Volume 134 No 7

The Springfield Student Est. 1910

October 24, 2019

[scstudentmedia.com]

Contact us: springfieldstudent@springfield.edu

Volume 134 No. 7

Rest easy, Connor.

See Page 4 for updates on the tragic passing of freshman Connor Neshe.

Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics

Annual Take Back the Night Event took place in JUDD ON Tuesday NIGht.

“I WOnder why...”

SEE PAGE 8 for a recap of the event.

SEE PAGE 7 for the powerful art project.

October 24, 2019

News

PAGE 2

Emergency Preparedness Springfield College Public Safety hosts presentation and open forum on emergency preparedness and active killer situations.

By Danny Priest @dpriest3

On Wednesday afternoon, a smattering of students and faculty made their way over to the Fuller Arts Center at Springfield College for a presentation.

However, the presentation displayed was not the typical performance seen inside of Fuller.

Students are accustomed to Vagina Monologues,

acapella concerts, and Best of Broadway, among other things being held in the auditorium.

This time it was Springfield College Public Safety, led by Sergeant Dan Cotter, giving a presentation on emergency preparedness and civilian response to active shooters.

Cotter was joined by Detective Sergeant Joe Tiraboschi and Officer Dylan Sullivan for the presentation.

While not as glitzy or glamorous as the other events, Public Safety’s presentation was an important one, and one everyone on campus should be aware of. Especially in a day and age where tragedies on school grounds and in public areas are sadly becoming the norm.

Cotter gave two presentations on Wednesday, one from 12-1:30 p.m. and another from 7-8:30 p.m. Both covered the same information

and theme of keeping campus safe and prepared.

Cotter kicked things off by asking the crowd whether or not they felt like Springfield College would be prepared in the instance of an active shooter. His question was met with sparse raising of hands.

“The bottom line is the fact that we’re even having this dialogue right now shows that we’re actually ahead of where a lot of other

institutions are. It’s the fact that you folks have realized that it’s time to have this conversation,” Cotter told the crowd.

“For a lot of years, especially in higher education facilities, people didn’t want to have these conversations. They’re uncomfortable to have, but it’s an unfortunate reality at this point,” he added.

See Emergency Response on Page 6

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October 24, 2019

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Listening to the students Campus Inclusion will conduct a climate survey next week to continue efforts involving diversity and inclusion on campus.

Photo Courtesy of Springfield College

By Collin Atwood catwood@springfield.edu

In the spring of 2017, Springfield College introduced its “Inclusion Strategic Plan,” which included a goal to develop and support a campus climate that values all community members.

The Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement staff plans to continue efforts towards that goal by launching the Campus Inclusion Climate Survey on October 28.

“The survey is designed to help us understand who we are and what we are from a campus perspective in terms of how we’re doing in reference to our

campus diversity plan,” said Calvin Hill, the vice president of inclusion and community engagement at Springfield College.

“The goal of the survey is to help us better ourselves as a community,” Hill added. He wants to assure Springfield College continues doing things it is doing well, and improve in areas where it needs work.

It is very important for everyone at Springfield College to participate in this survey so that the community can make the proper improvements.

“We need to hear

from absolutely everybody on campus… everyone’s voice matters,” Hill said.

The participation of every student and faculty member will help better the College as a whole.

“The only way that we’re going to be able to be the Springfield College that’s going to be around here for the next 50, 60, 70 years is to make sure that we’re addressing any concerns today,” Hill said.

The survey is open to every student and staff member at Springfield College and is submitted anonymously. There are

also some incentives for filling out the survey.

The first 50 students to respond will receive a coupon for a free large coffee at Starbucks in the Learning Commons.

Also, participants can opt into a drawing for some other prizes. One student and one faculty member will win a 32Inch 720p Roku Smart LED TV. Apple Airpods, a signed Grant Hill Spalding Signature Series basketball, and Amazon gift cards can be won by students as well. The prizes will be given out at the end of the survey period on November 15.

After Hill and his

team analyze the surveys and look at the results, they will release the information in the fall of 2020.

“We want to wait and see what those results are and based on what those results are we want to try and implement things that helped make people feel like this is a place where they can work, play and live,” Hill said.

