Grand Valley Lanthorn vol. 55 no. 5

Return of the Rec

G R A N D VA L L E Y L A N T H O R N

GV’s Rec Center reopens in accordance with new regulations

Ottawa County Public Health, GV, issues joint Staying in Place order, effective through Oct. 1 GOVERNANCE | A7

COVID-19 changes GV Science Labs EDUCATION | A9

M O N D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 2 1 , 2 02 0 // VO L . 5 5 N O. 5

@ GV L A N T H O R N

LANTHORN.COM

A2 | NEWS NEWS BRIEFS GV COVID-19 CAMPUS DATA UPDATE

Since GVSU made the switch to reporting active cases, the current total of active COVID-19 cases is 359. The university’s update of data used for this brief was from Friday, Sept. 18.

Through testing results, GVSU’s Virus Action team has so far reported 2 faculty/staff, 50 on-campus students, 256 “off-campus Ottawa” students, and 26 “off-campus Kent” students, 24 “off-campus other” students with active COVID-19 cases.

“Current active cases” is the count of positive cases reported to the Virus Action Team over the past ten days.

This is an estimate of those currently in isolation, assuming a ten-day symptomatic period following the reporting of a positive test result. Actual periods of isolation are specific to the individual and determined by the county health department.

Testing and Incidence: GVSU’s own testing program has performed 7,238 tests overall since August 21, for a positivity rate of 3.40% from the latest update as of last week.

STUDENT VETERANS HONOR MANTELLA

This week, chapter members recognized President Philomena V. Mantella for her commitment to student veterans with a gift of a traditional military shadowbox, presented as an honorary expression of gratitude for excellence in service.

Student veteran Cameron Zbikowski served eight years in the Navy, from 2005-2013, including a tour in Iraq. The 2nd Class Petty Officer served at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq, the same airbase that was recently bombed by Syria.

Zbikowski, one of nearly 400 student veterans on campus, said the university’s wide range of support programs helped him transition to college life. He said he is especially grateful to be a Laker in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through the CARES Act and hardship grants, Grand Valley has helped student veterans directly impacted by COVID-19, helping them continue their education without the financial stress that has plagued so many due to unemployment and mounting bills,” Zbikowski said. ““President Mantella has supported Laker vets in a variety of ways, the most important was the creation of the military and veteran resource manager position filled by Jill Hinton Wolfe.”

Wolfe, ‘01, an Army veteran, began her role at GVSU in July. As GVSU’s first military and veteran resource manager, she provides additional support to military-connected students and dependents while expanding GVSU’s visibility, partnerships and pipelines within the community.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

GOVERNNANCE

Ottawa County Public Health, GV issue joint Staying in Place order, effective through Oct. 1

STUCK AT HOME: The new order requires Allendale students to stay home except for classes, groceries or other exemptions. GVL | MEGHAN LANDGREN

BY NICK MORAN, OLIVIA FELLOWS & KELLEN VOSS EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH), in coordination with Grand Valley State University, is enacting a “Staying in Place” order effective Sept. 17.

The order will require GVSU students living and studying in Allendale Township to stay home through Oct. 1.

According to the order, students may leave their homes to attend in-person classes, utilize food services, shop for groceries or medicine, obtain medical care, attend worship and religious practices, intercollegiate medically supervised athletic practices, or travel to their place of employment.

GVSU President Philomena Mantella said that the decision was a difficult one, but after monitoring case data and concurring with the University’s Virus Action Team, which on Wednesday increased the Alert Level from 2 to 3, the decision had to be made to curtail early virus spread on campus.

“There has been a lot of collaboration and refining what really makes sense for us,” Mantella said. “We want to feel comfortable, and for them to feel comfortable with the extent that we can preserve our experience and the learning environment of our students.”

According to the GVSU Data Dashboard, as of September 16, 2020, GVSU has 370 active COVID-19 cases, with 48 on-campus, 273 off-campus in Ottawa County, and the rest in Kent County or other. Currently, GVSU’s seven-day average of new cases is 38.7, down from the previous reports.

“We are already seeing (a level of decline in COVID-19 cases) if you look at the (COVID-19 Data) Dashboard,” Mantella said. “If that line continues, we want to understand if this is due to our aggressive testing program we have.”

The collaboration between GVSU and OCDPH provides reach both on and off

campus in terms of jurisdiction. Both organizations will be taking steps to continue to monitor and deter activity that may lead to further spread of the virus.

“They (Ottawa County Health Department) have the authority to issue the order around public health for the county, whether they are off campus or on campus,” Mantella said. “We’ve been having conversations with them on a daily basis, but as we move into this phase we will do whatever it takes to keep our community safe.”

On Oct. 1, Mantella said the University and OCDPH will review public health data in assessing whether or not to extend the order further. In that is continuing GVSU’s COVID-19 testing program, which she said has experienced an indication new case growth is slowing down, but will continue to stay vigilant.

“We are among the most aggressive in testing programs at Grand Valley with (test numbers) that are near 7,000,” Mantella said.

“I would say that we have the most aggressive testing on a percentage basis as we see more cumulative numbers.”

In an email sent to GVSU’s campus community, Mantella said there would be further emphasis put on health requirements including making masks required outdoors, alongside distancing and contact tracing. She also noted her goal was to take a single step to cut down virus spread and reduce positive diagnoses to ensure the order is lifted Oct. 1 “This is a journey of a thousand steps,” the email read. “Walking together — but separately — will serve the common good. Please keep doing your part.”

The University held a press conference featuring Mantella and Greg Sanial, Vice President for Finance and Administration and head of GVSU’s Virus Action Team, that outlined further clarifications on enforcement, testing numbers and monitoring.

Mantella said that with 740 cumulative cases within the GVSU community (includ-

ing 277 currently on the quarantine list), there will be increased messaging, student ambassadorship and Public Safety patrols on campus to reduce congregation and focus on containment. This order will work as another reminder to further curtail gathering and encourage safe behavior, she said.

For those disregarding the new regulations, students found in violation of the order will be spoken too, with possible action taken on multiple violations. Following GVSU’s Code of Conduct and public health requirements, discipline can range from probation to suspension to expulsion. Mantella made clear that the University’s goal is not to begin there, but to rather focus one education. “(We will) first remind, then (move to) an action that can lead to repercussions if there is consistent violation of the public health requirement,” Mantella said.

Leadership also made clear that this order is specific in its application to Ottawa County, but does not affect students who live in Kent County, which includes GVSU’s Grand Rapids Campus. On the Allendale Campus, Sanial said facilities like the Mary Idema Pew Library and campus dining facilities will remain open, but include previously-made accommodations to encourage social distancing.

Addressing contact tracing, Mantella said there was more work to do. She said her goal was to make student contact tracing look closer to tracing from the average person, which is more robust. Through what the University does know, Sanial said the majority of cases are stemming from students meeting in smaller groups of four to six people, not large gathering, which students are already wary of. Mantella said the goal is to continue to keep dropping the number of new and active cases on campus, and the order serves as critical step toward driving health-conscious student behavior.

