Volume 134 No 9

The Springfield Student Est. 1910

November 7, 2019

[scstudentmedia.com]

Contact us: springfieldstudent@springfield.edu

Volume 134 No. 9

Another installment of the Public safety officer series

PAGE 3 Photo Courtesy of Farrukhbek Varisov

6,216 miles away from home Uzbekistan native Farrukhbek Varisov is making himself at home at Springfield College.

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Also on the Inside: - Information on the Alden Street review

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- A look at the dance team

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November 7, 2019

News

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Alden Street Review Some information on how to submit work for the literary magazine.

By Angelica Core acore@springfield.edu

The Alden Street Review (ASR) is the campus’ literary magazine composed of student and faculty work. ASR accepts poetry, fiction, and nonfiction pieces with a word count of no more than 1,500 words, in addition to photography and artwork. These pieces could even potentially be displayed as the front or back cover of the magazine.

To make a submission, send work to aldenstreet@springfieldcollege.edu. If interested, the deadline to submit work is February 1, 2020.

ASR is also sponsoring an upcoming creative writing workshop with award-winning poet and Springfield College professor Missy-Marie Montgomery in a fun, informal environment. This workshop is designed for students who may be wondering what a creative writing class is like, have some ideas for a poem or story but are not sure what to do next, or are looking for a way to jumpstart their writing practices.

Additionally, the event will allow students to meet editors from the Alden Street Review and ask questions about the magazine.

The workshop will be held Monday, November 18 from 12-1:15 p.m. in the Learning Commons Forum on the second floor (room 201).

Alden Street Review Editor-in-Chief Angelica Core (left) and Co-Editor-in-Chief Jay Sophalkalyan (right). (Photos Courtesy of Angelica Core)

November 7, 2019

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Get to know: Officer DeMiero In the third installment of Springfield College Public Safety Officer profiles, we meet Officer David DeMiero.

By Irene Rotondo @irenerrotondo

Officer David DiMiero can often be spotted around the Springfield College campus sporting a thick beard and a big smile. Originally from Ware, Massachusetts, DiMiero now lives in East Longmeadow with his wife and says that his two and a half years to date at Springfield College have been a great experience.

DiMiero first knew that he wanted to become a police officer during his sophomore year of high school, when he got involved in a State Trooper program. This program had participants live exactly how a State Trooper would train and live for an entire week and at the end of it, DiMiero said he was sold on the whole thing.

“There is a student trooper program in Massa-

(Photo Courtesy of David DeMiero)

(Photo Courtesy of David DeMiero)

chusetts where it has people who are 16 or 17 go to the police academy for a week and experience life as a trooper,” DiMiero said. “Not the most pleasant experience, it wasn’t a summer camp type of thing, but it really opened your eyes to what a career could look like in law enforcement and I absolutely fell in love with it.”

After graduating high school, DiMiero attended Western New England University and acted as a student patrol officer there. Following his college graduation, DiMiero then headed to the Reserve Police Academy and was able to be a part-time police officer through that program.

He was hired by Western New England and was also able to complete his law enforcement training during his time at WNEU by them sending him to the State Police Academy. Finally, DiMiero found his way to Springfield College two and a half years ago and has been here ever since.

DiMiero says that his favorite part about being an officer at Springfield College would definitely be not just the campus community, but the Springfield community as a whole.

“Just from being from a different campus, I can tell that Springfield College has more of a community connection. They don’t have any issues getting out in the community and not just talking students, but residents around us. We have barbecues every school year just to meet the locals that may interact with students or come onto campus for events,” stated DiMiero.

DiMiero also had a message for the students of Springfield College that he hopes will ring true for the whole campus. “[Public Safety] is not trying to be a negative aspect to the Springfield College community; it’s more that we want to help people progress into the real world and beyond college,” said DiMiero.

“They’re (students) going to come into contact with law enforcement and we really want to have more of a positive connection than just only seeing people in their worst possible moments. At that worst possible time is when you can build the best relationships and really help people,” DiMiero added.

By getting to know Springfield College’s Public Safety officers, the community of Springfield College as a whole will be able to prosper and thrive with the connections that can be made.

November 7, 2019

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The Springfield College dance team. (Photo Courtesy of Haley Fettig)

So you think you can dance?

A look at the close-knit group that is the Springfield College dance team.

