The Collegian, March 15, 2024

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Spring plays debut ‘Doubt’ and ‘Our Town’ take the stage

Mia Gallagher Staff Writer

Life as portrayed on the silver screen or well-lit stage tends to glaze over the more complex, challenging aspects of the human experience. But in the next two weekends, the Grove City College Theatre Department will break from this norm, delivering two thought-provoking productions that attempt to show life and its realities in an unfiltered, moving way.

After a successful run of “The Sound of Music” in the fall and a stirring rendition of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” last spring, Director Betsy Craig and her students look to continue this tradition of theatrical excellence with performances of “Doubt: A Parable” by John Patrick Shanley and “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder.

“There’s a really exciting feeling in the department right now where we all know what we’re capable of producing and we all want to see it accomplished. No-

body is in this show for the applause or the attention; we love theatre, and we want to put on a show that both meets and exceeds the

audience’s expectations,” junior Hayden Wehrman said.

Wehrman, who portrays Father Flynn in “Doubt,”

Liberty scandal exposes oversight

Emma Rossi

Editor-in-Chief

The U.S. Department of Education’s investigation into Liberty University has resulted in a historic $14 million for their violation of policies that led to a failure to protect their students.

The University, located in Lynchburg, Va., was brought under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education. The investigation’s full report details numerous policy failures and intentional oversights on the University’s part to properly prevent and report sexual violence, as well as providing students and victims with information on how the institution is required to assist victims and notify law enforcement.

In addition to neglecting victims of sexual violence, the University’s student code of conduct, “The Liberty Way, “endangered students who would consider reporting acts of sexual violence of being punished.

At Grove City, the Center for Student Life and Learning put standards in place that strive to ensure the safety and well-being of students will be protected and prioritized.

While Liberty University is a private school, they receive federal funding from the government via student loans, meaning they are subject to Title IX and the policies it further implies.

Grove City does not accept federal funds directly or indi-

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New librarian and Buhl’s birthday

is one of four members of the production’s talented cast. He is joined by fellow

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Organist’s recital brings Harbison to life

Catharine Runion Contributing Writer

In the most recent installment of Grove City College’s Showcase Series, concert organist Adam J. Brakel visited Harbison Chapel last Friday to deliver a brilliant recital featuring everything from Bach to Ragtime.

Brakel is a world-renowned organist who has received degrees from Duquesne University and Peabody Conser-

vatory with further training at the Juilliard School. The Chicago Tribune hails him as “one of the most talented organists in the world.” In addition to being music director at various churches and cathedrals across the country, Brakel has had an extensive competitive and performing career. Brakel channeled his accomplishments and diverse repertoire into his recital. The performance covered Bach Fugues, Rags, wedding marches and expansive variations of the Star-Spangled Banner. “I tried to showcase everything imaginable for

this organ, covering a variety of styles, and I think it plays all of those successfully,” Brakel said.

“He makes it look insanely easy,” sophomore piano and organ performance major Wesley Morgan said. Having learned a movement from the Trio Sonata that Brakel performed, Morgan has an advantage in understanding how impressive Brakel’s performance was: “What each hand is doing and what the feet are doing are completely different, but everything still sounded so smooth.” Morgan argued that Brakel’s Bach selections were more

impressive than some of the larger pieces on the program because of this.

The Harbison organ is a W.W. Kimball Opus 7102, dedicated in 1931 and restored in 2000. It has four manuals, or stacked keyboards, which can be used to play multiple voices at the same time. Since the console of the organ is tucked away behind a few pews, cameras pointed at Brakel’s hands and the pedal board below to project the performance on a screen at the front of the chapel allowing the audience to

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Kristiana Shirk Contributing Writer

BROWN

This month, Grove City College welcomes newly hired librarian Debbie Brown and celebrates the 70th anniversary of Henry Buhl Library. Brown began at the College this month to support students’ academic success and to continue her career as a Reference, Instruction and Engagement Librarian. She grew up in Sharon, Pa., and after college in Ohio and life in North Carolina, found her way to New Castle, Pa. After getting her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh,

The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper

GRACE DAVID

Senior Whitney Leonard poses with freshman Zachary Kappel in one of this spring’s plays, “Our Town”.

GRACE DAVID

Junior Hayden Wehrman and junior Jessica Reynolds take the stage in ‘Doubt.’

BRAKEL

From the Tower

Doubt: an editorial

When the director of our Theatre Program, Professor Betsy Craig, announced the 2024 spring plays, I have to say, I was ecstatic. Anxious and hungry for the opportunity are the most accurate words. “Our Town” is a classic American play famously described as the greatest play ever written and one I look forward to seeing. “Doubt: A Parable” is the story of a Catholic school principal on a mission to expose suspected ongoings in her midst and ultimately dismiss the underlying notion of doubt. That caught my eye. And when I was lucky enough to be cast as the principal, I knew I was given the opportunity to discuss something unheard of on this campus: questioning our faith.

“Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty. When you are lost, you are not alone.” These are the words that Father Flynn begins with at the top of the show. These are words I beg every Grover to hear and to remember.

I can recall, at a young age, coming to my mom and admitting my lack of faith in God. Albeit with a blunt and disarming “I don’t believe in God,” but an admission nonetheless. I watched her cry in front of me and I’d watch myself take my words back in seconds.

When I came to Grove City, I decided to be as open and honest with this campus and myself about my constant doubt in God. That proved so much harder than expected. It often seems that here, the idea of even the slightest cracks in the foundation of your faith is almost grotesque. It means you aren’t a true Christian, you’re past the point of redemption or you’re unfit to one day raise a Christian family. These are all real things people have said to me since my time at Grove City.

Now, I want to say that I don’t include these words to project any hate on our community or to demand martyrdom in any way. But I know for a fact that there are students on our campus who have been met with similar words because of their uncertainty in God.

To those students, I want you to know you are not alone, doubt truly is a bond that I share with you, and that more people share it than care to admit.

If God’s Word is true, then His word is the most important thing there ever was and ever will be. If His Word is true, then the entirety of your being changes and the choices you make every day take on a completely different meaning. That’s a pretty major idea being considered, there. It’s no wonder that some will leave no stone unturned before they can believe it. It’s no wonder that some find themselves just on the cusp of believing but hold back because some things just don’t add up.

I think, if He’s real, God is well aware of the cards we are dealt as humans. I think He knows what He’s asking is a pretty big ask. And I think He left room for some doubt in his grand plan for us.

Uncertainty does not discount or disgrace us, and to admit it doesn’t either. If you have the time come see “Doubt: A Parable”. You may leave the show feeling uncertain. You may even look down on the feeling. But I think you may find it can connect to you in unexpected ways.

Grace Scheller Managing Editor

Collegian Staff

Editor-in-Chief Emma Rossi

Managing Editor Grace Scheller

Section Editors

News Violet Whitmore

Community Emily Fox

Perspectives

Grace Scheller

Entertainment

Vince Clay

Sports Joel Sledd

Photo Chief Grace David

Copy Chief Hannah Welker

Why does public relations get a bad rap?

Emily Fox

Community Editor

When I tell people I plan on pursuing a career in public relations postgrad, I can usually anticipate their reaction.

Most of the time, they hesitate and then respond “Oh…” and take a second to collect themselves before asking another question.

PR gets a bad rap because PR reps are commonly believed to be manipulative, money-hungry liars who put the profit of their company before what is good and right. This reputation is even consistent across popular culture as they often seem to be the villain in a plethora of Netflix romcoms.

While I know there are definitely dishonest public relations representatives, I can confidently tell you the field produces just as much, if not more, positive content.

The responsibilities of a PR agency are centered around determining the best way to represent their client as accurately and positively as possible to the client’s target audience. This can include writing press releases, creating advertisement graphics, developing engaging social media posts, representing

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Business Manager

Maercy Campion

Copy Editors

Mia Gallagher

Melody Shillito

Kathryna Hoyman

Hannah Williams

Staff Writers

David Smith

Dom Puglisi

Garret Gess

Mia Gallagher

Hunter Oswald

Brae Sadler

Abigail Kengor

Helena Ritenour

Staff Photographers

Catherine Runion

Megan Eisentraut

Staff Adviser

Nick Hildebrand The

she worked as a Circulation Librarian at Thiel College, later applying for a position at Grove City College. “I love being here. The campus is beautiful, and the atmosphere is uplifting. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind,” Brown said.

