A Fresh Start: Happy FDOC — Technician 01/09/23

NC State announcer reinstated following suspension due to offensive comment

Gary Hahn will return to broadcasting duty on Jan. 14. NC State’s broadcasting partner, Learfield, suspended Hahn for referring to undocumented citizens in El Paso, Texas as “illegal aliens” during the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Hahn was absent for the men’s basketball games against Duke and Virginia Tech but will cover Saturday’s game against Miami.

SOURCE: WRAL

Mark Meadows will not face voter fraud charges in NC

Former Congressman and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows will not face charges in relation to his voter registration and absentee ballot. Meadows, an outspoken advocate of Trump’s claims of fraudulent voters stealing the 2020 election, was simultaneously registered to vote in three states, including North Carolina.

SOURCE: US NEWS

Mega Millions jackpot reaches $1.1 billion

The Mega Millions jackpot rose to an estimated $1.1 billion after no winner was drawn on Friday. The prize is the third-largest in U.S. history, and the odds of winning are approximately one in 302.6 million. There have been 24 drawings with no winner, and the next numbers will be drawn Tuesday night.

SOURCE: AP

Rare comet will be visible from Earth for the first time in over 10,000 years

A newly-discovered comet known as C/2022 E3 is expected to be 26.4 million miles away from Earth beginning Feb. 1. The comet has a bright green nucleus and a thin ion tail. Scientists said spectators may be able to spot the comet with a naked eye if they are in a dark area, but individuals with binoculars or telescopes have a higher chance of spotting the comet.

SOURCE: NPR

THE RADAR

Events to keep an eye on for the week of January 9

HOT COCOA AND A CAMPFIRE

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6-7 p.m.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES EQUIPMENT RENTAL CENTER, CARMICHAEL GYM Free

Outdoor Adventures will host a campfire with hot chocolate to publicize different events, equipment and opportunities they’ll provide throughout the semester.

YOUR SUSTAINABLE STATE

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 1-1:45 p.m. STAFFORD COMMONS Free

Join Sustainability Stewards and campus partners for a Wolfpack Winter Welcome Week event to plan your sustainable practices for the semester.

PAUSE FOR PAWS

Thursday, Jan. 12, 2:30-4 p.m. D.H. HILL LIBRARY, FISHBOWL FORUM Free

Start the semester stress free with a visit with Canines for Service’s therapy dogs.

AUTHOR EVENT: “HELL BENT” BY LEIGH BARDUGO

Friday, Jan. 13, 7-8 p.m.

MCKIMMON CENTER, MAIN HALL Free

Join Leigh Bardugo, author of the “Shadow and Bone” trilogy and “Six of Crows” duology, as she discusses her new book “Hell Bent.” Free tickets are available for students on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early to secure your spot.

WellRec’s ThriveWell initiative offers activities to improve mental health

Anna Luking Correspondent

Incorporating movement is a great way to alleviate stress, find community and give students a moment to check in with their mental health. NC State’s WellRec creates opportunities for students to work on their mental and physical health through getting active.

Alexis Steptoe is the assistant director of ThriveWell at WellRec where she finds ways to enhance the campus communities’ well-being through strategic planning and creative programming.

“Take care of yourself in ways that bring you joy,” Steptoe said. “Move your body in ways that feel good to not only your body, but to your mind. [At WellRec,] we just want to make it as simple as possible.”

Steptoe said movement is an important pillar of stress management and overall wellness.

“A lot of the research that’s out there that will show you that movement is an integral part to a healthy lifestyle,” Steptoe said. “Stress gets trapped in the body and we experience it, we carry it with us. It gets in our neck, it winds up in our mind, we might feel it in our bellies — we’ve got all of this stress that’s kind of trapped in the

body. Movement offers an out.”

Lulu Black, a fourth-year in sports management and nonprofit studies, is a student athlete. She is also a part of the ThriveWell team, serving as a wellness assistant providing educational resources to students.

fitness studios to fitness classes and wellness coaches that help students navigate challenges through movement. Black wishes students knew more about resources like Wellness Coaching.

“Wellness Coaching provided by ThriveWell is a great resource that often gets overlooked by students at our University,” Black said. “The beauty of this resource is that Wellness Coaches can assist students with whatever it is they need guidance with, including physical well-being, mental wellbeing, financial well-being, forming new friendships, setting career goals and so much more. Each student at the University has access to four free Wellness Coaching sessions per semester.”

“Movement has served as an outlet for me for as long as I can remember,” Black said. “It’s helped me combat some of the most difficult challenges I have faced, especially in college.”

WellRec creates opportunities for movement for students to utilize, from private

Not everyone is down for a sweat session at WellRec and that’s OK, Steptoe said. There are many ways to get the benefits of moving without doing a hardcore workout.

“We can get movement all throughout our day,” Steptoe said. “Whether you’re an outdoorsy person and you love to go for a walk on the Greenway or if you love to do tai chi out on the lawn — whatever ways help you kind of achieve that balance. Moving in a

way that brings you joy allows your body to breathe and clears the cobwebs of the mind.”

Black said finding new ways to incorporate movement is important for enjoyment.

“I believe it’s important for me to discover other ways I like to move,” Black said. “This helps prevent burnout from running, allows me to connect with different people across campus and also enables me to try something new and develop new hobbies.”

Steptoe said it isn’t until we’re presented with challenges that we truly understand the importance of prioritizing our wellbeing.

“These are the same things that we’ve been talking about for years,” Steptoe said. “I think right now is just an opportune time for us to amplify those messages and be really firm and strong in the fact that we advocate for those things [that make us feel good].”

Physical exercise and movement is a great way to handle stress and can be an important part of a holistic strategy for mental health. Check out the WellRec website to learn more.

HANNAH SHEA / TECHNICIAN

Students participate in a cycling class, one of the many classes offered by University Recreation. These classes are held every day of the week in Carmichael Recreation Center.

Stress gets trapped in the body and we experience it, we carry it with us.

Technician editors’ tips for staying motivated during the spring semester

The spring semester can be so long, and it’s easy to lose steam when it comes to motivation and balancing schoolwork with the rest of life. Our editors share their best advice for powering through the second half of the school year.

Shilpa Giri, Editor in Chief

My biggest piece of advice is to remember to take breaks. While the urge to grind all the time can be strong, working with no breaks sprinkled in is more harmful than beneficial. I personally enjoy pulling up pomodoro study playlists on YouTube and using those to keep my study sessions structured. Creating a to-do list and scheduling your work is a great way to make sure you have enough time to balance your school, work and personal life, including some time off to do whatever you want.

Abigail Ali, News Editor

Making it through the spring semester is really difficult for me, especially as the temperatures get warmer. One way I help boost my mood and motivation during the spring semester is finding places to do homework

outside, such as outside a coffee shop or an outdoor space on campus. I also make sure to get in plenty of walks and exercise during the week. I have found taking the opportunity to get outside boosts my mood and makes me more productive on the days I get stuck and don’t feel like doing much.

Heidi Reid, Assistant News Editor

The best way to stay motivated is to think about the bigger picture, rather than the current cause of stress. One assignment will not make or break your career goals, and it is crucial to keep that in mind throughout the semester.

Emily Vespa, Assistant News Editor

One way I avoid burnout is doing homework with other people. I find that it makes schoolwork more enjoyable because I’m spending time with friends. They can also help keep you accountable for finishing assignments on time.

