BUILDING BACK
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Viral treats
Candy gained over 1 million followers for its candymaking and sarcastic family banter
Hercules Candy is busy all year round — in fact, their viral candy videos have made them so busy that Craig isn’t posting the family’s usual Halloween “Helga the Witch” sketch this year. Craig said Terry is still playing catch up from a recent surge of views, so the business can’t accommodate any extra orders that more videos would bring in.
Terry and Steven Andrianos purchased their current storefront about eight years ago. The family had been running their candy business
city ICE detains 2 Upstate employees
By Kate Jackson asst. copy editor
Two SUNY Upstate Medical University employees were detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on Wednesday. The men were taken into custody before entering immigration court hearings to finalize their legal status, the Civil Service Employees Association said in a release.
Both employees worked in the environmental services department at SUNY Upstate, a state-owned hospital in Syracuse. They have worked in New York state since 2022 and 2024, respectively, according to CSEA.
One employee is a CSEA member, while the other is represented by Upstate United University Professions.
In a Wednesday night statement to The Daily Orange, UUP President Frederick Kowal said the union would “stand shoulder to shoulder” with its members, fighting for the right to due process.
“(The men) acted in good faith to finalize their legal status,” Kowal said. “But as we have seen over and over under the anti-immigrant regime in place in Washington D.C., they were met with handcuffs.”
In its statement, CSEA said it stands in solidarity with the workers and called the detainment of people following the legal process “unjust” and “inhumane.”
“They are part of our Upstate family, they are our co-workers, our neighbors, and valued contributors to the hospital and community,” CSEA President Mary Sullivan said in the statement. “No one should be punished for following the law. Our union members and all hospital employees deserve dignity, respect and the chance to live and work without fear.”
The reason ICE detained the employees is “unclear,” Kowal said, and they are currently being held in a federal detention facility in Batavia, awaiting potential deportation.
SUNY Upstate and ICE did not immediately respond to The D.O.’s requests for comment as of early Thursday morning. kjacks19@syr.edu
In a conversation moderated by Emily Stewart, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center’s director, Obergefell shared stories about his late partner, John Arthur, and
advised students on how to engage in LGBTQ+ activism amid targeted attacks at a national level.
Opening the conversation, Obergefell talked about how he met Arthur back in the 90s, when coming out “wasn’t nearly as easy as it is today.” His husband Arthur was later diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — a terminal nervous system disease — and died in 2013. They were together for 22 years.
In 2013, they decided to get married, but faced challenges living in Ohio at the time. Then, the state enforced a 2004 law exclusively defining marriage as being between a man and a woman. “It all starts with John,” Obergefell said. “We wanted marriage, but we also both agreed that we wanted marriage in exactly what marriage meant to everyone else. We weren’t willing to do a symbolic ceremony.”
With Arthur’s declining health, Obergefell obtained a Maryland marriage license, which doesn’t require both partners to be present when issuing. He crowdfunded a medical charter flight to bring Arthur there for the ceremony, he said.
But later, when Arthur was in hospice care, Obergefell realized the state of Ohio wouldn’t legally recognize him as his partner’s husband on his death
see o bergefell page 5
Hercules Candy went viral on social media for its homemade candy, which comes from a family recipe dating back to around 1910.
A map displayed in Hercules Candy tracks customers’ hometowns with colorful pushpins.
By Brenne Sheehan asst. news editor
In 2015, Jim Obergefell was the face of a landmark Supreme Court case ruling same-sex marriage legal across the United States. A decade later, he told Syracuse University students he’s continuing his fight as SCOTUS plans to rule on Davis v. Ermold next week, which could overturn the historic precedent his case set.
The lead plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges, Obergefell spoke to students at the 7th annual Potash Keynote Speaker event Wednesday evening, organized by SU’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center and hosted at the Newhouse School of Public Communications.
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Independent joins NY-22 race to ditch ‘broken’ 2-party system
By Ally Goelz asst. digital editor
Will Staton, a former K–12 educator from Mississippi now living in Syracuse, announced his independent run for Congress on Oct. 7. A decision he says has been 15 years in the making.
As a self-employed independent consultant for nonprofit education spaces, Stanton says he doesn’t see much good in the current political system. With his run for New York’s 22nd Congressional representative, he hopes to challenge the current two-party system.
“I thought that if I didn’t try now, I might regret it. I believe that we are in a place where if we don’t try something different, we’re not going to be able to fix our problems,” Staton said.
Focusing on K-12 education, Staton has lived all over the United States, from Memphis, Tennessee, to Washington, D.C. He’s worked as a high school history teacher and dean of students, and has done talent recruitment for schools. In 2021, Staton moved to Syracuse with his wife to be closer to her family.
Although he has no prior political background, Staton said he worries about the political climate and where it could potentially take central New York in the future. Stanton said he fears the “place of divisiveness” politics has come to.
He said most problems in politics are rooted in the two-party system, saying it has “reached the end of its utility.”
“Ultimately, it was destined to arrive in a place of divisiveness like this, and it has been both intentional and unintentional,” Staton said. “It’s something of the nature of the beast.”
Adam Brandon, senior advisor at the Independent Center, said the decline of traditional parties, the rise of younger politically independent voters and AI technology are driving independents to receive a “unique leg-up” heading into the 2026 midterms.
on campus
Voters are “increasingly rejecting” the extremes from political parties and looking for different solutions, Brandon said in a statement to The Daily Orange.
“The Independent movement is poised not just to influence the conversation, but to fundamentally alter the balance of power in American politics,” he said.
New York’s 22nd Congressional District includes the city of Syracuse, Madison and Oneida counties and parts of Onondaga County. It’s considered one of New York’s more competitive swing districts, syracuse. com reported.
If you’re making yourself and your community better, then by extension, you’re making this country stronger.
Will Staton independent candidate for ny-22
Democrat John Mannion currently holds the NY-22 seat and confirmed in July that he will seek re-election. As of October, two Republican challengers have launched a bid, including John Lemondes, a New York State Assemblyman, who announced a campaign in August.
Staton is the only independent candidate as of Oct. 29, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Mark Brockway, an assistant teaching professor at Syracuse University, said NY-22’s previous redistricting gave Democrats an advantage in elections. Combined with Mannion being an incumbent, he
see staton page 5
VoteSU pushes to amplify students’ voices, civic engagement
By Sara Paredes contributing writer
As Kempton Bohn sat in one of her honors courses at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a conversation with an Oasis program student from Fayetteville revealed a stark disconnect between campus and community life.
“(Oasis students) were all super involved in local politics, so I’d always have conversations with them about it,” Bohn said. “It was so interesting to me that there was such a disconnect between the greater Syracuse community and our campus, especially with local politics.”
She said interactions with SU Oasis members – adults over 50 years old enrolled in SU courses through the Oasis Institute – led her to realize the need for building bridges between students, local politics and the wider Syracuse community.
Bohn, president and co-founder of VoteSU, said through collaboration with on-campus organizations, the club hopes to create a nonpartisan space for those passionate about political efficacy.
Working alongside Co-founder and Vice President Thalia Benton-Dinneen, the pair established VoteSU in August 2025 to increase voter registration rates and civic engagement both on and off campus.
“The root of our whole entire project is to bring back community, so that people feel like they have a say in what’s going on around them,” Bohn said.
Previously known as the “Cuse Otto Vote” Student Government Association’s Board of Elections initiative, Benton-Dinneen and Bohn decided to create a formal RSO. Both continue to serve on the Board of Elections as chair and vice chair, respectively.
VoteSU hosts biweekly meetings on Mondays and aims to create a hands-on, entertaining and educational environment for all members. So far, the group has hosted two interest meetings, tabling events at Schine Student Center, a voter registration training session and a trip to the Syracuse mayoral debate.
Benton-Dinneen said new members don’t need prior experience with voter registration drives to participate.
While still in the works, Bohn described the club as taking a committee format, with members selecting to serve in one of four task areas: voting guides, management and expansion, event planning and communications.
“We’re very open to suggestions and want it to be a club that’s more fun, focusing on working in committees to grow a hands-on experience,” Benton-Dinneen said.
Drawing from the club’s SGA origins, the Voting Guide Committee focuses on voter registration and outreach. Bohn said the committee will teach students how to use mailin and absentee ballots.
VoteSU hosted its first Guide to Voter Registration training in collaboration with New York Public Interest Research Group’s SU and SUNY ESF chapter on Oct. 6. The meeting trained new members, preparing them to
participate in future voter registration drives at local high schools and on campus.
Benton-Dinneen said one of VoteSU’s goals for the remainder of the year is to do outreach with local high schools and raise awareness about pre-registering to vote after turning age 16.
For members like SU sophomore Julia Beckman, attending meetings and participating in VoteSU helps her find an outlet for safe expression. She said today’s political climate is polarizing and these organizations can help students feel “more empowered.”
“(VoteSU is) really important, especially because it’s non-partisan,” Beckman said.“It’s a space where people can feel comfortable going to ask the questions that they want to without feeling like they’re going to be judged by someone because of their political views.”
With the upcoming New York state general election, Benton-Dinneen said VoteSU has taken an active role in encouraging its members to get involved and learn more about the issues the city faces.
She said familiarizing themselves with the Syracuse mayoral candidates and how they plan to serve the city is the best way to stay educated. Bohn echoed that sentiment, saying it’s “really interesting” to see the lack of civic engagement among students as an activist herself.
“Bridging that gap has been hard because I’ve always been involved in politics, and even though I have this want to get other kids civically engaged, it was a big step to see, ‘Oh, wait, there is this big gap that actually needs to be addressed,’” Bohn said.
smparede@syr.edu
Co-founders Kempton Bohn and Thalia Benton-Dinneen started VoteSU, hoping to increase voter registration rates and civic engagement, aiming to create a nonpartisan space. taite paradise staff photographer
will staton announced his run for Congress on Oct 7. as an independent—a decision he said has been 15 years in the making. leonardo eriman photographer editor
Candidates running for Syracuse city local public office
By Sydney DePietto asst. news editor
As the city of Syracuse prepares to vote for its next mayor, voters will also see several races for other public office seats on their ballots on Nov. 4.
With election day less than a week away, The Daily Orange has compiled candidates running on both unopposed and contested ballots.
Board of Education
There are three openings for commissioners on the Syracuse City School District Board of Education. The board has seven commissioners in total, each serving four-year terms.
Democratic candidates Twiggy Billue, Karen Cordano and Nyatwa Bullock are all seeking re-election. However, only incumbents Billue and Cordano won the Democratic primary in June, along with candidate Michael Root.
Bullock is running a write-in campaign after losing the primary. Jason Petrone is the only candidate running as a Republican.
Karen Cordano
Cordano, the incumbent, said the scope of responsibilities as a board member is “very narrow” in an interview with Syracuse 17th Ward Democrats. She said the three primary obligations are hiring and evaluating the superintendent, setting policy and passing the budget as well as serving as a semi-judicial body during student discipline appeals.
Cordano said board members are not involved in day-to-day operations for schools.
As a parent of children in the school district, she’s seen the academic and socialemotional divide grow along racial and poverty lines. She said schools need help from the federal, state, county and city governments to address the “crippling” trauma and poverty that students face.
“I want to continue to shine a light on these issues, to help to create an environment where all kids can thrive,” Cordano said during the Sept. 7 interview. “They are magnificent and deserving, and we have failed them as a society for longer than public education has existed.”
Twiggy Billue
Billue, a community advocate for over 20 years, is running to continue “strengthening” Syracuse schools and “empowering” students, according to her website. Her mission is to increase school performance and attendance, diversify school funding, enhance safety, grow partnerships between the community and support teachers and students.
She said her re-election will help the community to keep moving forward, “ensuring” Syracuse schools will remain a place for all students to thrive.
Billue and Cordano have also secured the Working Families Party ballot lines.
Michael Root Root, the other Democratic nominee, is a retired high school teacher who taught social studies and served as the union president of the Westhill Teachers Association for almost 30 years.
In another interview with Syracuse 17th Ward Democrats, Root said he plans to bring his “varied” expertise at different Syracuse
schools to the board. He emphasized bringing creative services for all children to excel, highlighting Syracuse’s high poverty rate and the number of different languages spoken.
“Our job is to make sure that we’re doing the best for these kids,” Root said.
Nyatwa Bullock
Bullock, seeking reelection through a writein campaign, urged voters to “skip the bubbles” on her social media page. She asked her followers to write in her name instead and “show up” for leaders who fight and speak for every student.
Bullock said her vision has always been about collaboration, with a goal of bringing community voices together to improve schools and create “stronger opportunities” for kids. In an Instagram post, she said working together can create “real change” for the Syracuse community.
Bullock received an endorsement from Onondaga County Legislator Nodesia Hernandez on Oct. 21.
“This campaign isn’t just about me,” Bullock said. “It’s about all of us working together for equity, opportunity and a brighter future in Syracuse.”
Jason Petrone
Jason Petrone is running as the Republican candidate. He served as an administrative analyst for Onondaga County since 2016 and is the owner and founder of the travel agency upstatenycanals.com.
