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Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper
Vol. 109, No. 12
Remembering Rathburn College mourns longtime leader, benefactor, chair emeritus Grove City College
Grove
City College is mourning the passing of Trustee Chair Emeritus David R. Rathburn ’79, a man who left DAVID indelible RATHBURN ‘79 an mark on the
College as a student, alumnus, benefactor, and leader. Rathburn died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. He was 66. During 28 years of service on the Board of Trustees, Rathburn led Grove City College through an era of unprecedented growth and change and generously sup-
ported the College’s vision, mission, and values. When he stepped down in 2020, the Board granted him Chair Emeritus status. College leaders eulogized Rathburn as a leader of vision and capability who had an enormous impact on his alma mater. “The transformative impact of David’s leadership
cannot be overstated. He skillfully guided the Board of Trustees into a new era of effective governance by introducing strategic planning, prioritizing endowment growth, and encouraging more extensive board deliberations on key issues,” said Edward D. Breen ’78, Trustee Chair. “David boldly embraced opportunities for
Students shine in Spring One Acts
improvement while maintaining an unwavering commitment to Grove City College’s cherished values. His wise counsel will be greatly missed.” “David’s exceptional intelligence, boundless energy, amazing generosity, consistent respect and heart-felt compassion for others, and unshakable faith in God’s
Poet Clark to visit campus Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief
Damning evidence is hidden from the detectives in One Act play ‘Trifles’. One Acts debuted last Friday.
GRACE DAVID
Student-directed stars on stage Emma Rossi
Editor-in-Chief Last weekend, the Alpha Psi Omega Honors Society presented One Acts. One Acts are student-run plays following a one-act structure. This year, four were performed. The first was “Sorry, Wrong Number,” written by Lucille Fletcher and directed by senior Megan Gagnier. The story follows invalid wife Mrs. Elbert Stevenson, who, while calling her husband who is working late, overhears two men plotting a murder to be committed at 11:15
p.m. Chaos and hilarity ensue as she tries time and again to alert the proper authorities of the plot and deal with the operating system. The dialogue of the play is done entirely over the phone, and as each phone call is made, 11:15 p.m. approaches and it is discovered that the intended murder victim is Stevenson herself. The second was “Impromptu,” written by Tad Mosel and directed by sophomore Johnny Adkins and junior Caleb Haas. Four actors, all at varying stages
of their careers and experiencing varying levels of success, are placed on a stage and told by a stage manager to improv until they perform the perfect play. What follows is an introspective awakening for the actors, who wrestle with who they are on and off stage and what it means to perform. The third was “Trifles,” written by Susan Glaspel and directed by sophomore Madelyn Braho. When a man is found in his own bedroom strangled to death STUDENT-DIRECTED 4
Echo Magazine is bringing Dr. George David Clark to campus next Tuesday for a Q&A and book signing. Clark is an award-winning poet, editor and assistant profesCLARK sor of English at Washington and Jefferson College. Clark’s poems have earned him Southern Poetry Review’s Guy Owen Prize, Narrative Magazine’s 30 Below Prize and the Sewanee Writers’ Conference Walter E. Dakin fellowship. Clark has published two books: “Reveille,” and his newest work, “Newly Not Eternal.” He will begin his visit with a Q&A from 4-5 p.m. in SHAL 310, where he will share his insights on editing and publishing. “For the Q&A, students can expect to have the opportunity to ask Dr. Clark any questions they might have about editing and publishing poetry. Dr. Clark edits a journal of poetry called “32 Poems” so he can explain what the process of producing that journal is like, as well as what types of poems he looks for,” said Echo advisor Dr. Annie Shepherd. “He could give advice about submitting poems to POET 3
DiAlesandro’s ‘Pots and Practicality’ in PFAC Violet Whitmore News Editor
If you’re struggling to find a practical, well-made and maybe last-minute gift for Valentine’s Day this week, you may be in luck. Last week, Grove City Area High School teacher Amanda DiAlesandro exhibited “Pots and Practicality” in the Pew Fine Arts Center gallery. The exhibit features mugs, vases, jars, lidded vessels and sponge holders among other functional pieces. All items exhibited are for sale. “I love making things I can use, so I thought a good theme for my show would be
functional pieces based on practical uses,” DiAlesandro said. Though now she is having her work exhibited in galleries, DiAlesandro did not always have a passion for ceramics. “I became a teacher first, then a ceramicist. I’ve always loved art and all things creative and couldn’t imagine a life without it. Teaching was an obvious choice for me growing up. I wanted to share what I love and be able to help support my family while pursuing my POTS 3
GRACE DAVID
Ceramicist Amanda DiAlesandro’s circular vases featured in her exhibit “Pots and Practicality”.
Editorial
Page 2
The award-winning Grove City College student newspaper, Feb. 9, 2024
From the Tower
Swift psyop? Probs not
Happy Super Bowl weekend! Taylor Swift is not a government spy. Recent conspiracists have raised concerns claiming that Swift is working undercover for the government, being used to sway loyal NFL viewers and her own “Swifties” to vote for President Joe Biden in the upcoming election. I get people saying the refs make calls swaying the outcomes of games, but saying Swift is a psyop has a uniquely delusional flavor. Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy took to X on Feb. 1, saying, “I wonder who’s going to win the Super Bowl next month. And I wonder if there’s a major presidential endorsement coming from an artificially culturally propped-up couple this fall.” In a response statement that has most definitely never been spoken before, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said, “To set the record straight—Taylor Swift is not part of a DOD psychological operation. Period.” There were more still who voiced their concerns, such as right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec. “They’re gearing up for an operation to use Taylor Swift in the election against everything: against Trump, for Biden, they’re gonna get her and all you know they call them the Swifties they’re going to turn those into voters, you watch,” he spoke to The Guardian. Right-wing podcaster Mike Crispi put his conspiracy into concrete terms. During the Baltimore Ravens eventual loss to the Chiefs, he shared on X, “All to spread DEMOCRAT PROPAGANDA. Calling it now: KC wins, goes to Super Bowl, Swift comes out at the halftime show and ‘endorses’ Joe Biden with Kelce at midfield. It’s all been an op since day one.” Another point towards the conspiracy is Swift’s recent calls for her fans to register to vote and her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s partnership with Pfizer. Could this just be a celebrity using their large platform to promote something every single American can do? And could Kelce’s partnership be simply financially beneficial for both parties? It just isn’t clicking for me. The New York Times reported the Biden administration is hoping Swift will endorse his campaign, which heaped another flaming coal into the furnace; but let’s take a step back. Would this report come out if she was already working for the Biden administration as a psyop? No. It is convenient for the NFL that the Chiefs made the Super Bowl, seeing that with the thousands of seasoned Chiefs fans come millions of devoted Swifties. But convenience does not equate to conspiracy. Swift is an incredibly capable and very powerful woman, there is no doubt. I just don’t think this extends to a government conspiracy. Also, the Chiefs are a very good football team. If it was all an “op” from day one, then the Pentagon must have been cooking in the Chief’s draft room in 2017 when they got their key to the Super Bowl, Patrick Mahomes. It’s an unrealistic, baseless and useless conspiracy, but most definitely one of my favorite things to come from this NFL season. All this to say, go Niners.
Emma Rossi
Editor-in-Chief
Collegian Staff Editor-in-Chief
Copy Chief
Managing Editor
Business Manager
Section Editors News
Copy Editors
Emma Rossi
Grace Scheller
Hannah Welker Maercy Campion
Community
Mia Gallagher Melody Shillito Kathryna Hoyman Hannah Williams
Perspectives
Staff Writers
Violet Whitmore Emily Fox
Grace Scheller
Entertainment Vince Clay
Sports
Joel Sledd
Photo Chief Grace David
David Smith Dom Puglisi Garret Gess Mia Gallagher Abigail Joyner Hunter Oswald Brae Sadler Helena Ritenour
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.
the Green
Eyeshade Award This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to Sports Editor Joel Sledd for his thorough coverage of Wolverine athletics and consistently excellent design and work. The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.