Myra Bari, Culture Editor

I used to be a hammock girlie in high school — I still pull mine out occasionally

when the weather is sunny. They’re perfect to nap in and so relaxing. There are a bunch of spots around Owen Hall and Court of North Carolina, and if you’re looking for spots off campus, Dorothea Dix Park is always empty, especially during the weekdays.

Jameson Wolf, Assistant Culture Editor

I tend to lose motivation relatively quickly in the spring semester, and the biggest thing that I have found to save my grades is to create systems that help me stay on track early on. Use your syllabi to put all your assignments in one place (I’m personally partial to spreadsheets, but Google Calendar or a good old fashioned Notes app gets the job done as well). Work your meal planning, work time and rest time into your schedule from the get-go and it will be easier to maintain throughout the semester.

Mariana Fabian, Opinion Editor

At the beginning of the semester, I take all my syllabi and compile the due dates for all my assignments into a Google Sheet. I color code the courses as well, and separate them from Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes to Tuesday/Thursday. I also bold more important assignments like papers, exams or proj-

ects. I bookmark this sheet so I never lose it in the sea of tabs I usually have open. I’ve done this for the last three semesters and it’s proved to help keep much better track of my coursework throughout the semester.

Mary Kate Giuffrida, Assistant Copy Desk Chief

My biggest tip for the spring semester is to keep your mind on the end goal. It can be really easy to slow down and let yourself fall behind, especially after a stressful fall semester, but reminding yourself of why you are putting in all of this work can be a great motivator. Also remember that sometimes giving yourself a break is just as, if not more, important than that midnight due date.

Ellie Bruno, Design Editor

Spring semester for me is the light at the end of the tunnel. As the weather changes and flowers start blooming, I find myself going outside more often to catch up on my vitamin D — at least until my allergies start to kick in. Spending time outside and enjoying nature keeps me motivated throughout the weeks, so take advantage of the beautiful spots around campus.

Editorial Staff

Red flags to look out for on the first day of class, according to students

Assistant News Editors

According to students, the first day of class is indicative of what to expect from a professor. A strict attendance policy and an excessive workload may be key red flags students spot on the first day of class that make them consider dropping it. Here’s what students said their biggest red flags are.

Julian Steinmeyer, a first-year studying education, said using multiple online platforms to post course materials sets off alarms for him. According to Steinmeyer, professors should use technology to simplify courses rather than complicate them.

“For me, [a red flag] would be if they have less organization on the digital side of things, having everything in all sorts of different places and when I have to put a lot of work finding all the different materials to turn in,” Steinmeyer said.

Chesley Goodman, a fourth-year studying English, said the required reading can make her feel apprehensive about a class.

“Sometimes, it’s [a red flag] when they make you get their own textbook that they wrote,” Goodman said. “Last semester, I had a professor where we would sometimes read some articles that she co-authored. … It’s not always a bad sign, but sometimes, it is.”

I’ve had a couple of professors be really strict talking about deadlines and absences,” Jugan said. “You have to tell them a week in advance or multiple weeks in advance, which is fine, but if something happens and your teacher won’t let you excuse that, that’s a little bit frustrating.

mediately get scared, especially if they’re group projects,” White said. “That scares me because I don’t get to pick the people that I’m with, and so if they immediately start talking about it, I’m like, ‘I don’t even know anybody here.’ And also, it just feels like they’re putting a lot of work on us and it’s not even the first day.”

Katelyn Berg, a fourth-year studying psychology and anthropology, said flexibility is essential to a good class experience.

for unexpected circumstances in the attendance and deadline policies.

“I’ve had a couple of professors be really strict talking about deadlines and absences,” Jugan said. “You have to tell them a week in advance or multiple weeks in advance, which is fine, but if something happens and your teacher won’t let you excuse that, that’s a little bit frustrating.”

open-minded when it comes to answering questions.

“I don’t like when the professor isn’t open to answering questions,” Watson said. “Being able to ask questions is important; they need a ‘no dumb questions’ attitude about answering questions.”

Ireland White, a second-year studying psychology, said she pays close attention to the assignment expectations for a class.

“If [a professor] immediately starts talking about all of the projects they have, I im-

“I always get scared when there’s no leniency in the attendance policies on the syllabus,” Berg said. “Like when attendance is for a grade. I guess that’s in the lower-level classes mostly, but if it’s like a 300, 400 class, and they’re still taking attendance for a grade, that always freaks me out a little bit.”

Alina Jugan, a fourth-year studying nuclear engineering, said she thinks it’s important for a professor to accommodate

Some students said a professor’s demeanor can dictate their perception of the course. According to Kayla Kelley, a thirdyear studying biology, professors who are uptight and fast-paced on the first day raise concern.

“If they’re really intense on the first day, like skipping through the syllabus really fast and getting to the material like 20 minutes into class, that’s a little scary,” Kelley said.

Helen Watson, a second-year studying chemistry, said she prefers professors to be

Serena Lam, a first-year studying education, said she hasn’t had any bad professors yet, but her favorites have been welcoming towards their students and excited to teach.

“I like when they are very smiley and welcoming, and you always walk in greeted with a smile,” Lam said. “It makes me excited for class and I know it’s going to be a good day.”

If you are wary about a course, keep in mind the last day for students to drop a course without a withdrawal on their transcript is Jan. 23.

GRAPHIC BY HEIDI REID

Emily Vespa and Heidi Reid

Leave gatekeeping music in 2022

we all relate to the frustration that comes with gatekeeping, and the desire to avoid it as much as possible.

Lauren Richards Staff Columnist

I’ve always been a fan of Pink Floyd. Growing up with a guitar-slinging dad, the band’s music was a great influence on my life, so it was only natural for me to buy a T-shirt with their name. As it turned out, those fond memories wouldn’t be a good enough reason to wear it — unless I had something else to prove.

From the moment he opened his mouth, I knew I was in trouble. What started as an amicable remark about my shirt from a stranger turned quickly into a test of my worthiness as a fan: “What’s your favorite album besides ‘Dark Side of the Moon?’” I was taken aback; in all honesty, I wasn’t knowledgeable about Pink Floyd albums, only certain songs. Thus, I failed to rise to the occasion and defend my honor as a fan, but I really shouldn’t have had to.

Practically anyone who’s a music fan has experienced this kind of gatekeeping at some point. If not, you’ve probably heard or seen the memes. To that end, I’m sure

To be fair, my experience was a fairly innocent interaction. And sure, this type of behavior is relatively harmless in the grand scheme of things — it may even help to connect avid fans. However, it’s unnecessary and annoying for several reasons.

First off, gatekeeping is inherently exclusionary. When you attempt to weed out casual listeners from the devoted ones, you imply that someone can only be worthy of the label “fan” if they’re able to meet a certain threshold. Whether that’s preferring niche songs over more mainstream ones or knowing the true meaning behind ambiguous lyrics, there are a slew of arbitrary boxes one must check off in order to be considered among the top ranks.

Failure to do so can be more than just embarrassing — it can also hurt your mental health. Because we are social creatures, we all need a sense of belonging to thrive. However, gatekeeping essentially bars access to a community and its benefits, which lends itself to lower self-esteem, increased

anger and anxiety.

