Reflection trees made for Black History Month
Cardinals clinch playoff spot with win streak
Halftime show outshines the big game
Campus prepares for CCC arrival in fall
BY MICHAEL PURTELL Editor in Chief
As Plattsburgh State prepares for Clinton Community’s move-in, the campus faces changes to several departments.
After announcing a year ago that the Clinton Community College would move its programs to buildings on Plattsburgh State’s campus by Fall 2025, there is only one semester left before the change becomes reality.
“Our co-location work remains on schedule,” wrote Dr. Alexander Enyedi, President of Plattsburgh State in his February campus update email.
The email update confirmed the successful shift of eight total Plattsburgh departments and offices to Kehoe and Beaumont. The next phase will include the final departmental moves and will begin around “midmarch,” according to Enyedi’s update.
EFFECT ON STUDENTS
The historical move had some on campus concerned about changing
life on campus in various ways, but administration asserts that there should be no impact on students other than the presence of Clinton Community students around campus and the relocation of some programs, said Heather Haskins, Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing.
A rumor making its way across campus was that the move would impact the cost of student housing in future semesters. Magen Renadette, Vice President of Administration & Finance put this rumor to rest, confirming that housing prices will not be affected.
CCC also is the host of four athletic programs: men’s cross country, women’s cross country, men’s soccer and men’s basketball. How these programs will be affected by the move has yet to be determined, with Clinton Community and the SUNY system working on a Memorandum of Agreement that will determine how these programs will or won’t be integrated into Plattsburgh’s athletic complexes, Renadette said.
RELOCATIONS
Departments that will be affected by phase three of relocations include; Anthropology and Sociology, which will move to Beaumont; Criminology, which will move into Ward; and Canadian Studies, which will move into 102 Broad St.
The goal is to allow space in Redcay Hall and 133 Court St., the current home of Canadian Studies at Plattsburgh, for Clinton Community to host its administrative offices and classrooms.
The building has been the home to the Center for the Study of Canada since its introduction in 1975, said Christopher Kirkey, director of the center for the study of Canada.
The center’s relocation has stirred up some emotions amongst its members.
“This has been the sole home for the center for the study of Canada.” Kirkey said.
The department move came as a surprise at first when Kirkey heard about it in May last year. The news dug up a melancholy nostalgia for years of great memories in the building. The
building has housed ambassadors and government officials.
“There’s been a lot of accomplishments physically tied to this building,” Kirkey said.
Kirkey is grateful for the time and attention Plattsburgh State has put into the “extraordinarily large job” of moving so many departments.
One of the benefits to the new location on Broad St. is that it’s more centrally located, which Kirkey likes about the building.
Many departments face similar moves to the Center for Canadian Studies, but the evolution of campus is still something for members of the student body and staff to look forward to.
“It’s going to be our job to make sure the new place lives up to what we did here,” Kirkey said. “We’ve got a legacy to carry forward.”
Email MICHAEL PURTELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Winterfest succeeds in second celebration
BY MICHAEL PURTELL Editor in Chief
Learning to love the winter cold is key to adjusting to the North Country campus at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Plattsburgh State’s Wellness Week was capped off with the second annual Winterfest celebration. Students were invited to Hawkins Pond to enjoy barrel fires, eat free walking waffles, drink hot chocolate and take the Burrrghy Plunge into the icy waters of the pond.
The event was also the host of a food drive which collected non-perishable goods for the student food pantry. The drive collected three large boxes of donations.
“Today has been a great success. It’s a very cold day, but everyone’s enjoying themselves and it’s for a great cause.” University Police Chief Patrick Rascoe said.
PULLING A CROWD
The event hosted several different crowds over its three hours. Students, faculty and
staff all rotated in and out of the event grounds.
“I’m so proud of how the community came together to support the event,” said Dr. Karen McGrath, the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success.
“Today is just about the community having fun and enjoying winter in the Adirondacks.
The entire Cardinal men’s lacrosse team made an appearance about an hour into the festival. The group arrived excited to participate in the Burrrghy Plunge, and brought several bulk boxes of canned goods for the food drive.
Out of the 48 man roster, 10 athletes took the plunge to raucous applause by teammates and other spectators.
“Our coach sent the festival info to our group chat,” Graduate student Anthony Faber said. “It got a bunch of our guys fired up to do the plunge — and it’s always great to donate too.”
The team encouraged the less excited participants in the plunge with the classic mantra: “Do it for the ‘gram.” Faber
joked that the posts were another reason the team was so excited to attend the Festival.
“It’s always good to show your face in the community and help out with donations.” Faber said.
Many members of the women’s soccer team arrived at Winterfest later in the afternoon, ready to have a good time in celebration of Wellness Week, said sophomore Grace Reeve, who took the plunge.
In total, 61 students braved the icy waters of Hawkins Pond. “It shows we can do anything,” Reeve said.
HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points
(Left to right) Claire Bottjer, Kelly Licata and Macie Bolton leave the ice after plunging Feb. 15.
WINTER
P-R file photo
Clinton Community college announced its historic move as the first college to relocate to a four-year institution last January.
February 15
University police made an arrest on Beekman Street in response to a driver charged with DUI and Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
February 16
UP identified possession of cannabis in DeFredenburgh Hall. The case was closed by investigation.
February 17
University police made an arrest related to a 2nd degree harassment charge in Memorial Hall.
UP identified possession of cannabis in Harrington Hall. The case was closed by investigation.
February 18
Two cases of petit larceny occurred, one at the Cardinal Market and one at the Health Center. Both cases were closed by investigation.
Student Association
SA fills last spots, looks ahead
BY ABIGAIL PASSAFIUME Staff Writer
The Student Association swore in the last vacant senate seat and approved a Campus Service presentation at its meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Zoey Saunderson, a first-year psychology major from Brooklyn, NY joins the senate as the last member to be sworn in this semester Saunderson showed interest in the senate to get involved with the SUNY Plattsburgh community.
“I ran for this senator position because in high school I was a organizer for my theatre program, starting off as a small stage manager to running all of school shows in the arts by my senior year — I miss that part of the job so much that I think the senator position will be great to fill that hole of being a great community member.” Saunderson said.
President Kalema Gooding led Saunderson in an oath of office followed by congratulations and a round of applause by the rest of the senate.
The four newest senators, three initiated last week and one this week, showed their interest in specific boards, thereby filling the missing positions.
Senator Dominick Andre will serve on the board for academic affairs. Saunderson will fill the spot on the accreditation board. The vacancy in the legislation review board will be filled by senator Jack Sweet and senator Kayla Alonzo will slot in with the Club and Organization Affairs Board.
The vote for assignments was held and passed unanimously.
Shivear Parker, the Coordinator of Clubs and Organizations, delivered his Campus Service presentation which the Senators will take into classrooms to teach new students and prospective members about the Student Association.
“I made the presentation so the senators can present it in classes to promote awareness about the SA and what we provide. It also helps us get a head start on engagement for elections.” Parker said.
The presentation includes the SA’s mission, values, goals and explains why the election is so important. At the end, there will be two QR codes, one for students who are interested in running in the election and one for voting information. There will also be surveys on the presentation asking if it was helpful.
Senators express that they would like more photos after reviewing
the presentation, so students know who is currently on the board.
