The Collegian – April 9, 2021

You’ve got a friend in me

Women warriors

College leaders recount youthful camaraderie

Soccer outscores opponents in spring season

SPORTS

The

@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper Friday, April 9, 2021

COMMUNITY

Loving your neighbor as yourself

Discussion of race is not about political parties

PERSPECTIVES

Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper

Credit check

Vol. 106, No. 18

ArtsFest colors campus

Chapel eyes changes for spring 2022

Gabrielle Capaldo Staff Writer

The Grove City College Chapel Program announced plans to change the chapel schedule starting in the spring semester of 2022, and students are conflicted.

According to an email sent

by Chaplain and Senior Director of Christian Formation Don Opitz, chapel will no longer be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Chapel in the traditional sense will be held Wednesdays from 11:05 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with chapel credit options on Fridays and a free period for students on Mondays.

“I like that they are making the chapel 40 minutes instead,” junior Gabrielle Hickly said. “It’s super difficult to say anything meaningful in 25 minutes.”

Junior Elizabeth Frailey has a slightly different opinion. “I don’t mind that the chapels are longer, but I wish they lowered the credit

requirements a little more,” she said.

Beginning in spring 2022, chapel credits will be reduced to 12 a semester.

Not only is the length changing, but the content is changing as well. According to Opitz, Wednesday will have one chapel service and Friday will have multiple chapel options that students may choose from. The Friday options include larger Bible studies, prayer groups or learning sessions with various educators.

Senior chapel staff member Stuart Rozendal explains the change concisely, “Wednesday is going to be traditional chapel, and Friday is going to be ‘choose your own adventure’ chapel.”

Some students do not agree with the change.

“I think it’s so strange,” junior Ashten Yoder said. “I don’t want chapel to be on Wednesday and Friday beCHAPEL 9

COURTNEY MATTEY

ArtsFest concludes today after a week of displaying various student artwork in the Gallery Show including photography, drawing, painting and more. While COVID-19 restrictions meant that some traditional crafting events were canceled, students could still engage their creative side by attending three speaking engagements about the topic of art and beauty. Speakers included photographer Hannah (Meredith ‘19) Raupp, poet and professor Dr. Eric Potter and author/spoken word poet Tanner Olsen. Students can still visit featured artwork in the Gallery Show from 4 to 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. For more on ArtsFest, see Through the Lens on pages 6-7.

Reconciliation raises questions

Collegian Staff

A focus on racial reconciliation in the chapel program this year evoked mixed reactions from the student body.

While many students have positive perspectives on the college’s approach to this topic, some students do not agree, as can be seen frofreshman Jonathan McGee’s article in our Perspectives section on page eight.

Disagreements about the chapel’s approach to racial reconciliation came to the forefront after historian and author Jemar Tisby spoke in chapel in October.

Tisby’s talk centered on his book “The Color of Compromise” which criticized Christians for complicity in racial prejudice.

“I find it quite questionable that Grove City College, a high-ranking conservative Christian institution, would invite a man with such views to speak in our chapel, on our dollar,” sophomore David Ake wrote in a Perspectives article critiquing Tisby’s talk.

Ake identified himself as both a white evangelical and a member of the Black community.

With nine percent of Grove City College students coming from ethnically diverse backgrounds, race and diversity has been a topic of conversation on campus long before Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery made national headlines.

Last spring, Focus Week was scheduled to discuss the topic of racial reconciliation, but with the pandemic, the event was canceled, according to Chapel Ministries Coordinator Zachary Pitcher.

The program was rescheduled for this spring, but due to scheduling complications, the event was canceled again.

As a Christian college, Grove City has a unique approach to racial reconciliation in comparison to some secular schools.

McNulty outlined two key aspects to the college’s approach to racial reconciliation and preparing students to “be great citizens who serve the common good” in an email to students after George Floyd reached national news outlets.

According to McNulty, first the college community must RECONCILIATION 3

Diversity is a tricky question at GCC. While 91 percent of students are white or Non-Hispanic, the student body comes from a variety of different denominations and geographic areas. According to the Admissions Office, 25 percent of students identify themselves as Non-Denominational, eight percent as Baptist, six percent as Catholic, six percent as Presbyterian USA, five percent as Presbyterian PCA and four percent Christian and Missionary Alliance. Additionally, the student body represents 47 states and 12 countries.

GROVE CITY COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Editorial

Page 2

The award-winning Grove City College student newspaper, April 9, 2021

From the Tower

Primavera poetry

We at The Collegian missed the deadline for submissions at the college’s less frequent publications, The Echo and The Quad, so we take this space to share our poetry in celebration of the new season.

Spring has sprung again, Students are ready for sun, The Quad teems with life.

Shirtless men battle, Diving, spiking, feats of strength, Ritual of friends.

Books lay abandoned— Studying, a foregone dream —Playing games instead.

Rain. Rain. Rain. For days.

Slick ground causes me to slip, Face first into mud.

There once was a Grover in spring Hopeful for what sunshine would bring.

He took a large breath And it smelled like death From the manure the college did fling.

I grab and go with hidden extra food, A pilfered polished apple pocketed, My out-stretched checkered blanket sets the mood, Beneath a tree on roots bright sun-dappled.

My plastic, meager basket substitute, Collapses down upon itself. Falling Out tumbles my soda and opens—shoot!

I scramble as I hear my friends calling.

A ball hits me right squarely on my head, And books land scarcely missing all the mess.

A joke about that which we should have read, About relationships we then confess.

We pack up all the plastic clamshell trash And rise from mem’ries to mem’ries of class.

Get that ring by spring.

What’s that over there, Someone else on bended knee.

Humming, humming in my ear.

Wherever I go they are near Over my shoulder I take a peek I am strong, they think me weak.

Clark Mummau Perspectives Editor

Anna DiStefano Managing Editor

Collegian Staff Editor-in-Chief Paige Fay Managing Editor Anna DiStefano Section Editors News David Zimmermann Community Fiona Lacey Perspectives Clark Mummau Sports Emily Rupczewski Photo Chief Matt Schoonover Design Chief Caleb West Copy Chief Britney Lukasiewicz

Business Manager Kathryn Miller Copy Editors Jessica Hardman Ashley Ostrowski Sam Branthoover Claire Josey Lauren Ness Shelbi Henkle Kylie Jasper Joanna Thorpe Elizabeth Schinkel Staff Writers Scott Amon Noel Elvin Connor Schlosser Gabrielle Capaldo Jules Wooldridge Chris Murphy Gresham Smith Staff Adviser Nick Hildebrand

The Collegian is the student newspaper of Grove City College, located in Grove City, Pa. Opinions appearing on these pages, unless expressly stated otherwise, represent the views of individual writers. They are not the collective views of The Collegian, its staff or Grove City College.

Green Eyeshade Award the

This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to our Perspectives editor and poet laureate Clark Mummau.

Thank you for your wording wonders and keeping us on the path of righteousness.

The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.

Mummau

ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

No more parties Caleb West Design Chief

When asked about politics, the response generally includes a party.

The complexity of the world all boiled down to one simple, all-encompassing answer. A veil, covering over the blatant hypocrisy and utter failure of the modern political system.

It’s easier to be one side or the other, to take a staunch position on the left or to the right of the divide. The reality is, though, that the real world is nothing like that.

The real world requires compromise, but that’s too dirty. No one wants to dive into the muck of the swamp, but that’s what it will take.

The swamp cannot simply be drained. There’s no plug that can magically be pulled to effect sweeping change and wipe out all the country’s issues in one action.

The swamp must be filled, reclaimed bit by bit, completely obscured by new, solid ground. Nothing can be built in the muck of the partisan swamp, but in solid ground, change can take hold.

As a citizen, it’s easy to sit back and watch, yelling at the politicians on TV the same way we yell at the referee who made a call against our favorite team, failing to see the one key difference between the two.

The ref has made the call and there is no recourse, but

in politics, the citizenry has a direct recourse. The individual voice matters because that voice is tied to a vote and a vote can effect change.