In a way, I see ardent fans’ frustration when someone wears their beloved artists’ merchandise for the aesthetic rather than a genuine love of the group. After all, these musicians put a great amount of effort and care into what they produce, so it only makes sense for someone that recognizes that to own their products. Yet, that logic can only take you so far.

Of all the brands and items of clothing we walk around in each day, it’s doubtful we possess a deep knowledge about each one of them. Furthermore, there are plenty of other works of art, such as TV shows, movies and street artists, whose merch we wear that don’t receive the same level of scrutiny. Essentially, if you can’t explain the extensive lore behind your “Shrek” Tshirt, then you shouldn’t expect someone wearing a Nirvana shirt to do the same. Not only is gatekeeping unreasonable, but it’s also counterproductive. As a hardcore fan, shouldn’t you be happy that others are supporting your favorite band? In no way does excluding fans help to benefit the artists themselves. Insead, it runs the

risk of turning people away from your beloved group or pushing them to hide their fan status. In fact, this is why I steer clear of certain band shirts because of the judgment I expect to come with it.

Above all, gatekeeping is dumb for one simple reason — who cares? At the end of the day, everyone should be free to live their own lives, which includes wearing what you want and listening to what you want. As long as it doesn’t hurt you, it really doesn’t matter that someone who only knows “Bohemian Rhapsody” wears a Queen shirt.

If you fall into this category of individuals, don’t worry. We’re all guilty of looking down on mainstream trends. Although we all do it to some extent, we should aim to curb it if it’s only done for the sake of establishing superiority over others. Instead of putting someone on the spot, make a genuine effort to help them feel included by complimenting their music taste. Or, if you want to avoid any chance of appearing snobby, you can just say “nice shirt.”

Harassment in college is unfortunately common:

here is how I deal with

Editor’s Note: This article contains references to harassment.

Emily Cooney Staff Columnist

Growing up, I watched strangers compliment, approach and, unfortunately, sometimes verbally harass my mom enough times to learn how to deal with it.

Men in grocery stores, gas stations and anywhere else did not care that she was with her two young daughters. They still called out to her things like “Hey honey” or “What time do you get out of work?”

This is in no way meant to make you feel any sort of pity for her, me or women who deal with this everyday. It’s meant to address how this harrassment is normalized to the point where young girls like me had to be taught how to deal with this harassment.

Recently, while working at my boxing gym, I noticed a man pacing in front of the building, looking in the windows. He came inside and almost immediately said I’m beautiful, he loved what I was wearing and asked for my number. I declined with no emotion and said “No I’m OK, thanks.” Unfortunately, even after leaving the man lingered outside the building. I ended up having to call my boss to rectify the situation.

Sometimes compliments from strangers are genuine. I’m fine with this as long as

nothing is expected in return. It’s the disgusting comments and outrageous behavior that’s unacceptable.

While harassment is entirely unacceptable, we must learn how to deal with it. Here’s my advice.

Don’t feel bad for leaving these situations; leave the bar, take a break at work, call your mom or an authority. I used to feel embarrassed for voicing my fear, anger and disappointment to anyone, but especially an authority. This is unfortunately because women are often not believed when reporting harassment. We are made to feel overactive and told to take the compliment or give them a chance. Don’t listen to this absurd rationalization.

I highly recommend taking some form of self-defense or my favorite, boxing. It allows you to finally let go of that fear of harassment and bark back when necessary.

If you get catcalled, act as if you hear absolutely nothing and keep walking with purpose to avoid any contact.

Always enter a room with caution but also with pride in yourself. I used to be scared to go to work sometimes, go to class when I was sat next to a creepy guy, or even get gas alone. Don’t be scared. Fake the confidence until it’s so real no one can deny it.

Live your life, but don’t put yourself into dangerous situations. Take risks, but responsible risks. Go on that date, give your

number to the attractive barista, go to that party. But, also send your location to a friend and be safe.

Also, talk to your loved ones if you’re upset. Don’t keep your anxiety and anger about harassment to yourself for too long. If you’re like me, it will make you take it out on genuinely nice men who just want to be your friend or get to know you.

it

There are good people. Just be aware and ready to handle the bad ones who deserve to go to hell.

All my advice has worked for me and my friends, but sadly, women still get assaulted despite their efforts to stop harassment. There are resources to help you at NC State, and remember it’s never your fault if you’re dealing with any kind of harassment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence, sexual violence, stalking or any other form of interpersonal violence and are in need of advocacy services, the NC State Women’s Center has trained advocates available to offer crisis intervention, emotional support, resources and referrals. Students can contact the 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline at 919-515-4444 or email ncsuadvocate@ncsu.edu to schedule an appointment with an advocate.

What some men don’t understand is that danger is everywhere for women. You don’t have to be at a bar to get harassed. Hence the reason why we should all carry pepper spray or something of the sort.

Breathe, cry, laugh it off. You will be okay, one or dozens of bad experiences with strangers or men you know or perhaps dated does not define you or all men.

Advocacy services through the NC State Women’s Center are available for all students inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

For more information on advocacy services, please visit go.ncsu.edu/supportsurvivors. If you would like to talk to a confidential resource, you can also connect with the NC State Counseling Center at 919-515-2423. You may also visit go.ncsu.edu/safe for additional information on resources and reporting options.

Don’t feel bad for leaving these situations; leave the bar, take a break at work, call your mom or an authority.

What happened in 2022? What’s next?

Economic turmoil

Koen Rodabaugh Correspondent

Coming into the new year, it is important we take a step back and recap what big events occurred. 2022 brought with it plenty of new, politically momentous events that are worthy of reflection. These events will also be vital for understanding and preparing for 2023. Here are the major events that defined last year politically.

COVID-19

Early in the year, the coronavirus had mutated into the omicron variant, becoming far more viral than any variation before it. Omicron became commonplace around the time many public institutions began reopening, pitting Americans with the alltoo-familiar challenge of administering vital public services safely and effectively.

Here at NC State, spring 2022 was largely a return to normalcy with most students returning to in-person education, reduced mask-wearing policies and the removal of maximum occupancy requirements.

The United States saw its second-highest peak in deaths in February, hitting over 17,000 a day. Following this surge, we hit a sobering milestone in May: one million COVID-19 deaths. Since then, the transition to normalcy has continued with many Americans seeming to have shifted focus away to other results of the pandemic, namely the next point.

The world was struck by one of the worst economic collapses in recent history, drawing comparisons to the 1970 stagflation crisis and the 2008 recession. Conditions during the pandemic, such as increased demand for goods and services upon the reopening, a shipping crisis, China’s zeroCOVID policy and the war in Ukraine have led to record inflation.

Gas prices, which have thankfully dropped below the price they were this time last year, reached all-time highs, peaking at a national average of $5.01 in June. Groceries, used cars and rent prices also hit extreme highs, affecting Americans at every level. Struggles with inflation are ongoing, with economics giving wide projections for upcoming relief or sustained strife.

Russia-Ukraine conflict

On Feb. 24, Russia invaded Ukraine through the border in annexed Crimea. The stated purpose of the invasion has varied from “denazifying Ukraine” to claiming Ukrainians are committing genocide on ethnic Russians in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine.

Russian advances in the war have been limited despite massive numerical, strategic and financial advantages. Many atrocities have been committed, including the bombing of hospitals, neighborhoods and other major cultural centers.