When she is not at work, she loves reading or spending time with her kids. Her new role means students can find her at the Reference Desk and “in classrooms, including Writing 101, HUMA core classes and other discipline-specific courses.”

“I am really encouraged by the number of students I see using the library and using the many resources the library has to offer,” Brown said. “I am looking forward to working with students and being a part of their success. I am also looking forward to showcasing the various resources and programming the library has to offer.”

clients in interviews and at conferences, managing online reputation management, strategizing how to enhance the company’s brand and even writing annual reports. Every company or nonprofit must consider how to best communicate with their clients and other companies they are collaborating with, so PR is essential in every field.

Often when we think of PR, we think of people covering up political scandals or exaggerating the quality of a cheaply made as seen on TV product to make fast cash for a company. But the truth is, that stereotype represents a very small percentage of PR agencies.

The goal of PR is to connect the companies they serve with real people. Their job is to create dialogue between companies and their clients so they can share their stories and learn how to better serve their audience.

I was first introduced to PR during my senior year of high school when I jobshadowed Susan Paff, the CEO of Ideality Communications. The company is a small agency serving local businesses and nonprofits in my hometown. The first project I was exposed to was an annual report Susan and her team had developed for a Christian nonprofit that fixes and drills wells in Africa. An

According to Library Director Barbra Munnell ‘92, “Debbie brings many years of teaching experience to the library, and she is anxious to get started on helping students navigate the library and the vast field of information. Debbie loves the flurry of activity in the library and wants to help the students succeed.”

Henry Buhl Library operates on 70 years of dedication to academic success, and Brown is excited to contribute. “I am dedicated to helping you succeed in your courses,” Brown said. “Please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance and I will do whatever I can to help.”

In the 70 years since its opening in 1954, the library has seen many changes, the most notable of which was the renovation beginning in 2021 and ending in 2022, giving the old library new life.

According to Munnell, “The library has been transformed into a space that is

annual report is a powerful marketing tool for nonprofits, as it shows donors how their funds are being allocated to serve the causes they care about. The Ideality team had created an engaging and graphically pleasing report clearly communicating the nonprofit’s information to their investors. This is especially important for nonprofits as they are only able to serve with the help of the donors who fund their projects.

I went on to intern with Ideality this past summer, and I was privileged to witness and participate in their commitment to connecting real businesses and nonprofits with the local communities they served.

This is why I am working to develop my skills in public relations. Getting to use my God-given passions and talents of communication to assist good people striving to make a difference in an often dark world.

There are dishonest people in all career fields. We should not prematurely judge a PR representative based on an exaggerated public perception of their field before we even consider the work they’ve done. I for one, am looking forward to seeing the industry continue to develop so it can best serve the companies and nonprofits it represents.

much more supportive of the study habits of the students, providing spaces for every mode of study.”

The library may not show its age on the surface, but the progress it has made over time stands out. “Technology not only gives us broader access to current information, but historical as well. It has opened up endless research possibilities. There is much more access to information today than 30 years ago when Buhl Library began to embrace technology,” Munnell said.

Munnell encourages students to take advantage of the databases, huddle rooms and Surface Hub whiteboard. To keep the 70-year-old tradition of excellence going, “Students too must do their part to keep the library as a place that supports academic success by using its spaces as intended and using the technology to enhance their studies.”

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rectly through federal financial aid, meaning no outside entity can determine what is appropriate and what is not. At Grove City, the Center for Student Life and Learning put standards in place that ensure the safety and wellbeing of students will be protected and prioritized.

Liberty University failed to inform its students what their rights are regarding instances of sexual violence, sexual harassment and how students could report these instances.

At Grove City College, students have four primary options if a crime of sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual violence is perpetrated against them. The first is to go to the police. A student may request a member of the Student Life and Learning team to accompany them to the police station to give their statement.

The second option is for students to ask for a formal investigation on the College’s part, as well as the police. In situations of simultaneous investigation on the part of both the College and the police, the police may request that the College pause their investigation to ensure the integrity of theirs.

The third option is for students to request only a college investigation. In this case, Joe Cirelli and Mandy McCreadie ’03 will work to establish the facts of the situation as thoroughly and expediently as possible, and will communicate the decision to both the reporting and responding party once it is reached.

The fourth option is for students to not make an official report at that time, withStudent Life focusing instead on the wellbeing of the student. A student may decide to report at a later date if they desire.

SLL reiterates both in conversation and in print that the non-disciplinary policy is in place. The non-disciplinary policy ensures that students can report instances of sexual crimes without fear of reprimand for a concurrent violation of another College policy. For example, if a student is violating open hours policies and an incident takes place, the student can safely report the incident without fear of reprimandfor violating open hours.

The same goes for instances in which disallowed substances, such as alcohol, are present. SLL makes it abundantly clear that one mistake on the reporters part, such as violating open hours or inappropriate consumption of alcohol does not excuse the aggressor’s actions.

These options, as well as College policies, shared during first-year student orientation, and distributed through email and campus mail at the beginning of the academic year. Brochures are available in print in the SLL office, Counseling Center, Campus Safety Office and through your RA and RD, among other places. They are outlined in the Crimson and sent digitally via email at the beginning of the academic school year.

Further, the College has established an anonymous report that can be found on the Student Life and Learning page of myGCC. Students with concerns for themselves or their peers may submit a report (either anonymously or with their name attached to it) through this system.

GCCA takes the stage in an Agatha Christie drama

Abigail Kengor Staff Writer

The Grove City Christian Academy’s (GCCA) upcoming spring play might conjure up some nostalgia if you’ve ever gone honeymooning in the Land of Pharaohs and found yourself implicated in a murder. Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile” features a motley group who experience just that.

Even if your life experience has been a bit more standard, you’re sure to enjoy the performance directed by Ross Kucks ‘10, co-directed and costumed by Faith Fedor and student-directed by Abbi Maffet.

Audience members will laugh, shiver, gasp and cry at the hilarity of persistent Persian bead sellers (Caleb Hasenplug and Koby Richardson) and the sumptuously stuffy Ms. Ffoliot Ffoulkes (Julie Wizorek), at the stiffness of the “Lotus,”’ Steward (Samuel Mitchell) and

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juniors Grace Scheller, Jess Reynolds and Meredith Reed, who portray Sister Aloysius, Sister James and Mrs. Muller respectively, bringing this static set play to life.

“If you like dramas, thrillers or thought-provoking stories, you’ll like ‘Doubt.’ It’s a fast-paced, tense drama about a serious, provocative issue – but it’s about much more than that. This isn’t a play about sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. That’s the setting for the conflict, but this is really a play about what happens when our certainty is shaken,” Wehrman said.

“The play’s full title is ‘Doubt: A Parable,’ and

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see and hear the complexity of each piece. The organ, however, sees little use. A few official school ceremonies, underscoring the occasional chapel service and being practiced on by a handful of students are usually the only times Harbison’s Organ is played. “When I was here, the organ got

the severely Communist Mr. Smith (Mateo Holz) and the tender romance and gripping suspense that unfolds as the newlywed couple (Levi Brooks and Dylan Nichols) is pursued by a jealous ex-fiancée (Lily Hasenplug). When a murder is finally committed, every suspect is sure to be in denial as accusations and incriminating evidence float to the surface. The other cast members are Lizzy House, Matelyn Jensen, Elijah Aldstadst, Timothy Kosits and Noah Graeser.

Producer Michelle Ritenour sets the stage for us: “Aboard the “Lotus,” passengers expecting a relaxing cruise down the Nile find themselves woven into a thrilling story of secret schemes, brutal murder and love. When the murderer strikes, there are suspects everywhere amongst the passengers, each and every one seeming to have some vendetta against the victim. Captain McNaught, is uncertain where to begin the in-

that’s exactly what it is: a parable about the effects of doubt on people who feel unshakable in their beliefs.