SLEDD
The false gospel of deconstruction
Hannah Welker Copy Chief
False gospels are everywhere. From televangelists promising salvation for the first 100 buyers of their new self-help book to Instagram preachers using unorthodox metaphors to tell viewers a subscription to their YouTube channel allows passage into the kingdom of God. While those exaggerated examples might be obvious untruths, the more cunning competitors are deconstruction and progressive Christianity: a process and belief system relying on what the individual deems to be true for themselves after an evaluation of their previously held belief system. Deconstruction is becoming a prominent trend among social media Christians, several of whom have gained a significant following. One of these platforms is run by expastor and current cartoonist David Hayward who refers to himself as The Naked Pastor. He describes his deconstruction journey as beginning with doubt in the truth of the Bible and questions like, “Could I really believe in love and grace and a compassionate God when billions of people were excluded from this love?” and “How could I reconcile my own spiritual insights with the Bible?” Hayward also states he was very experienced in Christian theology and, to assist his deconstruction, began reading philosophers, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims and atheists who all “seemed to be speaking the same language.” He shares videos stating his new-found, self-defined spiritual beliefs showing him participating in Buddhist meditations while also claiming Christianity as his home belief system. With this all-inclusive approach to faith, many deconstructionists land in the camp of progressive Christianity. Progressive church, Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ, outlines their belief system on their website stating they aim “to love God, to love our neighbor, and to love ourselves” and “Christianity is the truth for us, but it is not the only
truth.” While these people are likely well-meaning in their desire for all people to feel comfortable and loved, there are several issues with the mindset these approaches to faith hold. Firstly, both deconstruction and progressive Christianity are, at their core, seeking truth in man rather than Jesus. One might notice something that disagrees with their political positions or self-identification and reject the truth to avoid picking up their cross. In other instances, people develop a genuine set of questions but seek answers in the wrong places. The Bible is clear that God desires Christians to bring our concerns to him and to seek wise counsel. The Book of Job is an example of such questioning as it depicts Job asking God a total of 122 questions over 42 chapters. Humility is an essential, but often neglected, part of this questioning. James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.” Seek God and you will find Him. If you seek to affirm yourself but call it seeking God, you won’t find Him, and you can’t blame God or the church for that. Secondly, deconstruction is often synonymized with spiritual growth. These two very different processes, however, cannot be meshed into one category. Over the past four years of my college experience, I have gone
through major periods of spiritual growth without deconstructing. Spiritual growth is not up to the individual, it’s a Spirit-led journey. Third, progressive Christianity tends to cherry-pick instances of Jesus that are more palatable than others. They isolate the Jesus who flipped the tables and tore the veil from the one who said, “Go and sin no more.” From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God made distinctions between light and darkness, sea and land, Israelites and Egyptians, leavened and unleavened bread, Pharisees and Followers. One cannot only accept the parts of Jesus that make them feel good. Jesus did not come to Earth to make people happy or to accept people the way they are. Jesus came to save us from ourselves and our sins, to flip tables, to show love, to change hearts and to challenge His followers to believe that, as Paul writes, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” God’s deepest desire is for you to know and love Him, not for you to chase happiness and remain as you are. To twist His Word to mean those things, all in the name of spiritual growth, is to preach to yourself a false gospel. To quote a sermon from Bible teacher, author and poet Jackie Hill Perry, “God is more committed to your sanctification than He is to your comfort.” Jesus is The Way, and if you truly seek and love Him, you won’t want to pick Him apart.
News The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
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100 Days Out Dinner Violet Whitmore News Editor
The end is near. For the senior class at Grove City College, that is. To celebrate their nearing graduation day, the College hosted the annual 100 Days Out Dinner yesterday in MAP Cafeteria. The event celebrates the graduation of the senior class with an upscale dinner catered by Parkhurst, remarks from President Paul McNulty ‘80, special raffle prizes and fellowship. Senior Class President Megan Mathes, President Mc-
POTS
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passion.” DiAlesandro describes her experience with ceramics in college as initially negative stating, “I hope I never have to teach this.” A year later, she was hired at Sharon High School. “When I was hired at Sharon, I was hired as an intro and advanced ceramics teacher. By teaching ceramics, I quickly fell in love and knew I wanted to continue to grow in the media.” Without being forced to teach and delve into clay, DiAlesandro may never have discovered her passion for it. “In most ways, ceramics found me,” she said. Since then, DiAlesandro has had many opportunities to collaborate and create with other ceramicists, taking part in a wood firing with the College’s ceramics instructor Chris Bauer. Roughly three-fourths of the pieces from the wood firing done last semester are in DiAlesandro’s exhibit. “Electric firing is most convenient, but there’s nothing like the experience of a wood fire. Wood firing is an entirely new experience each time. From feeding the fire to unloading the kiln, it’s a great time,” she said. Despite displaying many pieces, each telling their own story, DiAlesandro feels a connection to all of her work. “Usually, whatever piece I’m working on is my current favorite. However, I had the most fun making the circular bottles.” According to the College’s archivist and gallery studies teacher Hillary Walczak, the one-woman show was assembled by DiAlesandro herself, with no staff or student assistance. “This exhibit was installed and is truly a one-woman show put on by Amand DiAlesandro. She is a local art teacher whom we have worked with on the high school art show the last few years, so we are really excited for her to have her very own show to highlight her fabulous work,” Walczak said. “Ceramics is a truly grounding experience and is obtainable by everyone,” DiAlesandro said. “If you ever get the chance to make some pottery or take a class, I strongly encourage you to.” “Feel free to explore the gallery, pick up a piece in your hands and feel if there is a relationship there or not. Sometimes a piece just feels right and you know you have to have it.” The Pew Fine Arts Center Gallery is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Nulty and Melissa MacLeod ‘96, Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations are all featured speakers at the event. Mathes announced the senior class gift in her speech, noting the process was a bit difficult because of Rockwell construction restrictions. “Some of you heard rumors of one of the options we were strongly pursuing, but due to all the upcoming construction this option was no longer feasible,” she said. “So, the class of 2024 gift will be a study room in Rockwell, providing future generations of Grovers with more areas
to study since the main room of the library has become the old SAC equivalent.” According to Tricia Corey, Assistant Director of Alumni Programs and Events, the dinner “gives students an opportunity to get excited about their upcoming graduation, to pledge to support the senior class gift and to win some nice raffle prizes!” All seniors are invited, and no registration is required. According to Corey around 250 students typically attend, and the 100 Days Out Dinner has been a tradition for at least 10 years. Executive president of
SGA, senior Sierra Grissom, said, “As far as what I am looking forward to, I am looking forward to seeing many of my senior friends as we commence the celebration of our graduation!” “Graduating in 100 days is daunting when you consider all the assignments due before then and the adulting duties that follow, but it is also exciting to think about the beautiful aspects of life we get to enjoy more fully after college. I am not ready yet, but I think I will be ready when I get there,” she said. “Grove City College has been an excellent place to
try new activities and meet new people,” Grissom said. “I recommend that students take advantage of the community and opportunities set before them, but I also recommend that as college ends, you narrow down your commitments so that you can prioritize what matters most before leaving.” Part of the Life After Grove Senior Series, the 100 Days Out Dinner is only one of the other events for seniors, such as networking mixers, special sermons and events by the Christian Formation Office and a farewell lunch on May 17.
Ministry Fair fair recruits
GRACE DAVID
Students had the opportunity to connect with campus ministry clubs and organizations this Monday. The Ministry Fair gives those interested a sampling of each outlet for serving others on campus.
