Volume 136 No. 5

The Springfield Student October 7, 2021

Est. 1910 scstudentmedia.com // @TheSpfldStudent

Volume 136 No. 5

Winners/Finalists for five Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ) awards in 2021

A long time coming Class of 2020 walks the stage See page 2 (Photo courtesy of Springfield College)

inside Page 4

Page 6

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Public Safety on the hunt for catalytic converter thieves

Springfield College welcomed Dr. Celine Gounder as the Arts and Humanities Speaker

Alumni of Color honored in the legacy corridor

And more...

October 7, 2021

Campus News

PAGE 2

It’s about time

Springfield College kept its promise and held a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 after it was originally postponed due to the COVID pandemic. __ By Nico Fiscella __ @Nico_Fiscella

573 days ago, students gathered in the Dodge room of the Campus Union and heard President Mary-Beth Cooper announce that spring break was going to be extended an extra week due to the ensuing threat of the COVID-19 virus.

While most students were pleased with the additional time off, it did not take long for the excitement to turn into gloom.

Less than a week later, it was announced that the remainder of the semester would be completed virtually.

“In what felt like a second, my senior year was gone. It didn’t hit me until after I left that my last days on campus [as a student] were behind me,” said 2020 graduate Grace Berry.

(Photos courtesy of Springfield College) While it did take some time, the 2020 graduatSarah Wooley, Emily Van ing remarks. ing class returned home While the cereHorn, and Terry Pratt this past Saturday to mony was held in the finally get the graduation Powe ‘96. field house, it was also “You were made for they deserved. The 2020 streamed on YouTube, Commencement Ceremo- these times, and I will where friends and family ny took place in the Field never forget, nor will filled the live chat with you, the challenges you House Saturday mornovercame,” said President support and love for their ing, in which graduates Cooper during the open- graduates. heard from speakers

“I am honored to graduate with a class that has found a way to make the best lemonade out of the biggest damn bag of lemons,” added Van Horn.

Families watched as the sea of black cap and

gowns one by one began walking to the stage to finally fulfill their college experience. While for some it was just a piece of paper, to others it was an uphill accomplishment.

“It was amazing to finally get to cross the stage with my peers and classmates,” added Berry.

Berry was the first of her family to say she completed college, and the wait for her diploma not only meant so much to her, but to her parents as well.

“We have been so proud of Grace, and seeing her hard work pay off is priceless,” said Berry’s mother.

After the graduates received their diplomas, the alumni council hosted a food truck festival.

With music, activities and a surplus of food, graduates had the opportunity to spend one last Saturday as a student of Springfield College.

While the class of 2020 received the send off they so patiently waited for, it will not be long until they return to campus.

“Class of 2020, I’ll see you at the five year reunion in four years,” said Van Horn, with a smile.

October 7, 2021

Campus News

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Guerard: Class of 2020, we did it.

Finally.

Former Editor-in-Chief of The Student Gabby Guerard reflects on celebrating her commencement a year late as a member of the Class of 2020. __ By Gabby Guerard __ @GabbyGuerard

It’s hard to forget NSO Convocation in the fall of 2016.

All I heard was “N, S-OOO, N, N, S-OOO” echoing throughout Blake Arena with clapping to a rhythm I clearly missed the memo on. I didn’t recognize a single face in the sea of strangers. Honestly, I was still trying to wrap my head around how my “beanie” was classified as a beanie to begin with.

But the one thing that stuck was when they said four years from then, in the spring of 2020, we’d walk across that stage and graduate.

The Class of 2020.

We had envisioned how that moment would feel.

How that day would look.

It’d come after a senior week for the ages -- a week-long goodbye to our friends, teammates and the place we called home.

A lot of our bodies and minds probably would’ve been in rough shape that morning. But, our spirit never would’ve been more full, and holding the brunt of that triangle together.

None of us envisioned graduation would be in the Field House with a fraction of our classmates 18 months late.

I wasn’t sure if I’d even go and I wasn’t alone.

Not because I didn’t care or it wasn’t “what it was supposed to be.” I wasn’t “above” graduating and it had nothing to do with hostility towards Springfield College.

I want to be clear: We all understood why we couldn’t graduate during a global pandemic. We can’t blame anyone except the universe for that one.

I’m just at a different point in my life now. A few months ago, I fulfilled a

dream covering the Tokyo Olympics and now I’m gearing up for the Beijing Olympics.

If COVID-19 has taught me one thing, it’s recognizing what really matters. Walking across a stage 18 months late to get “closure” wasn’t my top priority.

It was for some, though. In the last year and a half, we’ve been told to “see the bigger picture” and that it was selfish to be upset about not walking across a stage when there were much more pressing issues.

My heart goes out to the students who are the first in their family to graduate and finally got to soak up their moment walking across that stage.