If you’ve ever had the uncomfortable feeling of realizing you aren’t so sure of something as you thought, there’s something for you to learn in ‘Doubt.’”

While “Doubt” undoubtedly presents one aspect of the human condition, “Our Town” goes further to tell a story about the whole of life. Set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corner, New Hampshire, “Our Town” follows the lives of George Gibbs and Emily Webb, portrayed by senior Caleb Vinoverski and freshman Allie Cottom, who serve as archetypes for the larger human experience. The play is unique in that the Stage

played every Sunday night,” Dr. Jeffrey Tedford ‘00 said.

Tedford organized the guest artist’s performance. The professor has a unique perspective as an alumnus of the department; as a student, he got to meet visiting artists such as Marvin Hamlisch and Doc Severinson.

“Now as the department chair, I want to make sure that the next generation has those same opportunities,”

vestigation and gladly passes the case to the Canon, who must navigate a deadly trap of deceit, love and anger to find the real killer. Will he succeed? Will the depraved murderer successfully frame another suspect and escape freely, or will they kill again? Is there enough evidence to even tell? Join us on our voyage aboard the “Lotus” at Grove City Christian Academy to find out.” Ritenour also notes the unique depth found in this particular adaptation. Christie’s own stage revision of her Poirot classic “Death on the Nile,” contains an alternate character, Canon Pennefather (Elijah Aldstadt), as the cleric investigator who threads in themes of redemption and mercy, allowing “gleams of hope to enter into the dark recesses of the murderous heart.” Viewers will be treated not only to an entertaining and memorable performance but also to an edifying and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

Manager, played by Dr. Eric Potter, is a character and actively moves the plot forward, creating an engaging and realistic portrait of life and its inner workings.

“This play has greatly impacted my life, and I believe that students who come to see it will be impacted, too. The amazing thing about putting on this production is giving the whole audience the opportunity to escape their own lives and enter the world of ‘Our Town’ with us,” Vinoverski said.

“Audiences can expect to see a beautiful and moving story about life. I believe this play is truly an experience that no one should miss out on. Great art makes us think deeply and ask meaningful questions, and ‘Our Town’ does that.”

Tedford said. The rest of the Spring Showcase Series promises to equal this level of excellence. The music department will welcome the Classical Faith Piano Trio at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 and pianist Cicilia Yudha at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 4. Both events will be held at the Arnold Recital Hall in the Pew Fine Arts Center.

The play’s director, Kucks, is an alumnus from the College who graduated with a BA in English and taught at Stratford Classical Christian Academy before taking up the teachership at GCCA in 2015, where he teaches Latin, literature and history and directs the drama program. His most recent Grove City Christian Academy productions include “The Importance of Being Earnest” in 2021, “Little Women” in 2022, and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2023.

The play will run next weekend at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 through Saturday, March 23 with an additional matinee showing at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. All shows will be performed at 105 Mill Street. Tickets are 8 dollara per person, with a student discount (college included) of 5 dollars. Tickets are available at the door or buy in advance at grovecitychristianacademy.com/arts/ drama.

The cast and crews of both productions have been hard at work since January to bring these amazing shows to life. With two immensely talented casts and two incredibly impactful stories, this is a theatrical experience you won’t want to miss.

“Doubt: A Parable” will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on March 15 and at 5:00 p.m. on March 16 in Ketler Auditorium in the J. Howard Pew Fine Arts Center (PFAC). “Our Town” will debut at 5:00 p.m. on March 15 and 22 and at 7:30 p.m. on March 16 and 23 in the Little Theatre also in the PFAC. Tickets can be reserved online at www.gcc. edu/tickets and picked up Thursday-Saturday in STU from 12-4 p.m.

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MICHELLE RITENOUR

The Grove City Christian Academy cast of Agatha Christie’s “Death of the Nile” will be performing March 21 - 23.

Mercer county finds common ground

Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief

Common Grounds Mercer (CGM) is not just a community center, but a coffee house and café where the surrounding community can strengthen friendships, work together to strengthen Mercer and enjoy fellowship and coffee.

Born in June 2019 from conversations about how to best serve Mercer, a small group that would become the board of directors for Common Grounds was determined to take on some of the challenges Mercer residents face. They will hold their official soft opening on March 18.

March 15 STU

Exercise Science Symposium

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

March 16

PLC Arena & STEM

Brunch and Learn:

Women’s Calling in Different Seasons

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

March 16

Rathburn Hall

Dodgeball Tournament

3 p.m.

March 16

PLC Arena Bingo Night

7:30 - 9 p.m.

March 16 STU Interactive Interviewing Workshop

11 a.m.

March 18

SHAL 110

Global Education Celebration

5 p.m.

March 21

Old MAP

A Journey in Education with Dr. Armendia Dixon

7 p.m.

March 21

SHAL 110

AllWorshipSorority

7 - 9 p.m.

March 22

Harbison Chapel Concert Band & Wind Ensemble Concert

7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

March 22

Ketler Auditorium

“It started five years ago this coming June when five people in the community got together and said, ‘Okay we all know the problems and statistics of what is going on in our area, what can we do as a solution?’ We all agreed a volunteer outreach ministry with a business attached to support the ministry such as Fresh Grounds in Greenville would be a wonderful thing to bring to Mercer,” said Denise Orr, President on CGM Board of Directors.

Common Grounds was created to be “a safe common ground coffeehouse and café with a socially interactive atmosphere, inspiring relational development and outreach opportunities, providing quality products and services, adding serving servants of Christ, and other volunteers to the community in a way that would enhance growth in supporting a caring, unified, protective, and healthy community,” their website reads.

Prior to the pandemic, the board saw a disconnect between the community, which contributed to the increase in loneliness, feelings of disconnection, depression and anxiety.

Now, after the pandemic further separated the community and isolated individuals, they decided to create a place where people can reconnect and grow the community.

Common Grounds will serve coffee and other specialty drinks in their café, but their offerings don’t end with coffee. They offer free tutoring for students from Kindergarten through sixth grade and official courses on CPR and First Aid training

that will earn participants certification.

In addition to educational opportunities, they are set to host a Veteran Support Group beginning May 13. More events such as board game and card game nights, space for mentoring and more tutoring and general space will be available for other community events such as book clubs and Bible studies.

Common Grounds partners with the Mercer County Opiate Settlement Committee. Through this partnership, they offer free books and resources for those struggling with addiction and those who are affected by addiction.

This is part of their outreach program, H.O.P.E., Helping others Provide Encouragement.

“We seek to provide the Mer-

cer Community a common ground coffee house and café where people of all generations would feel comfortable to come in and quench their thirst and fill their soul. We will invest in our community’s at-risk youth and adults. We will interactively work with the local school districts, law enforcement agencies, community groups, and area organizations,” their website states.

There are several opportunities for Grove City students to get involved at Common Grounds. They are looking for tutors, mentors and people to make coffee and cook, organize events and supervise activities.

“(Grove City) students can come and enjoy the atmosphere, do their schoolwork, gather with friends, reserve

a space to have Bible study or book study with friends (and) enjoy game nights Friday and Saturday,” said Orr.

“They can volunteer to help behind the coffee bar, prepare food and bake in the kitchen, plus many other opportunities. Since CGM is being run completely by volunteers, students’ volunteer help plus purchases of drink and food products is going to go right back into helping us maintain this wonderful space for all to enjoy and start up or host a variety of outreach ministries,” she added.

If you are interested in getting involved with Common Grounds Mercer, visit their website commongroundsmercer.com. Their soft opening is on March 18, located at 114 and 116 N. Pitt St., in Mercer, Pa.

We took a break over spring break

My girlfriend and I barely talked over Spring Break. Now that we’re back on campus, I want to talk about it. How should I bring up the subject?

Sincerely,

Worried Grover

Dear Worried Grover, It is understandable to want to talk to your girlfriend about this.

If you guys have been dating for a while, being worried about this makes sense. If she has been communicating with you regularly, break or not, and suddenly stopped responding, something may

be going on. If you have addressed that you were upset by the lack of communication and she did not provide a sufficient answer, an inperson conversation is most

definitely in order.