One thing is clear looking at the landscape of issues: there are rifts among us, rifts that cut deep into the hearts of many people. Not everyone agrees on the issues of the day, but the partisan nature of our current government merely serves to exacerbate the rifts, rather than begin to fill them in.

Our nation was founded on the ideals of individual freedom, but a binary choice between one thing or its opposite does not allow the citizenry the ability to truly express that freedom that is held so dear.

In recognition of this, President George Washington left the country with these foreboding words in his farewell address: “The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism.

The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own ele-

vation, on the ruins of public liberty.”

These words penned nearly 225 years ago seem almost prophetic now. We constantly see that politicians of every faction seem to be more focused on their “own elevation,” but we fail to see the end of the sentence, how this has ruined public liberty.

We move at a breakneck pace—glancing at a headline or hearing a quick sound bite—never delving into the depth of the issue. In so doing, we can easily drop politicians and policies into nice clean boxes. One box for the things we like and one for the things we don’t.

These boxes begin to break down, though, the second we look at the truth of the issue.

There are no longer any nice clean divisions; everything has consequences. Politics is dirty.

Political discussion cannot simply be the quotation of headlines, instead, the issues must be discussed, on a deeper level, going past the partisan party lines and compromising. No longer can the citizenry stand idly by, listening to pushes for bipartisanism. Clearly, bipartisanism cannot work.

Instead, the party system, which never should have taken root, must be ripped up, for then and only then can compromise take place.

There will never be a policy that can please everybody, but it is only through a thorough discussion where all sides are actually open to change that any productive step can be taken.

News roundup

Vaccines and monsters

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine The European Medicines Agency revealed findings on Wednesday of a possible link between AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine and blood clots. Though the European Union’s drug regulator disclosed the dangers of receiving the vaccine, it said these side effects are “very rare” and stressed that the benefits far outweigh the risks. According to a study based in the U.S., AstraZeneca’s shot is 76 percent effective at preventing COVID infection. According to BBC News, however, 79 people by the end of March had suffered blood clots in the UK with 19 of those being fatalities. Three of those who died were under age 30. In response, the UK’s vaccine advisory board decided to restrict the vaccine for people under 30 who will now be offered an alternative vaccine.

“Godzilla vs. Kong” box office Released over Easter weekend, the highly anticipated monster blockbuster “Godzilla vs. Kong” debuted simultaneously in movie theaters and on the streaming service HBO Max. The movie raked in $48.5 million at the domestic box office, making it the high-

VARIETY

est-grossing movie to release during the coronavirus pandemic. The worldwide box office is currently over $285 million, and the film is at no extra cost to existing HBO Max subscribers. Since its release, AMC’s stock rose past 15 percent with other movie theater chains (Cinemark, IMAX, and Cineworld) up between 3 and 6 percent.

David Zimmermann

News Editor

News The Collegian,

April 9, 2021

Page 3

Freshmen faced with living choice Ashley Ostrowski Copy Editor

Goodbye random housing selection and hello room draw for next year’s freshman class. This May, for the first time, the Grove City College class of 2025 can directly participate in choosing their rooms before they arrive on campus.

“In the past, students weren’t given much opportunity to request their building or floor, but this new process will give them more freedom of choice. Our desire is to create more opportunity for them to decide what is best,” Director of Residence Life Jonathan DiBenedetto said.

Incoming freshmen will go through the same housing selection process that upperclassmen normally complete

on myGCC. The students who register after room draw will choose a room from whatever rooms are remaining.

Students have always had to deal with whatever room they were randomly assigned in the past, so this new option gives them more choice over the options. In the wake of the coronavirus and new restrictions last semester, students have faced many changes.

Residence Life also benefits from gaining information about the students in May rather than waiting until July.

“There has been a significant amount of anxiety having to wait until July to know who and where new students will be living,” DiBenedetto said, “but this expedited process will allow them to spend

the summer connecting with their future roommate and preparing for the fall.”

Junior Rachel Hephner said that this process for freshmen “would be really nice yet overwhelming, but it might help eliminate some of the unknowns.”

“I think it’s great that freshmen can choose their rooms now. It’s great to choose roommates and choosing the building and rooms will make it more memorable and exciting for them, I hope,” junior Ethan Pierson said.

But with great power comes great responsibility, as they say.

“I think if someone you knew was also going to the college and you wanted to room in the same hall as them, then a room draw for freshmen would be nice in

that regard. For the most part I think that a room draw for freshmen would just add another stressful thing that they would need to do on top of everything else that they have to do to prepare for college,” freshman John Kunst said. “It just doesn’t really feel necessary for freshmen to have to pick their own room I guess.”

And while some students see the advantages to choosing one’s own room, others pointed out that new students have a great opportunity to gain wisdom by facing the unknown for their first semester.

“I feel like being forced to deal with whatever room (and in some cases whatever roommate) you’re stuck with is a really good lesson for college and for life,” senior Jules

Wooldridge said.

“It teaches people how to get along with people they may not know at all and how to live with another human because some people might have never had to share a room at all in their life,” sophomore Aimee Moore added.

The college expects the change to be a permanent one with some added adjustments over the next few years. Residence Life also plans to create a better roommate matching process and to give students more information like room pictures, the name of the hall’s RAs and RD and the room dimensions for students to look at beforehand.

Finding a seat at the table With the return of students after spring break comes the restoration of full-dining capacity in Hicks and MAP. The long tables once implemented before the pandemic are now back in use to everyone’s surprise, including freshmen who are not used to the former table arrangement.

This change reflects the decrease in COVID-19 positive cases on campus over the past month. After a questionable beginning to the semester, now cases decreased to one positive case since the beginning of March.

With the dining halls now back at full capacity, the tents outside are a favorite eating location for students wanting to soak up the warm spring weather with friends.

MATTHEW SCHOONOVER

RECONCILIATION continued from 1

be equipped to address hard issues. Secondly, the college must “have opportunities to learn and put our distinctive character attributes into action.”

This year, those opportunities to learn have been found in conversations through events like chapel and evening talks.

According to McNulty, a biblical understanding of reconciliation is at the core of Grove City College.

“This is especially important for the most challenging issues and important ideas.

By anchoring our racial reconciliation conversations in the Chapel Program, we have underscored the importance of a distinctively Christian approach to this discussion,” McNulty said.

According to Chaplain and Senior Director of Christian Formation Pastor Don Opitz, the Chapel’s curriculum, cocurriculum, chapels, services and mission doesn’t present racial reconciliation as an either/or issue.

“How should a Christian college approach this discussion? I would say robustly.

As Christians we have the responsibilities of love, which is right at the heart of what

Jesus says it means to be created in the image of God. We’re made to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and love our neighbors as ourselves. I think that’s the fundamental Christian ethic, the ethic and anchor of love, and I think the Scriptures over and over again show that that’s a love that crosses barriers,” Opitz said.

Before the increase in national conversation about race this summer, Grove City College Director of the Office of Multicultural Education and Initiatives (OMEI) Justin Jose has been fostering conversation about diversity through book studies. Jose offers a different book every semester for students and faculty/staff to read and talk about in effort to learn more about racial reconciliation..

“The studies have always been about trying to expand our perspective of diversity by sharing the histories and stories of underrepresented people,” he said. “Students will encounter content that they typically might not encounter in their academic classes.”

This semester he is offering a book study on “The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible and the Journey to Belong.”

While COVID-19 has af-

fected the department’s usual series of events, programs typically involve cultural museum bus trips, participation in regional and national conferences, film discussions, speaking events and other opportunities related to the discussion of diversity and race.

“Everyone should get involved with the work that Justin Jose does on our campus. His book clubs and events have given me plenty of incredible thoughts to consider and vocabulary to use as I consider the issue of diversity,” senior Zach LaValla said of Jose’s work with OMEI. On the academic front, Adjunct professor of Communication and Visual Arts Tricia Pritchard has taught Intercultural Communication to students at Grove City College and Butler County Community College for the past 13 years.