For more information on the Campus Inclusion Climate Survey, visit the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement tab on Springfield College’s main website.

October 24, 2019

News

PAGE 4

In memoriam: Connor Neshe The Springfield College community continues to mourn the loss of freshman Connor Neshe of Framingham, Mass.

By Gabby Guerard @GabbyGuerard

On Sunday, October 20, the Springfield College community received a heartbreaking email from the Office of the President. First-year student Connor Neshe of Framingham, Mass. had passed away that morning.

In the evening, President Mary-Beth Cooper, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Patrick Love, Dean of Students Sue Nowlan, counselors from the Counseling Center, and a large number of students gathered in Marsh Chapel. It was an emotional evening, as students shared stories about Neshe and leaned on one another during this challenging time.

Cooper addressed those who gathered, expressing her deep sorrow for the loss of Neshe, as well as encouraging the community to be there for each other: “We are a special community who gathers together for many reasons. We come together

in our classes to learn from our faculty and from our peers, we come together to compete as student athletes, to perform in student productions, to show our unique contributions, and to live the Springfield College mission of spirit, mind, and body in leadership to others,” Cooper said.

“Sadly, we came together on Sunday night to grieve our mutual loss of one of our own, Connor Neshe.

Although I didn’t know Connor personally, I knew all about him.

He was a Springfield College student living his best life in the spirit of Humanics. As we gathered, some shared that Connor was kind, that he often expressed his excitement to be a part of this community and that he was generous in spirit. Yes, he was a Springfield College student. He will always be a part of us and live on in the rich tapestry of this community.

“I grieve for his parents. And I asked our community on Sunday night to take good care

of each other during this period of raw vulnerability. It’s also important to reach out to loved ones and let them how much they mean to you.

We are all feeling a wide range of emotions from sadness to confusion to despair. But in this time of deep sadness, let’s continue to gather together to not only share our grief, but to hold each other up. Connor Neshe was one of us and we are all Springfield

College. One incredibly special community comprised of the most caring people I have ever known.”

Neshe played an intricate role in the Springfield College community, as many voiced how he was always there for his peers and checked on those around him.

He was also involved in the College athletically as a member of the men’s tennis team.

On Monday, October 21,

men’s tennis head coach Mike Louis expressed the positive impact Neshe has had on the team.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Connor’s parents and family during this heartbreaking time,” he said. “From the moment we started recruiting him, it was clear that Connor was a very special young man.

In the short time he spent with us on Alden Street, he left a lasting impact on our tennis

A moment of silence will be held before every Springfield College home game for the remainder of the week. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

October 24, 2019

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Connor Neshe (second from the left in the top row) posing for a photo with his men’s tennis teammates and coaches. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics) programs. Our hearts are heavy and we will always carry with us the memories we made with Connor.”

There have been numerous actions on campus to honor Neshe, including but not limited to: the Fellowship of Christian Athletes inviting members of the community to pray in the Meditation Room on Monday, both the men’s and women’s soccer teams wearing black armbands during their games Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, and all home games this week will begin with a moment of silence in remembrance of Neshe.

There is still a lot unknown about the unexpected tragedy, and

at this time, Cooper has shared all of the available information. She recognizes how this has been a very challenging time for the entire community, especially given the lack of answers to the many questions that have arisen. In a statement released Tuesday evening, Cooper said: “Over the past few days, I have observed with admiration and pride – our students, faculty and staff – our Springfield College community – come together in this terrible time of loss with the passing of Connor Neshe.

“The pain and grieving that we are all feeling will certainly impact our work, our studies and our personal lives

for some time. You can be assured opportunities to gather as a community to remember Connor and the offer of support will continue.

“At this time, I have shared with the Springfield College community all the information that is available. I understand that there is some speculation as to the cause of Connor’s passing and not having that information can be confusing and troubling. I can add to the information shared to date that the City of Springfield Police Department has recently confirmed there is no criminal investigation necessary or underway.

“As a community, I know I can count on you to respect the privacy of

Connor’s family, friends and teammates. They need our support, please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”

Details regarding services and arrangements have not been announced at this time. The Student will continue providing updates as soon as they become available.

