Volume 137 No. 18

The Springfield Student

Springfield alum and school mile record-holder Jack Pinho ran a 3:59.54 mile at the Dave Hemery Valentine’s Invitational on Feb. 11.

See page 10

IX

DEI and Springfield College Athetics host cultural fashion show

Springfield students share why they chose Alden Street

Anna Steinman on coaching both men’s and women’s cross country

(Photo Courtesy of Jack Pinho) PAge

Old and cold pipes

A water pressure related issue in the Admissions building forced Facilities to replace malfunctioning waterlines by digging up Admin Green.

___ By Braedan Shea ___ @braedan_shea

Over two weeks ago, on Feb. 3, the community of Springfield College was thrusted directly into one of the coldest nights they would ever experience on campus. While the day was a modest 20 degrees, by nightfall, that number had dropped significantly lower.

By 3 a.m. the following morning, the temperature had hit its lowest point: -9 degrees.

It wasn’t the coldest temperature ever recorded in Springfield, that being -18 degreeswhich has happened five times in Hampden county history – most recently on Jan. 22, 1984. But, the over 30 mile-per-hour wind gusts made the air feel like it was -25 degrees outside.

By Monday, Feb. 5, the weather had picked back up again, ballooning to a more normal near-50 degree day. But the effects of the frigid climate were still lingering.

As faculty and staff of the administration building got ready to start a new week, they quickly realized that all of the water pressure in

the building was severely weak, prompting them to report the issue to the faculty management team.

After initially being unable to find the core of the issue, Springfield College Director of Facilities Kevin Roy realized that they needed to look deeper – literally.

He decided that in order to find the problem, they needed to look at the water pipes located directly under the Admin Green.

The facilities staff, along with an outside company, joined together in excavating the area. Once they did, the heart of the water pressure issue had been pinpointed.

“Ultimately, what we found out was there was a valve that came off of the main water line that was not closing, and so I couldn’t isolate the building totally,” Roy said.

The valve had come off because of the sub-negative degree weather just days prior. In order to fix the problem, a couple of valves had to be added and removed.

“We ended up cutting

a couple of new valves so we could isolate the building,” Roy said. “Then we put a new valve in for the building itself. What we did was we ran a new pipe from the main (water supply) into the building. That’s basically what the job was.”

By Friday, Feb. 17, the construction had ceased, and the hole was filled back in.

Although the issue

was fixed, a relapse is not completely out of the picture. But with the addition of the new valves, if a problem like this is to occur again, it will be much easier to solve.

“It doesn’t mean that the issue is preventable,” Roy said. “The line was old. But now we can control the building better, so we can make repairs easier in the future.”

Overall, Roy is happy with how quickly and efficiently the project went.

“We went as quickly as we could to keep the job moving,” he said. “There were a few days we had to wait for parts and things like that, but we still managed to finish in an appropriate time frame.”

The two holes that had to be dug were in front of the Springfield College Administration building. (Photo courtesy of Springfield College)

Call to action

Springfield College is striving to improve diversity and inclusion on campus, but there is still room for progress

___ By Cait Kemp ___ @caitlinkemp09

Springfield College

has a complicated history with race, diversity and inclusion. The college’s first graduate to receive a diploma, William Beckett, was African American. In 1906, this was an accomplishment that many other Black citizens across the nation were unable to achieve due to the racism that plagued society.

When Black student activists at Springfield College demanded greater representation and tried to make the college more inclusive, however, their demands were ignored. So they staged protests on campus in 1969 and 1970, which landed students on probation for their peaceful actions against the racism present on the campus. These protests were significant in showing that what was happening on campus was not acceptable. Takeovers of the Administration Building and Massasoit Hall, a hunger strike, and a list of demands to the president proved that there were serious issues and they could not be ignored any longer.

As a result, 30 students were put on probation and seemingly no progress or change was made in response to the demands.

The events of 2020 eerily mirrored those protests. That year, the college again saw activism from students of color, with demands and pro-

tests that were eerily similar to those made nearly 50 years before.

Even after 50 years, many of the same problems persisted. Students were making some of the same demands. One notable change, however, was that current President Mary-Beth Cooper was much more responsive to the list of demands, declaring that the College would make changes in response.

However, it is hard not to wonder how 50 years could pass and almost the exact list of demands was being asked for once again. Improvements can be difficult to recognize.