“Is there going to be a slide that shows all the senators’ faces and maybe the boards they are involved on?” Senator Elizabeth Alden said.. “ I think it would be beneficial for the students to see the faces of the Student Association.”
Other senators agreed with Alden.
“Maybe we don’t have to do individual photos with our positions, but some sort of group photo where it shows the entire Student Association,” said Sweet.
The senate approved the presentation with the change of adding a group photo to help place faces to go with their descriptions.
The meeting ended with an announcement from Student Association advisor Tyler Hargraves.
“Once again we finally have a full senate. Keep the momentum going,” said Hargraves. “This is the most important time of the Student Association right now. Filling next year’s positions, having a competitive election and raising awareness of the Student Association.”
Poet builds wellness, stanzas
BY GUILIANNA LAURAIN Staff Writer
Caroline Rothstein hosted a workshop promoting body positivity & boundaries as a part of campus’ Wellness week Thursday, Feb. 13.
Rothstein, a writer, poet, performer and educator led an interactive session that dove into body image, consent, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. This wasn’t a typical lecture; It was a real, honest conversation about mental wellness.
Rothstein made sure the space felt safe and inclusive from the very start. She opened up about her own experiences with eating disorders, anxiety, and depression and talked about how self-love ultimately helped her regain control of her mental and physical well-being.
A key takeaway from the workshop was outlining how consent isn’t just about sexual situations.
Rothstein explained that consent also applies to things like personal space, emotional boundaries and
Rothstein’s honesty set the tone for an open discussion where everyone could reflect on their own journeys with body image and mental health.
Contact Editor in Chief Michael Purtell at
mental wellness in relationships. She made it clear that boundaries are something we all need to consider in our daily lives, not just in navigating the way we interact with others, but within ourselves as well.
The workshop worked to widen perception on topics such as body imaging, fat positivity, body neutrality, and healthy boundaries. Body neutrality encourages accepting your body as it is without labeling it as good or bad.
CAMERON GREAVES/Cardinal Points
ABIGAIL PASSAFIUME/Cardinal Points
Shivear Parker presents the template for the QR code page at the SA senate meeting Feb 12.
GUILIANNA LAURAIN/Cardinal Points
Caroline Rothstein speaks to a group of Plattsburgh students Feb. 13.
Group works to demystify toxic masculinity
BY MEADOW CUPPS Staff Writer
Feminist movements can be mischaracterized as anti-man, which is why it is important for inclusive movements to support men as allies.
Plattsburgh State’s Title IX office hosted two events over Wellness Week focused on educating men on feminist ideas. A Zoom meeting was held focused on educated men and boys on bystander intervention Wednesday, Feb 12 and the first of six dialogues on healthy masculinity was held in the H.U.B on Friday, Feb. 14.
The Healthy Masculinity Dialogue will be hosted every other week until April 25, and is led by Plattsburgh’s men’s masculinity group. The Valentine’s day discussion was hosted by the Educational Opportunity Program’s Senior Counselor Taj Ellis and Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student Jonah Nemetez.
The first dialogue was called early due to lack of participants, but the topic remains important to the men’s masculinity group.
The EOP’s assistant director Charlson Joseph partnered with the Title IX head coordinator Kim Irland, Ellis and Nemetez to form a men’s masculinity group on campus last year.
Ellis was inspired by his time on campus as a student where he participated in a women’s group.
“I just thought to myself when I was a student, ‘Why isn’t there a men’s masculinity group on campus?’ So I met up with Kim to get one going.” Ellis said. “The women’s group is great, but masculinity can be such a controversial topic, so it needs a space to be discussed.”
Ellis and Nemetez hope to use the frequent discussion series’ to reinstate on campus what masculinity means and steer conversations to allow students to learn about masculinity in a healthy environment.
“After being a part of both groups, I’ve realized there is no real definition of masculinity. However you identify
yourself, masculinity comes along with it.” Ellis said.
Nemetez agreed with Ellis, stating that traditionally masculine ideas like toughness or strength should be practiced by anyone of any gender healthily. When enforcing gender roles too rigidly, toxic and unhealthy masculinity takes root, both Ellis and Nemetez said. This is why it is important to promote healthy masculinity in everyone.
Irland said the benefits for students who participate in this organization are great, as it allows for a safe space to be seen and heard for anyone on campus who wants to share their voice.
WINTER
Continued from page 1
Campus Sorority Delta Phi Epsilon made an appearance late into the event, taking a group plunge.
A GROUP EFFORT
Winterfest is the culmination of multiple sponsors and organizers. McGrath led a committee of Enrollment and Student Success employees, which spearheaded the event’s planning and execution.
Other organizations were instrumental in the event’s activities. Chartwells provided catering including free walking waffles and hot chocolate and the Plattsburgh Fire Department cut the hole in the ice for students to take the plunge and ran safety.
“We have great partnerships with the Plattsburgh Fire Department and Chartwells,” Rascoe said. “It’s led to a great success.”
The City of Plattsburgh also provided the warming barrels for the fires at the event. The barrels offered warm spots for participants to congregate in the winter weather.
CAMPUS IDENTITY
As a SUNY in the Adirondacks, embracing the winter weather is important to the campus experience. Being able to attend events in ice and snow is a perk of Plattsburgh State, McGrath said.
“One of the things we really have going for us at SUNY Plattsburgh is our location,” McGrath said. “We’re so fortunate to have four seasons, and so we have to celebrate winter and make it into something special.”
Embracing the cold is why the event ties in well with wellness week. Encouraging students to leave their dorms is important in the cold weather.
POET
“It’s important to dialogue about because toxic masculinity can put up walls and stop conversations. Talking about how it can be healthy breaks these stereotypes,” Irland said.
Men on campus were asked to share their opinions on masculinity, and over half provided the traditional definition. Some cited masculinity as something held by a head-ofhousehold, providers or cited other paternal familial roles.
As students on campus struggle to understand masculinity in a greater capacity, the dialogue series will continue to be important to host.
Body Neutrality allows individuals to stop placing so much value on their body’s appearance and instead find peace with what’s there. Rothstein stressed that there’s no one-size-fits-all definition for these ideas, and they can evolve over time.
The interactivity of the workshop made it a unique experience for attendees. Rothstein led participants through exercises that helped them practice defining and asserting their boundaries with themselves and others.
“We need a program like this to help men on this campus identify what masculinity looks like, if it has the capacity to be toxic or healthy and in what ways we can support healthy interpersonal behaviors in general,” Ellis said.
Students at the event were given handouts filled with key takeaways, questions for reflection, and prompts to help apply what was learned to their own lives.
The questionnaire asked participants to reflect on what ideas were new to them, what reinforced their current beliefs, and how they could incorporate what they’d learned into their daily routines.
The approach helped solidify the workshop’s messages and aimed to give everyone something tangible to take away.
The evening wrapped up with a Spoken Word Poetry Hour, where Rothstein shared some of her own work and invited participants to do the same. This let the work-
shop’s themes settle in for participants, giving students the opportunity to process everything they’d just discussed and express their feelings through poetry.
Whether it was sharing their own work or listening to others, the poetry hour created a space for connection and expression. It tied together the workshop’s teachings, and reinforced self-love and community support that had been woven throughout the evening.
“We’re just trying to get people outside for Wellness Week,” McGrath said. “We’re celebrating the great outdoors of the Adirondacks and getting people out in the environment.”
Even if students don’t take the plunge, facing the cold weather is enough of a confidence booster, McGrath said.
