The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

Student Athletes score 106 set honor roll record

SPORTS

The

@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper Friday, February 2, 2024

Changes at MAP

Happy birthday!

NEWS

COMMUNITY

Grovers weigh in on new dining details

College celebrates the big three

Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper

Vol. 109, No. 11

40 years in the mirror Landmark decision defines GCC

Jacob Feiser

Contributing Writer Why doesn’t Grove City College accept federal funding? It is a common question from prospective students to graduates alike. The reasoning often given – Grove City College seeks to maintain its

independence – simplifies a much larger story.

The story of GCC v. Bell, the 1984 supreme court case which defines the College, will be the subject of a panel featuring Robb Jones, an attorney who helped argue the landmark case, Judge David Porter ’88 of the Third Circuit and college President

Paul J. McNulty at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 15 in Rathburn Hall.

Beginning in the 1970s, Congress promulgated legislation attempting to prevent sex discrimination in higher education. If a university received federal assistance, it needed to comply with Title IX protections – and the

government asked for blankcheck compliance, compelling institutions to agree to any future regulations, as well.

When then-president Dr. Charles S. MacKenzie refused to sign the compliance form, the Carter administration took Grove City to court in 1977. At the time, the col-

lege did not directly receive federal money but accepted BEOG funds (the predecessor to Pell grants) from students. Litigation began when President Paul J. McNulty ’80 was a student, and he recalls the excitement on campus when the college won at MIRROR 3

A look into Greek life

Rockwell renovations

Emily Fox

Community Editor

A blueprint of the construction plans for Rockwell Hall. The building is set to open Aug. 2025.

GROVE CITY COLLEGE

90-year-old building stripped down to its studs

Violet Whitmore News Editor

Living next to a construction site isn’t easy. Rockwell Hall is undergoing major renovations which means changes to campus life—and early afternoon naps.

Expanding projects means more space is taken up, according to Vice President of Operations Susan Grimm.

The fence border was recently extended outward not because students were walking on the grass, but because of the need for more room.

“Many of the renovation phases are happening congruently. Because of this, we need more room to lay down materials and to move equipment around. When you think of all the steel needed to construct the connector and then the brick to face it, you can imagine the footprint that is needed to stage that material onsite,” she said.

Though noise levels on campus are mostly contained, early afternoon nappers in Harker beware— ROCKWELL 2

The third floor of Rockwell Hall amid the renovations.

GROVE CITY COLLEGE

Greek Unity Week (GUW) for sororities began this weekend, and many women from all years and backgrounds have made their commitment to various Greek Groups.

Bids were announced at the beginning of the Spring semester, and new sorority sisters have spent the last week getting to know current members while learning about their group’s culture.

New members will be welcomed into the communities of the college’s eight sororities.

Assistant Rush Chair of the Phi Sigma Chi sorority Miranda Metro emphasized the importance of GUW, “Greek Unity Week is an important process because, for a sorority like Phi Sigma Chi, we have been around for about 100 years, so it’s important to learn the traditions of everyone before us.”

Greek groups are a prominent part of the campus community that provides many social benefits to their members. Metro elaborated on the positive support Greek Groups offer to students: “I believe you find your people. At college, it’s hard to find somewhere where you fit in, but your sorority sisters are always there to lift you up.”

Metro’s own experience with Phi Sigma Chi has been a particularly meaningful and important part of her time at college, “My freshmen semester, I was going through some hard things back at home and wasn’t sure if I would even stay at Grove City. Since then, I found an amazing group of girls who I could trust and love as my own sisters. They’re the reason I’m at Grove City today.”

The relationships formed in sororities can even attract women who have been hesitant or wary of Greek Groups in the past. Junior new member Leatrice Kakolewski described how she became interested in Greek life and how the women of Phi Sigma GREEK 2

Editorial

Page 2

The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

From the Tower

The ring by spring thing

It’s that time of year again. Spring is coming, and we all know what follows. Us Grovers are no stranger to the “ring by spring” phenomenon, a common trend local to Christian colleges. In fact, I vaguely remember the classic “look to your left, look to your right” quip when participating in freshman orientation. The movement is all around us, and the mention of it almost always follows with a slight chuckle as if to say, “Don’t worry, I’m not one of those Grovers.”

Regardless of your feelings toward the tradition, it’s everywhere. Let’s talk about it.

Before my time at Grove City, I knew two things about the college: 1) Don’t walk on the grass, and 2) the rate of students who graduate with a spouse or a fiancé is extremely high. My first notion toward this was, I admit, a rather jaded one. At the time, I couldn’t imagine the intentions behind marrying early to be anything but hasty. “Of course, they’re quick to get hitched, have you seen the open-hours policy?” But I have to say, after three years on campus, my outlook has changed.

While I don’t think I’ve come to consider an early marriage as something for myself, I am a firm believer that you know what works for you better than anyone else. I’ve also come to realize that only the best of intentions lie in wanting to marry in your senior year.

Christians spend the entirety of their love lives looking for the right person with the conviction that the end goal of any romantic relationship should be marriage. A casual relationship has no use, so why waste the time? This common mindset is not only responsible but it’s admirable. For these Christians, the gravity of choosing your life partner does not go unnoticed.

The reasoning behind “ring by spring” is nothing short of logical. You spend four years surrounded by like-minded eighteen to twenty-two-year-olds all looking for their meaning in life. Statistically speaking, the time is now. It’s perfectly reasonable to be on the hunt.

And as much as we Grovers like to believe we have it all figured out, we don’t. Not at this age. Sometimes carrying the burden of a brand-new life with a partner is what’s best.

If nothing else provides a sturdy foundation for a relationship, experiencing your 20s together will. The transition after college exposes an overwhelming sense of vulnerability.

It reveals inner-personal fears you didn’t even know existed. If God allows you your partner early on in your life, it’d be foolish not to take Him up on His offer.

This season is hard. And it’s so new. But to that, I offer a counterpoint. It’s so new. And how lucky we are that it is.

I’ve found that at this point in my twenty-one years of living, my adult life is standing in front of me and it’s cracking its knuckles. I think I can speak for my fellow Grovers when I say I wait for the next chapter with anxious anticipation, and some heart palpitations. But it seems this period of life is necessary for discovering how to sustain oneself without the help of our little bubble. It is designed as a period of confusion and jarring sobriety and I truly think, in most cases, to marry out of college is to wish this period away.

I’m not arguing that you can’t grow as an individual alongside someone you’ve promised yourself to, I just don’t think the majority of us should. If you truly believe you’re with the right person, you shouldn’t need to rush. Enduring the transformative years of your life can still build your relationship. But if it’s not meant to be, you’ll certainly find out then.

There are only three people who truly know your relationship: yourself, your partner and God. Make sure you’re all on the same page; you have plenty of time. I wish everyone the best of luck this spring.

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

Business Manager Maercy Campion

Copy Editors

Mia Gallagher Melody Shillito Kathryna Hoyman Hannah Williams

Staff Writers David Smith Dom Puglisi Garret Gess Mia Gallagher Abigail Joyner Hunter Oswald Brae Sadler Helena Ritenour

Joel Sledd

Photo Chief Grace David

Staff Adviser

Nick Hildebrand

Copy Chief

Hannah Welker 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.

Fast fashion failures Violet Whitmore News Editor

If you’ve ever shopped online, you know pictures can be deceiving. High-quality photos do not ensure a highquality product.

In our consumerism-driven era, quantity trumps quality.

Social media microtrends and aesthetics like “mob wife” or “clean girl” require makeup and clothing “must haves” to achieve the persona. Instead of one clothing item, entire looks are now advertised to younger generations who desire to fit in and spend as little of their money as quickly as possible.

To capitalize on this, companies use an algorithm to analyze trends online and order clothing types before anyone even asks for it—sort of like stock gambling. It functions as a supply-before-demand operation that is then marketed to you, preying on your insecurities and desire to be perceived a certain way.

To make as much money as possible, big businesses create and propagate trends – and we indulge them.

As a result, we compromise quality for convenience.

Poor clothing materials, cheap prices and persuasive

marketing ploys have ruined mid-priced clothing, and an inequitable clothing gap is emerging—a choice between expensive or cheap.

Fast fashion is responsible for a decline in the quality and longevity of garments, and across the board, their materials have also become worse. Roughly 70 percent of clothing in stores today is made from polyester, a plastic-based material that is linked to infertility (National Library of Medicine) and sometimes contains harmful substances like formaldehyde.