“We just need to keep reminding students that the stakes are high,” Mantella said. “We must keep protecting each other.”

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

CONTENTS GOVERNANCE

| A2

EDITORIAL

| A4

HEALTH

| A5

PERFORMING

| A6

EDUCATION

| A7

WELLNESS

| A8-9

FOOTBALL

| A10

RECRUITING

| A11

HOUSING

| A12

VOL. 55

A3 | NEWS CONVERSATION

Secretary of State Benson, President Mantella celebrate 100 years of women’s voting rights

NO. 5

Lan thorn EDITORIAL STAFF

Layout Editor VIVIANA RUBIO

Editor-in-Chief NICK MORAN Associate Editor KELLEN VOSS

Layout Designer KHOI TRAN PROMOTIONS

Associate Editor XAVIER GOLDEN News Editor OLIVIA FELLOWS

Promotions Manager ALEX DAGASTINO ADVERTISING STAFF

Sports Editor ZACK GOODROW

Advertising Manager SHANE MCATAMNEY

Laker Life Editor YSABELA GOLDEN

BUSINESS STAFF

A&E Editor MARY RACETTE

Business Manager RACHEL MCDOWELL

Image Editor MEGHAN LANDGREN

Asst. Business Manager DAYTON HAMMON

At the Lanthorn, we strive to bring you the most accurate news possible. If we make a mistake, we want to make it right. If you find any errors in fact in the Lanthorn, let us know by calling 616-331-2464 or by emailing editorial@lanthorn.com.

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TUNING IN: Students join the Democracy 101 livestream to hear from speakers like Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. GVL | KATHERINE VASILE

BY KELLEN VOSS ASSOCIATE@LANTHORN.COM

Grand Valley State University’s Community Service Learning Center kicked off their series of fall virtual events with a bang, welcoming GVSU President Philomena Mantella and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to celebrate 100 years of Women’s Voting Rights.

In the first installment of “Democracy 101: A Series of Critical Conversations,” Mantella and Benson were among a few speakers to discuss the progress made in Women’s Voting Rights over the years, as well as reiterate how important it is to vote in November’s presidential election.

GVSU assistant history professor Nora Salas started off the night with a brief history lesson in woman’s suffrage, emphasizing what the women involved with the movement gave up to simply have a say in American politics.

“The right to have a say in our democracy and have one’s views taken seriously has never been given, it has been struggled for,” Salas said. “Each woman (in the suffrage movement) sacrificed something; their time, their reputation and sometimes jobs and family life. Woman compromised their health, risked their safety and were jailed in the final push.”

After brief remarks from Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Woman Jo

Ellyn Clarey and Student Senate’s Vice President of Diversity Affairs Alexandra Murarescu, President Mantella hopped on the call to discuss how those in the suffrage movement helped shape women in leadership positions today.

“I’m a big believer... that you lead through your sphere of influence,” Mantella said. “We certainly need to, at this moment, acknowledge the vote and remain indebted to the brave and insightful women who fought that fight for giving us the right to vote. We have to exercise it, and we have to make sure that we not only vote in our national elections but in our state and local elections. It’s equally important that we understand the issues and register an informed vote.”

Mantella continued to praise the women who helped lead the suffrage movement, highlighting the fact that those women did not waste much of their time in the fight.

“Our hours matter, each and every day,” Mantella said. “We have to be sure that we’re using them for a good purpose... The women who fought to give us the right to vote, they didn’t know how it was going to turn out when they were in the fight. They were working for one hour at a time, one woman at a time, one good day at a time, and they achieved mighty things.”

After Mantella, Benson joined the Zoom call and praised Michigan leaders in government, the majority of which are women.

“Michigan (is) really the only state right

now that is lead by women, with a female governor, a female attorney general, myself, and our female justice of the Supreme Court,” Benson said. “We have demonstrated that women’s voices can be representative of all communities and women can lead effectively, even in times of crisis and in the midst of a pandemic.”

Before opening up to attendees for questioning, Benson made sure to make one message clear to young women in Michigan: exercise the rights that so many women fought hard for, and go out and vote in November.

Ballots will start being mailed to Michigan residents on Sept. 24.

“You should feel confident that no matter how you choose to vote, your vote will be counted,” Benson said. “Your voice matters, history tells us that. The extraordinary success of people banding together to ensure their voices are heard teaches us that. As we know enter this final stretch of this historically contentious election cycle, don’t let any misinformation or any attempts to dissuade you from voting win the day. We can win the day... by arming ourselves with the ballot.”

To watch a full recording of the first event of the series and find out more information about future events, visit the CLSC section of GVSU’s website.

To find out more information on how to request a mail-in ballot, determine where your polling place is and register to vote, visit Michigan.gov/vote.

A4 | OPINION

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

A guide to post-honeymoon harmony

BY EMILY EATON SENIOR POLITICAL SCIENCE EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

Once upon a time, in the magical distant land of Chicago, a young man took his girlfriend on an expensive trip. Outwardly, they seemed to have a fantastic time. When the trip came to an end, they drove back to Michigan just absolutely bursting with love…

Or so the young man thought. It turns out, from her perspective, this trip was actually their last “hoorah!”

She dumped him immediately upon their return.

Citing the case above as evidence, relationships are tremendously horrifying. You truly never know when you’re going to be blindsided. As a

result, I’ve learned to prepare for the worst. And now that I’m in a relationship, preparing for the worst, I’ve realized, can cause major problems.

But when you slowly start to slip out of the romantic whims of the honeymoon phase, embracing the regularity of long-term commitments can seem like a red flag signaling the beginning of the end.

There were three times when I realized my boyfriend and I’s relationship had shifted.

When he said “Emily, do you hear that?” in the most panicked voice I’ve ever heard. I matched his level of concern and went extremely quiet. He farted.

When we fought about me feeling like he didn’t like me anymore. I mainly felt that because he didn’t text me back quick enough, resulting in me full-heartedly believing that he now hated me, but just didn’t know how to tell me he was sick of me.

Last week, after a night of drinking, when he barged in on me in the bathroom so that he could throw up in the sink. I literally rubbed his back from the toilet.

As you can see, we’ve fled the honeymoon phase and now have a tight

grasp on gross reality. And lately, I’ve caught myself reminiscing on the early days, back when I was nervous to even invite him over. I used to stay up late just to sit next to him on a couch for hours, and now I fall asleep at 9 p.m. and snore in his ear – and every time I wake up, I realize love isn’t the movie I thought it might be.

The movie we were once living in has slowly shifted into a low-budget Netflix romance on par with The Kissing Booth, but luckily for them, they’re at least prettier than us. There is one thing we have now that we didn’t have as strongly as before, however: complete honesty.

The anxieties I have about being in a relationship, specifically the fear of being blind-sided, I decided to share with him through a puddle of tears one night. He listened, he nodded, he hugged me, he made me laugh, and then we binge watched tv holding hands.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. It was boring and mundane, but within it was this loud yet soft-spoken understanding that doesn’t come with excitement, but with the comfort of a long-term partner.