The success of the event has guaranteed the committee will try to keep it an annual tradition.
“We’re gonna do this every year,” Rascoe said. “It’s only gonna get better and better.”
MEADOW CUPPS/Cardinal Points
Club organizers Jonah Nemetez (Left) and partner Taj Ellis (right) at the Angell College Center H.U.B Feb. 14.
JAYNE SMITH/Cardinal Points Burghy, University Chief Police Patrick Rascoe and a member of Plattsburgh’s Fire Department at a barrel fire.
‘Love Bugs’ show spreads joy
BY CHRISTIAN TUFINO Staff Writer
Tarot cards, feng shui and snails, what’s the commonality? Love. With Valentine’s day around the corner, Late Night for the Planet covers love through nature and spirituality.
Olive Ridley’s hosted the talk show run by students Kaiser Beckford and Taygin Jump. The vintage decorations paired with the subtle orange and pink lighting created a warm and cozy vibe, reflecting the lighthearted and informative talk show. A college student greeted guests at the door and asked if you’d like to enter into the tarot card raffle, where you could potentially get your cards read by a professional tarot card reader.
As a student musician stepped off stage, Beckford and Jump stepped on stage and introduced themselves. They bounce off of each other and the crowd, immediately setting a welcoming and playful tone for the rest of the show.
The first segment involved tarot card reading run by Kim, the owner of Karmic Pharm. The tarot card reading is picked from the raffle at the beginning of the event. Two guests are called
up to get their reading done. People laugh and cheer for their friends who get called up, faces turning beet red as they walk up to the stage.
Kim told the guest to pick between two vibrant crystals, one blue and one red, without thinking. She used these crystals to decide the tarot deck she’ll use to read the guest and announce what cards were pulled. After the reading was done, the guests got off the stage grinning like a kid as their futures were prophesied with great love ahead of them.
Kim exited the stage and Beckford reintroduced herself, not as the host but as an entomologist, and called up two guests to demonstrate the strange but intricate reproduction of snails through a guided interpretive dance.
Beckford handed the two guests heart antenna headbands and pompons. She began by narrating how two snails find and interact with each other. The two guests smiled and giggled at the ridiculous scenario they reenacted, as they danced and jumped around while acting out the narration. Beckford on the side of the stage laughed so much you can hear it through the microphone.
The segment ended but the laughter of the crowd could still be felt. Beckford introduces the final guest, 25 year feng shui professional Katina Proveneal. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day Provencal tells us about how we can create positive feng shui in our rooms. Proveneal created a QR code for the guest to play a game where you can see and vote on the feng shui of volunteer guest rooms. Feng shui is all about vibes and Proveneal believes that the state of your room reflects you as a person, and urges us to take a look at how our space defines us.
The night encapsulated the Valentines day spirit. Love and spirituality brought the show together and brought the guests together for a night of games and environmental wisdom.
Lyrical Faith, activist poet, visits SUNY Plattsburgh.
BY GRANT TERWILLIGER Arts and Culture Editor
Spoken word poet Lyrical Faith, brings activism and engagement to the Warren Ballrooms.
Lyrical Faith is a graduate of the public relations program at Syracuse University, an educator, an award-winning international spoken word poet and activist who has traveled all over the world performing poetry.
On Feb. 19, Lyrical Faith performed at the Angell College Center Ballroom at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“I’ve traveled all over the world, and I’ve gotten to do poems in a lot of different places, but wherever I go, and I haven’t lived in the city for a while, like several years now, but wherever I go, I feel like New York City was a very integral part of who I am as a person,” Lyrical Faith said.
Lyrical Faith interacts with the audience and brings enthusiasm to those in attendance through a call and response performance with sounds such as key jingling and snaps.
“In the world of spoken word, we like energy, we like excitement. You know what I’m saying, and so I love call and response,”Lyrical Faith said.
Email CHRISTIAN TUFINO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Painted trees mark new campus tradition
BY GRANT TERWILLIGER Arts and Culture Editor
Black History Month allows a time for reflection and celebration. With a new year, new ideas are created to honor history and culture.
The office of diversity, equity and inclusion, students in the art department and other faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh started a new tradition for celebrating black culture on campus, Reflection Trees.
Coordinator for Multicultural Initiatives Chris Chamar’s was one of the organizers of the project along with Success Coach and Academic Coordinator Christopher Ryan.
“Christopher reached out in December with this proposal about an annual reflection tree. So I read the proposal and thought that it was a really great idea,” Chamars said. “We agreed to take the winter break to think of how this would come to life — how we would actually create this idea and make it real.”
Ryan sought to create student involvement not only with the making of the trees themselves but by allowing students to add reflection leaves and build community along the tree.
“Inspiration for this project came from the idea that history is not static; it’s something we inherit, shape and pass forward. The Reflection Tree offers a tangible way for people to add their voices to that ongoing story,” Christopher Ryan wrote in an email.
Chamars reached out to the Art and Theater departments, and Museum director Tonya Cribb for assistance on the project. They only
had a limited amount of time, which affected their original plan for the project.
“We talked about possibly getting trees and then having fabric so people can write on them and add to it like a Christmas tree, where you put little ornaments up. As much as we liked that idea, that was a really tough one to get off the ground in less than a month,” Chamars said.
Via Environmental Club
Late Night for the Planet promotional poster.
FAITH > 5
GRANT TERWILLIGER/Cardinal Points
The reflection tree at the Feinberg Library.
GRANT TERWILLIGER/Cardinal Points Lyrical Faith performs at the Warren Ballroom
JAYNE SMITH/Cardinal Points
The reflection tree at Hawkins Hall. TREES > 5
FRIDAY 2/21
Japanese Music and Ramen Night Campus Housing & Community Living event. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Mason Hall First Floor Lounge.
CARDINAL CALENDAR
FRIDAY 2/21
CEES Seminar
The CEES Seminar Series Presents Gary Henry, Stream Restoration Manager. Hudson Hall 106, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 21 - Mar. 6
SATURDAY 2/22
CARDINAL LOVE GAME SHOW
A night of fun hosted by Fuerza: The BIPOC Student Union. Expect fun challenges, amazing performances and good vibes.
MONDAY 2/24
Hearing from activists
A Diversity, Equity & Inclusion event in the HUB. 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
FRIDAY 2/28 FRIDAY 2/28 MONDAY 3/3
5 Dolla Fete
The ultimate Caribbean party experience with high energy, reggae, dancehall, soca music and culture. Hosted by Spicy Island Tings 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
TREES
Continued from page 4
The project in its current state only took a few days. They started the project on a friday and sketched out the trees and gesso painted them, at the end of the day half of the trees were completed. At the end of their meeting Monday, they had finished all five of the trees.
Cameron Greaves, Student Association coordinator for the arts and public relations, helped reach out and organize other students in the art department and get them on board to help paint the trees. After the completion of the project, the trees were placed one each in Sibley Hall, Feinberg Library, Memorial Hall, Hawkins Hall and Au Sable Hall.
“People can see the tree and take time to think and come back. So it’s a way to invite community,” Chamar said.
Ryan sees the trees as a way for the campus to engage in
Common Roots Mixer and Concert
The Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir will host a mixer featuring down-home soul food at 5 p.m. followed by a concert with the Gospel Choir. At the Church of the Nazarene.
community and not only think about the past but also the future.