POET
continued from 1 journals or about what types of experience students interested in editing and publishing should look for while they’re in college.” After his Q&A, Clark will host a reading and book signing of “Newly Not Eternal.” “Newly Not Eternal” is described by Louisiana State University Press as “…poems (that) sing of the brutality of time and the beauty that transcends it.” The book includes poems of lyrical style, sonnet and monologue, each addressing “the awesome suffering and sentiment implicit in human
RATHBURN
continued from 1
grace are attributes rarely found in one leader,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said. “He will long be honored by the College community alongside the names of Ketler, Pew, MacKenzie, and the other greatest leaders of Grove City College. I will always appreciate his kind friendship and support.” The College will hold a memorial service for Rathburn on Sept. 12 in Harbison Chapel on campus. Rathburn was elected to the Board in 1992 and was named its Chair in 2003, becoming the youngest person in College history to serve in that role. At that time, he was already serving as in-
mortality,” according to Louisiana State University Press. “David’s work engages deeply with the Christian faith, and he is happy to talk about the intersection of faith and writing. At the same time, he received his writing degrees from secular institutions, so he can also provide perspective to those interested in studying and writing poetry that doesn’t explicitly connect to faith, or to those interested in learning how to live out their faith in the creative writing industry,” said Shepherd. David Yezzi wrote of the book’s poems, “They are passionate poems, and the music that they make is true to the
experience, reliably so, and amply. Like Larkin’s country church, Clark’s poems preside over ‘marriage and birth, / And death, and thoughts of these.’ His elegiac lyrics at once mourn our losses, even as they affirm this fallen life. Newly Not Eternal is brilliantly alive from cover to cover.” In addition to being a published author, Clark is the editor-in-chief of “32 Poems,” a bi-annually published journal that includes 32 short poems highlighting talented poets. “32 Poems” is distributed internationally and finds its identity in its minimalistic approach to literary publication. He has served in
the role since 2011. Prior to taking the role of editor-in-chief for “32 Poems,” he has served in a variety of roles for “Meridian,” “Iron Horse Literary Magazine” and the “Best New Poets” anthology. While teaching at Washington and Jefferson, Clark instructs students in creative writing and contemporary literature. Clark received his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University and held the Olive B. O’Connor Fellowship in Poetry at Colgate University. After his time at Colgate, Clark held the Lilly Postdoctoral Fellowship at Valparaiso University.
terim president of the College after the retirement of seventh President Dr. John H. Moore. Rathburn led the Board for 17 years. During his 28 years as a Trustee, Grove City College extricated itself from the federal student loan program, became one of the premier Christian colleges in the U.S, raised half a dozen new buildings – including Rathburn Hall, the Christian activities building – and established a robust network of spiritual and financial support. After graduating with degrees in accounting, business administration, and political science in 1979, Rathburn went to work for Price Waterhouse before joining Hopeman Brothers Marine Division of AWH Corp as as-
sistant to the president. In 1991, at the age of 33, Rathburn was named president of the company and led it for 22 years before forming marine interior outfitter US Joiner LLC. After selling US Joiner in 2011, he served as vice chairman of Trident Marine Systems. As a student, he was a leader in the Student Government Association, played varsity soccer, was sports director and a broadcaster on campus’ WSAJ radio station, sang in the choir, was inducted into ODK leadership honorary, and belonged to the Nu Lambda Phi fraternity. The College honored Rathburn with its highest awards. He received the institution’s Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award
in 2001, and in 2020 he was named the winner of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award. Rathburn was active in industry and community service organizations, including serving on the boards of Allied Industries Committee for the Shipbuilders’ Council of America, Junior Achievement, United Way, and the Virginia Institute of Autism. He was an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church USA. He is survived by two sons, Mark ’08 and Tyler ’18. Memorial gifts can be made to the David R. Rathburn ‘79 Memorial Scholarship Endowment at Grove City College. Visit gcc.edu/ impact150 for more information.
Community The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
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Upcoming Events...
What’s fresh at the Grove?
Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 Ketler Auditorium
Opera Gala
7:30 - 10:00 p.m. Feb. 10 PFAC 106
Tri-Rho Extravaganza 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. Feb. 10 IM Rooms
Superb Owl Party 6 p.m. Feb. 11 Crawford Auditorium
Physics Virtual Seminar 5:15 p.m. Feb. 12 STEM 140B
George David Clark Q&A 4 - 5 p.m. Feb. 13 HAL 310
George David Clark Reading & Book Signing 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 STU Great Room
Tri-Rho Open House
8 - 10 p.m. Feb. 13 Hopeman First Floor (Zerbe Side)
Senior Launch Conference 5:45 p.m. Feb. 15 SHAL Atrium
Sigma Phi Omicron Open Hall 7 - 9 p.m. Feb. 15 Ketler First Floor (West Gable)
Austrian Scholars Conference Feb. 16 & 17
Broadway Review 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 PFAC 106
Vitalant Blood Drive 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Feb. 19 Ketler Rec.
JONATHAN WITTE
Students attended the annual Tri-Rho Extravaganza last year in Hicks Cafeteria. This year the event will be held in the IM rooms.
Grovers will get down at Ganza Emily Fox
Community Editor The 38th annual Tri-Rho Extravaganza (Ganza) is scheduled for this Sat., Feb. 10 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Unlike years past, the event will not take place in Hicks Cafeteria but will instead be held in the IM rooms of the PLC. “The main difference between this year and last year is that the event is now in the IM rooms rather than Hicks Cafeteria. It will be set up differently from how it was in the past in a new and exciting way for guests to comfortably enter the PLC entrance off the large parking lot near SHAL. Guests then stand in line inside working their way through the Heritage Hall before entering the IM rooms,” the head of Ganza, Sean Malencia said. Tickets are free, however students wanting to enter the event more quickly may purchase a fast pass to get ahead of the line for three dollars. Students are required to
wear cocktail attire to the dance. The Rho housing group has also prepared an exciting menu for the event including franks in a blanket, cheesecake and mocktails. Students may capture memories with their friends at the photobooth, providing them a keepsake from the event. Malencia even mentioned that the housing group’s seniors planned a surprise for the event. Students should keep in mind that it is prohibited to bring bottles or bags into the event. “We are very pleased and honored to being able to host our annual extravaganza again this Saturday. All of the boys are super pumped and cannot wait to work this thing. We have been preparing for this dance for about six months with light planning even before that,” TriRho president John Kunst said. “We’ve had plenty of road blocks thrown at us from events that we wish we could have predicted ahead of time,
but the Tri-Rhos are a resilient bunch. With the help of many of the College’s leaders like Kathy Jacobs, Susan Grim, Officer Dickson, our advisor Dr. Kriley and many others, we are ready to host the biggest event on campus once more.” Malencia reflected on the importance of the tradition, “The event is important for the same reason that I be-
lieve Greek life is important – to bring community. The goal of this event is to bring the campus together for a classy event to help students grow closer to one another and improve the Grove City College community.” “I enjoy seeing everyone having fun and spending a night ignoring the struggles of college to enjoy a nice evening.”
CALEB WARRICK
Students will be able to capture memories of the event at the photobooth.
Should I fight for her? I really like this girl, but I think she might be interested in someone else. Should I try to pursue her, or should we stick to being friends? Wistfully, Hopeful Grover Dear Hopeful Grover, It can be hard to see the person you are interested in have a crush on someone, especially if you two have been good friends. You already have a positive existing relationship, which is great! Watching them fall for someone else is…not so great. If you think she might be interested in someone else, I recommend taking
Dear Dr. Love a step back and seeing how things play out. (Trust me, this is the best solution in the long run.) It’s not easy to stop liking someone simply because they like someone else.