Syracuse Common Council
Several races will be on the ballot for Common Council including two seats for Councilor-at-Large, five for district councilors and one spot for Common Council president. All seats are uncontested.
Rita Paniagua
Rita Paniagua is running uncontested for president of the Syracuse Common Council, both as a Democrat and part of the Working Families Party. Her website describes her as a “passionate and dedicated politician” serving the Syracuse community for more than two decades. Economic development, arts and culture, community wellness and mental health and education and job training are all listed as key issues for her campaign.
Paniagua is the former executive director of the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County. She has also worked in the central New York region through the New York State Puerto Rico/Hispanic Taskforce and currently serves as a Councilor at-Large.
Paniagua previously served as a commissioner of education for the SCSD and is currently the co-chair of Education and Community Outreach.
Hanah Ehrenreich
In June, Hanah Ehrenreich and Rasheada Caldwell won the Democratic primary for Councilor-at-Large and are running uncontested.
Ehrenreich says she is an advocate for Say Yes to Education, Black Lives Matter and has been a member of the Human Rights Campaign for 20 years, according to her website.
Also part of the Working Families Party, she lists sustainability and a safe and livable city as her key issues, citing a vision of walkable streets and “thriving children” in “wellfunded” school districts.
Rasheada Caldwell
Rasheada Caldwell is also running for reelection and currently serves on several Common Council committees, including her role as chairperson for the Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs Committee.
Caldwell is the Director of Youth & Community Partnerships for the Allyn Family Foundation, a charity organization focused on supporting children in central New York. Its website says she has a “wealth of knowledge” and “experience” in developing plans for the community’s youth.
All candidates running for district councilor seats are also uncontested.
Marty Nave
First district councilor Democratic candidate Marty Nave is seeking re-election to his seat and is currently the chairperson for the Intergovernmental Service Consolidation. Born and raised in Syracuse, Nave is described as an “advocate” for constituents, businesses and safe neighborhoods.
Donna Moore
Donna Moore is running for the 2nd district on both Democratic and Working Families Parties lines. She said he is “committed” to making Syracuse stronger, safer and more vibrant for all residents on her website.
She lists affordable and safe housing, reliable transportation and good-paying local jobs as key issues she will focus on if elected. Moore said she’s a lifelong resident of District 2 and spent over 40 years through her volunteer work at several organizations.
As a former member of the Neighborhood Association Board, a former Emergency Medical Technician and firefighter and a volunteer for a local dog rescue, Moore said she’s “dedicated” her time to the community.
Corey J. Williams
Corey J. Williams, 3rd district Democratic candidate, is an alumnus of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and received a doctorate from SUNY ESF.
Williams was inspired to run for Common Council after working in the SCSD and the “community transformation” from the I-81 viaduct project and “once-in-a-generation” Micron investment, according to his website.
Patrona Jones-Rowser
Patrona Jones-Rowser is the 4th district candidate running for re-election and currently serves as chairperson for the Neighborhood Preservation (Homeless and Housing Vulnerable) Committee.
Focus Syracuse said Jones-Rowser’s key issues are equity in housing, healthcare and safe neighborhoods and is a “strong advocate” for the Syracuse community.
Jimmy Monto
Jones-Rowser and 5th district candidate Jimmy Monto are both running as members of the Democratic and Working Families Parties. Monto said Syracuse’s greatest asset is its diversity, according to his website. His website says many Syracuse residents don’t identify with any political party, but he believes his vision must be “shaped” by all voices.
Early voting began on Oct. 25 and will continue through Nov. 2. Both early voting dates and times, as well as general election polling places, are available online through the Onondaga County Board of Elections.
sadepiet@syr.edu
Tips and tricks to have a smart, safe Halloween weekend
By Shivika Gupta asst. copy editor
With Halloween just around the corner, The Daily Orange has gathered a list of tips for Syracuse University students to stay safe and out of dangerous situations throughout the fun weekend.
In a Tuesday email, Dean of Students Sheriah Dixon shared campus resources and guidelines for “thoughtful” costumes and neighborhood etiquette for a “safe, inclusive and enjoyable” Halloween.
To prioritize safety over the weekend, students should be aware of their surroundings and stay in groups when walking. Students should also remain mindful of their alcohol consumption.
It’s recommended that students make a plan for safe drinking with friends before the weekend begins to prevent alcohol overconsumption. To prioritize safe drinking, students should stay hydrated with water and avoid mixing beverages.
Many college students often consume more alcoholic beverages on Halloween. On aver -
age, students consume over 6 drinks which is 1.4 more drinks than a traditional weekend, according to a Research Gate study.
Students should also be aware of alcohol poisoning signs, including cold skin, unconsciousness, puking and slow breathing, Dixon wrote. To easily remember the signs, students can remember the acronym “C.U.P.S.”
SU’s Medical Amnesty Policy is a resource if someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning. Neither the student receiving medical assistance nor the one contacting emergency services will be punished. Students can visit the Barnes Center at the Arch’s website for more information on resources and questions, Dixon wrote.
Halloween also falls between the beginning of the academic year and Thanksgiving Break, known as the “Red Zone,” when the majority of reported on-campus sexual violence and assault cases occur.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, more than half of all college sexual assault cases happen during the Red Zone period.
To productively help someone in a dangerous situation, students should consider seeking out assistance if someone is behaving aggressively, bringing home a friend who drank too much and taking the threat of sexual assault seriously, according to RAINN.
“Bystander intervention” — or when someone who’s not involved in a situation steps in to help — is one of the most effective ways to prevent sexual assault and creates a safer environment for everyone, according to the University of Cambridge.
Students should also remain attentive to their alcoholic beverages, staying aware of “drink spiking” when drinks are laced with drugs such as ketamine, Rohypnol and GHB, which are often difficult to detect.
Students should watch their drinks consistently and ask friends to hold them when unattended. Consider buying a new drink if leaving it and purchasing a drink cover for added safety.
During a Monday Student Government Association meeting, Chief of Campus Safety
Michael Bunker said the Department of Public Safety is focused on keeping students safe during Halloween weekend.
DPS will be “doubling or tripling” the number of officers patrolling the campus on Halloween, compared to an average Friday night, Bunker said.
Due to the increased number of intoxicated drivers on Halloween weekend, car accidents are another concern to be aware of.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 39% of fatal car accidents on Halloween in 2022 included an inebriated driver. Pedestrian deaths also increase by 43% on Halloween, compared to other nights. Look for ride-share options, such as Uber and Lyft, or a predesignated sober driver.
To report an emergency, unsafe situation or suspicious activity, contact DPS at (315) 443-2224 or call 911. DPS also offers a safety escort shuttle, which can be reached at (315) 443-7433.
sgupta38@syr.edu
hannah mesa illustration editor
SU’s ‘grandparents’ built community through luncheons
By Dan Tiwari contributing writer
After spending over 40 years serving hot meals on campus, Suresh Thiagarajan and his wife, Ramani Thiagarajan, feel like the “grandparents” of Syracuse University.
The two convene every Thursday in Hendricks Chapel for a “Friendship Luncheon,” where members of all faiths come together to share a meal. Ramani said students have motivated them to return to SU every year. She said their greatest joy is meeting young people, as they bring “life” and “hope” to the school.
“We wanted to be where people were giving up hope, so we could give it back,” Suresh said.
The luncheons began after T.E. Koshy, who died in 2012, returned to campus as the Evangelical Chaplain. He noticed international students felt disconnected, his son Jay Koshy said. T.E. decided to cook food and bring it to the students’ dorms. Suresh and Ramani became involved early on, becoming an “integral part” of the event, Jay said. Since then, the community has convened every week.
Suresh said his mother was devoted to serving her community in India, which gave him a desire to help those around him. He said his goal is to bring “hope” to the SU community.
“Whatever days I have, I want to give it back to God,” Suresh said.
Both Suresh and Ramani said their religious upbringing cemented their inclination to help others and motivated them to support the community. The couple got married in 1975 and moved to Syracuse that same year after T.E. asked them to work for him. Suresh called the opportunity “out-ofthis-world.”
For the past 43 years, the couple has dedicated every day of their lives to the local community.
Dara Harper, communications manager at Hendricks, said the luncheon is a place for community building. She said Suresh and Ramani’s care for every student has made Hendricks feel welcoming.
Harper said many students, faculty and staff, including herself, go to Hendricks every week to speak with the Thiagarajans, even if just for a few minutes. Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, she said Suresh and Ramani’s love is felt throughout the Chapel, with the same care and heart being given to every new student, the same as 40 years ago.
“It’s just very special when people are very committed to what they do and committed to being good stewards of the life they have been given,” Harper said.
Clarissa Karki, a first-year graduate student at SU, heard about the luncheon through friends and was enticed based on one simple premise: free lunch. After knowing the Thiagarajans for only two weeks, she said she found them incredibly kind. After their first encounter, the couple invited Karki to a pumpkin patch.
“They are some of the warmest people you can ever know,” Karki said. “They welcome everyone.”
Suresh said their friendship doesn’t just end with the luncheons. He spoke of former SU students whom he and his wife recently visited in Thailand. Maintaining relationships, even in their home countries, is something the Thiagarajans enjoy doing with as many students as possible, he said.
Jay said he’s seen an international “ripple effect” from Suresh and Ramani’s efforts with many other colleges starting similar events on their campuses, giving credit to the Thiagarajans as inspiration. The effect was international because students took values and ideas out of the country when they left. Jay said other campus ministries have told him the luncheon is one of the “largest” lunch events taking place in North America.
Davis, a Kentucky judge jailed for six days in 2015 after refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
As the years go on, several Hendricks faculty members said they hope to see the luncheon continue, with the Thiagarajans’ support. Both Harper and Jay said these gatherings are important to many students on campus, and Jay called it an “amazing opportunity.”
The Thursday luncheon is open to everyone to enjoy as a home to all faiths. The Thiagarajans said all students are a “gift” to the campus.
Ramani said she feels blessed to be working with them.
“This university has been faithful to its call … we are so grateful for Hendricks Chapel, and Syracuse University, for bringing us all together,” Suresh said. “I have connected with (students and staff) in different places, and in that way, I have been blessed with new beginnings.” dtiwari7@syr.edu
While he said he doesn’t think the current federal government will continue its support for marriage equality, Obergefell urges students to support the local LGBTQ+ community.
“What I think is happening today is at the local level, sharing stories, talking with people and getting involved globally,” Obergefell said. “Yes, court decisions are important, passing laws is important, but the way to make sure those lasting changes happen is from the bottom up.”
Obergefell urged students to get involved by following national organizations, to define “their own version” of activism and find the joy of making a small impact.
“When you start getting involved with the organization, you’ll start building a network, a community of the right kind of people,” Obergefell said. “Maybe your version of activism is always reaching out to your elected officials to say, ‘What you’re voting on is wrong, I don’t agree with this.’”
When Stewart asked Obergefell about students finding LGBTQ+ allies in the local community, he said: “Allies are everywhere.” He recalled several from his Supreme Court case, including Ohio Health Director Rick Hodges, who quietly supported him despite representing a state that declared marriage exclusive to a man and a woman.
within the queer community, and we need to be better allies for everyone.”
While some students who attended the event said they’ve heard of Obergefell’s case before, they appreciated his willingness to share anecdotes about it and give insight into his personal life.
“I thought his story was really beautiful,” senior Naiya Amin said. “I’ve learned about the case before, but it’s important to humanize the names behind these big cases.”
When sophomore Chloe Brown Monchamp approached Obergefell after the event, she was brought to tears. After seeing the face behind the case that allowed her two dads to become legally married, she couldn’t help but thank him, she said.
“Growing up and seeing your parents deal with all that is a really hard thing to see, because you don’t really understand why people are doing that,” Monchamp said. “That’s kind of why I got choked up, my dads are my best friends and I wanted to come here and just like, report back to them.”
Monchamp Obergefell’s recollection of specifics from the case, from the friends he met in the courtroom to the symbolic lavender color of his courtroom ticket, made the talk more meaningful.
certificate. When he realized Arthur would “die spouseless” in the eyes of the law, something had to change, he said.
Obergefell and his lawyer, Al Gerhardstein, sued the Ohio Department of Health, taking the case to the Supreme Court in 2015. In a 5-4 ruling, banning same-sex marriage was ultimately declared unconstitutional, two years after Arthur died.
Today, Obergefell said the fight isn’t over. On Nov. 7, SCOTUS will hear the case of Kim
said it’s “very difficult” for independent candidates to be involved in Congressional races. Independent candidates in the United States typically face challenges, whether it’s from ballot access or campaign momentum, Brockway said.
“What independent candidates usually try to do is they try to leverage issues that they think can bring together voters from both sides,” he said.
Staton hopes to do so through his platform, which emphasizes human and civil rights, as well as unity. He highlighted the importance of acknowledging differences between Republicans and Democrats, believing working together can overcome these differences.
With a goal to make yourself and your community better, he said he would “like to think” that everyone has a place in the U.S.