By Collin Atwood catwood@springfield.edu

Dance can be viewed in many different ways.

Many people know dance in the context of competitions and as some sort of entertainment. But the members of the dance team at Springfield College recognize other benefits from being a part of their team.

Competing and entertaining are not the only

reasons that the 14 talented members of the Springfield College dance team work hard and practice the difficult routines they use to compete and perform.

“For me, it’s a place where I can get away from school and stress… and just be me,” said Megan Schneider, a senior at Springfield College and one of the leaders of the dance team.

The free and accepting environment that the dance team has made for itself was created by the team members kindness and passion for dancing. When there is a whole group of people who are passionate about the same thing, it creates a positive environment and gives members a sense of belonging.

“It’s like a second family,” Schneider said. “It’s like a certain type of connection you don’t get with someone else.”

Finding a “family” at a place where you know almost no one is very powerful.

Everyone coming into college wants to find that group of people who they have such a strong bond with.

The students on the Springfield College dance team know they found their group.

“I feel like we’re all able to be ourselves at practice and we’re all very open and accepting of each other,” said Haley Fettig, a junior at the College and

another leader of the dance team.

The Springfield College dance team started in 2011. By 2014 the team started competing in regional competitions and just recently started competing in national competitions.

In 2015, the dance team placed third in hiphop and third in jazz at the New England Dance See Dance on Page 8

November 7, 2019

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BODY

The Humanics Triathlon at Springfield College is a new event implemented by this year’s Proffesor of Humanics Judy Van Raalte. The triathlon features three phases: lectures, events, and Humanics projects that embody the Springfield College philosophy of Spirit, Mind, and Body and giving back to the community.

Judy Van Raalte can be reached at: jvanraal@springfield.edu

MIND

Image Source: Springfield College Flickr

*All artwork is courtesy of the class Arts 203-11 Graphic Design*

November 7, 2019

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A long way from home First-year student and native of Uzbekistan, Farrukhbek Varisov is making himself comfortable on Alden Street.

By Nico Fiscella @Nico_Fiscella

Farrukhbek Varisov is a first-year student at Springfield College from Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Varisov is regarded as a brother, son, grandson, and a great friend.

Currently enrolled as a criminal justice major, he has big dreams of helping the criminal justice system in either the United States or his homeland.

Varisov is 6,216 miles away from his native land, but he has created a home away from home at Springfield College.

“I guess it’s the people,” Varisov proclaimed when asked about his favorite aspect of his hometown of Tashkent. He likes walking through his home city and looking at all the old buildings and agriculture around him.

“I enjoy the weather, looks, and nature,” Varisov said. “That’s what I like about my country.”

The old parks and buildings in Tashkent are similar in style and appearance to the buildings on campus at Springfield College.

“It is absolutely gor-

geous,” Varisov said of the campus, comparing it to his home city, both of which wield the old style. He has also seen similarities in the people from his city and Springfield. Both sets of individuals are outgoing and caring towards Varisov.

“It is a trait that people here and (people in) my country share,” he said.

Varisov isn’t the only member of his family who’s away from home. His sister lives in Bochum, Germany, studying bioinformatics. His mom is at home in Tashkent with the rest of Varisov’s family. The first-year student appreciates everything his family has done for him and attributes much of his success to them.

While Varisov misses his entire family, he particularly feels a sense of close attachment to his great grandmother.

“I really miss her right now,” he said of Sevar Karamatullakhodjaeva, his great grandmother.

Vairsov would often sing to his 90-year-old great grandmother and enjoyed the time spent with her when he was home. He has learned a lot from her, and both his mother and great grandmother speak English, as they have worked with the U.S. Embassy.

When deciding where he would go for the next chapter of his life, Varisov had specific boxes he wanted

Varisov (bottom right) and family. (Photo Courtesty of Farrukhbek Varisov)

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November 7, 2019

to check on his figurative college wish list. His mother had attended UMass Amherst, and Varisov enjoys the weather in New England.

“I didn’t want a state university with thousands of thousands of people,” Varisov said.

Given that Springfield is a small city and campus, it was the perfect place for him. He enjoys the freedom and acceptance students at Springfield have.

“No people are suppressed by any of their views,” Varisov said of the culture at Springfield.

Before entering the Springfield family, Varisov was afraid that some may think of him differently because of where he is from. However, Springfield College has dissolved any fears of being stereotyped.