Support services and the Counseling Center are available to all members of the Springfield College community. The Counseling Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and may be reached via phone at 413-7483345 or email at counselingcenter@springfield. edu.

Additionally, The Student will publish a

separate story focused entirely on Connor’s life and his impact within the Springfield College community next week.

The Student recognizes how challenging this time is for the entire community, particularly for those who knew Connor best. Our No. 1 priority is respecting the privacy of these individuals, and providing them with the time to process, grieve, and feel -- we are all human.

Sharing Connor’s unique story is a priority, and The Student will honor it authentically in the near future, but we also feel it is equally important to respect the privacy and needs of those grieving at this time.

October 24, 2019

News

Sergeant Dan Cotter listens to a question from an audience member during Wednesday afternoon’s presentation.

(Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Markeing & Communications)

Emergency Response continued from Page 2

The presentation started by stressing to the crowd that the information covered pertained to more than just shooters. It focused on natural, technological, and manmade disasters as well.

Cotter was also sure to point out that the topic was not restricted to active shooters, but includes any act of violence by a person with the intent to kill.

On one of the slides, Public Safety defined what exactly an active killer is: “An individual

actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.”

After cutting through the nitty gritty information, Cotter moved on to actual details on what to do. His key point was always staying aware of surroundings and being able to give accurate information back to police.

A few things Cotter mentioned that witnesses should be able to recite to police were: the location of the active shooter, the number of shooters (if more than one), a physical description of shooters, the number and type of weapons held by the

shooters, and the number of potential victims at the location.

Cotter then proceeded to show a video from the Department of Homeland Security detailing the “RUN. HIDE. FIGHT” method of response and survival.

Each step displayed in the video was self-explanatory (running if the option is there, hiding in a secure location, fighting if needed).

What Cotter explained after was a bit more important. He told the crowd about the three types of disaster personalities: denial, deliberation, and the decisive moment where an

individual decides whether to run, act, or hide.

“The people that cycle through these three things -- denial, deliberation, and the decisive moment -- the quickest ultimately have the best chance of survival in an emergency situation,” Cotter said.

Cotter’s key takeaway for the audience was that individuals cannot do anything without thinking first. “The body cannot go somewhere the mind has never been,” was a key point made throughout the presentation.

Cotter stressed to those in attendance that remaining calm and trusting law enforcement was something to remember.

PAGE 6 “The reason why police officers wear uniforms is so they can be differentiated.

It’s the instant command presence that they get on scene,” he said.

“It attracts attention towards them, if we’re in an emergency catastrophic situation, it’s human nature to be drawn to that uniform, but that officer has a job to do.

So as that officer first arrives on the scene, their primary focus is going to be to stop the threat on human life,” he said.

Cotter closed by reminding everyone in attendance that if they see something suspicious, say something. He also made sure the crowd recognized the importance of knowing how they would personally react in a crisis situation and that remaining calm was key.

The plan is for more sessions to be held later in this semester for individuals who may have been unable to make it to either of Wednesday’s sessions.

While those on campus are always expected to adhere to the information covered in the presentation, please remember Public Safety can be reached for emergencies at (413) 748-555 and non-emergencies at (413) 748-3516.

October 24, 2019

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“I wonder why...”

Community Arts project makes a statement in the Campus Union.

By Daniela Detore @DanielaDetore

As quickly as it appeared, it disappeared -- but not until after it made an uproar among students.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, a Community Arts project was assembled in the Union to serve as an interactive component of their semester long lesson-plan. The project featured familiar chalk-board panels that vertically covered six windows, side-by-side, on the first floor of the union, accompanied by a horizontal panel that stretched the entire length of the interactive piece that read, “I wonder why…”

In between the chalkboard panels were taped plastic cups filled with chalk sticks, suggesting students to finish the sentence.

At first, students wondered why, “Cheney makes my stomach go crazy,” and why, “We pay too much for textbooks,” and other common curiosities.

They wondered why, “The Wi-Fi sucks.”

There the project stayed from roughly 2 p.m., remaining relatively untouched, until 7:30 p.m., where a crowd of students and student-workers of all years surrounded the

piece and either contributed or just watched the once innocent curiosities shift.