The class discusses western culture’s values, beliefs, norms and social practices while exploring these themes in other cultures.

“Both BC3 and Grove City are taking a proactive approach to expanding its role in diversity education and inclusion. Specifically, BC3 announced its council in December 2020 and Grove City announced its [diversity]

advisory council in August 2020,” Pritchard said.

Cultural Diversity and Advocacy, a new class taught by Dr. Gina Blackburn ’94 and Professor Cedric Lewis, began this spring.

The class discusses how Christians should respond to contemporary culture’s view of race.

Blackburn and Lewis also facilitate analysis of events and organizations that have been at the forefront of the national race discussion through a Christian worldview.

“If we get back to that basic tenet, it puts us on the right path to reconciliation and unity of the body,” Lewis said in an article covering the new class.

Student Life and Learning and Residence Life also take measures to facilitate learning and growth surrounding the topic of racial reconciliation.

“Our whole conversation model, the foundation of our belief system, is to build people up so they can engage in these conversations, and not just race, we’re about more than just race. We’re made in the image of God, so we have to learn how to engage and how to have conversations that might be difficult,” Resident Director of Hicks Hall Chris Merrick said.

Senior Assistant Resident Director of South/West Bri Phillips believes Residence Life does a good job preparing their RAs for conversations about racial reconciliation. While she has not experienced these conversations with residents, her conversations with her staff have been “about love and understanding for others who may not look the same as we do.”

“Chris Merrick and Justin Jose have talked on this topic during RA training in the summer, and I thought it was discussed with such grace. Its sole focus, in my opinion, was awareness and understanding for others,” Phillips said.

The discussion of race and racial reconciliation isn’t going to end soon, whether on Grove City’s campus or in the rest of the world, and it won’t be easy, McNulty said.

“We will continue to bring different voices into this important conversation.

The extensive ideological and political polarization in the country has made it much more difficult to have thoughtful and civil discussions on this topic, but we must insist on continuing to address this and every other subject in a manner pleasing to God,” McNulty said.

Community The Collegian,

April 9, 2021

Page 4

Thrash and Mac A friendship that spans decades Fiona Lacey

Community Editor In 1976, Dr. James Thrasher ’80 and Paul, now President, McNulty ’80 met in Memorial West Gable, on the Phi Tau fraternity hall and then again in SGA when McNulty was President and Thrasher was Vice President of the Freshman Class. Little did Thrasher know he’d be leading under one of his closest friends 45 years later.

According to McNulty, who went by “Mac,” it was Thrasher’s personality to which he was drawn.

McNulty loved “his energy, big laugh, and positive spirit.

He also had a cute big sister.”

“He was the big man on campus,” Thrasher said of McNulty. “He could charm the bark off a tree. I was pretty shy, and I just liked being around him.”

The two became better friends as they both joined and pledged for the Phi Tau fraternity freshman year.

Then as sophomores, they ran for re-election for president and vice president of SGA and lost, which McNulty attributes to Thrasher.

“Candidly, I think he was a drag on the ticket,” he joked.

As a senior, McNulty coached their “star pitcher” Thrasher on the Phi Tau softball team, but to no avail. “I think we lost every game.”

But in truth, McNulty’s respect for Thrasher was, and is, obvious. “Everyone admired him. Jim lived intentionally.”

After graduation, the two went their separate ways— McNulty to D.C. with future wife Brenda ’80 and Thrasher to pursue a doctorate in Theology—but stayed in contact.

Once the McNultys finally tied the knot, Thrasher was his best man, and McNulty was his when he married his wife Christy years later. McNulty was not only a source of friendship, but one of wisdom and advice.

“I was always anxious for Brenda and Paul to meet whoever I was dating,” Thrasher said.

The friendship continued even in tragedy when Thrasher received news of a leukemia diagnosis. “He was the first person I called,” he said.

They continued to call each other and visit. Thrasher fondly remembered a time their family visited them while McNulty was Deputy Attorney General, and they planned to drive to see his office.

“We weren’t allowed to drive with him in the black security SUVs which sped down the street, but there I was trying to follow them in my blue Toyota minivan,” he

JIM THRASHER

Dr. Jim Thrasher ‘80 and President Paul J. McNulty ‘80 are pictured in their college days. The pair met their freshman year in Memorial West Gable in 1976. joked.

According to Thrasher, “You’d be shocked by the stories he could tell about the people he’s met and the things he’s done. He’s very humble.”

While in D.C., Thrasher saw how the notoriety and the fame never affected McNulty. “It’s crazy to see your best friend on Larry King Live,” he said.

Thrasher said McNulty’s bodyguards would be around him all the time, and his goal was always to point them to Christ.

McNulty’s careers in both D.C. and eventually GCC have made life busy for the McNulty’s, but Thrasher is a steadfast part of McNulty’s life. “Jim has always been extremely encouraging,” Mc-

Nulty said.

And when McNulty eventually came back to Grove City College years later to serve as the President, Thrasher was working as the Director of Career Services.

Thrasher couldn’t have been happier with the decision to take him on. “He was just what the college needed at the time.”

For them the good times continue, as they frequently meet in each other’s offices and run into each other on the sidewalk. Their friendship has been a long one, and the two look back fondly on their f0ur years as friends and Phi Tau brothers.

McNulty remembered at weekend party at Thrasher’s house in Gowanda, NY which was called “Thrash Bash.”

“I learned not to mess with Thrash our sophomore year. After he threw a glass of water on me when I was laying in bed, I ran after him for some stupid reason. He quickly pinned me to the ground,” McNulty said. “I am still plotting my revenge for that beat down I suffered.”

With McNulty now as ninth president of the college and Thrasher handling many admissions and sports-related positions on campus, they now share a seasoned friendship that has lasted 45 years.

“To say I’ve been to be a friend of Paul is an understatement,” Thrasher said.

“That bond in Christ is very powerful. That’s the thing that never changes.”

Richie the ice cream man Scott Amon Staff Writer

Whether one is a freshman trying to cram before Moeller’s Bib Rev exam or a senior frantically tying up the loose ends to their senior project, college can be a trying time. Richard Bochicchio, a junior, offers an unlikely reprieve from the frenzied life of a student, ice cream.

Within the past year, Bochicchio has found that one of the great uniting forces among students is a love Bochicchio for ice cream.

People love the dessert so much that Bochicchio has begun offering this sugary treat to the different people he meets.

“A lot of people have been kinda shocked,” Bochicchio said, “I don’t think anyone would expect to be asked if they want an ice cream sundae.”

Bochicchio started handing out ice cream sandwiches back in November. His motivation was to relieve the tense campus atmosphere and put a smile on peoples’ faces.

“When we received the email from President McNulty back in November that students should start heading home early if they could, it made me want to do something fun to take everyone’s

RICHIE BOCHICCHIO

Junior Richie Bochicchio has started making students sundaes like this one to brighten their day. mind off Covid,” Bochicchio said. He decided that the best way to relieve stress was ice cream, so he purchased some basic ingredients and made ice cream sandwiches for the Zenoid Hall. Both Bochicchio and the ice cream sandwiches were a success that day.

Since November, both Bochicchio’s clientele and menu have expanded. He soon realized after his trial run that ice cream cured not only Covid tension but all types of stress.

“People are super happy since the ice cream is sort of

like a ‘pick me up’ if they are stressed about an exam, just took an exam and need something to help them relax or just need a reason to smile,” he said. With some help from friends, Bochicchio has now added ice cream sundaes to his menu, and as of today, he has made over one hundred ice cream sandwiches and sundaes.

What makes this number even more impressive is that Bochicchio does not charge anything for the ice cream.

Free ice cream, though helpful for the student, can be dif-

ficult on Bochicchio.

“My friends have told me that I should start charging people. But, I would feel really guilty about it… So, I stick with the idea of not charging anyone,” he said.

He added that he gives away the ice cream not to fill the stomachs of students, but to create a positive impact on others.