I would approach the conversation casually. Going to grab some coffee or a meal out together puts you guys in a comfortable position. Ease into the subject. Be openminded and nonconfrontational so it isn’t an accusation as that is never a good starting point for a healthy conversation. Asking leading questions is also not the route to go. Allowing room for a natural conversation would be advisable. Listen to what she has to say without interruption. That will show her that you are willing to listen and that you aren’t

blindly rushing in with negative assumptions. With all the information you gather, making calm and logical decisions about your next words is important.

Once you find out the reason, act accordingly. If she provides a personal reason that makes sense to you, try not to get overly upset over it. However, if the reason doesn’t seem to hold up, then you are rightfully upset.

If you two have not been dating for a while, this could simply be a miscommunication issue. For most people on Grove City’s campus, break is a time to spend

with family and friends. A lot of my friends try to stay away from their phones during breaks to be present with the people they don’t see too frequently. It may not be that she didn’t want to talk to you but wanted to devote her full attention to her family in the short amount of time that she had.

Wishing you the best,

COMMON GROUNDS MERCER, INC. FACEBOOK

Common Grounds, a new community center in Mercer County, will have its soft launch March 18.

Grovers are good eggs

Emily Fox Community Editor

The Grove City College Physics Club hosted over 30 fourth and fifth-grade students in the IM rooms this past Tuesday for their annual Egg Drop Competition. Elementary school students from Hillview and Grove City Christian Academy formed groups of three students who worked together to build a contraption capable of protecting an egg from a 24-foot drop.

Students were limited to using newspaper, duct tape, straws, popsicle sticks, glue and string to create a vessel weighing four pounds or less to deliver the eggs to the ground intact. Their containers were judged based on their success at protecting the egg, how quickly they could retrieve the egg from the vessel and their accuracy of landing on the target.

“This event is important for the fourth and fifth-grade competitors because the egg drop forces them to creatively use their engineering skills on a set list of building supplies, and we don’t make it easy for them. It’s a real challenge. In addition, they got to associate physics with a fun time,” Physics Club Social Outreach Coordinator Elijah Weikal said.

All competitors earned a certificate of achievement for competing in the event, and winners were rewarded with t-shirts supplied by the Physics Club and the Grove City College Bookstore. They could also win gift cards

generously donated by local businesses.

The competition was organized by the Physics Club with the help of their advisors, Dr. Wagner and Dr. Fair. The event was run by student volunteers from diverse backgrounds; only six of the volunteers were physics majors.

“The Grove City students develop their skills communicating science to the public and to children in particular. It fosters a spirit of giving that they hopefully will continue as professionals. The club officers and other students who help design and organize the event gain insight into how to adapt ac-

tivities for different ages and how to administer a public event. It is also a lot of fun,” Physics Club advisor Dr. D.J. Wagner said.

The theme of the event centered around the eclipse taking place on April 8th, and students from the National Society of Physics planned various activities relevant to the theme. They also made ice cream from liquid nitrogen for the children and each of the kids were given a gift bag containing eclipse glasses, rainbow glasses, stickers and candy.

“Hopefully the children are encouraged to think of science as fun, to learn some science and to consider sci-

ence – physics in particular – as a career option. This year we also hope to drum up enthusiasm for the eclipse and encourage safe viewing practices,” Wagner said. The egg drop competition allows students at the College to share their passion for scientific exploration and creative thinking through an event designed to bring elementary students joy by applying the skills they learn in the classroom. “I enjoy being able to see the kids experience many of the physics demonstrations. Their enthusiasm for life and learning is a good reminder to take joy in my own studies,” Weikal said.

Entrepreneurs excel

Emily Fox Community Editor

A team of six Grove City College students triumphed at the Techstars Startup Weekend Pittsburgh competition at Duquesne University this past February.

The competition was hosted by InnovatePGH and organized by the Techstars investment program, an organization committed to encouraging and sponsoring young entrepreneurs and their business ideas.

Team members seniors

Joey Guida, Gus Minotto, Luke Gilligan, sophomore Andrew Coy and juniors Ella Medairy and Rafe McIlwain applied their creativity and entrepreneurial skills to innovate the winning idea, MeetCute, a dating app that matches people with others who share their preferred places to go.

The team excelled against stiff competition from other educational institutions such as Cornell University, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon and Duquesne University.

The Grove City Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation (E+I) sponsored a total of 12 students to compete in Pittsburgh who were expected to pitch their ideas and come up with a business plan to present to the public forum and judges in 54 hours.

Gilligan described his team’s experience developing their business model, “One of our team members, Joey Guida, pitched the idea in front of the crowd, was voted up, and then our team came together,” said Gilligan.

“We took the idea, made some tweaks to the business model after customer

discovery, interviewing and surveying over 100 people, and then through the help of the mentors at the event, we landed on the final business plan for MeetCute.”

“Competitions and events like these are always very beneficial to me. When you only have 54 hours or less to create an entire business plan, there is a lot of stress. These competitions really make you aware of your team’s strengths and weaknesses and also be a good listener. We had some disagreements, but through good communication and

compromise we were able to work through them well. That is something that everyone will need to learn and exercise later in life. It also teaches you how to lead, work on a team and iterate ideas quickly and efficiently” Gilligan said. Competition sponsor Avenu Workplaces rewarded students $5,000 and office space for a year to develop and launch their app.

While the team currently does not plan on using the space, Gilligan will be using it for his own company, Resense, a business that pro-

Seven questions with…

Jocelyn Bernhardt ’15

Head Women’s Water Polo Coach

Brae Sadler Staff Writer

What do you like the most about being a coach at Grove City College?

I just love being able to continue the opportunity for girls to play.

What is your favorite podcast you’ve ever listened to or book you’ve ever read?

I listen to a lot of podcasts, probably my favorite is Relatable with Alley Beth Stuckey.

If you had to play/coach another sport, which would you choose?

I would probably pick Basketball. Its offensive strategy is similar to Water Polo.

If your life had a soundtrack, what would be your main theme?

This is not very popular, but I grew up listening to a group called This Hope. Their album ‘Final Destination’ represents my hope that one day I will stand before the Lord.

Is there a professional athlete in your sport that’s inspired you?

I don’t think I singled out a specific one, the U.S. Olympic team has won consistently. They take it to the next level; they are passionate about growing the sport.

What is your go-to coffee order?

I don’t drink coffee but English Breakfast tea with honey is my go-to order.

vides resources such as the Connect + Comfort Kit and the Resense Register to improve the experiences of senior citizens living with dementia.

The students’ success reflects the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation’s dedication and efficiency in preparing and equipping Grove City College students with the experience and skills they need to thrive in the world of business.

The expertise shared by the department enables students like Gilligan to pursue their passions.

Do you have a favorite quote?

My favorite quote is from Martin Luther King Junior: “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’”

GCC

A team of Grove City College students took first place at the Techstars Startup Weekend Pittsburgh with their idea of a place-based dating app, MeetCute. They had 54 hours to develop a bussiness model to present to a public forum and the panel of qualified professionals judging the competition.

LAURA AUSTIN

Student volunteer, Colton Steltzer, shares his knowledge with elementary kids at the physics egg drop competition hosted by the Outstanding Chapter Award winning Physics Club on March 12. The theme of this year’s event surrounded the eclipse that will take place April 8.

Through the Lens

A double spring showing

The GCC Theatre Department performs ‘Doubt: A Parable’ and ‘Our Town’

Photos by Grace David, Photo Chief

Catherine Runion

Catherine Runion

What’s the word from God?

Pastor’s faulty claims begs important question

Ransom Coffeen Contributing Writer

A great church historian relates to us that Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John, heard the voice of God speak to him from Heaven as he was led to martyrdom: “Be strong and play the man, Polycarp.”

Polycarp was strong, and he neither recanted his faith nor shrunk away from the fiery death awaiting him.

Some may doubt the accuracy of this historical account, but no one can deny the case of Eligio Regalado, a thieving Denver pastor, is categorically different.

Regalado did what many of us have recently done and jumped on the cryptocurrency bandwagon. He

started his own cryptocurrency, INDXcoin, and marketed it to Christians in the wider church community of Denver. Peddling the old lie that God would multiply any wealth given to the church, Regalado convinced 300 or so people to pay him millions of dollars for his “INDXcoin.”