“I might be the guy with wrongful ideas in his mind,” was one thought Varisov feared people would have about him. As time progressed, he realized the people on campus were welcoming and caring.

It is the people that surround him at Springfield College who keep him feeling at home here.

“I am from Uzbekistan, not Pakistan, not Afghanistan,” Varisov said.

One of his goals is to spread awareness about his country, and abolish the stereotypes that many individuals have regarding his country.

“One guy can destroy the perspective on a whole country,” he said.

Uzbekistan is a welcoming country, a country that cares for its people. It is overlooked by many due to its geographical neighbors.

“ “There are a lot of things that

must be done in my country’s own criminal justice system. It wouldn’t be a bad aspiration for me to come home and make a difference,” -.Farrukhbek Varisov

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(Photo Courtesy of Farrukhbek Varisov) Another reason Varisov chose Springfield College is due to its criminal justice program. He greatly appreciates what assistant professor of criminal justice Gary L. Berte has taught him in his brief time here at Springfield.

“The class is nowhere (near) anything I’ve had… it is pretty interactive and very engaging,” Varisov said.

Varisov has his eyes on helping reform the criminal justice system in his own home country.

“There are a lot of things that must be done in my country’s own criminal justice system. It wouldn’t be a bad aspiration for me to come home and make a difference,” he said.

Varisov is in no rush to find a job outside of school, and he will be sure to weigh his options before making any decisions. His current plan is to get his Master’s Degree, and Springfield College’s five-year plan for criminal justice majors is the perfect fit for the future Varisov is hoping for.

When asked about Varisov, fellow first-year student Bonifacius Sidharta had nothing but positive things to say about him.

“Farruk is one of the nicest guys I have met,” Sidharta said. “No matter what it may be, you can always go to him if you need help.”

Sidharta and Varisov both live on the fourth floor of Massasoit Hall and are good friends.

With big dreams in mind, Varisov has placed himself in a situation to succeed. He has enjoyed every moment he’s had at Springfield thus far and could not be more grateful for those around him and the years he still has ahead.

November 7, 2019

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Dance continued from Page 4

Championship, topping its previous finishes of fifth and sixth the year before.

More recently, the team placed eighth in jazz in last year’s competition.

Although the team does compete in larger competitions, it does still perform on campus for the Springfield College community to enjoy. The dancers perform at every football and basketball game at Springfield College.

The dancers meet three times a week in room 206 in the Wellness Center. Despite all of the hard work that these dancers put in at every practice for their intense competitions and stellar performances at Springfield College, the team still knows that it isn’t all about winning or entertaining. They all dance because they love being around one another and they enjoy what they do.

“We have a lot of fun,” said Fettig. “It’s something that keeps me busy and keeps me happy.”

Everyone knows that college can be very stressful at times. Students need an outlet that can give them a sense of relaxation. The participants of this dance team have certainly found their outlet.

“It lets me focus on moving my body rather than everything else,” Schneider said.

The next time that the dance team will be performing is at Springfield College’s last football game on Saturday, November 16, against MIT. If interested in joining the dance team, it holds auditions during the spring and fall semester. For more information and updates on when auditions will be follow the @scpridedanceteam on Instagram.

(Photo Courtesy of Haley Fettig)

November 7, 2019

Sports

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Surging Steelers will halt Gurley Looking ahead to week No. 10

By Jacob Johnson @JacobJ_7

Love:

Hate:

Kyler Murray

Todd Gurley

Kyler Murray is going to tear the Buccaneers defense apart on Sunday. Last week I had doubts as he faced possibly the best defensive unit in the league in the 49ers, and he proved me wrong. He looked like a seasoned verteran, making accurate throws all over the field and nearly handing the only undefeated team in the league their first loss. The Buccaneers are giving up the third most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, and signs are trending for David Johnson to return to the lineup this week, giving Murray more offensive weapons to work with.

Murray is gaining confidence every week, there’s no reason he shouldn’t have a field day against this subpar defense.

We all know Gurley has not met expectations this year. He has yet to amase 100 yards rushing in a game this year, and his touches have been less than impressive. One thing Gurley has going for him this year is touchdowns, with six on the ground and one through the air. The Rams will head to Pittsburgh to play a Steelers team that has bounced back from a rough 1-4 start to the year and are back in the playoff conversation; they’re on a three game win streak with a huge win against the Colts last week.