Despite this lack of proof of any real change made on the campus, since the protests 50 years ago, the College is seeing efforts to improve, especially with the 2020 Black Lives Matter movements that were seen on campus.

Deja Ware, the College’s Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), graduated from Springfield in 2020 and has a unique perspective on the changes..

“This is a predominantly white institution, so naturally there is not a lot of diversity here on campus,” Ware said. “The narrative already around the institution was that a lot of students from my community being the Springfield community didn’t come to Springfield College because this was a school where predomi-

nantly white people went.”

Ware arrived at Springfield College as a student in the fall of 2015 and experienced the build of racial issues on campus, including that turning point of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement in her senior year.

Another turning point that she noticed was Calvin Hill’s arrival in 2015 as the vice president for inclusion and community engagement. His drive to improve the campus’ action to create a better space for all students was evident to Ware, and she noticed efforts being made early on in her college experience.

“That was kind of the introduction of seeing a pivotal moment for the institution to actively look at ways to incorporate diversity and inclusion throughout the student experience,” Ware said of Hill’s position.

As an alumna, Ware has the unique opportunity to understand the student life at Springfield and now has the role to make an impact on the things she recognizes need change.

In her position as the director of DEI, Ware is tasked with identifying the areas that need training and creating educational programs to help students and faculty develop the knowledge and skills needed to help facilitate a safe and welcoming environment for all. In the fall, Ware will lead a session with Resident Assistants,

teaching them about DEI, including topics like language and microaggressions.

“We’re currently going through the strategic plan and where there are some institutions that look at DEI being its own separate thing, we look at DEI being a part of every single part of the plan,” Ware said. “Making sure that all practices, suggestions, programs–anything– are all rooted in making sure we’re being the most inclusive and diverse and equitable so that we can create a belonging that all students feel truly connected to.”

The student-run clubs on campus, including the Black Student Union (BSU) and Student Society for Bridging Diversity (SSBD), have a significant role in the work being done on a student level. Their goal is to not only offer a place for students to discuss common expe-

riences, but to invite in a wide variety of people so that others can learn from each other and create a stronger bond within the community.

The action to create a diverse and inclusive community does not come from just one source. Together, the administration, faculty and students are responsible for the work that goes into making Springfield College a better place for all.

“Representation and support are really big things along with the efforts that are done internally,” Ware said. “Just making sure that as an institution systematically, we are making sure that any barriers that could potentially prevent more diverse student groups from attending our institution are being knocked down because systematic oppression and racism are real.”

“A March for Action” took place in Oct. 2020 (Photo courtesy of Springfield College)

Honoring the culture

Students, faculty and other members of the Springfield College community came together for a fun, fashionable Black History Month celebration.

___ By RiveR Mitchell @rivermitchell27

The atmosphere was full of excitement and lights were glaring in Judd Gymnasium this past Friday, Feb. 17. Students, faculty, and other members of the Springfield College community gathered as the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), along with Springfield College Athletics, put together the “For The Culture” fashion show. It focused on the recognition of different cultures, religions and races.

“For The Culture” featured both student and faculty members dressed up in different types of apparel to

show off their style. Outfits ranged from showing off traditional pieces from their home countries, fashion trends from different decades, various cultures and identities, and even their own religions represented through fashion.

Participants walked up stage right, onto the stage provided where they stood and posed for the camera. They then proceeded to walk down the runway, pose for the camera once more, before turning around and walking back, exiting stage left.

Junior Jaélen Daubon, who created the idea for the event as

well as performed in the show, wanted to express the theme of culture.

“Since freshman year, we didn’t really have a great year because of COVID, so I just wanted to do something that would bring the people together,” Daubon said. “Something fun everyone would enjoy, people could come out of their shells, something fun just to bring everyone together.”

The idea for the event was very well received by the office of DEI, as they proceeded to give Daubon assistance in the event to help it turn into the success that it did.

Because of this, Daubon recognized the importance that Spring-

field College takes in not only celebrating Black History Month, but also allowing the students to represent their own cultures and heritages with pride.

“I think it’s very important,” Daubon said. “I think it’s amazing that we were able to have this experience. Usually not too many schools do this so I think it’s perfect we were able to glorify everyone and their differences, and make it a fun event.”

Director of DEI, Deja Ware, played a huge role in putting the show together. Ware helped organize the event to not only make it an enjoyable experience for those who par-

ticipated, but also those who came to watch. Her biggest takeaway was simple, yet powerful.