Our choices have an impact

BY KAYLA SOSA SENIOR MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

The past few months have felt like a rollercoaster, but one where you are at home watching the world move by in a blur. Now it’s September and soon we have a presidential election.

While it can seem like business happens as usual while the country sits in quarantine, it’s important to remember that all decisions being made nationally are directly impacted by those we elect to lead. Whether it’s in the White House or Ottawa County, your vote has an impact on not only who leads the country, but who makes important decisions during a global pandemic, among many other things.

On Sept. 17, a “Staying in Place” order went into effect for GVSU students living in Allendale

Township – a result of a months of institutional and individual decisions that have a direct impact on our lives as GVSU students and community members.

Looking back at the beginning of the coronavirus, for example, our response as a country was extremely delayed compared to other countries, while our president – and other political leaders – made comments that the virus wasn’t a big deal and refused to wear a mask for a period of time. In some states, like Florida and Georgia, leaders chose to open up early while knowing the risk of the virus. With leaders making a public health issue political, the tension slows any actual productive change.

Now, we are still facing the consequences and having to close down our communities once again because some of our national leadership – as well as individuals – chooses not to take the virus seriously. Meanwhile, other countries and cities are opening up again with compliance from their communities. Nobody’s perfect, but we can at least try to make an effort for our global public health.

This November, you have a chance to use your voice to not only choose who will be the spokesper-

son for this nation and leader of the military, but also those that lead our cities, states and represent our communities in Congress who will have direct impact on the choices we make as a country, like during a global pandemic, for example.

This week, the GVSU Community Service Learning Center is celebrating National Voter Registration Week with something happening each day of the week. Whether you are registered to vote or not, we encourage you and your friends to attend and learn something new about your rights as a citizen.

Tuesday 9/22 - National Voter Registration Day 2pm Couch Party w/ All In Democracy Challenge on Instagram Live.

Wednesday 9/23 6-8pm Democracy 101: Media Literacy Thursday 9/24 2pm Michigan Secretary of State Virtual Town Hall/Q&A - stay tuned for a Zoom link!

7pm Special Episode of Tea Time on Student Orgs Passionate About Voter Reg on Instagram Live.

Friday 9/25 7pm NVRW Movie Watch Party on Zoom!

EDITORIAL

R.B.G will be remembered fondly after making waves for gender equality

A

s the world reacts to the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, people are celebrating ways that represent her impact on the country with songs, murals and writing.

One of the most profound of these celebrations depicts R.B.G. donning a crown quaffed off the center of her head; an homage to the late George Latore Wallace, also known as the Notorious B.I.G. It’s a superficial connection, but the representation of Ginsburg as a titan among Supreme Court Justices is appropriate– Ginsburg earning her a rightful crown as the country reflects on her memory.

Ginsburg championed gender equality while also being described by many as the Thurgood Marshall of women’s rights.

Ginsburg served on the Supreme Court for 27 years and quickly became one of its most prominent members.

Even though her tenure with the highest court in the land didn’t start until 1993, she started to make waves in the 1970s, back when discrimination against women was sanctioned by law. She fought long and hard to reverse that treatment.

She first made her mark in 1971, when she wrote her first Supreme Court brief in the case of Reed v. Reed. Ginsburg represented Sally Reed, who thought she should be the executor of her late son’s estate instead of her ex-husband.

The all-male Supreme Court concluded that a state could not automatically prefer men over women as an executor of state, and it was the first time that the court struck down a state law because it discriminated on the basis of gender.

In her tenure, Ginsburg faced to Chief Judges who determined that sex decriminalization was not of Constitutional concern. But in 1975, she represented a young widower who was denied benefits after his wife died in childbirth, setting a precedent to give Social Security protections to single parents.

We feel the RBG effect here on campus and in our lives apart from it. Female students of GVSU don’t need a man present to sign the leases to their apartments, which was another one of the many stipulations Ginsburg fought so hard to correct.

Ginsburg also shouldered an incredibly unfair burden; with her gone, parties are already waging a partisan war to seed a Supreme Court with a political lean. Even in her passing, there is a call to take action.

As the country observes a brief moment of silence for her passing, the conversation will shift to how we can continue to fight for the betterment of the country and the preservation of democracy like Ginsburg.

LOG ON TO: www.lanthorn.com FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

GVL OPINION POLICY The goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn’s opinion page is to act as a forum for public discussion, comment and criticism in the Grand Valley State University community. Student and columnist opinions published here do not necessarily reflect those of the paper as an entity.

The Lanthorn strives to be a safe vehicle for community discussion. With this in mind, the Lanthorn will not publish or entertain any forms of hate speech, but neither will it discriminate against any other views, opinions or beliefs. The content, information and views expressed are not approved by—nor do they necessarily represent those of—the university or its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty or staff.

Letters to the editor should include the author’s full name, relevant title and a headshot, along with a valid email address and phone number for confirming the identity of the author. Letters should be approximately 500-650 words in length, and they are not edited by the Lanthorn staff except to fix technical errors or to clarify.

Reader submissions on the opinion page appear as space permits.

To make a submission, email editorial@lanthorn.com or drop your submission off in person at:

0051 KIRKHOF CENTER GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY ALLENDALE, MI 49401 616-826-8276

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

A5 | NEWS

HEALTH

MDHHS, Kent County bolster prevention initiatives in recognizing national Overdose Awareness Day

BY OLIVIA FELLOWS NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

For many, the subject of addiction is one that hits close to home. This month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has introduced several new initiatives to bolster drug rehabilitation and overdose prevention work in partnership with local municipalities like Kent County to provide resources like more overdose kits to emergency medical services (EMS).

In 2018, overdoses killed 2,599 Michiganders. Nearly 80% of those deaths involved opioids, continuing an epidemic that has devastated countless families. Overdose Awareness Day memorializes the individuals whose lives have been lost to an overdose and marks an occasion to offer support to the family, friends and communities impacted by this epidemic.

In Kent County, staff at the Health Department have been working with state and local officials to create even more support for those struggling with addiction. One such goal is to work on educating more people about the stigmatization of drug abuse and opioids.

Rachel Jantz, an epidemiologist with the Kent County Health Department, said that the misinformation about the opioid epidemic is rampant, and that compassion and

understanding are needed to help people in need of serious assistance.

“Unfortunately, substance use disorder and people who use drugs are often stigmatized in our society,” Jantz said.

“It is the confluence of these continued misconceptions about substance use and substance use disorder and harmful drug policies that create communities that are unsupportive of our family and friends who may need help. Recovery is possible, and we need to be there for our community because what affects one of us affects all of us.”

According to the 2016-2018 national survey on drug use and health data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA), Michigan’s Region 3, which includes Kent, Allegan, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties, recorded an estimated 7.2% of the population with a substance use disorder in the past year. The state of Michigan average is 7.4%, and this includes meeting criteria for illicit drug or alcohol dependence or abuse.