“If you’re making yourself and your community better, then by extension, you’re mak-
Obergefell said the case risks “erasing” history, setting back a precedent he fought to set. A ruling in favor of Davis could allow states to constitutionally restrict same-sex marriage.
“I never thought 10 years after the decision I’d be worried about having the right to marry the person you love, no matter what state you live in,” Obergefell said. “And at this point, if I had to go back to the Supreme Court, I would go back.”
ing this country stronger,” Staton said.
While he believes the U.S. should be more accepting, Staton does think there still needs to be control over the borders.
For issues specific to central New York, Staton said there needs to be some sort of wealth tax, where, after you’ve reached a certain threshold, your overall earnings will be taxed. The taxes would go toward projects and infrastructure to benefit all residents.
Part of his platform includes carving out exemptions for small businesses while getting rid of incentives for corporations and the “super wealthy,” he said.
“Small businesses are the bedrock of the economy. Much more than a mega corporation like Amazon,” Staton said.
While he’s excited for the job opportunities that will come from big businesses, like Micron Technology or Amazon, arriving in Syracuse, Staton wants to make sure that small businesses are still able to find new employees.
He also urged students to support the transgender community, people of color and other marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ community, as he said they are facing more attacks on a national level.
“There are a lot of opportunities for our students to be better allies to the people within our community,” Obergefell said. “Racism, misogyny, transphobia, you name it. Those things exist
Staton noted the importance of SU students — along with students from other higher education institutions in the area — in policies and voting in elections.
The newest voting generation has grown up with a variety of new things, affecting the way we look at politics, Staton said. He recalled the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential disruption in the job market from AI.
He hopes to help alleviate the feelings of discomfort the younger generation feels. While Staton doesn’t know how much of an impact AI will have, he says he’s “committed” to having a conversation about it, admitting the technology’s potential drawbacks.
Staton hopes to build bridges instead of blaming others for problems in the government. He said he wants to “make space” for good faith actors, instead of dismissing someone based on their political ideology.
“I want to try something different, bring us together,” Stanton said. “I worry the system
As SU follows national trends among higher education institutions in removing mentions of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, Amin said she was relieved the university hosted a major event featuring a speaker like Obergefell, drawing over 200 attendees.
“He was a really good pick in general, but also made clear the university, as they’ve said but maybe haven’t always shown, is dedicated to uplifting all voices,” Amin said.
bsheeh03@syr.edu
doesn’t have enough credibility to fix the situation that it got us into.”
While Staton doesn’t yet have any set campaign events, he hopes to engage with the SU student community.
“I want to be intentional about talking to people across the political spectrum,” he said. “That’s the kind of intimidating thing about being an independent is that you don’t have a base, but that’s also the exciting thing because I get to go and try and build my own.”
Staton said he hopes to represent every person in central New York, regardless of whether they disagree on certain policies. He said he’s excited to not only connect with the “politically homeless,” but also see how much common ground exists with voters.
“Now that I’ve jumped into the deep end, it’s very different,” Staton said. “I’m putting politics at the center and saying, ‘we’ll get better policy if we fix a broken political system.’” akgoelz@syr.edu
Through the “Friendship Luncheon” at Hendricks Chapel, Suresh and Ramani Thiagarajan have become Syracuse University’s “grandparents”. courtesy of dara harper
jim obergefell talked fighting for marriage equality at an event hosted by the LGBTQ+ Resource Center on Wednesday. ashley glode contributing potographer
Hallo-couture
Some SU students spend all of October or more bringing their Halloween costumes to life
By Claire Zhang asst. copy editor
‘Twas the week of Halloween, when all through campus, students anticipated the weekend to start.
Bedazzled bodysuits, furry matching sets, fairy wings and more hung in students’ closets, preparing to be worn.
“I like seeing what everyone goes as, not even just my friends,” sophomore Matt Murak said. “I just love the creativity that everyone has, and it‘s just all so different.”
Halloween is exciting and is an expression of everyone’s creativity.
Katherine Feeney su sophomore
This year, Halloween falls on a Friday night, and Syracuse University students are spending the whole weekend celebrating. Many have been preparing their costumes for months, sourcing materials from their own closets, craft and thrift stores and online shops.
For senior Marissa Hoinowski, the Halloween season begins the second October starts.
“On the first (of October) every year my handy dandy mannequin comes out, and my glue gun and everything, and I basically just turn my room into a craft studio,” Hoinowski said.
Hoinowski has been handmaking her costumes since high school, and it’s something she looks forward to every year. She keeps a running list of ideas in her notes app, and eventually narrows it down by October.
This year, Hoinowski’s using materials like rhinestones and resin to create her costumes, which include a Barbie, Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel and an aquarium — She “has a vision.”
“My room actually looks like a war zone right now, there’s just so many random things everywhere,” Hoinowski said.
Pop culture references are common sources of inspiration for students. Junior Ridley Thomas is going as Elvis Presley, but it isn’t just a nod to the ‘60s king of rock. It’s one part of a trio costume of influencer Trisha Paytas’ kids’ names: Elvis, Malibu Barbie and Aquaman.
One of sophomore Katherine Feeney’s costumes is Lana Del Rey during her brief stint working at a Waffle House. She’s also going as a ladybug, which holds a personal sentiment to her: she has a tattoo of one, and her parents called her their ladybug growing up. For Halloween, she loves to find ideas that reflect her personality.
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These SU students say they coexist with a paranormal roommate
By Mia Jones culture editor
Zoey Berg doesn’t believe in ghosts.
But since moving into her house in the Eastside neighborhood this semester, she’s seen a thing or two.
“I wore a cross necklace to sleep, and I’m not religious in the slightest,” Berg, a Syracuse University junior, said.
Berg and her four roommates live in an off-campus house in
the Eastside neighborhood. After multiple run-ins with odd sounds and sights, they suspect they might have some paranormal company this semester. The roommates found their current home through tours last fall. While it wasn’t their first choice, they decided they liked the house for its sunroom and pantry.
But shortly after moving in, the five began to notice strange happenings.
One night, something fell in Berg’s room and woke her up. Looking straight ahead at her closet, Berg saw what she said looked like a blonde woman in the doorway. Half asleep, Berg expected the figure to be her sleepy eyes turning her clothes into something else. When she kept looking at the figure, it didn’t change, so she went back to sleep.
“I saw what looked like a woman standing in my closet,” Berg said. “I
don’t believe in ghosts, but it just kept looking like a lady.”
Benjamin Tupper runs Rent From Ben, a home rental business in the Eastside neighborhood. Tupper has owned Berg and her roommates’current house for 10 to 15 years, but said he and his staff have never heard anything from past or current tenants about ghosts.
“There was never any mention by anybody, the owner, the current ten-
ants at the time, about any paranormal activity,” Tupper said.
When Tupper purchased the home from one of his Syracuse neighbors, the one thing that stood out to him was a letter people who lived there in the 1980s sent to the house. The past tenants wanted to tell the current owners they had found an old video of a house party hosted there in the 80s, though it didn’t relate to ghost activity.
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Some SU students add a personal touch to their Halloween costumes. Senior Marissa Hoinowski said her room turns into a “war zone” as she creates her own costume. dana kim staff photographer
Día de los Muertos honors family, cross-cultural roots
By April Stelle contributing writer
Mariachi music flowed through Goldstein Auditorium as people shuffled from table to table. Some people wore skeleton face paint, others had candy from breaking open a piñata.
“Seeing that the Goldstein Auditorium is completely decked out for this event just makes me really happy because I’m learning there is so much culture here,” said Florencia Tapia Cortes, a Syracuse University sophomore in La Familia de la Salsa.
The Mexican Student Association held a celebration for Día de los Muertos in Goldstein on Wednesday night. The student organization collaborated with Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. and La Latiné Undergraduates Creating History in America.
Día de los Muertos is a holiday indigenous to Mexico. Valeria Martinez-Gutierrez, president of MEXSA said it’s a way to celebrate life after death by making altars de muertos, or altars for the dead, and leaving ofrendas, or offerings, for deceased family members.
“Sometimes people even put cigarettes, if people were chain smokers,” Martinez-Gutierrez said. “It’s a very celebratory holiday, and it’s not meant for it to be full of sorrow or any kind of way.”
Martinez-Gutierrez said she honored her two grandpas this year, both of whom are inspirations to her. She also honored the 35 victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 with altars de muertos.
As part of the opening presentation, the executive board of MEXSA performed a Ballet Folklórico, a traditional Mexican dance.
“None of us had danced it before, but because of a last-minute cancellation for the dance troupe we usually hire, we were like, ‘Hey, let’s all learn,’” Martinez-Gutierrez said. “It’s been so fun for bonding and to create community.”
Franco Vivanco, an SU freshman in SALSA, said this event was a collaboration between many multicultural clubs on campus. Tapia
Cortes said last year during Día de los Muertos, she didn’t see Latino representation.
Vivanco and Tapia Cortes said that though neither of them celebrates the Día de los Muertos, they have many friends who do.
“We like seeing our Mexican brothers and sisters celebrate, and if we can help them out in any way possible, then that’s great,” Vivanco said. “We’re one big family, so it’s nice to be able to support each other in an environment like this.”
Although Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday, tables from South American and Latine Student Association, Haitian American Student Association, Central American Student Association and Lambda Theta Alpha all brought different activities to represent their culture’s version of Día de los Muertos.
Amaya Saintal, president of HASA, said Fèt Gede is celebrated around the same time of year in Haiti, a similar holiday where people honor and recognize those who passed away.
“Typically, this is when they will celebrate with drumming, songs, different colors, rum is also something that they put out,” Saintal said. “There’s a lot of music, movement, very colorful.”
Nicole Supliguicha, a member of Lambda Theta Alpha, said that as an Ecuadorian, she celebrates the holiday in a different way, but she still gives ofrendas to family members and follows spiritual traditions. Supliguicha said this year she’s honoring her grandpa and her dog.
“He passed away a month and a half ago, so we have an ofrenda for him in Ecuador with little treats for him so he can stop by,” Supliguicha said. “It’s beautiful. Having an ofrenda, you truly have a sense of who you cherish.”
Supliguicha said it was beautiful to see all the Latino organizations coming together to celebrate this holiday.
“This is a predominantly white institution, and we recognize that, and it’s beautiful to see that we all have a shared community here where we can honor people who have passed away,” Supliguicha said.
ajstelle@syr.edu
Sabrina Carpenter look-alike contest gathers fans in sparkles
By Parisa Nosrati contributing writer
In a blur of sparkles and blonde blowouts, the sound of clinking martini glasses and bustling laughter filled XO Taco on Wednesday night as five Sabrina Carpenter lookalikes in glamorous costumes gathered in the restaurant.
“I’ve got sparkles, I’ve got outfits. What do you need?” contestant Isabella Ehresman said.
XO Taco hosted a Sabrina Carpenter lookalike contest for students and locals. A photo of each of the five competitors was posted on the Mexican restaurant’s Instagram story, and the story with the most likes will be crowned the winner and given a gift bag of pink goodies.
Danielle Downie, XO Taco’s director of catering and marketing, organized this event. She said the idea came from her love for Carpenter; she often listens to “Man’s Best Friend” while she works. She said she wanted the event to attract Syracuse University students to the restaurant.
To advertise the event, Downie placed signs on Marshall Street in hopes of drawing in SU students. This was different from the restaurant’s usual advertising methods, she said.
“I just got tasked with trying to merge clientele and fun stuff to do for Halloween, and I pitched Sabrina Carpenter Night, and it went all out,” Downie said.
All the contestants had Carpenter’s signature blonde blowout. Contestant Alex York said she often gets compared to the singer and winning the contest would “prove a lot of (her) friends right,” she said.
Bridget Backer, an SU senior, dressed in a green sequined mini dress and black boots to compete on Wednesday night. She said there’ve been many local celebrity look-alike contests, something she appreciates as a music industry student.
“I think just bringing this to singers and celebrities that are in the music industry, it really helps with marketing toward the music industry as well, and I think it’s a really great way of promoting that for us,” Backer said.
Backer chose to participate in the contest to add another activity to a list of new experiences.
“I usually call myself a side quest-aholic,” Backer said. “I love going on a side quest. I saw this and I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ If I put my mind towards things, I’m going to do it.”
The event also fostered an environment where contestants could let loose and have fun, Ehresman, an SU graduate student, said. She enjoyed chatting with her friends over drinks, especially during the festive time of Halloween.
Ehresman said she’s been a fan of Carpenter since her “Girl Meets World” days and would’ve loved more throwback songs. Her costume included a baby blue mini dress with a robe over it, inspired by her song “House Tour.”
Paige Arcuri, a Syracuse local, had never been to XO Taco before Wednesday and appreciated the restaurant’s atmosphere. She decided to participate in the contest because she’s a big fan of Carpenter, she said, and wanted to show off the merchandise she bought at the “Short n’ Sweet Tour.”
“Honestly, I didn’t come here expecting to win a competition, but if I did, it would probably mean more to me than it should,” Arcuri said.
Claire Kaufmann, an employee who helped organize the contest, said she hopes these events will foster connection among those who attend.