“Cultural identity,” Ware said. “Celebrating also people’s culture and what makes it beautiful and seeing other people celebrate that as well.”

Like Daubon, Ware also took great pride in recognizing the fact that Springfield College is so open to granting these opportunities for students.

“I think that the fact of our institution trying to be more diverse in celebrating everyone in our culture is extremely important,” Ware said. “Valuing other people’s culture and celebrating them is really important.”

Junior Jaélen Daubon created “For the Culture” to “glorify everyone and their differences.” (Photo courtesy of Springfield College)

(Photos courtesy of Springfield College)

Investigation ongoing

Campus police and the Title IX Office are still investigating a reported sexual assault in first-year dorm.

___ By Carley Crain @carley_crain12

On Feb. 14, the Springfield College campus community received an email, phone call and text from the Department of Public Safety about a sexual assault that happened in Gulick Hall on Feb. 13 at around 1 a.m.

These communications were provided to the college community because of the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistic Act of 1998. This requires colleges across the country to “disclose information about certain crimes that occur on or near campus,” according to The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Over a week after the incident, the college community has not been provided with any more updates on the case.

The initial email from public safety described the suspect as a “white male, with a mullet-like haircut and some short facial hair, an athletic build with calloused hands.”

Public Safety is still not certain whether the suspect is a student on campus. The investiga-

tion is ongoing, and video footage from Gulick Hall is being reviewed.

“We don’t know if the perpetrator is a student or non-student, that is why it is an ongoing threat, which is why the timely warning went out because we do not have that information,” said Dr. Slandie Dieujuste, Springfield College Vice President of Student Affairs.

The survivor is safe and being looked after by the college, according to Dieujuste.

“We have the responsibility as an institution under federal law to support the survivor,” Dieujuste said. “But even if we weren’t required to, frankly if that wasn’t even the law we would because that is the type of community that we are. We take care of students

Under federal and state laws, however, if the perpetrator is a student, their name must remain confidential, but Springfield has insisted that the survivor is being cared for.”

The college recommends that students and staff members call Public Safety immediately if anything seems

suspicious. They were also advised not to prop any doors, be aware of their surroundings, download the RAVE Guardian app and lock residence halls at all times. Public Safety also advised that students should save its number on their phone, which is (413) 748-5555. Public Safety can respond to calls on campus in less than a minute.

“We are all on the same side, on the same team trying to solve this,” said Springfield College Chief of Police Joe Tiraboschi.

For Gulick residents and Resident Assistants, the lingering uncertainty about the suspect has heightened anxiety and fear immensely. Some Gulick residents went home or stayed with friends in other dorms because they didn’t feel safe.

“The way they described the suspect, it made me suspicious because of the all guys’ floor. I am kind of scared about that,” said a freshman Gulick resident.

“I have noticed there are a lot more police officers around the Union, a lot more patrolling, “ said the Gulick resident when asked if the dorm has been more secure lately.

Other Springfield students feel frustrated and upset about the situation.

“It didn’t surprise me, and that is disappointing to me,” said a student who is involved with the club Students against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) and Vagina Monologues who wanted to remain anonymous, when asked about what their response was when they

found out about this case.

Some students also feel that the college isn’t being transparent about the rate of sexual assault on campus.

“This school needs to advocate for sexual assault victims. I just feel like there is more that can be done. In my entire four years here I have heard of these cases, and women reporting to Title IX and it didn’t go anywhere,” said a student who is involved with SAVE and Vagina Monologues. The student is working with others on organizing an event to spread awareness regarding this situation.

“We are definitely going to do something and put something together to show support [for sexual assault awareness],” said the student.

The reported sexual assault occured on Feb. 13 in Gulick Hall (Photo courtesy of Springfield College)

What brought you here?

Springfield College students from near and far explain why they decided to call Alden Street home.

was really unique, and it offers Hoophall, which obviously is a big deal in my field to get the job that I want. Also, schools close to me did not offer the same indepth program of Sport Management. I wanted to get a new experience and step out of my comfort zone, and to get away from everyday normal life for me back in Colorado.”

Kael Donley (New Orleans)- Junior, Communications/Sports Journalism

Olivia Gentry (Cincinnati, Ohio)- First Year, Communications/ Sports Journalism

Deciding where to attend college is a difficult decision with many variables to consider. Whether it be the right major or sport, the four years that a student will spend on the college of their choice, will greatly affect their future. For students at Springfield College, the selection process was similar to many, with some falling in love with a certain program, and others having the opportunity to continue their athletic career at the collegiate level. Students reflect on their rationale when finally settling on coming to Alden Street.