However, confessing your feelings to someone who is a great friend but not necessarily interested in you can make a friendship very awkward. If you really want to know for sure, I would ask some leading questions (with some tact) about what she’s thinking in terms of dating. Girls love to talk about this with their best friends but tend to not open up about this with someone they could be potentially interested in. If she tells you everything, it is probably a sign she considers you a good friend and nothing more. It shows she values you and your friendship but
probably is a sign she wants nothing more. Asking yourself some questions about how close she is to this person may make things more clear as well. Does she constantly bring up the person she is interested in? Are they spending more time together than the two of you? Does this person try to spend time with her? If the answers to these questions are all a resounding yes, then I think you have your answer. It would be best to let things play out naturally rather than inserting yourself into the middle of your friend’s love life.
In the end, things will end up how they are supposed to. If you two are meant to be, then it may just mean waiting a little while. God’s plan will guide you to where you two are meant to be. In the meantime, I would continue your friendship as it has always been. Perhaps your friendship will eventually grow into something more. These things take time. I wish you the best! Auspiciously,
Dr. Love Love M.D.
The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
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IM sports score new department
Seven questions with…
Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief
There is a new addition to Student Life and Learning: The Student Rec Team. Led by Emily Grossman and Team Lead junior Anna Dueker, SREC will serve the student body by organizing intermural sports and hosting one-day tournaments throughout the semester. “We are the team behind the emails, scores, set up and take care of any issues that may arise during play. We are looking to expand the “recreation” part through one-day events such as sports tournaments, yoga and anything else the student body can think of,” said Dueker. There are 15 IM sports set to run this semester, ranging from Euchre to Badminton to Dodgeball. The semester starts with cornhole, ping-pong and Super Smash Bros, beginning on Feb. 5 and closing with basketball which will begin on April 12. “I love all aspects of IM sports,” said Dueker, “I enjoy seeing people in their element, playing the sports they enjoy with people they enjoy.” “While there is nothing official beyond the IM schedule yet, we hope to have more one-day tournament events.
Dave Fritz Head Swimming and Diving Coach What do you like the most about being a coach at GCC?
Currently, we are in the works of a ping-pong tournament. Our pickleball tournament this past weekend was a great success, so hopefully, we can do at least one more of those and get some more students involved.” The pickleball tournament was held on Saturday evening, running from 5:30 to 9:30. “The tournament started with round-robin games within divisions. Then, all teams were ranked, and the playoffs began. From there it was single elimination until we had a winner.” Juniors Wesley Kiehl and Nathan Clark won the tour-
nament. “The tournament was a great experience. There were lots of teams participating, so it was fun to hang out with a bunch of people and bond over some pickleball. It is a good mix of a fun, yet competitive atmosphere and I’m glad I got to participate,” said Kiehl. For those who would like to join the SREC team, you can reach out to Grossman via email. “I have enjoyed getting to know the other members of the team. We have a number of new members who have already shown their passion; as a leader, that makes me
excited for the future,” said Dueker. “Usually, we will adjust our team at the end of each semester, but as we grow, we’d love to expand our team and get more students involved. If people have ideas or events they would like to see, they are more than welcome to reach out and hopefully, we can make it happen.” Those interested in joining an IM team can sign up through the IM Leagues website or app with their full Grove City email. From there, create a team with friends or see what teams are accepting free agents.
STUDENT-DIRECTED
process,” he explained. “This year, we held auditions before winter break to give the casts more time to memorize and be familiar with the script. When we arrived back from winter break, it was a full sprint of rehearsals and meetings to the finished product we presented last Friday and Saturday.” Koons encourages any interested in being involved with the theatre department to consider One Acts. “These events are such amazing entry points for all actors of different skill levels to be involved in the theatre department,” he explained. “The community of this department is one of the most welcoming and supportive communities on campus, and with these productions, you benefit from these people with a minimal time commitment. I encourage everyone to check out these events if you haven’t; you’ll find a community to lift you up and steadily encourage you.” Senior head of One Acts, junior Meredith Reed, spoke similarly, saying, “Acting in One Acts is a great way to experience the Theatre Department without having to make a big commitment. For a lot of people, One Acts was their first experience in the department. For the student directors, they are given the space to develop their skills and learn how to communicate with their actors.”
continued from 1
GRACE DAVID
Alpha Psi Omega sponsored the One Act performances last Friday and Saturday.
with his wife sitting downstairs in delirium, three men set out to find the murderer. While the victim’s wife is being held in prison as a suspect, two of the men’s wives stay in her house to gather some of her belongings. While tending to the imprisoned woman’s quilting, the women discover the body of the woman’s beloved bird, clearly strangled to death. They choose to hide the bird from the men, knowing she killed her husband to avenge her bird. The fourth was “Postcards,” written by James Prideaux and directed by junior Calista Robbins. A man and a woman have made it their life’s work to write postcards to celebrities. When they come to the realization they’ve written to every famous living person, they must wrestle with their doubts and interpersonal conflicts. When they finally conclude to begin writing to dead celebrities, the man and woman turn over a new leaf with each other and their postcards. Junior head of One Acts Noah Koons spoke of the extensive planning that preceded the performances. “We start planning for One Acts early in the fall semester. Plays need to be chosen and checked before we can start planning the audition
Write for The Collegian Interested in writing for The Collegian? The Collegian provides excellent opportunities for students who are interested in journalism careers, in writing and in exploring campus events and issues. All sections welcome new writers. Email the Collegian at gcc.collegian@gmail.com.
First, it’s great to coach at my alma mater, not just to represent the school, but also because the values of the athletes align so well with mine. Also, there’s tremendous support from the administration. What’s something fun you did over break? For Christmas, my brother got my kids and I a session at Sandbox VR in the Strip District – I’d never done such an immersive virtual reality experience, it was incredible! Is there a professional athlete in your sport who has inspired you? If so, who? I can’t think of any specific professional athlete who really inspired me – I followed a few teams growing up, but never really paid much attention to the personal history of the individuals. What is your favorite genre of music? Rock music from the 70s and 80s – I’ve been able to relive my high school years the past couple of summers by seeing Motley Crue, Def Leppard and Guns ‘n’ Roses in concert! If you had to play any other sport, which would you pick? I feel like this is a bit of a trick question because I played football for GCC in the early 90s. In high school, I swam, played soccer, threw shotput and discus for the track team and even tried a year of basketball. If you could try any job in any field for one day, what would you choose? The little kid in me would love to have been an astronaut – I would love to see the Earth from space and experience weightlessness. What is the best piece of advice you have for student-athletes? Believe in yourself, don’t waste the opportunities, strive to be a little better every day and leave it all out there. As long as you’re working to be better than you were yesterday when the day comes (and it will). When your career comes to an end, you’ll miss it, but it will mean a lot to know you were your best on the last day and that you did the most with the time you had.
Through the Lens
Through the lens, Feb. 22, 2019
Page 6
The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
Wacky week for new Greeks Greek Unity Week welcomes a new class to Greek Life at GCC
The silliness of Greek Life has returned once more to campus. Two weeks of “Greek Unity” sets the stage for the new members of Grove City College’s fraternities and sororities to race from building to building accomplishing odd tasks set by their peers. A toilet seat, a dressed up mannequin, stuffed cats, plastic owls, and dried up carrots are just a few of the silly season’s items that are paraded across campus. What’s entertaining for some and confusing for others is a bonding experience for these new brothers and sisters that they will remember for a lifetime. by Grace David, Photo Chief
The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
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Perspectives The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
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Speak now ...