Or the ones who never thought they’d see that stage and managed to pull it off.

Gabby Guerard ‘20 poses with Communication/Sports Journalism professor, and former adviser of The Student Marty Dobrow after finally receiving her diploma. (Photo courtesy of Gabby Guerard)

That is the bigger picture. That should be a priority. I just felt I was in a different place mentally, I’d moved forward, which is okay too.

But you know who hadn’t? My mom. She’s been asking for a photo in my cap and gown for the last year and a half. I’m happy to report she finally got it.

I wasn’t alone, either.

Everyone I talked to said they went to graduation for their mom (or dad or other family members).

And, Springfield College knows a thing or two about family.

When COVID-19 crushed our senior year, the Class of 2020 rallied one last time in the Townhouse backyards. We had senior-day celebrations

for our spring athletes who stepped off the field without knowing they played their last games.

Programs pulled together for their own twist on graduation -- Townhouse style.

That’s what families do, especially in the midst of unforeseen circumstances.

As Emily Van Horn said in her Undergraduate Welcome speech during graduation, “Our class was given the biggest damn bag of lemons.”

They brought us even closer, despite living apart in our final weeks. So, while I was glad to formally graduate, seeing my Springfield College family was the heart of what See Guerard continued on Page 8

October 7, 2021

Campus News

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Cat-alytic burglar Springfield College Public Safety is on high alert after a series of catalytic converter thefts from cars in student parking lots. _ By Irene Rotondo _ @irenerrotondo

Springfield College Public Safety is on high alert after 11 students have had expensive car parts stolen overnight from their cars while parked in school lots.

The robberies have been occurring throughout the City of Springfield with 50-60 incidents reported citywide, according to Public Safety.

The thieves began targeting Springfield College students on Aug. 29 with the first incident reported on Aug. 30 and the last incident reported on Sept.

29. They’re specifically looking for catalytic converters and especially Hondas with Connecticut license plates.

Ofc. Richard Spaulding, member of Public Safety, said the Honda converters that the thieves are stealing contain a special kind of expensive metal that can be melted down and potentially sold.

“The catalytic converter has different types of precious metals, trace amounts,” stated Spaulding.

“I believe it’s platinum that Hondas use more of, so when they take the catalytic converters, they kind of wash out the metals from them and mold them together to try to get more out of it,” he added.

Students will clearly be able to tell if their converter was stolen because when removed, a car will sound as loud as an 18-wheeler truck once started.

Public Safety has gone to great lengths in attempting to catch the thieves and keeping students’ cars safe. They began lengthening their shifts, with officers staying until 3:00 a.m. to monitor lots overnight, and have advised students with Hondas to park in Lot 9 next to

Public Safety is encouraging students who drive Hondas to park in Lot 9, next to the public safety building. (Photos courtesy of Springfield College)

the Public Safety building.

Officers have also been participating in stakeouts in lots across campus, with some volunteering their own personal vehicles to wait in the lots in plain sight.

Sgt. Dan Cotter was able to identify and file a criminal complaint against one individual, whose vehicle matched the description of one of the three believed to be targeting campus, by waiting in an unmarked police car in plain clothes.

Though the team did not physically arrest the individual they identified, they were able to complete the paperwork side of an arrest by filing a criminal complaint. The alleged thief will now need to come to their court date at the Springfield District Court, and Ofc. Spaulding reassured students that the individual will be arrested if they step foot on campus.

“It’s been a week since we’ve had any incidents, so hopefully it’s died down a little bit.

They definitely know we’re out there now with extra patrolling at night,” said Spaulding.

One of the 11 unfortunate Honda owners, Matt Herrmann, said he had his catalytic converter stolen between Sept. 24 and Sept. 28.

Herrmann, a junior from Hamden, Conn., had not driven his car since that Friday the 24, and was trying to go to class when he made the shocking discovery.

“Tuesday morning, me and my roommates were going to my class at East Campus and I was driving,” said Herrmann.

“I started my car, and all of a sudden I knew something was wrong because it sounded like a broken lawnmower, like, times ten.”

Herrmann ended up getting a ride in his roommate’s car to East Campus, and found out

through conversations with classmates that vehicles like his had been getting hit overnight.

“Eventually, in my class, another student told me that their friend got theirs stolen,” stated Herrmann.

“Once I got back from my class, I looked under my car and the whole undercarriage was just empty, basically. It was all gone,” he recalled.

Herrmann walked to Public Safety, who helped him file a report on the incident on Sept.

28. The business student’s problems were far from over, though.

He had to call his father, who came to check out the car and decide what steps they needed to take next.