More specifically, there was an average of 2.7% of the population reporting an illicit drug use disorder (this includes the misuse of prescription psychotherapeutics or the use of marijuana, cocaine and crack cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or methamphetamine) and 0.6%

TACKLING SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Overdose Awareness Day sheds light on addition and substance abuse. MDHHS is working with local municipalities to expand helpful resources. COURTESY | PATCH

reporting a pain reliever disorder in the past year, the state of Michigan averages 2.9% and 0.7%.

The Kent County Health Department sponsors the Kent County Opioid Task Force, which is a diverse group of stakeholders that are working on this issue locally. Dr. Ken Fawcett, Vice President of Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, and Rachel

Jantz are the co-chairs of the task force. The group consists of representatives from health systems, academia, pharmacies, treatment providers, recovery programs, community mental health, law enforcement, non-profit community organizations and more.

LOG ON TO: www.lanthorn.com FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

CIVIC DUTY

Examining the importance of a complete census count in 2020

BY LAUREN FORMOSA NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

Students might have learned about the census in a government class or heard it mentioned briefly in a passing conversation, but how much do they truly know about it and what it means for their community? With the 2020 census count coming to a close in the Grand Rapids area, it’s now more important than ever to understand the significance of a complete census count.

COUNT: Census data helps with the distribution of funds to local governments. Students still have time to participate. COURTESY | TWITTER

The United States census occurs every ten years and counts the population of all 50 states and five territories in the U.S. The census is clearly mandated in the Constitution, making the 2020 census the 24th one to occur in the country’s history. However, it does not just serve to count the number of people in a state or city; the census determines the amount of federal funding and political representation each community will receive for the next decade.

“Our community receives billions of dollars for vital services including education, healthcare, nutrition, and transportation based on the census count,” said Lou Canfield, Grand Rapids Complete Count Committee liaison. “The city can expect more than $3.5 million for community services, full representation during the redistricting process, and an accurate reading of the Grand Rapids community if everyone plays their part in completing the census.”

The city still has not received accurate census data since many people have not filled out and completed their census form. The Complete Count Committee estimates that around 26,000 people in Grand Rapids have not participated in the census.

“Census data helps to determine how federal funds are distributed to state and local governments,” said Melissa Baker-Boosamra, Associate Director of Student Life and head of GVSU’s Community Service Learning Center (CSLC).

“It’s important to understand that the census impacts not only the community but also the individuals who are part of those communities.”

Without full participation from the Grand Rapids community, nearly $300 million in federal funding could be lost over the next ten years, which would’ve been allocated to programs such Medicare and Pell Grants, as well as schools, roads, hospitals and other public services.

“It probably feels like an afterthought or just one more thing to do,” Baker-Boosamra said.

“But the real-life impacts on individuals and communities will be felt for the next ten years.”

College students, in particular, run the risk of being undercounted in this year’s census.

“They may assume a parent is including them in their census response, even as their parent thinks the student is handling it on their own,” said Canfield.

In addition, many students who moved

back home as a result of COVID-19 might not know where they should be counted.

GVSU students should be filling out a census form if they are living in on-campus dorms or near campus in off-campus apartments. That way, they will be counted as a part of the community they will be living in for the next few years of their college education. It’s also one of the easiest ways students can make their voices heard and perform their civic duty for their community.

The deadline for the 2020 census was pushed back to Sept. 30th as a result of COVID-19, so there is still time to complete and submit a census form.

“You can do it online,” Canfield said. “With just nine questions per person, it will take about 10 minutes to complete. You won’t have to do any research – the questions are simple and you’ll know the answers off the top of your head.”

For Baker-Boosamra, this is an all-hands-ondeck effort that will only benefit communities.

LOG ON TO: www.lanthorn.com FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

A6 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ARTS AT A GLANCE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC THROUGH LOCAL TALENT

On Sept. 26, the lawn of Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids will come alive with the city’s African American Art and Music Festival (GRAAAMF), another testament to the passion and creativity of the local community.

GRAAAMF is a celebration of the music of the African American Community.

Even through the uncertainty of the past few months, the GRAAAMF committee continued to meet. Lisa Knight, chairperson for the festival, stands by the old adage, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” At first, it seemed that the festival would be cancelled. Fundraising had become impossible, and one of their largest partners decided not to host any events this year. The committee kept scaling back and making new plans, but it wasn’t until the Bridge GR offered a grant, that the organizers knew they would be able to host the event.

Read the full story on Lanthorn.com

GRAND RAPIDS GETS CHALKED UP

The “Chalk It Up” festival will brighten up the city on Sept. 26. Grand Rapids is inviting the community to participate in the free outdoor event to decorate the city’s sidewalks. Chalk zones will be set up on Monroe Center and Louis Campau Promenade. Chalk and goodie bags will be passed out at the event at scattered Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. tents. This event is a part of the Bridge GR series.

In addition to the chalk art made by members of the community, there will also be a professionally drawn giant chalk mural at Rosa Parks Circle. The community is welcome to visit the mural and enjoy the food trucks and street performers surrounding the area.

SAFE FUN OFFERED AT EHCN CHERRY HILL LIVE

The East Hills Council of Neighbors continues to bring the greater Grand Rapids community together for their annual free live music series in Cherry Park. The council encourages the community to partake in family friendly fun, however, in order to ensure the safety of the event, masks will be required and entry will be capped at 100 people.

Socially distancing is required throughout the event.

The next concert will be Thursday, Sept. 24. The final concerts of the series will take place on Oct. 8 and 24. All concerts will run from 6-9 p.m. and will have live performances by local talent. The bands on Sept. 24 will be Kingmaker and the Elijah Russ Collective. There will also be a beer and wine tent at the concerts.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

GV dance program adapts to changes, challenges

BY ALLISON RAFFERTY ARAFFERTY@LANTHORN.COM

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of changes to the Grand Valley State University dance program. From smaller classroom sizes, to virtual performances, to lack of partner work, students in the program have had to redefine what it means to be a dancer.

Dance instructors and professors in the program worked together to alter the program to fit social distancing guidelines. Classes that were relatively easy to put online, such as dance history courses, were put online.

“Our technique classes and rehearsal classes were the bigger challenges,” said Dance Curriculum Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Dance Carrie Brueck Morris.

Morris explained that those classes are being taught in a hyflex model, with some students socially distanced in the dance studios and others simultaneously on Zoom. In the large dance studio, there are two different cameras set up, a monitor, projection and microphones for instructors and musicians. For rehearsal courses, the classes are currently outside a lot where they can have more people than can typically fit in the large studio, and they’re also doing some things online.

Matthew Gabel, a senior in the dance program, said that being a dancer during the pandemic has been difficult, but that dancers

DISTANCED DANCING: Dance program students are among the many adapting their classes to accommodate new restrictions and guidelines brought upon by COVID-19.. GVL | KATHERINE VASILE

are “extremely used to adapting to situations so we’re making the best of it.”

Another senior in the dance program, Emily McKenzie, said that something she really values is being able to dance with others and share a space with other artists, which is something she can’t do to the extent she is used to.