“I just stick with the idea that I hope I’m doing it to have a positive impact on someone and hope that someone isn’t just using it as a chance to snag ice cream at no cost,” he said. Fortunately, his roommate and friends have helped to purchase ingredients so that he does not have to shoulder the financial burden alone.

Despite the financial drawback, Bochicchio is glad that he can be a positive impact on others. “Hands down, [my] favorite part is having someone tell me that what I did for them was a highlight of their day or of their week.

It’s a pretty great feeling,” he said.

Though Bochicchio frequently makes ice cream for those he knows, he is happy to help anyone out who is in a rut. “If someone wanted some ice cream to put them in a better mood, or wanted to surprise a friend, they could shoot me an email, DM me if they follow me on Instagram or just ask around for people that know me to get my contact info.”

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The Collegian,

April 9, 2021

Page 5

To vax or not to vax Fiona Lacey

Community Editor The vaccinated population of Grove City College seems to be growing exponentially as more professors, and even students, are meeting the necessary requirements.

While many professors and older staff members received the vaccine earlier this year, the race for appointments continues for many who only just recently fit the requirements set by their state of residence.

Some students were vaccinated because of pre-existing health conditions, like seniors Susannah Barnes and Stuart Rozendal.

Barnes, who is immunosuppressed, was vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine in March and couldn’t be happier because of it. “I had been counting down the days until I could get vaccinated,” Barnes said. “Vaccines are my only hope of gaining immunity.”

Like Barnes, Rozendal was eligible in his home state of Michigan to re-

ceive a vaccine. He also received his first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine over spring break.

A very select few students received the vaccine very early on due to their participation in healthcare services.

Junior Faith Brown received the Moderna vaccine as early as late December of 2020, along

the CDC, isn’t reached until 75 percent of the population has been vaccinated.

As Brown sees it, she wasn’t concerned about contracting the virus herself, but wanted to protect the individuals who are at a higher risk of worse symptoms.

It’s about the elderly, Brown said; Many of whom are walking the halls of Grove City College.

“Why did I get it?”

English professor And r e w

w i t h t h e other healthcare workers alongside her.

“I worked in a physician’s office over Christmas break,” Brown said. “Staff were encouraged to get [the vaccine].”

Like Barnes, Brown decided to gat vaccinated for the greater cause of “herd immunity,” which, according to

`Harvey said, “Because I could!” Harvey and his wife, who qualified first because of pre-existing conditions, received the Pfizer shot in March at the Grove City Rx Express.

But he only did so in learning that the genetic makeups of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines do not utilize cells of aborted fetuses,

Arson and other ways to get your love’s attention I like this guy, but he doesn’t know I exist.

How do I get his attention?

Curiously, Invisible Grover

Dear Invisible Grover, While the Cloak of Invisibility is a valuable tool for a young wizard, it isn’t as useful when it’s suffocating your opportunity to initiate an interaction with the guy who’s caught your eye.

Initiation is one of the most cumbersome and intimidating aspects of a relationship. Initiating a conversation alone can be painfully awkward when you’re fumbling for words or anything to talk about. Then of course there’s the fear of rejection with the walk of shame and morbid embarrassment to follow. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and it shouldn’t be viewed as a failure, but

VOLLEY BALL continued from 11

in the second. The Wolverines tied the set at the 22-22 mark, as they dug themselves out of a 7-point deficit with tough serves and intentional hitting. Grove City took a brief 23-22 lead, but couldn’t hang onto the lead, dropping the second set 25-23.

Going into the third set, the Wolverines took advantage of Geneva’s hitting errors, and stayed on top with strong serves, aggressive and strategic hitting, and unrelenting defense. Sems, Keating, DeGraaf, Brooke Sorenson, and Katie Pry continued to tally more kills in the ag-

a necessary part of life: live and learn, baby.

To get his attention, try something subtle like starting a small fire in the library or slashing one of his tires. Another less dangerous and legal option is by capitalizing on something like just saying “Hi” when you pass by, striking up a conversation in the cafeteria when you “coincidentally” wait in line at the same time or whenever you get the chance to talk to him. Be genuine, don’t be creepy and don’t stress yourself out. If this dude isn’t in your life at all, despite your best efforts, it’s probably for a reason, so pray about it. Whew, I might have to write a book someday, kid.

gressive third set. Toward the end of the set, Geneva found themselves in the lead, and took their timeout at the 24-20 game-point serve in effort to break up a service run by Keating. The Golden Tornados ultimately took the 25-20 win in the third set over Grove City.

The Wolverines started the fourth set strong with Keating putting down a dominant kill as the first point of the set, followed by a big block from Anna DeGraaf who dominated the front row defense all night. Grove City held the lead the entire set, with Geneva right on their tail towards the end of the set. After a 21-21 tie, Keating pushed the Wolverines

the act which much of the Catholic community uses as an argument against getting vaccinated in general.

“As a pro-lifer, I was relieved.”

He takes a pro-life stance regarding herd-immunity, too. “I would rather protect the weak and most vulnerable by getting vaccinated.”

Education professor Gina Blackburn concurred. “I have known of too many people who have not survived this insidious disease,” Blackburn said.

But alongside this argument lies the other still rational sense of caution and legitimate hesitancy towards the new vaccine.

Whether its about the newness of the shot or the distrust of the medical industry, some plan to not receive the COVID-19 vaccine. And to them, the moral obligation of vaccination is not as simple as many think.

Vaccine available or not, this March marks one year since COVID-19 affected millions of American lives both in death and life.

Seven questions with…

Dr. Steve Flanders

Professor of Mathematics What do you listen to on the ride home?

I listen to sermons by Dr. Mensa Otabil. He’s a pastor and businessman in Accra, Ghana. He pastors International Central Gospel Church in Accra.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading “Tithes, Offerings, and First Fruits: Timeless Principles for Christian Stewardship” by Dr. Mensa Otabil. I just finished reading “Bringing up Girls” by Dr. James Dobson.

What’s something you’ve been pondering lately?

Dear Dr. Love

I’ve been pondering the long-term effects of the COVID shutdowns on the American Education system.

Favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is Wicked Tuna in Murrell Inlet, South Carolina. My favorite local-ish restaurant is the Cheesecake Factory.

Name the movie that makes you emotional.

Umm ... movies don’t particularly move me emotionally, but I do seem to recall feeling sadness while watching “Up.” What are you looking forward to today?

Keep on keeping on my Grova,

What’s your favorite class you’re teaching right now?

That’s easy: Calc 2. I’ve been teaching since 2004, and Calc 2 has always been my favorite class.

Dr. Love Love M.D.

up another point, but Geneva was able to side out, making it 22-22. A joust at the net was won by DeGraaf, putting the Wolverines up 2323. Geneva countered tie and notched every other point as the fourth set saw scores of 22-22, 23-23, 24-24. Geneva held on to win the fourth and final set 26-24 in by win-bytwo rule earning them second place in the PAC, and a bye week in the first round of the PAC tournament.

Grove City finished their regular season as the third seed in the PAC, at 6-3. As third seed, the Wolverines will face Franciscan on Saturday at home at a time to be determined.

Wednesday’s loss was hard

The Masters started on Thursday!

fought by both teams and Grove City made Geneva earn every point. The absolute unit of a front row comprised of Sems, Keating, Pry and DeGraaf frustrated Geneva all night long. Sems recorded a career-high 21 kills, the most in a single game in the conference all season.

Right behind her, Keating tallied 16 kills. Pry added 7 kills and two blocks, and DeGraaf added 6 as well as two blocks. Setter Sarah Webb directed offensive traffic with 52 assists, a career best and the most in the PAC this season. In their combined effort, the front row was able to keep the usual damage done

by Geneva’s Daphne Huntsinger to a minimum, forcing

Geneva to reconfigure their approach throughout the game.

Where Grove City’s front row wasn’t able to answer, the back row had answers.

Libero Gabby Lucas kept the floor clean with a career-high 31 digs in four sets, Webb had 19 digs, Sems 17 digs, and Keating 14 digs.