“As Simone Weil wrote, ‘Human beings have roots by virtue of their active participation in a collective.’ The Reflection Tree is a reflection of that belief,” Ryan wrote in an email. “It’s a way for our campus community to engage in Black history as something living and evolving, rather than something confined to the past.”
Disclaimer: Cameron Greaves, who participated in the creation of this project, is affiliated with Cardinal Points. They are the Cardinal Points Graphics Editor.
Visual Artist Series Presentation
At 5:00 p.m. in Yokum Hall, room 205 The subject of the presentation is a 15th-century Hebrew manuscript known as the First Darmstadt Haggadah.
WEDNESDAY 2/26 2/15
Project Blackbird Film Screening
A film screening by Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
TUESDAY 3/4 - 3/5
The Great Cardinal Cook-Off
Hosted by Access & Opportunity Programs. Four clubs will go head to head at Clinton Country Dining Hall 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Email GRANT TERWILLIGER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
You may be going through some hardships this week or feel disconnected from the world around you. Take time to reflect on your current situation.
Take time to follow your passions and find what brings you a sense of peace.
This week you will break free of the shackles in your life. The change may be difficult but you will reach a sense of freedom.
You might be feeling a sense of loss over someone or something in your life this week. Stay positive, everything will be okay.
THURSDAY 2/27
Mural Night Join the Plattsburgh Association of the Visual Arts for a mural painting event in the Career Development Center. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
THURSDAY 3/6
End Days by Deborah Zoe Laufer
A play by Deborah Zoe Laufer Hartman by the Departments of Music and Theatre, John Myers Building. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
FAITH
Continued from page 4
Although Lyrical Faith performs original material; she takes inspiration from songs such as “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar as well as more spiritual books on prayers and meditations to guide her work. Her poetry features all aspects of black culture
and deals a lot with identity, perseverance and self-empowerment as well as social injustice and staying true to oneself.
“I realized that no matter how on top of the world I felt with all of my accomplishments and degrees or whatever, that nobody saw that when I was walking down the street and just saw a black woman. That’s just the reality, so I wrote this poem to
inspire myself and to inspire others, that when the waters get murky to just keep swimming,” Lyrical Faith said. “I think spoken word is a very powerful tool for social justice and raising awareness about critical issues and helping people to spark conversations,” Lyrical Faith said.
Email GRANT TERWILLIGER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Life is not a straight path but a crooked trail. The universe is giving you movement towards your destiny.
You may be fighting something in your life this week. Stay strong and let the universe direct you.
This week you will feel happy and healthy. You can accomplish anything.
Take a step back and reconnect with why you do things or what drives you.
The Universe is immense and does not work on your timeline. Realize that there is serenity in waiting for something.
This week you may need to create boundaries in order to keep your energy from being drained. Make time for yourself.
You are walking your own path and going with the flow. You work with the challenges presented to you and grow with them.
This week when you find yourself thinking a judgy or irrational thought gently steer yourself back to your center.
Aries (March 21 –April 19)
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)
Via Student Association
Cardinals take a dive
Photos by Hiram Cowhey and Jayne Smith
First year men’s lacrosse player Owen O’Hara pulls himself out of Hawkins Pond with a helping hand. Read more about Winterfest on Page 1.
Student Health & Counseling Center Registered Nurse Daniel Snyder reaches for a fist bump.
Attendee Dylan Grecko enjoys a free walking waffle and hot chocolate with Burghy.
Members of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority scramble to get out of the freezing water.
A member of the men’s lacrosse team shakes off water as he emerges from Hawkins Pond.
Student Joey Larosa flexes after his plunge Saturday, Feb. 15.
Cards punch SUNYAC playoff ticket
BY ROSIE SCULCO Staff Writer
After a thrilling twogame weekend and a heartfelt senior night, the Plattsburgh Cardinals men’s hockey team (12-10-1, 6-6) is set to gear up one more team before heading into playoffs.
The Cardinals came out on top 5-4 in overtime against the Buffalo State Bengals (13-10, 7-5) at home on Feb. 14. They followed that win with another one against the Fredonia Blue Devils (7-17, 5-8), ending 4-3 for a senior night victory on Feb. 15. Competing in the playoffs is a sealed deal, but seed-
ing has not yet been determined, making the last game of the regular season crucial for the Cards.
“If we can win on Friday, that gives us another opportunity to play at home the following Wednesday. It is important to play at home for a number of reasons, and we want to go into the playoffs on a high note,” said head coach Steve Moffat.
BUFFALO
Last year, Buffalo State finished 4-10-2 in conference play. Since then, the Bengals have made a push, sitting right above the Cards in third place in the SUNYAC rankings.
This was a gritty battle early on as both teams earned opportunities to score. Midway through the first period, firstyear student Patrick Cole lit the lamp after an assist from junior Jake Sacratini, marking his eighth of the season.
Junior Brannon Butler quickly found the back of the net for his third goal of the season in the second period.
Shortly after, first-year student Tyler Ramm scored for his eighth goal of the season and fourth in four games putting the Cards up 3-0 at the 9:15 mark in the second period.
“It’s always good to get ahead early in the game to build that initial momentum both on the ice and the energy in the crowd,” wrote first year Patrick Cole in a text.
The Bengals were far from defeated. Obtaining a penalty and earning a power play goal that put them right back in the game with little over five minutes left in the second period.
Buffalo State then added another goal with less than ten seconds left in the second period, making it a 3-2 Plattsburgh lead heading into the third and final period of regulation.
The Cards remained composed and continued
to execute as a team.
“It’s just belief in each other and having trust in each other as players, your linemates, as a group and trust within the coaches that we can get it done,” said Moffat
No goals were scored for the majority of the third period. As the game moved past the two-minute mark, the Bengals pulled their goalie to utilize an extra skater, and senior Jake Lanyi scored in an empty net assisted by first-year student Shane Bondy.
The Bengals continued to fight, scoring with little over a minute to go, only trailing by a goal. The decision to pull the goalie
paid off as Buffalo State tied the game with less than ten seconds left.
“We have a very tight group of guys that know not to get discouraged and to work even harder to get the result we’re looking for,” Cole said.
Heading into overtime with a score of 4-4, the two teams would battle for the outcome of this game. While the Bengals continued to battle, they would fall short in front of the standout Goalie for the Cards, senior Jacob Hearne, who stopped a would-be shot attempt.
Seniors shine in final conference series
BY EMMA DEO
Associate Sports Editor
No. 8 Plattsburgh State Cardinals’ women’s hockey (18-5-1, 14-3-1) senior class tallied seven points in the team’s 4-0 win over the Canton Kangaroos (6-152, 4-11-1) on senior day Saturday.
“Our focus this weekend is just finishing out our league play strong, we’re looking for four points,” said senior defender Mattie Norton.
The final weekend of the regular season began Friday with a 3-0 win over the Kangaroos. Junior forward Molly Riggi led the way for the Cards with two goals, marking her first career multi-goal contest.
The game started off slowly, with neither team finding the back of the net in the first period.
“We just woke up honestly. We were just like, OK, we can beat this team,” said graduate forward Mae Olshansky.
The scoring came alive at the end of the second period when first-year forward Tessa Morris found fellow first-year forward Kayson Ruegge wide open, allowing Ruegge to net her fifth goal of the season.