Students wondered why, “White people use the ‘N’ word,” and why, “Rapists are allowed on campus,” why, “The school loves to sweep everything under the rug,” why, “Mental health isn’t taken seriously.”

And they wonder why, “I was raped.”

“Me too!”; “me too,”; “me too”; “Me too” -“They didn’t believe me.”

“Me too,” “Re-tweet,” “Do you hear us now?”

“We exist.”

They wondered.

They wondered why, “Sexual predators are allowed to stay on campus,” why, “I was told at RA training that we should expect one student to commit suicide each year. That should NOT be an expectation.”

They wondered why, “Things keep happening again,” and why “No one returns the love I give.”

They wondered and wondered.

They wondered why, “College cares more about money than student lives,” and why, “I’m not enough.”

“You are,” a student wrote back.

A consistent crowd

of students remained in front of the piece reading the same anonymous notes, over and over. Students wondered how it turned to this, or who started this. They wondered and wondered.

And now they wonder where it went.

Next week, The Student is planning to do a full story on student reactions and the reason behind doing this project. ***All photos displayed above are courtesy of The Student’s Daniela Detore.

October 24, 2019

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Healing together The annual Take Back the Night event provides a safe space to talk about sexual assault.

By Irene Rotondo @irenerrotondo

Hushed conversations echoed off of the walls in Judd Gymnasium.

Brown wooden round tables were cast in clusters to the side, leaving a large exposed clearing in the center of the large room.

Abruptly, senior Tyler Polansky called everyone in the room to attention and asked them to join her in the center of the room, and to please bring their cellphones.

Another year had passed, and thus commenced Springfield College’s annual Take Back the Night event on Tuesday, October 22, at 7:00 p.m.

In a perfect world, where boys and girls are all nice to each other and family members look at their younger relatives kids they love, Take Back the Night does not exist.

However, in today’s world, this type of event

An image from Tuesday’s Take Back the Night event. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Markeing & Communications) is an absolute necessity.

Circled around Judd were students, both male and female, along with the faculty members and administrators, holding up their cellphones with the flashlights turned on to full brightness.

Nine members of the Springfield College community stood as a group in the center of the circle to tell their own harrowing stories on the violence of sexual assault that they or their loved ones have experienced in their lives.

These men and women read poems and told their experiences of being survivors of sexual assault. The stories ranged from abuse from family members, to detailed recounts of rape, to poems about how their own childhood assault tragedies have shaped them as adults.

Polansky, the President of SAVE (Students Against Violence

Everywhere) stated, “Take Back the Night, for me, means more than just taking back my two experiences of being raped. It means taking back my worth, my intimacy, my privacy, my confidence, and with that, I ultimately get to define what that means to me and those experiences.”

“I can now recognize that this has bruised me, dented me, and shaped me in multiple ways, but I will always be whole.

At the end of the day, I am what this means to me,” she added.

Per rainn.org, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, college-aged students (ages 18-24) are more likely to be raped or experience sexual violence than any other age group.

Male college students are 78 percent more likely to be a victim of sexual assault

and rape than other men of the same age who are not enrolled in school.

Meanwhile, 23.1 percent of all female undergrad college students experience rape or sexual assault after enrolling in school.

These statistics only cover what happens to college students. Sexual assault can happen to any person at any time, and this is why Take Back the Night and events similar to it are a crucial step for recovery as a society.

Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper spoke on what Take Back the Night means to her and to the campus as a whole.

“Tonight is about being present and hearing other people’s stories. This is probably my fourth Take Back the Night, and each one of them [is] really raw with individual stories that need to be told and,

more importantly, need to be heard,” she said.

“Especially on this campus, because we really are a community of caring people that want to make sure these things don’t happen here… you hear these stories tonight, as we did together, and it is painful that these stories were made and are there in their lives forever. It was important for me to be here tonight, to be present, and that’s the least we can do for people -- to be present and hear their stories,” she added.

If you or someone you know ever experiences sexual violence of any type, do not hesitate to contact Public Safety’s Emergency Line (413) 748-5555. The counseling center is also available for help and can be reached at (413) 748-3345.