A study done by Health Canada on a children’s jacket bought from Chinese fast fashion website Shein found more than 20 times the amount of lead that that country deems “safe” for children. No amount of lead should be considered “safe” for anyone.

Fast fashion doesn’t only hurt you. The environment, workers and designers suffer the consequences of our consumerist greed. According to a study done by Boston University, 66 percent of textiles in the U.S. are sent to decompose in landfills, and globally, over 100 billion garments are made each year.

92 million tons of garment waste is amassed each year, and 60 percent of clothing is made of plastic-based materials that do not decompose naturally (TheRoundup).

BLOGSPOT

Likewise, many fast fashion companies are based abroad or outsource, which often means unregulated work, horrific pay and abysmal conditions. We are living through another degenerative Industrial Revolution that is intentionally hidden from us because of profit.

The death of the fashion industry on a smaller scale is also at risk because of fast fashion. The exploitation of small, independent designers has stolen the incentive to create unique, high-quality pieces because prices are “unfair” in comparison to cheap versions.

Large companies that steal designs and sell them as their own or as “dupes” benefit the most from small designers because they know small businesses often can’t afford to sue them nor afford patents for legal protection.

By no means am I exempt from the fast fashion bug.

I suffer from poor student syndrome, and I have bought fast fashion before. I’ve fallen prey to cute microtrends.

But, if you’re going to buy, find a more sustainable way to buy. Mercari, Poshmark, Depop and thrift shops help to halt the fast fashion spread and often have items that fit clothing trends. The best way to encourage clothing sustainability is to reduce, reuse and donate as much as you buy.

GREEK

continued from 1 Chi changed her perspective on sororities.

“I went on a trip to a conference last year with another professor’s student assistant. On the long car ride, we eventually started to talk about Greek life. I was encouraged to look into all the groups, and I followed through.”

“I never saw myself joining a sorority before college.

I had been a part of the camp that believed all of the stereotypes of sororities. Meeting the sisters of Phi Sigma Chi truly broke me out of that mindset.

“I chose to go Phi Sig because I have never met a group of girls that felt more like home than the ones in my group. It’s cheeky, but genuinely I have found a

MAERCY CAMPION

The girls of Phi Sigma Chi pose with their new members.

The coming weeks will be a group where I feel cared for and loved.” busy time for new members After third formals and bid signing, sorority sisters will of Greek groups, but the convisit new members’ dorms nections they form are an inin a process called cheering tegral piece whose presence when new members will find out if they’ve become official makes the Grove City College members of the group. community whole.

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.

News The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

Page 3

MAP gets a makeover Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief

The furniture in the front two rooms of MAP Café was recently replaced with new tables, chairs and alternative seating.

The furniture is similar to the tables in Buhl Library and the TLC. Operations Manager Susan Grimm explained, “The chairs in MAP are at the age where they are quickly failing. Since we had to start replacing the chairs and some of the tables, we took the opportunity to give the space a more clean and updated look.”

“We are planning to expand the replacement into the main dining area this summer. We are using the “driveway” and “garage” as a test to see what pieces students prefer.”

Recent updates to the furniture in MAP Café have left some students displeased.

In a Jan. 22 Instagram post, Parkhurst Dining posted a series of videos of the new furniture. In the post’s caption, they asked students what they thought of the updates.

Of the nine comments, none were positive.

One user wrote, “Although I agree the old furniture needed to go, this doesn’t fit the vibe or architecture of MAP. (L)ooks very out of place.”

Another commented, “The new furniture takes away a lot of needed seating for students- Map feels very cramped now and it’s become really difficult to find a free table.”

Some students don’t take issue with the new furniture, seeing the change as a necessary upgrade.

“I get that some people don’t like the furniture, but I don’t think it’s all that bad. I like it because it’s more comfortable, and rolling around is fun,” said senior Noah Godfrey.

MAP Café has undergone several changes in the past year. The addition of The Garage has changed the layout of the second front room while also providing students with a late-night dining option as a part of the College’s meal plan.

“I like how the Garage

MIRROR

continued from 1

the district level. “The judge was a Democrat-appointee, but he found that there was no history of discrimination at Grove City,” McNulty said. “The college made sure to point that out in all future litigation.”

On appeal to the Third Circuit, the district’s decision was reversed, and so Grove City College appealed its suit against the Department of Education to the Supreme Court. David M. Lascell

ROCKWELL

continued from 1

Rockwell Hall’s renovations may disrupt sleep.

“Nap after 3 pm,” Grimm said. “The caissons that support the connector are currently the noise you hear.

Once the connector starts coming out of the ground, you may start to hear intermittent noise based on the activities going on.”

“Hopefully, this summer we will be able to get some parts of the building done that would create the biggest

GRACE DAVID

New furniture made its debut in MAP cafeteria last week.

New meal option updates Violet Whitmore New green to-go boxes and “Pick 3” meal swipes have been implemented by Parkhurst and the college last week after the return to campus from winter break.

Green to-go boxes or “greenies” as Hicks cafeteria worker Cheryl likes to call them, are reusable takeout boxes that students are responsible for. When swiping for a meal swipe and using the box, a digital system marks the box as “out.” Students then enjoy their meal and bring back their box when they are finished.

The cafeteria workers in Hicks or MAP then clean and sanitize the boxes, reusing them for another student to use. The system will not let students check out

another box until they return the one they have used.

If the box is lost or thrown away, students must pay a fee to replace it.

Controversy from students has erupted since, many taking their views to the grove city dining account on Instagram. One user said, “This is an incredibly stupid idea. It removes all practicality of grabbing a take-out meal before class or some other commitment.”

Another user said “This is rough guys. Is your priority QOL (Quality of life) or money?”

Junior Emma Roush, who has used the system, said “I think it’s a positive step for the college because they are being green and thinking about the environment, but it does take away from the convenience of to-go.”

“It’s a work in progress,” Cheryl said. “Eventually they will take off, but it is something that the kids are not used to. It’s helpful to remember that anything new is a challenge. After fifteen and a half years of being here I’ve seen a lot of challenges, and I’ve seen it always work out.”

The “Pick 3” system in the Hicks cafeteria market was also officially integrated last week after the return from winter break.

Pick 3 is a substitute for grab-and-go meal options that used to be available in the GeDunk Café in the Breen Student Union. In the market, there are three colors that categorize food types: yellow signifies prepared entrées, blue signifies sides and red signifies beverages. In exchange for

a meal swipe, students may pick out one item from each category.

Entrées are refreshed and varied consistently, and potential options include sandwiches, wraps, salads and yogurt bowls. Common sides are carrots, celery and hummus, fruit bowls, various kinds of chips and cookies. Beverages include canned or bottled drinks typically available in the dining hall.

“Pick 3” uses a digital pay system where students select specific entrées, sides and drinks they chose on the screen. It then prompts students to swipe or tap their ID card to use a meal swipe.

The mealtime windows are the same as regular cafeteria hours. “Pick 3” is open to all students with a meal plan.

provides a late-night space for people to get together on weeknights and share a sort of bonus meal together. It’s also nice that you can use meal swipes, especially for those who don’t eat breakfast,” said junior Anna Duek-

er.

Since Parkhurst Dining replaced Bon Appetit, the structure, menu and atmosphere of the campus dining halls have changed in many ways. As Parkhurst works through their first year, they

are looking for the best ways to serve students. “(W)e are always striving to make your dining experience better. As we continue to evolve on the Grove City Campus expect to see additions to the current Market

offerings, including seasonal sales, more menu, convenience and novelty items offered at the Garage plus new Cafe’ menu options in both Hicks and MAP,” said Parkhurst General Manager Tony Ippolito.

served at oral arguments and argued that since the college was not the direct recipient of government funds, it should not be entangled with government oversight.

On Feb. 28, 1984, the Court handed down a majority opinion that there was no “substantive difference” between indirect and direct federal assistance; Title IX regulations were triggered by BEOGs. But the majority also found that these regulations could affect only the specific program receiving the funds.

For Grove City, that meant

the financial aid office had to comply with Title IX regulations. Albert Hopeman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, personally paid for the whole litigation.