Herrmann’s father ended up driving the car home to be repaired, but Herrmann was actually lucky in that the thieves did not cut the startSee Converters continued on Page 7

October 7, 2021

Campus News

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Honoring trailblazers Springfield celebrated the opening of the Legacy Alumni of Color Corridor and honored the induction of the first six members. _ By Aiden Fitzpatrick _ afitzpatrick3@springfield.edu

The welcoming atmosphere at Springfield College was only heightened this past Saturday, Oct. 2, as the Springfield College Alumni Association held the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Hall of Alumni of Color Achievers Legacy Corridor. Smiling faces and progressive energy surged throughout the top floor of the Campus Union as people gathered and talked with one another, including with the families of the inductees.

The event was held to celebrate the opening of the Legacy Alumni of Color Corridor and honor the induction of the first six inaugural graduates of Springfield College, who as President Mary-Beth Cooper put it, are “trailblazers in their life.”

The six men inducted were John Ma ’20, G ’1926, Harold Amos ’41, Roscoe Brown ’43, Donald Brown ’69, G’78,

Arnold Bell ’73, and Carlton Pickron ’79, G ’82. Between Physical Education and Biology, as well as answering the call to serve their country, each man is a true leader in his own right and a pioneer in his own respective field.

The father of China’s modern day Physical Education, John Ma served as the Chairman of the Chinese Sports Federation.

Harold Amos was drafted by the U.S Army in 1942. He then earned his PhD from Harvard Medical School, making him the first African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard Medical School. Amos also became a full time professor at Harvard, specializing in cells and bacteria.

Another veteran, Roscoe Brown, flew combat missions in World War II. Brown then went to NYU for his PhD,

and was a Professor of Physical Education for 25 years.

Donald Brown was the youngest director of Upward Bound in the nation by the age of 23. In 1974, Brown was named Director of Non-Residential Programs for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services.

In true Springfield College fashion, Arnold Bell was a physical therapist for the Olympic Organizing Committee during the 1984 games.

Bell published many physical education textbooks, as well as being a professor at Florida A&M University.

Carlton Pickren was the Director of Aquatics and Special Programs at the YMCA in Washington, D.C. Pickren also served as Vice President of Student Affairs at Westfield State.

At the event, Brianna D’Haiti, Co-President of the Student Alumni

The Hall of Alumni of Color Achievers is located just outside the Office of Multicultural Affairs on the top floor of the Union. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

Association, spoke on her excitement to be in the Campus Union and help lead the tour to the new Alumni Corridor.

“It went very well,” D’Haiti shared.

“Being here with all of you for this moment is the most important thing to me this weekend.”

Speaking at the event, alongside D’Haiti, were Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, Vice President for Inclusion and Community Engagement Dr. Calvin Hill, and Alumni Council Subcommittee on Alumni of Color Chair, Nate Harris.

“This Hall of Alumni of Color Achievers, and

our acknowledgement of it, is perhaps past due,” Dr. Hill said.

“But I am so glad that we have come together in unity to recognize and support and be a part of an outstanding legacy,” Dr. Hill continued.

The big maroon wall on the second floor of the Union, directly behind the speakers and looming over top of the crowd, inadvertently speaks to the integrity of those honored. It largely displays words like “Accomplish”, “Achieve”, “Lead”, and “Inspired,” which makes it the perfect location for the high honor.

Campus News

October 7, 2021

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The pandemic and public health Dr. Celine Gouder spoke on the importance of being informed as a citizen as part of Springfield’s Arts and Humanities Speaker series. __ By Cait Kemp __ @caitlinkemp09

Springfield College was honored to welcome Dr. Celine Gounder via Zoom to discuss COVID-19 and the social climate in today’s world with the student, staff, and faculty population. Dr. Gounder’s appearance was part of the Arts and Humanities Speaker series, and featured President MaryBeth Cooper to facilitate the conversation.

Rachel Rubinstein, the Dean of School of Arts and Sciences, introduced the event and Dr. Cooper and Communications/ Sports Journalism student Irene Rotondo introduced the distinguished guest of the night.

Dr. Gounder is an infectious diseases expert and was appointed to President Biden’s Transition Covid Advisory Board in 2020. She has dealt with the pandemic and the repercussions around it first-hand, and was able to bring a new perspective of knowledge to the Springfield College

community.

President Cooper was prepared with a set of discussion points to lead the conversation with Dr. Gounder.

Gounder talked about how unpredictable the pandemic has been, and even for the professionals like herself it has been difficult to understand and plan for what happened and how it has played out.

“It is very hard to predict the future. One of the things we’ve learned about this virus is that what we think we know may change the very next day, and I think a bit of this happened with the emergence of the Delta variant,” said Gounder.

“So I think we do need to be flexible and fluid and adaptable as we learn. I think there’s been a lot of desire to know for sure what is going to happen… and I think that’s been one of the hardest things over the past two years.”

She emphasized the importance of being

(Photo courtesy of Princeton University)

informed as a citizen.