“We’ve historically had pretty big freshman classes come in, so it’s been awesome to see them perform in their first year here,” Olshansky said.
Shortly after, Riggi found herself on a breakaway, racing past a defender but coming out on top with a top shelf goal to bring the Cardinals up 2-0 heading into the third period.
To cap off the afternoon, Riggi notched her second goal of the game on an empty-netter off a Su-An Cho assist.
Sophomore goaltender Chloe Lewis had 17 saves, marking her conference-leading eighth shutout of the year.
Plattsburgh State took the weekend one game at a time, looking to build off Friday’s win and secure the season sweep.
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EMMA DEO/Cardinal Points
(left to right) Mattie Norton, Mae Olshansky, Bridget Orr and Ciara Wall.
New coach prepares MLAX for fresh start
BY JUSTIN RUSHIA Sports Editor
Plattsburgh State men’s lacrosse is ready for the 2025 season with a fresh start, a clear vision, and a committed team.
Under the leadership of firstyear head coach Zach Nedbalski, the Cardinals are looking to reestablish a competitive culture and set the foundation for long-term success in the SUNYAC.
“He’s just made it exciting to like to play lacrosse, and I think that’s going to translate how we play our games,” senior midfielder Logan Vilardi said.
Nedbalski, a native of Endicott, New York, has extensive coaching experience at various levels. He spent time in England teaching lacrosse to youth and high school players. He also served as an assistant coach at Randolph-Macon University in Virginia, where he worked under Mike Planholt, now the head coach at Ohio Wesleyan, a consistently top-20 team in NCAA Division III.
Nedbalski was also an assistant coach at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, during his graduate studies after earning his master’s degree. He secured his first head coaching position at Methodist University during its inaugural year of the lacrosse program, effectively building the program from the ground up. He led the team to become conference champions in just four years and coached there for 11 years.
“I want to incorporate what I feel needs to happen to bring back that competitive culture to SUNY Plattsburgh men’s lacrosse,” Nedbalski said. “I know that it takes time. It’s not going to be an overnight change, but I’m excited to be here for the long haul. My last
job, I was there for 11 years, and that’s what I’m looking for.”
Having spent much of his career recruiting from all over the country, Nedbalski wants to expand Plattsburgh’s reach and bring in talent from diverse regions.
“I know it’s SUNY Plattsburgh, and it’s a state school, but I’m not opposed to recruiting kids from all over the country,” Nebalski said.
The Cardinals’ roster has seen significant coaching turnover in recent years, with some upperclassmen playing under up to three different head coaches. Despite this, Nedbalski has been impressed by the leadership and resilience of his veteran players.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect from the seniors after so much transition, but they’ve been fantastic,” he said. “They want to win, they want to compete and they’ve embraced the mentality we’re trying to instill.”
That mentality has been evident in preseason practices, where the emphasis has been on efficiency and high energy.
Graduate-student attacker Anthony Faber noted a stark difference in how practices are run compared to previous seasons.
“Everything moves so much faster,” senior graduate student Faber said. “We have a plan before we even step onto the field, so we know exactly what we’re doing. Practices are intense, but everyone is positive and locked in. It’s just a completely different vibe.”
This year’s roster features 48 players including graduate students Max Lamitie (Defense) and Faber.
Among the seniors are Brandon Braithwaite (Midfield), Ely Bruhns (Midfield), Jimbo Farrelly (Face-off Specialist), Matt
Gannon (Defense), Jab Duval Lapaix (Face-off Specialist), Matt Palmer (Midfield), Kyle Ruland (Long-stick Midfield), Logan Vilardi (Midfield), Ryan Weaver (Attack), Mike Walsh (Attack) and Donald Woods (Midfield).
The junior class includes Joe Barcher (Defense), Lucas Longhitano (Midfield), Jack Mulcahy (Goalie), Kevin Murray (Defense), Tim Keenan (Midfield), George Rhatigan (Midfield) and Connor Vanella (Long-stick Midfield).
The sophomore class features Jake Gipe (Midfield), Jamie Gipe (Midfield/Attack), Dylan Irvine (Attack), Brandon Jaundoo (Midfield), Zachary Nacheman (Goalie), Matt Nystrom (Defense), Cole
Orehosky (Goalie), Justin Ortiz (Attack), Dylan Ruland (Attack), Peter Urso (Midfield/Attack), Fynn Whitlock (Defense) and Dylan Zambito (Midfield).
The largest group, the firstyear class, includes Michael Ahlstedt (Midfield), Tatum Cipp (Attack), Ray Cullen (Midfield), Aiden Deegan (Face-off Specialist), Logan Drake (Defense), Lucas Drake (Defense), Steven Fenner (Midfield), Ethan Francey (Midfield), James Henningsen (Attack), Noah Hilleboe (Long-stick Midfield), Keith Keiser (Midfield), Gavin McQueeney (Goalie), Owen O’Hara (Face-off Specialist), Brayden Shattuck (Attack), Julian Ven-
able (Long-stick Midfield) and Steven Fenner (Midfield).
“They’re going to have to adjust to the speed of the college game quickly, but they’ve handled everything well so far,” Faber said. Nebalski’s coaching style has already made a significant impact on his team.
“I’d say it’s creative, and it’s a kind of tough lacrosse. So it’s kind of been interesting to see that it’s a new side of lacrosse that I don’t think a lot of guys on our team have seen,” Vilardi said. “We’re gonna be a lot more fun to watch, and I think we’re gonna be a lot, lot tougher to play.”
WLAX looks to make a statement in the SUNYAC
BY JUSTIN RUSHIA Sports Editor
After barely missing out on the SUNYAC playoffs in 2024, the Plattsburgh State women’s lacrosse team has its sights set on making it to the tournament for the first time in its short seven-year history.
“I don’t like to hang low; I always believe. If you’re gonna have a vision, dream big,” assistant coach Josh Walker said. “The goal is to make the tournament and just win the whole thing. I think a lot of people would doubt that we could do that based on previous history. But from what I’ve seen from this team, I believe we can.”
This season’s roster was announced by the Plattsburgh State athletic department. Included is the team’s only graduate student, Mae Olshansky (Goalie). The senior class includes Maddy Garcia (Attack), Rachel LaMar (Midfield), Caitlin Nash (Midfield), and Nicole Resnick (Midfield).
Among the juniors are Taya Balfour (Midfield), Cynthia Barnosky (Attack), Lexi Carfi (Defense), Erica Dickinson (Attack), Lillian Gilroy (Defense), Alex LaDue (Attack/Midfield), Emma McLean (Midfield), Shannon McLaughlin (Attack), Anna Myers (Midfield), and Ava Parsons (Defense/Midfield).
The sophomore class features Chase Calandra (Defense/Midfield), Sloane
Carr (Defense), Abby Guasconi (Attack), Isabella Girard (Midfield), and Iohseriio Tabor (Midfield).
The first-year class includes Olivia Bustamante (Defense), Ashley O’Hara (Attack), Leah Klotz (Attack) and Maggie Maurer (Attack/Midfield).
“I’m excited about the camaraderie we’ve seen from these players and the teamwork overall. We have first years that are playing with seniors, but it looks like they’ve been playing together forever. I think they’re meshing very well,” Walker said.
Nash, Gilroy and Lamar will captain the Cardinals for their 2025 campaign.
play. It’s exciting to just add that burst of energy halfway through the season,” Walker said.