The global response has been massive, shutting Russia off from major financial institutions such as the Society for Worldwide

Interbank Financial Telecommunication. Additionally, most Western nations have worked to unilaterally shut down the trade of crude and refined oil, coal and natural gas, Russia’s biggest exports and the leading source of energy in Europe and Asia.

Midterms

2022 saw the first national election since Trump’s attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Major focus was put on Trump’s influence on the Republican party, specifically for candidates who supported his claims of fraud.

In the end, the expected red wave was more of a puddle. Republicans only gained 10 seats in the house and lost a seat in the Senate. In North Carolina, Republicans were more successful but narrowly missed their goal of obtaining a supermajority that can reject Governor Roy Cooper’s vetoes.

For more coverage on the election, see Technician’s article on midterm takeaways.

A rogue Supreme Court 2022 saw one of the most controversial court terms in recent history. A string of major decisions by the court reversed decades of precedent and federal power to handle pressing issues. In addition to this, a leak of a preliminary draft opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson pushed many to voice concerns over the security and professionalism of the court through nationwide protest.

Many of their decisions garnered extreme criticism as well. The most controversial decision was in Dobbs v. Jackson, which

overturned Roe v. Wade’s federal protections on first-trimester abortions. The court also limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to establish provisions to address climate change, halted President Biden’s student loan debt forgiveness plan and kept Title 42 in place, a COVID-19-era policy that allows the deportation of migrants without consideration for claims of asylum status.

What will 2023 hold?

Predictions for next year are about as accurate as predicting the end of the world. What we do know is political uncertainties remain, especially in Congress. Currently, the House of Representatives has failed for nearly four days to elect a new Speaker, signaling the start of what could become the most dysfunctional House in recent years.

Here in North Carolina, the future of Moore v. Harper, a case currently before the Supreme Court challenging how state legislatures can make congressional maps, is entering new, murky territory. The Republican sweep of the state court system could reverse the progress in election fairness made in 2022, which saw the house seats for the U.S. House split between the two parties.

For now, all we can do is continue reading, staying on top of our elected officials and advocating for the change we want in the world. There is no way of truly knowing what will happen next, so we must continue to work together through this unprecedented political era.

Give recreational reading a chance this year

As college students, finding free time is difficult enough, so the last thing we want to do is add another task on top of our workload. However, picking up a book doesn’t have to feel like just another task. If we change our mindset about reading, books can open avenues we never considered.

we’re good readers. As is the case with any skill you practice, readers become better at it the more they do it.

Skye Crawford Staff Columnist

With the semester starting up, getting into a routine and adjusting to new classes always causes a lot of stress. Even once you have adjusted, the workload itself is still stressful. Because of this, we’re always seeking ways to manage our stress, and reading is something that can help. According to a 2009 University of Sussex study, reading can help reduce stress by 68% and works faster than other coping mechanisms like listening to music or drinking a cup of tea. There are other benefits of reading that can improve our experience in school as well. Considering literacy skills are the basis of most college courses, it’s important that

This goes hand-in-hand with another benefit of reading: improving one’s ability to concentrate and memorize. Because you have to focus on what the author is saying, you ultimately become better at that skill too.

Reading fiction can also help boost creativity and imagination, which is important for our schoolwork when we need to use that part of our brains for projects and problem solving.

However, considering the amount of required readings we’re expected to do in our daily lives — newspapers, academic papers, emails, traffic signs and so forth — it’s understandable that we want to avoid doing more work than we have to. Still, it’s important to remember reading doesn’t have to be a chore. I’ve found a lot of enjoyment in leisure reading.

When I talk to my peers about reading, I often get the response that they haven’t read a book since middle school or some-

thing similar. Almost in the same breath, I also hear that they despise reading. For me, those two points are connected. Most people dislike reading because they associate it with the challenging, boring books assigned in grade school. This lack of autonomy over what they choose to read creates boredom and thus a hatred for reading.

One way we can tackle this mindset is by thinking of other activities we’re required to do in grade school yet still find enjoyment in. For example, there are documentaries, movies and video clips we watched in class that aren’t particularly interesting, but we don’t dislike watching television or films as a result. This thought process should be applied to reading as well.

You may be thinking you want to try reading now, but you think you simply don’t have the time. However, there are ways to make time for reading in your schedule. For example, try reading in the morning and before going to bed. You can also listen to audiobooks, which are both entertaining and helpful in sharpening your mind.

If you’re unsure where to start with read-

ing, try thinking of the genres of television you like to watch. I always find mysteries interesting, and I’ve found I enjoy reading them just as much as I enjoy watching them.

Hesburgh Libraries also provides a guide to recreational reading and can help you find which books to start with.

Buying books can be expensive, and you might not have time to go out to the bookstore or other public libraries in search of reading material. The NC State Libraries have tons of books you can search for online and pick up at whichever campus library is most convenient for you. If NC State doesn’t have the book on hand, the interlibrary loan system allows us to get books from other universities too. Additionally, local libraries like Oberlin Regional Library in the Village District provide plenty of resources through free memberships. As students, we have impressive access to books, we just have to utilize our resources.

Most obstacles to finding joy in reading can be overcome, we just need to look in the right places and have the right intentions.

A fourth-year, studying art and design

New Year

A second-year studying art and design

Lucy Osborne, staff cartoonist

Nova and Comet: Resolution Solution

Pearl Knight, staff cartoonist

Warm Welcome Sophie Gabriel, staff cartoonist

A second-year studying art and design

Pardoned turkeys find a home at NCSU

Matthew Burkhart Staff Writer

Each year, one lucky turkey is chosen to be “pardoned” by the president of the United States, meaning they will be far from the table on Thanksgiving. This past Thanksgiving season’s pardoned turkey, Chocolate, and his wingman, Chip, were chosen to be kept at NC State’s Talley Turkey Education Unit after their grand ceremony.

Peter Ferket, interim head of NC State’s Prestage Department of Poultry Science, said presenting a turkey to the president has been tradition since the 1940s but originated with the president and his family eating the selected turkey. It was not until the presidency of George W. Bush that the selected turkey was spared from Thanksgiving feasts.

Ferket said choosing the pardoned turkey is typically the last act of the sitting National Turkey Federation president, in which the president always chooses a turkey from their own state and sometimes from their own farm. This past year’s president, Ronnie Parker of Circle S Ranch in Monroe, North Carolina, chose turkeys Chocolate and Chip to be presented to the president.

According to Ferket, the process to select the pardoned turkeys is very thorough. Ferket said Circle S Ranch hatched around 30 eggs and specifically trained these birds to be handled, walked and stand on tables so they would behave accordingly during the ceremony, with the two best-behaved turkeys presented to the president. It is customary to bring a second turkey along the trip in case something were to happen to the primary turkey.

Jesse Grimes, Prestage Department of Poultry Science extension leader and turkey specialist, accompanied Parker and the turkeys on their trip to the capital, where he said the turkeys traveled to Washington in a minivan and stayed in their own hotel room, which they were led to by red carpet.

Historically, pardoned turkeys were given to preserves just out of Washington and local colleges, such as Virginia Tech, whose mascot happens to be a turkey. In the last few years, tradition has changed to where the pardoned turkeys are given to a landgrant university in the state in which they originated.