Marc Villanueva (Barcelona)- First Year, Sport Management

“I really wanted to play Tennis in college, as I had played it for a long time. I definitely wanted to be on a tennis team somewhere, and the Sport Management program was another point of interest. The combination of the two met the criteria for the school I wanted to attend, and so Springfield was a good fit for me.”

Danny Brady (Englewood, Colo.)- First Year, Sport Management

“The main factor was the Sport Management program. I thought it

“I found out about Springfield from my friend who goes here. Mainly, he came here because of gymnastics, as there’s only so many gymnastics schools in the country. I always knew the name of Springfield College because of gymnastics – that’s really the only reason why I knew of the school. Gymnastics was the main factor why I came here. Also, hearing from my friend who came here before me, he always talked about how he liked it here and how it’s a very close-knit group of friends that he’d have.”

“I got recruited to come play volleyball at Springfield College by coach Moira Long. She reached out to me via a recruiting website. At first I was a bit hesitant, but then I looked at the school and saw that they were interested in me. At this point, I knew I wanted to do Sports Journalism. So, I took a visit from Ohio, walked around campus and it felt like home. It was definitely a very good energy.”

Salim Fofana (Bangkok, Thailand)- First year, Sports Biology

“I chose Springfield College because it offered me a really good financial aid package. It has

a really good Sports Medicine program as well, which relates to what I want to do with sports biology. Also, they have a very good athletic department, and they could help me get a job after college.”

Emily Beatrice (Shrewsbury, Mass.)First year, Athletic Training

“Springfield has a really good athletics-oriented campus, as well as really good majors relating to the sports – including the Athletic Training program – which is what I want to do. Also the college is not very big, which is what I was looking for. Smaller classes means better opportunities to really get to know my professors.”

Junior Kael Donley (Photo Courtesy of Tucker Paquette)

__ By Tucker PaqueTTe, Nick PaNTages aNd PaTrick Fergus

First-year Olivia Gentry (Photo Courtesy of Tucker Paquette)

Mikaili Charlemagne

Mikaili Charlemagne earned the crown of the Springfield Student Women’s Athlete of the Week with 35.8 percent of the vote after a phenomenal weekend in the pool. The senior swimmer earned the NEWMAC crown in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 23.18 seconds. She was also part of the 200-yard freestyle relay team that broke the Springfield College school record, and finished second in the 100-yard butterfly.

The second vote-getter was Jillian Scott with 29.9 percent of the vote. The sophomore pole vaulter for the women’s track and field team set the Springfield College pole vault record after clearing a height of 11 feet and

Owen Oldenburg

Taking the poll for the Springfield Student Men’s Athlete of the Week was Owen Oldenburg with 39.3% of the vote after he also excelled in the pool. The senior swimmer broke the Springfield College record for the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 51.04 at the NEWMAC Championships on Saturday.

Noah Weislo was second for the honor after receiving 21.3 percent of the vote. The sophomore outside hitter for the men’s volleyball team combined for 30 kills in Springfield’s three games this past week.

Third place was a tie between Aidan

Harmer and Josiah Evely, who each got 19.7 percent in the polls. Harmer is a senior mid-distance runner for the men’s track and field team who set a personal best and finished in first place in the 1000-meter run with a time of 2:36.35 at the Triangle Classic on Saturday. Evely is a first-year forward for the men’s basketball team who led the way with 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting in the Pride’s 92-65 win over Coast Guard on Saturday. Be sure to follow @TheSpfldStudent on Twitter to vote in the next poll!

3.75 inches at the Triangle Classic on Saturday.

Sam Hourihan came in third with 23.9 percent of the vote. The senior forward for the women’s basketball team combined for 26 points and 23 rebounds in the Pride’s two games this past week.

Rounding out the poll was Devon Rosier after a great performance over the weekend. The senior gymnast led the Pride in the floor with a score of 9.750 and led Springfield in the balance beam with a score of 9.600 in the Pride’s meet against Cortland on Saturday.