“As a company, we’re always preaching hospitality, bringing people together. And I hope that it comes across in everything that we’re doing,” Kaufmann said.
Downie said she exercised her creativity in hosting the event, something she’s enjoyed in her role. She’s been excited to experiment with her creativity in planning this event, ensuring the other staff were heavily involved in the process.
Downie hopes the response from attendees is positive and that it gives her room to plan more events in the future. She’s already planned more events for later in the year, hoping to keep the hospitality and positive environment of the restaurant.
“I hope out of this event and other contestants, they can see that we can throw a party,” Downie said. “We want people to come, we want people to enjoy, (we) want to keep making new drinks and new food items.”
pnosrati@syr.edu
MEXSA’s executive board decided to learn a Ballet Folklórico to perform at the Día de los Muertos event. sean sterling staff photographer
Competitors dressed up in costumes inspired by Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet Tour,” in hopes of looking most like the popstar. cassie roshu senior staff photographer
beyond the hill
Daniel Caesar makes peace in ‘Son of Spergy’
By Gunjan Silwal contributing writer
On the weekend of his high school graduation, Daniel Caesar found his belongings in the garbage outside his home.
His relationship with his family broke down. Caesar spent the next eight months couch-hopping and sleeping on park benches in Toronto. This instability brought him to his debut EP, “Praise Break.”
Eleven years later, “Son Of Spergy” is a “fullcircle moment” as Caesar looks to reconnect with his past. He’s surrounded by collaborators from his first EP — Jordan Evans and Matthew Burnett — as well as his original management team. Feeling at home, he looks to push through his childhood trauma.
The album, released on Friday, is a roadmap of Caesar’s journey to reconcile with his faith and father.
Caesar’s father, Norwill Simmonds, is a Jamaicanbased gospel singer and pastor who taught him how to sing as part of the church’s choir. The album’s title refers to Simmonds, whose nickname was spergy.
Caesar described the album’s central theme as about his faith, but more importantly, his relationship with his father.
The 12-track, 51-minute album features artists like Sampha, Simmonds and 646yf4t — pronounced “baby fat,” Caesar’s little brother. All these features enhance the journey of reconnection that Caesar takes his listeners on.
Caesar released three lead singles — “Have A Baby (With Me),” “Call On Me” and “Moon” — which have garnered over a million views combined on YouTube prior to the album’s release.
The album opens with “Rain Down.” The song begins with a simple piano hymn, before rapidly layering gospel vocals and subtle instrumentation that completely envelops the listener.
The track marks the start of Caesar’s path to reconciliation, as he openly asks for forgiveness for his past sins. The powerful gospel vocals mixed with Caesar’s voice put listeners in the front row of the Simmonds’ family church.
In “Have a Baby (With Me),” Caesar reflects on a time when his life consisted of unrequited love and self-doubt. Though he already knew his partner had emotionally moved on from their relationship, he remained paralyzed by the fear of being alone.
out of the basement of their home since 1931. But things changed when Craig posted a video of Hercules Candy’s signature ribbon candy on YouTube. His family’s sarcastic humor drew people in.
Now, people with sweet tooths visit from across the country to try items they’ve seen on Hercules Candy’s accounts. In the back of the shop, a map of the United States tracks customers’ hometowns with colorful pushpins. Customers from TikTok usually ask for blue raspberry creams, because videos of the candies have gained traction on the platform, employee Kaitlyn Wilson said.
Three YouTube play buttons hang above the door of the candy workshop, marking each landmark in the channel’s growth. The most recent celebrates the Hercules Candy channel’s 1 million subscribers they achieved earlier this year. Their virality has caused online sales to jump from 10% to 70% of Hercules Candy’s total sales, Terry said, even bringing in some international customers. Recently, TikTok virality expanded sales even more, with 1 million followers and nearly 50 million likes.
“I remember the first summer that I worked here, it kind of slowed down,” Wilson said. “And then this last summer, it did not have a lull at all because of all of the online business.”
Syracuse locals who’ve been buying from the business for decades aren’t quite used to the high demand, Terry said; they tend to be disappointed when classics are sold out. The store tries their best to fill demand, but with only four candymakers, it’s just a fact of the business, she said.
Hercules Candy stumbled into social media fame after Craig was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that left him in a wheelchair. Hoping to avoid being on medication for life, he switched to a plant-based diet and his disease went into remission, Terry said.
In 2013, Craig started his YouTube channel, No Egg Craig, to share vegan content, but wasn’t getting much traction because his content was similar to what other vegan YouTubers were at the time, Craig said. He wanted to do something to stand out.
Craig hadn’t seen another YouTube channel posting about ribbon candy — a vegan sweet treat. So, in 2015, he decided to begin posting videos of his family making candy. The original video did well, sitting at a couple hundred views. But after a few months, it “hit the algorithm just right,” Craig said. Now, the original video
Next, “Call On Me” experiments with the album’s first pop track. The resulting sound is catchy yet hollow, mirroring the toxic and transactional relationships he was in. Caesar was stuck in a cycle, lusting after women who used him for his money while he used them for companionship.
“You change your energy when we get home / Get what you need and then I’m all alone,” he sings.
At this point in the album, Caesar moves away from dwelling on his sins. He’s ready to move forward, but is simultaneously ashamed and uncertain.
Caesar rekindles his connection with Christianity in “Baby Blue,” a track featuring his father. While he was required to participate in religion when he was younger, now Caesar is actively choosing his spiritual path.
But in “Root of all Evil,” Caesar struggles to follow his newfound spirituality. His lustful tendencies and surrounding influences conflict with his desire to stay true to himself, leading to internal shame when they take control. Caesar wonders if he strays due to the temptations surrounding him, or due to fears born from religious trauma.
“I know I should stay away but I can’t / I’m too drawn to the evil / I know that I’ve gone astray, here I am / So many pretty people,” Caesar sings.
These fears and feelings of uncertainty fully manifest as self-doubt on “Who Knows.” Caesar starts to question everything, wondering if it’s even possible for him to achieve or succeed in anything.
This questioning continues on “Moon.” The song is broken up into two distinct parts.
At first, Caesar says he’s tired of fighting by himself to improve, wondering who will support him.
“Who’s gonna be my Jesus? Who will advocate?”
The second section, dubbed “Violence,” delivers an otherworldly response. As organs harmonize with angelic vocals, a spiritual presence tells Caesar that his current path to reform is flawed. To truly heal, he must abandon his anger and shame, stop fighting and learn to love himself.
The spiritual dialogue continues on “Touching God,” where Caesar uses these conversations to highlight the difficulty of his new path. As a pastor’s son who ran from his faith, accepting religion again means directly facing his childhood trauma.
has 846k views. Viewers started asking for the next candy-making video. Then, Craig decided to make Hercules Candy its own channel so people wouldn’t mistake all of Hercules’ candy for being vegan.
Though viewers loved the candy-making content, Craig found it mundane. Having a 600pound marble slab in his basement for his parents to make candy from scratch was normal for him.
“That’s the only thing that I knew,” Craig said. “My friends thought it was cool, but I didn’t think that random strangers on the internet would think it was cool. I didn’t know there was a niche that needed to be filled.”
Without their online success, Terry said their business would probably still be in their basement struggling. Before going viral, she had told her three kids that they wouldn’t be taking over the business as their career because it was too hard and not very profitable. Now she’s training her daughter to take over the administrative side of the company.
There’s all kinds of things that we never anticipated, that we’re just helping people by being ourselves.
Terry Andrianos co-owner of hercules candy
Making content for Hercules Candy is Craig’s full-time job now. He hired Scott Stratton to help with social media four years ago.
There are a few other content creators who also post similar candy-related videos, like Rocks & Rolls, Logan’s Candies and Sticky, but each channel’s content is distinguished by the differences in recipes passed down through generations, Stratton said.
Earlier this month, Craig flew to Australia to visit Logan’s Candies, another store that makes classic ribbon candy. The candymakers taught each other their own way of bending ribbon candy, and created a collaboration video.
People love the “satisfying” candy videos, Stratton said. He said consistency also contributes to the videos’ success — he usually posts at least once a day.
Craig said viewers initially click on Hercules Candy videos for the satisfying content, but stay
“I know there’s a God that’s withholding his help / I know you made me, but I hate myself,” Caesar sings. Caesar experiences a breakthrough in “Sign Of The Times.” He reflects on growing up and turning 30, which creates a desire to settle down and raise a family. Even though he’s matured, he’s still fundamentally himself at the core, and that excites him.
“It might be too late / I’ve gone, and spilled my guts / But it feels so great, it’s risky / So what?”
In the album’s final moments on “Emily’s Song” and “No More Loving (On Women I Don’t Love),” Caesar reflects on his past relationships. Instead of being ashamed, he uses this moment to thank these women for their love and the lessons they imparted. He confidently declares that he’s moved past all superficial relationships and is ready to pursue his new path.
“I’ll never regret you, it’s heaven that sent you / But I’ll never go back, I hope that you know that.”
The album’s final track, “Sins Of The Father,” is Caesar’s reflection on his relationship with both his earthly and heavenly fathers. In two parts, the track begins by detailing the pain Simmonds inflicted. Despite this, he hopes they can be together in heaven.
Caesar hopes religion will fill the void left by his father. He confesses to holding onto anger and resentment in his heart and pleads for God to take away this pain.
After a hard cut, all the gospel choirs and instrumentation are gone, leaving only Caesar and his piano. In the second section of the song, Caesar uses a simple chord to reflect on his father’s careless energy and forgetful nature, detailing how his dad missed big life events like his birthday.
While he recognizes he has childhood trauma from his father, he feels grateful he has the ability to forgive and forget this pain. “Sins Of The Father” and “Rain Down” seamlessly transition into each other, showing the cyclical nature of childhood trauma.
“Son Of Spergy” is a personal account of Caesar learning to release the pain from his childhood and accept himself. It’s a journey that’s complicated by the realization that he’s his father’s son in more than one way. Caesar finally finds closure and breaks his family’s cycle of trauma.
gssilwal@syr.edu
for the family banter and personalities. Craig tries to show the whole process in every video and anticipate what questions viewers might have for candymakers, knowing that each video might be someone’s first time on the channel.
“In the beginning, I was actually scared to edit it just because I know that (viewers) said they loved feeling like they were just hanging out with us,” Craig said. “I wasn’t sure if adding too many edits in there would take away from that feeling. And it didn’t.”
That “hanging out” feeling isn’t just for the videos; it’s really what it feels like to be at the candy shop. When Stratton was hired at Hercules Candy, he had no experience with the social media industry. He said it was overwhelming to learn the ins and outs of the candy-making process without getting in people’s way.
But now he’s able to replicate some of the recipes at home for parties. Over four years, Hercules Candy has started to feel like a family, he said.
Craig called Hercules the best working environment he’s ever experienced. He said employees often stay at work to chat even after they clock out, and the environment during the day is fun. It sometimes makes it challenging for Craig to create calm content for Hercules Candy’s ASMR channel.
“Those are actually some of the hardest videos to shoot,” Craig said. “They’re so simple, but it’s just so hard to get everyone to stop talking for a couple minutes. Often when I’m shooting them, I’ll still hear people giggling and laughing in the background.”
The Hercules Candy motto, “Candy makes people happy,” is really true, Terry said. Throughout the day, people have to run a lot of mundane errands, but when they come to a candy store, they’re coming for a happy reason. Terry said she doesn’t have to hard sell customers anything — they already know what they want.
Terry said Hercules Candy keeps the content wholesome and family friendly, without politics or drama. She wants people to sit back, forget about their troubles and watch the Hercules team make candy, she said.
“People say they listened to us to go to sleep, or that we helped with their depression, or they watched while they were in the hospital recovering from cancer or surgery or chemo,” Terry said. “There’s all kinds of things that we never anticipated, that we’re just helping people by being ourselves.” cprice04@syr.edu
CONCERTS THIS WEEKEND
The classic ‘70s trio is bringing their acoustic folk-rock sound to Syracuse this weekend. The band is the voice behind hits like “Sister Golden Hair” and “You Can Do Magic.”
WHEN : Saturday, 7 p.m.
PRICE: Tickets start at $103
WHERE: The Oncenter Civic Center Crouse Hinds Theater America
Cage Halloween
Start Halloweekend off right at Cage Collective. Smurf, composed of Carla Velázquez and Phoebe Shay, and Troy Conner will perform at the student music venue on Halloween night. Don’t forget your costume — it’s mandatory.
WHEN : Friday, 10 p.m.
PRICE: $5 early, $10 at door
WHERE: DM @cage_collective for address
Dazed
Dazed is putting on a performance with the Syracuse Garden Club and The Schwegs this weekend. While not at their usual location, Dazed promises all treats and no tricks at their Halloween-themed show.
WHEN : Saturday, doors at 11 p.m., music at 11:30 p.m.
PRICE: Girls free, guys $10-15 at the door. Also $10 advance wristbands on sale
WHERE: DM @dazedcuse for address, not at usual Dazed location
The Afterlife
SU Records and Crater are throwing a spooky party on Saturday. Live music from PASSING GRADE, Nancy Dunkle and Grace Ferguson will soundtrack a costume contest, so bring your best look.