The decision appeared to be a win for the college – many people called MacKenzie and congratulated him for the win, recalled McNulty, but MacKenzie knew that the college had lost. He and Hopeman agreed that they would be withdrawing the institution from the federal grant system. “People appreciated that we stood up

for what we believed. Even though the consequences were severe, we did the right thing,” said Dr. James Bibza, the only current faculty who was teaching during the litigation.

Three years after the decision, Congress passed legislation over Reagan’s veto requiring that any recipient of federal money needed to comply with federal regulations in all areas. In 1996, under President Dr. John Moore, Grove City withdrew from the Stafford Loan program, securing the college’s

future of financial and missional independence from the federal government.

When asked why Grove City is celebrating the 40th anniversary of a case it technically lost, McNulty said, “Bell has been a blessing because it put GCC in a position where it had to be conscious about how it uses its finances.” The anniversary allows the College to celebrate its commitment to its mission of Christ-education, freedom, stewardship and independence.

disruption. Perhaps the most annoying disruption is the backup alarms on the trucks, but we can’t compromise on safety.”

The 90-year-old building has been very receptive to the renovations overall, but there are always cases of unexpected situations, according to Grimm.

“One of the unexpected occurrences was discovering that the shoring that was used during the construction of STEM was left in place and had to be removed so the connector could be built. In a

project this large, the budget has a contingency fund built into it to absorb these types of occurrences.”

The building has endured decades of history and was built during the Great Depression. Awkward constructions from the past have been revealed through the process, insights that define the history of the building.

“Because the building was built during the depression, once the entire building was exposed you could see that the various methods and materials used varied based

on the available materials,” Grimm said.

The team has been recruited to preserve the historicity of the building while also bringing modern elements and state-of-the-art equipment. We are “able to breathe new life into an iconic building,” Grimm said. “We are preserving what stands as a pillar at the top of the Quad but updating it inside to meet the growing needs of the sciences.”

The team involves different branches that work together. The college administra-

tion, Landau (contractors), the construction team, and Smith Group (the architect engineering firm) and collaborate to ensure the renovation process runs smoothly.

On Jan. 30, Impact 150 received a generous $5 million donation from the Allegheny Foundation to further progress on Rockwell Hall and other improvements across campus. The extensive project is the first step in the Impact 150 plan, and the building is set to open Aug. 2025.

News Editor

Community The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024 Upcoming Events...

What’s fresh at the Grove?

Free Bowling Night 7 - 10 p.m.

Feb. 2 PLC Bowling Alley

One Acts

Feb. 2 at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. and Feb. 3 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Little Theater

Pa. Intercollegiate Band Festival Concert 2 p.m.

Feb. 4 PFAC

Camp and Ministry Fair 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 STU

U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet 8 p.m.

Feb. 7 PFAC 106

100 Days Until Graduation Dinner 5 - 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 MAP Cafeteria

Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 PFAC

Opera Gala 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 PFAC 106

Tri-Rho Extravaganda 8 - 11 p.m.

Feb. 10 PLC IM Rooms

George David Clark Poetry Reading 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 STU Great Room

Senior Launch Conference 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 SHAL

Austrian Scholars Conference Feb. 16-17

Broadway Review 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 PFAC 106

Vitalant Blood Drive 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Feb. 19 Ketler Rec.

Page 4

Grove goes global

Travel courses send students across the pond Emily Fox

Community Editor This January over 50 students traveled to Europe studying various disciplines with Grove City professors as a part of the faculty travel course program offered through the Office of Global Programs. Students had the opportunity to take courses in Italy and France over the January Intercession.

Twenty-four students attended the trip to Italy, led by five-time trip coordinator Dr. Michael Coulter ’91, where they traveled to the cities of Rome and Florence as well as the historic medieval city, Orvieto. Two other professors also traveled with the group teaching three of the courses included in the College’s humanities core.

Christian Civilization was taught by Dr. Ryan West, Dr. Andrew Harvey instructed Civilization of Literature and Coulter taught Western Civilization.

The trip featured iconic historical sites and art museums, but it also emphasized faith by including various churches as a part of the itinerary in each location.

Some of these churches included St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome, Saint Mary of the Flower (also known as the Duomo) in Florence and the Orvieto Cathedral.

“I really enjoy planning the Italy trip, and I want students to see amazing things they have or will study in Civ Arts, but I also hope that visiting churches and an important Christian burial site will provide an opportunity for spiritual growth,” Coulter said.

“Church architecture has always been meaningful to me personally, and it is great to visit some of the most beautiful churches in the world while on this trip.”

Students experienced other cultures in the Jewish Quarter of Rome, touring a synagogue, the Jewish Museum of Rome and having a meal at a kosher restaurant.

According to Coulter, part of the value of traveling with the College is that students can gain a better understanding of the locations, learn from professors and become familiar with new cultures.

Junior Julia Gallagher described some of her favorite memories from her trip to Italy, “Any time there is a view is my favorite. Climbing both the bell tower and the dome

MICHAEL COULTER

Professor of Political Science Michael Coulter teaching students in front of the Saint Mary of the Flower (Duomo) in Florence Italy.

Elizabeth Geer and her friends visiting the Louvre museum in Paris France.

Pin the Duomo in Florence during daylight and sunset, along with climbing the tower in Orvieto and seeing the views of both cities and the surrounding hills was incredible.”

Travel courses provide students with unique opportunities they may not have

expected. Coulter spoke of how students in Italy had the chance to try cow stomach, heart and lungs.

They also offer valuable social opportunities to students, bringing students together. Gallagher described how she appreciates the relationships she’s formed dur-

ELIZABETH GEER

ing the two travel courses she’s attended: “I met many people who I would never have crossed paths with or seen in my life, and we were able to connect during the trip.”

Across the border from GLOBAL 9

I don’t trust my friend’s boyfriend My friend started dating this guy over break, but I’m concerned that he doesn’t treat her very well. I don’t want to overstep, but I feel like I should talk to her about it. How should I approach the situation?

Sincerely, Concerned Grover Dear Concerned Grover, I’m sorry to hear you have found yourself in such a difficult situation. I would begin by cautioning you on several points. Be careful not to let your concern overshadow

Dear Dr. Love

your friend’s excitement over such an important event in her life. She will only grow resentful of you if you are quick to rain on her parade. You need to also be careful that your distrust of this new guy doesn’t appear as distrust in your friend or her taste. This situation must be approached with the utmost care, love and grace.

Your first step needs to be to simply be attentive to your friend’s needs and observe the relationship without interjecting. Then, you can begin to ask thoughtful ques-

tions and truly listen to her answers. Perhaps you could ask what it is she admires about him? You might also ask how she thinks things are going and then just listen before raising any concerns. You can then decide whether to ask more probing questions or state your opinion directly. You could ask something bold like “do you think he’s treating you well?”

Or you could just bring the evidence you’ve observed to her and raise, in love, your disapproval of him. Regardless of how the conversation

goes, make sure you follow up with her to remind her of your constant support. Remind her you will continue to love her regardless of how her relationship develops.

Auspiciously,

Dr. Love Love M.D.

The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

Page 5

Full slate for the spring semester Mia Gallagher Staff Writer

New year, new semester, same Grove City College.

With classes already well underway, it can be easy to miss the forest for the trees– weighed down by looming assignments, exams and extracurricular commitments.

However, with an exciting lineup of activities and events on the horizon, you’ll be able to find the necessary encouragement to see it all through.

So, pull out those calendars, text your friends and make sure to add these events to your semester schedule:

Ganza Ganza, a beloved campus tradition put on annually by the Tri-Rho Housing Group, presents a night full of music, dancing and fun. The Rhos transform Hick’s Dining Hall from a bland cafeteria to a party scene, equipped with dance lighting, tasty snacks and drinks and photo booths to take pictures. So, if you’re looking to hit the dance floor, plan to attend Ganza Feb. 10.

SGA Gala The Gala, an SGA-sponsored formal dance, is slated to take place on April 6. This event, known by many as “Grove City College Prom,” invites students from all

years to break out their long dresses and suits for an evening of community and high class. And, as this event only takes place every two years, it is a memorable experience you won’t want to miss.

Family Weekend Another beloved and heart-warming Grove City tradition, Family Weekend, provides many exciting opportunities and events to enjoy. The joy that comes from being with loved ones – coupled with various athletic events, mixers and, of course, All-Campus Sing – makes this a much-needed break before heading into spring finals. Mark your cal-

endars for April 26 and get ready to enjoy some quality time with family.