There were struggles with the pandemic and all the uncertainty that loomed, which allowed for an abundance of misinformation to circulate.

“I do think having some basic science literacy about human biology, medicine, ethics- bioethics- is really important to be a well informed citizen during a crisis like this,” she said.

With this problem of misinformation, she acknowledged the fear

that has stimulated about getting the vaccine.

She said, “I think there is a lot of fear that it may not be safe, and that is simply not true... we’re still having a very difficult time getting that through.”

She encourages people to receive the vaccine and that it is a beneficial way to protect against the more dangerous symptoms of the virus.

President Cooper then switched gears to ponder about the post-pandem-

ic world, and what Dr. Gounder can predict or foresee coming in hopefully the near future.

“We do not think the virus is going to go away, so when we say post-pandemic, what that really means was shifting into endemic, so that means there’s ongoing, lower level transmission of the virus going on in the community,” she explained.

“I think at that point the people that will be getting really sick will be the elderly...so I think you’ll

Campus News

October 7, 2021 continue to see some level of severe disease in those groups, and that’s not unlike what we see in influenza.”

She said that she thinks this will become something that we can live with, and will become something comparable to the flu.

Childhood vaccinations and mild breakthrough cases will probably be the norm for Covid moving forward, and Gounder is “cautiously optimistic” about the future of the pandemic, and recognized that some communities will do better depending on what they do with the tools they have to help contain the virus.

Gounder’s lasting perspective was talking about the importance of community in difficult times like this.

“I would emphasize the importance of community.

Whether that is a community to support one another during a pandemic, you know offering mutual aid, I think community in terms of being creative and banding together, coming up with solutions…” she said. “I think that’s where everything has to start and I’m hopeful that this has awakened us to that need.”

Speaking to Springfield College about being a community for one another is familiar. With the Humanics philosophy, it is the norm for Springfield College students to help one another at any time, not only times of need. Gounder’s final words reinforce that idea in the minds of students and faculty, and there is no doubt that they will take what she said and apply it to everyday life on Alden Street.

Converters continued from Page 4

got messed up, so I had to get my whole undercarriage redone,” said Herrmann.

Insurance covered the majority of Herrmann’s car repairs, with the family only paying $500 of the $3,000 damages inflicted. He said his car itself is only worth about $4,500, meaning his bill was as almost as expensive as the entire vehicle.

Now, Herrmann should be getting his car back by Oct. 7, but this doesn’t signify the end of troubles for

er wires on his black 2006 Accord. He stated that he knew of other victims whose entire undercarriage of their cars was wrecked by the thieves.

“I know some other people, [the thieves] got their starters; they did ‘accidental’ damage to a lot of cars other than the converter… some people got their starters cut by ‘accident,’ my O2 sensors

PAGE 7

Above: Dr. Mary-Beth Cooper, President of Springfield College, zooms in from her office.

Left: Dr. Rachel Rubenstein, President Cooper, Dr. Gounder and Irene Rotondo during the lecture.

(Photo courtesy of Springfield College)

Springfield College students. Ofc. Spaulding said that though there hasn’t been a new incident in about a week, Honda-owning students should still be parking in Lot 9.

“When we feel there hasn’t been an incident in a long enough time --- we’re working with the Springfield Police Department as well -- when we feel there’s been enough time between these incidents, we’ll put out another email to everybody,” said Ofc. Spaulding.

The Public Safety building is located at 25 Portsmouth St. and can be reached at (413) 748-5555. (Irene Rotondo/The Student).

For now, the best students can do is to stay vigilant for the three vehicle descriptions provided in an email to the campus on Sept. 28, and report any suspicious

activity to Public Safety.

Their number is (413) 748-5555, and Spaulding strongly encourages the phrase, “If you see something, say something.”

Campus News

October 7, 2021 Guerard continued from Page 3

brought me back to Alden Street.

I heard how Colleen creatively figured out which kindergartener wet their pants while teaching P.E. And how those lifts in the weight room paid off for Alex, who won an Oktoberfest competition for holding a stein the longest. I even found Jules, my old teammate who hosted me for my overnight visit as a recruit in the fall of 2015, in the mob of people afterwards.

I ate pizza with Marty and the newspaper editors down by the park, where we saw Evan, Jack, Danny, Joe and Irene’s frisbee skills (or lack thereof).

I think we collected all

the frisbees shanked into the woods. I’m just glad Danny didn’t give me a concussion this year.

I saw my COSJ family, the people I lived in press boxes and courtside in Blake Arena with. Look at us now. We’ve moved past the newspaper office, SCTV3 studio and The Birthplace radio station.

That’s what made this non-traditional ceremony special. It doubled as a reunion. I’ve never been more proud of my classmates than now, after hearing what everyone has done amid some of the worst possible circumstances to job hunt.