The only catch was that his currency was worthless, he did not have the legal right to sell it and he and his wife pocketed some $1.4 million of their investors’ money, according to the New York Times. In justification for his actions, he claimed the classic defense for despicable behavior, “the Lord told us to do it.”

In fairness to Regalado, the Lord does tell us to do things. This raises the very reasonable question: how exactly does God speak to us? A voice from heaven?

Perhaps our emotions and internal cognitive processes? Through other people?

God can certainly communicate however he wishes, but fortunately, we do not have to guess how he normally speaks to us.

The entire Bible is his word to us, and it contains many commands telling us what to do. Among the Biblical commands is a pesky one called the 8th commandment which runs along the following lines, “Thou shall not steal.”

If there is any one case in which we can be certain God is not speaking to us, it is when we are told to do something contrary to Scripture. Regalado claims the voice of God told him to disobey the 8th commandment, but this is obviously false because God explicitly condemns his behavior. If Regalado

did hear a voice telling him to steal, it was more likely a demon pretending to have God’s authority. If Regalado did not hear a voice, then he is simply a liar who used God to justify his crimes. Either he is a deceiver or is deceived himself, but in both cases, we should not take his claim of “God told me to do it” seriously. I started with Polycarp, however, because Regalado’s case does not prove that God cannot speak directly to us.

There are two times in Jesus’ ministry when God opens the heavens and speaks: Jesus’ baptism and his transfiguration. The Old Testament likewise has examples of God speaking directly to his people, including in the cases of Abraham, Moses and Samuel. “But God only functioned this way in the Old Testament and in the

time of the apostles,” someone may respond. Perhaps, but Polycarp’s martyrdom suggests otherwise. Maybe the historian who recorded it was mistaken, but then again, maybe not.

We ought to be wary of putting God in a box. God usually chooses to communicate to us through the Bible, but he can communicate to us in any way He pleases. There is no verse saying that God no longer communicates to us directly, and all of us have experiences where God communicated to us through events or the words of others and not directly through Scripture. Regalado abused the voice of God to defend his sin. We can oppose a thief without denying God an entire means of communication.

True wealth lies in love

Abigail Kengor Staff Writer

Marrying rich is a common, semi-serious, goal. This means never wanting for resources and security, living easy and being free from struggles, work and pain. But does it? And do you really want that? People seek wealth as a guarantor of health, security, comfort and happiness, but wealth brings its own difficulties: laziness, gluttony and greed. Charles Dickens calls this “idle dissipation,” the smothering of one’s spirit. The sufferer’s life holds simplicity and sanctification. It’s not easy or corporally pleasant, but in this automatic detachment from the flesh and the world, one can find happiness and holiness.

This is the message of the “lilies of the field,” uninhibited by excess money, food and clothing, relying on the minimum, the Christian is freed to ponder higher things. A contented spirit is joyful, not dizzied by greed or worried by scarcity. Without eyes constantly searching, they can perceive the present beauty. This peace isn’t about reaching a level of satisfaction and then resting, but in denying satisfaction and resting regardless, trusting God to provide not worldly riches, but the Kingdom of God to those poor in spirit.

Maria von Trapp recounted a missionary trip during which she lost all of her luggage, calling those weeks the happiest of her life; wholly engrossed in the world’s natural beauty and loving its people, she discovered the beauty that Saint Francis

named Lady Poverty.

Lady Poverty was Man’s happy companion in the Garden, only an adversary after the Fall as his flesh began inordinate rule. Saint Francis emphasized the renewed blessing of poverty in Christ’s lowly birth.

Christ’s example is a way of great suffering, holiness and joy. It’s in being relieved of pain that we most love comfort, in loving someone that we know their loss’s pain and in lacking constant pleasure that we’re purified to enjoy it occasionally.

Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote of the simple joys of corn-husk dolls and Christmas pies: rare gifts given on special occasions, cherished deeply. How much less would her appreciation be if she had pie daily and got new toys with every trip to town?

That’s a luxury many of us can afford, but it comes at a

price. We spoil ourselves and banalize treats by impatient greed for them, dulling our senses by overstimulation. We ungratefully feel entitled to our daily bread but in Antoinettean proportions – not bread, but cake. This breeds weakness. Not having to till land, we cannot push a plow. Relying on electricity, could we manually start a fire? There’s a machine for every dull task, and how much happier are we for it? If these industrial innovations were to blip out with a power outage and we were back in the world before the internet and convenience, could we cope? Maybe, if we choose to work and live moderately despite available sumptuosity. All this is to say, there’s a beauty to poverty that we miss in running from it: seeing your work’s first fruits, living simply, trusting God

and having an abundance of sacrifice to offer Him. My point isn’t that poverty is without challenges; the difficulty is what makes it so good. Difficulty isn’t such a bad thing.

Financial struggles are a dreaded source of marital strife; yet in overcoming difficulties, a marriage will grow stronger. Using struggles to unite instead of divide helps relationships flourish; we see this when uniting suffering to Christ.

Always fearing lack of money, we’ll be wearied in its rat-race pursuit. But being fearless of poverty’s possibility, one great threat to joy is vanquished. If we desired poverty for its simplicity and sanctification, joy for life would be more unquenchable. Dream instead about marrying poor.

CRYPTONEWS

Living Constitution keeps us free

Emma Rossi

Editor-in-Chief

On March 4, the Supreme Court made the unanimous decision to disallow the state of Colorado, and subsequentially every other state, from removing Trump’s name from voting ballots.

Initially, this decision seemed contrary to the elements of the Constitution the case discussed. It seemed like an overstep on the supreme courts part. I found it difficult to fathom that a man could run for president, even when he has six ongoing cases with the Supreme Court, two civil cases requiring hefty fines, and four criminal cases that include a total

of 91 felony counts, with one of these criminal cases concerning insurrection, could not be removed from ballots.

However, after reading several cases addressing the Disqualification Clause, countless law journal articles about the 14th Amendment and a disgusting number of court documents, it is clear the Supreme Court decided to protect freedom.

After a group of Colorado voters petitioned to remove Trump from the primary ballots, Trump took it to the Supreme Court. Colorado voters intended to use Section Three of the 14th Amendment to justify their actions.

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, more commonly referred to as The Disqualification Clause, was put in place following the Civil War.

Section 3 states that any individual who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution but then commits insurrection or rebellion against it, or aided those doing so, should no longer be allowed to hold office.

One of Trump’s criminal cases regards his involvement with the events of Jan 6.

The Clause’s original intention was to disbar the Confederate leaders trying to reinsert themselves into Congress amidst Congress’ enactment of Reconstruction Acts. The Amnesty Act of 1872 relieved those involved in the Confederate rebellion of disability if they took a renewed oath that included promises to the new Union.

Alongside the Amnesty Act, Congress removed the

disqualification bar from all persons “except Senators and Representatives of the 36th and 37th Congresses, officers in the judicial, military and naval service of the United States, heads of departments and foreign ministers of the United States.

However, the most important distinction to be made is after the changes made to the clause in 1872, the Disqualification Clause makes the distinction that the state can only make disqualifications regarding state government officials. States do not reserve the right to disqualify a federal government official or candidate from their ballots. Likewise, the federal government cannot remove a candidate from a state’s ballot.

At face value, this seems

like governmental overreach, but I would argue that it is the principle of the clause’s limitations that put it in the nation’s best interests.

Think of it this way, if every state could decide who should go on the ballots, the hypothetical purpose of the American voting system would be destroyed. Each voting individual decides for themselves who they write on their ballot; they don’t get to decide for their neighbor.

I personally don’t think an individual with open cases regarding insurrection should be in office, but that’s the beauty of American politics ─ I don’t have to vote for him. I also don’t get to decide whether my neighbor gets to vote for him. That is the core of the American Constitution, freedom.

Biden’s last reach for re-election

Hunter Oswald Staff Writer

Well, America’s angry grandpa has finally shown that he’s just an angry grandpa.