Lux Mea Now in its third year, Lux Mea, looks to deliver a memorable night once again. The event, a film festival sponsored by Professor Gregory Bandy’s Special Events class, showcases the talents of the Grove City College filmmaking community. With so many dedicated student directors, actors and organizers all given the opportunity to shine, this year’s festival – taking place on May 4 – looks to be the best one yet.

Happy birthday

Seven questions with…

Steve Lamie ’85 Head Men’s Basketball Coach Helena Ritenour Staff Writer

What do you like the most about being a coach at GCC? The character and quality of our student-athletes and the culture of our Athletic Department.

What’s something fun you did over break?

My Christmas break was spent with my team here at GCC. We arrived back on campus on Dec. 26 and have been practicing and playing ever since.

That’s fun for me.

What is your favorite memory?

GRACE DAVID

The college community celebrated President Paul McNulty’s birthday by hosting his B-Ball B-Day Bash and Pool Party in the PLC during both the men’s and women’s basketball games January 31.

Grove City celebrates presidents and Pew McNulty Grove City College celebrated the 66th birthday of President Paul J. McNulty ’80 on Wednesday at the B-Ball B-day Bash and Pool Party.

The party took place during the Wolverine athletic events of the night: a basketball doubleheader where the women’s team and the men’s team took on the Saint Vincent Bearcats and a swim meet where the women’s team and men’s team took on the Westminster Titans.

The party started with cupcakes in the lobby courtesy of the women’s soccer team, which were served between the women’s basketball game and the men’s basketball game and were enjoyed throughout the rest of the night.

The bleachers were full of students dressed in red for the night’s red out theme.

The Grove City College Wolverine Cheerleaders performed a special dance at halftime to continue the festivities and the President joined the squad on the sideline to enjoy his birthday cake and don a party hat.

The fans serenaded the President with Happy Birthday before the second half of the basketball game began.

Pew Sunday, Jan. 27 marked the 142nd birthday of J. Howard Pew, son of Joseph Newton Pew and longtime member of the Grove City College Board of Trustees.

J. Howard Pew’s father, Joseph, partnered with Isaac Ketler in the earliest days of the College to provide financial support and begin a multi-generational friendship between the Pew family and the College.

Pew graduated from the College in 1900 at the age of 18, and after his father’s passing, became president of Sun Oil Company. Pew served on the Board of Trustees for the College for nearly 60 years, from the age of thirty until his death in 1971. During that time, he served as Chairman for forty years.

Pew’s passion for education extended beyond Grove City. He was a member of the Foundation of Economic Education, the American Enterprise Institute and the Hoover Institution. He extended his generosity not only to his Alma Mater but also to several other colleges as well as historically Black universities.

He was dedicated to the mission of the College and saw to its enaction for a lifetime.

Ketler Jan. 21 of this year marked the 171st birthday of Grove City College founder Dr. Isaac Ketler.

Ketler was born in 1853 and raised in Northumberland County as one of twelve children. He began his teaching career early in life and achieved his master’s, doctorate and divinity degrees by the age of 35.

After transforming Pinegrove Academy into a non-sectarian institution, Ketler, at 22 years old, founded Grove City College What began with 13 students in a one-room schoolhouse quickly evolved thanks to the support of the surrounding community. Ketler’s unconditional commitment to the College led him to recruit the financial assistance of oil tycoon Joseph N. Pew to ensure the College would continue to grow and thrive.

Ketler dedicated his life to the College and his work was awarded with a Doctor of Divinity in 1893 from Wooster University for his studies of theology.

In addition to his work in ministry and education, Kelter authored two books, one titled “The Pilgrims” and a second about the work of Presbyterian missionaries titled “The Tragedy of Paotingfu.”

Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief

At my age, you have lots of them. My favorite athletic memory is making the basketball team here at GCC my freshman year. My favorite marriage memory is when my wife said yes when I asked her to marry me. Well, she didn’t say anything, but I took her tears to mean yes. One of my favorite “God memories” is when the gospel first made sense to me during a Bible study in the dorm my freshman year.

When did you first discover your passion for basketball?

My freshman year of high school. I made a decision to intentionally work at the game. And working at the game was really hard and really fun at the same time. What sparked the interest was listening to my dad and our neighbor talk about their playing experiences in college. They played at Penn State and Pitt respectively.

If you could have lunch with one person from any point in history, who would you pick?

Abraham Lincoln What is the best piece of advice you have for student-athletes?

Throw yourself into your sport and don’t be afraid to fail. Pray for wisdom to know what you can control and what you cannot and to know the difference between the two. Your identity is never in your athletic ability. If you’re a Christian, it’s in Jesus.

Do you/have you ever had any role models?

Lots of them. I’ll name two: my grandfather who was an immigrant coal miner and John Barr who was my college basketball coach here at GCC.

Through the Lens

Through the lens, Feb. 22, 2019

Page 6

The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

Eugênio: Christ in the Countryside GCC students join a mission trip to an impoverished area of Brazil

Two days after Christmas day, I traveled with nine other young adults to Eugênio, a small village nestled in the deep countryside of Brazil.

The two weeks I spent there were full of joy and laughter, dirt and flies, rice and coffee, and prayer and worship. We quickly became close to the villagers and their children, enjoying each others’ company even with a language barrier.

It is incredible to see how God’s love reaches every corner of the Earth. Even though we experience very different struggles and spoke very different languages, we bonded in the joy of being brothers and sisters in Christ.

by Grace David, Photo Chief

The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

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Perspectives The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

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ELITEHEAVENS.COM

Should Christians attend LGBTQ+ weddings?

Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief

In the last few weeks, debate has been sparked surrounding whether Christians should attend LGBTQ+ weddings.

Grove City College Biblical and Religious Studies professor and renowned theologian, Carl Trueman, spoke on the topic in his column for First Things. He argues that Christians should avoid attending LGBTQ+ weddings because, if they were to attend, it would be their responsibility to object to the marriage.

“Many wedding liturgies, including that of the Book of Common Prayer, require the officiant to ask early in the service if anyone present knows any reason why the couple should not be joined together in matrimony,” Trueman writes.

“A Christian is at that point obliged to speak up. I would

hazard a guess that such an intervention would be far more offensive than simply refusing to be at the service.”

Trueman goes on to explain that, while this may be taken as offensive, it is the responsibility of a Christian to live in opposition to the definitions of love and hatred defined by culture.

“To consider a declined invitation necessarily a sign of hatred is to adopt the notion of ‘hate’ as a mere refusal to affirm,” he writes.

Alternatively, well-known pastor Alistair Begg recently commented on this.

Begg shares what he believes to be the appropriate Christian response through a story.

He explains that when he is approached by members of his congregation inquiring as to whether they should attend the wedding of an LGBTQ+ relative or friend, he encourages them to do so. “…I asked the grandmother, ‘Does your grandson understand your belief in Jesus?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Does your

grandson understand that your belief in Jesus makes it such that you can’t countenance in any affirming way the choices that he has made in life?’ ‘Yes,’” Begg said.

“I said, ‘Well then, okay. As long as he knows that, then I suggest that you do go to the ceremony. And I suggest that you buy them a gift.’ ‘Oh,’ she said, ‘what?’ She was caught off guard.”

Begg’s comments have received major backlash and many people have withdrawn support from Begg. American Family Radio dropped Begg from their broadcasts due to his comments.

I would argue the reasoning behind Begg’s comments rings true.

He continues, “I said, ‘Well, here’s the thing: your love for them may catch them off guard, but your absence will simply reinforce the fact that they said, “These people are what I always thought: judgmental, critical, unprepared to countenance anything.’”

“We’re going to have to take that risk a lot more if we want to build bridges into the

hearts and lives of those who don’t understand Jesus and don’t understand that he is a King.”

I would argue that the dispute between these two positions boils down to a single question: Which course of action most accurately practices the love of Jesus and applies the Law of God? Attending an LGBTQ+ wedding to enforce your commitment to stay in the life of the couple with the continued goal of ministry and Christian guidance is the most accurate practice of the love of Jesus and Law of God. If a Christian were to attend an LGBTQ+ wedding, the supposed responsibility to object to the marriage would entirely defeat the purpose of the action. Even, if in time, the couple could come to speak to the Christian who objected, it is hard to believe their hearts would be open to hear the Gospel.

Instead of seeing the love behind the action, they will hear the hatred in the words.