WHEN : Saturday, 8 p.m.
PRICE: $7 presale, $10 at door
WHERE: DM @crater315 for address
Relentless Moisture
Check out Relentless Moisture and Jerry Big’s World Famous Band at Pink Rock Culture Co-op, a “creative gathering space” in Syracuse that aims to highlight local artists. Relentless Moisture is an experimental rock and roll band.
WHEN : Saturday, doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.
PRICE: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
WHERE: Pink Rock Culture Co-op
“I feel like Halloween is exciting and is an expression of everyone‘s creativity,” Feeney said. “It shows some people’s passions and interests that you wouldn‘t already know about.”
Dressing up is a way to keep the fun of Halloween alive, Hoinowski said. It’s been her favorite holiday her whole life, and when she eventually grew out of trick-or-treating, making her own costumes became her new tradition. Crafting and adding flair to her clothing is something she loves to do, regardless of the season, she said.
“It feels like fun, it doesn‘t feel like work,” Hoinowski said. “It‘s rewarding and it‘s fun to see it all come together and actually start to look like the costume.”
While students like Hoinowski are invested in crafting their own Halloween creations, others’ costumes don’t always have to break the bank, Murak said. Last year, he and his roommate went as Tim and Moby from BrainPOP. They sourced their costumes mainly from their own clothes and accessories from Michaels.
The holiday can become very wasteful, Murak said. He tries to stray away from buying expensive things that he’ll only wear once. Sophomore Maddie Fox also focused on elevating basic costumes in an affordable way. One
Another time in early September, Berg was going downstairs when she thought she saw blonde hair behind her. When she turned around, she expected to see roommate Brianna Michaelis — but there was no one.
Michaelis said when the roommates walk up and down the stairs, it’s usually loud because the wood in the house is old. Sometimes when no one else was home and the girls were downstairs, they heard people walking upstairs, the fridge door opening and closing, or utensils rustling in drawers, Michaelis said.
After two weeks of noises, Berg, Chiara Navazio and another one of the roommates sat on the floor with a piece of paper for a Ouija board. Nobody else was home.
At first, nothing happened. But then, Navazio said they suddenly heard footsteps thundering down the stairs. The Ring camera on their door captured their reaction as the roommates ran out of the house.
Now it’s a girl house and it’s cute, so I think she likes that.
This was when Berg’s sentiment toward ghosts took a turn.
“But from that point on I was like, ‘There’s literally ghosts in this house,’” Berg said. “And I don’t believe in ghosts.”
After their Ouija board experience, Michaelis researched their home’s history and the past tenants who lived, or rather died, there.
“I’ve always had a hunch of something, because this house is clearly old and I wanted to know the history of it,” Michaelis said.
A Syracuse Herald Journal obituary preserved by the Local History/Genealogy Department at Onondaga County Public Libraries from July 15, 1975, states that a 76-year-old woman died in the home the day prior. She lived in Syracuse for 61 years, according to the obituary.
Tupper said students started to really “take over” the Eastside neighborhood in the 1980s. Before then, families and workers were living in the homes, including elderly people.
“A house 90 years old, it’s safe to say somebody back 80 years ago may have died in the
of her costumes is roadkill, and she’s excited to execute it in her own way, she said.
“There‘s a lot of ways you can wear clothing, not just for what it‘s intended for,” Fox said. “I’m just going back to the basics.”
Sophomore Madeline Wolcott found most of the pieces for her snow angel costume secondhand. Over the summer, she visited the thrift store every day to source pieces for her vintage clothing market, and happened to find many items she could use for Halloween. Halloween in college is different from what it was at home, Thomas said. Many students like Feeney and Wolcott grew up trick-or-treating around their neighborhoods, decorating their houses and watching scary movies with their families. But those traditions didn’t completely end when they got to SU.
“I actually tried to go (trick-or-treating) my freshman year with my friends as a joke, but then everyone was judging us,” Feeney said. “And I was like, ‘This is embarrassing,’ but I got free candy, so that‘s all that matters.”
Though Fox said she sometimes gets nostalgic for childhood Halloween days, celebrating the holiday in college has its perks. This year, she’s excited to explore different party scenes and see the variety of costumes people put together.
But for students who aren’t interested in going out, there are other ways to take part in
house, and that’s the fuel you need to grow a ghost story,” Tupper said.
Michaelis said the house’s age would explain the flickering lights and all the noises they were hearing. Tupper said many of the houses in this neighborhood are around 70, 80 or 90 years old.
Michaelis noted that when she was alone in the house for fall break, she heard nothing.
While Navazio said it’s easy for the roommates to blame strange noises on a ghost, they’ve also considered the possibility of intruders or squatters. However, they haven’t found anything besides potential squirrel nests in crawl spaces by the attic near Navazio’s room.
Still, the roommates aren’t ruling out the possibility of the woman’s spirit residing with them.
“Now it’s a girl house and it’s cute, so I think she likes that,” Michaelis said.
In August, before the fall semester started, roommate Megan Carr posted a TikTok of firefighters at their house after a carbon monoxide alarm went off. A group of SU alumni who lived in the house for two years before graduating last spring commented that they recognized the house and its reputation for unusual activity.
During SU alum Austin Barach’s senior year, he said he kept a list of strange happenings, like bats flying around and squirrels in the walls. While his roommates don’t think the house was necessarily haunted, they said there were many weird occurrences over the two years they lived there.
Alumni and former tenant James O’Connor said every year when people leave the house, they write a note or message to future tenants: a tradition that goes back around 10 years. A framed note on the wall directly to the left when entering the house lists out a survival guide for future tenants, but it doesn’t mention paranormal activity. It’s dated back to 2015.
The current roommates theorize that the spirit didn’t enjoy the past tenants’ company, but is happy now that there are girls living in the house, so she’s come out of hiding. After all, it is her house, Michaelis said.
As for Tupper, he’s not too sure about ghost activity.
“You can put me in the hardcore skeptic category of all these kinds of things,” Tupper said.
The roommates acknowledged that nothing bad has happened, and Navazio said the house’s energy doesn’t feel sinister.
“It’s just creepy that we can hear, but none of us think that she has bad intentions,” Navazio said.
mjones58@syr.edu
the festivities. Last year, Fox and her roommate weren’t in the “party spirit,” so they made their way to Chipotle in their costumes for the Boorito entrée deal.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God, Chipotle is doing that deal.’ So we went and got a bowl,” Fox said. “I was a magician, so I made a funny post, like, ‘I made this bowl appear.’”
Halloween is a time to be with friends, whether that be through carving pumpkins or getting ready to go out together, Wolcott said.
The holiday is always a thrill, no matter what stage of life you’re in, Fox said.
SU’s campus is always more lively during Halloween, Hoinowski said. As a Halloween enthusiast, she’s been waiting all year for this weekend.
“I‘ll probably never stop making my own Halloween costumes, and eventually, when I have my own kids, they‘re going to be subjected to that as well,” Hoinowski said. “But I‘m just excited to go all out and have one last Syracuse Halloween.”
cmzhang@syr.edu
rené vetter cartoonist
julia english cartoonist
This letter has tips on how to “survive” this house. But it doesn’t mention the ghostly activities the roommates have seen. eli schwartz staff photographer
haunted house
Katherine Feeney is dressing as a ladybug for one night of Halloweekend. The costume has nostalgic significance to her, she said. dana kim staff photographer
Brianna Michaelis su junior
As a Remembrance Scholar, values must be universally ingrained
By Valeria Martinez-Gutierrez columnist
As a Remembrance scholar, I’ve delved into the archives at Bird Library and done the best I can to remember and honor Julianne Francis Kelly. She was a prolific poet and writer, performer and, according to her sister, “wise beyond her years and a good friend to many.”
Reading poems she wrote encouraged me to reflect on the mission of the Remembrance program, envisioning a more effective approach to extend the care and critical understanding of Lockerbie values into ongoing afflictions of domestic political extremism.
The motto, “look back, act forward,” demands comprehensive application. Looking back means recognizing how Lockerbie transformed tragedy into an ethic of sustained care. Acting forward means considering history and our institutional past to advance the protection and amplify the voices of students and professors rather than silencing them.
Looking back means recognizing how Lockerbie transformed tragedy into an ethic of sustained care
Valeria Martinez-Gutierrez columnist
I’ve been grappling with the undeniable dissonance that’s developed since my time as a Lockerbie ambassador last fall. The contrast between how Lockerbie embodies remembrance and how Syracuse University applies it reveals a troubling reality about institutional relationships to tragedy and care.
Eleven residents of Lockerbie, Scotland, were killed in the Pan Am Flight 103 attack in addition to the flight’s 259 passengers. Wind carried the bodies and debris across an 81 mile-long corridor 845 square miles in area. A catastrophe became generationally entrenched in their community and lives.
They aren’t reminded of this loss annually like we are, but have instead built compassion
and remembrance into their daily lives. Our community should do the same.
The “Laundry Women” of Lockerbie collected, cleaned and even reconnected debris of victims’ belongings and memories with their respective families for years after the attack occurred. The entire Lockerbie community joined efforts to help rebuild the fracture that was physically and spiritually left in their town and extended a helping hand to families mourning transnationally.
But at SU, beyond our highly publicized Remembrance Week, most students couldn’t tell you about the attack or understand the Remembrance Scholarship as anything more than a prestigious accolade. We’ve allowed this narrative to abstract tragedy into temporary publicity, placing us in a dangerous zone of trauma exploitation.
While studying abroad in London last fall, I had the privilege of being selected as a Lockerbie ambassador. Subsequently, I traveled to Lockerbie with a group of peers. The same day I arrived, the students learned their scholarship had been discontinued. Watching them mourn what was some people’s biggest dream, I understood this connection is a lifeline. They shared feelings of being left in the dark of what seemed like a sudden decision.
I was happy to see the scholarship reinstated, but my feelings about the lapse of longitudinal care and mission to look back and act forward remain today.
In the current political climate, spreading awareness about political extremism and violence is supposedly central to Remembrance, but we’re failing to properly recognize students and professors whose work is the very transnational activism and solidarity that is suggested in Remembrance’s foundation.
RC Concepcion, for instance, had concluded his time at Newhouse shortly after my article in support of his immigrant advocacy. According to a statement posted on his Instagram, he’s now doubling down on DEICER – a lifesaving app he made available outside app stores after immigrant safety applications were banned. His efforts model the care and kindness of Lockerbie that we should embody in our community, and it’s voices like his we must collectively protect and enhance.
And student movements, like Not Again SU – the longest-running student protest in SU’s history – collectively raised concerns of a series
of on-campus hate incidents which university officials waited four days to alert the campus community of. The 31-day sit-in aimed to improve SU’s campus climate for students of color, but now students learn about it in a diluted manner which often fails to thoroughly explain why First Year Seminar was brought to life.
Honoring Lockerbie’s legacy is to intentionally build community like student resistance groups have in the past, but collectively.
One way to ensure we properly honor on-campus legacies is through recognition of our distinct relationship to Lockerbie yearround. When presented with moments of student frustration, we must actively stand against the systems of violence, allowing terror and silence to reign today as Lockerbie has taught us to: we must honor the systems of empathy that transcended catastrophe, borders and bias.
As a student leader of the Mexican Student Association, Latine Honors Society and Remembrance, I believe we need to question not just our separation from Lockerbie’s model of
care, but how we can apply these values into our everyday lives as SU students.
The question isn’t whether SU’s Remembrance program has value – it does. But we must move beyond our lackluster marketing image and dedicate ourselves to building the kind of care that Lockerbie models not only yearround but also universally.
This means understanding Remembrance beyond brand management. It means recognizing that when we undermine professors and students who epitomize solidarity and resistance, we undermine the very values Lockerbie is meant to inspire.
Lockerbie teaches us that authentic Remembrance requires transforming grief into sustained practices of care – not just for those who passed, but for the living who continue their legacy.
Valeria Martinez-Gutierrez is a senior majoring in geography, sociology and environment, sustainability and policy. Her column appears bi-weekly. She can be reached at vmarti10@syr.edu.
My struggle with overstimulation, avoidance during senior year
By Gracie Lebersfeld essayist
Writing has been my biggest outlet, both emotionally and creatively, for the majority of my life. As life sped up and changed around me, being able to get words on a page always grounded me. Now, I find myself struggling to bring myself to write anything. The shift has been jarring to say the least.
Recently, my brain feels like it has shortcircuited. It looms larger and far more painfully than writer’s block – it’s a genuine systemic error where it feels like my head is just an empty void. Defining it that way seems dramatic, but I can’t shake this constant burden of such intense executive dysfunction.
It’s almost like a paradox: I feel both overstimulated and understimulated at the same time.
Part of me feels like there’s genuinely nothing for me to do, and I spend all of my free time doomscrolling and occupying myself with YouTube videos and random tasks. The other half of me knows that I’m drowning in busy to-do lists and pressing work. I’m fully aware I should be pouring energy into those tasks.