On March 7, President Biden gave his third State of the Union address to the nation. Appealing to the days of President Franklin Roosevelt’s State of the Union in 1941, Biden framed his address as serving the same purpose. “President Roosevelt’s purpose was to wake up the Congress and alert the American people that this was no ordinary moment…my purpose tonight is to both wake up this Congress and alert the American people that this is no ordinary moment either.”

Throughout the night, Biden spoke extensively on

a wide range of issues while taking aim at Republicans and former president Donald Trump. Biden sought to highlight what he claims to be his administration’s major successes including Sweden’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Inflation Reduction Act and the creation of new infrastructure. Biden’s attention to new proposals included a 25 percent tax on billionaires, creating a $10,000 tax credit to homebuyers and codifying Roe v. Wade into law.

Biden aggressively lashed out at Republicans and Trump for seeking to undermine American healthcare, aiming to thwart American freedom and their stance on Russia. Biden didn’t even spare the Justices when criticizing their stance on the Dobbs decision, stating, “You’re about to realize just how much you were right

about that.”

Although Biden’s rancorous and partisan outburst may not come as a surprise to many, it certainly showed Americans of his ineptness as president.

Since taking office in 2021, Biden and his administration have persistently failed to achieve any meaningful progress. Despite passing the Inflation Reduction Act, inflation has continued to grow, and even Biden himself regrets the title of the Act. Biden’s immigration policy has resulted in more than 7.5 million illegal aliens crossing the border. Biden has emboldened America’s adversaries, whether it was America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, giving billions to Iran’s genocidal regime or advancing energy policies that give China the upper hand.

It is quite clear that for someone who constantly

ridicules his opponents by telling them to “look at the facts,” Biden has not looked at the facts of his administration’s failure.

For Biden, this wasn’t an address focused on the condition of America’s present situation, but rather a final gambit to seek a second term. Biden’s persistent attacks throughout his speech shows this was not a call for consensus but rather appealing to his base in the hopes of appeasing his party in the wake of rising opposition to his nomination.

Biden’s triumphalist facade throughout the night merely reflects his administration’s unwillingness to recognize its historic failures and the desperation to ensure a second term for Biden.

When looking at the partisan message of Biden’s address along with the evidence of his administration’s failure, America is clearly in

a state of disunity. As Senator Katie Britt justly states, “The true, unvarnished state of our union begins and ends with this: our families are hurting. Our country can do better.” For a man who claims he “will always be a president for all Americans,” Biden’s address was nothing more than a campaign rally held within the confines of a city disconnected from the tribulations that average Americans face each and every day.

America truly stands at a crossroads in terms of the future we as a nation seek to pursue. Unity is achievable, but it can only be done through a nation whose people believe in the very foundational principles that have made America the nation it is today.

Addressing inconsistencies in the police force

Helena Ritenour Staff Writer

At a recent talk I attended given by a police officer who believed wholeheartedly in what the police are currently doing, I was struck by the inconsistencies of police supporters.

Their solutions, while having some validity, do not seem to fully address the concerns the rest of society has, and do not seem to fully grasp the extent of the issues. Some select police supporters believe young people should get married early and have lots of children, thus solving the modern policing problems. But what does this

really solve?

Creating a large family does not instantaneously make one a ‘good’ or ‘virtuous’ person, rather the opposite effect could occur. Having many children increases the population, yes, but possession of a compass or ability to enact justice has nothing to do with the number of siblings one has. Rather, it has to do with the morals and values you were raised to uphold.

Being from a large family does not necessarily predict how a child will be taught to act and to assume so is dangerous. The police participating in corrupt or ill practices relating to other individuals and their use of force on these individuals is

not immediately solved by being married young or having a large family. The problem stems from a misguided understanding of how to approach individuals who may lack cognitive abilities or look different from the officer. To be a just person and to enact justice is not solved by being married too young or having the perfect nuclear family.

In addition to this, propolice force supporters also provide another solution to the modern policing problem: to simply be a virtuous or a good person. This idea, while in theory has potential, misses the fundamental natural state of the world we live in. There will always be evil people who do evil things,

and society needs people who have a correct sense of right and wrong to be able to carry justice out.

However, without a framework by which to understand and build what virtue truly is, being virtuous will never solve the problem. Should society simply tell its officers to be better? This does not seem to be helpful to the complexity of the issue. Does this mean that society should encourage everyone to just be a good person in order to solve complicated social concerns? This does not seem to be a viable solution.

Similarly, if one claims that being virtuous is the solution to modern policing problems, and yet, in the same breath, puts down

and crudely insults someone they disagree with, this does not seem to be the correct posture to the issue. To call another to virtue without operating within the same framework of belief will never work. Police officers need clear boundaries, rules and education to make the right choices and to avoid causing more harm to marginalized groups.

Police must learn to build stronger and healthier relationships with their communities and the people they serve. Having larger families and being virtuous does not solve the modern policing problem and believing it will is dangerous for the criminal justice system of the future.

‘Welcome back to Trench’

The Twenty One Pilots journey

Grace David Photo Chief

In Twenty One Pilots’ newest single, “Overcompensate,” released on February 28, the two-piece band resurrects the complex lore surrounding their music.

“Welcome back to Trench” is the first English lyric in the song. “Trench” is just one piece of the musical puzzle that makes the duo unique. “Trench” is both the title of the band’s 2018 album and the name of a fictional continent in a narrative the band’s lead singer Tyler Joseph lyrically chronicles.

Song by song, the alternative duo tells an allegorical story representing the cyclical battle of creativity, faith and hope against the evils of anxiety, depression and false religion.

In a 2019 Indianapolis press conference with iHeartMedia and Alt 103.3, Joseph explained the value of visualizing his mental battles. He said, “This whole idea of treating your own psyche as this map that you can travel in and you learn where you’re trying to go, but you also, more importantly, learn where you’re trying to leave… some areas that you know you shouldn’t go anymore.”

The narrative created by Joseph and drummer Josh Dun both musically and visually through their music videos, shows this journey of escaping the grasp of dark forces, attempting to find peace and then once more being brought down into the depths of mental struggles.

“To be inspired by my own story, and kind of giving names to the opposition, I don’t know, it helped me work through something I was working through,” said Joseph.

“Overcompensate” may be the first step in the final act of this story, hopefully bringing a heroic conclusion to the cycle that began in 2015 with the release of the studio album “Blurryface”.

Blurryface

The band’s third studio album birthed the personification of Joseph’s insecurities and anxieties into a character , “Blurryface.” Throughout the album, Joseph fights as Blurryface tries to take control. Themes of insecurity, self-doubt, fear, self-destruction and love are explored in this record. It seems Joseph was victorious over Blurryface but understands he could one day return.

Trench

After a year-long hiatus, Twenty One Pilots released “Trench,” diving into the fictional city of Dema within the continent Trench. Dema is representative of Tyler’s mental landscape whose leaders, the Bishops teach a false religion, Vialism.

Nico, the head Bishop, is Blurryface, who leads eight other Bishops named from songs on the “Blurryface” album. Together, they are known as “Nico and the Niners,” the ninth track on the record. The Bishops worship the act of self-destruction and refuse to let the citizens of Dema leave. If they do leave, they will be brought back and have their memories removed.

Those who live in Trench, a sort of mental purgatory outside of Dema, are called “Banditos,” another track on the album. The Banditos are the force helping those within the walls of Dema escape. No matter how many times Tyler escapes and is recaptured, as modeled in the “Jumpsuit” music video, the Banditos return with Josh Dun, the Torch Bearer, to rescue him again. The Banditos represent fans of the band and those who love Joseph.

Known for their cryptic messages to fans about new music, the band created a character, Clancy, who was also trying to escape Dema, as a messenger to share these hints hidden website.

Scaled and Icy

When the band released “Scaled and Icy,” which rescrambled says ‘Clancy is Dead,’ it seemed to be the end of Clancy’s story.

The third installment of the narrative had an upbeat and happy sound, which was unusual for the band. As the story unfolds, it is revealed the album was propaganda the Bishops forced Joseph to create after his capture, restarting the cycle of descent into mental illness.

Clancy In mid-February, the band began adding red tape over the eyes of the figures on their album covers. On February 23, the band posted a video titled “I Am Clancy,” revealing that Joseph is Clancy, and is returning to Trench to destroy the false religion of Vialism.