The only goalie on the roster is Olshansky, who is currently playing for the women’s hockey team. Myers will stand in the net to begin the season. Myers saw action in four games last season as a midfielder.
“ I’m excited about the camaraderie we’ve seen from these players and the teamwork overall. ”
“They have been outstanding stepping up to that leadership role,” Walker said. “You know, it’s hard enough for coach Wall and I, just two of us, to coach a team of 25 girls, but to have them to help us along the way; it’s inspiring having them there. I believe they’re gonna do great things for Plattsburgh lacrosse.”
Josh Walker, Assistant coach
Last season, Barnosky led the team in total points, goals, assists, shots on goal, and game-winning goals. The junior attacker is poised to replicate her success this season.
“She’s just an absolute menace when the ball gets in her stick,” Walker said. “I believe she’ll break every record that this school has as long as she keeps pushing herself.”
The Cardinals are set to bolster their roster by welcoming several skilled athletes from the women’s hockey team, who will join them after the season concludes.
“They come so in shape, so ready to
With the departure of Geneseo and Brockport from the conference and the arrival of Morrisville and Canton, Plattsburgh’s chances of securing a playoff berth have significantly improved.
“I think that now is our time to shine. We’re gonna have a really strong shot with the talent that we have with the changes in the conference,” Nash said.
Plattsburgh will start its season with a slew of non-conference games, beginning with its first two against Norwich and Castleton on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and Wednesday, Feb. 26, respectively.
“I’m really looking for our team to send that message after the first non-conference game and to show that we’re doing really well and that we can score and move with anyone,” Lamar said.
Four Plattsburgh State teams clinched the SUNYAC playoffs over the weekend.
women’s hockey senior class tallied seven points in their senior day game against Canton Saturday.
CP file photo
The women’s lacrosse team celebrates a goal against Fredonia on March 30.
Cp file photo
Sophomore midfielder Jamie Gipe celebrates with teammate against Russell Sage on April 13.
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“We know they have a really good goalie, we only had two goals on her and then an empty net off 50 shots, we need to keep putting pucks on net for sure,” Olshansky said.
The Cards secured yet another shutout win Saturday, as they honored the squad’s four graduating seniors; Olshansky, Norton, forward Ciara Wall, and forward Bridget Orr.
The celebration did not stop there, as Norton put the Cardinals up 1-0 just three and a half minutes
into the first period. About two minutes later, Orr found the back of the net as a Canton defender took her down to bring the Cards up 2-0 less than six minutes into the game.
But, Orr was not done yet and notched her second goal of the day through the five-hole off a Riggi assist at the 4:33 mark of the second period.
Olshansky added to the senior day onslaught of shots toward the end of the third period as she netted a Norton pass between the pipes on the power play.
The Cardinals’ defense stood tall until the final buzzer, and Plattsburgh cruised to a 4-0 shutout senior day win.
The final seedings for the SUNYAC playoffs will depend on the outcomes of this weekend’s series between Oswego and Cortland. However, the Cardinals achieved their goal of earning four points in the standings, which places them at the top of the conference rankings until the other games are played.
This series marked the final regular-season home games for the graduating seniors.
“Looking back, I’ve had so many great players that I’ve played with, you name it we have top-tier players every year. I think the impact of playing with people that are at that elite level has been amazing,” Norton said. “It teaches you a lot about the game but also a lot about yourself and the things you can improve on, the growth over the last four years has been the biggest thing for me.”
Olshansky expressed her gratitude for the opportunities that Plattsburgh has brought her over the last five years, both on and off the ice.
“I’ve done a lot of things I never thought I would do – broadcasting, working for the athletic department, taking photos — it’s bittersweet that it’s all coming to an end, but I’ve certainly grown up a lot in my time here,” Olshansky said.
Jordan Williams has established himself as one of the best sprinters for the Plattsburgh State track and field team. Williams was a part of the record-breaking 4x100 meter team in 2024, where he ran the opening leg. Williams is also a consistent top 10 SUNYAC finalist in the 60 and 100 meter dash.
Hailing from the Bronx, New York, Williams began his running career at Cardinal Hayes High School. In his sophomore year, Williams was named MVP and team captain of the indoor track team. He was a New York State champion in the 4x400-meter relay and a 2021 national champion in the 4x200-meter relay.
Outside of track, Williams works with the campus housing department and has been a CA on campus for the past two years.
This conversation was conducted over text with Jordan Feb. 19.
Question: Do you prefer indoor or outdoor track?
Answer: I prefer the
outdoor season to the indoor season because the energy and atmosphere of outdoors is unmatched. We work so hard in the winter to come outside in the spring to show everyone what we’re made of. I also prefer outdoors because that’s when my favorite event, the 100m dash — is run. Honestly, it’s much better to run outdoors in some fresh
air compared to the bad air quality inside of indoor facilities.
Q: If you could train for any other track event that you don’t compete in, what would it be?
A: If I could train for any other event, I would work on long jump. I feel like if I had dedicated some time and practiced for that event when I first started track, I could’ve been pretty good.
Q: What’s your favorite track that you’ve ever run at?
A: My favorite track that I’ve ever run at is definitely The Armory. It was the first indoor track that I’ve ever competed at, but it definitely ranks as my number one. The atmosphere in The Armory is definitely unmatched. Having your teammates from the stands cheer you on as you bend that final turn from a 200, and there’s no better feeling than running at home.
Q: What’s a pre-race ritual that you can’t run without doing?
A: One of my pre-race rituals is jumping in the air as high as I can as the starter says, “Runners, on your mark.” I started doing that in high school; I feel like it gets the nerves going.
Plattsburgh’s off-the-field chemistry is a fundamental aspect of the team’s identity that they take great pride in.
“We like to say that we have the best team environment in DIII lacrosse,” Vilardi said. “Our guys on and off the field are probably hanging out — especially in season for at least 10 hours, 11 hours straight.”
The Cardinals are setting realistic yet ambitious goals for the 2025 season, focusing on rebuilding the program’s competitive foundation. A .500 record would mark a significant step forward for a team looking to regain its footing.
“Our goal, when we talked about it, is to try to get to that .500 record again,” Nebalski said. “I know that doesn’t seem like a lot to accomplish, but when you haven’t done it for a couple of years, to get back to that shows that there is potential for growth here.”
For the players, the mindset is simple: win.
“That’s kind of all we’ve been
talking about,” Faber said. “One of the things we’ve been talking about a lot is ‘It pays to be a winner.’”
The Cardinals open their season with a slate of non-conference games, allowing them to fine-tune their approach before SUNYAC play begins.
While Nebalski is focused on evaluating lineups and making adjustments, he also emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive energy and focusing on internal growth.
“We want to celebrate our successes and focus on what we can control,” he said. “If we do the little things right, the results will follow.”
JUSTIN RUSHIA/Cardinal Points Jordan Williams checks his time after the 100m dash.
Deanna Zoch: From card to cop
BY ZIAIRE FERRELL Staff Writer
Since Deanna Zoch was a young girl, she had a love for running, but it was the mentorship and guidance of her coaches that truly transformed her into the coach she is today.
Zoch was always drawn to sports growing up. She is from Nassau Village, a small area just 30 minutes from Albany, where she attended Columbia High School in East Greenbush.
“I started track in seventh grade, and I had always loved running ever since elementary school,” Zoch said.