The Steelers defense has been sneaky good this year, ranking in the top 16 in passing YPG, rushing YPG, and points allowed per game. While the Rams are fresh off a bye week, this is a game I can see the surging Steelers completely shutting down this inconsistent Rams offense from top to bottom.

Game of the Week: Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers This game is loaded with big time fantasy potential. Christian McCaffrey needs no introduction, he’s having an MVP season. DJ Moore has been a startable option for fantasy owners this year, but expect him to have one of his better games against a struggling Packers defense. On the other side of the ball, Aaron Rodgers had a dud against the Chargers last week, but returning to Lambeau field, I expect him to play at the MVP level he was at against the Raiders and Chiefs a few weeks ago. Aaron Jones has been one of the more inconsistent players in fantasy this year, putting up astounding numbers against teams like the Cowboys and Chiefs, but also duds like last week against the Chargers and earlier this season against the Lions. It’s no secret that Matt Lafleur loves to use Jones in the quick passing game, something the Panthers have been adequate in stopping this year (8th fewest YPG). However, the Panthers run game has been a work in progress this year ranking in the bottom seven of the league with an average of 133 rushing yards given up per game, Carolina is also giving up an average of 25.5 PPG. Expect Jones to play a more traditional running back style of play this week.

November 7, 2019

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Field hockey to face Babson in NEWMAC semis

By Tyler Browne @T_Browne1124 On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Springfield College field hockey team will continue their quest for the NEWMAC title. To do so, they will have to travel to No. 1 Babson and take on the Beavers in the NEWMAC Semifinal round.

The Pride are coming off a big game on Tuesday, where they defeated Wellesley by a score of 2-1. Kyra Ashe scored both of the Pride’s goals in the contest, which was also the 200th career

win for head coach Melissa Sharpe.

Earlier in the season, the Pride were defeated 4-0 by the Beavers. Ever since, their goal has been to turn the tables on Babson. “[Beating Babson has] been a revenge goal the whole season so we’re really excited with the win,” Sharpe said.

Babson finished their season with a 17-3 record. They have not lost a single NEWMAC game, and their status as the No. 1 seed gave them a bye from the Quarterfinals.

Babson forward Lauren

Curley, a sophomore, was named the NEWMAC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday. She leads the Beavers in goals scored (19) and points (41) this season.

The Beavers also saw strong seasons from Tori Roche, who scored 17 goals and 39 points, and Millie Brady, with six goals and 23 points.

It will be a tough challenge for the Pride to go into Babson and come out victorious in such a high-stakes game, but Ashe has faith in her teammates.

“We need to have everyone

Springfield was knocked out of last year’s NEWMAC tournament

by Smith College in double-overtime. (Helen Lucas/The Student)

come with their A-game, 100 percent, and just be ready to play,” she said. “We need everyone confident that we can beat Babson.”

Sharpe is also confident in the ability of her team to win.

“It’s going to be a game of passing and receptions and just executing on corners when we get those opportu-

nities, so it’s small things in the game, but if we do them well, it’ll make a big difference for us.”

Both the Pride and the Beavers have strong enough teams to win and advance to the NEWMAC Championship, but only one will emerge victorious on Thursday and get there.

November 7, 2019

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Women’s soccer duels MIT for NEWMAC semis

The Springfield College women’s soccer team defeated Smith College in penalty kicks to set up a semifinal matchup with the Engineers. (Jack Margaros/The Student)

By Hayden Choate @ChoateHayden

The Springfield College women’s soccer team advanced to the NEWMAC semifinals Tuesday night after beating the #5 seed Emerson in penalty kicks.

The Pride will head to No. 5 MIT to take on the #1 seed on Thursday night.

MIT has been a powerhouse all season and were ranked in the top five in DIII women’s soccer in the country by the United Soccer Coaches poll.

The Engineers were awarded a bye after they

went undefeated in the NEWMAC this season.

They’ve only allowed three goals all year, shut out their opponents 17 times and are riding a four-game shutout streak.

Springfield after struggling a bit at the end of the season ended up with the #4 seed. The Pride looked like a different team in Tuesday’s quarterfinal then they did during their regular season finale. However, they still could not capitalize on their opportunities and had to win the game in penalty kicks.