October 24, 2019

Sports

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Lockett Underrated; Bench Murray Looking ahead to week No. 8

By Jacob Johnson @JacobJ_7

Love:

Hate:

Aaron Jones

Tyler Lockett

Tyreek Hill

Aaron Jones has enjoyed an up and down season in Matt LaFleurs implemented offense, which heavily emphasizes play action with running backs running downfield routes. Last week against the raiders, Jones had a fantastic 30-yard end zone grab to go with a healthy mix of yardage through the ground and air. The Packers will face the Kansas City chiefs this week (without Patrick Mahomes), and after putting up 42 points all through the air last week, I expect the packers to try to throw the Kansas City Chiefs off with a more balanced offensive plan.

The Chiefs also currently have one of the worst run defenses in the league, ranking 29th in Run Defense DVOA. I see Aaron Jones having another solid fantasy performance against this suspect defense.

Lockett has been one of the more underrated players in the league for a few years now.

He’s put up consistent numbers week after week, and is MVP candidate Russell Wilson’s No. 1 target. The Seahawks will face the lifeless Atlanta Falcons this week, and after a lackluster performance against the Baltimore Ravens, this is a game that the Seahawks and Russell Wilson should come right out of the gates and make an offensive statement. Expect Lockett to fully be part of the Seahawks game plan.

Pat Mahomes went down with a knee injury last Thursday night midway through the second quarter, and backup quarterback Matt Moore took the helm for the reigning MVP. Hill was not targeted by Moore until late in the third quarter, where he racked up three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. He showed his displeasure for the lack of looks from his quarterback multiple times before his first reception.

The Green Bay Packers and their new serviceable defense will head to town for a Sunday night matchup, and I fully expect Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to have an extensive game plan on keeping Tyreek Hill in check, as well as apply pressure to backup quarterback Moore.

Kyler Murray Kyler Murray has had a promising rookie season, as he’s shown flashes of what’s expected out of a No. 1 overall pick. The Cardinals are on a three-game winning streak, but now have to face the red hot (Drew Brees-less!) New Orleans Saints in the Super Dome. I’m a huge fan of Kyler Murray and I think he’s going to be one of the premier quarterbacks in the league down the road, but I fully expect this top tier Saints defense to make the rookie quarterback very uncomfortable in one of the best home field advantages in football. If you have a serviceable backup, start them over Murray.

October 24, 2019

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Sajan Harvey attended St. Johnsbury Academy in Vermont, where he heard about Springfield College from alumnus Stephen Levesque. (Photo courtesy of Sajan Harvey)

Need for speed Freshman Sajan Harvey has pushed himself into Springfield men’s soccer starting lineup with speedy play.

By Kevin Saxe @ksaxe98

Sajan Harvey, No. 8 in white receives a pass on the end line. Between him and the goal stands multiple defenders clad in Coast Guard’s customary blue and orange. In an instant he’s worked his way around multiple defenders and passes to fellow freshman Will Lawson who buries the goal for each player’s first collegiate point. In just the Springfield College men’s soccer team’s second home game, it was

one of the first of what could be many sensational moments for Harvey on the turf that adorns Brock Affleck Field. *** Eight hundred and one miles. The distance Sajan Harvey is from home when on Alden Street.

However, Harvey can’t just get in a car and drive the whole distance. No, this trip would require more than just transportation in a car. His trip home would also require

a plane over the Atlantic Ocean to get to his home in Warwick, Bermuda.

However, going to college in America is not his first rodeo of being in school overseas.

“I was fourteen when I came to the U.S. for my freshman year of high school.”

Harvey took a chance when he was fourteen and decided to go St. Johnsbury Academy in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

Despite going to a new country, Harvey admits that the transition was

not all that daunting in part due to another family member at St. Johnsbury.

“The adjustment wasn’t that hard. My cousin went the year before me and he came back and started talking about the school and that got me excited. I convinced my parents that I should go.”

Before Harvey would ever set foot on the campus of Springfield College, he would have a connection to Alden Street. That connection was his high school soccer coach Stephen Levesque

who, himself, is a Springfield College graduate.

Levesque, who obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degree at Springfield, talked about Harvey as someone who really blossomed in his time at St. Johnsbury.