“Overcompensate” is a turning page into the seemingly final chapter in this story of creativity and hope versus anxiety and depression. But how will it end?

Overcompensate: An epic invocation

Hannah Welker Copy Chief

Twenty One Pilots’ newest song, “Overcompensate,” is the beginning of the end for the duo’s multi-album chronicle.

The single introduces the final installment to the story of characters like Clancy and the Bishops and of places like Trench and Dema.

Elements of the band’s distinct sound found on their albums “Blurryface”, and “Trench” are combined on this track, giving it a sound representative of their whole discography.

The production style mirrors that of tracks like “Pet Cheeta,” “HeavyDirtySoul” and “Jumpsuit,” cloaking listeners in haunting and hollow-sounding synths, intricate drum patterns and hypnotizing, guttural bass lines.

The song begins with a slow piano-played chord progression interrupted by a jolt of intercom static and blaring alarms. After a welcoming introduction, the song takes a turn; layering alarms, screeching, and a building synth rhythm containing barely audible, lore-heavy lyrics spoken in French, Spanish and German. In English, the lyrics communicate Clancy’s willingness to go to war to defeat Dema.

The metaphor here translates to Tyler’s willingness to do whatever it takes to overcome his struggle with insecurity. These chaotic first 45-second peaks with the Blurryface-spoken line “Welcome back to Trench.” The song functions as an epic invocation, informing

listeners of the harrowing journey to come in the following tracks of the album.

The alarms stop for a short 20 seconds, allowing Joseph to incorporate more elements from Trench into the production. He sings, “I created this world to feel some control. Destroy it if I want.

So I sing, Sahlo Folina.” The last time fans heard these lines was on their 2018 song Bandito, in which Joseph is describing his struggle with the creative process as well as his mental health.

After another synth buildup, drummer Josh Dun executes a seamless tempo change at the 1:35 mark, shifting the song from a fastpaced, chase scene-like feel to a chill and, yet somehow intense, atmosphere, officially ushering us into the Clancy Era.

At this point, Joseph begins his formal introduction of Clancy to listeners surrounded by edgy bass lines and low sirens. He sings, “Don’t hesitate, to maybe overcompensate” about himself and his willingness to do what it takes and then some to defeat the Bishops. His second verse fleshes out the story of Clancy even more stating that he “was born right here, just now” alluding to his ability to manifest in another body like the Bishops can do. He refers to himself self as a prodigal son; he left Dema before but is returning once again, “Done running” from Nico and the Niners. Instead of choosing to serve the Bishops – his insecurities – Clancy is choosing to renounce the claim they have had on him and “overtake his former self” by flying

past all signs of danger or difficulty on the road ahead.

Dun’s complex drumming is apparent on this track. Instead of weighing down the song with showy kick-andsnare patterns, he matches his talent to the song allowing a perfect partnership to form between the vocals and the instruments.

His grooves fit Joseph’s vocals perfectly down to the meaning of the word itself. When Joseph sings, “Don’t sleep on a boy who can fall asleep twice in the same night,” Dun hits the snare on “don’t” and goes quiet when Joseph sings “sleep” almost to make sure he doesn’t wake someone up from a Clancy controlled trance. His style works to match the song rather than overpower it. The only thing that could make it better is a halftime breakdown at the end.

The music video for the track is soaked in lore and ends with the reveal that Clancy had been training his troops for battle against the Bishops by seizing the body of a citizen of Dema to communicate from the outside. Clancy comes out of his trance and is lit up by what appears to be a fire while The Torch Bearer brings a boat onto the shore. Clancy gives a slight smirk, and the screen goes black.

Viewers are not given a shot of what this light source could be. It appears to potentially be a Bandito campfire, perhaps giving fans a clue as to the contents of the next installment of this story. Or is it the daunting neon lights of the Bishops’ power? “Clancy” comes out on May 17th of this year. Until then, we’ll wait impatiently for another single.

ASHLEY OSBORN

Wolverines comeback falls short

Joel Sledd Sports Editor

After another offseason perfecting their craft, Wolverine baseball hits the diamond again with hopes of making a deep run in the postseason.

The team sits at an 8-6 record and is second in the PAC standings. Geneva stands in first place with a (waiting for results) record.

For the 14th game of the season, the Wolverines fell to the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets to drop to an 8-6 record. At the top of the first inning, freshman pitcher Sam Bevin hit to center field allowing junior outfielder Josh Minnich to score the first run of the game.

After three scoreless innings, the Yellow Jackets scored their first run in the fifth inning to tie 1-1. The Yellow Jackets scored twice in the seventh inning to make the score 1-3. The Wolverines had two innings to come back from the deficit.

After another scoreless inning, junior shortstop Luke Vittone hit for a single allowing, sophomore infielder Kenny Lavrich to earn one more run for the Wolverines. Unfortunately, the Wolverines would not score again, and the game would end 2-3.

On March 8, the team competed in a double-header matchup against Penn State DuBois. The Wolverines swept DuBois in both matches to go 2-0 for the day.

The first match of the day

saw the Wolverines completely dominate over the Penn State satellite school. Eight different athletes scored at least one run to propel the Wolverines to a 12-3 victory. Vitton, freshman outfielder Caison Holland, Lavrich and

Bevin scored two runs each. Senior Nick Guidas pitched all seven innings with nine strikeouts.

The second game was much closer, but the Wolverines still came out for a 4-3 victory. The Wolverines scored at the top of the first inning.

Tennis sweeps Alfred

Joel Sledd Sports Editor

On Walters-Zbell courts, a men’s tennis team of fresh faces and returning players have begun a new season under Head Coach Nathaniel Horner.

Horner took the Wolverines’ men’s tennis head coach position in 2020 during the unfortunately canceled season.

Since then, he has directed the team to two PAC championships and PAC runnerup in his four years at the College. Horner holds 67-26 record overall and hopes to bring in another PAC title this year.

In the PAC Coaches’ preseason poll, the Wolverines were ranked second, bested only by the current reigning champions Allegheny.

Currently, the Wolverines are 4-2, having yet to play a conference opponent. They are third in the PAC standings and all four victories have been complete 9-0 sweeps.

In their most recent matchup, the Wolverines traveled to a neutral site in Houghton, N.Y. to compete against the Alfred University Saxons. The match ended with a 9-0 victory for the Wolverines, marking their fourth win of the season.

Freshman Jose Pablo Leon was awarded PAC Newcomer of the Week for his three-set win at singles against Alfred.

On Feb. 23, the Wolverines faced off against the Wilkes University Colonels in a 5-4 setback. The single matchups were split with each team winning three. Senior

Gavin Miller, freshman Jose Pablo Leon and senior Jameson Sposato scored for the Wolverines by winning their singles matches.

The deciding factor came in the doubles, where the Colonels won two of the three matches. The lone doubles victory came at the hands of doubles partners and seniors Collier Kaufman and Miller.

The Wolverines were handed the first loss of their season in a 5-4 matchup against Randolph College.

Three out of the six singles Wolverines won their sets and third team doubles Leon and Sposato were the only partners to earn a win.

The Wolverines started the

2024 season on Feb. 16 with a 9-0 sweep against Southern Virginia.

PAC competition has yet to begin, with each team holding a clean slate with no conference games so far. Geneva is first in the conference, sitting at 3-0 overall record.

Preseason favorite Allegheny College started their season 5-4, sitting one spot behind Grove City College in the current standings.

The Wolverines will face Indiana-East at 4 p.m. on March 16 in Cincinnati, Ohio. They will then play in their first conference game against Geneva at 4 p.m. on March 21 at home on Walters-Zbell courts.

up 3-1. Neither team would score until the top of the sixth inning, where a hit and a double by senior infielder Markus Williams allowed Minnich to score the second run for the Wolverines.

Now entering the final inning at a one-point deficit, the Wolverine’s offense put two more points on the board courtesy of Holland and Bevin. DuBois could not score in their last attempt at-bat to give Grove City College their second win of the day.

The Wolverines suffered an 8-3 loss at Oberlin College on March 6 for the fifth loss of the season. Williams put together two runs, with one being a solo home run, and Lavrich earning one run.