Owen Oldenburg. (Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

Mikaili Charlemagne. (Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

‘It’s just coaching people’

Springfield College head cross country coach Anna Steinman on the challenges and opportunities of leading men and women

___ By Brady Cote @Brady_Cote3

Anna Steinman is the men’s and women’s cross country head coach and assistant track and field coach at Springfield College. The veteran, now in her seventh year as a coach on Alden Street, got her start coaching at her alma mater, Salisbury College in Maryland, where she spent two seasons as the graduate assistant. She is one of four female head coaches in the NEWMAC who coach across both the men’s and women’s conferences.

In addition to coaching, Steinman continues to train for and run races, including the 126th Boston Marathon – a race that, not long ago, only men could compete in. It was not until 1967, when Katherine Switzer became the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon as an officially registered competitor. What made Steinman’s race even more special is that it also marked the 50th year anniversary of Title IX, the landmark law guaranteeing equal opportunity in federally funded programs.

Student: Where did these opportunities come about?

Steinman: In my grad assistant position, I was given more coaching responsibilities to really get to coach the men and women distance runners. We had some pretty talented people on the team at the time and also had some people that I could really help develop. I was also given a lot of responsibilities right away in recruiting to go out and meet people without too much guid-

ance. {I was] kind of thrown out there, which I think was a good way to start.

Student: What does Title IX mean to you?

Steinman: I think Title IX means just being able to have an equal right to opportunity and to give other people equal opportunities but also showing other people that you can be in roles that maybe weren’t traditionally popular or available. If you want to dream about doing something, you should be able to have that

chance and opportunity not only to do it but also to be mentored into that position as well.

Student: What is it like to coach not only a women’s collegiate team but a men’s team as well?

Steinman: I think it’s a really nice opportunity to coach both men and women. To be honest, I’ve only known that, so to me it’s kind of normal. I don’t really have an answer to what’s different because it’s just that you’re coaching people in general.

There have been times when some people don’t think, “Oh you’re the head coach,” or “You’re one of the coaches,” especially if it’s a men’s meet. Or if you get on a bus and the bus driver doesn’t assume that you’re the coach. But that kind of stuff doesn’t even matter. Other than that, there’s no difference. It’s just coaching people.

Student: What would you like to see changed in the future with Title IX?

Steinman: I think, not just with sports like cross country and track and swimming that are more co-ed, allowing people to have opportunities and trusting people. I really do think it comes from the mentorship. If men are the head coaches, to begin with then they are the ones who have to give the opportunity, and they’re the ones in leadership positions that have to put in the trust and give the opportunities. I think that’s what it starts from, but if people really believe that they can do it then all the athletes will believe it too. It’s also about finding the right coach too, not just the gender.

Steinman is in her seventh season at Springfield. (Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

__ By Luke Whitehouse @Lwhitehouse12

As the clock began to tick “3:57,” “3:58,” and Jack Pinho realized the short time he had to cross the finish line before it hit the four minute mark, he made a choice. He reached his outstretched arms, launched his body in the direction of the white line that had been draped across the maroon track, and dove toward the finish line.

Before Pinho had even looked up at the time, he knew he had given it all he had.

“Just to have the opportunity to go for it was emotional,” Pinho said. “Whether you get it or not, you’re getting to the start line healthy.”

But make no mistake about it, Pinho wanted to cross that finish line before the four minute mark.

And as he lifted himself from the ground to peek at the scoreboard, he saw his last name and beside it, the time of 3:59.54.

He had finally done it.

Leaving it on the line

the only time he could, and on top of that working 40-50 hours a week, every obstacle that could have derailed him didn’t.

“Once Jack sets his mind to something he’s going to do it,” Steinman said. “That’s just who he is.”

Since graduating from Springfield in 2018, Pinho was no longer obligated to run. He had nothing to run for. After setting five school records as a collegiate athlete, Pinho’s career was cemented.

Except it wasn’t.

He wanted to keep going, to reach new heights, to stomp on the stigma that he peaked in college.

With his coach, Anna Steinman in attendance, as well as former teammates and his longtime girlfriend Katie, Pinho was, for the first time in his

life, appreciative of the moment.

“For the first time in my running career I was content for the moment,” Pinho said.

“I was so proud of my-

self and I admit that is crazy. It’s always been ‘what’s the next achievement?’”

From overcoming injuries, to running late at night because it was

“Running post-collegiately is a challenge. You don’t have many resources, there’s no athletic trainers, there’s no one at practice taking your splits, and you take it for granted sometimes,” Pinho said. “Nobody’s there so it’s just me running on my own. And so when I crossed that finish line, not only was I grateful, but I thought of

Springfield alum Jack Pinho achieved his long-time goal of running a mile in less than four minutes on Feb. 12 at Boston University.