The two teams met on Oct. 26 in Cambridge where MIT cruised by Springfield with a 5-0 win. But the game was even in the first half and even looked like Springfield could have grabbed a lead or tied the game.

MIT came out and kept the ball in the attacking half of the field for most of the second half, scoring four times and could have been more as they hit the crossbar four times and the post twice.

“Obviously last time we were there, we weren’t very pleased with our-

selves, MIT is a really good team, we just have to make some adjustments and see what we can do,” said Springfield College women’s soccer head coach John Gibson.

Despite the loss in the regular season, Springfield is ready for the opportunity to exact revenge on the team that beat them in the NEWMAC championship last season.

“It’s just a good opportunity, we gotta take advantage, I’m excited,” said first-year Kellie Smith who scored the winning penalty kick goal in Tues-

day’s quarterfinal win over Emerson.

The game is set to begin at 7 P.M. in Cambridge for the NEWMAC semifinal.

The winner will take on the winner of No. 3 WPI and No. 7 Babson. WPI beat No. 6 Wheaton 4-0 while Babson upset No. 2 Coast Guard 2-1.

Even though MIT has only lost one game all season, Gibson knows anything can happen especially in the playoffs.

“It’s still only 11 v. 11, stranger things have happened,” Gibson said.

Novemeber 7, 2019

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‘We seem to be reloaded’ After losing a pair of seniors, the Springfield women’s basketball team brought in five first-year players to compliment its rising sophomore class According to Naomi Graves, Stephanie Lyons has made significant improvements headed into her sophomore season. (Jack Margaros/The Student)

By Gabby Guerard @GabbyGuerard

Last season, the Springfield College women’s basketball team lost to MIT in the NEWMAC Championship, 66-50, in Blake Arena. The Pride had previously defeated MIT during regular season play by a score of 58-57.

The team was just about as close as it gets to winning a NEWMAC title, but came up short. So, it’s clear that the Posse has one goal heading into this season: win NEWMAC’s.

The Pride lost two key seniors from last season: Chelsea McAllister and Gracie Restituyo.

McAllister had a quiet senior campaign, averaging 8.1 points and three rebounds per game as a guard, though her leadership shined. Restituyo

put together a season for the books, averaging 11.4 points and 9.6 rebounds, while picking up 10 double-doubles.

Despite losing McAllister and Restituyo, Women’s Basketball Head Coach Naomi Graves believes her team will still be effective offensively.

“We seem to be reloaded after we’re losing Gracie,” she said. “I think in some ways the perimeter game is going to be more consistent, we changed it up a little bit offensively, more with like almost a four-out, one-in, but then a two-three set so then we’re moving more.

I think it gives more opportunities for guards to score, because we lost Cheeks (McAllister) too.”

After losing two graduates, the Pride picked up five first-year play-

ers: guards Rachel Vinton, Chelsea Tacey, Bea Bondhus, and Gabriella Heaney-Secord, as well as forward Sam Hourihan.

Graves anticipates Vinton and Hourihan will play significant roles early. “(Vinton) can do a lot of good things, and she’s quick, and she’s taller,” Graves said. “And she plays Alex every day at practice and Alex plays her every day in practice, so they’re getting better with each other… and there’s no drop off. Not that there was a drop off, but there really is no drop off. She’s playing seasoned, I’m amazed.” “...And then Sam is a big kid we brought in. Sam’s in our PT program, and she’s really, really good.

She’s big (6-foot), she can score.”

Players to Watch: Like most seasons, the Pride’s roster will run deep and have several different contributors. In addition to Vinton and Hourihan making an impact early, the sophomore class could be geared up for a big season.

“Amanda Carr, she’s doing some good stuff,” Graves said. “She’s much more confident stepping up. It’s not all pretty, but it’s okay, she’s scoring. I’m really excited about her.”

Carr, a forward from West Haven, Conn., had glimpses where she shined, putting up a total of 76 points, 61 rebounds, and 17 blocks in 27 games last season. But, Carr isn’t the only one who could have a breakout season as a sophomore.

“The person I’m excit-

ed about… Steph Lyons.

Man, she has turned a corner,” Graves continued.

“Her work this summer, the sophomore class has really bought into working in the summer, coming back better, being leaders when the seniors were off, I mean they just have really stepped up big I think.”

Grace Dzindolet saw the most time out of her class last season, competing as the backup point guard and later as a shooting guard as well. Dzindolet will primarily stay in the shooting guard role this season, especially given that Vinton will get looks as the backup point guard now.

