Adam Blanchard

Sports Editor Vacant Graphics Editor Kimora DeCoteau

Contact CP

Opinion Editor Vacant

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Photography Editor Anya Kern

Multimedia Editor Sydney Blake

Web Editor

Evan Rando Faculty Adviser Jack Downs

118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY 12901


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Cardinal Points Fall 2026 Issue #7 by Cardinal Points - Issuu