Pinho diving across the finish line. (Photo courtesy of Jack Pinho)

everyone that thought I was crazy for going for this, asking why I put myself through all of this.”

Pinho’s love for the sport of running and his sense of strong intrinsic motivation led him to continue his running career.

“I don’t do it just to compete, you know, I do it because I genuinely love running,” Pinho said. “I genuinely love running. You

know that’s kind of my escape, when things are getting tough, being able to go on a run clear your mind you know, kind of disengage for a little bit.”

The road to get to accomplishing this goal he set was a bumpy one, to say the least.

After graduating, Pinho joined the Springfield College cross country team as a graduate assistant for two years. He contin-

pened, the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I kind of backed off racing,” Pinho said. “I was just never able to put together a full season and get back on my feet.”

Following graduate school, Pinho took a job in West Hartford, and began training again, this time with someone else writing his training– longtime professional running coach, Frank Gagliano. After a recommendation from Steinman, Pinho began this new cycle of training, in hopes of getting back to the level of fitness, and ultimately reach the heights he envisioned.

Unfortunately, Pinho was never able to actually race under Gagliano.

ued training, and his former coach, and now colleague, Steinman continued to write his training. He entered mile races throughout those two years, reaching times as low as 4:04 twice and giving him the confidence he needed to set his goal.

At the end of his first season as a GA he had battled injuries. And at the end of his second season, something unforeseen to all hap-

“Two weeks later, I suffered a foot injury, and although it wasn’t diagnosed, I’m pretty sure it was a stress fracture.”

This injury took Pinho off of his feet for four months.

At the same time, he had left his coaching job at Rivier University in New Hampshire, and took a full-time job in the athletic department at Sacred Heart University.

This put Pinho’s running journey in limbo. Even though he was still cross training, it began to be difficult as his body wasn’t recovering the way it had and on top of that the 40-50 hour weeks started to pile up at work.

He got hurt during his training, and then Gagliano ultimately stepped away from coaching.

And then Pinho reached out to a familiar face: Steinman. He started training again under her watch, setting personal records in the 5K, and felt the fittest he had in a while.

Then, the injury bug struck again.

“I was super excited for the indoor track season,” Pinho recalls.

“Those were really hard days,” Pinho said. “You’re on the bike everyday and you’re hurt. And no one forced me to go on the bike, but would still spend hours upon hours on the bike each week.”

Then in the spring of 2022, he began to run again. He competed in some races over the summer and then joined the prominent racing club Boston Athletic Association, which runs out of Boston and is sponsored by Adidas.

This time, he was

Pinho hugging his girlfriend after the race. (Photo courtesy of Jack Pinho)

around some of the best runners in America, and planned to take full advantage.

He started to ramp up his training, competing in San Francisco with his team, and setting a PR in the 3K as well.

Finally he was ready to reach his goal.

This wasn’t easy, though.

His days consisted of work all day, and then late night training, going on runs as late as seven at night, and getting home late to eat dinner. His longtime girlfriend was there to see it all, and played a huge part in reaching his goal.

“She put in so much sacrifice for me,” Pinho said. “She would have dinner ready for me every night when I’d get home and walk through the door around 8:30 after my run. She would drive on Saturdays and Sundays with me to places to make sure I could run. She would ride her bike alongside me as I ran to make sure I wasn’t alone.”

On Jan. 27, Pinho entered a mile race and finished with a time of 4:02.

“I kind of had a moment with my coach (Steinman),” Pinho said . “She was like ‘it’s gonna happen. You’re

going to do it when we come back in two weeks.’”

Confidence is something that fuels everyone in sports, and Pinho finally had his back.

“I was locked in the next two weeks of training,” Pinho said. “I was crushing every workout, hitting all my splits.”

Ten days out from the race where he ultimately broke four minutes, Pinho came up to Springfield for a training session.

“It was kind of the nail in the coffin,” Pinho said. “I executed the hard workout perfectly. I looked at Coach Steinman and said ‘I’m gonna do it.’”

On race day, Steinman knew Pinho was ready.

“I knew on that day when the gun went off that it was going to happen, just by the look on his face,” Steinman said.

In track, the indoor season is relatively short, and as the weather gets warmer, the outdoor track season comes calling. That sentiment stayed with Pinho.