“The pandemic has kind of pushed the dance world to expand our creativity even further and explore different realms and me-

diums that dance can exist in,” Mckenzie said.

“It’s been challenging, yet inspiring.”

Both Gabel and McKenzie said that a sense of community is a big part of being in the dance program, and not having that in the way they used to, has taken some adjusting.

LOG ON TO: www.lanthorn.com FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

DISPLAY

GV Art Gallery remains connected with visitors in more ways than ever before

BY MARY DUPUIS ARTS@LANTHORN.COM

Grand Valley State University’s Art Galleries located in the Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts and the George and Barbara Gordon Galleries in the Richard M. Devos Center officially reopened on Aug. 28 with new, limited hours for visitors.

SHOWCASE: While live galleries stand, digital access is ramping up. GVL | BRITNEY WATKINS

The gallery is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-5 p.m. and Thursday from 1-7 p.m., drawing in small groups of students, faculty and staff each day.

Although some have decided to take advantage of the gallery’s new hours and enjoy it in person, many have decided to continue making their visits virtually.

Since long before the COVID-19 pandemic, GVSU’s art galleries have been accessible in an online format. Nathan Kemler, the Director of Galleries and Collections, said GVSU’s entire art collection has been available online for 10 years now, also including on the mobile app, “Art at GVSU.” Throughout the pandemic, as more and more visitors began to utilize the online resources the gallery was providing, further steps were taken in order to enhance the gallery’s experience from the comfort of home.

Kemler said there have been many new

resources put into place to allow visitors to engage with the artwork, some of which include new learning guides, essays, blogs and exhibition-related reading lists.

“Our ultimate goal is to provide the academic support needed for our community to use the art collection in active research and projects, be that at GVSU or out in our communities that we live and work in,” said Kemler.

GVSU Art Gallery UX/Learning Manager Amanda Baines said the improvements do not stop there. The gallery now also offers a 3D virtual tour of the exhibitions, the ability to download Zoom backgrounds of artwork from the collection and a way to curate your own set of artwork to share with friends, family, students and colleagues.

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A7 | LAKER LIFE

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLLAKERLIFE

NEWS BRIEFS CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD HOSTS SLAM POET

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Grand Valley community will be able to tune in for a virtual live performance from Carlos Andrés Gómez. His work, such as the poems “What Latino looks like” and “Where are you really from,” has landed him a number of awards, such as Atlanta Review International Poetry Prize, International Book Award for Poetry, and the Foreword INDIES Gold Medal.

Extending from the social commentary focus of Gómez’s performances, he also co-leads the organization Senior Orientation, which works to counteract bullying and encourage healthier, inclusive forms of masculinity.

Those interested in watching Gómez perform can RSVP for the event on LakerLink, which can be found at gvsu. campuslabs.com/engage. The event, which will last from 7 to 7:45 p.m., will be hosted live over Zoom.

COUNSELING CENTER OFFERS SUPPORT TO ISOLATED STUDENTS

As Grand Valley State University issues its Staying in Place order for students living on campus, many are finding that quarantine and safety precautions are separating them from their peers.

The University Counseling Center is looking to help students isolated due to the pandemic with drop-in group counseling.

If you think you would benefit from the opportunity to discuss your concerns, thoughts and feelings surrounding being placed into isolation, contact the University Counseling Center at (616) 331-3266 or gvcounsl@gvsu.edu in order to join an outreach group. For more information on the group counseling offered at GVSU, visit gvsu.edu/counsel.

GV CELEBRATES NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION WEEK

As the November election approaches, its more important than ever for college students to be registered to vote. Grand Valley State University’s Community Service Learning Center is encouraging students to join in the All In Campus Democracy Challenge with a virtual Couch Party on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

The CSLC will also be celebrating National Voter Registration Week with a live “Tea Time” discussion of the importance of voting and how to get involved in your community. The talk will take place from 7-7:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

24. Those interested can RSVP at gvsu. campuslabs.com/engage or find the live link at @GV_CSLC on Instagram.

EDUCATION

COVID-19 changes GV science labs

BY AUTUMN PITCHURE LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM

Going into the fall 2020 school year, many students and faculty weren’t sure what to expect in terms of education and schooling with a pandemic happening. Grand Valley State University didn’t call for its classes to be completely remote like other colleges in Michigan, but it did have some important new guidelines.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s major guideline for classrooms requires physical distancing – staying six feet apart – while also making sure to thoroughly sanitize. While some GVSU classes are online, others are in person, with some of those being science labs.

“It’s hard for people to stay apart in the labs when normally they are at a table working together,” said John Bender, a chemistry professor at GVSU. Classroom capacities have been greatly reduced. The capacity is at 30 -50% of what it used to be due to physical distancing requirements.

Desks are spaced out to follow the guidelines.

Bender is allowed half of the normal capacity in his classroom; half of the students meet at one time, and the other half meets on another.

“Instead of three sections of lab, I am now teaching six,” Bender said Not only have chemistry lab professors lost the seats in their classroom, but they have also lost time. Students typically have around 54 hours of lab time during the semester, now they are only able to have 24 hours.

“The students just aren’t getting the same amount of time in labs as they normally would get,” Bender said. “We are expected to teach the

same course with 60% less time.”

With less time, pressure is put on professors to figure out what material to cover in the course. They have to choose the most critical and important information to get across to their students.

“Reinventing the course I am already familiar with is the hard part,” Bender said. “I am making very tough decisions about what I can’t teach the students this semester. I can’t do everything that’s normally on the in-person list. I have to pretty much rewrite the whole course.”

While most labs are in person, some professors are making videos of themselves showing students what to do because they can’t help them in class with the handling of materials.

Students are expected to watch the video before class so they know what to expect when they come in for the day. Bender says the videos have to be recorded in the lab and the right video angles, lighting and props can be tricky.

“Yesterday, I made five videos for students to watch to prepare them for next week’s lab,” Bender said. “Those five videos are 26 total minutes and it took me 7 hours to prepare and choreograph. I didn’t know any of that stuff before, so I had to teach myself on the fly this summer. It’s very time consuming.”

When students do come to their lab section, the necessary lack of contact can make their work challenging — desks are spaced out six feet, with each student working separately.

“It does force my students to learn everything on their own without referring to their partner,” Bender said. “But normally when I am in a lab with students, I’m walking around, I’m working with them closely, I’m pointing and

DISTANCED LEARNING: Lab stations are set apart in a GVSU science classroom in accordance to guidelines. GVL | ANNABELLE ROBINSON

touching. We have to do that to help students with the equipment. Now I can’t do that.”

Bender says students are adapting well to the changes, with some being easier than others.

“For me, the sanitation wasn’t much of an adjustment,” Bender said. “We already wash our hands, wear gloves and goggles, there are already lots of things built in for safety. We already keep a laboratory environment that is very safe.”