TIME.COM
Or forever hold your peace Abigail Kengor Staff Writer
Speak now or forever hold your peace. Errant sheep must be shepherded. This means both the rod and the staff: firm correction and gentle guidance. Justice and mercy. These attributes of God, who is love, must be kept in tension to extend true love: one without the other is not authentic love. Otherwise, discipline would be an act of hatred and God’s law-giving would compromise His character. While often the path of love and holiness for the human being is one of sweet mercy, when the whisper of merciful and gentle guidance
does not work louder action may be needed. This is the case with a man from a loving Christian family who has clearly communicated their beliefs about marriage. If he rebels against their beliefs and decides to “marry” another man, he should expect his family, being faithful Christians, will act on their principles and not attend the wedding. As recently observed by our own Dr. Trueman, the wedding ceremony specifically asks for objection; silence in its presence is therefore an approval of this grave sin of homosexuality. You cannot support your loved one in this way without supporting their sin any more than you can lovingly support your friend by driving her to the abortion clinic without supporting the grave sin of abortion. Edmund Burke said, “All
that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” It depends on which “nothing” you do. In the presence of sin, doing nothing to stop it. Intentionally putting yourself in sin’s presence and doing nothing; avoiding it and doing nothing. Even if you quietly decline the wedding invitation, have you sufficiently dealt with the problem? Your loved one may infer the anonymous reason for your absence. But, as many are concerned, this may sever your relationship and make any further witnessing of God to your loved one impossible. This, they worry, is contrary to love. But it doesn’t have to be so. For one thing, the problem is avoidable by building your “good relationship” with more events in life than simply one wedding attendance. Reach out to them many
other times throughout your life; in any situation at all except witnessing a sacrilegious sacrament. If they reject you, that is their rejection of God, and ultimately their mistake (Luke 10:16). But if you compromise your morals by putting their love above God’s love, then your whole message of uncompromising morality and absolute truth is null and void. I turn to church history for a beautiful alternative. Saint Gemma Galgani was a pious young Italian laywoman who perpetually wore a black habit. This offended her brother’s fiancée Assuntina, who forbade her from attending their wedding so funereally. Despite the humiliation and sadness, Gemma stayed home, faithfully upholding her promise to God over the trivial comforts of man. After the wedding, Assuntina received a letter from Gemma,
one filled with forgiveness, blessings and well-wishes, humbly lavishing the newlyweds with merciful love. This is a wonderful example of extending God’s mercy without ignoring His justice. Find some way to express care for the “couple” as individuals and explain in all love why you cannot condone their actions. Do not use elusive actions to suggest disapproval and appear neutral, but simple, clear words. “Speak the truth in love” not by hiding the truth behind a pleasant imitation of love, but by desiring and willing the good of the other and expressing that desire. Are you at peace with God in making this moral compromise? Remember your Christian duty and if present at the wedding, “speak now, or forever hold your peace.”
Texas vs Biden: The border showdown Hunter Oswald Staff Writer
The Lone Star State is seeking to take on the Biden Administration on the southern border. In order to gain a grasp of the situation between Texas and the Biden administration, context is necessary. In 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbot initiated “Operation Lone Star,” an effort to control the massive influx of illegal aliens crossing the border into Texas. As part of the operation, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard laid down barbed wire in the hopes of curbing illegal crossings. Texas has refused federal border agents onto the border under the pretext that
they will ultimately fail to address the border crisis and that the Biden administration’s policies will only exacerbate the situation. As a result, the Biden administration quickly sought out The U.S. Supreme Court in the hope of forcing Texas to allow federal border agents onto the border. On Jan. 22, in a 5-4 decision, The Supreme Court ordered Texas to allow federal agents to remove the barbed wire and restore federal control. Despite the Biden administration touting its legal victory over Texas, taking down the barbed wire is not the major victory that the administration may believe it is. For one to say that the situation at the southern border has gotten worse under the Biden administration would be an understatement. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, more
than 7.5 million illegal aliens have entered the United States since Biden took office, with 6.2 million entering across the southern border. In 2023, 169 people who crossed the southern border illegally were on the terrorist watchlist, according to CBP, a 172% increase from the previous year when 98 individuals were apprehended. When looking at how Americans feel about the situation, Biden is not scoring any points. In a recent poll conducted by the Center for Immigration Studies, 70% of Americans disapprove of Biden’s handling compared to 30%. In a similar finding, ABC News found that only 18% of Americans approve of Biden’s handling of the southern border. Now, why should anyone (particularly Biden) care about these low approval ratings? The answer is simply
because immigration, in the eyes of Americans, is becoming a central issue. In a January 2024 poll conducted by Havard-CAPS Harris, immigration was the number one issue, surpassing both price inflation and the economy by seven points. While overwhelming evidence shows that immigration is becoming a major issue for Americans, Biden’s advisers clearly seem to be neither interested nor concerned by the situation. Efforts to address the severity of the situation by fellow Democrats at the southern border have resulted in major frustration. In an interview with NBC, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) stated, “They said it would anger the immigration advocates — it would anger their folks on that.” The fact that Biden and his advisors would not seek to
secure the border out of the fear of losing support from a particular group shows the political gamesmanship that has now led to their willful negligence on the matter. Do both sides do things to benefit themselves politically? Definitely. The problem with this particular situation is that Biden’s willingness to not enforce border security sends a clear message that one’s own political ambitions are more important than the ramifications on America’s national security or economic matters, as well as the humanitarian costs. While Biden and his administration are willing to put human lives at risk and generate more problems for Americans, Americans this year have the chance to turn the tide and stop Biden’s political gamesmanship at the ballot box.
The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
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Word on the street...
Thoughts on the new furniture in MAP? J u s t u s Carnley ’24
GRAMMYS.COM
The true worth of the Grammys Grace Scheller Managing Editor
The season of award shows is upon us. The Oscars, the Emmys, the Tonys, the Grammys – all the highest achievements possible in their respective categories. We watch as our favorite celebrities claw their way to the top all season to finally receive their due. It’s always a night filled with entertainment. The seasoned artists break records, the first-time winners revel in their newest achievements and we get to watch it all unfold before our eyes. We wait in anticipation to discuss our favorite speeches, our favorite outfits, and, of course, the snubs of the night. Even now, almost a week after music’s biggest night of the year, the Grammys are still a hot topic of conversation. Taylor Swift’s Album of the Year snag and Joni Mitchell’s performance were some of the night’s primary high-
lights, but what caught my eye more than anything was Jay Z’s Global Impact Award acceptance speech or, rather, lack thereof. “We want y’all to get it right,” the artist stated. “At least get it close to right… I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, (Beyonce) but she has more Grammys than anyone and never won Album of the Year. So, even by your own metrics that doesn’t work…Some of you are going to go home tonight and you feel like you’ve been robbed. Some of you may get robbed. Some of you don’t even belong in the category.” Of course, this got me thinking: are award shows rigged? Maybe Jay-Z has a point here. If you really think about it, Beyonce’s having 29 Grammys and not a single one for Album of the Year (how a Grammy-less “Lemonade” exists in this universe is beyond me, but I digress) doesn’t make sense. I started to wonder if we, as consumers of pop culture, really amount greatness to entertainment’s most presti-
gious accolades. I think the answer might be no. Some of the best artists of our time have never received a Grammy. Queen, Janis Joplin, Tupac and Jimi Hendrix are all iconic performers whose names have stood the test of time and, yet all without a single Grammy. The Grammys (and all award shows, really) are not necessarily rigged, they’re just damned from the start. Music is subjective. There’s no possible way to linearly rank music from best to worst because the factors influencing that decision are deeply personal. To have a group of people decide that some music is better than others feels almost robotic, and art is a strictly human creation (You hear that, Sam Altman?) And yet, award shows such as the Grammys still exist. And why? Why, when it upsets us all so much at the end of the night, do we still keep watching? Although award show viewership declines steadily, there are a few reasons why some of us still watch.