I wouldn’t have had that chance without graduation. President MaryBeth Cooper and Springfield College promised

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Top left: Gabby Guerard poses with her mother after the long-awaited 2020 Commencement ceremony.

Bottom left: Guerard poses with a group of her roommates.

Right: The 2019-20 student newspaper staff reunited on the special day.

(Photos courtesy of Gabby Guerard)

we’d walk across a stage in our academic regalia and they followed through.

So, as I looked around the Field House that morning, was it what I had envisioned? No. Not

even close.

But our beanies had become caps.

That sea of strangers had become family.

And as for the NSO cheers… We even had

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some of those, only this time I actually knew the rhythm. I don’t think I’ll ever get those out of my head.

Class of 2020, we did it. Finally.

October 7, 2021

Sports

PAGE 9

Karly Suppicich After a Twitter poll released on Sunday evening, women’s soccer’s Karly Suppicich edged field hockey’s Emma Wesoloski by just seven percent of the vote. The poll received exactly 200 votes, with women’s soccer taking home a win for the second consecutive week. Star Kaleigh Dale received the first Springfield Student Athlete of the Week award.

Suppicich made her way into the poll after she netted the game-winning goal in double overtime on Saturday to give the Pride the 2-1 win over Coast Guard.

With just 2:07 remaining on the clock, Suppicich found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

She fired into the left side of the net, securing the golden goal victory. As soon as the shot left her foot, Suppicich spread her arms, and her smile, out wide, prepared to embrace her teammates.

And embrace they did. Soon Suppicich found herself at the bottom of a pile that kept on growing.

“It feels unreal,” Suppicich told The Student’s Hayden Choate after the game.

“I can’t believe that just happened.”

To make the moment even better, the game was played in front of a large

(Joe Arruda/The Student)

homecoming crowd.

That goal was Suppicich’s second in as many games this week.

Field hockey’s Emma Wesoloski made a strong late push in the polls after the senior scored a goal that helped snap Springfield’s six-game losing streak in a 2-1 win at Nichols on Saturday. The field hockey team is now 3-7 with two home games approaching this week.

The other two nominees, both of which drew just four percent of the vote, were women’s soccer’s Amelia Harper and women’s volleyball’s Natalie Billet.

Harper, the Pride goalkeeper, registered a clean sheet on Wednesday, Oct. 1, with three saves. The junior transfer from Rockford University, and a native of Utah, has inserted themself into the starting position in net.

Harper started in seven games to this point for Springfield and has compiled 24 saves on a .800 save percentage.

Billet has emerged as a women’s volleyball mainstay in her first-year season.

The outside hitter tallied 17 kills in the team’s five-set loss to MIT on Tuesday, Sept. 28. Through 15 matches, Billet has combined for 181 kills and 28 aces.

Jack Rosenberg On the men’s side, no Twitter poll was launched due to the fact that the men’s soccer team was the only to compete in the week. Instead, our editors have decided to name this week’s Athlete of the Week ourselves.

Jack Rosenberg, the men’s soccer team captain, has been a must-start since his first year on Alden Street. Now a senior, Rosenberg has already tallied five goals and an assist.

Over the week, he scored two goals that each came in 2-0 wins for the Pride. The first against Framingham State on Tuesday, Sept. 18, and the second just after our vote was made public on Tuesday, October 5.

With Rosenberg’s leadership and

production, the men’s soccer team has seemed to drastically turn it around after a rough 4-13-1 2019 season and missing 2020.

The Pride sit at 6-4 with five games remaining on their schedule.

This week, the Twitter polls will be opened on Sunday evening, this time for both women’s and men’s student-athletes. The week includes golf ’s MASCAC Championships, football’s first home game, a men’s and women’s cross country meet and games for every fall team.

Be sure to follow The Student on Twitter and Instagram, @TheSpfldStudent, so you don’t miss next week’s polls – you really won’t want to.

(Danielle Schmelling/The Student)

October 7, 2021

Sports

Back to tradition

PAGE 10

The Springfield College gymnastics team returns for their annual Homeshow after missing last year due to COVID-19. __ By Garrett Cote __ @garrett_cote

Behind an electric crowd containing students, family, faculty and staff, and the loudest of the bunch, the Springfield College gymnastics alum, the Men’s and Women’s gymnastics home show was back in Blake Arena once again, with this year marking the 111th edition of the thrilling exhibition.

Each year, the home show displays a new theme, captivating the audience with interesting plots and storylines as the gymnasts fly through the air showcasing their skills.

This past weekend, the theme for the home show was game night.

After missing last year due to COVID-19, the athletes were thankful and excited to have the opportunity to revisit the tradition that has lasted since the early 1900s.

“I am so grateful I was able to perform, especially after not having a home show last year due to COVID,” said women’s gymnastics senior Leah Jewett. “As a senior, I couldn’t have asked for a better last home show and group of people to experience it with. I look forward to coming back these next years as an alumni and watching such

a meaningful tradition continue.”