Instead, the Christian should approach those with

whom they wish to share God’s law and Jesus’ redeeming love with patience and understanding. By attending LGBTQ+ weddings and staying in a relationship with the couple, the opportunity for continued ministry and ongoing expression of Christ’s love is possible.

I think of the opening three verses of 1 Corinthians 13, which is often read at weddings.

Paul writes, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

If words are not spoken in love, then they should not be spoken at all, and I believe the proper way to show love to those we disagree with is to come to them with understanding and patience.

Caffeine: The opium of the masses?

Abigail Kengor Contributing Writer

Marx was wrong. Religion is not the opium of the masses — caffeine is. Imagine yourself as a barista: a droopy-eyed man stumbles into the coffee shop, tiredness twitching in every motion of his otherwise slow and sleepy body. “Just give me the biggest coffee you have.” The tired man, dozing at the counter, pays for and receives his 256 plus milligrams of caffeine with extreme gratitude. A half-hour later, he is back for more.

A few minutes to closing time, with rays of sunset streaming through the door,

staggers in a somnambulant student with a heavy backpack and dark circles under her eyes, who orders “caffeine.” You quickly whip up the drink. “A lot of studying tonight?” “Yeah. I slept two hours last night, and tonight will be an all-nighter.” You laugh and wish your last customer of the evening happy studying, but as you hand off the drink, a guilty hand drags out the motion, and you wonder if you’re really handing off a drug.

The next morning, after three hours of sleep from a late night of homework, you’re nodding off to sleep in the front row of class.

You stumble into Hicks and go straight to the coffee station. You resolve to get to bed earlier the next night, but you have another paper

to write and a hundred pages of reading. The vicious cycle repeats, and you become that evening’s customer.

But how do we break that cycle? After all, the collegiate and professional work culture seems to integrate caffeine as a postulate of its function. Sleep is sometimes painted as babyish, weak or lazy compared to the responsibility and maturity of productiveness: a luxury in a world of utility.

Sleep deprivation isn’t as debilitating because it is covered up by caffeine consumption. All-nighter routines are sustained by Monster Energy drinks. That big, last-minute assignment is perfectly reasonable because you don’t really need seven hours of sleep, just seven cups of coffee. Mid-semester, the occa-

sional coffee-drinker has become an addict.

Headaches, drowsiness, insomnia, anxiety, irritability -- not the most damaging, but still emotionally and mentally crippling symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. It is still addiction, still a reduction to the healthiest state of man, spiritual and physical.

This state of dependence on a substance sounds like risky business. However, we also cannot be completely devoid of dependence, even on specific substances, like water or food at large.

Now, coffee is not a straight-from-the-spring beverage or a basic compound necessary for life like water, but it is still an item of Creation, a point that deserves consideration. After all, any created good can be

used for sin.

That doesn’t mean that all of Creation is inherently bad, it just means that we’re good at being bad. In this case, we have the natural stimulant of caffeine and the appealing effects of it that we humans may tend to abuse by lacking moderation and developing an addiction.

Coffee is not the problem, the addiction is. And this addiction can still become like the opium craze of days gone by if we’re not careful.

While it may be good to simply eliminate the temptation from your life, it is also valuable to benefit from the good and practice the virtue of moderation. But that moderation requires difficult balance, not the much too frequent reliance on a fullspeed, destructive addiction.

The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

Page 9

DeSantis drops out; a future yet to be seen Hunter Oswald Staff Writer

After weeks of speculation and an unsurprising result in Iowa, it appears that Florida’s governor will have to wait his turn.

On Jan. 21, Governor Ron DeSantis suspended his bid for the presidency and endorsed former President Donald Trump in the wake of Trump’s commanding lead in the Iowa caucuses.

DeSantis announced his decision via X. “This is America’s time for choosing. We can choose to allow a border invasion, or we can choose to stop it. We can choose reckless borrowing and spending, or we can choose to limit government and lower inflation. We can choose political indoctrination, or we can choose classical education.”

DeSantis gave a hopeful conclusion for his supporters, stating, “Winston Churchill once remarked that ‘success is not final, failure is not fatal — it is the courage to continue that counts.’ While this campaign has ended, the mission continues. Down here in Florida, we will continue to show the country how to lead.”

While some may be quick to judge DeSantis’s campaign as a display of his inability to govern, one thing conservatives should realize is DeSantis is truly a class act, and his record shows that.

Before ascending to the governorship, DeSantis fought for conservative values in the House of Representatives, taking on the Obama administration on Obamacare and DACA as well as being a cofounder of the Freedom Caucus. Upon assuming the role of governor in 2019, DeSantis has managed to turn Florida from one of the most competitive swing states in the U.S. into a Republican stronghold due to his attitude toward public freedoms. From fighting in the halls of Congress to leading the state of Florida in Tallahassee, DeSantis has shown that he’s not a quitter and will stand up to the challenges that he continues to face.

DeSantis’s success as a conservative leader deserves a round of applause. The key to understanding DeSantis’ leadership, which has brought much success to the state of Florida, lies within his view of the executive and how he holds himself.

I had the fortunate opportunity to gain a bit of insight as to the very nature of his

leadership style when writing a review for his memoir “Courage to Be Free.” DeSantis states his leadership style is modeled after the Hamiltonian vision of the executive written in Federalist 71: “Energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government.” When looking at the work DeSantis has done as Governor, he has brought an energy to his position that has led to tremendous results for the people of Florida and the conservative cause in contrast to the likes of his progressive counterparts.

As the only candidate on the campaign trail to have achieved the “full Grassley”, supporters caught a glimpse of the energy has. That same energy was seen when he sought to listen to the concerns of the people.

Besides bringing energy to the executive, he holds himself to a high standard on the foundational principle of doing what is right, even if it means losing his position. DeSantis has been clear when it comes to following one’s principles; others are not going to be keen on supporting you if it does not support their own interests.

As a result of his reluctance to be a yes man, DeSantis had faced opposition amongst his Republican colleagues

Word on the street...

on many occasions when he stood for what he believed, whether it was his battle with Disney, his support for Florida’s six-week ban on abortion or defying former President Trump and Fauci over the Covid lockdowns. In a day and age when America’s population sees their politicians as self-serving and corrupt, DeSantis stood out with bold colors and went against the grain by standing for the principles that got him elected, and he has continued to fight for those he serves.

Now, the question some may ask is: where does DeSantis go from here? I am confident DeSantis will continue to lead Florida down the path it is on and continue to prosper under his leadership. If all goes well for DeSantis, he will likely have a strong chance to run for the presidency again in 2028.

Regardless of his departure, DeSantis still has a promising future ahead and will certainly continue to advance the conservative cause in any way he can. While DeSantis departs from the race back to the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee, his devotion to America’s ideals will hopefully inspire conservatives to lead and push the conservative movement to new frontiers.

Thoughts on Hicks to-go boxes?

Emily Ardolino ‘24 In my opinion, the new to-go containers are more of a hassle than a convenience. As one of many students who are swamped with work already, I’d like to be able to grab a box without the lingering expectation of having to return it. It defeats the purpose, and the system seems dysfunctional to me.

Anna Dueker ’25 I haven’t used one.

But they scare me.

I will be avoiding it as much as possible.

Molly McCommons ’25 To-go boxes are a no-go.

I know we’re saving trees, but I miss the convenience of classic cardboard.

Christopher Ritchey ’24 I haven’t used, and don’t intend to use the new to-go containers.

I’ve always just enjoyed sitting down and eating in the cafeteria. I can see the practicality of using them, it’s just not for me. Myself and some friends certainly think they could’ve done better on the color choice.

They kind of look like a lunchbox for an 8-yearold.

GLOBAL

continued from 4

Italy, thirty-four students studied courses such as Civilization of the Arts taught by Dr. Carter and Global Studies 301 instructed by Dr. Madsen on a trip led by Dr. Bardy to France. Dr. Ruane also traveled with the group.

The France trip also featured various famous churches including the St. Chapelle, the Church of St. Denis (the “birthplace” of Gothic architecture), and students even got to attend mass at the Chartres Cathedral all in Paris.

Students also appreciated art at the iconic Louvre Museum as well as music by listening to the Ensemble Royale de Paris at the SaintJulien-le-Pauvre Church in Paris. They also were provided opportunities relating to other disciplines such at locations such as the Palace of Versailles in Paris, the Hôtel Dieu (a medieval hospital) in Beaune, Roman ruins in Arles and even traveling by boat to the Chateau d’If in Marseilles.