Overall, the Wolverines fought a hard fight, using their entire arsenal of offensive, defensive and serving weapons to neutralize Geneva. They will have to come together once again as a team tomorrow when they face Franciscan in the PAC quarterfinals as they seek to get one step closer to a PAC championship.

Through the Lens The Collegian,

Page 6

April 9, 2021

A creative celebration ArtsFest allows students an avenue to display their art and explore beauty Text by

Matthew Schoonover Photo Chief

Dean O’Toole

Mackenzie Klie

Courtney Mattey

Mackenzie Klie

Through the lens,

April 9, 2021

Page 7

Lydia Murphy

For several years, ArtsFest has allowed students the opportunity to display their artwork and learn more about creativity and beauty. This year is no different, and ArtsFest powered through COVID-19 restrictions to host several speakers and present a gallery of student work in the Pew Fine Arts Center. The Committee for the Arts, the minds behind the art festival, hosted conversations about beauty with photographer Hannah (Meredith ’19) Raupp, poetry with Dr. Eric Potter and an online guest speaker author Tanner Olsen. About 14 photographers submitted photos and about nine artists submit fine art. Though COVID-19 changed the lineup of some events, attendance remained steady in comparison to recent years.

Lydia Murphy

Matthew Schoonover

GCC

Courtney Mattey

Perspectives The Collegian,

Page 8

April 9, 2021

Overcoming racial barriers We can bear each other’s burdens Isaac Willour

Contributing Writer A short time ago, our country was once again the victim of a terrible injustice as two shootings at massage parlors in Georgia left eight dead.

These attacks do not seem to be only senseless murders, but further indicators of a deeply saddening trend in this country.

According to a recent study by the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, antiAsian crime surged 149% in 2020. That is data on a page, but it reflects catastrophic levels of hurt, trauma, pain and death that we should not be quick to forget.

This surge has any variety of factors, but that is not the point of this article. I do not know why what happened in Atlanta happened. Many will react to this tragedy in disappointingly partisan ways, clinging to whatever their pundit of choice has to say on the matter. But this reaction is far below the standard to which free people are called. We will never fully know perpetrators’ motivations for “hate crimes.” But we do know that instances of prejudice and racial violence are modern reminders of old evils.

I have rarely felt worried when walking down the street that I would be attacked for my skin color. But, were a trend of hate crimes against Indian Americans to emerge, I would feel on edge

ETSY

and would, understandably, hope for the Christian community to provide some form of support. However, I have wondered at times if I would find it.

There is an unfortunate idea, particularly on the

more conservative/Republican side of things, that talking about race, race relations and racial reconciliation is a gateway to the progressive left, contributing to racial polarization, or, on the more extreme side, literal commu-

nism. There is a belief that we live in a post-racial society and any questioning of this is denounced as prioritizing “lived experience.”

It is not beneficial to a society to exaggerate the effects of racial division via biased

and anecdotal experience.

But it is not true that “race does not matter anymore.”

It is a half-truth because it is only half the truth. While race may be legally innocuous, it is undeniable that racism still exists. We see evidence of it when attacks on Asian Americans rise in the wake of the country being ravaged by a disease that those Asian Americans had nothing to do with.

It is no less a failure of Christians to ignore racism in our brothers’ and sisters’ lived experience than it would be to ignore the death of a relative or the betrayal of a friend.

This is not a discussion about political policy or empirical data. It is about the calling of Christians to help bear each other’s burdens, even when the bearing of those burdens may seem politically charged. If being compassionate makes the world question my politics, I would rather have my politics called into question than my love of neighbor.

Scripture clearly exhorts us to heed the example of our Maker who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

We can talk about race and racial reconciliation without being inflammatory, Marxist or divisive. We should talk about race when we see rising tides of hate affecting those we care about. To do so is no disservice at all, it is us being merciful, nurturing and following in the footsteps of the God who made all of us in His image.

Grove doesn’t need to reconcile Jonathan McGee Contributing Writer

In 1951, William F. Buckley, one of the founders of the modern conservative movement, wrote his famous book “God and Man at Yale,” which talked about the rise of secular humanism at Yale.

Today at Grove City College, we are facing a similar crisis with the rise of progressive Christianity into prominence within many of the Christian institutions on campus.

The college has long used the slogan “faith and freedom” to describe its mission of fostering an academic environment of Christianity and conservative values.

It is even the name of our think tank on campus. But the college’s commitment to these values is being tested by chapel services focusing on racial reconciliation and activism by unofficial LGBT groups on campus.

But what exactly is racial reconciliation? While it sounds good, racial reconciliation is part of the philosophy of progressive Christianity, which is a philosophy that attempts to blend Christianity and “woke” postmodernist theories about American culture. Besides its rejection of

biblical morality in the area of sexuality, progressive Christianity also extends the allegation of systemic racism to the church and Scripture.

This manifests itself through things like churches assisting Black Lives Matter protestors or pastors preaching on the importance of anti-racism.

The fusion of social justice and the church results in a doctrine that denies the principles of the faith and transforms the church into simply another left-wing activist organization. Progressive Christianity will fundamentally change Grove City for the worse as an institution and pervert the values the college stands for.

Dean of the Chapel Rev. Don Opitz hopes to maintain a consistent message in chapel. “In one sense, our mission is steady and clear—we exist to help students come to know and enjoy the lavish love of our Redeemer, Lord Jesus. We also work to foster relational discipleship as well as ministry and worship opportunities as we together lean toward the heart of Jesus’ teaching—the kingdom of God,” he said.

Opitz hopes to help students think about how their faith intersects with their academic calling. Working towards this goal, the Thursday series “Work and Play in the Fields of the Lord” offers a wonderful challenge to think

GCC

about how our faith relates to our academic endeavors.

Opitz also hopes to help the student body move past our political differences and embrace our shared identity in Jesus Christ.

I hope Reverend Opitz continues to focus on relational ministry and discipling students rather than pushing a political agenda in chapel.

Focusing on racial reconciliation, which has no scriptural basis, will inevitably lead to a leftist political agenda in chapel services. Current cultural trends do not lead to truth; it is only through the teaching and preaching of the Bible that we can come to

truth.

Teaching progressive Christianity, a doctrine that strips Christianity of its most redeeming qualities, directly undermines the doctrines of local churches that many students attend. The ideas of Marxism are simply not compatible with Scripture; furthermore, Marxists around the world have been responsible for the deaths of millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The college, therefore, now has a choice: it can return to its roots as a bastion of theological and political conservatism, or it can embrace the toxic ideology of progressive

Christianity that renders the faith utterly meaningless.

Embracing conservative values will allow the college to fulfill its mission of forwarding faith and freedom. If the college chooses to return to its roots of conservatism, then it will probably need to rethink the speakers the college decides to bring in to speak in chapel or perhaps the chapel requirement.

On the other hand, if the college decides to continue to embrace progressive Christianity and the consequential political ideology, it is Grove City College’s duty to be honest about its purpose as an institution.

The Collegian,

April 9, 2021

Page 9

Statehood is not the way Shelbi Henkle

Contributing Writer In the Federalist No. 3, James Madison argued that the United States’ capitol should be self-sustaining and remain an “independent sovereign” outside of the influence of the other states; thus, the District of Columbia was created in 1790 via land contributed by Maryland and Virginia.

Madison believed that D.C.’s citizens lived close enough to the government and therefore their concerns would be well represented.

As a result, in 1800, D.C.’s citizens were not allowed to vote in national elections. It was not until the Eisenhower Administration and the ratification of the 23rd amendment in 1961 that D.C.’s citizens could vote in the presidential election.

The district was eventually given ‘home rule’ in 1978

CHAPEL

continued from 1

cause I don’t love the 11 a.m. time. It’s just inconvenient.”

“I prefer chapel in the early morning because that’s the time I like to spend with God,” senior Caleb Pierson said.

On the other hand, many students do not see the difference in time.

“It doesn’t make a difference to me, it’s just the same thing on a different day,” junior Carlos Orozco said.