Following opening remarks from gymnastics head coach Matt Davis (who directed the entire exhibition) providing the layout of what the show would entail, the first event was a gymnastics Family Feud between the “Judd” and the “Naismith” families, with each side having five participants.

To settle which family was going to walk away with the win, they were given one task each. For the Judds, their task was to see how many dismounts they could stick in five opportunities. For the Naismiths, their task was to see how many releases they could tally in five attempts. Each member of the family was given one attempt. They flew through the air with breathtaking strength and speed, drawing deafening crowd reactions with each skill performed.

“It was great to have all the fans back in the building,” junior Jakarie Williams of the men’s team offered, reflecting on the noise created by the fans. “Having them cheer us on was nice to see, and it definitely added fuel to the fire. I’m glad we could

The Springfield College gymnastics team performs their 111th Homeshow (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College)

put on a performance and give the people their money’s worth.”

The Springfield College Pride dance team added in a fascinating dance routine with a Monopoly theme to it, as they came out dressed in black and gold topped with a top hat and put on a show highlighted by several dazzling transitions.

Iconic and nostalgic games such as MarioKart, Trivia, Chess, and Pac-Man were all portrayed throughout the night while the gymnasts showed off their prowess on the high bar, uneven bars, parallel bars, floor routines, rings, and many other events during the show.

“Our coaches came up with the whole idea of the game show,” Williams started. “It was definitely a good theme that we did, and we hadn’t ever done it before so I liked it and thought it turned out to be really solid.”

Wrapping up the event portion of the show, the men’s and women’s gymnastics teams collaborated for a house of cards event.

This required a combination of strength, balance, and trust of one another, as they carefully stacked each other to create a house of cards. An undeniable amount of strength took place to make these finished “card” products a possibility.

Similar to every year,

the home show ends with a tradition that pays respect to the mission of long-time gymnastics head coach Leslie J. Judd.

The participants formed many different tableaux, representing different missions Judd strived to carry out.

“This year’s exhibition included many traditions from past home shows in a really entertaining and creative way,” Jewett claimed. “Some of these traditions were the pyramid number, the women’s number, and tableaux.”

A total of 60 different student athletes were able to contribute over the weekend in what was another successful gymnastics home show.

October 7, 2021

Sports

(Photos courtesy of Springfield College)

PAGE 11

October 7, 2021

Sports

PAGE 12

Hole in one

Springfield’s golf team finished second in the MASCAC Championship after Damon Monks sunk his first career hole-in-one. _____ By Brady Cote _____ @brady.cote

On Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 4 and 5, the Springfield College golf team competed at a high level, playing through rough conditions during the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Championships hosted at the Berkshire Hills Country Club.

The championship was modified last minute to adapt to the amount of rainfall. Unfortunately, teams were only able to play the back nine holes on the first day of the tournament.

Although the circumstances of the championship were not ideal, that did not stop Springfield College from placing second overall as the team shot a total of 482 strokes combined from both days

of the tournament.

Those that competed in the championship were Aidan McBride, Damon Monks, Corey Roya, Nicholas DeMaio, and Jack Shane. Springfield came in third place in the first round of the championship with a total of 166 strokes behind Salem State and Mitchell College.

The team was led by both McBride and Monks through the first round, as they tied through the back nine holes each shooting 40 strokes in the opener.

The conditions of the course were challenging to say the very least due to rainy weather.

“It was horrible,” said Monks. “Some of the greens were so flooded someone could have driven a boat out there.”

Tuesday, the second

Damon Monks pushes the Springfield College golf team to second place in the MASCAC Chamiopnship with a hole in one. (Photo Courtesy of Springfiled College Athletics)

day of the championship, the teams were left with no other choice but to play the back nine holes twice over regarding the early morning announcement as the front nine were deemed unplayable.

The team was led by Monks on day two of the championship as he shot a stellar 78 strokes respectively on 18 holes, consisting of 10 pars, two birdies, and a hole in one.

“It was the most flush six iron I have ever hit,” said Monks. “It was my first hole-in-one ever, and to hit it during the championship is just special.”

Hearing that only the back nine holes were in playing condition left the team in frustration, how-

ever, it did not break their concentration.

“Although it was three rounds of the same holes, we stayed focused and kept our composure,” said Monks.

The back nine holes were left in shambles after the rainfall that took place the day before, leaving bunkers filled with water.

“It was really bad, there was a lot of casual water on the course,” Monks said. “Especially today, [Tuesday] on one green it was like you could ride a boat out there.”

In the event that one of the athlete’s strokes landed in the water-filled bunkers, they were able to move their ball into the rough instead.

The team was able to succeed through these inconveniences by staying focused and by playing the game the way they do best.