But knowing how much I have to get done, I stress myself out, and avoid it all like the plague instead. Maybe it’s because part of me knows that sitting down and conquering the mountainous list of tasks makes it real, and it confirms that the only way to escape the constant drowning in work is to swim. So, in avoiding that harsh reality, I do anything and everything else, specifically meaningless things that don’t accomplish anything at all.
Unsurprisingly, I faced this exact problem when sitting down to write this essay. I opened up my computer, wrote about three sentences, and then felt my brain going in all different directions of where to take this piece.
Instead of sifting through the ideas and writing them out, the overwhelming feeling of having
to make a choice washed over me. I felt frozen, like I was paralyzed by a simple assignment. I physically couldn’t bring myself to do the very task I was meant to be doing, and I realized it wasn’t the first time I’d felt this way. The cycle still persisted, though, and I began to make excuses for myself.
Three sentences in, I remembered that there were still dishes in the sink from last night –obviously, I couldn’t work on this essay when there were dishes in the sink. So I told myself I’d finish just after I washed the dishes.
Then I also remembered that my laundry needs to get done, and I definitely couldn’t write with a pile of dirty laundry sitting on my floor.
This is what my work ethic looks like each time I have an assignment, up to the very moment the deadline is in my face. I swear to myself I won’t leave things until the last minute
ever again, and break that promise as soon as a new task is presented.
This cyclical struggle isn’t limited to my current schoolwork and other academic demands – I also see it seeping into the process of planning post-grad. I know I should dedicate the little free time I have to scouring LinkedIn for job opportunities and reaching out to potential employers, but instead, I spend that time reorganizing my desk drawers and arranging all of my sweaters in rainbow order.
It’s frustrating that something supposedly universal can feel so intensely isolating.
In full transparency, I don’t see this issue subsiding. Executive dysfunction will most likely continue to affect me for the foreseeable future, especially with my college career wrapping up soon. As that final day nears, I’m trying to remind myself what a privilege it is to have
so much to do. It’s a great thing to be inundated with tasks and obligations, especially when they excite you.
But amid all of the chaos, I’m also trying to remind myself that sometimes it’s OK to just let yourself be. It’s OK to stop, genuinely appreciate the downtime and treat it as such.
Instead of sifting through the ideas and writing them out, the overwhelming feeling of having to make a choice washed over me. I felt frozen, like I was paralyzed by a simple assignment.
Gracie Lebersfeld essayist
This time in our lives as students is such an intense whirlwind of emotion and work, and there’s no shame in taking advantage of the brief blips in the rollercoaster. Genuinely enjoy those moments because downtime drenched in guilt isn’t really downtime at all. Do nothing, and if you’re going to do something, make it something you usually wouldn’t have time to do. Preparing for the future is important, but learning how to take back control over the ebbs within the flow is just as crucial.
Gracie Lebersfeld is a senior majoring in selected studies in education and creative writing. She can be reached at gmlebers@syr.edu.
taite paradise staff photographer
personal essay
julia rodenberger contributing illustrator
opening four contests — the best stretch of the Colorado State transfer’s four-year collegiate career.
A human highlight reel, Ross-Simmons has outdone himself numerous times with absurd touchdown grabs. Most notably, Ross-Simmons put Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton on a poster by high-pointing a Steve Angeli pass in the Orange’s Week 4 upset victory.
The 12-yard receiving score was featured on ESPN’s “You Got Mossed” segment that Sunday, where Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss picks the best catches of the week, specifically where you “Moss” an opposing defender — essentially catching a ball over their head. It’s high praise. And both Ross-Simmons and fellow Syracuse receiver Darrell Gill Jr. have been on “You Got Mossed” this season.
Gill, you might’ve expected. But for RossSimmons, who weathered injuries in 2024 and struggled to get targets in favor of future NFLers like Oronde Gadsden II and Jackson Meeks, he’s broken onto the scene as SU’s standout bigbodied receiver.
“I know (Ross-Simmons) got banged up and was hurt, but now he’s been really a bright spot for us, a voice of leadership in our room, for the younger guys. And obviously the production has been on the field too, so it’s been really fun to watch,” Syracuse wide receivers coach Myles White said.
“I’ve lost count at how many competitive catches Justus has made since he’s been here,” he added. “People gravitate toward him because of that.”
The proof of White’s words is in the pudding — Mil’Von noticed Ross-Simmons from nearly 3,000 miles away.
“Once you saw him on the football field, you knew this kid was something special,” Mil’Von said.
Ross-Simmons’ tape of repeatedly “Mossing” receivers while at Rochester’s East High School until his junior year attracted Mil’Von all the way from his Los Angeles-area powerhouse. Mil’Von also raved about Ross-Simmons’ basketball pedigree as a three-time conference champion at East High.
Basketball to football is typically a natural transition for pass catchers and edge rushers. Ross-Simmons was both rolled into one. He played
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“I always think it’s very good to play two sports, because the footwork, steps and the motions, correlate with both sports,” Asaro said.
Belichick hasn’t publicly stated he’s emphasizing recruiting football and lacrosse players, but his presence looms large. In April, when No. 1 North Carolina and No. 2 Boston College matched up on the women’s side, Belichick was spotted on the sidelines.
“In general, for men’s and women’s, I think he’s put UNC in a great spot, because he has the best interests of those programs,” Carcaterra said.
Following the House vs NCAA settlement in June, UNC Director of Athletics Bubba
both positions in Rochester, and Mil’Von and Fig wanted him to do the same with Inglewood.
Both coaches said his raw athletic ability was among the best on their team. Mil’Von doesn’t remember a single 50/50 ball that Ross-Simmons didn’t win. Fig said he could’ve played every defensive position if he wanted to. Mil’Von recalled a play where Ross-Simmons came around the edge as a pass rusher and intercepted a swing pass for a 70-yard pick-six.
But they knew he wanted to be a receiver. And they knew that, if Ross-Simmons wanted to play high-level Division I ball, he had to become a better route runner and make routine catches more consistently.
So, Fig and Ross-Simmons entered the lab — early stages of his transformation into “RoboCop.”
Fig gave the senior wideout a light plate of routes to master early on: slants, hitches, outs, fades. The quick game. The easy stuff. Fig told Ross-Simmons to use his huge frame to catch passes on these routes, imploring him to put his back against opposing corners and “box them out” as if he’s back on the hardwood. From there, Fig trusted Ross-Simmons’ physicality to gain yards after the catch.
Of course, Ross-Simmons did everything in his first-career game with Inglewood. On Aug. 20, 2021, he scored a game-winning touchdown on a fade route in the corner of the end zone to defeat Loyola High School 29-26. Before that, he scored a defensive touchdown and tallied a sack.
“We knew at that very moment that he’s a Division I football guy,” Fig said.
As the season continued, Fig made things more “uncomfortable” for Ross-Simmons offensively, but Mil’Von and Fig still said he took over games. Fig thought he could handle a larger route tree; digs, big posts, bang 8s — ones NFL stars excel at. Fig believes Ross-Simmons’ work improving his balance, as well as adding muscle in the weight room, helped him excel at tougher routes rapidly after being introduced to them.
Let’s make things even harder — Fig thought to himself.
The new drill Ross-Simmons was forced to repeat: spending entire practices without wearing gloves. Fig’s philosophy was that Ross-Simmons needed to rely on his massive mitts for hands instead of letting his grippy gloves do the work.
“It was about demanding as close to excellence as possible,” Fig said.
Cunningham announced the athletic department was increasing its scholarships from 338 to 532. With Belichick’s notoriety, it’s brought in extra revenue for UNC’s athletic department, which can trickle down to the school’s non-revenue sports. Foy said lacrosse isn’t necessarily a direct beneficiary of UNC’s policy, but due to Belichick’s passion for the sport, “it’s reasonable to assume it’d have a significant effect on the program.”
For recruiting, it’s hard to gauge the impact Belichick will have on dual-sport athletes. Going forward, Carcaterra expects to see more dual athletes at UNC, while Foy said time will tell.
The challenge is retaining athletes for both. Each sport is physically demanding, and considering football can end in December
He remembers a week that season where Ross-Simmons made defensive backs look silly throughout every day of practice. No gloves in sight. Fig then challenged Ross-Simmons.
“I put a lot of pressure on JRS, just like, ‘Hey, I’m leaning on you, and I’m gonna give you every opportunity this week to make a play,’” Fig told Ross-Simmons. “‘You are the game plan.’”
Fig knew Nevada’s coaching staff would be scouting Inglewood’s players that week, and he wanted Ross-Simmons to reap the benefits.
Ross-Simmons left no doubt, posting over 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns in an Inglewood victory. With the same precision as RoboCop taking down escaped convicts in the streets of dystopian Detroit, Ross-Simmons’ robotic execution stamped his name onto Nevada’s recruiting board and many others.
“The way our offense worked, it was just get the ball up, get the ball to the receiver and watch them make plays,” Mil’Von said. “Justus did a phenomenal job of letting us do what we do best.”
Ross-Simmons’ NFL desires were well within reach after his one-and-done season at Inglewood. He attended Colorado State out of high school and put up a solid first couple of seasons there, tallying 424 yards and three touchdowns
while lacrosse starts in January, playing both doesn’t leave much of a break.
“It’s definitely hard, it’s gonna be something that I manage,” Asaro said. “I just think that I’ll be able to do it and just kind of lock in with both.”
Cultivating a football-lacrosse pipeline at North Carolina could be a challenge. Belichick first needs to sort out his team’s performance, as it sits at 2-5. Rumors have swirled about Belichick’s future with the program after a rocky start and additional off-the-field drama.
But that won’t be on his mind Friday, as Belichick gets ready to compete in one of lacrosse’s pantheons: the JMA Wireless Dome. Belichick doesn’t get caught up in the dramatics. He’s known for being nonchalant
as a freshman before earning Honorable Mention All-Mountain West honors in 2023 with 45 catches for 724 yards.
The next calendar year, however, Ross-Simmons went through a pair of hardships. His father, Jake Simmons, had a heart attack and two strokes, which caused Ross-Simmons to transfer to Syracuse to move closer to home and be with his dad. Ross-Simmons then didn’t play a ton as a junior in 2024 with the Orange due to nagging injuries.
His father, who Ross-Simmons says is now doing much better, constantly reminds his son to “be himself” on the field. For big Ross-Simmons, that means playing like the mechanical cyborg he is.
It finally came together this season for RossSimmons. And though his production has fallen off amid Syracuse’s four-game losing streak — where its offense has sputtered — maybe the team’s solution is the same one Inglewood used to fix its problems in 2021.
“We knew we had that ace in the pocket every time we threw it up to him,” Fig said of Ross-Simmons.
ccandrew@syr.edu @cooper_andrews
and non-sentimental. As he gears up to face the Orange, his focus is on helping UNC capture its first win over a Power Four opponent this season.
Yet, as a lacrosse junkie, Belichick can’t escape the mystique of the Dome. One look up, and he’ll see Paul and Gary Gait’s jerseys hanging in the rafters, alongside Mike Powell’s. It might be out of character, but for one moment, Belichick can bask in the Dome’s glory.
“He knows the history of the sport and the significance, and he’s watched a ton of games over the years that have been played in that house,” Carcaterra said. “So yeah, I’m sure he’ll connect. But he’s such a professional and a great coach that it’ll probably last for just a second.” zakwolf784254@gmail.com @ZakWolf22
Tulyagijja told The Daily Orange he encouraged Autry to have SU attempt at least 30 3-pointers each game before leaving Syracuse for the Knicks, it’s not a totally far-fetched idea. If he does get the attempts, it’ll come down to Kingz’s efficiency, which he’s already proven himself as elite in. For a team coming off one of the worst 3-point shooting years in the country, it would be a revelation for the Orange if Kingz brings a 3-point barrage to central New York.
Syracuse makes March Madness Hot Take Meter: 4/5
Autry wants Syracuse to “consistently” compete for championships. Across his first
two years at the helm, it instead fought — and failed — to break into a bubble team. By all preseason indications, the Orange are again going to fight to be a bubble team.
They were picked to finish ninth in the ACC Preseason Poll. ESPN had SU ranked in Tier 8 of its top 80 teams by March Madness potential. KenPom has Syracuse ranked No. 68 preseason. The lists go on, and nobody nationally is projecting the Orange as an NCAA Tournament team.
As seen from The D.O. beat writers’ preseason predictions, we’re more bullish on Syracuse — with two picks for it to make March Madness and one for it to be slightly on the outside looking in. SU is coming off a dream offseason, retaining its two best players, splurging in the transfer portal while bringing in a talented freshman class.
This is the team Autry and Alex Kline needed to build over the offseason. And now that it’s intact, March should be its long-awaited destination.
Donnie Freeman becomes an AllAmerican Hot Take Meter: 5/5
If Syracuse is going to return to the NCAA Tournament, Freeman should be an integral reason why. As one of the best recruits in program history, the 6-foot-9 forward looked to be coming into his own as a freshman before a right toe injury derailed his season after 14 games.