If nothing else, we will always be entertained. Award shows are always somehow packed with the drama of the worst dressed and the most robbed. These shows are meant to award performances in the form of music and film, but it’s almost as if these specials are performances in and of themselves. Do they do it just to get a rise out of us? It’s very likely. According to Variety Magazine, The Oscars post-show viewership spiked 219 percent after Will Smith’s infamous “keep my wife’s name out your mouth” debacle. But, regardless of the intentions behind the drama of award shows, it’s important to remember these critics don’t really get to decide who goes down as one of the greats. That’s primarily up to us. Your favorite artists won’t be forgotten depending on what accolades they accumulate, but what lasting impact they have on our culture. So, feel free to watch all your favorite award ceremonies at ease, because in the best way, they don’t really matter.
Considering only 45 percent of college graduates work in a job directly related to their major, the value of a college degree goes beyond mere specialization. Since standards have fallen and degrees are plentiful, a college education alone is not enough to stand out. Additionally, 54 percent of American adults aged 25 to 64 have college degrees. Since most people have degrees, higher education is more of a minimum requirement than a mark of ability. The result of this oversaturation of college-educated individuals is that candidates do not stand out. In 1940, 11 people per one thousand were enrolled in college compared to 70 per thousand today. In the early 1960s, on average students earned below a 3.0 GPA but studied for 40 hours a week compared to now where the median GPA is 3.28, when students typi-
cally only study 17 hours per week. It takes less work to earn a higher grade, which means students are not learning useful skills. A degree now requires supplementation. Students must use other indicators to tell employers they are capable. Individuals should think outside the box to show they are unique and take the initiative to experiment with things outside their comfort zone. Academics, sports and extracurriculars can be challenging activities that show employers a person’s qualifications for a professional position. Additionally, taking on challenges forces individuals to grow into better people. Employers care most about a person’s qualities, not their credentials. The future will not be decided by gilded paper but by individual initiative. Looking for workers is costly. Employers must ad-
vertise openings, interview candidates and review applications, which all take time and resources. To reduce these costs, employers create systems to easily separate quality candidates from the rest. These systems include etiquette, dress codes and college degrees. Students are expected to not only earn a degree in their specific field but also master skills like critical thinking and teamwork. Employers use college degrees as signals for these skills. By identifying qualified graduates, employers can choose from a pool of capable workers and reduce search costs. A college education should be a good indicator of ability. Because of the decrease in the value of a college degree, students need to do hard things to set themselves apart from their peers and prove their worth as individuals in the workplace.
Overcoming education inflation Brae Sadler
Contributing Writer College is a place where academic, professional and personal potential begins to become a reality. One of the ways this potential comes to light is by doing hard things. A college education not only results in a degree, but it teaches universally applicable skills like work ethic, critical thinking and teamwork. To acquire these skills, it is not enough for students to just take classes. To learn useful skills, they must challenge themselves. As students may know, college is full of difficult situations. To prepare for the workforce, one chooses a major and goes into a career in that field after graduation. However, this assumption does not correspond to reality.
While I will miss the old aesthetics of MAP, it clearly needed replacing as many chairs were wobbly and lacked stability. The new chairs’ aesthetic will take some getting used to, but they are more comfortable and more stable than the old chairs. I do like the wheels that allow the new chairs to move more freely. They’re going to be a lot more fun. Katarina Komoroski ’27 One of my favorite aspects of the dining area was the classic wooden furniture. It made the space feel welcoming and cozy, especially in the first room. The new “bar stool” seating makes it difficult for students to get comfortable. There wasn’t anything wrong with the original tables and chairs before Christmas break. The new furniture could have been used to beautify the campus in other ways. Abigail Cogar ’27: The old furniture was functional and fairly comfortable, and I hadn’t heard anyone complain about it. The new furniture, however, is probably less comfortable and doesn’t fit the space as well in my opinion. The cool and light colors of the new furniture don’t really match with the richer and warmer color scheme of MAP, so they seem a bit out of place. The tall chairs are also annoyingly difficult to push in once you are sitting in them. Jacob Feiser ’24 Just as modernity has failed us so, too, has this modern furniture. If they are getting new furniture, at least make the aesthetic match. Adam Nicholson ‘25 The new MAP furniture is the diabolical offspring of the marriage between ostentatious plastic and apathetic architecture. It’s another allegory of how GCC loves doing projects without getting a second opinion from the student body. Chloe Berger ’25 The new furniture in MAP makes the dining hall feel less like a homey café and more like a high school cafeteria.While this kind of furniture might make sense for a “Garage-style” situation, it isn’t what most students want in their general dining hall.
Entertainment The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
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The GRAMMYs 2024 winners named Best Pop Duo Performance
Ghost In The Machine SZA Featuring Phoebe Bridgers
Best Rap Song
Album of the Year Midnights Taylor Swift
SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS Killer Mike Featuring André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane
Best Country Duo
I Remember Everything Zach Bryan Featuring Kacey Musgraves
Best Song Written For Visual Media
What Was I Made For? (From “Barbie The Album”) Billie Eilish
Best R&B Performance ICU Coco Jones
Best Rock Performance
Best Rap Album MICHAEL Killer Mike
Not Strong Enough Boygenius
Record of the Year
Best Country Song
Song Of The Year
Best Country Album
White Horse Chris Stapleton
Flowers Miley Cyrus
What Was I Made For? Billie Eilish O’Connell
Bell Bottom Country Lainey Wilson
Best New Artist
Best Country Solo Performance
Victoria Monét
Producer Of The Year
White Horse Chris Stapleton
Jack Antonoff
‘Clerks’ still revolutionary after 30 years David Smith Staff Writer
Thirty years ago, Kevin Smith presented his directorial debut “Clerks” at the Sundance Film Festival. With the exceptions of Steven Soderbergh’s “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” and Richard Linklater’s “Slacker,” there hasn’t been a film like “Clerks” that has influenced the independent film genre. In fact, after seeing “Slackers” in the early ’90s, Smith was influenced to go to film school in Vancouver. Smith had been impressed with the fact that Linklater didn’t use a major Hollywood sound stage and filmed the entire movie in Austin, Texas. When Smith felt as though he learned enough from school, he moved back to New Jersey and saved enough money to make a movie. He adopted the “aday-in-the-life” style of Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” and conjured up the premise of what it would be like to follow an average convenience store clerk throughout his workday. “Clerks” tells the story of Dante Hicks, a young man who works as a retail clerk at Quick Stop in New Jersey. On his day off, Dante is asked to cover the morning shift for a sick employee. Dante agrees to work on the condition he leaves at noon to play hockey with his friends.
THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE
At work, he finds the locks to the security shutters are jammed closed, so he hangs a sign on the front of the building, stating: “I ASSURE YOU; WE’RE OPEN!” Dante is visited by Veronica Loughran, his current girlfriend, who stabilizes a confrontation between Dante and a customer about selling cigarettes. Later, Dante’s friend Randal Graves arrives late to work at the video store attached to the other side of the Quick Stop. Randal is a wisecracker who never skips a beat to instigate customers and avoid work responsibilities. What occurs throughout the rest of the film is like a revelation, slowly moving from the mundane to the absurd in a manner more engaging and personalized than most films.
In his 3 out of 4-star review of “Clerks”, Roger Ebert states, “The movie has the attitude of a gas station attendant who tells you to check your own oil. It’s grungy and unkempt, and Dante and Randal look like they have been nourished from birth on beef jerky and Cheetos. They are tired and bored, underpaid and unlucky in love, and their encounters feel like a series of psychological tests.” Indeed, Kevin Smith’s goal for “Clerks” was to depict the empty-hearted nature of commerce in America and how everyone predicates their worth on monetary value. Even the way it was shot rings with the hollowness of American commerce. Although money played a factor (the budget was under
$30,000), Smith deliberately filmed in black and white to illustrate how polarized and shallow people become when money and needs are not met. The tracking shots, inspired by the French New Wave, provided a documentary feel making it seem plausible for you and me to be included in the movie. After revisiting “Clerks” countless times, and although it is laugh-out-loud hilarious, there is something inherently eerie about it. Perhaps it is because, especially as I get older, it is abundantly clear how much commerce rules our lives. The beauty of “Clerks,” however, is that it has spawned two direct sequels and a universe of beloved characters (i.e. Jay and Silent Bob) and countless memorable movies.