ENVIRONMENT

GV creates community through Sustainable Agriculture Project

BY KATHERINE ARNOLD LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM

During this hectic year, it can be hard to remember the days when volunteer work was commonplace. For some organizations, they have either had to limit or cease their volunteer efforts because of the risks involved with maintaining their full operations. At Grand Valley State University, however, COVID-19 hasn’t hindered the work of the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP).

“The Sustainable Agriculture Project

BOUNTIFUL: Products from the SAP are displayed for sale. COURTESY | YUMI JAKOBIC

was started by Grand Valley students with a vision for a brighter future involving sustainable food systems,” said Angela Haan, co-president for Farm Club, which volunteers for SAP. “It has grown a lot since its creation, and we now offer community supported agriculture and heavily donate to local organizations.”

Their efforts include donating produce to organizations and people in need, hosting students to earn credit or volunteer with the farm, and educating those who participate about the sustainable practices involved with growing produce. Yumiko Jakobcic, Director for the Office of Sustainability Practices, considers SAP to be her most favorite spot on campus.

“I love everything about it – the people, the space, the sense of community out there,” Jakobcic said. “I encourage everyone to come visit if they haven’t been before.”

Margaux Sellnau, once a student volunteer and now Farm Manager and Educator of SAP, loves the community involved with the project just as much as the land.

“I enjoy the people the most,” Sellanu said. “I feel so lucky being able to get to know people through doing activities to-

gether. The bonding that came come from it – words cannot describe. The mentorship that I was able to have at the SAP provided me with the guidance that I needed at the time. The Farm Manager is merely a facilitator guiding the student through the research or project, providing them with resources, knowledge, and skills.”

For student volunteers, alongside that learning and mentorship is an experience of discipline and power.

“The SAP encourages individual growth and stimulates curiosity for the student workers and volunteers,” Haan said. “Perhaps most importantly, it is a space of empowerment that teaches you how to grow your own organic food. We help to maintain the land, and in return the farm offers us resources and a place to teach, learn, and host events.

While we work, we are visiting with friends and sharing laughs, while at the same time fulfilling our responsibilities to the land, plants, and people.”

LOG ON TO: www.lanthorn.com FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

A8&9 | NEWS

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

GV Recreation Center Reopening: What to know before you go

BY KYLIE ELWELL KELWELL@LANTHORN.COM

PUMPING IRON: A student works out at a bench press station of their own, away from other Rec Center guests. GVL | SHEILA BABBITT

Many students, staff, and community members have been waiting patiently for the Recreation Center on campus to reopen and that day finally arrived last Monday, Sept. 14th. Many users have already utilized the Rec this week, but here are some helpful reminders for the current rules and regulations that need to be followed while working out within the facility.

“We were excited to be able to open our doors to the campus community on Monday after being closed for six months,” Facilities Operations Coordinator Dionte McBride said.

There are quite a few rules that need to be followed while enjoying the facility to meet social distancing requirements and they will all be heavily enforced for the time

being. Face coverings are required while working out, except when users are swimming. Users must scan in at Desk A and scan out at Desk B when they are exiting, this helps student staff keep track of how many individuals are in the facility at once.

There is a capacity limit so it is important to make sure you scan out when you are exiting the building.

“We have spaced out equipment to meet a 10-feet standard and ask students to only use machines that are currently open,” said McBride. “Machines that are not properly spaced have a sign noting the specific piece of equipment is offline.”

There are numerous wipe stations around the building for students to utilize, staff are asking that every user wipes down their station and/or machine after using it to make sure that it is sanitized for the next user who may use it. It is important that users also make sure to wipe down the machines be-

fore their workout too, this is to make sure the chance of germs spreading from person to person is significantly lowered.

On top of students sanitizing their own machines and stations, the center utilizes a detailed list to keep track of sanitization.

“Our amazing student-workers have detailed cleaning lists at each station that are completed every hour,” McBride said.

Stations and common touchpoint areas are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized by them every hour to ensure maximum safety for everyone in the facility, including themselves.

All public areas, locker rooms, and restrooms are being regularly cleaned and sanitized in order to follow state guidelines and to reduce the spread of the virus to others. While all users are looking forward to getting back into a routine at the gym, it is important to make sure that all rules and regulations are being followed to maximize safety and cleanliness in the facility.

EYES FROM THE SKY: Grand Valley State University’s Rec Center reopened alongside gyms and pools around the state. Students finally returned to working out in the gym last Monday, Sept. 14. COURTESY | GVSU

Rec Center staff react to first week of re-opening

BY KELLEN VOSS ASSOCIATE@LANTHORN.COM

Grand Valley State University’s Recreation center has been a desolate and empty place during the pandemic, but that all changed last week as the center was able to re-open under guidelines put in place by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The gym looks a lot different than it did back in March, now filled with hand sanitizing stations, more wipes to clean equipment and attendees grunting through a face mask as they lift some weights.

Understandably, the gym is not as packed as it usually is this time of year, partially because they are only allowed to operate at 25% capacity.

Meghan Pynnonen, assistant athletic director for the Rec Center and Pool, has been happy with a consistent student turnout,

and feels prepared with 120 student employees returning to help.

“We have had a steady turnout that we continuously monitor to ensure we are within the 25% capacity guidelines outlined in the state executive order allowing gyms to re-open,” Pynnonen said. “We have seen less users than previous fall semesters, which we expected with less students coming to the Allendale campus daily.”

Isabell Binkley, a senior majoring in sports management and business, is beginning her fourth year working at the gym and has never seen it as vacant as it has been for her normal shifts.

“It was a little different,” Binkley said.

“Normally when I work at the Rec, it’s one of the busiest places on campus, so it’s very weird coming in and only seeing one person on the treadmill, versus having them all taken up normally.”

Those who enter the gym are required to

wear a mask, which has not gotten many complaints from visitors as Pynnonen expected.

“We occasionally have to remind students to keep their mask in place, but have not received too many complaints regarding that requirement,” Pynnonen said. “Students are mostly excited to be back in the Rec even if that requires a face mask at this time.”

The Rec Center has been a huge part of Binkley’s life throughout her college career, and while the gym is not as packed as it usually is, she said it felt nice to get back into a routine with the gym’s re-opening.

“It makes me feel more normal,” Binkley said. “I get up, I go to the gym and then I go to class. I work there 25 hours a week, and I always have. I have pretty much lived in that gym, whether it be working or working out, so it makes me feel a lot more normalcy in life.”

Pynnonen also feels a sense of normalcy with the gym returning, as she and her staff are happy to serve the community of

students who have been itching to work out safely since March.

“Our whole purpose is to serve students and without them here it just was not the same,” Pynnonen said. “Our staff has been diligently planning for re-opening for six months. Our plans have continuously been updated and altered throughout the planning process to make sure our re-opening plan meets and exceeds all CDC, state, local and university guidelines.”

Pynnonen can see the smiles underneath students’ masks as they enter the gym, as they start to feel that sense of normalcy in returning to a place where many find peace.

“We are so glad to be able to support the physical and mental health or our campus community,” Pynnonen said. “We are seeing a lot of excitement from students being able to walk through our doors again.”

