Volume 136 No. 4

The Springfield Student September 30, 2021

Est. 1910 scstudentmedia.com // @TheSpfldStudent

Volume 136 No. 4

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

Getting questions answered...

President Cooper and her team opened up for student questions, see page 5.

Hikmatullah Jamal Yar is...

Far From See page 2

(Collin Atwood/The Student)

September 30, 2021

Campus News

PAGE 2

‘I didn’t get a chance to have a proper goodbye’ First-year student Hikmatullah Jamal Yar had to leave his family behind in Afghanistan. Now he fears for their safety as he begins his college experience.

__ By Collin Atwood __ @collin_atwood17

This year there are 125 international students at Springfield College from 44 different countries. Every one of them has their own story and own journey that led them to Alden Street. Some are similar and some are different, but none of them compares to that of Hikmatullah Jamal Yar. Yar is a first-year student at Springfield majoring in business management. He lived in Kabul, Afghanistan his whole life until he arrived in America about a month ago.

The situation in Afghanistan made the trip to America unimag(Collin Atwood/The Student) inably difficult.

On April 13, Presstatement in the middle ident Joe Biden anof April saying that if nounced that all Amerthe original deal was ican troops would not upheld they would withdraw from Afghan- take “every necessary istan by Sept. 11, 2021. countermeasure.” By The Taliban released a

May 18, The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General released a report saying that attacks on the government in Afghan-

istan have increased 37 percent since the same time period a year ago.

July 5 marked the first withdrawment of U.S. troops. By Aug.

6 the Taliban seized the first province. Less than 10 days later, the Afghanistan government was taken over and the Taliban had control over Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan and Yar’s home, after 20 years of war.

To get to Springfield College, Yar had to first leave Afghanistan to collect his student visa due to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul being closed.

“I had to travel to India. That’s what the school suggested me to do,” Yar said.

It wasn’t until the first week in August that Yar found out he would have to travel to another country first.

He immediately left and headed to India. With school starting in less than a month, he had to travel to three different countries in a span of three weeks.

Yar arrived in India at about the same time that the Taliban

Campus News

September 30, 2021 had taken control of their first province in Afghanistan. What was supposed to be a quick stop turned out to be a three week stay alone in a hotel due to the takeover of Kabul.

“I was really worried about my family, especially my brother,” Yar said. “They say that they are okay, but unexpected things happen in my country so we don’t know what the future holds.”

The plan was for Yar to get his visa in India, return home to his family, pack his stuff and say good-bye and then leave for the start of the semester. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to see his family before coming to school or bring any of his belongings. He

“My family said that there was no way for me to come back… I wasn’t ready for what happened. I wasn’t expecting that at all,” he said.

Finding out what happened to his home and how he wouldn’t be able to see his family before the school year left him in complete shock.

“I didn’t get a chance to go back and have a proper goodbye. I was totally surprised. Some nights I couldn’t sleep,” Yar said.

Yar only traveled with a couple of shirts and pairs of pants. He didn’t even bring his laptop or any of his school supplies.

“The college gave me a laptop temporarily. Some other people working here gave me

PAGE 3

(Photo Courtesy of Hikmatullah Jamal Yar)

some blankets and other stuff because I didn’t have anything,” he said.

Yar arrived at

“

I was really worried about my family... They say that they are okay, but unexpected things happen in my country.”

- Hikmatullah Jamal Yar -

Springfield College on Aug. 27 so he had very little time to get comfortable in a country he had never been to before. He had to get used to the culture and the new teaching styles.

“At first it was a bit of a cultural shock, but I got used to it.”

The unique philosophy at Springfield College is what caught Yar’s interest in the first place. He was interested in the school’s commitment to the spirit, mind and body.

“That’s something we don’t get a chance to do in my country.

We mostly focus on the books.”

Although it’s only been a few weeks, Yar is coming to enjoy his time at Springfield College and is pleased with his decision to come

here. He has joined intramural teams and is looking to join more clubs in the future.

“I met new people from different backgrounds, different countries and different cultures and that is really important to me,” Yar said.

Hopefully Springfield can act as a place that makes Yar feel at home.

He talks to his family a few times a week, but nothing beats seeing them in person. Yar hopes, like the rest of us, that he will be united with family as soon as possible.

Campus News

September 30, 2021

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The meaning behind the constitution

The Humanities department held an event to discuss the U.S. constitution and its impact. _ By Cait Kemp _ @caitlinkemp09

Springfield College’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences presented a virtual lecture titled “The Meaning Behind the Constitution 2021.” The event discussed the U.S. Constitution and its impact on American society when the country was first being created, and its impact on the evolved nation today.