“I knew I had one, maybe two cracks at it left this winter,” Pinho said. “I think I would have had huge regret

my entire life if I was stuck on 4:02, and did not take advantage of really going for it.”

The day didn’t start as planned.

Pinho’s girlfriend Katie, who is his biggest supporter, had come down with a stomach bug the night before. The beginning of race day was spent tending to her, and making sure she felt okay, which in hindsight, helped in keeping his mind off the race.

Before Pinho had left to warm up, Katie looked at Pinho and said, “we’re here and we’re doing it.”

“It was almost like for a moment she believed in me without saying it,” Pinho said. “She basically told me you’re gonna do it and I’m gonna be here to watch. It got me so fired up.”

Pinho’s preparation had met his confidence, setting him up for the success that followed.

The stars were aligning. This was his time.

As Pinho took off in the packed indoor track on the campus of Boston University, there was no doubt he was going to reach his goal.

After crossing the finish line, all Pinho

was trying to do was catch his breath. He had just run faster than he ever had before, leaving everything out on the track. After realizing that he had finally done it, and adrenaline began to infuse his body, he rushed to find one person: Katie.

“The only person I

truly was looking for was Katie,” Pinho said. “After the race I just grabbed her and was hugging her and she kept yelling at me saying ‘you did it’, ‘you did it.’ But then I had this moment, and I looked at her and said ‘no, we did it.’”

Pinho competing at the 2018 NCAA Indoor Track Championships. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

High hopes

D-III Northeast Regional Championships on Feb. 24.

__ By Braedan Shea __ @braedan_shea

Coming off of an impressive regular season with top-eight finishes in all of its six tournament invitational appearances – three of which were top two overall – and a 14-6 record in duel matches, the Springfield College wrestling team is preparing for the most important tournament of the year.

On Friday, Feb. 24, 16 members of the Pride program will be making the near three-and-ahalf hour bus ride to Gorham, Maine for the 2023 NCAA Division III Northeast Regional Championships - a tournament that Springfield believes they can win.

“If they wrestle up to, or exceed their expectations, or the expectations of others, and not our expectations; then they can certainly do something special,” head coach Jason Holder said. “It’s exciting to think about. It’s going to be a wild one. A wild weekend.”

Holder isn’t alone in his hopes for the region-

al championships. Jacob Deguire, a 157-pound sophomore, also finds that this is a team that not only can bring home a regional championship to Alden Street, but can send multiple, if not all, competing athletes to the NCAA Division III Championships held in Roanoke, Va.

“We all have to perform to the best of our ability, which we can,” Deguire said. “ And it would be great. Just seeing everyone else compete is awesome, and if we can go out and be us, we could send everyone to D-IIIs. That’d be awesome.”

In order to qualify for the Division III Championship, a wrestler must place in the top three of their respective weight class at Regionals. Senior Joey Manginelli is the only person on the roster who has qualified for the national tournament in previous years.

As a two-time national qualifier, last season marked the first time

that Manginelli was able to wrestle at the NCAA Championships, as he had qualified for the national event as a freshman in 2020 before the pandemic canceled the championship.

The team has put a lot of emphasis on preparation for regionals, but the best preparation comes from experience.

“At this point, I think our guys are well prepared,” Holder said. “The nice thing is, that aside from a couple of them, most of the guys who are going in wrestling this weekend have competed in this tournament before. They should know what to expect. And they’ve had a good season so far, but at the same time, they know that you just don’t show up to this tourna-

ment.”

As one of the members of the team who has been to the tournament before, placing fifth at 157 last season, Deguire looks to stay in the moment to perform well.

“I’m just trying to stay focused, get my weight down and get me prepared so I don’t force everything at the last minute,” he said. “I’m also trying to get my weight down lower than normal so I don’t have to work out extra when I get there.”

Although the team is bringing 16 wrestlers along, only 10 can compete. The additional six will not only be working out with the team, but also in getting to see how their teammates get ready and carry themselves

during a big tournament.

“Modeling is awesome,” Holder said. “Our guys are really responsible. They work hard. They’re disciplined. They’re dedicated to doing the right things. Right now, especially leading up to the regional tournament, they’re locked in already focused. And that’s good for our guys to see. And we’re even bringing some of the younger guys to work out too so they can see what’s going on and how things are. It’s good for those guys to get a model of how things are done.”

With great preparation, and an even better roster, Springfield will look to continue its strong season into the biggest tournament of the year thus far.