Ferket said the federation’s choice to donate the turkeys to NC State gives the Prestage Department of Poultry Science a chance to highlight its importance in the national poultry industry. Ferket said the department produces a third of all poultry science graduates and has the most dedicated poultry science faculty in the country.

“They’re solely here for the purpose of honoring the president’s desire to pardon them and give them a really good life,” Ferket said. “We’re going to do all we can to give them the opportunity to show and tell

all about what it’s like to be a turkey at NC State.”

After the ceremony, Chocolate and Chip were transported to their permanent home in NC State’s Talley Turkey Education Unit off of Lake Wheeler Road, in which they now live in large climate-controlled enclosures. Ferket said the pair will be used to represent their species at future events, such as the North Carolina State Fair, and will be observed by poultry science students.

“We call them honorary faculty,” Ferket said. “They’re being watched in terms of special behavior. … They’re going to be here working, they’re just not paid, they basically work for room and board.”

Traditionally, pardoned turkeys have been named after common Thanksgiving foods, such as turkeys “Drumstick,” “Peas,” “Butter” and “Corn,” during the Trump presidency. Ferket said the federation sends a list of suggested names for the turkeys but instead, President Joe Biden chose to name the turkeys Chocolate and Chip, which Ferket said is most likely in reference to ice cream, which Biden has become synonymous with.

Ferket said Chocolate and Chip are both 47-pound broad breasted white turkey toms, which are the most common breed eaten on Thanksgiving. Contrary to the pardoning, turkeys hens are almost exclusively the only turkeys cooked whole for Thanksgiving, as the average hen weighs only half the weight of a tom, which averages around 50 pounds and is used mostly for further processing due to their large size.

Grimes said this event provided a time for tongue-in-cheek humor, but also a time to reflect and be thankful for the work done by farmers in North Carolina.

“It is a day to provide some humor but also a day of Thanks giving, and where does that sustenance come from?” Grimes said. “It comes from farmers here and in North Carolina, across the nation around the world. It’s a good way to have a little smile on our face, but at the same time to recognize where our support comes from.”

COURTESY OF PETER FERKET

Ferket said the federation’s choice to donate the turkeys to NC State gives the Prestage Department of Poultry Science a chance to highlight its importance in the national poultry industry.

NCSU alumni selling hemp products

Gabby Griffonetti Staff Writer

Hemp Generation is challenging the way people think about cannabis.

Founded in 2018 by NC State alumni Louis Rubio and Chloe Blesh, the company aims to produce high-quality and natural cannabis products that promote natural healing and long-term wellness for consumers.

Rubio and Blesh met while studying physics at NC State. They were inspired to start their company after attending a grower’s informational hemp conference, where they learned about growing.

Also at the conference, Rubio and Blesh met staff from Triangle Hemp, who first helped them enter the industry.

“I ended up getting plants from Triangle Hemp,” Rubio said. “I teamed up with a farmer who had a license and moved into my dad’s backyard in the spring when farmers were just planting. And so then I grew in my dad’s backyard all the summer and harvested in the fall as much as I could. That’s kind of how it all started.”

Hemp Generation’s Creative Director Alex Amaya joined shortly after the first growing season to help turn the company into a brand. Rubio and Amaya met in high school.

“In art class, Alex was always like the guy who had the best artistic talent,” Rubio said. “And he was very focused on his work. His artwork always stood out from everybody. So when I thought about reaching out to Alex, it was like a no brainer.”

Amaya said Hemp Generation’s goals are very different from typical hemp companies.

said. “So I think that’s been really one of our biggest barriers to people who perceive CBD as being this weird kratom thing that, you know, is only sold by shady places or something like that.”

In contrast with many cannabis companies, Hemp Generation provides lab tests for their products and makes all of their own gummies and tinctures using only organic ingredients and natural dyes.

9 Gummies contain a standard recreational dose of cannabis, following Colorado’s standards, although they are technically hemp products.

The main difference between an illegal-marijuana and legal-hemp product is the amount of Delta 9 THC in it by dry weight. If a product has more than 0.3% THC, it is considered marijuana, if it has less, it is considered hemp.

Hemp Generation is also developing hemp products using THCA, which is not regulated by law. When THCA is burned, it converts to Delta 9, giving users the psychoactive effects of the compound. This allows Hemp Generation to legally produce products with strong effects.

Rubio said it is ironic that NC State is what helped him enter the hemp industry.

“I’ve always been like a cannabis enthusiast my whole life,” Rubio said. “I even got in trouble at NC State one time for having cannabis in my dorm. So funny enough, and then NC State was coming back around and, you know, giving me information about cannabis now. So it’s like, kind of cool. It’s like full circle.”

Industrial hemp farming has been legal in North Carolina since October 2015. Rubio said he and Blesh had no idea about the state’s hemp growing pilot program until they attended the conference.

“North Carolina started their own hemp pilot program around 2016,” Rubio said. “And it wasn’t until 2018 that we caught wind of it. When I went to the conference, I remember thinking to myself, like, ‘Wow, this has been legal for two years, and I’m just now hearing about it.’ I would have stopped going to school two years into my degree if I would have known, you know what I mean?

“A lot of farmers were just growing to grow and to sell, and trying to push products that maybe weren’t particularly that safe or good for consumption,” Amaya said. “And so we wanted to come in and shift that into more of, ‘OK, how can we be transparent about the process? How can we be more educational and helpful?’ And we were thinking about the health and safety of the consumer, and we were really conscious about what they are going to be consuming because ultimately, it’s about wellness.”

Rubio said the company also hopes to break the stigma of cannabis and hemp products, shifting the view of cannabis and its use.

“We think that all the current smoke shops and gas stations that carry cannabis, [they] do damage the reputation that it can have as being a potential natural alternative medicine and things of that sort,” Rubio

“When we make our products like our gummies or our tinctures, we use all organic ingredients, natural dyes, nothing artificial, because we’re not here to sell gummies and candies, or make it look bright and neon orange and appealing,” Rubio said. “We’re here to try and sell something that’s going to help people better their lives. And we don’t want to give them compounds or chemicals that could contradict the positive effects that we’re trying to promote.”

Rubio, Blesh and Amaya said they have each seen the positive effects of cannabis in their lives and the lives of their friends and family, and they hope to educate the general public about these effects as well.

At each of their retail locations, located in Cary and Raleigh, they offer education and consultancy services to help consumers understand what product is best suited to their personal needs and wellness goals. This can also help simplify the multiple, and oftentimes confusing, terms and ideas surrounding cannabis.

In addition to wellness, the company also has products that can imitate the effects of marijuana. According to Rubio, their Delta

Hemp Generation envisions a future where everyone understands the benefits of cannabis and uses it to better their lives. Rubio highlighted this idea as he explained the best part of his job.

“Knowing that we can come to work and we’re helping people better their quality of life, that’s huge,” Rubio said. “The amount of happiness that I get every day when we have a customer and they come in for a refill and they just express how much nicer their life is and how much they love this stuff. And know that it’s just part of it all, it’s like we’re all like one big green family.”

Visit Hemp Generation at 2402 Hillsborough St., or find more information on their website or Instagram.

I would have dedicated my whole life to this whenever it was legal.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEMP GENERATION

Rubio said the company also hopes to break the stigma of cannabis and hemp products, shifting the view of cannabis and its use.