“I don’t have a problem with it as long as it doesn’t interfere with my class schedule,” sophomore Nick Grasso said.

There is, however, a class schedule change. According to Vice President for Enrollment Services and Registrar Dr. John Inman, another class period will be added to the Tuesday/Thursday class schedule and the start and end times for each class period on those two days will be adjusted.

Assistant Registrar Mandie McCreadie ’04 says the new schedule has the earliest

and was able to elect a governor. Understandably, those living in the D.C. area feel neglected by the electoral process and harbor resentment. Commonly seen today on D.C. license plates is the saying “End taxation without representation.” And that sentiment is echoed throughout the district with a louder call for statehood than ever before.

As of March 22, the House is debating making the District of Columbia the 51st state. If allowed statehood, they would have three electoral votes, which would aid in swinging the Electoral College in Democrats’ favor.

Many Democrats argue that D.C. citizens are treated as “second class” and deserve a proper place in the political sphere. The ploy that the Democrats deeply care about the rights of civilians seems to be a moralistic mask in order for them to achieve more electoral votes. Currently, the Democrats run the House, Senate and the White

House, which gives them the advantage with the promotion of this bill.

class on Tuesday and Thursday beginning at 9 a.m. and the latest class ending at 4:45 p.m.

“I don’t know anyone who would be insane enough to take a class at that hour,” senior Daniel Ford said.

“I feel like most people are not going to be a fan of the late-afternoon classes,” Grasso said. “I don’t understand why they need to change it.”

Inman has confirmed that, although Opitz and President Paul J. McNulty ’80 will be receiving feedback for this change, the course schedule for spring 2022 is finalized and ready for registration.

The biggest loss expressed amongst the student body is that of Vespers. Vespers has been rescheduled to occur once a month in place of its weekly Sunday night routine.

“I am truly so sad about Vespers being canceled,” Yoder said. “I like Vespers as an option for weeks when I can’t go to chapel. Sometimes my weeks are crazy, and I like something on a Sunday.”

“I really enjoyed Vespers, and it was the sermon I went

to every week. I’m going to miss it,” Frailey said.

Opitz sympathizes with their loss. “I know that this is sad news for several score of students who have been ever faithful on Sunday evenings. While attendance at these services has rebounded a little in the past year or so, this program serves the fewest students and there is only so much that we can offer,” he said.

Many students have questioned why this change occurred in the first place.

“This change is all about trying something that might make chapel more impactful in more lives,” he responded.

“By placing the Wednesday program towards the middle of the day in the middle of the week and expanding the time, we have an opportunity to grow as a community. We have a little more time for song, prayer and the Word.

I think now we can have a stronger chapel culture.”

Now for the constitutionality of this bill, the Democrats are basing their logic off of the “Admissions Clause” in Article four; Section three which states, “New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of

States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.” As a result of this clause, 37 states were admitted into the United States.

M a n y argu-

ments against the appointment of D.C. to statehood are based on the size of the district, the history of a separate federal entity and the lack of self-sustainability. I believe that D.C. should remain a federal district since it was created via the Constitution

to be separate from the influence of a certain state. If D.C. becomes a state, this undermines the purpose of that separation and ends Congress’ exclusive jurisdiction.

The Admissions Clause itself says that no state should be “formed or erected” within a current state. The permanence of the state would also shift the dynamic of the electoral process, allowing the Democrats the advantage.

As with any issue, there is a level of polarization with a political party’s agenda, so the issue is beyond a Constitutional one – it is a strategic one. If the District of Columbia achieves statehood, the discussion of allowing Guam, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories to become states should also start. The argument for the statehood of D.C. is not a new one, but with the increased influence of the Democratic party it is unfortunately likely that the independent district will become the 51st state.

Perspectives Policy The purpose of the Perspectives section is to give a space for student voices.

Here, student writers have the space to critique, question and analyze the world around them.

Perspectives articles represent the views of the individual writer. They do not represent the views of The Collegian, The Collegian staff or Grove City College.

While pieces in Perspectives are subjective by nature, The Collegian has standards for publication.

Articles submitted for publication are expected to provide arguments of substance that rely on fact and are void of foundationally emotional and biased arguments.

This is not a space to parrot party lines. Perspectives articles are expected to take original stances, and, where applicable, consider the in-

teraction of faith within their topic.

This is a space where all voices can be heard. It is our goal as The Collegian staff that Perspectives reflect the diversity of thought represented on the college’s campus.

Additionally, The Collegian will not accept a Perspectives article if the topic has not been reported on by the newspaper. This means that the publication of a submitted or proposed article may be delayed so The Collegian can provide a factual, unbiased context for the paper’s readership.

If you would like to submit an article for publication or want further clarification of The Collegian’s expectations contact Editor-in-Chief Paige Fay, Managing Editor Anna DiStefano, or Perspectives Editor Clark Mummau.

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Join our team!

For more info about being a Collegian photographer, email gcc.collegian@gmail.com.

Collegian Crossword Across 4. Or crick, depending on where you’re from 5. Could be shameless or in an outlet 8. McNulty and Thrasher’s fraternity 9. Mega-deer 13. Using three strands, common hairstyle 14. Doubting disciple 16. Six feet in a line of poetry 20. Office of Multicultural Education and _____ 22. GCC student handbook; former school color 23. Like the egg or illegal hunting 27. Popular mutt, hypoallergenic 28. First name, national sports column staff writer 29. Like the comma or the university 31. Secret political faction 35. Either rolling or was rolled away 36. Gen ed, intersection of faith and religion 37. _____ of wisdom; from the sea 39. D.C. is seeking this 40. Cardinal direction not represented in MAP

Down 1. Home of chicken wings 2. New chapel day of the week 3. Fonzie’s radio 4. The camp counselor’s shoe of choice 6. First name of beloved GCC mascot 7. Mystic; Julian of ______ 10. Football’s foe this evening 11. Titan who held the world

12. Round this in the All-American sport 15. “He is risen _____” 17. Natural fertilizer 18. For fashion or air travel 19. This week’s Covid testing location 21. Dads wear these with socks 24. The Collegian’s favorite type of figurative language 25. Cinnamon, hot cross or hair 26. “Get to the _____”

30. Gamma Sigs’ mascot 32. Sandy escape 33. Deer, a female deer 34. This is getting warmer 36. Ice cream dessert 38. Number of graduation tickets seniors receive 39. Legless lizard 41. Feelin; the heat; dorms don’t have this

Sports The Collegian, April 9, 2021

Page 10

Women’s soccer kicks into gear Gresham Smith Contributing Writer

Saturday, the Women’s soccer team will play at Don Lyle Field against Franciscan University, the last Wolverine’s home game until Thursday, April 22. The last month has been a good one for Grove City, as they sit at 5-0-1, having outscored their opponents 17-0.

On Monday, Grove City beat previously unbeaten Chatham 1-0 in Pittsburgh.

Freshman forward Gianna D’Amato scored in the 74th minute to give the Wolverines the victory. D’Amato has quickly become one of the best young players in the PAC, with a team-leading four goals, and is first in the conference with three game-winning goals. Freshman Megan Mathes played effectively, recording five shots – three on goal. Opposite D’Amato was sophomore forward Hailey Weinert, who added another three shots on goal.

Defensively, the Wolverines have been near perfect.

Led by senior goalkeeper Columbia Harkrader, the Wolverines have stifled even the best of teams; the Wolverines just shut out Chatham, who had been averaging over three goals per game.

But the victory did more than continue the Wolverine’s shutout streak. Chatham had been tied for first with Grove City before falling to a tie for second place with Westminster.

Junior Jacqui Netschert runs to the ball in a game against Thiel.