Although she did not participate in organized sports early on, a combination of her natural talent and encouragement from her gym teacher helped her discover her true passion for running.
During high school, Zoch’s growing interest in running led her to explore the possibility of taking running seriously and progressing to the college level. Searching for a program that could progress her abilities, she started considering schools in Potsdam, Plattsburgh and Cortland. Ultimately, it was the commitment of the coach at Plattsburgh that won Zoch over.
“What really sold me was the effort and genuine interest coach Willmott put into recruiting me. He saw potential in me even though I wasn’t the fastest or most polished runner at the time,” Zoch said.
Zoch describes her college journey as a series of ups and downs. In her early meets, she started out running in the 300-meter dash, yet her progress soon encountered a steep decline as the world transitioned into the pandemic. De-
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spite these setbacks, Zoch’s determination never left.
By her fifth year, her hard work had begun to pay off, and she experienced a resurgence in performance.
Her breakthrough moment was during a meet where she managed to significantly cut down her time in the 60-meter dash — from an initial 8.6 seconds in her senior year to a personal best of 8.23 seconds.
The challenges that Zoch faced as an athlete eventually led her to coaching so that she could help others overcome their challenges. Transitioning from being a sprinter on the track team to helping others has had its bittersweet moments.
“I miss running, and I miss the thrill of competition,” Zoch said.
The transition from athlete to coach is predictable, but Zoch also made a less predictable transition after college; she began working with University Police.
“I spent most of my undergraduate career as a fitness and wellness major because going in I had an interest to become an athletic trainer,” Zoch wrote in a text. “Even when I started to fulfill my requirements for criminal jus-
“In overtime, he kept us in the game and enabled us to have a chance to win,” said head coach Steve Moffat.
Graduate Student Kevin Weaver-Vitale broke away into the offensive zone, scoring the overtime winner, giving Plattsburgh high spirits and an extra point in the SUNYAC standings.
“Getting the win in the end was a very rewarding feeling knowing we didn’t get down when the game was tied up late in the third,” Cole said.
FREDONIA
The Blue Devils fell short of the playoffs for the second year in a row, landing seventh in the SUNYAC standings.
tice I had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated. That’s where the internship with UP appeared.”
Zoch said she had interest in criminal justice prior to college since her father is a retired corrections officer, but she did not make the switch from being a fitness and wellness major until heading into her senior year of college.
Zoch hopes to become a police officer down the road, but until then she said she is committed to helping the athletes at Plattsburgh State be the best versions of themselves.
Zoch said she believes that every setback, whether big or small, offers a crucial learning opportunity.
“I always tell my athletes that even a bad moment in a race is a lesson in disguise,” Zoch said. “Those moments are meant to help propel you forward.”
Zoch also shows her love and appreciation to the crucial role that other coaches played in her journey.
“Coach Willmott was the sprint coach. He figured out the type of runner I was after just one week of being at Plattsburgh, and that’s what helped
While playoff hopes are silenced with elimination present, the motivation to finish strong is not. Fredonia put up a battle against the Cards, ultimately losing 4-3.
The Cardinals outshot the Blue Devils 41-38 on the night and went 1-2, while Fredonia went 1-4 on the power play.
“We were all shooting, we were all fighting, and we were all making an impact on this game,” said first-year Tyler Ramm.
Fredonia scored early on at 9:17 in the first period, but their lead would not last for long as the Cards went on the power play. Grad-student Kevin Weaver-Vitale scored on a deep shot, tying the game at 12:33 with an assist from Junior Jake Sacratini and a secondary assist from sophomore Vlad Pshenichnikov.
A score of 1-1 was upheld throughout the rest of the first period and halfway through the second until the Blue Devils
my development and growth. He was also the person who encouraged me to become a coach as well,” Zoch said.
Zoch also credits Plattsburgh State track and field head coach Jordan Naylon for always being there to support her through the ups and downs.
“She has always helped in any way she could, and her support meant a lot to me,” Zoch said.
These mentors not only shaped Zoch’s athletic journey but also influenced her very own coaching style that believes in her athletes.
Zoch said she believes in
regained the lead, scoring at 11:14 of the second period.
The beginning of a standout performance from first-year Tyler Ramm sparked with under 40 seconds left before entering the final period of regulation as he scored on an undefended net with the goalie out of position.
In the third period, Fredonia’s Gavin Bloder Gave his team back the lead with his second goal of the game.
First-year Blake Hall would attract his first career goal, taking back the lead, ultimately creating the momentum for the rest of the game.
Sophomore Simon Singher picked up his first points of the season on Hall’s goal with the secondary assist.
Shortly after, Ramm was in a two-on-one situation and buried a shot past Fredonia’s goalie for his second goal of the game, giving the Cards a 4-3 lead with 9:04 to go in the final regulation period.
helping others realize their potential. Her advice to aspiring coaches is straightforward: “Don’t ever second doubt yourself. Every experience you have — good or bad — is valuable and can make a significant impact on future athletes.”
student have shaped the dynamic of the Cardinal’s hockey team with their leadership qualities, dedication, and experience which is crucial as they head into their final game of the season and through to playoffs.
“They have to be the guys that are setting the example, they are the seniors, they are the leaders, we have Kevin Weaver-Vitale who is not in that group necessarily, but he is a leader,” said Moffat.
“ I can’t even describe it, but it’s a great feeling, just making
sure those boys are happy It was great, ”
Tyler Ramm, MHKY Forward
“I can’t even describe it, but it’s a great feeling, just making sure those boys are happy — It was great,” said Ramm
With this win, the Cardinals clinched a SUNYAC playoff berth and honored six seniors for their careers.
SENIOR NIGHT
After the game, Jagger Benson, Jacob Hearne, Jake Lanyi, Ryan Poorman, Jack Ring and Eli Shiller were among the seniors who were celebrated for their careers with the Cardinals.
“They just inspire all of us with their work ethic mostly and their will to not quit and keep going,” Ramm said. “They set a foundation for us to work hard, and we’ve had our downs, but the ups feel way better.”
Six seniors as well as one graduate
After this year, there will no longer be student-athletes affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024-2025 season will also conclude the fifth year of COVID players.
The Cardinals will gear up one more time during the regular season when they face off the Potsdam Bears on the road on Friday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.
“A home playoff game is on the line Friday night and there’s no better place to play than at the Ronnie B, so our best effort will be on the ice Friday,” said Cole.
With a win, the Cards will earn a home playoff game on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Spirits are high as the Cards look to go all of the way after falling short last year to Cortland in the SUNYAC championship game.
“They did a really nice job this weekend, but we’re going to need more of that going forward,” said Moffat
EMMA DEO/Cardinal Points
Sophomore forward Aaron Catron rips shot against Fredonia Feb 15.
Provided by Deanna Zoch
Deanna Zoch posing with Brett Willmott at the Cardinal Classic
Provided by Deanna Zoch
Deanna Zoch races at the SUNYAC Championship May 3.
Nostalgic necessity neglects the creativity of filmmakers
BY KALIYAH GREEN Staff Writer
The resurgence of nostalgia in cinema tugs at heartstrings, yet risks dulling creativity by recycling tropes instead of pioneering fresh ideas. Instead film goers get to see sequels, reboots and remakes — often stifling originality, leading to a cycle of safe, formulaic storytelling.