“That’s what she’s really comfortable at, even though she played point guard in high school a little bit, she played a swing position, she’s really, in

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Novemeber 7, 2019 our system, a better shooting guard,” Graves said of Dzindolet. “And she’s got that whole power game.”

In addition to the sophomores, Madeline Fay is back at full strength this season, as well as Allie Brennan and Lauren Rudolph, who could all make big impacts on both ends of the court.

Outlook: With a talented returning core, aided by a strong first-year class and a few adjustments offensively, the Pride enters the 201920 season with immense potential.

The NEWMAC frontrunners are anticipated

to be MIT, Smith, and Babson. Though, the big difference in terms of this year’s schedule is the Pride will only play each NEWMAC team once, as opposed to a round and a half like last season.

“You’ve got to show up and you’ve got to be healthy and you’ve got to beat that team to be seeded, so that’s a big change,” Graves said.

The Pride have picked up a handful of new opponents, including but not limited to, Stevens, Vassar, Montclair State, and Albertus Magnus. Although Graves doesn’t know a whole lot about these new additions, she is confident the teams are competitive

and will only elevate the team’s gameplay even further.

One aspect the Pride are looking to improve this season is being able to perform under adverse conditions -- taking care of the little things.

“It comes down to little things, and I think one of the things I said to them, and we’ve really worked hard on is that when we face adversity, whatever that adversity be -- it might be bad officials, it might be that we’re playing bad, it might be ‘my shot’s not dropping today’ -- how do we react and how do we respond? And how do we want to react?”

Graves said.

“We want to react as a unit, and we want to respond as a unit, and if we’re having a bad game, we’ve got to personally find something else we can contribute to make things happen for somebody else.”

It all stems back to the core values the team established during preseason: unity, dignity, and grit. If the Pride are able to stay true to these values, take care of the little things, and perform under adverse conditions, they have the potential to be extremely successful this season.

The goal is not ECAC’s; the goal is a NEWMAC title.

PAGE 13

“I don’t know where we’re going to fall, but I know that we’re working really hard to do the right thing under the right conditions and one game at a time…” Graves said. “It comes down to conference play and that happens at the end of January, so the (beginning of the season) I think offers us the kind of competition we need to expose our weaknesses and turn them into strengths, so that’s what we’re hoping.”

The women’s basketball team will tip off its season in Blake Arena on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. against MCLA.

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Novemeber 7, 2019

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Chasing records, bouncing back

Springfield men’s basketball looks to rebound as Jake Ross approaches the all-time scoring record

By Danny Priest @dpriest3

It could be a record-breaking season in Blake Arena this winter for one member of the Springfield College men’s basketball team.

Senior Jake Ross finds himself sitting 195 points away from the school record for all-time points scored in a career that was set by Derek Yvon between 2002-2006.

Ross currently sits at 1,906 points for his career, looking up at Yvon’s 2,101 points. Barring anything unforeseen health or circumstance wise, Ross should easily eclipse that record this season.

While he chases an individual goal, the Pride as a unit are looking to get back on track after going 11-15 last season following their Cinderella run to the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four two years before.

With nine returning players on the roster (four seniors) and five newcomers, Springfield is adjusting on the fly as they gear up for their opener Friday night in Blake Arena when they host cross town rival Western New England.

Jake Ross is just 195 points away from breaking Springfield’s all-time scoring record. (Mike McKenna/The Student)

The Pride feature a new style both offensively and defensively. The team has adapted their offensive style of play to embrace more of a positionless style of basketball, while on defense they are moving into a full-court, manto-man press.

“Going into the year I anticipated being small and I do not want to get in to a trench fight with

big, strong teams,” said Pride Head Coach Charlie Brock of the schematic changes.

“So I feel like we need to run a little bit more, get up and down a little bit more, having said that I don’t want to get out of control and have it be helter skelter,” he added.

The Pride have reengineered their offense to make it more difficult for

teams to load up and focus on stopping Ross.

“Offensively we have done some things, again because we don’t have really an inside presence as such. So all the guys are kind of in all five positions. All the things we’re doing, basically put: everybody’s got to be capable of playing all positions and know what kind of cuts to make and screens to make

out of them,” Brock said.