While students spend much of their time exploring, travel courses also require students to complete assignments before their trip for their chosen courses. Dr. Carter’s Civ Arts students spent significant time studying works of art prior to the trip: “My motto is ‘know before you go.’ For this course, students had six weeks of preparation in the fall, con-

Calista Robbins ’25 sisting of six recorded lectures … with quizzes and an exam. My goal was that – by the time they saw Versailles, Chartres or the ‘Mona Lisa’ – those works would basically be like old friends.”

Sophomore Elizabeth Geer described her best experience during her trip to France, “My favorite memory from the trip is when we stood on top of the Arc de Triomphe.

We happened to arrive right at sunset, and the view of the city was beautiful.”

In her experience teaching 10 travel courses, Carter has noticed how students with little experience abroad have developed traveling skills during their time with the course.

“At least two-thirds of the students on this trip had never been to Europe. When Dr. Bardy explained the Paris metro system, adding that they would have quite a bit of free time…, there were some very apprehensive faces. It was thrilling to see how quickly students became quite comfortable getting around Paris and to hear about their adventures. Travel instills a sense of ‘I can!’”

Geer noted some of the practical skills she developed on her trip to France, “I think traveling with the college has helped me to improve my leadership and teamwork.

We often had to work together to figure out directions or plan what we wanted to do in our free time.”

Learning through travel offers students more than

MICHAEL COULTER

Wolverines represent at the Colosseum. academic value. panies a meal with a group of “Travel isn’t just about see- people.” Coulter said. ing or hearing ‘stuff,’ paintThe Office of Global ings, buildings, musical com- Programs has already anpositions. It opens us up to nounced another trip to Italy other people, other beliefs, other ways of doing things, on their Instagram account to see with other eyes, to as well as posters throughhear with other ears, as Lew- out the campus. The trip is would put it. And once we will jet off in January 2025 start doing that, life is never offering credit for Western the same. In a nutshell, trav- Civilization, Civilization of el enriches us as nothing else Literature and Christiancan.” Carter said. ity and Civilization. Students Travel courses are not only a powerful experience for interested in the trip may students, but they also leave email Dr. Coulter and stop by a lasting impact on the pro- SHAL 319 for more informafessors as well. tion.offering credit for West“Personally, I’ve come to ern Civilization, Civilization love the long, slow and late of Literature and Christiandinners favored by the Itality and Civilization. Students ians. A beautiful Italian expression in English is ‘At the interested in the trip may table we do not age,’ which email Dr. Coulter and stop by celebrates the conversation SHAL 319 for more informaand connection that accom- tion.

Although a nice idea in theory, they’re a little impractical. Carrying a used to-go box from class to class until I have time to go back to hicks is unsanitary, embarrassing and a waste of time and space.

It doesn’t fit in a backpack which means it must be carried from place to place. If there were drop off stations in more than one location on campus the green boxes could be more of a success. At this point however, I would rather go without a meal than have to use a to-go box again.

Emma Will ’25 The to-go containers are a little awkward to return since you can’t put them in your backpack without them leaking (learned that the hard way). They are pretty sturdy, and I can’t imagine a more convenient system without going back to the disposable containers which created a lot of waste. I think a lot of people forget that to-go from the dining halls is a luxury we didn’t have before the pandemic, so if this is the solution that allows us to continue having a to-go option, I’m happy with it.

Entertainment The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

Page 10

‘The Iron Claw’

Tunes from the Tower

Durkin explores legendary wrestling family David Smith Staff Writer

“The Iron Claw,” written and directed by Sean Durkin, is to professional wrestling what “Raging Bull” is to boxing. This does not diminish the fact that Darren Aronofsky’s film “The Wrestler” wasn’t great, however, “The Iron Claw” gracefully oscillates between the grandeur and depravity of the Von Erich family.

The film begins with Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany), the family’s patriarch, purchasing a brand-new car with limited funds to increase the family’s chances for success.

At this moment, we realize that everything Fritz stands for is merely for appearance as if success is a gilded façade for monetary and material purposes. The boys, however, just want to make their father proud. This is a monumental endeavor, they later discover, amounting to much strife and leading them down a rabbit hole of self-destruction.

Flash forward to Texas in 1979: Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron), who is the oldest of his brothers, is concerned his father is pushing his brothers too far, especially Mike (Stanley Simons). Mike is, in some ways, physically and emotionally inferior to his brothers. He is living in the shadows of Kevin, Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) and David (Harris Dickinson). Kevin is a football star turned pro wrestler, Kerry is training for the Olympics, and David is a high school basketball star and now the breakout wrestler of the family. Mike simply cannot stack up to nor compete with his brothers. Still, Fritz pushes him to become something he is not.

Kevin, unlike his other brothers, attempts to become a well-rounded individual. Quickly, he realizes that, although he wants to please his father, it is impossible to be what Fritz wants him to be. Therefore, he determines that wrestling does not define his worth. Early

in the film, Kevin forms a relationship with a beautiful young woman named Pam (Lily James). Despite all the adversity Kevin faces, she is there to support him and keep him grounded.

Although the Von Erich boys face a considerable amount of pressure from their father, their lives consist of fun and games until David is found by Kevin vomiting blood in a bathroom on Kevin’s wedding day. David does not realize how grave this matter is, dismisses it, and travels to Japan to fight Ric Flair in a world champion match. From this moment until the end of the film, we observe how the boys fight adversity. The latter half of the film is like watching a house burn down: it is simultaneously amusing to see something so sublime and sad to watch the complete destruction it entails.

Both Efron and White are the breakout stars in the rollercoaster ride of “The Iron Claw”. The aimlessly lost looks in their eyes and

painful silences illustrate the emotional toll and suffering they have endured. The lack of Academy Award nominations for these actors is a disgrace to the ceremony.

Regardless, the film does not need awards to account for its greatness.

“The Iron Claw” is as exciting as it is mournful. It is absolutely heart-wrenching, brilliantly shot and wellexecuted by Durkin. For wrestling fans, this story is a legend of epic proportions.

Some elements from the true story are removed from the film, and rightly so. Durkin’s take on the story is quite comprehensive: it tackles the triumphs and downfalls of an athletically talented family.

Songs are incorporated into the film to accurately represent the zeitgeist in which it takes place, i.e. Tom Petty and Rush. “The Iron Claw” could have easily been a hyperbolized reimagining of the Von Erich legacy, however, it takes on and tackles the complexities of what makes us human.

KUVO

The day the music died Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief

Tomorrow marks the 65th anniversary of the plane crash that killed three fifties rock-and-roll icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson as well as pilot Roger Peterson.

The plane crashed near Clear Lake, Ohio, forever marring the memory of the three stars and Feb. 3, 1959.

The day has been monikered as “The Day the Music Died,” which is attributed to American singer Don McLean in his song “American Pie.” Buddy Holly had risen to fame at age 16 after songs like “That’ll Be the Day” gained popularity thanks to his unique rock-and-roll sound, which was influenced by his country roots in Lubbock, Texas. He was 22 years old when he died, leaving behind his pregnant wife Maria, who suffered a miscarriage following the tragedy.

Ritchie Valens is now most known for his hit “La Bamba,” which propelled him to fame only a year prior to the

plane crash. In 1958, when he released his second single, it was not “La Bamba” that earned him a spot on the charts, but rather “Donna,” a love song, that sat at number two on the pop charts.

Like Holly, Valens’ roots heavily influenced his music and combined the sound of traditional Mexican music with the rock-and-roll of the time. While he was only 17 at the time of his death, he is regarded as one of the pioneers in the Chicano rock movement.

J.P. Richardson, who was known over the airwaves as “The Big Bopper,” made a name for himself as a disk jockey, while also writing and recording songs with other artists, as well as releasing a hit of his own, “Chantilly Lace.”

It was the success of “Chantilly Lace” that gave Richardson the notability to go on tour with Buddy Holly.

He was 28 years old when he died, leaving behind his pregnant wife Adrianne Joy, and four-year-old daughter Debra Joy. Due to the frigid tempera-

tures on the tour bus, Holly opted to fly to their next location rather than ride with their bands and crew for the 365-mile road trip.

Holly’s guitarist was set to join the singer on the flight, but Richardson was sick with the flu, so the guitarist gave him his spot on the plane. While this seat switch is a minor detail that is often left out, it is of great consequence not only for Richardson, but also for the guitarist, who was Waylon Jennings.