Tunes from the Tower
‘Facts’ Dom Puglisi Staff Writer
“Facts” by Tom MacDonald and Ben Shapiro is a song that sacrifices all musicality for ideology. This article will not address my feelings on the ideology represented in this song, but rather the relationship between music and ideology. The song begins with an overblown bass and overly processed chops creating an “epic” environment. Tom MacDonald comes into the song layered with vocal effects as he spits bars straight out of a YouTube comments section. There is no clever wordplay or deep commentary, rather, he simply raps talking points those on his side of the political spectrum would agree with. Ben Shapiro then comes in and begins, like MacDonald, to rap-talk about political issues and how he doesn’t care if anyone is offended. This song possesses a beat whose only appeal is loudness and horrible vocal effects warping MacDonald and Shapiro’s voices as they sacrifice any sense of flow to read off opinions for their listeners to agree with. There is no redeeming quality to this song in my eyes, no catchy beat, no deep or witty bars, and an overall tone of beating a dead horse by the oneminute mark. If someone reading this truly likes this song, then more power to them. My problem here is those listeners who do not enjoy the song but rather agree with the ideology and will therefore praise it. In the context of a podcast, ideology is what matters; however, with music, there is a certain tact required. Time and deep thought must be taken to create great music, not just a desire to roast one’s political enemies. As a counterexample to this phenomenon, there are many songs where one may not agree with the ideology presented and still appreciate it as beautiful music. Even an atheist can see the beauty in the lyrics of “Amazing Grace,” and even someone who is morally opposed to homosexuality can recognize the power of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” Both songs can appeal to those opposed to their ideologies because they are examples of good music with thought-out lyrics and skillful instrumentation. Good music can be made from the perspective of any ideology, but simply agreeing with an artist’s ideology does not make it good music. This is what I find to be the case with “Facts” a song that gives up on being a good song to prove a political point, a point that may be perfectly reasonable to make, but, when put in terms of a song, should be made much more thoughtfully and skillfully.
Sports The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
Page 11
Wolverines compete at YSU Joel Sledd Sports Editor
Under the leadership of returning head coach Jessica Cooper, the women’s indoor track and field team begins another successful run for the 2024 season. Returning to Youngstown for another large-scale meet, the Wolverines put on another performance against 35 opposing colleges at the Youngstown State Mid-Major Invitational. This two-day event on Feb. 2 and 3 saw multiple Wolverines gather high marks and placements among fierce competition. To open the match, junior Grace Smith took fourth overall in the 3000 meters with an impeccable time of 10:40.26, setting the secondfastest time in school history. Smith came first among DIII participants for this event. Also earning fourth place overall, junior Lydia Bennett set a new school record in the 800 meters with a time of 2:19.15. This is the second record Bennett has broken this year for the indoor season. The 1600-meter relay team containing junior Carolyn Colteryahn, senior Natalie Minnaar and sophomore Audrey Karwowski timed in at 4:19.51 to earn seventh overall. On the field, freshman Elly Bruner took ninth on the high jump with 1.5 meters, followed by freshman Kendall Coddington at 17th with 1.4 meters. The Wolverines played in the unscored Jim Wuske Invitational held at Mount
GCC ATHLETICS
Women’s relay team in action at the Youngstown State Univeristy Mid-Major invitational. Union College on Jan. 27. The women produced some great on-field results at their second indoor meet of the new year. Leading the charge was Bennett, clocking in at 5:09.77 for the mile. Not only was this time good enough to be the second fastest mile time in school history, but it brought her first place in the event. Bennett would later
go on to get third overall at the 500 meters with yet another school record of time of 1:20.69. A series of Wolverines took high positions for the 500 meters. Freshman Annie Herrmann took sixth timing in at 1:23.92, with junior Kaylynn Johnson taking eighth. Minnaar would capture ninth with a final time of 1:28.72.
Smith would follow close behind the pack in the mile, finishing fifth place with a time of 5:20.41. The combined efforts of Smith, Colteryahn, Minnaar and freshmen Bonnie Pittman and Rebecca Vezzosi put the Wolverines in fifth place. The Wolverines’ indoor track and field only has three more meets before
the indoor PAC Championship meet held on Feb. 22 in Youngstown. Until then, both the men and the women will compete in the Baldwin Wallace Invitational held in Berea, Ohio. The match will start today at 4 p.m. in Lou Higgins Center Field House at Baldwin Wallace College. The indoor PAC championship will take place on Feb. 22.
way, I am still beyond excited for the Circus Maximus of Modern America: The Super Bowl. In an effort to move past the sting from Sunday, football fans can start looking forward to the big day. I hope for a few things from Super Bowl LVIII; a shootout, a scandal and a surprise. Whoever wins, I hope this is the highest-scoring Super Bowl in NFL history. In 1995, the 49ers took down the Chargers 49-26, making it the current record holder in the category. If the 49ers could do it 29 years ago, why can’t they do it again?
Both offenses pose a serious threat. The Chiefs racked up 371 points this season, which isn’t entirely remarkable, but the 49ers made it to the top three in the league with 491. This stat means less when you consider the Dallas Cowboys lead the league with 509 points this season, but both team’s rosters reassure the hopes for a high-scoring game. If you’ve been watching at all this season, you don’t need me to remind you of who will take the field on Feb. 11. Just a refresher, though – you have Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Isaiah Pacheco
for the Chiefs and Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle for the 49ers. The second thing to hope for is a scandal. No, not a career-ending scandal for some beloved athlete, coach or those closely associated with the teams, rather I hope something a little sketchy happens just to give the game an edge. There is nothing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wants more than a squeakyclean Super Bowl where everyone has fun and nobody causes any trouble. There is nothing more I want than for everyone to have fun and for somebody to cause a little
trouble. The last thing to hope for from this Super Bowl is a surprise. It can happen on the field, in a commercial or during the halftime show. Maybe Ray-Ray McCloud pulls a Jacoby Jones and delivers a kickoff return of 108 yards. Maybe Patrick Mahomes stars in a funny State Farm commercial. Maybe Usher brings out 50 Cent, and this time he’s right-side up. The possibilities for Super Bowl LVIII are endless and I, for one, cannot wait. It’s the best day of the year, no matter who’s playing.
exceptionally throughout the winter, defeating Ohio Northern 156-132, Washington & Jefferson 130-63 and Penn State Behrend 174-106. Only suffering two losses against non-conference opponents, the men remain atop the conference going into the final matches of the season. Second in the PAC is Saint Vincent with a conference record of 5-1. Saint Vincent’s only conference loss came to the hands of the Wolverines in their dual meet back in November. The PAC championship will take place on Feb. 14, but the team is also looking to the NCAA tournaments. “We are going to be a little better contention for national qualifying time, especially relays. I’m excited to see all the hard work we have done all year pay off for us,” Coach Fritz said. The challenge is we have six to seven guys
who could be any relay and the relays all have the potential to qualify for the national championships.” After the PAC championship has passed, the men and women will travel to Kenyon College to participate in the Fast Chance meet before nationals start. This unscored event will be used as a test for the Wolverines to see what needs to be done before the NCAA tournament. The match will take place at Kenyon College on Feb. 24. The Wolverines swimming and diving team will compete in the PAC Championship match across four days, starting on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. at home in the James E. Longnecker pool. The final day of the competition will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. The Wolverines will then prepare for DIII competition in the fast chance matchup.