We’re here to try and sell something that’s going to help people better their lives.

-Louis Rubio

Weezer’s ‘Winter’ embodies loneliness, longing

Jameson Wolf Assistant Culture Editor

Weezer’s fourth EP of 2022 gives a soundtrack to the seasonal slump that the short, dark days of winter bring.

Though not destined for the popularity of their earlier music, the “SZNS” project, and most notably “Winter” as the strongest of the four EPs, demonstrates a culmination of Weezer’s musical journey that is admirable in concept, if less so in execution.

The opening song, “I Want A Dog,” is the catchiest of the seven and establishes the tone of the season as one of loneliness and longing. The piece is more acoustic than Weezer typically leans, opening with finger-picked guitar and then introducing orchestral strings for a fuller sound.

Though not historically characteristic of Weezer, this increased acoustic, rather than electric, sound is consistent with the band’s nods to classical music throughout the other three “SZNS” EPs. Based loosely on Vival-

di’s violin concertos “The Four Seasons,” the project makes regular use of instrumental motifs and lyrical references to virtues of classical music and formal poetry.

The second track, “Iambic Pentameter,” is the most interesting — if somewhat disappointing — homage to formalization, as it conveys a desire for structure that will help communicate complex and abstract emotions. It desperately searches for tools to make itself understood and finds them in the rhythmic structure of iambic pentameter, one of the most common meters in traditional English poetry and a favorite of Shakespeare’s.

While the mania and desperation of the song fit perfectly into the tone of the EP as a whole, “Iambic Pentameter” ultimately turns into another one of many heavyhanded flexes of frontman Rivers Cuomo’s Harvard English degree throughout the project. On top of the missed opportunity to actually include iambic pentameter, the

song has several harsh and disjointed transitions that give the impression of sloppily combining the best melodies from several songs that didn’t make the cut into a single track, with the execution ultimately falling short of concept.

Other tracks include tastes of different eras of the band’s, with “Basketball” bringing the angst reminiscent of classic Weezer. “The One That Got Away” and “Dark Enough To See the Stars” both make use of similar nostalgia and angst, but lean into more interesting melodies, rhythms and sound qualities while paying the price of occasional disjointedness.

The closing track, “The Deep and Dreamless Sleep,” is the most characteristic of winter’s oppressive effect on emotion, embodying the feeling of coping without confronting each and every day to get through the season.

The final instrumentation is epic, amassing moments and melodic motifs from

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

throughout the previous tracks and culminating in a Vivaldi-and-Queen-esque finale. Despite being on the back side of the winter solstice, the weeks of dark, cold days ahead of us encourage nostalgia and reflection and memory that easily become all-consuming. “Winter” encapsulates the fear, monotony and loneliness of those weeks without too much forced wintery imagery.

In compiling the “SZNS” album, the band opted to include “Winter” at the beginning rather than the end despite it being the last EP released. This choice, given the tone of the EP, serves the album as a whole by avoiding closing on the hopelessness of “Winter.”

It would be valid to argue 2022 was a year of a little too much Weezer. And yet, it’s somewhat heartening to see established bands such as Weezer and artists such as Cuomo continue to develop and innovate despite their displacement from the throne of the mainstream.

NFL Pack Pros: Knight shows promise, Wilson provides hope for the future

Gavin Gallimore Staff Writer

The month of December saw lots of drama throughout the National Football League. With many teams fighting for a limited amount of playoff spots, fans were treated to several high-stakes games. In the midst of this drama, many former NC State football players helped do their part to power their respective teams ahead.

After bursting onto the scene in week 12, Zonovan Knight has continued to make an impact for the New York Jets. In the following week against the Minnesota Vikings, he posted his best offensive display of the season, racking up for 90 rushing yards and 28 receiving yards. A week later, he continued to turn heads, rushing for 71 yards and scoring his first NFL touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, helping him earn rookie of the week honors. Unfortunately for Knight, his production saw a significant dropoff in the last two weeks of December with Michael Carter’s return from injury.

The 2022 season has been one of confusion for the New York Jets. While they had hopes for the playoffs entering December, inconsistent play from behind center has largely hindered the team’s success. However, with the emergence of a young star such as Knight, there is hope for the Jets’ offense going forward.

Alim McNeil – Detroit Lions, DL

At the beginning of the 2022 season, nose tackle Alim McNeil also had very limited production. As the season progressed, however, a boost in his numbers and impact has been evident. In a week 15 win over the Jets, he recorded five total tackles, helping limit the Jets to only 50 total rushing yards. The following week against the Carolina Pan-

thers, he had arguably one of his best performances all season, making six tackles, one of which was for a loss.

As week 18 approaches, the Lions are still alive in the playoff picture. While they don’t have complete control of their postseason aspirations, the Lions have a chance to get there nonetheless. If they should earn a playoff berth, Detroit will definitely count on McNeil to help hold down the defense.

Larrell Murchison – Los Angeles Rams, DL

Former Wolfpack defensive lineman Larrell Murchison has been limited in his third season in the NFL. However, that did not stop him from putting up an amazing statline on Christmas Day against the

Denver Broncos. Facing off against fellow Pack Pro, Russell Wilson, Murchison tallied two sacks. He also recorded four additional tackles to help power the Rams to a dominant 51-14 victory.

A year removed from winning a Super Bowl title, the Rams have had a disappointing season to say the least. Despite the fact they’re missing the postseason, it is reassuring that they have young talent such as Murchison to assist in anchoring their defensive line.

Russell Wilson – Denver Broncos, QB

Even though this season has proved to be disappointing for the nine-time Pro Bowler, Wilson’s continued to show some

flashes throughout the season. One such flash came in week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though the Broncos were already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, they aimed to play spoiler to the Chiefs’ playoff goals. In a close loss at home, he threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns, a season-high for him in regards to touchdown passes. He also displayed his athleticism, putting forth another 57 yards on the ground.

Going into the offseason, the Broncos have a lot of concerns to address, the biggest of which involves Wilson’s future with the team. Even though he had his worst statistical year as a pro, not all of the blame can be placed on him as injuries and questionable coaching did him no favors. Going into next season, it will be interesting to see how the Broncos adapt and how it impacts Wilson’s career.

Zonovan Knight –New York Jets, RB

DAVID TRACEY/TECHNICIAN

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Devin Leary hands the ball off to sophomore running back Zonovan Knight at Carter-Finley Stadium Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Knight had 13 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown as the Wolfpack beat Louisiana Tech 34-27.

NC State’s must-see spring matchups

Aidan Carlson Correspondent

Following winter break, NC State students will be flocking back to campus this week for the spring semester. And as the new semester begins, NC State athletics will be firing on all cylinders as some teams continue their hard work from the winter and others look to begin their season.

From baseball to wrestling, here’s a list of key matchups this spring that will bring surefire entertainment.

Baseball vs. Virginia

From March 16-18, NC State welcomes Virginia to Doak Field for the Pack’s first taste of ACC play at home. In the NCAA’s 2023 preseason rankings, Virginia ranks 16th in the nation while NC State clocks in at 30th.

Despite being in the same conference, this will be their first meeting since the shortened 2020 season where the Cavs got the best of the Wolfpack in a three-game series, winning 2-1. However, in three years’ time, each of these teams look very different from when they last played, so anything can happen considering NC State’s underdog status.