Jennings would, of course, go on to be a leader in the outlaw movement of country music and be a member of the star-studded group called The Highwaymen.

In an interview with Country Music Television 40 years after the crash, Jennings shared that in a moment of joking humor, Holly told Jennings he hoped the bus broke down, to which Jennings replied, “I hope your ol’ plane crashes.” These words haunted him for years after the accident.

Valens had never been on a plane before and asked Holly’s other guitarist Tommy

Allsup for his seat. The two flipped a coin to determine who would fly, and Valens won the toss. Two years before this fateful coin flip, Valens was witness to a plane collision that killed his best friend. The crash site was at Valens’ school, but Valens had been attending his grandfather’s funeral that day, sparing him injury but leaving him with a fear of planes after seeing the explosion and trauma that followed.

McLean wrote in his 1971 release, “…But February made me shiver, with every paper I’d deliver, bad news on the doorstep, I couldn’t take one more step, I can’t remember if I cried when I read about his widowed bride, but something touched me deep inside, the day the music died…”

In each verse of his nearly nine-minute ballad, McLean mourns the loss of the musicians across the span of American culture and the music history of the 12 years that had passed between the song’s release and the tragedy.

‘Wall of Eyes’ Dom Puglisi Staff Writer

“Wall of Eyes” by The Smile is a perfect example of talented musicians doing whatever they want.

Composed of Radiohead members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, as well as Sons of Kemmet drummer Tom Skinner, this supergroup’s newest album shows how deeply they understand music. Starting at the title track, we hear Thom Yorke’s classic falsetto whispering out ballads on his insecurity with the limelight that has shown upon him for the past couple of decades.

All while friendly acoustic guitar, deep pounding drums and sky-high violins create a cushion of musical splendor for his vocals to rest on.

The instrumentals across this album typically float by, wrapping around Yorke’s melancholy lyrics to create a fairylike sense of musical imagination.

No idea sticks around too long, as these musicians pull complex emotions straight from the soul of their instruments.

Highlights include the military-esque drum rolls leading into soft lullaby pianos on “Read the Room,” as well as the shimmering early morning guitars of “Bending Hectic” leading into the paranoid squeaky wall of violins near the end of the track.

The overall flow of the album jumps from peaceful to frantic in a matter of seconds, jazzlike in its stream-of-consciousness shifts. The only thing holding everything down is Yorke’s classic lyrics reflecting on the isolation he feels in “Friend of a Friend”: “I can go anywhere that I want, I just gotta turn myself inside out and back to front.”

This is an album made by men with nothing else to prove; they have made their money, received their accolades and have no reason to make music besides the creative process itself. The listener hears this in their loose structures, the lack of worry in switching the feeling of a song halfway through. Yet, this is not a throw everything at the wall and see what sticks kind of album.

Rather, it sounds like what it is, the work of men who know what sticks, but only by throwing it in their unique way.

If you are looking for some master musicianship on a cold gray rainy day, The Smile might be just the band to put one on your face.

Sports The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

Page 11

Sports at a Glance News

Three athletes broke a school record for indoor track during the Jim Wuske Invitational on Jan. 27.

Senior Nick Mady set the new 1,000 meters record with a time of 2:43.05. Junior Lydia Bennett broke the 500 meters record, clocking in at 1:20.69. Junior danika Sudar shattered the weight throw record with a distance of 13.31m.

Results

Mens’ Basketball (10-10): Loss, vs. Saint Vincent (79-64)

Win, vs. Penn State New Kensington (74-60) Loss, at Wesminster (79-62)

Womens’ Basketball (9-11): Loss, vs. Saint Vincent (61-56) Win, at Wesminster (66-58) Loss, at Geneva (87-67)

Men’s Swim and Dive (6-2): Win, vs. Wesminster (193-95)

Junior guard Chase Yarberough on the offense against Penn State New Kensington.

GRACE DAVID

Men’s Basketball falls to Saint Vincent Garrett Gess Staff Writer

Wolverine Men’s basketball finished out January with a 10-10 overall record and 6-9 conference record after a 79-64 home loss to the Saint Vincent Bearcats. Saint Vincent entered the contest with the second-best record in the PAC, against the Wolverines, who are still fighting for a solid playoff spot towards the end of the season.

Junior guard Chase Yarberough scored double figures for his 27th consecutive game dating back to last season. Yarberough’s 18.2 points per game scoring average is the highest for a Grove City player since Nate Maurer, who averaged 21.0 points per game in the 2002-03 season.

Junior guard Jonah Bock racked up 159 career threepointers, holding fifth place in program history.

The Bearcats started off strong with an 11-0 lead, but the Wolverines came fighting back to trim the lead to 11-7.

Saint Vincent pulled away, being up 29-16 towards the middle of the first half. Yarberough and freshman guard Caleb Haller then hit two three-pointers each, even-

HONOR ROLL continued from 12

This achievement was not made by the students alone, but by the collaboration of the academic and athletic departments working together to set a new standard for future student-athletes.

“To do this in a fall season with so much on-field success shows future teams a high standard that it is achievable,” Gibson said.

With the spring semester approaching, the possibility

tually trimming the lead to 36-35 at halftime. Grove City kept the scores close, but could never capture the lead during the first few minutes of the second half. Later in the half, Saint Vincent pulled away and never looked back.

The Bearcats won with a 7964 final.

The contest showcased a commendable effort from Grove City, although they encountered difficulties in various aspects of the game.

Despite maintaining a competitive field goal percentage of 47.4 percent (27-57), Grove City was outpaced by Saint Vincent, who exhibited a 54.7 percent (29-53) accuracy. The three-point shooting success was remarkable for both teams, with Grove City hitting 52.9 percent (9-17), ahead of Saint Vincent at 47.1 percent (8-17).

Free throws proved to be a struggle for the Wolverines’ offense, converting only 16.7 percent (1-6) of attempts compared to Saint Vincent’s 72.2 percent (13-18). Rebounding was a challenging aspect, as Grove City secured 24 rebounds against Saint Vincent’s 32, including a notable disadvantage in offensive rebounds.

Despite the efforts of the Grove City bench, which contributed a noteworthy 27 points compared to Saint Vincent’s 8, the opposing team’s execution proved decisive. Defensive efforts were impressive, with both teams recording nine steals each, yet Grove City faced challenges in converting turnovers into points. Saint Vincent capitalized on Grove City’s 14 turnovers, converting them into 18 points, while Grove City managed 10 points off turnovers.

Yarborough led the Wolverines with 16 points, followed by Bock and freshman forward Isaac Cherry, each with 10. Haller, Cherry, and sophmore guard Kyle Randle each led with four rebounds each.

The Wolverines have five more regular season games left. They host Bethany at 3 p.m. tomorrow in Grove City College Arena, and head to Waynesburg next Wednesday. Grove City currently sits 7th out of 11 in the PAC conference, and the top eight teams in the PAC will earn a playoff berth.

Last season, Grove City took the 8-seed to secure a position in the playoffs.

of yet another record-breaking semester is entirely feasible.

The spring semester has always included more honorees because the spring semester combines the student-athletes from both winter and spring sports. If the trends continue, the Wolverines and the PAC might set multiple new records yet again.

The Wolverines men and women also lead in the PAC All-Sports Trophy race, an award dedicated to the col-

lege with the overall bestperforming athletic programs. With four fall sports teams winning the PAC championship and one team getting runner-up, the Wolverines have the momentum to claim the 2023-24 PAC all-sports trophy.

To hold the lead for the allsports trophy and the new record for most honor-roll student-athletes further cements the fact that the Wolverines can be the best on and off the field.