The trend of nostalgic money grabs opposed to original ideas affects film as a whole by limiting risk-taking. Studios prioritize established intellectual properties over fresh ideas, making it harder for new voices and stories to break through.
People who whine about Hollywood not making anything “original” don’t look into these original films when they come out, nor do they watch the original shows when they premiere.
They’ll go for what they’re comfortable with, whether it’s a franchise that has been around for decades or a spinoff based on something that existed when they were younger. This contradiction
is one of the reasons why Hollywood keeps relying on nostalgia-driven filmmaking.
Nostalgia has become a crutch for studios seeking guaranteed box office success. Disney’s live action remakes, such as “The Lion King” and “Mulan,” have been criticized for adding little to their original animated counterparts, yet were smash hits at the box office.
Similarly, franchises like “Jurassic World” and “Star Wars” have suffered from diminishing creative returns because they rely too heavily on fan service rather than storytelling depth. This overreliance on nostalgia dilutes the power of classic films.
Studios need to craft compelling new stories instead of recycling old films. The biggest consequence of this trend is the lack of opportunities for original storytelling. Filmmakers with fresh ideas struggle to secure funding, as studios prioritize established intellectual properties over new concepts.
This prioritization has created a film landscape where trying out new ideas is minimized and story-
telling becomes increasingly homogenized. While independent and international films continue to innovate, mainstream Hollywood feels stuck in an endless cycle of reboots and sequels.
Personally, I tend to gravitate towards original stories outside of Hollywood major franchises. Independent films and streaming platforms offer more creative freedom, resulting in unique and thought-provoking storytelling.
That being said, nostalgia isn’t inherently bad — it’s how it’s used that determines its value. When nostalgia serves as a foundation for fresh storytelling, it can create something truly special and classic. When it’s used as a lazy attempt to capitalize on existing fan bases, it contributes to the creative stagnation of mainstream film.
If Hollywood continues down this path, audiences may eventually tire of seeing the same stories recycled, leading to a greater demand for originality.
KALIYAH GREEN cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Football players at the Kendrick Lamar concert
BY KOLIN KRINER Opinion Editor
Football is the epitome of being American. People gather to cheer on their favorite teams as players throw a ball back and forth.
It’s an art.
An art I don’t care about, at any level. So unsurprisingly, I was shocked to see a football game at a Kendrick Lamar concert.
After trudging through the monotony that was the first half of The Super Bowl, where the Eagles were facing the Chiefs, I found myself doing everything but actually paying attention to the game.
As entertaining as men throwing a ball and tackling each other may be, it’s just not for me. I don’t fully understand why everyone around me would begin cheering as if the result of the game had any semblance of making any real impact in their lives.
What did enthrall me though, was the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
The halftime show opened with Samuel L. Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam, referring to the “great American game.” FYI, he isn’t talking about football. This is just the beginning of the political undertones Lamar’s set delivered to the half-time show.
He opened with an unreleased verse critiquing the government, and the step back our society has taken from civil rights.
“The revolution about to be televised,” he said after his entrance. “You picked the right time but the wrong guy.”
Much of his performance was leaning into black empowerment and the oppression of black artists in the music industry. He is taking his stage to speak out about these struggles while serving as a figurehead for the modern civil rights movement.
Jackson again appears as Uncle Sam, telling Lamar to tighten up and questioning whether or not he knows how to “play the game.”
This is a deep metaphor for the underappreciation of the black community in many areas of life, with Lamar putting focus onto his artistry. Uncle Sam is meant to represent the financial oppression the industry places on black music artists.
He further increases his political drive while performing “HUMBLE.,” his dancers surround him dressed and arranged to represent the American flag. This is meant to represent a break in the flag, portraying the stagnation in the rights of people of color in modern times.The subliminal messaging and metaphors continue to drive further throughout the performance.
Late into the show he performed his hit, “Not Like Us,” which won five Grammys. The song is a diss track on artist Drake, insinuating that he is a pedophile.
During this part of the set, Serena Williams is a featured dancer. It is believed that Williams and Drake were dating back in the 2010s.
This entire segment was a direct attack on Drake between his ex performing as a dancer, and Lamar looking directly at the camera as he says “Say Drake, I hear you like them young.”
SZA was also a featured performer of the set, as she and Lamar have collaborated numerous times. She delivered beautiful vocals while performing “luther” and “All the Stars.” Producer Mustard performed with Lamar for the final song of the set, singing “TV Off,” an amazing ending to the Super Bowl Half-time show.
It then ended, and football was back on. I decided to go to bed.
Via Adobe Stock
Kolin Kriner
The televised art of putting others down: Comedy roasts
BY SOPHIA ALBERTIE Staff Writer
Usually people keep these things private, but sometimes what’s meant to be private becomes center stage. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a tragedy. Maybe it’s a regret, or something super embarrassing. Maybe it’s a physical insecurity, or someone’s awkward dating history. This is called roasting.
Not the roasting kind that involves making fun of your friends shoes on the back of a school bus, but proper sit down roasts. These are a subtle art form where one person — also known as the host — is subject to a humiliation ritual in front of an audience.
The Comedy Central roasts are insane to watch. Celebrities and public figures involved get to be their rawest, raunchiest selves. Whether it’s Martha Stewart giving unsolicited advice from her days spent in prison, or Hulk Hogan making crude comments on Pamela Anderson’s sex life. For
anyone delving in without context, the whole thing seems like a car crash you can’t look away from. Reputations born and broken all in a single night.
But this concept has been around for ages. Before Comedy Central was popular, there were the Dean Martin celebrity roasts, which aired from 1974 to 1984. Hosts included Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan and Truman Capote. Travel even further back and you’ll find the simple, classic whole-animal roast. Where the host in question is placed on a spit and turned slowly over a roaring fire until fully cooked. This seems to be the lasting prerogative of this tradition, in one way or another.
The main difference between a classic animal roast and what you see today comes down to one unspoken disclaimer: Know your limits. The person who decides to be the central focus of the night always comes prepared with some form
of a list detailing the topics that are absolutely forbidden from being discussed.
Knowing this, the perpetrators remain vulgar and offensive, coming close but never directly touching the hot red button of true cruelty. There are boundaries established behind every gritty insult.
So no, roasting isn’t the same as cornering someone for their lunch money or spamming the comment section of some innocent person on the internet. This method of comedy is still comedy, despite its vulgar attack style.
The threadlike line does not get crossed in a noticeable way because everyone in the room acknowledges that things might take a turn at any point.
So what happens when comedians decide to bring that energy to something or someone unsuspecting? What are the consequences of carrying that same edge to an awards ceremony, for example, or going in on hecklers at a show?
With the influx of cancel culture and more inclusive ways of thinking in today’s society, taking a step further as a comic to point out someone in the crowd proves to be disastrous. But still, there seems to be a delicate balance between what’s allowed and what will get you slapped. Think of the infamous Will Smith and Chris Rock incident.
What a comedian says to a room of people from their intended audience, and what they say on a public platform, which expands far beyond the echochamber of self proclaimed “thick skinned” individuals.
The bottom line is if a public figure wants to let it all hang loose in the name of laughter, it always comes at a price — it takes a skilled comedian to recognize the limits of their act.
Email SOPHIA ALBERTIE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Cardinal Points has received the following awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP):
ACP Hall of Fame Inducted in Fall 2010
All American
Graphic by Kolin Kriner