“It is different for each of us,” Monks said.

“Some of us like to tee up with our driver, whereas others prefer a three wood instead, it’s kind of an individual thing.”

Reflecting on the championship, the team is proud of placing second and they look forward to competing in the Blazer Fall Invitational meet.

The Pride looks to keep the ball rolling this upcoming weekend.

October 7, 2021

Sports

PAGE 13

Cementing his legacy Tony DiCicco‘70 was recognized for his achievements as a member of the Springfield College men’s soccer team with an exhibit in the Springfield College museum. __ By Jac St. Jean __ @jacsaintj

With so many decorated athletes that have come out of Springfield College in its storied and legendary history, it’s no surprise that ‘The Birthplace’ also educated a future pioneer of women’s soccer.

On Saturday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. in the Springfield College Archives and Special Collections, the late Tony DiCicco ‘70 was honored and recognized for his accomplishments during and after leaving Springfield College. Attendees waltzed through the room, some alumni reliving their days on campus, others exploring new memorabilia recently added.

All were welcomed and introduced to the celebration of 40 years of women’s soccer and the new Tony DiCicco ‘70 Collection. The collection included statistics, documents, jerseys, and game balls from DiCicco’s career as a player for not only the Pride, but also the American Soccer League, and his career as a coach for the United States women’s national soccer team from 1994 to 1999. In this time, DiCicco

Springfield College celebrates the new Tony DiCicco ‘70 Collection. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College)

led the women’s team to a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, and a FIFA World Cup in 1999.

Before he began his coaching career, DiCicco played for the Pride and was named co-captain in 1969. DiCicco earned All-American status as goalkeeper for Springfield, and even played professionally for five years, in-

cluding a brief stint with the men’s national team in 1973. President MaryBeth Cooper kicked off the historic celebration.

“Today is about the DiCicco family,” Cooper said. “What I love about this weekend is [the representation of] the past, the present, and more importantly it’s the future.”

Dr. Craig Poisson,

executive director of athletics, introduced and recognized the past, present, and future members of women’s soccer at Springfield. These attendees included the first women’s coach and retired professor at Springfield College, Herb Zettl, some of his former players from his coaching career, current head coach of

the women’s soccer team John Gibson and some of his former and current players. Also in attendance were DiCicco’s wife, Diane, and one of their son’s, Anthony.

“The things we’re talking about here, the things we have here,” DiCicco’s son explained, “Are really indicators of how one person, through the application of knowledge and experience, and the desire to grow, throughout a lifetime can change the world.”

DiCicco’s FIFA World Cup in 1999 put women’s U.S. soccer on the map and led to a boom in women’s soccer all across the country. DiCicco broke barriers as a male coach for a team composed of all women. He was said to have had a calm demeanor and an open mind when it came to working with his players. One item encased in the collection was a thank you letter from one of his players.

The event culminated in a toast led by Dr. Poisson, who toasted to the unveiling of the Tony DiCicco collection. The Tony DiCicco ‘70 Soccer Exhibit and more can be found in the Springfield College Museum in Judd Gymnasia.

October 7, 2021

Sports

Dedicating Potter Field

Springfield softball cut the ribbon on Potter Field which was named after legendary coach Diane L. Potter.

The Springfield College softball team celebrates the new softball field dedictaed to former Pride coach, Diane L. Potter. (Photo Courtesy of Springfield College) ___ By Daniel Curren ___ @daniel_curren

The hot sun shined down on the freshly installed turf on a bright Saturday afternoon at Springfield College.

Members of the softball program, old and new, cheered as former Springfield softball coach, and pioneer in Pride athletics Diane L. Potter cut through the red ribbon, officially opening the new

field in her name.

The Springfield softball program hosted an event to honor former coach Potter and recognize her efforts for the college, and name the newly renovated field after her. The ceremony served as a reunion for the program with numerous alumni, coaches, faculty, as well as current players in attendance.

Potter coached the softball team for 21 years after graduating from Springfield in 1957. She also coached the gymnastics team, serving as the program’s first coach.

She was a very decorated coach, bringing home four undefeated seasons, two Northeast 8 Championships, an EAIAW Championship and an ECAC

Division II Championship.

She also led the Pride to 32 straight victories between the 1968 and 1970 seasons. Several members of those teams attended the ceremony for their former coach.

The opening of the newly renovated field and honoring of Coach Potter comes after an elongated history of different fields the softball team has played on. After spending decades shifting locations on campus, they finally settled on the current location next to the health center in 1985, with that field also being named after Coach Potter.

The first person to speak on Potter’s behalf during the ceremony was Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, who spoke nothing but high praise for the iconic Springfield softball coach.

“So when she comes out of retirement, as all great athletes have the option to do, if she’s standing next to me, I know I can’t lose,” Cooper said.