In his brief sample size, Freeman showcased he was on double-double watch every game and could score from all three levels. When factoring in his blend of size, perimeter skills and defensive versatility, Freeman has all the
intangibles to be among the best players in college basketball.
He ended the season averaging 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 50.4% from the floor and 33.3% from beyond the arc — which seemed to just be scratching the surface of his potential. The closer he plays to his 100th percentile outcome, the farther Syracuse’s season will advance.
And if Freeman averages, say, around 18 points while slightly improving his efficiency, he will be one of the best players in the country. If Freeman does register All-American honors, he’d be SU’s first All-American since Rakeem Christmas in 2015. Freeman wasn’t listed on either of the Preseason All-ACC Teams.
justus ross-simmons caught five touchdowns in Syracuse’s first five games. A year of high school football in California refined his skillset. leonardo eriman photo editor
Our beat writer discusses players like Georgia Tech transfer Naithan George and Oregon State transfer Nate Kingz’s 2025 production. leonardo eriman photo editor
Freeman will be an All-American, other hot takes for SU’s season
By Justin Girshon senior staff writer
Syracuse men’s basketball is entering a pivotal third season under head coach Adrian Autry. Following four consecutive years without a March Madness appearance, the Orange are amid their longest drought since missing six straight from 1967-72.
With a revamped roster and increased expectations, here are five hot takes for SU’s season:
Naithan George repeats as the ACC assists leader Hot Take Meter: 1/5
As a sophomore at Georgia Tech last year, Naithan George emerged as one of the best point guards in the Atlantic Coast Conference, leading the ACC with 6.5 assists per game. After becoming the crown jewel of the Orange’s transfer portal acquisitions, I think he’ll again top the conference in assists.
With Autry wanting his team to play fast, George should frequently push the pace with the ball in his hands, looking to facilitate a score. Alongside J.J. Starling and Donnie Freeman, George gives SU three offensive alphas. Beyond the trio, Syracuse has a plethora of players capable of scoring double figures any
given night in Nate Kingz, Tyler Betsey, Sadiq White Jr. and Kiyan Anthony.
Meanwhile, George should have a lot of fun in the lob game with White and big men William Kyle III and Akir Souare. The Orange certainly have the pieces for George to repeat as the ACC’s assists leader. Now, it’ll come down to production and health.
Sadiq White Jr. doesn’t start a game all year, still gets selected in 2026
NBA Draft
Hot Take Meter: 2/5
Ranked as 247Sports’ No. 26 prospect, White is among the most exciting freshmen in the country this year and is the kind of recruit Autry dreams of. Listed at 6-foot-9 and 195 pounds, White’s frame and athleticism give him the perfect blend of guarding 1-through-5 and being a defensive force.
Meanwhile, as mentioned above, he should be lethal for the Orange as a lob threat and when pushing the pace in transition. He’s still developing offensive game, specifically his outside shot, but Autry said White is “a very good offensive player” during Media Day.
That being said, there’s a realistic chance White doesn’t start a game for the Orange this year. If he’s on the court alongside Freeman and Kyle, Syracuse’s spacing could be suspicious.
After moving overseas, he struggled to find his footing. At Belgium’s Club Brugge — which he joined in 2022 — and Inter Milan, he battled through injuries before fighting for minutes at the latter. Following a loan to Villarreal from Inter late in the January transfer window, Buchanan has returned to form with seven goal contributions in 26 appearances, preparing the 26-year-old Canadian to play a major role for his native country in the 2026 World Cup.
“He deserves everything that’s happening to him right now,” former Syracuse and current Canada defender Kamal Miller said. “He was playing college soccer (seven) years ago, now he’s one of the most talked-about wingers in the world.”
Yells echoed through Syracuse’s Ensley Athletic Center. They only intensified as minutes passed. Players and coaches from other SU teams came over to find out what the ruckus was.
It was fall 2018, and Buchanan was darting back and forth on the facility’s indoor turf. The sophomore was competing in the Yo-Yo test, one of the Orange’s preseason fitness exams that consists of repeated shuttle runs across a 20-meter stretch.
Buchanan was the last player standing. His teammates around him grew smaller and smaller as he refused to drop out, longtime SU assistant coach Jukka Masalin said.
Eventually, Buchanan collapsed from exhaustion. But not until he’d “shattered” SU’s program record, passing the previous mark by 10 levels, per former Orange midfielder JohnAustin Ricks. After a breakout freshman year, it showed Buchanan was back for more.
“(He) had a lot of eyes on him coming into the year,” fellow SU teammate Massimo Ferrin said. “It showed the work he put in in the offseason. He didn’t come in thinking he was a big shot.”
Buchanan was in the spotlight, a complete 180 from two years prior.
No one knew Buchanan’s name when he came to Syracuse in 2017. He was a mystery in Canada, too. After he moved from his hometown of Brampton, Ontario to Colorado for high school, FIFA’s rules forbade him from playing club soccer, delaying his recruiting process, SU head coach Ian McIntyre said. Buchanan wasn’t noticed by the Orange until he exploded at an ID camp in 2016.
Once he arrived at Syracuse, Buchanan got to work.
After his freshman year, no one in college soccer could ignore him. Former Orange midfielder Jan Breitenmoser said, when Buchanan began
Still, he will likely play an influential role for the Orange, and with his untapped potential, NBA teams should keep a close eye on White throughout the year.
Nate Kingz sets new single-season 3-point record
Hot Take Meter: 3/5
In his first year at the Division I level last year with Oregon State, Kingz was one of the most efficient scorers in the country. His 131.1 offensive rating and 65.3% true shooting
beating SU’s top defenders like Miller, he realized his potential. Ricks added that McIntyre would put Buchanan in different formations to test his skillset, and he adapted to them all. Despite missing some scoring chances, he finished the season with four goals and two assists.
Buchanan had established himself at Syracuse. After starting on the right foot in preseason workouts before his sophomore year, he took off. Buchanan posted a career-high eight goals and four assists in 2018, becoming a more lethal finisher and coming through in the clutch.
“His trajectory just kept going forward, and he started feeling more confident, stronger, and I felt like he was the guy in our team,” Masalin said.
He just needed to become more physical. Buchanan entered college at 6-foot, 150 pounds, so Masalin said SU created a regimented training plan to improve his balance and change of direction while adding muscle.
The training paid dividends once the MLS SuperDraft arrived. Buchanan earned a Generation Adidas contract after his sophomore campaign, making him eligible for the draft.
Buchanan excelled in the pre-draft tests, which measure speed, agility and power, Tony Romano — his coach at Legacy High School (Colorado) — said. He was one of six prospects to finish top 10 in multiple categories, placing fourth with a 3.95-second 30-meter dash and ninth with a 32-inch vertical jump.
However, Buchanan said he didn’t speak to the Revolution before the draft. Many expected Buchanan to be off the board before their pick. Some even had him going No. 1. But Buchanan fell on Draft Day, allowing New England to kickstart his professional career by selecting him at No. 9.
He has Syracuse to thank for it.
“Syracuse was very good for Tajon, and Tajon was very good for Syracuse,” McIntyre said. “Tajon fully seized the opportunity and continues to make us very proud.”
Since he was young, Buchanan dreamed of playing in Europe. He spent three years with the Revolution under legendary coach Bruce Arena, even becoming a Best XI player in 2021.
But Buchanan felt he was ready for the next step.
He joined Club Brugge for the 2022 season, becoming one of few Canadians playing in the Champions League. But Buchanan was hampered by injuries. Club Brugge Managing Director of Sport Dévy Rigaux said he missed 71 days over two seasons, including a muscle injury that sidelined him from July to September in 2023. Even when he was on the field, Buchanan
percentage placed 25th and 26th in the nation, respectively, per KenPom. A massive part of his success was his prowess from beyond the arc, as he drained 44.6% of his 3s while shooting 4.2 per game.
Syracuse’s current single-season 3-point record holder is Andrew White III, who drained 112 while shooting 40.3% in the 2016-17 campaign. For Kingz to reach White’s record, he’ll likely need to shoot closer to seven 3-pointers per game. Considering Eugene
couldn’t adjust. Rigaux said he often made his way into the final third, but he had trouble converting his chances.
“In the beginning, he got frustrated,” Rigaux said. “He got in the one-to-one with the goalkeeper, one-to-one with the last defender, but then it’s all about the split seconds: ‘What do I do right now?’”
Buchanan couldn’t catch a break. However, he took away a few things from his time with Club Brugge. Rigaux mentioned that his injuries allowed him to become more conscious of his body, and he was receptive to trainers’ feedback.
When he was on the pitch, Buchanan’s skills gradually improved. With more experience, he made better decisions in crucial moments. Club Brugge also deployed him as a fullback, and he excelled despite “offensive impulses in his DNA,” Rigaux said.
Following a strong performance as Canada’s right winger at the 2022 World Cup, Inter Milan took notice. Even though playing time wasn’t guaranteed, the club saw a future for him. With Inter boasting 46 trophies, Buchanan’s decision was simple.
“When Inter comes calling, you don’t think twice about it,” Buchanan said. “I’ve always dreamed of playing in a top-5 league. I knew it was going to be a big jump, but at that moment, that’s what I wanted.”
But Buchanan struggled even more in Milan. Before he could play a game, he broke his tibia practicing with Canada.
Even when he returned ahead of schedule last November, Buchanan didn’t receive many minutes. He was stuck behind players like wingback Denzel Dumfries in the rotation, making just 17 appearances and failing to improve his standing.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, playing time was more crucial than ever, Team Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said on the Park the Bus podcast on Aug. 26. Buchanan wasn’t benefiting from sitting on the bench. As one of Canada’s top players, Marsch was expecting him to be a starter — he needed to play.
A six-month loan to La Liga’s Villarreal in February helped him do just that. Now, after signing a five-year contract with the Spanish club, Buchanan said he’s playing his best soccer ever.
“It is not always an upward trajectory,” Ferrin said of Buchanan’s journey. “He was challenged in a way that he hadn’t been challenged before over those couple of years (at Inter), and now that’s allowed him to flourish.”
When Buchanan joined Villarreal midway through the 2025 season, he was the odd
man out due to its pre-existing chemistry. He could’ve opted for a more favorable situation. Buchanan said he had offers from smaller Italian clubs, but he knew he needed to challenge himself to reach his potential again. He proved his worth in just his 12th match with the Yellow Submarine.
On May 18 against FC Barcelona, Villarreal was tied 2-2 late. It was Buchanan’s time. After entering as a second-half substitute, he collected a cross in the 80th minute that missed the outstretched foot of one attacker and skipped through the legs of another. It fell right to Buchanan with only Barcelona goalie Marc-André ter Stegen to beat. He didn’t waste the chance. Buchanan smashed the ball over ter Stegen’s right hand for his first Villarreal goal, giving it the late lead.
There were no backflips, but Buchanan spread his arms wide and jogged over to the right corner. His hat trick later in the season may have been his shining moment, but this score meant he was finally back.
“It’s up there with some of the more memorable moments of my career,” Buchanan said. “Not everyone can say they scored against Barcelona. Obviously, I can.”
“He just seems to continue to raise his game,” McIntyre added. “He’s scoring goals on the biggest stages in international football and continues to amaze us all.”
That goal was just the start. Buchanan has resurrected his career with Villarreal across the last two seasons, with five goals and two assists. Rigaux said the club has a similar environment to Club Brugge, and he’s had more room to shine than he would in Serie A.
Buchanan’s revival hasn’t gone unnoticed. Romano said he constantly takes photos and videos of Buchanan on TV, posting them on Facebook for his current players to see.
His Syracuse teammates are even more in awe. Breitenmoser and Ferrin added they never would’ve expected this career path, especially coming from college.
They all share one belief, though: he isn’t done.
“I think he’s gonna continue to get attention at the Canadian level. He’s gonna crush it in La Liga,” Romano said. “And I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he starts getting phone calls from (English Premier League) teams.”
Assistant Sports Editor Harris Pemberton contributed reporting to this article.
Syracuse men’s basketball’s revamped roster has increased expectations for Adrian Autry’s third year as head coach. eli schwartz staff photographer
Former Syracuse forward Tajon Buchanan has built a career overseas after signing a full contract with Villarreal, preparing him for the 2026 World Cup.
courtesy of villarreal cf
Syracuse built revamped roster around return of its 2 stars
By Justin Girshon, Aiden Stepansky the daily orange
Every day, J.J. Starling and Donnie Freeman worked out together at the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center. However, as the days passed, the number of teammates around them dwindled as they entered the transfer portal.
Freeman said he and Starling discussed their futures while training. Head coach Adrian Autry, meanwhile, communicated with his star players daily.
It culminated in their return to Autry and the Orange — making the decision together.
“The next message was just, ‘All right, let’s go out and get some guys to build something great,’” Starling said.
While leading Syracuse in scoring last year, Starling and Freeman played just seven games together as SU fell to its worst season since the 1968-69 campaign. Starling missed seven games with a broken left hand before returning on Jan. 4 against Florida State, which turned out to be Freeman’s last game due to a right toe injury.