His hope is that by making everyone on the court a threat to score, teams will not be able to simply neutralize Ross and win games. Due to the lack of size, the Pride will need to be more dynamic in their attack to score the ball.

The same line of thinking went on the other side of the ball when switching from half-court defense to picking teams up the length of the court.

“The idea with the picking up full it’s just to see if we can wear teams down a little bit over the course of the 40 minutes.

We’re not trying to do it where we trap or get into passing lanes even, just to put a little bit of pressure on people so that maybe we can wear them down and we can pick up a couple of possessions maybe in the second half, last 10 minutes, who knows,” Brock said.

Springfield’s roster features Heath Post, Joe Fontanella, and Harper Niven who are all listed at 6 feet 6 inches, but after them there is a rather steep drop off in size.

Brock is banking on speed and athleticism to carry his team, rather than brute force and size.

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With a lot of new faces on the team, Springfield is adjusting on the fly, but their hope is that these tweaks to the offense and defense will pay dividends down the road.

Players to Watch Of course when it comes to this season all eyes will be on Jake Ross as already mentioned. However, beyond becoming the alltime leading scorer, Ross will need to do the little things to help his team win.

“I don’t worry about him getting points. I worry about the team being able to, everybody being in a position to do things, and I think we’ve asked him to do some things that are not even including scoring because it’s going to happen anyway,” Brock said of Ross.

“From a rebounding and passing the ball point of view, we need to focus on those things and he’s buying into it which will help him score too,” Brock added.

Ross will undoubtedly be the engine that drives the team. While his scoring matters, it will be the little things that can carry the team further.

Heath Post is going to be the number two option for the Pride and is right there with Ross as a leader of the team. Last season, Post averaged 14.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for Springfield.

In his career, he has already amassed 1,039 points and 707 rebounds.

The Pride will shake up its offensive strategy, as they will rely on a high tempo attack and full court press defense to defeat the opposition. (Jack Margaros/The Student)

Post is able to score both inside and out for Springfield and he serves as the backbone of their defense.

His feathery touch from the mid-range and beyond should serve as a steady source of production for the Pride on offense.

Beyond Ross and Post, the Pride have numerous players fighting to make an impact, and Brock alluded to the fact that the team may be deeper than they have been in year’s past.

In their scrimmage against Brandeis, the Pride rolled out a starting lineup of Jake Jacobson, Trey Witter, Jake Ross, Harper Niven, and Heath Post.

While that lineup is not set in stone, they could very well be the starter’s

for Friday’s opener. “(It) could be although we haven’t decided how best to utilize Colin Lindsey. Whether he’s a starter or not, he’s going to be immediately coming in off the bench,” Brock said of that lineup.

“As will Daryl (Costa) and Sam Dion and Peter Kapanides is going to play once he gets whole. We’re going to play more guys than we have in the past.

We usually played 8 or 9, we’ll probably play 10 or 11 guys,” Brock added.

Harper Niven is one player to look out for this season. Niven walked onto the team as a junior and has immediately found himself in the mix of things.

“He’s been a blessing.

He’s been good, he’s a great kid and he brings some really good, solid talent,” Brock said of Niven.

“He fills a void that allows us to move guys around a little bit to the point where we can get, not big, but we can get bigger because we can insert him and then move Heath and Jake down notch, Colin down a notch, to be a three man instead of a four man. So that’s been really good and he’s a quick learner and he plays hard,” Brock added.

Listed at 6 foot 6 inches and with freakish athleticism, Niven adds an element to the Pride lineup in terms of size and athleticism that they lacked beforehand.

Outlook This winter will mark the final chapter in the Ross and Post era of Springfield College basketball. There’s clear talent around those two, but to be successful, Springfield will have to gain chemistry quickly and commit to their new system.

It all starts this Friday in Blake Arena: Ross’s road to the all-time record and the team’s quest to bounce back from last season’s performance. If all things break right and the new system does what it’s supposed to, the Birthplace Boys might be ready to make a deep run again.

SPORTS Men's basketball shaking up offense headed into season

Women's soccer punches ticket to semis; will play MIT

Unity. Dignity. Grit.

The women’s basketball team looks to bounce back, after a run to the NEWMAC Championship last season.

[See inside]

NOVEMBER 7, 2019

VOL. 134 NO. 9

(Helen Lucas/The Student)

Field hockey faces Babson in NEWMAC semifinals