A NEW WEIGHT ROOM: Students work out with free weights on one of the several basketball courts, which has been utilized in a new way. Increased sanitation equipment and additional spacing allowed the Rec to open. GVL | SHEILA BABBITT

TROVE OF TREADMILLS: Treadmills are spaced apart from one another and facing outside in accordance with new rules from the governor. GVL | SHEILA BABBITT

A10 | SPORTS NEWS BRIEFS GV BASKETBALL ALUMNA NAMED AWARD FINALIST

Former GVSU women’s basketball star Cassidy Boensch has been named a top 30 finalist for the NCAA Women of the Year Awards.

Boensch started at center for the Lakers and averaged 14.2 points and 7.7 rebounds in her collegiate career. She is a two-time GLIAC Player of the Year award recipient and leads the Lakers all time in blocked shots with 295.

BIG TEN FOOTBALL RETURNS

The Big Ten is back after the conference announced they will move forward with their football season for 2020. Games will begin Oct. 24, with an eight game conference schedule. The Big Ten will start the latest out of all the Power Five conferences and will play the fewest games.

The Big Ten championship is slated for Dec. 19 with the winner of the winners of the East and West playing each other. Some key matchup dates are Michigan State at Michigan on Oct. 31 and Minnesota at Wisconsin Nov. 28. Ohio State will go to Michigan during the last week of play on Dec. 5, the same day as Michigan State playing Penn State.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASONS KICK OFF

High school football is back. Games kicked off last week for teams around West Michigan.

Rockford beat Jenison 16 to 13.

Rockford starting quarterback Zak Ahern struggled early in his first varsity start, leading him to get benched in the third quarter. However, he took the field again in the fourth and led Rockford to a comeback victory. This is Rockford’s first victory under new head coach Brent Cummings.

Other scores include Hudsonville defeating East Kentwood 21-13. Grandville defeated Grand Haven 62-18. Byron Center beat Forest Hills Northern 38-7. Allendale won against Holland Christian 44-23.

FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS WEEK ONE

QB: Russell Wilson 31.8, Aaron Rodgers 30.75, Josh Allen 28.18, Lamar Jackson 27.5, Kyler Murray 26.3 RB: Josh Jacobs 35.9, Christian McCaffrey 28.5, Ezekiel Elliott 27.7, Nyheim Hines 27.3, Malcolm Brown 26 WR: Davante Adams 41.6, Calvin Ridley 33.9, Adam Thielen 31, DeAndre Hopkins 29.1, Darius Slayton 28.2 TE: Dallas Goedert 24.1, Mark Andrews 22.8, Noah Fant 19.1, Travis Kelce 17, T.J. Hockenson 16.6 For fantasy advice every week, make sure to check out Lanthorn’s website.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

FOOTBALL

Alex Tholes continues follows his father with GV Football commitment

BY ZACK GOODROW SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM

The state of Grand Valley State University’s 2020 football season is still in hiatus, but it hasn’t stopped the team from recruiting new players for the future. One of these new players, Schoolcraft High School quarterback Alex Tholes, has committed to GVSU for the 2021 season.

Tholes has been a dynamic QB during his high school career so far. He was a first team pick for all-state last year as he threw 38 touchdowns with 2,999 yards.

“It was an obvious choice for me,” Tholes said. “GVSU is close to my home and they have a great coaching staff with a winning culture and tradition.”

Tholes also has strong family connections to GVSU. His father, Joe Tholes, played wide receiver and safety for the Lakers during the late 1980’s and early 90’s. That helped Alex make his decision on where to play in college easy.

Alex had DI aspirations, like most high school players with his skill set.

With the pandemic however, it was difficult to visit schools. His father told him that GVSU was like a DI school, with the Lakers tremendous weight room, excellent field, and a great coaching staff. He also reminded his son of the Lakers winning atmosphere.

“One thing my dad mentioned was about GVSU’s long winning culture that they still have today,” Alex said. “That’s something that will stick around with you for life even out of college.”

While his son’s path to becoming a Laker worked out almost perfectly, Joe’s route was much different. There was little recruitment when he was coming out of high school and the way players are scouted today was nothing like the past.

“At the time, it was a different landscape then it is now,” Joe said. “You didn’t get recruited as much nationally or even regionally. If you were interested in a school you’d have to send stuff out to coaches. It was a smaller world without social media and cell phones. I happened to be at a camp and ran a good 40 time, which gave me my shot.”

The game of football has changed tremendously since Joe took the field. It’s more pass-heavy and is filled with more integrated schemes and plays. With new rule changes, there’s less contact in the game. There’s a chance that a young Joe Tholes, standing at 5’10” and weighing 185 pounds, wouldn’t have an opportunity to play in college now.

“I think the complexity of the game has increased,” Joe Tholes said. “What we’re running here now in high school is more complex than what we ran when I was at GVSU. Offensively, we have five receivers out wide. It’s crazy. You couldn’t even run the same coverages we did

PREPARING FOR LAUNCH: High school senior Alex Tholes committed to play quarterback for GVSU, following in the footsteps of his father, a GV Football alum. COURTESY | SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

to defend it. You can’t run cover three against trips. The size and athleticism of the kids has changed too. They’re way better athletes now and the weight room has a big factor in that. Alex is a thousand miles ahead of where I was coming into college. He’s a lot smarter as football player then I ever was.”

While the game of football may look different on the field now, the impact it has on it’s players hasn’t. Joe’s time at GVSU has stayed with him for his entire life as long with the relationships with players and lessons he’s learned from coaches. He played with some legendary Lakers, including running back Eric Lynch who played for the Detroit Lions and quarterback Jack Hull who used to lead the Lakers all-time in passing. Joe also played for Brian Kelly, the current Notre Dame head coach, and Tom Beck, who led the team in their undefeated season of 1989.

Joe passed on his experiences and love of football along to his son. He has given him advice on how to handle college at GVSU being a student athlete. He not only sold the young quarterback on GVSU’s winning culture, but also on what it takes to be successful on the field.

“You used to be a big fish in a little pond, but once you get to Grand Valley, you’re going to be playing with kids who were all the best players on their high school teams,” Joe said. “You have to be prepared and ready for adversity. At the end of the day, college is just harder than high school. That’s what I said to Alex.”

Alex has taken this advice and is ready to move forward at GVSU. Until he does become a Laker, he still needs to finish his high school career. After much deliberation, Schoolcraft’s football season has commenced during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tholes and his

team played their first game of the year Friday, Sept. 18, beating Constantine 4914. This season, Tholes will not only be competing for a state championship, but he will also be improving his game in preparation for his collegiate career.

“We’ve been able to get back in the swing of things here and our season is going,” Alex said. “There’s always a big transition between high school football to college, but I’ll be ready for it. I’m trying to improve my game all around before I get to GVSU and the mental side of my game.”

Alex said he is not only looking forward to being on the football field as a Laker, but also experiencing college life.

He’s already in love with the campus and thinks it’s filled with excellent people.

He’s not only talked to his father about the school, but other GVSU alums who have said nothing but great things about the school.