“Sajan grew socially, academically and athletically during his four years at the Academy. He came in as a quiet freshman and graduated a confident adult. He made many friends, constantly landed on the honor roll, and became a force on the soccer

October 24, 2019

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Harvey has played in 13 of Springfield’s 14 games, and tallied his first collegiate point in the second game of the season. (Jack Margaros/The Student)

field. He takes soccer and academics very seriously.

Above all, he is a competitor and possesses a strong work ethic.”

Even though Harvey is currently a member of the men’s soccer team here at Springfield, he wasn’t always considering a collegiate career. Anyone who has seen him play consistently will notice that one of his best attributes is the speed he possesses.

That speed had Harvey thinking about potentially running track in college, but in the end it came down to what sport he enjoyed playing more.

“To be honest I wasn’t thinking about playing soccer in college, I was thinking about running track. I just had so much fun with soccer and I was kind of good so I decided to play soccer instead.”

For Levesque, who was not only a student at Springfield College but also a member of the soccer team on Alden Street, there was a certain point where he knew that Harvey had the tools to

I thought he could play at the next level, but it wasn’t until midway through his junior year when I moved him into an attacking position when I realized he was a special talent. His speed and tech-

become a college soccer player.

“There were moment’s sophomore year when

nique made him virtually un-markable in the state,” he said.

As Harvey’s passion for

the game of soccer grew, so too did the increasing likelihood that he could play college soccer. As he started looking at schools the list included Springfield, Western New England, University of Tampa and some schools in Canada. Levesque, like so many others who love SC as their alma mater, saw Springfield as a community where Harvey could thrive.

“I went to SC for my undergrad and grad and loved the school. I had a good soccer experience there. I felt Sajan would thrive in the SC community,” Levesque said.

Not only did Levesque talk up the school, but Harvey and his parents were impressed with the school and the facilities when they visited. Harvey, who once considered a col-

legiate career in track,was now not only visiting schools, but being recruited. For Harvey, who had an interest in Springfield, the feeling was mutual with head coach Tommy Crabill.

“It’s hard to recruit speed, so when you see people who are that fast you put a value on that.

He was a really dangerous attacker for his high school team. He is a quick learner and he’s really dangerous. We saw things in his high school games that we knew he could do at our level that we would need him to try to do his freshman year and he’s done really well.”

For any first year student-athlete regardless of See Men’s Soccer continued from Page 15

October 24, 2019

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Football recovering after slow start

By Darin MacEacheron @maceacheron

After dropping three of their first four games to begin the season, the Springfield College football team has strung together three important in conference victories to pull themselves back into the mix in the NEWMAC standings.

After victories against Norwich and Coast Guard, Springfield took down Merchant Marine, 45-34, this past Saturday. This marks the most points the team has scored this season and it gives the Pride a 3-1 in conference record.

The team put together one of their best performances collectively and three individuals were given NEWMAC offensive, defensive, and special teams players of the week for their play this past week. Fullback Tim Callahan, linebacker AJ Smith and kicker Christian Hutra provided the clean sweep for players of the week and deservingly so.

“It means a lot to be up there with my teammates this week,” stated Callahan. “AJ (Smith) and Christian (Hutra) have been having tremendous seasons and our offensive line deserves a lot of credit too because they’re the reason I was able to find the holes and break

Tim Callahan accumulated a career-high 161 in the Pride’s win over Merchant Marine. (Jack Margaros/The Student)

off some big runs. It’s always a great feeling to contribute to the team and I just want to do my job in putting the team in the best situation to win.”

Prior to the matchup against the Mariners, the Pride failed to eclipse over

21 points in their first six games. This offense was finally able to break out and Callahan was a key reason for their scoring success. He capped off Springfield’s first drive with a two-yard touchdown and later broke free

for a 60-yard score in the second quarter and a 67-yard touchdown in the third.

Seven different players rushed the ball for the Pride and although Callahan only had 12 carries, he was able to make the

most of it accumulating a career high 161 yards and three touchdowns.

Hutra was six of six on extra point conversions and added a 32 yard field goal down the stretch to expand the Pride’s lead late in the fourth quarter.