Soon after, it was time for Potter to speak, and she expressed her excitement for the future of the program, of which she helped build.

“The thing I’m most proud of is that you folks have a chance to play on this,” Potter said. “Though you have seen those who came before you, and the legacy of the softball program, you are the future of it. You’re the current and you are the future.”

Although the current Springfield softball athletes were not coached

by Potter, her contributions still leave an impact

PAGE 14

on each and every one of them, and senior outfielder Ava Fernandez was one who was appreciative with her work.

“Coach Potter is everyone’s mentor here,” said Fernandez. “We are so thankful that we are able to be here today and congratulate her.”

With lots of people coming to support the history of the softball program on that day, senior Sarah Mulligan was grateful to be a part of it.

“It meant a lot to see everyone who made this possible come back. Coach Potter has done so much not only for our program but women in sports and it’s just really awesome to see everyone come together. It makes us really proud to be a Springfield softball player,” Mulligan said.

This was an event that had to be pushed back due to the pandemic, so the softball team has already played their first few games on the new field.

Players have already seen how much of an upgrade the turf has been.

“Since I am a senior, I played on the dirt field my freshman and sophomore year, and this field is top notch.” said Fernandez.

“It’s really nice to be able to play on the turf and we’re all just really grateful that we have such a nice field and so many people who helped make it possible,” said Mulligan.

The Springfield College softball team will look to continue their legacy on the new Diane L. Potter field in the spring.

October 7, 2021

Sports

PAGE 15

40 years in the making Springfield College women’s soccer celebrated its 40th season during Homecoming Weekend.

Former members of the Springfield College women’s soccer team are recognized at halftime for the program’s 40th season. (Photo Courtesy of Joe Arruda) ___ By Hayden Choate ___ @ChoateHayden

Over the years one of the most successful teams on campus is the Springfield College women’s soccer team.

This season, the team celebrates its 40th anniversary as a varsity team here on campus.

In the fall of 1980, Springfield College announced that it would be bringing three intercollegiate women’s sports to campus, soccer, golf and cross country. Springfield had begun having women’s sports on campus in 1963 and by 1980 there

were about 2,300 undergraduates, half of whom were athletes.

The first ever Springfield College women’s soccer game was held on September 17th, 1980 at home against Westfield State University. The Pride played 11 games that season, where they compiled a record of 9-2.

Herb Zettl, who became a history professor at Springfield College in 1969, was the school’s first women’s soccer coach. Zettl coached the team from 1980-84, 1986-

1997 putting together a record of 156-106-21.

In the first three seasons of the program, Zettl led the team to a record of 32-9-2 and two NEWISA Division II-III Championships. Just three years into its existence, the team was recognized nationally.

On October 29th, 1982 a list of the top 20 National women’s soccer teams was released.

Springfield College was number eleven on the list.

Prior to the inception of the team as a varsity sport, women’s soccer was

a club team on campus.

Zettl, coached the team in 1979 before the college introduced the sport as a new team the following year, appointing him the head coaching job.

Since then, the Springfield College women’s soccer team has been a very successful program.

This includes winning the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship in 1984, 1992, 2016 and 2017, were the Northeast-10 Champions in 1985, 1992 and co-champions in 1987 and 1989, then NEWMAC Champions in 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

The team has an alltime record of 435-254-66 over the 40 seasons.

In addition to Zettl, the team has had four other head coaches. Keith Bugbee (1985), Lori McLaren (1998), Martha Brousseau (1999), and current head coach John Gibson (2000-present).

Gibson, now in his 21st season as the head coach, has a record of 261-11443.

“It’s an honor, it’s a pleasure,” Gibson said.

Gibson, who is originally from Wales, is a physical education professor in addition to being

the head coach of the team for over two decades.

“I’ve had more than half the seasons with this program now,” Gibson said.

Gibson is grateful for his time here and has seen the program change a lot since he first got here.

“It’s a privilege to work here and the program is strong,” Gibson said. “I think we’ve made progress over the years.”

The first weekend in October of this year was Homecoming at Springfield College and an opportunity for all women’s soccer alumni to come back for a celebration of the team’s 40th season in history. The celebration included an alumni game, a meet and greet with the current team and the opening of the new Tony DiCicco ‘70 soccer exhibit in the Springfield College museum.

In the team’s most recent game, which was a double-overtime win over Coast Guard, the 1980 team was honored on the field during halftime. This included coach Zettl and six members of the original Springfield College women’s soccer team.

SPORTS The Springfield Student

VOL. 136 NO. 5

Game Night See page 10

New Tony DiCicco exhibit in the SC Museum

Softball field dedicated to Diane L. Potter

Celebrating Springfield’s 40th women’s soccer season

(Photo Courtesy of Springfield College)

OCTOBER 7, 2021