A Super Bowl LVIII wishlist Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief
Most NFL fans, save those in Kansas City and San Francisco, would be lying if they said they were happy about the results of Sunday’s conference championship games. I’ve been a Ravens fan for almost twenty-one years, and watching the Chiefs get away with only scoring 17 points against us was abhorrent, nauseating, despicable, etc… but that pain was just reinforced when the Lions lost three hours later. Even though I wish the games had gone the other
TRACK & FIELD continued from 12
dividual events and assisted for another 22 points in both relay events. Sophomore Caleb Einolf took first for the 50 breaststroke and the 50 butterfly. Sophomore Sam Thayer won the 1000 freestyle clocking in at 10:37.54. Sophomore Garrett Hopkins won the 100 butterfly while freshman Bryce Pope won the 500. Sophomore Logan Myers scored first in the 200 IM timed at 2:01.6 and Sophomore Nathan Beukema won the 50 free. To close out the match, a team consisting of Sterrett, Funches and freshmen Owen Hancock and Charlie Cratty won the 400 free relay with a time of 3:14.55 to raise the Wolverines’ overall record to 6-2. The men have performed
WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS
Liz Hasse Women’s Swim and Dive Swimmer of the Week
Alex Mitchell Men’s Track & Field Track Athlete of the Week
Ashley Rauhauser Women’s Swim and Dive Newcomer of the Week
Will Sterrett Men’s Swim and Dive Swimmer of the Week
Bryce Pope Men’s Swim and Dive Newcomer of the Week
Sports The Collegian, Feb. 9, 2024
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Wolverines squash Yellow Jackets on the road Garrett Gess Staff Writer
The Grove City women’s basketball team took down Waynesburg in a huge 8042 win on the road. Grove City improves to 9-8 in conference play and are now tied for 6th place in the PAC standings. In the first quarter of the game between Grove City and Waynesburg, the Wolverines took an early lead. Grove City capitalized on turnovers and missed shots to secure a lead. The quarter saw good plays from players like junior guards Mara Polczynski and Jaden Davinsizer. The quarter ended with Grove City leading 18-10, with senior forward Kat Goetz making key plays and free throws. In the second quarter, the Wolverines extended their lead. Goetz made significant contributions, scoring layups and assisting in plays. Sophomore guard Reese Hasley and Davinsizer also played well, with Davinsizer making successful 3-pointers. Waynesburg struggled with turnovers, and the Wolverines capitalized on steals and fastbreak opportunities. The quarter ended with Grove City leading 44-22, showcasing their strong offensive performance and defensive efforts. In the third quarter, Grove City continued to dominate. Davinsizer and Goetz were key contributors, with Davinsizer contributing consis-
tently to the score, and Goetz making significant defensive plays. Waynesburg struggled with turnovers, allowing Grove City to capitalize on fastbreak opportunities. The Wolverines maintained a strong lead, with the quarter ending 61-30, showcasing their consistent offensive performance and effective defensive efforts. In the 4th quarter, Grove City continued to maintain their commanding lead over Waynesburg. The Wolverines showcased their offensive prowess, scoring additional points with layups and jumpers. Waynesburg struggled to make any sort of comeback, facing difficulties with the strong Wolverine defense. The quarter ended with Grove City leading 80-42, demonstrating their dominance throughout the game. The Wolverines showcased a consistent and well-rounded performance across various key statistical categories. They effectively converted turnovers into points, scoring 27 points off turnovers throughout the game. Also, Grove City capitalized on second-chance opportunities, securing 18 points across the four quarters. The bench made significant contributions, accumulating 28 points in total, with consistent scoring in each quarter. Grove City dominated the paint, showing their strength and scoring 48 points inside. They displayed agility and efficiency in fast-break situ-
Junior guard Nevaeh Ewing shooting against Bethany’s defense. ing Thiel. Following that, on Feb. 14, Grove City returns home for a matchup against Washington & Jefferson at 5:30 p.m. This home game presents an opportunity for the team to capitalize on their home-court advantage. The final game in this
stretch is on Feb. 17, where Grove City will host Chatham in another PAC showdown. As they progress through these matchups, the Wolverines aim to continue their strong performance and make an impact in the conference playoffs.
MLAX starts with high hopes
Men’s swim wins one before champ
Joel Sledd Sports Editor
Returning to make some noise this year, the Wolverines’ men’s lacrosse team returns to Robert E. Thorn field with winning on their minds. Returning from his journey in the world championship lacrosse league, head coach Alec Jernstedt begins his seventh season with the college. Over the summer of 2023, Jernstedt headed to San Diego State College to compete in a 30-team tournament consisting of lacrosse teams from around the globe. In his second year leading the Puerto Rican team, Jernstedt helped the Puerto Rican team earn 10th place in the final rankings. Now back at Grove City College, Jernstedt will face a new challenge with many familiar faces under his leadership. Entering a new season with a target on their backs, the Wolverines’ competition will extend beyond the conference. “We have the second strongest non-conference schedule in the country,” Jernstedt said. “In our first six or seven games, we played three-fourths of the final four last year. That stretch will be great.” The first matchup of the season will be against the 2023 DIII men’s lacrosse champions Salisbury Uni-
versity. Beginning the season against the former champions is not an easy start for the Wolverines, but the players are not taking it lightly. Junior attack Zachary Hougan states, “Our first five games are solid competitors. It’s a race to May. Your goal is to be the best team when you get to tournament time, so playing teams that are very solid in the beginning and then also playing teams throughout the year that are just as good will be a good opportunity for us. There are good opportunities to be the best team in May.” Just two weeks after facing the former champions, the Wolverines will head to the Rochester Institute of Technology, whose team ended the 2023 season ranked fourth in DIII. Then, just eight days later, the College will play Christopher Newport College, currently ranked third in DIII play. The strenuous early schedule will assist the Wolverines with late season play as they take on every PAC opponent through April. Winning the last four PAC championships, the Wolverines will take on opponents itching for an upset over the college at the height of their dynasty. The Wolverines have been undefeated in conference plays over the last three years, and the team looks forward to keeping that record. Going into the 2024 season, the Wolverines were
ations, accumulating 12 fastbreak points. On the season, Goetz, Davinsizer, and Polczynski are the team points per game leaders, averaging 11.8, 11.3, and 9.7 respectively. On Feb. 10 at 1 p.m., Grove City will be on the road fac-
GRACE DAVID
Joel Sledd Sports Editor
Junior attack Zachary Hougan in the previous season. ranked first in the PAC preseason poll. Two players were included as an honorable mention for the DIII Preseason All-America team by Inside Lacrosse; junior attack Matt Blythe and Hougan. Blythe’s and Hougan’s efforts last season came in clutch on several occasions. Despite losing some senior veterans, the roster can build on what has been given to them. “We have some really skilled freshmen. Our fresh-
GRACE DAVID
men have been playing at a really high level, so that adjustment hasn’t been an issue,” coach Jernstedt said. Introducing 11 new freshmen entering the team, the current roster holds 38 players total; just one more player than last year’s roster. The season will start tomorrow with a matchup against the 2023 DIII men’s lacrosse champion Salisbury College. The game will start at noon tomorrow at Sea Gull Stadium in Salisbury, Md.
With only three days of competition to go, the Wolverines swimming and diving team is in arms reach of the title. The men have come off several key performances recently that solidify their first-seed rank in the PAC. All that remains is the PAC championship and NCAA DIII competitions. Unfortunately, the PrePAC Championship Tune-up meet, which was scheduled to be played on Feb. 3, was canceled. The men ended their regular season with an overwhelming victory at home against Westminster. The Wolverines’ 193-95 win solidified their position of first in the PAC standings going into the championship. Winning all but a couple of events, Coach David Fritz ‘94 and the men put Westminster away to end with a perfect 4-0 conference record. Sterrett would also go on to win both the 100 and 200 free. Sterrett was the highestscoring athlete for the men, earning 18 points from in TRACK & FIELD 11