The Springfield kicker has been perfect so far this year on field goals (5/5) and extra points (21/21) and will continue to add to the strong special teams play of late.

On the defensive side of the ball, Smith added 13 tackles to extend his team-high to 58 tackles. Merchant Marine entered the game as the top team in the country in total rushing but were limited to 176 yards on the ground by the Pride defense. Smith has played exceptionally well this year and will keep that up if he continuously attacks the ball the way he does.

While the running game looked as good as it has all season, the passing game got more involved as Chad Shade threw for a season-high 97 yards including a 55 yard strike to Andrew Smith on their first drive. While 97 yards is not anything extraordinary, it is a step in the right direction for a run happy offense that has only averaged 34.6 yards per game through the air.

Consistent play for this

October 24, 2019

offense has been a struggle at times but this showing hopefully springs this team forward for more big games.

“I think this team is really coming together,” said Callahan. “This 1-0 mentality that we have is consistently talked about as a team and really brings us closer to achieving our goals each week. We just have to trust each other.

I know it was easy after the start to the season we

had to get down on each other but we strapped up, collected ourselves, and went out and performed the way we needed to.”

Sitting at 3-1 in the conference, the Pride are tied for second in the NEWMAC with Merchant Marine trailing an undefeated WPI squad that took down the Pride earlier this season. Springfield will need to stay hot in order to keep pressure on the Engineers for that top

Sports

spot in the conference.

Callahan mentioned that in order to keep performing the way they are they need to make some more clutch defensive plays and play aggressively on both sides of the ball. “If we continue to give it 100 percent every play like we do we should be good to go.”

The Pride’s final three games will all be against NEWMAC opponents including a home game on

Homecoming Weekend this upcoming Saturday at 1 p.m. against 0-6 Catholic.

“It should be a good game and that crowd should be fun being that it’s Homecoming,” added Callahan. “Our fans have been really supportive, especially on this three game winning streak. They haven’t counted us out which and we want to go out and give them a show and continue to do what

PAGE 13

we have been doing.”

After their battle against Catholic this weekend, the Pride have a week off before their final two games against Maine Maritime and MIT. If the Pride can ultimately win out and extend their winning streak to six games, it puts the team in a great position.

October 24, 2019

Sports

PAGE 14

Due to limitations from the EEE threat in Springfield, the club women’s rugby team has been practicing at Smith College. (Photo courtesy of Beth Ann Mikos)

‘The dedication is completely flipped’ The Springfield College women’s club rugby team brings diverse athletic backgrounds to the pitch.

By Carley Crain @carley_crain12

Taking each hit and tackle, the Springfield College club women’s rugby team have pounded their way through each challenge that comes their way.

With a growing squad, a new head coach and an improved mindset, this team is ready for an unforgettable year.

A sport typically known for being very physically

demanding, rugby is just as much a mental game.

This season, the Pride has worked on improving their overall mindset, primarily focusing on being positive and dedicated. This year’s squad is relatively young, with a strong presence of underclassmen and exemplary leadership from the upperclassmen. The team also has a new coach, who has helped lift team spirits. Despite ongoing

challenges, like field time, funding and scheduling, the Pride have proven how tough they are in times of hardship.

“This season, we have 24 teammates. We have girls from every grade level.

The team is very young, with sophomores composing over half of the team,” team captain Mackenzie Miller said. “Anyone can join rugby at any time, no matter what grade level. We have girls join as

first years all the way up to seniors. You don’t need rugby experience to join.”

Being a club sports team on any college campus involves difficulties. The women’s rugby team, especially this year, have struggled with field time due to the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus that has been a threat to the Springfield community. Campus rules have set parameters and curfews for all athletic teams due

to the ongoing concerns with the virus. These new rules have limited practice time for the Pride, but the women’s rugby team is not letting this get in the way of their season.

To get practice time in, the women travel to Smith College and use their facilities. Since the team’s budget is not supported by the school, women on the team have to use their own cars and gas money to travel for practice.

October 24, 2019

Men’s Soccer continued from Page 10

the sport, there is typically some sort of adjustment period adjusting to the college game. Add onto the fact of being a first year student on a team that consists of nearly two-thirds first year students, and it is a situation that is not necessarily easy. Despite being on a team with so much unproven talent, at this level

Injuries have also been an issue for the team this fall, as team captain Rachel Lavalley tore her ACL in the first game of the year.