While success is noth- as well as a serious threat in ing new for teams led by NCAA. head coach Melissa Lamie, Monday, six of Grove City’s the youth of the Wolverines 11 starters were freshmen, ought to put the PAC on no- and goalkeeper Columbia tice. After winning the PAC Harkrader is the only starter two years in a row, some set to graduate this year. might expect a drop-off as “The thing that [has] imtalented upperclassmen pressed me most about this graduate. However, a deep year’s freshman class is that recruiting class seek to situ- every single one of them ate the Wolverines as the un- were ready and able to step disputed front-runner in the up,” Weinert said. “They give PAC for the next four years, everything they have during

National Sports Column

Who’s on first?

ATHLON SPORTS

Connor Schlosser Staff Writer

The first of the month was marked on everyone’s calendars this year, but it was no April Fool’s joke.

Opening week for the 2021 season is now in the books as the League dives into the regular season.

Despite it only being a handful of games early in the season, here are some things we learned from the small sample size.

Not only do the defending champs have one of the best records already, but even their pitching looks better than last season. On Sunday, Julio Urias threw seven innings for the first time in his career against Colorado.

Urias struck out six that game and gave up only three hits. Although it is too early to predict, it seems Urias is

on track to enter the discussion for best MLB pitchers this season.

The Dodgers look poised to dominate the National League should they remain healthy and COVID-free.

They are still the favorites to win the World Series.

The division rival San Diego had a strong showing with enough for analysts to rank the Padres just behind LA. Pitcher Joe Musgrove emerged as the best option of San Diego’s rotation ahead of Yu Darvish, Blake Snell and Mike Clevinger.

Regardless of who is better of their core, it is undeniable that the Padres have some of the best pitching depth in the league and a threatening offense.

Has Houston bounced back? Last season the Oakland Athletics led the division, but now the A’s have had one of the weakest openings of the league after getting swept by Houston. It

was Zack Greinke that put together six scoreless innings on opening day, while the rest of the company pulled their own weight to get past their division rivals.

The Twins of Minnesota seem to have climbed the ladder a bit in the power rankings following opening week. Centerfielder Byron Buxton started this season hot. After only six games, Buxton cranked out three home runs. Veteran designated hitter Nelson Cruz and third baseman Josh Donaldson with Buxton’s contributions may make up a devastating core of offense for the rest of the league to be concerned of.

What of the last year’s runner ups? Following their first two series, the Rays were 2-4. After getting the 2-1 edge over Miami, the Rays got swept in three games against the Red Sox. The Red Sox? This is the same Boston team that finished dead last in the division. Maybe it’s a bump in the road for the Rays or a stroke of good luck for the Red Sox, or both. The Rays will look to rely heavily on Tyler Glasnow since the loss of Blake Snell.

In the grand scheme of things, predicting MLB season results after just a week or so is a bit of a tossup.

Offenses typically start out slow as they try to find their footing ahead of the season, but there are always exceptions to this.

The endurance of teams will be tested this season with a full 126 games.

MATT SCHOONOVER

both games and practices and never fail to build each other up.”

The chemistry between the old and the new is quite apparent. In many ways, this also bears testimony to how effective the veterans have been in welcoming the 2020 class.

D’Amato gave a glowing review when discussing the transition. “I think the upperclassmen and seniors

made the freshmen development and transition as collegiate soccer players an easy one! Just by watching one of our practices, you can tell our returning players love soccer.

They give 100 percent and set a high level of play. I can see that our upperclassman and seniors truly value the culture of our team through how they welcomed us “rookies” onto the team with open arms, continue to live out the team vision through their actions and set a high standard for us.”

The vision and focus of the team have certainly played a vital role in the team’s success. Much like the rest of us, the last year has been unlike any other for Harkrader.

“There has been a lot of uncertainty, but some things stay the same like our core values,” Harkrader said. “Our first core value is that we play for an audience of One and that will never change.

So, that has been consistent this year for us. Some other things that have been helpful are a couple of philosophies Coach gave us at the beginning of the [year]. One I use to help focus is to “park” stuff happening off the field and leave it off the field until our practice or game is over.

Another concept Coach gave us was to change “what ifs” to “even ifs.” For example, “Even if I get quarantined, our God is still sovereign and in control over our season and over life.’”

Men’s soccer works to keep momentum Gresham Smith Contributing Writer

Saturday night, the Wolverines face off against the Franciscan University Barons. Grove City sits at 4-1 on the year, with the lone loss to Geneva in overtime. Currently second place in the PAC, the Wolverines have been tested significantly this year as their last three games have stretched into overtime, and two have lasted into double overtime.

In their most recent tilt, a goal from freshman midfielder Chris Delucia at the 91:50 mark, less than two minutes into overtime, won the game for the Wolverines.

The shot was set-up by sophomore forward Sam Belitz, who finished with four shots on goal, two assists and one goal. Senior forward Seth Wade scored once on an assist from Belitz at the 29:33 mark. At least on paper, the win seemed inevitable. Grove City held a 20-8 shot advantage, and an 8-3 lead on shots on goal. After Chatham tied the game at two at the 63:39 mark, it was only a matter of time before the Wolverine offense hit paydirt again.

On March 31, the Wolverines squared off against the Westminster Titans on Don Lyle Field. The game lasted into the second overtime period, when, at 107:09, junior forward Holton Gwaltney provided the assist to Belitz

who scored the game-winning goal. Prior to the backto-back overtime wins, the Wolverines lost on the road in double overtime to Geneva. Gwaltney and junior forward Kennan Roewer both scored goals in the losing effort.

The Wolverine’s first two wins of the year were decisive victories at home. On March 13, Grove City beat Waynesburg 2-0. The first goal of the year came courtesy of a freshman. Midfielder Hunter Hardin scored an unassisted goal at the 63:37, and Delucia added another on a Seth Wade assist 83 minutes in. The Wolverines dominated, out-shooting Waynesburg 23-4, and 10-2 on shots on goal. The second game, a week later against Thiel was a blowout. Up 3-0 at half, the Wolverines piled it on in the second half, scoring five goals. Sophomore forward Mark Guinta scored two goals, as did Belitz and freshman midfielder Chris Eklund. Hardin and Roewer also scored.

The men’s team looks to continue their success as they work to add their remaining four games to their win column. As defending PAC champions, the Wolverines are making the right moves to repeat the success again this spring season. Grove City will face Franciscan at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at home on Don Lyle Field.

The Collegian, April 9, 2021

Page 11

No room for love Ayden Gutierrez Staff Writer

After starting the shortened spring season with two straight losses, the men’s tennis team is finally hitting on all cylinders.

The Grove City College men’s tennis team earned its third straight victory by picking up a 9-0 win Tuesday afternoon over visiting Saint Vincent in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play at the Walters-Zbell Courts. Grove City improved to 3-2 overall and 3-0 in the conference.

After defeating Geneva and Westminster before the break, the Wolverines had Easter vacation to rest and prepare for the latter half of the season. After playing three matches in one week, Grove City waited six days until they faced off against Saint Vincent.

Grove City came out of the break refreshed and ready to go. Six Wolverines won in singles action. Jack Booker, Karsten Lagerquist, Ryne Talko, Michael Odrey, Jameson Sposato and Alex Kidd all added to the men’s team wins. Grove City has dominated during their threematch win streak. The Wolverines have won 26 of the 27 total matches in those three contests.

“We knew that Saint Vincent was going to be our biggest test in conference play,” Booker said. “The last time we played them was on their courts, and we barely beat them. We knew coming in that they would want revenge… It felt really good to get a big win at number one as a freshman and stay undefeated in PAC play through three matches.”

Grove City swept the doubles matches, winning all three. Lagerquist and Talko posted an 8-6 win, Booker and Sposato, a 8-1 win and

Sports at a Glance

News

The women’s soccer team currently leads the PAC with a 5-0 record. Behind them sits Chatham and Westminster, both 4-1, who are tied for second place in the conference.

The women’s team notched their fifth straight win over Chatham on Monday.

Freshman forward Gianna D’Amato and Tirzah Lloyd both earned PAC honors this week as rookie of the week and defensive player of the week respectively for their performances in their last week of matches.