Over spring break, the Wolverines competed in the RussMatt Invitational, an annual eight-game series held in Florida. The Wolverines finished the event with a 4-4 record. The biggest win of the series, and the biggest win of the season so far, came against Houghton College. Houghton found themselves at the receiving end of a 24-2 beatdown by the Wolverines that ended early due to a mercy rule.

With the bases loaded, sophomore outfielder Nick Sampson hit and singled, allowing Holland to score the first run of the second match. Dubois’s offense would respond with a run in the bottom of the first, second and fourth inning to put DuBois

Wolverines’ baseball will play at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 18 against Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. On March 23, the Wolverines will then contend in their first conference matchup with a doubleheader at home against Westminster.

Water polo competes internationally

Joel Sledd Sports Editor

Wolverines’ Water Polo started their 2024 season in a place no other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) water polo team has gone before. On Feb. 25, the Wolverines traveled to Canada to compete in a fivegame series against Canadian teams. Grove City College is the first team to conduct a competition tour against collegiate water polo teams in Canada.

In the Canadian series, the Wolverines first played Queen’s College in Ottawa, Canada. The game ended 1210 in double overtime with the Wolverines suffering defeat. After going into the half tied down 4-2, the Wolverines resurged and tied the game 7-7 to go into overtime. Queen’s outscored the Wolverines 3-1 in the two overtime periods to steal the win.

On March 1, the Wolverines earned their first win of the season in their fourth match of the tour against the University of Guelph. The 18-6 victory was led by freshman utility Shastyn Tihansky who scored five times. Junior center Mikayla Zablocki and sophomore utility Kiley Sill also contributed four points each to shut down Guelph’s defense and claim their first win of the season.

The Wolverines would end their Canadian tour the following day with a 16-5 loss against the University of Toronto.

A week after returning from Canada, the Wolverines competed in another series held in Washington, Pa. at Washington & Jefferson College. Grove City College played against their first official NCAA DIII opponents in a two-day event, facing off against four opposing schools.

In their first match of day one, the Wolverines fell to their opponent, Connecticut College, 20-12. For the second game, the Wolverines delivered a crushing defeat to Wheaton College of Massachusetts 19-4.

Junior drivers Kamryn Kerr and Tihansky scored four goals each and three more Wolverines scored three goals each. Sill also held a season-high six assists to smother Wheaton.

Unfortunately, the Wolverines lost to Washington & Jefferson and Penn State Behrend on the last day of competition.

The Wolverines will play their next match at 1 p.m. tomorrow at home in James E. Longnecker Pool against Mercyhurst. The Wolverines will resume competition on April 6 and 7 in another fourgame series held in Erie, Pa.

GRACE DAVID

Junior infielder Shane Cato at bat against the La Roche Redhawks in the team’s home opener.

GRACE DAVID

Wolverines tennis competing at home in the 2023 season.

Women’s lacrosse hauls in several major wins

Joel Sledd Sports Editor

The women’s lacrosse team started the season 4-2 and currently sits at second place in the PAC standings. The program enters its third season in NCAA competition led by returning Head Coach Cassley Jackowski.

The Wolverines are off to a much better start this year, winning several games by wide margins.

Recently, the Wolverines defeated the Fredonia State Blue Devils 16-9 at Fredonia, N.Y., improving to 4-2. The non-conference win was led by a trio of freshmen who combined for 11 points.

Just 10 seconds into the first quarter, a goal by fifthyear midfielder Madison Nazigian set the tone for the rest of the match.

After the Blue Devils responded with their own point, the Wolverines scored a series of goals to end the first quarter up 7-2. The Blue Devils attempted to shorten the gap in the second quarter, but the Wolverines kept up with their opponent to go into the half 10-6 in the Wolverines’ favor.

The second half was somewhat uneventful as the Wolverines scored six more goals and the Blue Devils continued to trail. The Wolverines won with a final score of 169.

Freshmen attackers Taylor Blythe and Gwen Shilling led the team, scoring four goals each. Freshman midfielder Tori Stevenson followed up with three points to contribute to the newcomers’ dominating performances.

Nazigian won the PAC Midfielder of the Week for her performance against Fredonia State.

On Mar. 9, the Wolverines played their first home game against the Oswego State Lakers, losing 16-11.

Nazigian scored an impressive five goals to keep the match close and Blythe posted three goals and three assists.

A 17-10 win over Alfred College gave the Wolverines their third success of the season. The scoring went back and forth early in the match until Alfred matched the score 2-2 with six minutes left in the first quarter. Grove City College then scored six uninterrupted points in the second quarter.

The score was 9-4 going into the half. The Wolverines began the third quarter with another four-point series which pushed Alfred out of victory. The game ended 1710 for the Wolverines’ third straight victory.

Senior midfielder Lucy Martin scored six times against Alfred with seven shots on the goal. Nazigian had five goals and one assist.

On Mar. 1, Gordon College became the victim of the Wolverines’ most dominant victory of the season so far. The 16-3 victory saw six Wolverines score at least once. Nazigian once again scored five times and senior Lucy Martin scored four times with three assists.

Grove City College was ranked second in the PAC preseason poll. Current reigning champion Washington & Jefferson was ranked first in the poll.

The Wolverines are already in a much better spot than last year. In 2023, the Wolverines started 1-5 through their first six games. Now, they are 4-2 having played

at 4-0, while the former champions Washington & Jefferson sit at 0-4.

Next up for the Wolverines is Buffalo State. They will start at noon tomorrow in Buffalo, N.Y. for game seven. Conference play will start Mar. 27 at Bethany.

Men squash John Carroll comeback

Garrett Gess Staff Writer

The Wolverines men’s lacrosse team took down John Carroll 13-11 in a home victory last Thursday.

Grove City had a strong start this season, facing very tough opponents but also securing some convincing victories. The Wolverines battled three of the top four lacrosse programs in the nation. They started with a challenging loss against No. 1 Salisbury but quickly bounced back with a dominant win against Bethany College. The team continued to show resilience with a close victory against Ohio Wesleyan and a commanding win over Thiel College.

However, they faced setbacks against strong teams like No. 4 Rochester Institute of Technology, Roanoke, and No. 3 Christopher Newport, experiencing losses in those matchups.

Despite these challenges, the Wolverines showed their strength with a convincing win against Southern Virginia. Most recently, the Wolverines had a high note with a hard-fought victory against John Carroll.

Right from the opening whistle, Grove City asserted their authority on the field, with attacker James Petrolle and midfield Kobi Bui quickly

finding the back of the net to establish an early lead in the first period. This initial burst of offensive prowess set the tone for the remainder of the match, as Grove City continued to showcase its offensive firepower while maintaining a staunch defense.

As the game progressed into the second period, Grove City’s relentless pressure yielded further dividends, with players like junior attacker Matt Blythe and junior midfielder Alec Jones contributing crucial goals to extend their team’s lead. With each passing minute, it became increasingly apparent that Grove City was in full control of the proceedings, dictating the pace of the game and limiting John Carroll’s scoring opportunities.

Even as John Carroll attempted to mount a comeback in the third period, the Wolverines remained composed and focused, responding to their opponent’s goals with calculated counterattacks of their own. Players like sophomore midfielder Boden Davidson and junior attacker Zachary Hougan stepped up to the plate, ensuring that Grove City maintained their lead and kept the game firmly within their grasp.

Despite a late surge from John Carroll

fourth period, highlighted by a flurry

the most games among PAC schools so far. Thiel currently sits atop the conference

MEGAN EISENTRAUT

Freshman attack Taylor Blythe on the run against Oswego State.

in the

of goals, Grove City’s resolve never wavered. With a combination of disciplined defense and clinical finishing, they emerged victorious with a final score of 13-11.

The Wolverines are number one in the PAC standings with a 2-0 conference record, defeating Thiel and Bethany.

The Wolverines will travel to compete at 3 p.m. tomor-

row against Kenyon College. They will then hold their next three games against York College, Saint Vincent and Franciscan at home on Robert E. Thorn Field.

GRACE DAVID

Junior Midfielder Trey Zabroski looking for an open man in the Wolverines’ offense.