Unlike NCAA Div. III teams on campus, the women’s rugby team gets little to no funding from Springfield. This definitely poses a challenge, but the women have worked hard to set up their own fundraisers to raise money. For Halloween this year, the women are selling goodie bags in the Campus Union from Oct. 21 to the 25th.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will help the team travel to games and tournaments.

Resilient and determined, the women of the club rugby team this fall are eager to learn more about the sport. Since rugby is not offered at most traditional high schools, many athletes on the team are still learning the in’s and out’s. Many of the women have different backgrounds in a wide

Sports

Harvey has done enough to earn the trust to be playing consistent minutes for Crabill.

Harvey attributes that to “playing the same way I played in high school and trusting my ability to show the coaches I deserve to play.”

For Harvey and the way he plays, it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Crabill who has seen him sticking to what he does best in his game even when the games have

gotten tough.

“When the game gets tough he plays to his strengths which is getting behind on the dribble, changing pace, running past people, being patient in defending. I think the way he plays to his strengths has really helped him build his confidence.”

variety of sports, bringing uniqueness and athleticism to the team.

Team dynamic and chemistry has tremendously improved this season from last year. This summer, Miller and Lavalley worked rigorously on recruiting girls and connecting with all members of the team. Both captains were also extremely passionate about being able to receive treatment from the schools athletic trainers as well as working with a strength and conditioning coach. Patience and persistence helped the girls get weekly lift times as well as being assigned an athletic trainer, just like varsity sports teams on campus. A new head coach has also helped motivate the team. Chris St. Onge joined the Springfield squad last season, and has guided the team into becoming a more positive and determined set of women both on and off the field.

“Second half of last year we got a new coach and his name is Chris. He is probably the best thing that has happened to the program,” team captain Rachel Lavalley said.

“He came and he knows about rugby. He has been coaching forever and used to be in charge of the refs.

He is really into the rugby community everywhere.”

The women’s rugby team competes in the Div. II New England Wide Collegiate Rugby Conference (NEWCRC), featuring some New England Womens and Mens Athlete Conference (NEWMAC) teams, like Smith, Coast Guard and Mount Holyoke. With the fall season winding down, the women are looking forward for the spring rugby season, as they are planning to compete in a variety of different tournaments as well as competing in non-conference games.

“Our goal as a team this year is to continue

*** Rewind back to Sept. 21

against Coast Guard. The Pride would hold on to defeat the Bears 2-1, with Harvey having a highlight reel assist on what would hold up as the game-winning goal for the Pride.

Despite their record only being 2-4 since that game, Harvey feels the team has started to play better as of late.

“We’re all adjusting and I think we’re coming together nicely. I feel like we’re starting to become

PAGE 15

closer as a team. I’ve noticed we’re playing better soccer.”

For the Pride, they have just three games remaining, including two crucial conference matchups this Saturday, Oct. 26 against WPI, and Nov. 2 against Wheaton. In between will be the Pride’s final home game of the season on Tuesday Oct. 29, against non-conference opponent UMass Boston.

The women’s club rugby team has been assigned an athletic trainer and now has scheduled lift times in the varsity weight room. (Photo courtesy of Beth Ann Mikos)

to grow and improve.

Throughout the season, our skills are constantly improving which can be seen on the pitch. Rugby is a physically and mentally demanding sport, “ Miller said. “Each practice and lift allows for forward progress in both areas.

As a captain, my personal goals for the team are to expand our skills and knowledge of the game

while still having fun.”

Overcoming adversity and attacking each challenge sums up the strong women representing Springfield on the rugby field.

“Everyone is taking this year very seriously and everyone wants to be good,” Lavalley said. “The dedication is completely flipped from last year.”

SPORTS Pride football making statement in NEWMAC

Jump start

Start and bench these four players for week No. 8

[See inside]

Sajan Harvey is off to the races with an impressive start to his collegiate career.

OCTOBER 24, 2019

VOL. 134 NO. 7

(Jack Margaros/ The Student)

Women's club rugby is growing