The Pack will look to its pitchers to lead them through this series and this season.

Junior pitcher Sam Highfill missed the majority of last season with an injury, so his presence will be crucial if the Pack wants to win its series against Virginia.

Men’s basketball vs. Duke

On Feb. 28, the NC State men’s basketball team heads to Cameron Indoor Stadium to attempt to win its second game of the season against Duke. The last time NC State was able to sweep the season series against Duke was during the 1994-95 season.

NC State beat Duke 84-60 on Jan. 4 while holding the lead for the entire game; a welcomed surprise to many NC State fans. The Wolfpack relied on sophomore guard Terquavion Smith, graduate guard Jarkel Joiner and graduate forward DJ Burns, who combined for 63 of NC State’s 84 points. In a challenging environment, NC State will have to rely on these three key players if it wants to beat Duke for the second time this season.

Sweeping the season series against Duke

will be a major turning point in this era of NC State basketball led by head coach Kevin Keatts. Just last year, NC State finished dead last in the ACC, and many wanted to see Keatts vacate his position. However, a win at Duke might just cement Keatts’ status as a winner.

Every year the women’s basketball team honors the late Kay Yow, former head coach of the team, in the Play4Kay game. NC State will don its pink uniforms and bring awareness to help boost the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

In this year’s Play4Kay game, No. 10 NC

Longhorns, the No. 1 ranked women’s tennis team in the nation. The NC State women’s team comes just behind the Longhorns in the preseason rankings ranked at No. 3 in the country. Last season, the Wolfpack was able to just edge out the Longhorns 4-3, even without its highest-rated singles player graduate student Alana Smith. NC State will rely on Smith and fifth-year senior Nell Miller, who was onehalf of the Wolfpack’s NCAA Doubles Championship pair last season, if it’s to beat Texas this spring.

Softball vs. Clemson

From April 14-16, NC State will host the Clemson Tigers for a three-game series at Dail Softball Stadium. These two teams last faced off in the 2021 season where Clemson swept NC State in a four-game doubleheader, all while holding the Wolfpack to just three runs in each of the four games.

Men’s and women’s swim and dive vs. UNC and Virginia

Since the 2018-19 season, both the NC State men’s and women’s swim and dive teams have yet to finish outside the top5 ranked teams in the nation; however, a national championship has proven to be elusive for the Wolfpack.

For the past two years, the Virginia women’s swim and dive team has won the NCAA championship, and so far through the 2022-23 season, the Cavaliers are still on top as the No. 1 ranked team in the nation. NC State’s women’s squad isn’t too far behind at No. 4 in the country. The UNC women’s swim and dive team is also very competitive; ranked No. 17 in the country.

As for the men’s teams; NC State is ranked No. 5 while Virginia is ranked slightly lower at No. 11.

Women’s basketball vs. Virginia Tech

State takes on No. 9 Virginia Tech on Feb. 6 at Reynolds Coliseum in a high-ranked ACC showdown. The Wolfpack has struggled to find its footing and has lost two of four conference games this year. Whereas last season, the red-and-white only lost one out of 18 conference games, so rebounding on this special occasion will be a great opportunity for NC State.

Wrestling at the ACC Championships

On March 5, NC State will host the ACC Championships for wrestling at Reynolds Coliseum where the Pack will aim to win its fifth ACC title in a row. NC State has five returning wrestlers who made it to the finals of its weight class that are looking to either defend its title or get revenge, so expect an electric environment inside Reynolds.

Women’s tennis vs. Texas

On April 10, NC State will host the Texas

The Wolfpack lost a significant amount of upperclassmen last season and will have almost double the amount of freshmen as it did the season prior. This will likely be a tough game for a young team, but winnable nonetheless.

Men’s tennis vs. Wake Forest

On April 12, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will make the commute to Raleigh to take on the Wolfpack in an ACC showdown. NC State looks to avenge its loss to Wake Forest last season when it fell to the Demon Deacons 2-5. At the time Wake Forest was ranked No. 6 in the country, but after losing a majority of its top-six singles and doubles players, the Demon Deacons have dropped to No. 14 while NC State sits behind them at No. 19.

For the Wolfpack, fifth-year senior Rafa Izquierdo Luque leads the way as the highest-rated singles player and is part of NC State’s highest-rated doubles pair at No. 21 in the country. The Pack looks to capitalize on an inexperienced Wake Forest team in this exciting spring matchup at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center.

ANNA HANSEN/TECHNICIAN

Junior guard Diamond Johnson charges past an opponent at the game against Boston College in Reynolds Coliseum on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2022. Johnson scored 18 points and the Wolfpack lost to the Eagles 79-71.

Pack Athletics’ spring names to know

Noah Teague Correspondent

With spring on the horizon, several sports at NC State will be starting up soon. Here are some of the top athletes for Wolfpack fans to familiarize themselves with this spring.

Baseball – Lujames Groover III

One of NC State’s top returning players this season, junior infielder LuJames Groover III, is poised for another big season. Groover shines brightest when up to bat. Last season he paced the Wolfpack with an impressive .364 batting average. He also scored 65 total runs, including 10 home runs. One of his best accomplishments last season was a 24-game hit streak that spanned nearly two months and his consistency at the plate this year will be much needed for the Pack.

The Second Team All-ACC player made his presence felt last season in clutch situations. He hit a walk-off homer against Quinnipiac early last season to deliver a 12-10 victory and later in the year, he scored two game-winners in less than a week, against UNC-Wilmington and Boston College respectively. Having a clutch hitter like Groover will be critical this season as the Wolfpack looks to navigate through the ACC.

Softball – Libby Whittaker

Redshirt junior infielder Libby Whittaker had a breakout 2022 season with the softball team. Finishing the season with 20 total hits, six home runs and 19 RBIs, she’s sure to maintain her upward trajectory in 2023. Additionally, she’ll have plenty of room to build off of her 25-start 2022 season after some key departures to the Pack’s softball squad. With the ability to put up some insane statlines at the plate, she’s definitely a player to watch this spring.

Men’s track and field – Joshua Brockman

Senior Joshua Brockman enters the 2023 track and field season with a chance to finish his collegiate career strong. In the 2022 outdoor track and field season, the Charlotte native turned in multiple impressive performances. At the USATF championships, he broke a school record with his 13.55 time in the 110m hurdles. He also qualified for his first NCAA championship, where he competed in the 110m hurdles, and he was recognized for his achievements last season by being named an All-American.

Women’s track and field – Katelyn Tuohy

Junior Katelyn Tuohy may go down as one of the most accomplished athletes in NC State athletics history. In June 2022, she won the 5000m national championship. By completing the race in 15:18.39, Tuohy clocked the third-fastest time in the event’s history. Her victory continued NC State’s stellar track and field legacy, which includes winning the same event in 2021 with Elly Henes.

In addition to her national title, Tuohy earned several notable awards this past year. In 2022, Tuohy was an All-American, AllACC Academic team member, and the 2022 ACC outdoor Track Performer of the Year. Tuohy is no stranger to accolades, as she was the first and only athlete to ever win the Gatorade Athlete of the Year for cross country.

While Tuohy is a very successful track and field athlete, she also competes with NC State’s cross country team. This past November, she won a national championship with the cross country team, the Pack’s second in a row. Tuohy finished in first place overall, running the course in 19:27.7, and she is without a doubt one of the best long distance runners in college athletics.