Win, vs. Ohio Northern (156-132) Win, vs. Washington & Jefferson (130-63)

Women’s Swim and Dive (6-2): Win, vs. Wesminster (189-99)

Win, vs. Ohio Northern (174.5-91.5) Win, vs. Washington & Jefferson (148-59)

Upcoming

Mens’ Basketball:

Feb. 3, 3:00 p.m. vs. Bethany Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. at Waynesburg Feb. 10, 3:00 p.m. at Thiel

Womens’ Basketball: Feb. 3, 1:00 p.m. vs. Bethany

Feb. 7, 5:30 p.m. at Waynesburg Feb. 10, 1:00 p.m. at Thiel

Men’s Swim and Dive:

Feb. 3, 1:00 p.m. vs. Pre-PAC Champ Tune-Up Feb. 14-17, vs. PAC Championship

Women’s Swim and Dive:

Feb. 3, 1:00 p.m. vs. Pre-PAC championship tune-up Feb. 14-17, vs. PAC Championship

Men’s Indoor Track and Field:

Feb. 2, 1:30 p.m. at Youngstown State Mid-Major Invitational Feb. 3, 9:00 a.m. at Youngstown State Mid-Major Invitational Feb. 9, 4:00 p.m. at Baldwin Wallace Invitational

Women’s Indoor Track and Field: Feb. 2, 1:30 p.m. at Youngstown State Mid-Major Invitational Feb. 3, 9:00 a.m. at Youngstown State Mid-Major Invitational Feb. 9, 4:00 p.m. at Baldwin Wallace Invitational

WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS

Rachael Wallace Womens’ Swimming and Diving Swimmer of the Week

Bryce Pope Mens’ Swimming and Diving Newcomer of the Week

Ashley Rauhauser Womens’ Swimming and Diving Newcomer of the Week

Sports The Collegian, Feb. 2, 2024

Page 12

GRACE DAVID

The Wolverines in their final dual meet of the season, defeating Westminster for their fourth conference victory.

Women’s swimming and dive continues victory campaign Joel Sledd Sports Editor

The women’s swimming and diving team returned to their regular schedule of dominating wins and highenergy performances after taking a short hiatus for winter break. Returning with a vengeance, the Wolverines managed a four-match win streak against Penn State Behrend, Washington & Jefferson, Ohio Northern and Westminster.

On Jan. 31, the Wolverines found themselves with another win at home for their last one-on-one matchup of the season against Westminster with a final score of 189-99. Doubling their opponent’s score and winning all but two events, the Wol-

verines will head into the pre-championship tune-up match with great momentum.

Junior diver Kamryn Kerr swept the diving events, taking the win for both the 1-meter and 3-meter dive.

Freshman Ashley Rauhauser, sophomore Sarah Janicki, senior Liz Hasse and fifthyear Rachael Wallace won the 200-medley relay.

Several athletes won multiple events to defend their home. Hasse won the 50 freestyle and the 500 freestyle, where she won by almost 16 seconds. Rauhauser won both the 50 and the 100 backstroke. Finally, junior Mikaela Jenkins would take first in the 200 IM and the 100 butterfly.

To close out the day, the

Wolverines 400 free relay team, consisting of sophomore Sadie Shofestall, junior Emma Plank, sophomore Sarah Kuchma and Hasse, defeated their Westminster opponents to end the Wolverines’ last dual meet of the season with a win.

For their third win of the new year, the Wolverines handled Ohio Northern at a home match on Jan. 27 for a 174.5-91.5 victory.

To open the meet, the combined efforts of Kuchman, Janicki, Rauhauser and senior Rachael Wallace were enough to take first in the 200-medley relay. This victory set the tone for the rest of the meet.

Wallace dominated three individual events: the 100 butterfly, 200 fly and the 200

ing close behind Roberts for third place was sophomore Jacob Colbert with a time of 16:31.45 and junior Ben Raduns earned fourth timed at 17:02.51.

The 800-meter relay team, consisting of sophomore Greg Wilson, junior Tyler Eagen and seniors Cory Boyer and Gabe Dunlap placed third posting a time of 1:35.99.

Senior Nick Gustafson paced the Wolverines for the field events with a high mark in shotput. With a distance of 49 feet and 10 inches, Gustafson’s effort was enough for fourth place overall and second among DIII participants.

For the 500 meters, sophomore Isaac Busler received ninth. Eagen and sophomore Michael Chambers took 10th place for long jump and pole vault respectively.

Hoping to open 2024 with a strong performance, the Wolverines entered their second invitational of the indoor season at the Youngstown State Invitational on Jan. 19.

Mitchell secured runnerup in the 400 meters, posting a new school record with a time of 48.73 seconds and

finishing less than a third of a second behind the first-place participant.

On the field, Gustafson took fifth in the shotput, throwing 49 feet and six inches. Junior Nick Petucci claimed fifth in the triple jump with a marking at 42 feet and three inches. Sophomore Michael Chambers took 11th for pole vault and Dunlap acquired 12th place for the long jump event. Gustafson, Petucci, Chambers and Dunlap all finished first in their events among DIII competitors.

Junior Ryan Lenhart received 10th place in the weight throw with a distance of 44 feet and 4.5 inches.

The Wolverines will continue their indoor campaign at the two-day Youngstown State Mid-Major Invitational held today at 1:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 9 a.m.

The indoor track and field PAC championship will commence at 1 p.m. on Feb. 22 in Youngstown, Ohio.

With just four more indoor meets, the Wolverines will prepare for the outdoor season, which is slated to start on Saturday, Mar. 16 in the West Virginia invitational.

free relay. Her performance earned her the title of PAC “Swimmer of the Week”. The foundation was set for another Wolverines victory at home.

Hasse won both the 50 and 100 free while Rauhauser swept the 100 and 200 backstroke. Rauhauser would win PAC “Newcomer of the Week” for her performance in this match. On the diving block, Kerr once again won both the one-meter and three-meter dive events.

The Wolverines are now 4-1 in 2024.

“It’s been really great seeing people stepping up in swimming they don’t normally swim and do very well,” said senior Emma Otten.

“Our freshmen are great; they have really stepped it up.

They’re really good performers under pressure which is something you don’t see a lot in the freshmen class.”

Smashing through their opponents at home and away, the Wolverines lead the PAC with a 3-0 conference record.

With the PAC championship dawning upon the Wolverines, there is only one match remaining before the official championship. The Wolverines, along with the entirety of the PAC conference, will compete in the PrePAC Tune-Up meet at 1 p.m. on Feb. 3 at home in James E. Longnecker Pool.

The four-day PAC championship will also be held in the same location as the first day of events beginning at 1 p.m. on Feb. 14.

Fall sports Wolverines get high marks at Mount Union student-athletes Joel Sledd Sports Editor

The men’s track and field team enters 2024 with two strong performances, showcasing the athleticism of the next generation of the Wolverines.

The Wolverines travelled to Mount Union to participate in the Jim Wuske invitational on Jan. 27. The Wolverines faced 23 opposing colleges and universities.

The unscored event ended with several wolverines earning high marks and one athlete winning their respective event.

Senior Nick Mady broke the school record for the indoor 1,000 by a full second, clocking in at 2 minutes and 43.05.

The sophomore class fared extremely well with sophomore Alex Mitchell winning the 400 meters with a time of 49.93 seconds. Mitchell outpaced 44 competitors and he was the only athlete to complete the 400 meter under 50 seconds.

Sophomore Luke Roberts took second in the 5000 meters, clocking in at 16 minutes and 11.67 seconds. Follow-

set new records Joel Sledd Sports Editor

Wolverine fall sports continue to find new ways to win well after their seasons have ended. A new record was set when 104 fall sports studentathletes earned a spot on the PAC Fall Academic Honor Roll. This achievement broke both Grove City College’s and the PAC’s record for the most student-athletes to appear on the conference honor roll in a single semester. To earn a spot on this prestigious list, an athlete must earn a gradepoint average (GPA) of 3.60 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the fall semester.

The College’s fall sports student-athletes have now broken the school record three years in a row. In fall 2021, the Wolverines set the conference record with 83 recipients and then followed up with a new record in fall 2022 with 84 students.

The new record of 104 recipients in the fall is the most ever for a single semester, including the spring, and the only time the college has

reached past 100 students on the honor roll. Following the Wolverines for the 2023 fall semester is Westminster College with 79 student-athletes, then Geneva College with 69.

In total, all colleges in the PAC conference listed a combined 861 total recipients for the fall, which is also a conference record. For the 20222023 academic year, 1,744 student-athletes from across all PAC schools made the honor roll from the fall and spring semesters, breaking the previous record set just one year earlier.

“We preach ‘Wolverines Together,’ and this is such a clear example of this,” Athletic Director Todd Gibson ’02 said. “This is the embodiment of faculty and students working together and in many cases, faculty going out of their way to work with our student-athletes and their travel schedules, and stressors in their lives. It also displays that the coaches’ academic support plans for every team, and those on the teamwork.”

HONOR ROLL 11