Now, for Starling’s senior and Freeman’s sophomore year, the two are at the forefront of a pivotal season as Syracuse attempts to snap its four-year NCAA Tournament drought.
“Whenever you can get players the status of a J.J. and Donnie to say they want to come back, and they believe in you, it means a lot,” Autry said. “It means that we’re all on the same bus, moving in the same direction.”
As the wheels turned toward the 202526 season, Starling and Freeman became an extension of Syracuse’s staff. Starling said he felt like a “recruiting coach,” as SU’s coaches asked for the duo’s opinions on transfer portal options. The pair studied how the options would fit with their playing styles, even speaking with them directly.
Of 5,607 total men’s basketball players in the nation, around 2,700 entered the transfer portal between March 24 and April 22. Autry understands that’s how today’s college sports world works, where opportunities are abundant after each season.
With Starling and Freeman’s help,
SU netted six players in the portal.
Paired with five freshmen, it created an entirely new-look roster around Starling and Freeman.
As one of the most coveted play ers in his recruiting class paired with standout freshman numbers — averaging 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds, albeit in a small sample size — Freeman could’ve piqued any coach’s interest in the portal. The 6-foot-9 forward said there was “a little bit” of outside programs trying to poach him, but he added that he made it clear early on he wanted nothing to do with teams besides SU.
If not for the injury that wiped his season away after 14 games, Freeman could’ve been decid ing between the Orange and entering the NBA Draft.
But he says that after he got hurt, he never considered testing the NBA waters.
“I had a small sample size, so I knew before I wanted to take that step, I wanted to be ready,” Freeman said.
“So I knew I wanted to come back and finish up what I had to do.”
Freeman’s mother, Darshelle Freeman, said her son is back to 100%, the healthiest he’s been since high school. Freeman was labeled as “day-to-day” by Autry for nearly a month before
he was ruled out for the season on Feb. 8, which Darshelle attributed to doctors not being able to perform an MRI for several weeks because of swelling. Once Freeman received his MRI results, Darshelle said he, with doctors and “everyone else,” decided to undergo surgery. Darshelle noted her son had a toe injury, and he had to have a screw inserted during his procedure. Per Darshelle, Freeman had previous issues with his right foot for several years and was playing through pain for “a very long time.” She added that his family didn’t know exactly what he was dealing with until his MRI, which revealed he’d been playing with the same underlying issue for years.
“He’s been playing kind of 75% for a very long time,” Darshelle said. “So now that he’s fully healthy, he’s Starling already went through the tumultuous process of the transfer portal. The Syracuse native originally chose Notre Dame out of high school before returning home for the 202324 season. He’s known Autry since he was 7 years old. Starling is now the only player left from Autry’s first year.
As a sophomore, Starling played next to Judah Mintz, where he said he experienced many highs and lows, but mostly lows. Autry and now-Siena head coach Gerry McNamara implored him to stick with it, telling Starling they were there to support him.
The reinforcement helped Starling post a career year as Syracuse’s No. 1 option last season. Despite missing seven games, Starling tallied 17.8 points per game while earning AllAtlantic Coast Honorable Mention honors. When it came time to make a decision, he wasn’t going to leave home again.
“I’m big on trust,” Starling said at ACC Media Day. “(Autry) believed in me even in moments when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Freeman holds a similar sentiment. He said he feels comfortable at SU and trusts everyone around him, noting those were the biggest deciding factors in returning. A Washington, D.C., native, Freeman built a strong relationship with Autry through their DMV ties, Darshelle said; Freeman grew up playing AAU basketball for Team Takeover, where Autry coached earlier in his career.
She explained Autry was the first college coach to reach out in his recruitment, and if he wasn’t at Syracuse, Freeman may have chosen another program. As he heads into his second season playing for Autry, Freeman is taking everything “day by day” and seeing where it takes him.
If Freeman stayed healthy last year, Darshelle said jumping to the NBA would’ve been “a more serious conversation.” This year, if he remains on the court and plays just as well or improves on his freshman campaign, the NBA would seem like a logical next step.
For Starling, this is his final year of eligibility. He’s been through Syracuse’s darkest hour. With Freeman at his side, it’s Starling’s last chance to return the Orange to their rightful spot on a national stage.
And Syracuse will go as far as Starling and Freeman take it.
sports@dailyorange.com
football UNC’s Belichick’s lacrosse history helps recruit dual-sport athletes
By Zak Wolf senior staff writer
Bill Belichick is a football icon. There’s no disputing that. His eight Super Bowls as a coach and 333 career wins speak for themselves. However, the sport he’s become synonymous with wasn’t his first love. It was lacrosse.
Growing up in Annapolis, Maryland — a lacrosse hotbed — Belichick became enamored with the Naval Academy, he told ESPN’s Paul Carcaterra in 2016. Belichick watched as Willis Bilderback built consistent championship rosters in the 1960s. It inspired him to play in high school and later at Wesleyan College.
Despite eventually taking the football coaching route, his affinity for lacrosse never wavered. His son Stephen played the sport at Rutgers, while his daughter Amanda became the women’s lacrosse coach at Holy Cross in 2015.
When North Carolina hired Belichick last December, his football pedigree dominated the headlines. But coming to a school with a storied lacrosse program added a wrinkle.
“When football recruits meet him and when lacrosse recruits meet him, that’s significant, and he has that tie of playing the same game,” Carcaterra told The Daily Orange. “There’s a lot of carryover, and that’s why I think someone like Coach Belichick understands that, because he’s lived in both spaces.”
Chapel Hill was a perfect landing spot for Belichick to intertwine his passion for both sports. Belichick developed a close relationship with current UNC and former Syracuse men’s lacrosse defensive coordinator Dave Pietramala during his time at Johns Hopkins. The connection allows Belichick to recruit elite lacrosse talent who might share an interest in playing football.
That element has already had an impact on North Carolina’s football program, which will face off against Syracuse on Friday. The 73-year-old has landed multiple dual-sport commits since arriving nine months ago.
Jermaine Anderson, a four-star long stick midfielder, initially committed to UNC solely for lacrosse in 2023. Once Belichick was hired, he was offered a spot on the football team. Five-star 2025 lacrosse recruit Gary Merrill also initially pledged his dual-sport allegiance,
though he decided to focus on lacrosse in August. Crew Davis — the second-best 2026 running back in New York, according to 247Sports — committed to UNC for football and lacrosse in February.
2027 UNC lacrosse commit Anthony Asaro is also a standout running back for Garden City High School (NY). Though Belichick hasn’t extended him a football offer yet, Asaro, Inside Lacrosse’s No. 6 overall recruit in his class, hopes to feature on the gridiron.
“It’s great that he loves both sports, he gets the best athletes for them,” Asaro said of Belichick.
The future Hall of Fame coach wasted no time integrating himself with the UNC lacrosse program. According to USA Lacrosse, Belichick’s first stop upon arriving in Chapel Hill was head coach Joe Breschi’s office, where he left him a handwritten note. Breschi said Belichick later told him, “Whatever you need for the lacrosse program, let me know.”
“(Breschi and Pietramala) were basically the people that he was closest to on campus,” Inside Lacrosse CEO Terry Foy said.
The connection between football and lacrosse coaches is paramount with dual-
sport athletes, according to Foy. That’s why Belichick’s relationships with Pietramala and Breschi prove crucial. Foy said if someone is rostered for football, that’s where their scholarship is allocated. Typically, that means football takes priority. Some cases are different.
For example, take Notre Dame’s Jordan Faison, a standout midfielder and wide receiver. Faison walked onto the football team as a freshman while also helping the lacrosse team to the 2024 National Championship. Foy said there’s an understanding between Marcus Freeman and men’s lacrosse head coach Kevin Corrigan about Faison’s responsibilities.
When Notre Dame made the College Football Playoff Championship last season, Faison missed lacrosse practice to start the season. Eventually, he rejoined the Fighting Irish, finishing with 22 goals and eight assists. In 2025, he’s developed into Notre Dame’s best receiver with a team-high 436 yards.
The football/lacrosse crossover is nothing new. One of the first — and most iconic — examples is former Syracuse superstar Jim Brown. The legend tore up the gridiron while also shining as a lacrosse player.
More recently, Belichick helped former Penn State lacrosse standout Chris Hogan become a reliable NFL wide receiver. Hogan spent three seasons in Happy Valley before transferring to Monmouth for his final year of eligibility. After bouncing around several NFL practice squads, Hogan established himself with the Buffalo Bills.
However, his most notable contributions came with Belichick and the New England Patriots from 2016-2018. Hogan recorded 1,651 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in that span, helping Belichick capture his fifth and sixth Super Bowls.
Jared Bernhardt — the 2021 Tewaaraton Award winner — is also part of the lacrosseto-football pipeline. Bernhardt spent four years playing lacrosse at Maryland before transferring to Ferris State to play football in his graduate season. While he eventually gave up football, Bernhardt ended up playing a season in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. Bernhardt, Hogan and others focused on one sport before switching to another. Recently, playing both at once has become more common, Foy said.
Since Bill Belichick was hired as North Carolina’s football coach in December, he’s brought in several dual-sport athletes for football and lacrosse due to his previous background in lacrosse. courtesy of the daily tar heel
leonardo eriman photo editor
FINALLY BACK
7 years after Syracuse stardom, Tajon Buchanan
makes
most of Villarreal move
By Noah Nussbaum sports editor
Tajon Buchanan was feeling like his true self.
Working down the right side of the pitch, the Villarreal forward received a long pass early in an Aug. 24 match against Girona FC. Buchanan stopped, sized up his defender and made a nifty double move to gain space. He didn’t have a clean angle to shoot, but Buchanan made it work.
He roofed a shot over Girona goalie Vladyslav Krapyvtsov for the goal. After scoring, Buchanan trotted to the left corner of the pitch and planted his hands into the ground, launching himself into a full roundoff-backflip combination.
Former teammates and coaches recognized the flip. He’d been doing it since high school and continued at Syracuse from 2017-18. In what became the biggest moment of his career thus far, he turned to his signature celebration. Buchanan promptly netted two more goals — a simple tap-in and a screamer off Krapyvtsov’s hands — to snag his first professional hat trick.
The performance was extra special because of Buchanan’s recent setbacks. First, he suffered a fractured tibia during Copa America last June. In 2024, after a “dream move” to Inter Milan, he found himself on the bench. After joining Villarreal in February 2025, Buchanan could finally be himself again.
“At that time, I needed minutes, I needed to gain my confidence back. And Villarreal gave me that opportunity,” Buchanan told The Daily Orange.
Buchanan’s professional journey has been a rollercoaster. He excelled at Syracuse, then was drafted ninth overall in the 2019 MLS Draft by the New England Revolution.
see buchanan page 12
How Justus Ross-Simmons became Syracuse’s top 50/50-ball target
By Cooper Andrews senior staff writer
On the West Coast, Justus RossSimmons is known by many as “RoboCop.” To earn the moniker of the fictional crime-fighting cyborg, all he had to do was walk onto Inglewood High School’s (California) football field.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound RossSimmons boasts broad shoulders, burly tree trunks for legs — a given for the former western New York highschool basketball star — and doesn’t
say much. He prefers his play to do the talking.
In summer 2021, Inglewood’s wide receivers coach Malik “Fig” James saw this mountain of a man arrive at the school. The then-incoming senior quietly introduced himself as “Justus,” exhibiting shyness after moving across the country. Fig said Ross-Simmons then buckled his chinstrap and laced his cleats for his debut practice. Embarrassing defensive backs on 50/50 balls. Doubling as a defensive end and relentlessly hounding the
quarterback. Ross-Simmons then strolled off the field without saying much, leaving everyone else to discuss what they’d just witnessed.
“This kid is too big, too fast, too strong,” Fig said. “Big, strong hands. Legs are big. He’s got a high butt. Calves are big — I was like, ‘C’mon RoboCop!’”
The nickname stuck throughout Ross-Simmons’ 2021 campaign in Inglewood. It was his lone year with the program, but it was when he exponentially improved his game as a big-bodied receiver. Under former
UNLV football star Mil’Von James — Inglewood’s head coach and Fig’s brother — Ross-Simmons bettered his body control and mastered a professional-caliber route tree, talents he’s since taken to Syracuse after Fran Brown’s hire.
Now, in his senior season, where Ross-Simmons has become one of the premier 50/50 ball wide receivers in the Atlantic Coast Conference, it’s safe to say his on-field persona of “RoboCop” is no longer a prototype. He’s a proven smash-mouth receiver — a rarity in football’s modern era.
“I’m not one of the fancy receivers that’s going to do too much,” RossSimmons said on Sept. 16. “I’m going to do what I have to do.”
“Honestly, if you don’t knock the ball down, nine out of 10 times I’m going to catch it,” he warned defensive backs.
Ross-Simmons has vindicated himself through SU’s first eight games in 2025, helping spur Syracuse’s 3-1 start. He caught 14 passes for 212 yards and a team-best five receiving touchdowns through those see ross-simmons page 12
After injuries and reduced minutes, former Syracuse forward Tajon Buchanan has resurrected his career with Spanish club Villarreal. courtesy of villarreal cf