Men’s tennis – Robin Catry

Senior Robin Catry returns to the Wolfpack for another season after starting last year for the men’s tennis team. The 6-foot-6 Frenchman made the 2022 All-ACC Second team and All-Academic team last year. Winning in both singles and doubles, Catry was a key part of the Pack’s success last season. Arguably his top accomplishment last season was leading the team with 21 singles wins.

Some of Catry’s best moments last season came against the South Carolina Gamecocks, one of the top tennis programs in the country. Paired with junior Luca Staeheli, Catry won a doubles match 7-5 against Daniel Rodrigues and Connor Thompson. The Gamecock duo was ranked 13th in the country at the time, making the win all the more impressive. Catry also won his singles match 7-5 against 57th ranked Toby Samuel. Catry looks to repeat his success this spring.

Women’s tennis – Abigail Rencheli

Junior Abigail Rencheli is a former fivestar tennis recruit that has delivered so far during her time in Raleigh. An ITA AllAmerican, Rencheli found plenty of success this past season, especially in singles competition. Ending the year ranked 34th nationally, despite only being a sophomore, capped what was a very successful year. She also qualified for the NCAA Singles Championships quarterfinal in 2022, a feat only accomplished once before in school history. This season has potential to be another special one for Rencheli.

Gymnastics – Chloe Negrete

Senior Chloe Negrete enters the 2023 season with high expectations. Though Negrete did not compete last season due to injury, she had a quality first two seasons. As a freshman, Negrete won East Atlantic Gymnastics League Rookie of the Week honors three times. Then as a sophomore, Negrete made the All-EAGL First Team and the EAGL All-Tournament First Team. Coming off a torn achilles is very difficult, but if Negrete is fully healthy she could have another incredible season.

GRIFFIN BRYANT/TECHNICIAN

Sophomore infielder LuJames Groover III celebrates his extra innings walk-off home run in the Wolfpack’s home baseball game against the Quinnipiac Bobcats at Doak Field on Feb. 26, 2022. The Wolfpack beat the Bobcats 12-10 to win the series.

Terquavion Smith, Jarkel Joiner are reshaping NC State men’s basketball

Ethan Bakogiannis Sports Editor

It’s no secret that the backcourt duo of sophomore Terquavion Smith and graduate student Jarkel Joiner have been electric to watch so far this season. It goes beyond making flashy passes, sinking 3s and filling up the statsheet, however.

From distributing the ball to toppling monumental opponents and taking over games all by themselves when need be, the red-and-white’s dynamic duo is just what the doctor ordered to revive the NC State men’s basketball team after a dismal 202122 season.

Smith and Joiner aren’t just putting the ACC on notice with their play, however. The red-and-white’s backcourt duo is transforming the way NC State plays basketball.

Sharing the wealth

Perhaps the biggest asset that NC State’s new dynamic duo brings to the table is their willingness to share the ball. It’s safe to say that their role as distributors and passers alone has changed NC State’s style of basketball. In the 2021-22 season, NC State’s offense averaged 11.3 assists per game — nearly dead last in the ACC at 14th. Now with Smith and Joiner running the show in 2022-23, that number has skyrocketed to 14.3 APG, good for 7th in the ACC and only 0.3 APG away from cracking the top three teams in this category.

The big difference here is that last season’s

squad just didn’t have enough distributors to spread the wealth around effectively, and therefore, score more effectively. In 21-22, guard Dereon Seabron averaged 3.2 APG, leading the team in this category and landing him at 14th in the ACC. This season, however, NC State’s duo are both within the top-12 of assists per game leaders in the conference.

Smith, who already had nearly unlimited scoring potential on his own, has quietly added a focus on passing to his repertoire. Last season, he ranked 40th in the ACC with 2.1 APG. This year, the sophomore has flipped the script, averaging 4.8 APG, good for fifth in the ACC. Meanwhile, Joiner is contributing a more-than-solid 3.5 APG, landing him at 15th in the ACC.

This transition to a passing-focused offense has undoubtedly paid dividends this season for the Wolfpack. NC State has already eclipsed its win total of the previous season of 11. Now with 13 wins and counting, this concerted effort to pass from Smith and Joiner have put the red-and-white in a position to not only compete with the best teams in the ACC, but beat them.

Blue Devil beatdown

Smith and Joiner were able to deliver in the Pack’s biggest game all season — a dominating 84-60 rout of the Duke Blue Devils in PNC Arena. While performing well against a handful of nonconference opponents, Duke presented NC State with its first real test at PNC Arena, and the pair

helped NC State pass with high marks.

Combining for 45 total points and nine assists, Smith and Joiner were unrelenting in their aggressive approach against the Blue Devils. Making sure to keep their foot on the gas until it was all but over, NC State’s most important players came through when it was needed the most. While the jury’s still out on them replicating this performance night-in-night out against the ACC’s other challenging opponents, Smith and Joiner have done it before on the biggest stage and are sure to do it again.

Takeover mode

The pair showed that they were able to completely take over against one of the best teams in college basketball, but they’ve been dominating games for the entire season.

When he returned for the 2022-23 season, everyone expected Smith to replicate and expand upon his raw scoring ability that he displayed in the previous year, and he hasn’t disappointed thus far. Leading the team in scoring, Smith has clearly become the number one option for NC State. The sophomore has recorded six 20-plus point games this season, exploded for a seasonhigh 33 points and hasn’t had a single-digit scoring game so far. If that’s not trajectorychanging play for the NC State men’s basketball team, what is?

Even when not scoring 20+ points each, the backcourt duo is unrelenting in their scoring contributions. Smith, who already is fourth in the ACC in APG, ranks second

in scoring with 18.6 in PPG. The sophomore is already nipping at North Carolina’s Armando Bacot’s heels for first place in the ACC with 18.8 PPG, and a few more big nights from Smith may move him to number one in this category.

Once again, Joiner falls in line right behind Smith, averaging 16.3 PPG, good for 12th in the ACC. As a transfer guard, Joiner is the front runner for breakout player of the year for this team and was perhaps the most pivotal offseason addition by head coach Kevin Keatts to this team.

Like Smith, the grad student can also take over games and is lethal from behind the arc. Joiner has the ability to explode in games and go on some dangerous scoring streaks, using his soft touch at the rim or sharpshooting skills to score in a variety of ways. In addition, he leads the team in 25plus point games with four and recorded a season-high 29 points against Coppin State, putting on a show in the team’s annual heritage game in Reynolds Coliseum.

After recently paving the way for a close, yet nonetheless impressive win on the road against Virginia Tech, Smith and Joiner continue to pioneer a new era of NC State men’s basketball, one that uses a talented backcourt to dictate and dominate games. Passing the ball, taking down big-time opponents and relentless scoring by these two have proven that NC State is a force to be reckoned with this year in the ACC, and it doesn’t look like the Pack’s dynamic backcourt duo is stopping anytime soon.

HALLIE WALKER/TECHNICIAN

From left, sophomore guard Terquavion Smith, graduate guard Jarkel Joiner and freshman guard LJ Thomas smile while looking down the court during the annual Heritage Game against Coppin State in Reynolds Coliseum on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. NC State beat Coppin State 94-72.

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