Results

Volleyball (6-3): L, Geneva (3-1)

Men’s Tennis (3-2, 3-0 PAC): W, Saint Vincent (9-0)

Women’s Tennis (4-1, 4-0 PAC): W, Geneva (6-3)

Men’s Soccer (4-1): W, Chatham (3-2, OT)

MATT SCHOONOVER

Junior Lillian Jeynes plays in a match as the spring season starts.

Odrey and Kaufman capped off the match with an 8-7 victory.

“We really focused on creating a supportive and exciting atmosphere for our team to play in and started off really strong and intense. Our coach had been preaching the necessity for intensity from the start of last week so it felt good to be able to accomplish that goal. We’re undefeated in conference play now. We have two losses, but I can’t wait to see how far this team can continue to go,” said Booker.

The men’s team currently sits in first place in the PAC with four matches left before the conference champion-

ship tournament. The quarterfinal round starts on April 27.

Meanwhile, the women’s team picked up their fourth win of the season on Wednesday night against Geneva, and now sit at 4-0 in the PAC. Strong doubles performances by Morgan Happe and Logan Fuss, Alexis Chappel and Lillian Jeynes, and Joanna Barham and Kelsey Coleman all contributed to Grove City’s 6-3 victory.

The women’s team will round out the week by taking on Waynesburg in conference play at 4 p.m. at home today, and the men’s team will visit Franciscan tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Volleyball stands at third place in PAC

Emily Rupczewski

W, Chatham (1-0)

Football (2-0):

W, Carnegie Mellon (24-14)

Baseball (10-6, 8-4 PAC): W, Thiel (6-2), (9-6), (10-8), (7-6)

Softball (6-10, 1-1 PAC): W, Saint Vincent (4-2) L, Saint Vincent (7-6)

Men’s Lacrosse (4-1, 1-0 PAC): W, Saint Vincent (22-9)

Water Polo (3-5):

W, Penn State Behrend (12-11)

Men’s Track and Field: 6th/7 – 56 pts, Geneva Invitational

Women’s Track and Field: 6th/7 – 54 pts, Geneva Invitational

Men’s Golf:

5th/6 – 339, Saint Vincent Invitational

Women’s Golf:

4th/5 – 448, Westminster Invitational

Upcoming

Women’s Tennis:

April 9, 4 p.m. vs. Waynesburg

Sports Editor

The Grove City women’s volleyball team traveled to Beaver Falls on Wednesday where they faced longtime rival Geneva in their final regular season match.

The Wolverines took the first set, 25-21, where they led the entire set. Geneva’s defense couldn’t slow down outside hitter Faith Keating, who led the offense with seven kills in the first set. Right behind her was Elisabeth Sems, who slammed six kills in the first set as well. Geneva struggled in their first set to keep the ball in system, and after falling behind early, used both of their timeouts early. Still, their efforts to contain the Wolverine’s hitters was in vain as they dropped the first set by four points.

The second set saw Geneva make a few adjustments as Grove City played from behind and saw a lead-change every other point. Grove City then moved their offense to the middle, where Katie Pry and Anna DeGraaf saw success against Geneva’s defense. However, the Wolverines still found themselves

Women’s Soccer (5-0):

Football:

April. 9, 7 p.m. vs. Westminster

Volleyball:

April 10, vs. Fransiscan

Men’s Tennis:

April 10, 10 a.m. at Franciscan

Men’s Track and Field:

April 10, 10 a.m. at Thiel Invitational

Women’s Track and Field: April 10, 10 a.m. at Thiel Invitational

Water Polo:

April 10, 10 a.m. at Penn State Behrend

Lacrosse:

April 10, 1 p.m. vs Chatham

Women’s Golf:

April 10, 1 p.m. Grove City Invitational

Softball:

April 10, 1 p.m. at Waynesburg (DH)

Baseball:

GROVE CITY VOLLEYBALL

Freshman Anna DeGraaf and Senior Brooke Sorenson celebrate a point against Westminster in their March 25th match-up. down by eight points and tegic offense for big points. used up their second time Sems took advantage of the out early in the second set. block to shut down Geneva’s The second set saw strong front row and stump the back serves from both teams as row, adding five more kills well as strong defense, forcing the teams to look to straVOLLEYBALL 5

April 15, 2 p.m. vs Westminster (DH) April. 17, 1 p.m. at Westminster (DH)

Women’s Soccer:

April. 10, 4:30 p.m. vs. Franciscan

Men’s Soccer:

April 10, 7:30 p.m. vs. Franciscan

Men’s Golf:

April 12, 11 a.m. at W&J Invitational

Sports The Collegian, April 9, 2021

Page 12

Looking for a home win Football hosts Westminster tonight Gresham Smith Contributing Writer

This evening, the Grove City Wolverines football team squares off against the rival Westminster College Titans at home.

The last game between these PAC foes resulted in one of the wildest finishes in Wolverine athletics history.

After the Wolverines jumped out to a 27-14 halftime lead, the Titans came roaring back, taking a 41-37 lead with 3:44 to go. The Wolverines drove down the field, all the way to the Westminster six-yard line until they were halted on a fourth down interception, giving Westminster the ball back with eight seconds to go, on their own three-yard line.

An unsportsmanlike penalty from Westminster resulted in the ball being pushed back to the one-and-a-half-yard line. As the Titans went to kneel the ball, Westminster quarterback Cole Konieczka fumbled the ball, and junior corner Dan Melville recovered the ball at the Westminster one-yard line. A play later, sophomore quarterback Josh Ehst punched the ball in on a quarterback sneak as time expired for a 43-41 victory.

Well over a year later, both teams are still forces in the PAC headed for a collision once again. Westminster sits at 2-0 with victories over Bethany and Geneva, and the Wolverines are 2-0 as well with wins over Saint Vincent and the Carnegie Mellon.

Both teams are coming off bye weeks as well, so neither team should be fatigued or

MATT SCHOONOVER

Senior Cameron Drake carries the ball into the end zone for a touch down in the Wolverine’s match up against St. Vincent in March. banged up heading into Friday’s game.

The match-up will pit two of the three best teams playing in the PAC this spring. In 2019, Westminster finished 8-3 and Grove City finished second in the conference at 9-2 behind Case Western Reserve, who elected not to play this spring. The game also promises to be a highscoring affair; both offenses have retained their starting quarterbacks, and Grove City returns numerous offensive starters.

For the Wolverines, senior receiver Cody Gustafson is third in all of division three in receiving yards per game, Ehst is fifth in the country in passing yards per game and senior receiver Cameron Drake is coming off a 10-catch, 171-yard performance against Carnegie Mellon.

On the ground, junior running back Zach Trusky and sophomore running back Clayton Parrish will split the load.

On defense, the lineback-

WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS

Anna DeGraaf PAC volleyball offensive player of the week

Tirzah Lloyd PAC women’s soccer defensive player of the week

Gianna D’Amato PAC women’s soccer rookie of the week

James Parenti PAC men’s track and field athlete of the week

Bobby Abbot PAC baseball pitcher of the week

Nick Guidas PAC baseball rookie of the week

Grant Evans PAC men’s lacrosse defensive player of the week

Ryne Talko PAC men’s tennis player of the week

Jack Booker PAC men’s tennis rookie of the week

ing corp will be led by junior inside backer Parker Kilgore.

Alongside Kilgore, sophomore Ryan Fleming will play outside backer, while sophomore Curtis Freyermuth’s status is unclear after not playing two weeks ago at Carnegie Mellon. In lieu of Freyermuth, freshman Tim Gibson will likely start at the second inside backer position, and freshmen Cole Defillipo and Justin Demild will be in line to see playing time.

Seniors Patrick Mark and Jared Hurd will likely get the

nod at safety, Nik Grabiec will play the Dog position and juniors Branden Caffrey and Melville will start the game at corner. On the line, sophomore defensive tackle James Parenti will be flanked by sophomore defensive end R.J. Debo and junior Scott Hastings.

Tonight will mark the last opportunity to see the Wolverines play at home this semester, as the last regular season game will be played at Geneva against the Golden Tornadoes.