He may be passionate about becoming a Laker, but for now, he and his dad will focus on their last high school season together. Joe has been the wide receiver and defensive backs coach for his son’s team at Schoolcraft. He has seen his son grow as a person on and off the field, and they have shared their love of the game together.

While he wouldn’t be coaching his son at GVSU, Joe will still be there in the stands and support his son as he always has.

“It’s made our relationship stronger,” Joe Tholes said. “I probably should be coaching quarterbacks here but I don’t want to coach him. I’m not the kinda guy who lives through my son and vice versa. It’s a special thing that you can share those moments on the sidelines. A lot of people don’t get that chance. Football is a family thing. It’s a huge time commitment and it’s been a great ride. I’m so pumped to finish his senior year with him and finally be able to play.”

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

A11 | SPORTS

RECRUITING

GVSU Men’s Basketball adds size, versatility with Holy Cross transfer Blake Verbeek

BY JOSH CARLSON SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM

The Grand Valley State University Men’s Basketball team has been busy this off-season, adding talent at the guard position. This time, GVSU hits big with 6-foot-11 stretch forward Blake Verbeek.

Verbeek’s father, Nate Verbeek, is a former Laker basketball player. In his time at GVSU, he scored 1,394 career points and currently ranks 12th in all-time scoring for the program.

It will add something unique for Verbeek when playing on the hardwood for his new home that not many kids ever get the chance to experience.

“My dad never really pressured me into going to Grand Valley, but it was always in the back of my mind that he played there. It’s a cool thing to be able to play where he played, and go to school there as well.” Verbeek said. “It came down to a lot of things (deciding to transfer from Holy Cross), coaching change was a big deal, a lot of my teammates and kids in my class were also transferring. I thought it would be a good time to get a change of scenery in a different situation, and kind of set the restart button.

Grand Valley was always high up on my list, as far as location. I had a lot of talks with a lot of different schools, but when it came down to it,

LEAPS AND BOUNDS: Blake Verbeek reaches toward a rebound. The 6-foot-11 guard looks to bring his talents to Allendale after transferring there from Holy Cross. COURTESY | HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS

Grand Valley was the best fit for me.”

Verbeek was a dominant force in the Grand Rapids area during his high school career for Calvin Christian, leading them to a state finals appearance as a sophomore in 2016. In that finals game, he put on a show with 22 points and 11 boards with an impressive showing of his outside shooting ability, going 5-6 from behind the arc.His senior year, Verbeek was first-team all-state while he averaged 19 points and 7.5

rebounds per game. He continued showing his outside shooting ability with a 42 percent average from beyond the arc on the year.

Verbeek plans to help contribute with his length and ability to stretch the floor so he can help the Lakers continue their success from last year.

“At Holy Cross, we struggled for our last couple seasons, and I want to be somewhere that is thriving to win, and winning right now.

That’s Grand Valley, and I see that in the future as well.” Verbeek said. “That really pushed me over the top, and this is where I want to be, I want to be winning games, I want to be fighting for championships. Obviously, height is a big deal, but I think I’ll bring a more dynamic player. Someone who is tall but also who can shoot the three and is able to stretch the floor and give more offensive options for my teammates, and I’m excited to see where it goes.”

There seems to be a trend for Coach Wesley and the Lakers this off-season when it comes to the criteria needed to receive a spot on the team: hard work. Verbeek has never stopped working hard to better his game, even with a global pandemic happening.

“I’ve been lifting five days a week at Power Strength Training the past couple of months, and then I have a hoop at my house that I’ve been working out at with my dad doing some things.” Verbeek said.

“I’ve been staying in pretty good shape throughout this whole pandemic, but I’m ready for team workouts to start back up for sure.”

With another transfer for the Lakers-this time a big man-- it is only looking up for the upcoming season. With a strong incoming class, and returning players with the same mentality as Verbeek to achieve one goal: win as much as possible.

HOCKEY

Coaches of GV: Carl Trosien HOLLY BIHLMAN SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM

Head coach Carl Trosien of the Grand Valley DI Club Hockey team is going on his third year coaching for the Lakers, but his admiration for the sport began way before his career as a coach started.

Just as every great athlete’s story begins, Trosien was the kid that they couldn’t get off the pond every winter, whether it was lit up with streetlights or car headlights; day and night he was on the ice. Growing up in Michigan, Trosien had lots of exposure to the culture of the northern sport, and his family made it a constant in his life.

“There’s never not been a point in my life where I haven’t had hockey,” Trosien said. “I was the kid that would go hours outside playing hockey on the pond.”

Trosien’s beginning in the hockey world lead him to play from 3 years old on the pond, to indoor rinks competitively at 6, and on to high school, which eventually transitioned into coaching camps and hockey retail. After returning to hockey every time he would try something new, Trosien decided he had to stick with his

gut and become a coach, and he has never faltered in this choice since.

“I just stumbled on it at 24-25 – I got my first gig in the ACHA just kind of by chance, and it was right time, right place,” Trosien said. “It’s the longest job I’ve had; I was struggling in life to find anything I wanted to do, and like I said, I kept coming back to hockey. I think it’s just being in the trenches with the guys and being in that atmosphere, and I think that’s probably one of the reasons it’s filled that void of not playing anymore.”

After having both experiences as a goalie throughout his playing career and as a coach, Trosien commented on some of the differences between being on the ice and behind the glass. Aside from making the calls and taking responsibility for game outcomes, Trosien appreciates the smaller things, like his relationships with the players and the feeling of being a part of something he has known so well his whole life. What makes a great coach is more than just the player to coach relationship though, it is constantly evolving with the culture of the sport and improving after every game.

“I enjoy those downtimes where you’re

able to laugh and be a human being, and not have to be Coach all the time,” Trosien said. “But I have no issues owning the decisions I’ve made, and sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes you think maybe I could’ve done more or maybe I did all I could do, but at the end of the day I like that that’s on me. Maybe that’s why I’ve had some success, because I’m okay with that.”

Trosien’s coaching style has obviously worked for him greatly over his career because he understands both sides of that relationship and genuinely wants his players and teams to find that success.

No player is alike, and each of them deserves a coach that cares about what they get out of playing sports.

“Everyone says they want to find the perfect job,” Trosien said. “Well, I feel like if you’re still having fun 14 years in and you’re going to the rink every day and you’re having a blast, you must be doing something you enjoy. I still love the grind.”

Having found his calling in life, Trosien shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon with hope that this season gets back on track. With the impressive

LEADER: Head coach Carl Trosien leads a newly-D! Laker hockey team. COURTESY | GVSU

records Trosien has racked up since his coaching years began, it is no surprise that he has made it to the DI league with the Lakers on his third season as head coach.

Despite the ongoing delays and uncertainty surrounding the climate we are enduring, Trosien remains optimistic about his players ability to play this season.

As for Trosien, his playing days are over for the most part; however, given the opportunity to play against any NHL player, past or present, his choice is in like with what any great hockey fan would say: “It’s got to be Wayne Gretsky, right?”

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