The discussion was moderated by Thomas Carty, professor of history and pre-law advisor, who presented the guest speakers with questions from the audience and from himself.

Speaking to the crowd of Springfield faculty and students was R. Kent Newmyer, Professor of Law and History at UCONN School of Law, Hon. Barry F. Armata, Connecticut Superior Court Judge, and Jose A. Santos, Consultant at Pratt & Whitney and at Collins Aerospace.

The United States Constitution was written in 1787, ratified in 1788,

and operating since 1789.

It is the world’s longest surviving written document in government. The first three words, “We the People”, have become synonymous with America and the freedoms citizens have living in the nation.

Under the Constitution, the Supreme Court has the ability to interpret the laws. This can be both beneficial and negative, depending on the situation. It allows for people to earn the justice they deserve, seeing that situations can be vastly different and may not always fall into a category. Sometimes, the misconduct of this authority occurs when judges take advantage of the power, but the system is set in order to allow for some flexibility.

The Constitution has dictated America’s rights since the beginning. It has the most basic outline and understanding of what people can do in this country, and what is acceptable.

There have been Amendments made along the way to continue to evolve with

(Photo courtesy of American Constitution Society)

the changing times, but this elusivity allows for the Constitution to remain an everlasting document for the country to live by.

“Here’s a document drawn for an agrarian republic of 4 million people, and it still basically is our governing document today,” said Newmyer.

Without the ability to change and alter what the document says, and interpret it ourselves, it probably would not have lasted over 200 years.

Armata noted how other countries have revolutions, create new documents, and 20 or so years later, repeat the process again because those documents are too specific to the time and don’t allow for growth or change within them.

“We have looked at many, many other countries who have [made new documents], and inevitably what happens is well, 20 years later they get a new constitution, and 10 years later there’s a revolution and there’s a new constitution, and the one thing that I see in those

repeated new subsequent constitutions is that they are long and detailed and specific,” said Armata.

“The problem with that is society changes and culture changes and then you have the need for yet another constitution, and that undermines the whole purpose…”

A governing document is needed in order to help maintain a civil environment for all parties involved in the group.

Whether this is something as simple as a club or team, or as large and serious as a country, all of these groups have a list of rules that need to be followed.

“Law, of course, is needed for us to organize a society, to organize a civilization because without it, we would be at each other’s throats, we need to try to avoid a ‘Lord of the Flies’ type situation in which the biggest bully gets to rule,” Santos said.

Understanding the constitution is half the battle, and that is something that the speakers

acknowledged the importance of. It is a goal to create a system in which people understand the purpose of the laws, like morality and character formation, so that there is not so much question and uncertainty surrounding the law.

Newmyer, Armata and Santos are all optimistic for the future of the Constitution. With today’s generation, they see not only a better understanding, but the yearning to understand the rights and laws that people have as United States citizens.

Young people are opening up conversations about it, asking questions, and discussing these topics, which is allowing for a new generation to be passionate about their country and what it means to them in culture today.

Campus News

September 30, 2021

PAGE 5

Building bridges

A student forum, organized by Ari Susi and Nora Fitzgerald, provided an opportunity for students to have questions answered by President Cooper and her Leadership Team. _ By Brady Cote _ @brady.cote

Build the Bridge, organized by Ari Susi and Nora Fitzgerald, was an in-person forum that allowed students who wished to attend a chance to voice any questions regarding this semester.

The public forum took place under the tent on the Reed green where the students’ questions would be answered by President Mary-Beth A. Cooper, alongside members of the President’s Leadership Team. The PLT is composed of the College’s vice presidents and Board of Trustees.

The Build the Bridge forum brought up a multitude of different questions and concerns of the students regarding overflow in parking lots, covid restrictions, covid testing, as well as when the next forum would be.

If the students did not feel comfortable speaking, there was a paper on every table under the tent with a qr code so that questions could be submitted anonymously to both Susi and Fitzgerald to be asked.

Many of the questions regarded restrictions about Covid-19 and the mask mandate that has been put in place within recent weeks.

Dr. Slandie Dieujuste, Vice President of Student Affairs at Springfield College, answers a question at the forum. (Irene Rotondo/ The Student).

In response, the PLT stated that Springfield College is following the mandate because it is required by law and that the updated decision will be made by the City of Springfield on Nov. 1.

Springfield College has statistically been better about Covid cases this semester as compared to last year, yet the trend of spreading the virus is the same. The main reason for the spread of the virus is not within the classroom, however, it can be linked to gatherings and athletic teams

because they are like families. Being such, the athletes see each other daily and spend a lot of time together.

Another main topic toward the end of the forum was Thanksgiving break and if testing would be offered to students both before departure and after when they return to Alden Street. Students asked this question and stated that people will indeed be traveling to go home and see extended family for the holiday. Students want to feel safe and have

a sense of security before they travel to see family and friends as well as return back to school.

Unfortunately some other topics did not have an accurate answer ready, although the PLT ensured the audience that future answers will be discussed and prioritized.

These topics included: off campus guests, maskless service at the Union, overflow parking, spotty wifi on campus and a possible pop-up vaccination event.

The PLT stressed that they meet three times a

week and communicate all questions, comments, and concerns of those provided by students, faculty, and others on campus daily.

Any questions that were not answered or were sent at a later time will have written responses via email to those who asked.

As the Build the Bridge forum had great success, it was stated that there will be a forum at least once a semester, for it is good to be in constant communication, said the PLT.

Campus News

September 30, 2021

PAGE 6

Best of both worlds

Springfield College welcomed families for Family Weekend after the annual event was cancelled last fall. __ By Hayden Choate __ @ChoateHayden

On Saturday, Sept. 25, the Springfield College campus was filled under sunny skies with parents, grandparents, relatives, siblings and others as the annual Family Weekend commenced.

The weekend consisted of food, music, dancing and fun-filled events and activities for the whole family. It was one of the college’s first big events since the COVID-19 pandemic began and was a very large success.

After not being able to have a Family Weekend last year, Annie Warchol, the College’s Director of Student Activities, was ecstatic that the weekend was able to happen and go well.

“I think it went seamlessly,” Warchol said.

“Families were just so happy to be here, I didn’t hear any complaints.”

The beautiful weather, clouds absent from the sky, outside made it easier to have so many people on campus.

“When planning this we really knew we needed to do as much as we can outside, and make sure families have a ton of different things to do,” Warchol said.

This included different

inflatables on Naismith Green such as an obstacle course, a corn maze and a UFO to play laser tag in.

“I had a lot more inflatables this year, and I like that we spread it out,” Warchol said.

Rather than having most of the events exclusively on Naismith Green, events were spread out to Reed Green under the tent.

“One of the biggest surprises was we had over 100 families playing trivia in the middle of the day under the tent but then it was packed up here (in front of the Union),” Warchol said. “We tried to create a mini-Big E experience.”

Originally, the date of the weekend was chosen so there would be athletics competitions for families to attend but because teams scheduled changed due to COVID there was only one game.

“We only had one athletic competition which was field hockey,” Warchol said. “We lost a lot of the athletic families because they were traveling with their teams to watch their kids play.”

Since there was no Family Weekend last year, Warchol knew that there

would be a lot of sophomore families on campus this year.

“We knew there would be a ton of sophomore families that wanted to come this year because they couldn’t come last year and then we had a ton of first-year families,” Warchol said.

Warchol says one of the reasons she loves Springfield College is because in addition to the underclassmen families, a lot of junior and senior families attended the weekend as well.

“I love this place because you still have some junior and senior families that come every year, that’s not always the case at other institutions,” Warchol said.

The weekend kicked off Friday night with Latin dancing in Judd Gymnasium and family bingo under the tent on the Reed Green. Saturday began with a breakfast at the home of President MaryBeth Cooper, then a DJ and band played on Reed Green with a family BBQ before family trivia. The weekend was then capped off with a show by Derek Hughes, a comedian/magician who performed in front of a sold-out audi-

(Photo courtesy of Springfield College)

ence in the Fuller Arts Center.

Having Family Weekend early in the year is important not just because of the weather but it is a good opportunity for students to see their family.

“I like to have Family Weekend within the first six weeks,” Warchol said.

“It’s really a great checking point for families to check in on their students and if students are struggling to see their families.”

One of the best parts of the weekend for Warchol was meeting families, some of whom may have been on campus for the

first time since their student has gone here.

“It was so nice for the families to say to me ‘Oh, I saw you on a zoom during orientation two summers ago and now it’s nice to be here, this is great to see you in person,’” Warchol said.

Family Weekend 2021 is just one of the long list of events happening this fall on campus with Homecoming and the Class of 2020 commencement being next on Oct. 2.

September 30, 2021

News Campus

PAGE 7

Flipping into homecoming weekend The Student Alumni Association hosted a Homecoming Kickoff event that featured kettle corn and a preview of the gymnastics team’s Homeshow.

(Photo courtesy of Springfield College) __ By Jac St. Jean __ @jacsaintj

Despite the gloomy skies on Tuesday, Sept.

28, spirits were high and there were smiles all around the Naismith Green as the Student Homecoming Kickoff took place. The sweet smell of kettle corn lingered in the air, as did the members of the Springfield College Gymnastics team when they performed a few flips and tricks to hype up and

advertise for their Gymnastics Exhibition Show coming up this Homecoming Weekend.

The Homecoming Kickoff was brought to the community by the Student Alumni Association (SAA), and supported by Alumni Relations, Athletics, Student Activities, and Residence Life.

Senior and Co-President of SAA Brianna

D’Haiti organized and oversaw the event, and was thrilled to see the Springfield College community alive and well in the heart of the campus.

“It is looking great,” D’Haiti said, “usually we don’t have gymnastics out giving people a taste of Homecoming. We have Team IMPACT here... it’s looking really great.”

Along with the SAA

and the Homeshow participants, members of the Team IMPACT committee, the Art Club and the Athletics Office were around to take part in the kickoff.

SAA also plans to work during the weekend and recruit members of the student body to work and help out during this exciting and busy time on campus. Alumni of Springfield College always return Homecoming Weekend to see some familiar faces and attend the exciting annual Homeshow performed by Springfield College’s own gymnasts.

“We want alumni to always come back to Homecoming,” D’Haiti stated, “there’s also special brunches for alumni… and we’re also unveiling our Alumni of Color hallway that was just opened this year.”

Although the kickoff only lasted two hours, the energy was brought and expended by a handful of participants of the 111th Gymnastics Exhibition Show. First-year student-athlete Carter Cochardo ‘25 was floored by the turnout of students

checking out the event and enjoying some gymnastics skills on display.

“The turnout of students was great,” Cochardo explained, “having the advantage of being between Cheney Hall and the Union really allowed for lots of students to stay and watch for a little bit.”

The highly anticipated Homeshow, happening on Oct. 1 and 2 at 7:00 p.m., will be the first time since March 21, 2021 that a gymnastics team performed in Blake Arena.

“This weekend I think Homeshow is going to go great,” Cochardo exclaimed.

“After not competing or doing gymnastics in front of a live crowd in over a year, the atmosphere within Blake Arena should be amazing.”

To purchase tickets for the 111th Gymnastics Exhibition Show, head to https://springfieldcollegepride.com/information/Hometown_Ticketing. For more information on all the events happening this week, check out https://springfield.edu/ alumni-relations/homecoming-2021.

Campus News

September 30, 2021

PAGE 8

Ari Susi: Four-term phenomenon As President of the Class of 2022, Ari Susi looks to bridge the gap between Springfield College students and administration.

(Photo courtesy of Ari Susi)

___ By Garrett Cote ___ @garrett_cote

‘The bridge’ continues to be built day by day, and with that, progress. It may not be a tangible, concrete bridge - but it most certainly is real.

This bridge, of course, symbolizes the gap between the students and administration at Springfield College. A gap that the president of the senior class, Ari Susi, is determined to close during her final year on Alden Street.

“I started this ‘build the bridge’ thing, about making that bridge between the students and administration,” Susi began. “I’ve really ran with it and it’s only been a month. I’m really excited to continue it and see the difference by the end of the year. I’ve met so many amazing people, and they’re all doing such great things.”

Leadership is nothing new to Susi. The senior has been the president of the class of 2022 all four of her years at

Springfield, along with her being class president all throughout her high school days as well. Her success as a leader is no surprise - not only because of her experience, but also because she is able to look at leadership through a creative, refreshing, and inclusive lens.

“Something that I think is really important with leadership is that you aren’t just telling people what to do. Leadership is doing it with the group, and helping the group, it’s not just throwing it at everyone else to do,” Susi declared.

Her father, Anthony, reigns as the person who Susi credits for pushing her to get involved on campus from day one. Anthony was able to seek out and introduce his daughter to a couple of different student leaders, Bobby Bordieri and Stephen Backman, during move-in day Ari’s freshman year.

“My first day on campus, I was moving in, and my dad was like, ‘Come here, come here,’” recalled Susi.

“That’s when he introduced me to Bobby and Stephen, they were presidents for their classes.

My dad told me they were going to take care of me, so I just said, ‘Okay.’ And they did. They never failed me, and I wouldn’t be half the leader I am without them.”

Since then, Susi has not only become her class president, she has also dived into the role as president of the Springfield College Student Government Association, along with being a New Student Orientation leader. She embraces so many positions of power with a fiery passion that is impossible to overlook, doing so with nothing but a positive attitude.

“I think my passion comes from the fact that I like to be somebody that people can come to with their problems,” she said.

“I want to be able to help.

I have this mindset where I say you can’t complain unless you are actively trying to fix a problem.

“If you aren’t trying to get involved, you’re not helping the case by complaining. That’s why I’ve gotten so involved with as much as I can, because if something’s not getting done then that’s on me.”

Stacey, Ari’s mother, has been as solid as a rock for her, consistently supporting every decision Ari has made without exception.

“My mom has always been super supportive of everything I do and always pushed me to help others,” Susi added. “I truly can’t thank my parents enough.”

Susi, who majors in psychology, plans to team up with Minds in Motion - a club at Springfield College who targets the importance of mental health - for an event, highlighted by a guest speaker, featuring all things mental health.

Other future plans for Susi include another SEAT at the Table event a conference of educational experiences dedicated to deconstructing oppressive systems, which was introduced last year and had great success - along with a plethora of community service opportunities, and the continued construction of her coveted bridge.

On that day of her freshman year move-in, Susi had no idea how strong of a staple Bordieri and Backman would act as for her. The support from them, along with Annie Warchol (Director of Student Activities and Campus Union), is exactly what Susi needed to start her off on the right foot.

She has not looked back since.

Susi’s bridge still requires more work before it can be called a finished project - she will be the first to tell you that - but she is off to an undeniably swift start in her different roles as a student leader at Springfield College.

September 30, 2021

Sports

PAGE 9

Sports in the Global Setting

Springfield College students were able to join a webinar that discussed where sports where lie from a world view. __ By Carley Crain __ @carley_crain12

On Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m., members of the greater Springfield community gathered on Zoom to listen to a webinar hosted by the World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts (WAC) in collaboration with Springfield College. The evening featured Ryan Murphy, who is a program officer in the Sports Diplomacy Division of the State Department, which is a branch of the government that is under the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

WAC hosts many different kinds of events centered around sports, social justice issues and politics.

Some of these events include a Global Security Forum, their Instant Issues Online Series and their most recent China Town Hall.

Murphy specifically currently directs the International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI), as well as working with the United States Olympic/ Paralympic Committees and the National Governing Bodies of Sport.

Throughout his career,

Murphy has focused on promoting sports globally as well as working with coaches and teams to help strengthen relationships within all types of sports.

Springfield senior, and co-Editor-in-Chief of The Student, Irene Rotondo hosted the webinar, as she asked her own prepared questions before the audience chimed in. Murphy was introduced by Cynthia Melcher, who is the executive director of WAC’s Western Massachusetts branch.

He emphasized the important relationship between social justice and sports in today’s society through WAC’s numerous international initiatives.

Some of these initiatives include recruiting youth athletes and coaches from other countries, collaborating with the U.S embassies overseas and working with universities across the country to implement sports diplomacy programs, all while spreading the message about what American sports are like.

“We give grant funding and have cooperative agreements with different NGOs and universities scattered across the United States who imple-

ment two-way exchange programs,” explained Murphy. “We not only send Americans overseas to work with underserved and underprivileged communities, but we also work to recruit youth athletes, coaches, and administrators to travel to the U.S. and really let them see the U.S. through the lens of sports.”

Through his work, Murphy has seen how sports are an integral part of our culture and society.

He has been able to help numerous athletes with legal complications that involve U.S citizenship, all because of the connection to sports. Murphy then went on to explain how the sports diplomacy part of the government came into existence, which dates all the way back to 2002, a year after 9/11.

After 9/11, the country went into a state of confusion and fear. Nobody knew what was going on or who else could be involved in terrorism, which ultimately led to widespread discrimination against American citizens of Muslim descent.

According to NPR.org, Muslim hate crimes increased 500 percent from

2000-2009.

“Really the office was created as a Muslim outreach tool after 9/11 here in the United States.

It was really a way for the U.S. government to engage in Muslim communities around the globe and domestically here in the U.S.,” explained Murphy. “Now we have really expanded and have programs all around the globe.”

A common theme throughout the webinar was how all kinds of different sports can connect different people, communities and cultures. An example of this is the work the WAC did throughout the recent Tokyo Summer Olympics. The sports diplomacy unit plans to continue this momentum into the upcoming Winter Olympics that will be taking place in February in Beijing, China. WAC and the ISPI’s main priority is inclusion and equality across different minority groups that often face prejudice and discrimination.

“All of our programs tie back to a foreign policy goal of the U.S government and Department of State. So we could be

working on gender equity in sports or adaptive disability sports, or even climate change,” explained Murphy. “Once we identify a sport and a theme, we work with our partners to build up the program.”

Like with every large cooperation and business, COVID-19 has forced the sports diplomacy unit to adapt. However, with increasing vaccination rates across the country, regularly scheduled programs are starting to run again across the country, and here in Western Massachusetts.

The Zoom webinar ended with a question and answer session, where Murphy went into more depth about his work with the government and sports. He also touched upon the application process for internships, as he encouraged all interested Springfield students to apply. Murphy emphasized how the internship application process is competitive, but also how it is a great experience for students who are interested in sports, leadership, politics, and social issues.

September 30, 2021

Sports

PAGE 10

Doing the right things John DeRosa, a junior runner on the men’s cross country team, has consistently been a top finisher for the Pride.

__ By Jac St. Jean __ @jacsaintj

Springfield College is an institution known for its athletics. There are a wide variety of varsity sports teams offered.

Out of all of them, there lies one sport in particular that is arguably the most simple, and also the most grueling: Cross Country.

An eight kilometer run for the men and a five kilometer run for the women. A simple task to run the race as fast as you can, all while withstanding the elements of mother nature. Woodland paths, open fields, the blazing sun, and sometimes the pouring rain.

One Springfield College student-athlete who has impressed his coaches, teammates and peers at his ability to perform in this sport is junior John DeRosa.

The Shelton, Conn. native is considered to be the epitome of Springfield College Cross Country.

“He always sets a good example,” said Coach Steinman. “He’s not maybe the loudest person in the room or outside, but he’s some-

John DeRosa ran a 27:37:3 time at Williams College. (Photo courtesy of Springfield Athletics).

one that’s just always leading by example, doing the right things, the little things… always trying to see what he can do to try to get that

edge.”

In the first race of the year, DeRosa led his team to a first place team finish at the Early Bird Invitational 5K

race at Keene State University, with a personal first place finish and a personal best time of 15:43.6. However, it’s more than just DeRo-

sa’s elite running ability that places him in an integral position on the team.

“He’s great with starting warmups, and leading workouts… he’s very positive… he gives that vibe around the whole [team],” says Coach Steinman.

After talking with DeRosa for a few, Coach Steinman’s words can be felt. DeRosa’s positive vibe is extremely contagious, and his mindset on the sport is a rare one.

“At first I was in the same mindset as other athletes,” DeRosa explains. “When it came time for practice, I used it like a job or like a class, like ‘oh I have running again’ I was not a fan of running.

But I think being a part of the team, and using [running to] relieve stress… going for a run with your teammates and buddies and enjoying the outdoors, it releases all that stress and creates a happier mind.”

While DeRosa’s ability and mindset prove his spot as one of the top guys on the team, his

Sports

September 30, 2021

PAGE 11

John DeRosa was selected as NEWMAC Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week on Sept. 7. (Photo courtesy of Springfield Athletics).

journey to the peak is surely inspiring. DeRosa began running cross country in the seventh grade, and was one of the slowest runners on his team. Despite this, DeRosa’s attitude, determination and grit pulled through, and by his senior year of high school in 2018 he was given SCC Fall Sports All-Conference honors, being named on the all-conference second team for boys cross country. Coach Steinman recruited DeRosa that same year, and saw his work ethic come to fruition.

“He really developed his senior year of high

school,” Coach Steinman states, “he was working hard, he was running OK times, and then at the end of his senior year he just exploded.

You see that sometimes, but I think it was just a lot of him growing in the sport and maturing.”

DeRosa continued his success this year by placing forty-first in the UMass Dartmouth Invitational on September 18. He finished the five mile race with a time of 25:48.6, with an average mile time of 5:09.8.

DeRosa not only credits his own hard work for his success, but also the Springfield College community that he has

submerged himself into.

“Knowing that you’re in a good community as a whole,” DeRosa elaborates, “it’s a place that you know you can grow as a person, and that’s great.”

DeRosa also credits his team for his stellar performances and has a strong love for his fellow runners.

“As I grew as a runner and got to college, I realized that running is a team sport,” DeRosa exclaims, “it looks very individualized, but it really is a team sport… having a strong pack of guys on the same basis helps a lot.”

DeRosa’s fiery passion

for running oozes over into other aspects of his life. Majoring in History and Secondary Education, DeRosa is loving his education program, and has hopes of teaching in a middle school or high school while also coaching cross country.

“Being a Springfield College runner and athlete is unmatched,” DeRosa states, “but even after I’m done here I still want to run marathons, run half-marathons, and spread the love for running with my friends, students, and everyone.”

DeRosa plans to teach, coach and train ath-

letes that were once like him. Ones that might not start out hot, or be naturally athletic, but through the training process and working hard they are able to reach great success.

DeRosa embodies the philosophy that Springfield College preaches. His positive spirit, keen mind, and strong body all attribute to his leadership on the cross country team, and his future service to his students.

September 30, 2021

Sports

PAGE 12

Kaleigh Dale

(Photo courtesy of Springfield Athletics)

After receiving over 50 percent of the 70 votes that were cast in the first Springfield Student Athlete of the Week Twitter poll, Kaleigh Dale took home the honor.

Dale, the women’s soccer senior, contributed to both goals in the Pride’s 2-0 victory over Wellesley on Saturday, Sept.

25. Scoring one herself and assisting on the other, Dale is adding onto a career of point scoring.

Her goal came in just the third minute of the game when she drilled a shot from just outside the box. Dale then set up junior Kellie Smith early in the second half to secure a 2-0 lead.

Dale set the Springfield College women’s soccer program goals record as a first-year when she netted 20. She was named the NEWMAC Women’s Soccer Rookie of the Year in 2018.

The women’s soccer team split its first six games, all on the road, and owns a

3-3 record going into its first home game on Wednesday.

The three other nominees included women’s volleyball’s Camryn Bancroft and Sara Labadorf, as well as women’s cross country’s Sophie Curcio.

Bancroft, a graduate student, has been dominant at the net throughout her career at Springfield. In three games last week, the middle blocker compiled 37 kills on a .321 hitting percentage.

Labadorf, the Pride’s senior setter, has already racked up 105 assists and 29 digs over the same three-game stretch. The stellar play from Labadorf and Bancroft lead the Pride to an 11-0 record to open the season.

The women’s cross country team competed in the Purple Valley Classic on Saturday, Sept. 25, and were led by Curcio, a sophomore. Curcio was Springfield’s top finisher in the event with a time of 25:56.3.

Maitoe Suppasuesanguan Maitoe Suppasuesanguan has earned the first Springfield Student Athlete of the Week honors on the men’s side after receiving 57 percent of the 46 votes. The first-year men’s soccer player cashed in on a game-winning goal on Wednesday, Sept. 22. The goal, which was rifled in off a rebound just inside the box in the 87th minute, pushed the Pride past Williams.

“That was the best college goal I have ever seen in person or video,” junior goalkeeper Klay Knibbs told The Student’s Garrett Cote after the game. “And it was super clutch too, we were celebrating like we won the World Cup Final.

It was literally the best goal I’ve ever seen.”

The game was special for the Bangkok native and Missouri Valley College transfer because his father was watching.

“I just saw there were three minutes left, and I thought to myself that my dad was watching and I really needed to help the team too,” Suppasuesanguan said after the game. “I’m really glad I got my first goal with that shot, and when I scored everything kind of stopped, it made it so perfect.”

The men’s soccer team has jumped out to a

hot start, winning five of its first eight games to open the season.

Suppasuesanguan beat out football’s Aiden Lewin and David Wells, as well as cross country’s John DeRosa, in the Twitter popular vote that was opened on Sunday evening.

Lewin had a game for the Pride on Saturday, Sept. 25 as they fell just short to Husson. The sophomore linebacker had 14 total tackles in the contest, but his performance was highlighted by a 55-yard pick-six.

Wells, Springfield’s starting quarterback, ran for 64 yards on 18 rushing attempts in the game. He also completed four passes for 39 yards.

The men’s cross country team finished seventh overall in the Purple Valley Classic on Saturday where DeRosa’s time of 27:37.3 was the fastest for the Pride.

Each week, editors of The Student nominate four female and male student-athletes who have put together strong performances over the course of the week. Every Sunday, a poll is opened on Twitter, @TheSpfldStudent, for the public to vote.

(Lucy Hamilton/The Student)

September 30, 2021

Sports

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(Danielle Schmelling/The Student)

(Joe Arruda/The Student)

(Gillian Dube/The Student)

(Danielle Schmelling/The Student)

(Lucy Hamilton/The Student)

This week on Alden Street (Lucy Hamilton/The Student)

Saturday, Oct. 2 ––– Women’s Soccer vs. Coast Guard, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 2 ––– Women’s Volleyball vs. WPI, 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 5 ––– Men’s Soccer vs. Endicott, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 5 ––– Women’s Volleyball vs. Clark, 7 p.m.

September 30, 2021

Sports

From Springfield to Sirius XM After there were no live radio shows from the Springfield radio studio for over a year, CBS Sports Radio’s JR Jackson hosted a fourhour national show from it.

JR Jackson from the Springfield College radio station. (Chris Gionta/The Student).

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___ By Chris Gionta ___ @Chris_Gionta

Before this school year, not a single voice had gone through the 89.9 Springfield radio airwaves since March 2020. To make a grand introduction back into the audio world, Springfield College hosted national radio host JR Jackson.

However, it was not over 89.9 Springfield, for people within a 25-mile radius to hear.

This was for the entire country to hear over the Sirius XM airwaves on CBS Sports Radio.

Thousands of listeners tuned in at 10 p.m. EST on Monday, September 20th to hear Geto Boys’s “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” followed by the host’s voice exclaiming, “That’s right! It’s time for the JR Sport Brief Show right here with you on CBS Sports Radio!”

Meanwhile, the national audience was listening to a show being broadcasted from the Springfield College radio studio, where Jackson watched students pass Abbey-Appleton Hall while he spoke to the entire country.

This was all to complete a day that Jackson dedicated to his “Media for the Movement” tour, where he aimed to talk

to students about what he has learned about the media industry. This opportunity sprang up relatively quickly for Springfield College, and it also involved the Springfield men’s volleyball coach.

“JR reached out to Coach Charlie Sullivan,” said Kyle Belanger, the communications/sports journalism professor who introduced the students to the host.

“And they have a mutual friend, and it was as JR was beginning to plan his ‘Media for the Movement’ tour. Their mutual friend mentioned that Springfield College would be an apt start — at least a good location to bring that message.”

Students who aspire to be in the media were able to sit in the studio to see Jackson at work.

In the opening segment of the show, Jackson said “I’m at Springfield College, and I am being joined — yes, safely — among students Carley Crain, Nick Storlazzi, Daniel Johnson and Ty Coney.”

Much of his appearance at the studio had to do with the college tour that he has embarked on. He has made this a mission to help up-and-

September 30, 2021

coming students, and also himself.

“If I’m able to go out and make somebody else’s life easier, then that’s good,” said Jackson. “And if I can grow it myself for future business, that’s good.

I’m confident in what I am and what I do, and I’ve got no shame in empowering others to do the same.”

What people on Alden Street hope for is that students can see someone who has succeeded in the industry and see themselves in him.

“What I hope students got out of the experience was the realization that major national media isn’t something other than them,” said Belanger. “I think the approachability that JR Jackson showed in the authentic desire and enthusiasm for sharing the way in which he came through the ranks — I hope that the message really was that the only difference between his careers and theirs is that theirs hasn’t started yet.”

Much of Jackson’s goal with his tour and his day with Springfield was building connections with a school and its students.

“My favorite part of my job is connecting with people,” said JR Jackson. “Being able to let them have a voice and tell their story — it’s connecting with

Sports

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JR Jackson hosts a national show on Sirius XM CBS Sports Radio. (Photo courtesy of Audacy).

people whether I’m outside or in radio or online, it’s cool to connect with folks.”

Students were generally ecstatic to see Jackson at work on that Monday night, which led into Tuesday morning. His show ran from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and there were several students who were able to be present for the recording in the Springfield radio station.

There, they heard one side of a battle between Jackson and a caller on where Baltimore Ravens quarterback La-

mar Jackson was in the quarterback ranks. They all attempted to hold in their laughter when Jackson compared Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr to the condiment, mayonnaise.

More importantly, they were able to see his operation. This included opening up the phone lines, communicating with his producer over breaks, and following the notes that he made prior to the show.

Although he welcomed and encouraged students to see how his work operates, Jackson

does not want people to attempt to be like him, but rather forge their own path in the business with their own skills and personality.

“Do you, but do better,” said Jackson after being asked what advice he would give. “Take as much as you can learn from me, and from anybody else, and do you.

Do something that you like. Figure out how you could make it a living, where it doesn’t feel like stress every day. Life is stressful enough, stressful things will always happen, and unpredict-

able things will always happen. But if you can find a core of something that can make you happy, just go do that.”

It was a pleasant treat for all involved to see a national radio show be done in a place where many students have broadcasted and plan to broadcast. With this appearance, students hope to take what they have learned and apply it to their own respective paths.

SPORTS The Springfield Student

VOL. 136 NO. 4

(Photo Courtesy of Springfield Athletics)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Leading The Pack See page 10