The Springfield wrestling team will compete at the NCAA

Jacob Deguire after a match. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

Springfield men’s volleyball right-side hitter Jarrett Anderson already has a National Player of the Year honor under his belt, and is now embracing the challenge of leading as the only senior on the team.

2022, another demonstration of the one-ofa-kind player he is.

“It is very gratifying to receive the type of recognition that I have received,” Anderson said. “I think it is a testament to my work ethic and drive, but I am also very thankful for the coaches and teammates I have had during my time here at Springfield that has pushed me towards my potential.”

Along with his list of accolades, Anderson has also acclimated to becoming a leader very well – as the 2023 season took a slight unexpected turn.

Sullivan said. “He has been forced into the fast lane, and has been much more vocal than he has in the past.”

Taking a trip down memory lane, Sullivan knew the potential Anderson had as a mere freshman on the team, even during the recruiting process back in high school.

“In high school, we noticed how well we mixed with our group, not to mention just how hard he could hit the ball,” Sullivan said.

Out of 107 Division III volleyball teams, Springfield College is ranked No. 5 overall. One member of the Pride, senior Jarrett Anderson, has played a pivotal role in the team’s success in re-

cent seasons.

The 6-foot-5 powerhouse has been nothing short of spectacular for the Pride. Springfield College has had 17 Academic All-Americans since 1971. Anderson has already been

named first team Academic All-American twice – and is on track for a third recognition this year.

Along with his 3.9 GPA, Anderson also was named National Player of the Year in

The Pride are starting five underclassmen with no collegiate experience. Anderson is the lone senior on the team: one other senior suffered a season-ending injury, while another could not play due to ineligibility.

“Anderson has been phenomenal this year,” head coach Charlie

Anderson, who grew up in Largo, Fla., made the trip to Springfield after a few meetings with coaches. He could not be happier with his decision.

“I can ultimately say that Springfield College was a great choice for me, giving me the opportunity to compete in a high-level athletics environment and further my education within their wellknown Applied Exercise Science program,”

‘He has been forced into the fast lane’

___ By Sean Savage @SeanSav13

Jarrett Anderson celebrating a Springfield point. (Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

Anderson said.

Additionally, Anderson was surrounded by people who helped him adjust to a new environment and team.

“As a freshman, I had the benefit of being surrounded by many upperclassmen who did a great job representing our program, leading by example, and guiding our team towards the culture we look to epitomize,” Anderson said.

Now older, Anderson strives to carry out the pillars of strength provided to him by taking a lead role on the team. The team is composed of many younger players, so Anderson has done his best to step up to the plate.

“I have found myself in a significant leadership role. I have had the opportunity to set an example of what we strive for within our program, doing my best to teach, encourage, and guide our group towards the level we are looking to reach and achieve,” Anderson said.

Sullivan also noted how Anderson has carried the torch as he has grown older, keeping the team culture alive.

“We have very few egos, and Anderson has been a great leader

for that,” Sullivan said. “We keep pushing the envelope to keep getting better.”

This year, the Pride are sitting with a .857 win percentage and a 12-2 record through Feb. 21. The abundance of success is largely due to their team culture being centered around trust and support.

“What contributes most to our success is our ability to trust each other and establish positive relationships that only better how we work together and perform on the court,” Anderson said. “Doing so allows us to be a cohesive unit and produce a very high level of play.”

Sullivan also highlighted how his team is able to stay on top of the proverbial ladder, frequently recognized as a top Division III school.

“We use a Will Farrell reference from the movie Old School,” Sullivan said. “To be our most effective servers, and it has served us great.”

As the season progresses, the Pride are rounding closer postseason play – looking for a 12th national championship.

“We are a highly competitive and hard-

working group that looks to enhance our team cohesion through sharing the same goals and desires,” Anderson said.

Although he has a shelf full of trophies, Anderson knows there

is always room for improvement. His work ethic ripples throughout the team and has catapulted them to more success.

“There are always more ways that I can better myself to reach

my full potential, so I utilize rewards for motivation rather than stress to remind myself that there is always room for improvement,” Anderson concluded.

Jarrett Anderson with the 2023 Morgan Classic trophy. (Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)

Sports

Reaching New Heights

Springfield men’s volleyball star Jarrett Anderson has taken on a leadership role as the team’s only senior after winning National Player of the Year in 2022.

[See page 14]

The Springfield Student

(Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics)