The Slate 10-30-2025

Happy Halloween from The Slate, B1

Pep rally energizes students, C1

A.J. Croce brings heart to Luhrs, D1

Men’s cross-country wins PSACs, E1

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Volume 69 No. 8

Reporting truth. Serving our community.

Thursday, October 30, 2025

SU hits the road for October 2025 Homecoming Parade

Matthew Scalia / The Slate

The Shippensburg University Marching Band makes its way down North Prince Street, drumming up cheers of support for the Raiders football team.

Madison Sharp

Asst. Multimedia Editor

Shippensburg students, alumni, faculty and community members lined the streets downtown for SU’s annual homecoming parade on Oct. 25. The parade lasted around 30 minutes, kicking off on King Street, then making its way back to campus from Prince Street.

Various departments, clubs and organizations entered the parade in either a walking unit or a vehicle. Some groups that participated included various fraternities and sororities, sports teams and members of

the 2025 SU homecoming court.

Participants represented their groups by waving and throwing candy to those watching the parade.

SU Director of Communications and Marketing Megan Silverstrim commented on the aim of the parade via email.

“The goal was to celebrate Ship pride and tradition, but also to create a connection point between the university and the greater Shippensburg community,” Silverstrim said. “The parade showcases the university pride and tradition by traveling through town, but also local community groups and organizations

participate in the parade, further connecting our communities.”

The homecoming parade kicked off Saturday’s homecoming events, which included a tailgate, football game, step show hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and homecoming bingo from the CUB Campus Life team and some Activities Programming Board members.

Overall, the parade was an exciting opportunity for connection both from current students and alumni but also Madison Sharp / The Slate brought together the greater Numerous departments, clubs and organizations started their Shippensburg community as a march on King Street before heading toward campus.

The goal of whole.

the parade is to bring SU and the local community together.

MSA celebrates the legacy of the Rev. Diane L. Jefferson in a “March in Remembrance”

Evan Dillow News Editor

Shippensburg University celebrated the Hayden Highlands / The Slate life and legacy of MultiDiane Jefferson’s daughter, SU alumna Shanda Jefferson, spoke cultural Student Affairs (MSA) Director Diane about the love and connection her mother felt with students.

Jefferson this homecoming through several public events.

A “March in Remembrance” of Jefferson was held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. The march proceeded from Gilbert Hall across campus to the Ceddia Union Building (CUB), where biodegradable balloons were released Hayden Highlands / The Slate in her honor.

Saturday’s march was The “March in Remembrance” makes its way across the quad toward the CUB. Students and alumni joined MSA in the march. attended by students,

alumni and members of the community whose lives were impacted

by Jefferson, whom many affectionately refer to as Ms. Di. The percussion of the march was performed by the Philadelphia-area student drummers of Mad Beatz Philly.

Prior to the march, opening remarks were given by Assistant Vice President of Inclusion, Belonging and Social Equity Manuel Ruiz, who introduced the audience to Ms. Di’s daughter Shanda Jefferson. “[Today] is a celebration of her life. It’s a march in remembrance, and y’all

know how she loved to march,” Shanda Jefferson said, drawing amusement from the audience. “Every year she would do the March for Humanity … It didn’t matter rain, sleet, snow, wind, how cold it was, she would march for her principles.”

Shanda Jefferson spoke on the connection her mother had with students, regardless of the color of their skin, national origin, sexuality or religion.

“She walked that walk, and so today we’re walking that walk,” she said. “We’re marching for her. We’re marching in her footsteps today.”

Following Shanda Jefferson’s speech, the Mad Beatz Philly marching band and dozens of attendees joined in the march across campus. Outside of the CUB, the marching band finished its performances and balloons were released as the audience exclaimed their love for Ms. Di. Ruiz and Shanda Jefferson provided additional comments on the significance of Saturday’s march and the importance of Diane Jefferson’s impact on the Shippensburg University community.

According to Ruiz, See “MARCH,” A2

Kemi Adetunji and Theo Campomanes named 2025 Homecoming Royalty Megan Sawka Managing Editor

Kemi Adetunji and Theo Campomanes were crowned Shippensburg University’s 2025 homecoming royalty at Seth Grove Stadium on Saturday.

Adetunji was sponsored by the African American Organization (AAO) and the African Student Association (ASA). Campomanes was sponsored by the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

The winners were selected based on a combination of community service, student voting, interviews and fundraising.

The 2025 homecoming candidates contributed 80 hours in community service and raised a collective $6,246 for Big Red’s Cupboard, the on-campus food pantry that provides free groceries and hygiene items to students in need.

Campomanes credited his win to the support of the campus

community.

“This was very much a collective effort. I couldn’t have done it without my sponsor, Kappa Sigma,” Campomanes said. “Being involved in so much has introduced me to so many great people who have supported me through thick and thin, and without them, this all couldn’t have been done.”

Adetunji and Campomanes will return next fall to crown the 2026 homecoming royalty.

Sydney Ott / The Slate

Kemi Adetunji and Theo Campomanes thank the student groups that helped propel them into their royalty status.

Thursday, October 30, 2025

A2

Shippensburg University holds dedication ceremony for MSA Director Diane Jefferson MSA to undergo improvements that strive to honor her life’s work Evan Dillow News Editor

Following their “March in Remembrance” on Saturday, Shippensburg University’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) hosted a dedication ceremony for the Rev. Diane Jefferson at 5 p.m. outside of Gilbert Hall.

Saturday afternoon’s dedication featured remarks by Assistant Vice President of Inclusion, Belonging and Social Equity Manuel Ruiz; Diane Jefferson’s daughter and alumni Shanda Jefferson; former PA Secretary of Education and alumni Khalid Mumin; and Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson.

A large audience of university students, alumni, faculty and community members were brought

together to celebrate and remember the life and work of Diane Jefferson.

Throughout the half-hour meeting, attendees expressed their love and emotion in unison with the speakers.

The purpose of the dedication was to reflect on the memory of Jefferson and to announce the coming changes to the MSA Office in Gilbert Hall.

Following cheers of support from the audience, Shanda Jefferson reflected on the values her mother imparted onto her and the campus community.

“She would say, ‘Education is the great equalizer. It equalizes all things,’” she said. “She would always want to strive to do better and to give more … She would never stop, and so we can never stop.”

Shanda Jefferson continued,

Evan Dillow / The Slate

Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson unveils the new waypoint sign to be displayed outside of Gilbert Hall.

explaining the actions taken

by Shippensburg University to honor mother’s work, including a scholarship fund.

“We will never forget her. We will never leave her legacy go. We will never leave the spirit of Diane L. Jefferson out of the MSA office,” she added.

Khalid Mumin took the time to thank Shanda Jefferson, Patterson and the audience for keeping Diane Jefferson’s legacy alive.

He spoke about his story coming to Shippensburg University and working with Jefferson, who he and many students refer to as Ms. Di. “She said, ‘I want y’all to come up with a group to empower young Black men to be able to stay on campus and graduate,’” he recalled.

Following her guidance, Mumin and other students in MSA designed an organization called Men of Culture, which went on to become the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. Organization.

“What I also ask of you is that we come back here next year.

Bring your friends, bring your frat brothers, bring your Sorors. Come back here each year and continually elevate what Ms. Di stood for,” he added.

Shanda Jefferson returned to the stage to thank Manuel Ruiz and Patterson for helping to elevate the work of her mother.

Patterson took the stage to address important announcements regarding the future of the MSA Office.

Evan Dillow / The Slate

Alumni, students and faculty came together to reflect on what Ms. Di taught them and to celebrate the future of MSA. “We are actively searching for the next director of the Multicultural Student Affairs,” he said. “Not to replace Ms. Di, that is not possible, instead we will find someone who can carry on our mission with the same kindness, the same compassion and the same love that Ms. Di brought to Ship every day of her life.”

Patterson discussed the recommendations given to his administration by an ad hoc committee.

The three recommendations are as follows: • To name the Afro-Am office Diane L. Jefferson AfroAm. • To establish a fund for MSA to aid in programming and student emergency needs.

• To name the MSA program Diane L. Jefferson Multicultural Student Affairs.

During his announcement, Patterson unveiled a new plaque to be displayed in the Afro-Am office

in Gilbert Hall. Also revealed was a new waypoint sign to be displayed outside of Gilbert Hall that reads, “Diane L. Jefferson Multicultural Student Affairs.”

“Colleen and I have always led by example, and we are more than proud to contribute to advancing the establishment of the Diane L. Jefferson fund,” he said. “I am providing a check here, in front of everyone, as an example of my clear demonstration of support and continued support for Ms. Di and Multicultural Student Affairs.”

According to Patterson, around $5,000-$6,000 has been donated to Ms. Di’s fund in the past few days. He expects that this amount is likely to increase in the coming future.

“We will continue to nurture, challenge and uplift one another just as she did, and make every student who walks through these doors feel valued, cared for and capable because this is want Ms. Di wanted,” Patterson said.

Your World Today PA sees funding stalemate Commentary: A letter to my CJM family

Jayden Pohlman Editor-in-Chief

From the moment I proposed the idea of running for homecoming royalty, I was overwhelmed by the support I received.

I contemplated the idea of participating in SU’s 2025 homecoming court for quite a while but was not sure if I truly wanted to. After discussing the idea with a few of my peers, I was amazed by their enthusiasm and quickly signed up.

Once I received affirmation that I was selected for the court, along with the scoring details, I was intimidated. There was a lot to do in a short amount

of time. Fundraising for a philanthropic cause, community service, an interview and voting all factor into the selection of the two candidates who are crowned homecoming royalty.

The most important objective in my eyes was to raise as much money as I could since it would have the greatest impact on our community, and I set the ambitious goal of fundraising $1,000 in just two short weeks. I immediately knew I wanted to hold a pay-what-you-can photography fundraiser, but I struggled to generate other ideas.

I eventually devised a plan to run a penny wars fundraiser between all four CJM student media organizations, but I was not sure if it would be successful. After talking to some students, I decided to just go for it, and I am so glad I did.

The competition was fierce, but it remained friendly — for the most part.

From “MARCH,” A1

According to Ruiz, Shanda Jefferson followed her mother’s legacy, as she was the first Black woman to earn her doctorate in counselor education from Shippensburg University.

Shanda Jefferson spoke further about the love her mother showed to the community during her 40-year career at SU.

“She loved human beings, especially young people. She loved students. She loved Shippensburg University … she worked here for many years and then she created the Multicultural Student Affairs center,” she said. “Today is really about celebrating that legacy, celebrating her loves, her passions and just remembering her. It’s just for all of us to come together because we are her living legacy.”

Evan Dillow News Editor

The federal government shutdown that began on Wednesday, Oct. 1 approaches one month, with there still being no sign of a deal in sight, according to a CBS News report.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will continue to feel the economic impact of a month-long government shutdown.

According to a Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) report released by the White House, SNAP and Social Security benefits face delays.

Due to the shutdown, funding for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program has halted. In Pennsylvania, there are around 182,000 WIC recipients who rely on the program to support themselves and their children, according to the CEA report.

According to an article released by Axios at the beginning of the current shutdown, federal financial aid disbursements for students are expected to continue, although furloughs within the Office of Federal Student Aid will cause delays.

The shutdown on the federal level only adds to the funding issues faced by the Keystone State. Pennsylvania remains as the only state to have not released a finalized budget, according to CBS News. The PA

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State Legislature has been entrenched in a four-month battle between Democrats and Republicans that has led to a budget stalemate.

Currently, Pennsylvania’s universities must wait for Gov. Josh Shapiro to approve the state budget before grant money can be disbursed to students.

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson released an email detailing the current uncertainty regarding the release of financial aid and PA State Grants. As the state budget has yet to be enacted, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is unable to release grant money to eligible students.

In the email, Patterson said, “The University cannot yet issue refunds tied to anticipated state grant disbursements …

Please know that we are closely monitoring this situation and remain in regular contact with both PHEAA and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.”

Patterson encouraged students to reach out to the Financial Aid Office or the Student Accounts Office if they have any questions on how their aid may be affected or if they would like to make any temporary arrangements.

The Statue of Freedom atop the U.S. Capitol is seen between autumn tree leaves on day 23 of the government shutdown, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.

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As a whole, the fundraiser generated over $300, which was so much more than I could have ever imagined.

I would like to shout out to WSYC for raising over $160, and Claire’s grandparents for rounding up over $40 in change over fall break. Your enthusiastic support to the penny wars truly meant a lot to me.

Between penny wars, my photography fundraiser, a GoFundMe and a fundraiser at Arooga’s, I raised almost $1,700 for Big Red’s cupboard — a feat of which I am extremely proud.

But I could not have done it without the support of such an amazing group of people. You showed up and took my goals further than I ever dreamed possible.

So from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who voted, participated in my fundraisers and stood beside me through it all. I have felt so loved over the past few weeks, and that means more to me than a title and crown ever will.

as government shutdown approaches first month

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Opinion

B1

The Slate Speaks: Preparing for all Hallows Eve

Photography is Art: Looking through a different lens Madison Sharp

Asst. Multimedia Editor

Matthew Scalia / The Slate

Get those knives ready because it is time get those pumpkins out front.

All Hallows Eve is approaching. As the first of the three major end-of-year holidays, this hauntingly sweet time of year is a favorite of many.

We here at The Slate agree with those Halloween stans, which is why we have decided to discuss some ways you can get ready for the fall fright.

First thing you need to do is decorate, and if you are reading this in our print edition, get moving. Get those pumpkins out front and mix in a few autumnal squashes, if you are feeling artistic.

Next, you have to set the vibe. And since nostalgia is often at the root of what we call aura, what better way to get into a Halloween mood than by watching horror classics like “Friday the 13th,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” and the eponymously named “Halloween.” It is the season for slasher flicks.

If that is not your genre, no worries. It would not be October without “Hocus Pocus” or “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.”

Really, any story in the warm-toned woods or set in New England will do.

Next on your to-do list: getting a costume.

If you make your own, hopefully its construction is well under way.

If you are purchasing one, pickings may be slim. This year’s hot costumes are the characters from the Neflix hit movie “K-pop

Demon Hunters.” News came earlier this month that Netflix did not anticipate the movie to be such a hit, which led to a supply that did not meet the intense demand.

If that trend expands outside Gen Alpha, it remains to be seen this weekend.

Once you are properly disguised, you may consider going to a Halloween party or, if you put in the work, participate in a costume contest.

Maybe a night in is more your style, but you watched all your favorite movies by the time Halloween weekend comes around. No worries.

There are plenty of video games that capture the mood. “Resident Evil,” Silent Hill,” “Dead Rising” and “Alan Wake” are all classic horror games that also have enough sequels to keep you busy until it is time for turkey.

Finally, there is the candy. Even though most readers will have stopped going door to door for the stuff over a decade ago, it is ubiquitous this time of year. Maybe the high prices will spare you the superfluous offerings of sugar this year, but temptation will still abound.

You may indulge, and that is OK. Give those teeth an extra brushing and enjoy, because the holiday rush comes after the sugar one.

Photography is art and always will be. In my mind, that is a given. But, as someone who has made photography virtually their entire personality for the past three years, why would I believe any different?

I have seen how much work I have put into my craft, but throughout my time as a photographer, I have learned that not everybody shares the same appreciation I do.

I first heard about this wedge in beliefs from my high school photography teacher. We were talking about our school’s annual art show, where students can submit artworks across a wide variety of media, including photography. To my surprise, he mentioned that, still today, some people do not classify it as art. This confused me greatly, as I was in the process of prepping my senior wall of photographs that I had worked so hard on. From that day on, I began to view photography with a different lens and a deeper appreciation for its artistic capabilities today.

Photography began as

more of a scientific and technical pursuit than an artistic endeavor, with complex processes such as daguerreotypes, calotypes and heliographs being among the first.

Because the digital age of photography did not take form until the late 20th century, which allowed for more freedom and creativity, it helps explain some of the differences in opinions.

However, even though photography has become more globally recognized as an art form, it is still often placed at the bottom of the art medium totem pole.

While photography has been around for the shortest amount of time, this partially makes sense. However, I think this is due to a lack of understanding of what it takes to produce a successful still image.

I do not mean to downplay the incredible talent and hard work artists of all types utilize to create their pieces; I just believe that photographers deserve the same recognition and appreciation.

Not only does photography require technical and editing skills, but also the ability to notice order and composition

in seemingly disorganized environments. Photography is a means of expression.

Some people have an “eye” for photography, similar to how people have a natural skill for other art forms.

The main deterrent that I have noticed for people who do not classify photography as art boils down to the intent of the photograph. A fun selfie with friends?

Even I would not consider it as art, so long as the intent behind the photograph was just a fun way to look back at a memory. I have noticed many people only recognize a photograph as art if it is a “good” photo, with clear time and effort spent in creating it.

I think all types of art should be appreciated equally for the work artists put into them. I am not saying one art form is better than the next, or that photography should take priority over anything else.

I just encourage you to think deeper about the meaning behind the next photo you look at and challenge yourself to view it in a different way — with the lens of an artist.

Matthew Scalia / The Slate

Is energy independence through oil possible?

Gavin Formenti Staff Contributor

A large political goal discussed in the United States is energy independence, commonly argued through oil production. However, supply chain complexities put the United States in a difficult position when using oil as a means of domestic energy production.

The United States is the secondlargest oil importer in the world, surpassed only by China. However, unlike China, the United States produces more crude oil than any other country to such an extent that it often exports more oil than it imports. This puts the United States in an unusual position of

mass oil production while it still relies on foreign nations to fulfill its domestic consumption.

The easy explanation for this discrepancy is that oil is a globally traded product, and producers in the United States can sell oil abroad for larger profits than domestically.

This is true; however, it neglects important information regarding why the oil is more profitable abroad and why the United States cannot use the oil it produces.

The main issue behind the unusual market practice involves the variations of crude oil and the logistics behind its refinement.

Crude oil can be extracted from the ground in many different forms.

First, crude oil can vary in density,

often called “light” and “heavy.”

The oil can also vary in sulfur content or impurities. Crude oil with high purity is often called “sweet” and is easier and cheaper to refine. Oil with low purity is called “sour.”

In its past, the United States has relied on heavier sour crude from its domestic production and abroad. This was a time before advanced hydraulic fracturing, and as a result, the United States was producing far less oil. Thus, the nation needed to import crude to meet its consumption levels.

This crude came from many places, including Mexico, Canada, Venezuela and many countries in the Middle East. The majority of

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Contact Us slate.ship@gmail.com (717) 477-1778 Mailing Address The Slate - Shippensburg University CUB Box 106 1871 Old Main Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257 Office Location Ceddia Union Building Room 250 Shippensburg University Adviser Dr. Michael Drager About The Slate The Slate is a weekly, independent, student-run newspaper printed by Gettysburg Times. Its print edition is published on Thursdays and its website, theslateonline.com, is maintained 24/7.

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this oil was heavier and sour, and since the United States had not made significant advancements in fracking at the time, most of its refinement infrastructure was catered to these oil types.

However, in the 21st century, thanks to fracking, U.S. oil production skyrocketed. In 2022, fracking accounted for two-thirds of U.S. oil production, according to USA Facts.

Since fracking produces lighter and purer crude, most U.S. refineries are ill-suited for its refinement. Not only this, but light-sweet crude can be sold at a premium abroad, meaning the U.S. profits from exporting its valuable sweet crude and importing sour

crude.

If the United States were to only refine the crude oil it produced, it would require retrofitting refineries for light sweet crude. This would take time and money, and cause the United States to lose out on profits from exporting its crude. This means the United States would be spending money to lose money.

For the United States to truly have energy independence through oil, significant investments would need to be made into refining infrastructure. During a time when more effective energy options are being introduced, spending money on energy independence through oil may be an inferior choice compared to other investments.

Management slate.ship@gmail.com Jayden Pohlman................Editor-in-Chief Megan Sawka.................Managing Editor News slatenews@gmail.com Evan Dillow.................................. Editor Opinion shipspeaks@gmail.com Matthew Scalia............................ Editor Ship Life slate.shiplife@gmail.com Jordan Neperud...................Asst. Editor Sports slatesports@gmail.com Mason Flowers............................. Editor Hannah Stoner.....................Asst. Editor A&E slateae@gmail.com Abbygale Hockenberry.....................Editor

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C1

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Ship Life

Learning about safer sex with the PAGE Center Jordan Neperud

Asst. Ship Life Editor

Shippensburg University students gathered in CUB 119 to learn about safer and smarter sex at the Pride and Gender Equity (PAGE) Center’s Safer Sex Gab on Thursday at 5 p.m.

The event began with a survey about what the attendees knew about a variety of topics related to sex, sexuality and safety.

PAGE Center Director Miller Hoffman gave an overview of the tone and expectations of the event.

He invited students to relax and encouraged them to be comfortable.

“Just give us a little more comfort and a little less discomfort,” Hoffman said.

The discussion began with PAGE Center Peer Educator Emmett O’Bell going over language that might be used during the event. This included terms commonly used in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as words related to sex.

Next was a discussion about consent. Two students from the social work program roleplayed different scenarios and asked the audience if clear consent was given.

Following this, the event shifted to talk about kink and BDSM. This segment went over various terms commonly used in this community while emphasizing the importance of consent and having open conversations about these subjects with one’s partner.

The next topic was an overview of different types of contraception. This included going over both well-known and lesser-known methods, such as using birth control via breastfeeding.

There was also a demonstration on how to use external and internal condoms, as well as a dental dam, which is a small piece of latex that is primarily used during oral sex.

After the demonstrations, there was a segment about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. This included information about oncampus and off-campus resources for testing.

The on-campus resources included Etter Health Center, as well as the free sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing that the PAGE Center occasionally provides in collaboration with offcampus organizations.

The off-campus resources included GLO Harrisburg, which is a community resource center for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults of color. It offers HIV testing, housing assistance and more.

Another resource was Keystone Health Chambersburg, which offers free or reduced cost STD testing and treatment.

The event concluded with a raffle. The prizes included several stuffed animals as well as Lego sets.

For more information about PAGE Center events, check out their Instagram @ shippagecenter.

SU student groups bring the entertainment and fun to the homecoming Pep Rally Gabby Lovett Staff Contributor

The annual Homecoming pep rally was hosted by Shippensburg University along with the Activities Programming Board on Oct. 24 in the CUB Amphitheater.

The pep rally brought entertainment, dancing, music, jokes and information about sports. Along with the pep rally, there were also food trucks with varying food and performances.

Walking onto Cumberland Drive, students checked in with APB at its table and got one free ticket for an item from a food truck. The food trucks consisted of Redneck Dogs, Tacos Monarca, Taco Trap House, SU Catering, along with Lotus Bowls and Juicery. The food consisted of hot dogs, fries, tacos, fried rice, acai bowls and more.

There were 50 tickets for each food truck, and tickets ran out very quickly.

Attendees were also able to purchase their own food from the trucks.

WSYC DJed the event, playing upbeat music to kick off homecoming, inviting students, staff and alumni to come and celebrate.

Before the pep rally began, students played cornhole in the amphitheater while the band played music.

The sports teams gathered to discuss and prepare to do their announcements and celebrate homecoming.

Pompoms were passed out to bring out the fun and support

Madison Sharp/ The Slate

SU students gather in the CUB Amphitheater for the Homecoming Pep Rally. for the teams.

As the pep rally started, the SU band played its opening music, getting people excited and on their feet, while the cheerleaders did their opening cheer.

The SU ambassadors, along with others, held up signs and flags in support of the university.

SU mascots Big Red and Shippo danced around and brought the entertainment.

Around the amphitheater, all the sports teams and dance teams joined the fun.

As the announcer went through the event, various sports teams came up to show their support and give their announcements on their current and upcoming events.

Women’s field hockey announced that they are 13-2 and ranked #2 in the country. Football announced its homecoming games.

Men’s soccer, along with

SU students and alumni honor Ms. Di at the homecoming step show

Jordan Neperud

Asst. Ship Life Editor

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (MSA) dedicated its annual homecoming step show to the Rev. Diane Jefferson, the late founder and director of MSA, on Oct. 25.

Memorial Auditorium was filled with students, families and alumni who were excited for the step show.

The show opened with Manuel Ruiz, assistant vice president for Inclusion, Belonging, and Social Equity, and Shanda Jefferson, Shippensburg University alum and Jefferson’s daughter. They spoke to the audience about Ms. Di, as she was called by the SU community.

“This was all envisioned

by Ms. Di,” said Marquis Lupton, SU alum and the main announcer of the show.

Ruiz announced that a new assistant director for MSA has been hired by the university. Arnold Taylor

Jr. will be the temporary associate director starting on Nov. 10. It will be a one-year appointment, ending on Nov. 10, 2026, according to Ruiz.

The process to hire a new director is still ongoing.

After the announcement, a memorial video for Jefferson began to play. It experienced technical difficulties, but the audience began to wave their phone flashlights to the music in a moment of unity for Jefferson.

As the lights came back on, Ruiz congratulated the homecoming king and queen, as they are both student leaders in MSA. Asian American Pacific Islander Organization (AAPIO) President Theo Campomanes and D.I.V.A.S. Secretary Kemi Adetunji were the homecoming king and queen.

Lupton kicked off the performances by running a roll call. Each grade was called, followed by alumni and various chapters of fraternities and sororities.

The auditorium was filled with cheers and chants as each group made its presence known.

The first of the groups to perform was Afrik, the university’s African dance group. Four of their members performed a dance.

Following Afrik, the Elite Modeling Troupe strutted down the stage. They performed a brief dance, and Afrik came back out on stage to dance again.

The sororities and fraternities within MSA all came out to perform. Current students and alumni all took the stage, both dancing and stepping.

The various groups spoke about their connection with Jefferson. They spoke about how she encouraged them, how she supported their groups and her impact on the Shippensburg community.

The Nu Nu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated went above and beyond with their performance. Alumni took

the stage and amazed the audience with singing, dancing and stepping.

Jefferson was an avid member of Delta Sigma Theta, and the chapter made sure to honor her with their performance.

Step is a synchronized dance that originated in Black sororities and fraternities in the early 20th century.

It consists of stomping, clapping and chanting.

The audience remained energetic throughout the show. Many could be seen dancing, singing, clapping along and cheering to the performances.

The show concluded with the memorial video of Jefferson.

The homecoming step show brought together not only the SU community, but all those who have had the privilege of knowing Jefferson. Every performance was dedicated to her and her memory.

Ruiz said it best: “This has been a labor of love.”

Madison Sharp / The Slate

The Elite Modeling Troupe catwalk down the Memorial Auditorium stage for the homecoming step show.

men’s basketball, announced their upcoming games and showed their school spirit for SU. Within those announcements, there were performances from the Heritage Dance Company, Immersion Dance Troupe and Elite Modeling Troupe.

They gave the crowd some entertainment in between the announcements. They used popular songs and kept up the energy throughout their performances.

Toward the end of the event, the homecoming court was announced. The energy was palpable, and the excitement of all the candidates involved could be felt.

The candidates were Takara Neely, Cassidy Vangas, Fadekemi Adetunji, Nathan Garber, Kelli Link, Jayden Pohlman, Theo Campomanes and Riley Kendall.

To end the event, Big Red and Shippo came out again to show their support and dance around with students, staff and alumni to bring the fun.

President Charles Patterson and First Lady Colleen Patterson were there, showing their support for everyone at the school and how much they truly care about the community they have helped to build.

“You guys are the reason we are here; you guys make us feel at home.” Patterson said, emphasizing the point that SU is so many people’s homes, and that homecoming brings out the feeling of togetherness of so many people who are here at SU either now or in the past.

Homecoming is a way to bring many people together.

From the pep rally, to the parade, tailgate and the football games, SU has become a home for everyone.

The Reflector hosts the Halloween Open Mic Night

Karen Duffy

Staff Contributor

Poems, spooky stories, live music and more were shared in Stewart Hall last Thursday.

The Reflector, Shippensburg University’s student-run undergraduate journal, brought together its members and SU students for the special event.

A total of 14 performers presented various works, including self-written works and works from famous poets and artists.

Tomi May, the public relations director of The Reflector, read self-written poems, which included “The Orchard,” “From the Apple Trees” and “Self-Portrait as My Grandfather Remains.”

“I’ve been coming to these open mics since my freshman year,” May said. “I haven’t missed one since.”

Jean Stinchfield, a general member of The Reflector, sang “You Missed My Heart”

by Mark Kozelek and Jimmy LaValle.

“I used to perform pretty regularly growing up, and it’s kind of rare in adulthood if you’re not going into performance to find opportunities to express yourself in that way,” Stinchfield said. “I wanted to explore that again and kind of give myself stage fright and feel that adrenaline one more time.”

Morgyn Thomas, a general member, read a self-written piece, “The Blight of War on Innocence.”

“I performed what I did because it’s inspired by Tim O’Brien. He is a Vietnam War novelist, and I just really

love his work and it inspired me to write something like a little political piece,” Thomas said.

Gretchen Lambie, a general member, read an untitled self-written piece.

“I think it’s a good community to share either poems or prose, and it’s just a good environment to be able to share a piece of yourself,” Lambie said.

Katelyn Mader, the editorin-chief of The Reflector, visions a strong purpose in hosting this annual event.

“We were trying to get our name out to the entire campus, as well as making sure we had plenty of opportunities for people coming in,” Mader said. “We wanted to let them know what all they can do, as well as just providing some fun for them to show up.”

For more information about The Reflector, check out its Instagram at @ shippensburg.reflector.

Karen Duffy / The Slate

The Reflector PR Director Tomi May reads at the open mic night.

Thursday, October 30, 2025

A&E

D1

A.J. Croce brings heart and legacy to Luhrs Gabe Rader

Staff Contributor

Gabe Rader / The Slate

A.J. Croce at the Luhrs Performing Arts Center.

Musician and singer A.J. Croce performed at the Luhrs Performing Arts Center as part of his “Croce Plays Croce” tour, delivering a soulful mix of hits that shaped his childhood alongside the timeless classics of his father, Jim Croce.

The performance blended storytelling, nostalgia and expert musicianship, as A.J. Croce honored his early inspirations and his father’s legacy while showcasing his own signature bluesy piano style.

Jim and A.J. Croce are both Pennsylvania natives, but before he turned 2 years old, A.J. Croce lost his father to a plane crash in 1973. Jim Croce’s death occurred months after “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” topped the Billboard charts, which was his first single to do so.

“As a kid, I lost my sight at four years old, and Ray Charles was a real amazing

influence,” A.J. Croce said.

He recalled how artists like Chet Atkins and Sam Cooke from his father’s record collection sparked his lifelong love of music across genres, from rock to folk and country.

“For me as a kid, it was my refuge,” he said.

For nearly two hours without an intermission, A.J. Croce moved seamlessly between piano and guitar, joined by backup singers, violists and an audience full of lifelong fans. The audience sang along to favorites from his father like “Operator” and “Time in a Bottle,” while A.J. Croce showed off his newest album like the tango “Complications of Love.”

Between songs, A.J. Croce slipped into short stand-up routines, mixing laughter with memories of his childhood and the stories behind his father’s songs.

While A.J. Croce may have been born into musical fame, he reminded the audience that his father’s path was far

less certain.

“My father spent most of the ’60s taking odd jobs to avoid steady employment-kind of like working for the government now,” A.J. Croce joked, reminiscing of his father’s charisma during tough work like trucking. He said that Jim Croce “was able to see the beauty in everyday people and make heroes out of them in his songs.”

Even after 50 years, all it took was one familiar riff for the crowd to erupt, proving that Jim Croce’s songs still live deep in people’s memories. A.J. Croce even took song requests so listeners could hear any songs they may have missed in his very long discography.

Each song was followed by a brief but heartfelt “thank you.” A.J. Croce kept a lighthearted mood throughout the show, yet there was unmistakable emotion in his voice whenever he played music connected to his father while slideshows of family portraits and home videos played behind him on screen.

Get Booked: ‘Doctor Sleep’

Abbygale Hockenberry

gives the audience hope that he does not have to succumb to the darkness and die believing he is this horrible person.

In the movie, Dan’s character dies by sacrificing himself to save Abra. It is implied that his spirit will become apart of the Overlook Hotel and remain there.

The ending from the book has such a deeper meaning and impact on the audience. From witnessing what Dan went through in “The Shining” and how his character fell into the same habits his father did in “Doctor Sleep,” you begin to root for his character that things can get better for him.

As he helps Abra, there is a sense of redemption for his character and purpose that it gives him. He went through all of that and tried to get better for what? To sacrifice himself and die at the end? The full circle character arc is completed by him saving not only Abra but saving himself, too.

King’s novels often get very skewed in the film adaptations, but I do respect the art and message that both have to offer.

A&E Editor

I think I was halfway through with reading “The Shining” until I realized there was a sequel that came out many years later and a movie to go with it. Even now when I talk to people about “The Shining” and I ask them if they have watched “Doctor Sleep,” they always sound just as confused as I was.

“Doctor Sleep” takes place 40 years after “The Shining,” and follows Dan’s story of being an adult. Like father like son, he also struggles with alcoholism. A young girl named Abra Stone forms a strong psychic connection with Dan because of their mutual ability to “shine.”

An evil cult-like group called the True Knot feeds off the steam from the shining children. The True Knot travels all over America hunting these children. Dan tries to protect Abra and stop the True Knot from preying on children.

I really liked how the book and the movie were almost identical to how I imagined the scenes to happen. This was an effect that I did not get after watching and reading “The Shining.”

“Doctor Sleep” hooked me in because of the antagonist group the True Knot. They gave off this cult-y vibe that disturbed me.

The True Knot leader, Rose the Hat, had a sadistic quality to her that made me want to keep reading. It felt like there was nothing that could be done to defeat her because she was so confident in winning and was always one step ahead.

Rebecca Ferguson was able to make this character seem even more sadistic somehow in the film adaptation. Ferguson’s character had no problem killing children, not even

Abbygale Hockenberry / The Slate

The front cover of Stephen King’s novel “Doctor Sleep.” batting an eye. In most horror films that I watch, it is adults killing other adults, and it is not as chilling. Although of course there are many films where it is adults killing children, I was just not familiar with seeing it in this cult-like format. I was not so much as scared while watching this — but more so disturbed and creeped out.

Dan and Abra have this almost fatherdaughter relationship, but they are uncle and niece. They share the same ability to connect, which forms a deeper bond between the two. At first, Dan wants nothing to do with Abra because he is trying

to recover and get his life back together, but then he becomes a mentor for her. He teaches her how to control the shining.

Watching their connection evolve in the film was more pleasing from the acting, the scene, the dialogue, etc. You can tell that there is this resistance in Dan wanting to help Abra. He does not want to get caught up back in that world that he tried to forget, but he is scared for her safety as he grows to care for her.

Here is where the major difference between the film and book lies. In the book, Dan’s character survives, and the ending

‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” comes up just short Mason Flowers Sports Editor

“Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” provides 100 minutes of drama, emotion and insight into the Boss’ career. Unfortunately, the final 20 minutes of the film opt for an odd turn that left viewers disappointed.

The film focuses on the making of Springsteen’s 1982 album “Nebraska,” a major departure from his career output at that time. It highlights the inspiration of many tracks from the album, along with iconic tracks like “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Glory Days” that were originally planned for the record.

It is a beautiful movie throughout, taking viewers

right back into 1980’s New Jersey and New York City, nailing the boardwalk, diners and record studio settings.

There are also plenty of flashbacks to Bruce’s childhood with his parents, the film going black and white for those.

Jeremy Allen White played Springsteen phenomenally, acing his mannerisms and not getting a step wrong.

Jeremy Strong played Jon Landau, Bruce’s manager, providing a level-headed foil to Bruce. Stephen Graham was also impressive as Douglas, Bruce’s father.

A good portion of the movie focused on Faye Romano, Springsteen’s love interest at the time.

Their relationship declines throughout the movie, which culminates in Bruce leaving

his home in New Jersey for Los Angeles. Faye tries to tell him he will not be able to run away from his own problems, but it is to no avail.

Bruce’s mental health seems to get worse as the album develops, recording it all in his home on acoustic guitar and harmonica only.

As he heads for Los Angeles, we see him have a mental breakdown in Texas, but he still makes it to the West Coast.

It is at this point where the plot begins moving too fast for its own good. Landau sets Bruce up with a therapist, and we see the first meeting between the two. Bruce is unable to express his current state at all, and it provides a very emotional climax.

Suddenly, the film jumps 10 months into the future,

with Bruce heading backstage after a concert. We see him meet Douglas backstage, as Bruce sits on his father’s lap for the first time. Douglas thanks him for all he’s done for the family, and the film essentially ends there.

While heartwarming, it all feels off. Bruce was adamant about “no singles, no tours, no press” for the record, and we do not even get to see the finished product or any type of release. The album we have seen the creation of is just totally forgotten.

The movie almost feels unfinished in this way, somewhat spoiling a fantastic 80% of a biopic. It is still a satisfying watch, especially for proper Springsteen fans, but the ending left a sour taste in my mouth.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Bruce Springsteen singing at a concert in 2012.

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Thursday, October 30, 2025

Sports

Men’s cross country finishes 1st; women’s team in 7th at PSAC Championships Savannah Silvestre Staff Contributor

Photo Courtesy of Jon Holtz / Slippery Rock University

Garrett Quinan running alongside the first-place finisher from IUP. Quinan placed second overall.

Shippensburg University’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams traveled to PennWest Edinboro’s Doug Watts Cross Country Course for the 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships.

The men’s team took home gold for the third straight year while the women’s team posted a seventh-place finish.

The Shippensburg men’s crosscountry team is ranked No. 2 in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association. Their dominance in the PSAC was shown yesterday with their powerful performance.

Four Raiders posted All-PSAC First Team finishes, including senior Garrett Quinan in second, redshirt sophomore Tommy Crum in fourth, senior Ryan Wolfe in sixth and junior Ben Devine in eighth. Two additional Raiders earned All-PSAC honors: sophomore Ramon Urena in 20th and junior Brennan Wellock in 24th.

Quinan is the second Raider to become a four-time All-PSAC First Team finisher since 2015. He posted a time of 24:40.

Crum completed his race in 24:54 and matched his finish from last season.

Wolfe also achieved his fourth AllPSAC finish with his third straight Top 10. He finished with a time of 25:17.

Urena worked his way back from a recent injury to achieve the second All-PSAC second team honor in his career with a time of 25:50. Wellock also earned his second All-PSAC second team honor with a finish of 25:57.

The team earned its sixth conference title in history and its third straight. The Raiders scored an overall team score of 40 points.

The women’s squad had three Raiders post All-PSAC classifications — freshman Mya Trotty in 11th, senior Livi Rieck in 23rd and sophomore Victoria Bartholomew in 25th.

Trotty achieved first-team honors with a time of 23:04. She finished as the team’s top scoring runner for the third straight race and was the third-fastest

freshman in the field.

Rieck completed her conference championships career with a 4-for4 in attaining All-PSAC finishes. She matched her freshman year finish with a 23rd-place finish.

Bartholomew crossed the finish line in 23:38 for All-PSAC second team honors. She improved seven spots from last season.

Sophomore Brooke Miller and freshman Abby Gehris rounded out the Raiders’ scoring. Miller secured a 47thplace finish while Gehris placed 58th.

The Raiders finished with 162 overall team points.

East Stroudsburg and Edinboro tied for the women’s team title with 77 points. The first-place trophy went to ESU with a 3-2 tiebreaker.

Shippensburg’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams will return to action in two weeks for the NCAA Atlantic Region Championships at Lock Haven University. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m.

Photo Courtesy of Casey Steffy / PennWest Edinboro

Livi Rieck running in the 2025 PSAC Championships for the women’s team. She placed 23rd overall.

Photo Courtesy of Matt Durisko / PennWest Edinboro

The SU men’s cross-country team takes home the PSAC Championship title for the third year in a row.

Field hockey continues to impress on the road and at home

Photo Courtesy of Jake Brook / SU Sports Info

From left, Head Coach Rayell Wallace, Savannah Silvestre, Kelly Naude, Emma Albee, Augus Garibaldi, Lilly Cantabene and Assistant Coach Katie Lammando.

Hannah Stoner Asst. Sports Editor

The Shippensburg University field hockey team moved to 14-2 overall after winning two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matches this past week, allowing team members to celebrate Senior Day with a victory.

On Wednesday, the Raiders traveled to Slippery Rock, where graduate goalkeeper Emma Albee recorded her 10th shutout of the season, and SU won 3-0.

On Saturday, the Raiders scored another three goals to triumph over Mansfield, 3-1.

Against Slippery Rock, SU dominated on the field with 20 shots and 15 on goal. SU held off Slippery Rock on the backside of the field, limiting it to only two shots, none of which were on goal.

The Raiders’ first goal of the match came with two and a half minutes left in the first quarter. Sophomore Gabby Wameling ran the ball up the left-field side for a solid 40 yards, then she sent the ball to the circle and sophomore Annika Madeja tipped it into

the cage.

In earning the assist, Wameling scored her first career point.

The first goal led the Raiders to add quickly to the scoreboard in the second quarter. This time, the ball made its way up the field on the right side as sophomore Elaina Fragassi carried it into the circle. Once in the circle, Fragassi completed a spin to move the ball past the goalie’s pads less than two minutes into the period.

The Raiders sealed their win with a third goal in the last two minutes of the game.

It was Fragassi’s second goal of the day with an assist from junior Carme Caracotche Picone.

On Saturday, SU took on the Mountaineers for the last home game of the season and honored the team’s senior class.

Graduate students Emma Albee and Savannah Silvestre were honored before the game along with seniors Lilly Cantabene, Agus Garibaldi and Kelly Naudé.

This year’s senior class has proven its strengths in dealing with the coaching

transition at the start of the season.

“I think we’re really proud of how we adapted and evolved from that,” Naudé said. “Instead of taking it as like a negative thing, we’ve really risen from this and taken it full force.”

Head coach Rayell Wallace is also proud of how “dedicated, willing and open” the seniors were during the change.

At the start of the game against Mansfield, the two teams went back and forth between possessions and were rather evenly matched.

The game remained scoreless until 10 minutes into the second quarter, when Caracotche Picone rebounded the ball off the goalie’s pads during an offensive corner.

Before halftime, the Raiders had a new sense of momentum that kept them ahead in the score of 1-0 and had them ahead in shots. In the second quarter, SU had six shots while also limiting the scoring opportunities for the Mountaineers to zero.

In the second half, Mansfield sent a goal to the

cage to tie it up 1-1, but the point from the Mountaineers did not set the Raiders back.

Mansfield’s goal served as a reminder for Shippensburg to keep pushing and stay focused.

“I feel like sometimes you need to be reminded that you should still believe in yourself,” Wallace said. “We are still Ship field hockey and we still play Ship field hockey.”

Shippensburg answered almost immediately. SU scored its second goal similarly to its first. It was the result of an offensive corner when Garibaldi received the insert and hit the ball to Caracotche Picone, who scored once more.

The sense of urgency continued again in the final quarter with a goal that further protected the Raider’s lead. The addition to the score came during a corner as junior Hannah White lifted the ball toward the goal and Naudé guided it in with a tip of her stick.

SU’s current record in the PSAC is 6-2. The team has clinched its spot in postseason play along with

East Stroudsburg, West Chester and No. 1 Kutztown.

Wallace said that her goals in the postseason are to “keep playing as a unit on defense and attack.”

The next game for Shippensburg has the Raiders facing their most challenging opponent yet — Kutztown.

Albee said, “[We’re]

refining the little things and making sure that we’re not skipping over any details before that game, because we know that it’s going to be a tough one because both teams always rise for this game.”

The Raiders are on the road again Saturday to face the Golden Bears for their last regular season game.

Photo Courtesy of Jake Brook / SU Sports Info

Carme Caracotche Picone (left) celebrates one of her goals Saturday with Agus Garibaldi (right).

SPORTS

Thursday, October 30, 2025

E2

Football drops homecoming game to Lock Haven Mason Flowers Shippensburg football could not sustain a strong offensive start on Saturday, falling 35-21 against Lock Haven to drop to 2-6 on the season.

Bald Eagles quarterback Jackson Ostrowsky threw for 334 yards and five touchdowns, tying his career high. It was the most passing yards allowed in a game by the SU defense all season.

The game began with a punt from each team. On Shippensburg’s second drive, redshirt sophomore quarterback Riley Gunnels connected with redshirt freshman Landon Bailey for a 2-yard touchdown, putting SU up 7-0.

Lock Haven tied the game

late in the first quarter, taking advantage of a very short field after SU redshirt sophomore Marcus Sweeney fumbled the ball.

SU responded immediately, with Bailey scoring his second touchdown on the very next drive.

The Bald Eagles scored on each of their next two drives, pulling ahead 21-14 at the half. Gunnels was shaken up on a sack late in the second quarter but would remain at quartrback for most of the game, although seemingly not at 100% health.

LHU scored on its first drive of the second half. The ensuing kickoff was initially fumbled by freshman Kal-El Durham, making his college debut, but he picked it up and returned the kick 89 yards for a touchdown. He finished

Less than three minutes later, senior Ryleigh Cook found Eisenhart, who fired a shot into the back of the net for her first collegiate goal.

With 10 minutes left in the second half, freshman Madison Taylor recorded her first collegiate goal to cap the 3-0 win. She was assisted by senior Kaitlyn DiCandilo and sophomore Jordan Lytwyn.

Mansfield’s closest scoring opportunity came in the final minute, but sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Cline blocked the shot and senior Chloe Chipego defended the rebound at the goal line for a team save.

Shippensburg favored Mansfield 34-3 in total shots and 14-2 in shots on goal.

The Raiders added 10 corner kicks without allowing any.

Redshirt junior Kirstin

Brown earned the win in goal for posting a scoreless first half.

On Saturday, Shippensburg (3-7-3, 2-7-3 PSAC East) travelled to Millersville (7-5-3, 6-4-3) for a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division matchup.

Deadlocked in a 1-1 tie, Millersville scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute to hand Shippensburg the loss.

After giving up the first goal in the 33rd minute, Shippensburg found some momentum to capture the equalizer in the 55th minute.

Senior Ryleigh Cook scored when Millersville keeper Alexandria Miranda dove for the ball off a cross from junior Ashley Hughes, but she was only able to

knock it down in the direction of Cook, who finished the goal.

The play was set up by multiple passes beginning with a cross-field pass from senior Kaitlyn DiCandilo to sophomore Hannah Menicheschi on the right side. Menicheschi then found Hughes on the wing, who delivered a cross into the box allowing Cook to score.

Brown kept the Raiders in the game despite a 12-6 Marauder advantage in shots on goal. She matched her season high with 10 saves.

Millerville had 26 shots and seven corners to Shippensburg’s eight and one, respectively.

The women’s team returns to action on Wednesday to play Lock Haven at 5 p.m. at Robb Sports Complex.

senior year. The team was undefeated in each of Ellis’s last two seasons, leading all Pennsylvania college teams in scoring in 1953.

His daughter Laura accepted the honor, recalling just how special Shippensburg was to him and how thrilled she was to receive the invitation to join the hall.

Next was Keri Hopkins Gehring, class of 2001.

Gehring is one of two Raiders all-time to earn All-America honors in each of her four seasons. She sits third in school history with 167 career goals and 230 career points. She spoke about a high school counselor once saying college was not a good idea for her, but she continued to pursue her interests.

Mark Murphy, class of 2007, followed Gehring.

Murphy qualified for the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in all four of his seasons as a Raider, one of only two wrestlers in school history to do so.

He ranks third all-time at Shippensburg with 34 career

falls. He thanked all the coaches and teammates who helped him along the way.

The fourth inductee was Amanda Raudabaugh Geier, class of 2012. Geier still holds the all-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) record in both the indoor and outdoor 800 meters. She is a nine-time conference champion and won a national title as part of the 2011 distance medley relay. She praised coach Steve Spence for changing her training routine before her sophomore season, putting her on a path for success.

Briana Schwartz, class of 2014, was honored for her field hockey prowess.

Schwartz was the first Raider to be named NFHCA Division II National Player of the Year, doing so twice. She is the all-time school leader in assists at 45 and scored the game-winning goal in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game, earning SU’s first-ever NCAA title. She emotionally remembered former

teammate Amanda Strous for paving the way at her position.

Another track star honored was Katrina Spratford-Sterling, class of 2013. She earned eight AllAmerican honors in her time at SU across cross country and track. She placed third overall in the 2012 NCAA Division II National Cross Country Championships and went on to represent Team USA five times. Matt Geier, a close friend, made remarks on her behalf as she was at home in Arizona with her newborn son.

The final inductee was Matt Wright, class of 2010. Wright’s 333 career strikeouts still lead the PSAC, and his 22 wins are third in SU history. He was the winning arm for SU’s first College World Series win, throwing a complete game and striking out 15. He spoke about losing his love of baseball after his career ended, but he was brought to tears as he thanked his sons for rekindling his love of the game.

Sports Editor

Madison Sharp / The Slate

Landon Bailey poses after a catch. Saturday was the first multi-touchdown game of his SU career.

the day with 214 kickoff return yards, the most by any Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) player in a game this season.

The game settled down from there, with Lock Haven adding a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.

Gunnels threw a pair of interceptions in the fourth quarter, ending the chance at a Raiders comeback.

Gunnels ended the day 25for-37 passing, throwing for 199 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Sophomore running back Ethan Arneson led the rushers with 60 yards on 12 carries. Redshirt freshman Derek Guzman had 73 receiving yards on seven catches, followed closely by redshirt sophomore Jaevon Parker’s 63 yards on six

catches.

Sophomore linebacker Alex Sauve led the Raiders defense with a careerhigh 12 tackles. Senior Ely Ghameshlougy and redshirt sophomore Nate Myers each had 10 tackles, with Myers adding a sack. Myers’ 9.8 tackles per game this season is the second most of any PSAC player.

LHU went 7/15 on third down, slightly better than SU’s 6/14 mark. Lock Haven converted both of its fourthdown attempts. It was a chippy game throughout, as the teams combined for 16 accepted penalties and 148 penalty yards.

Shippensburg football has its final road game of the season this week. The Raiders will travel to Shepherd for a noon kickoff on Saturday.

Women’s soccer goes 1-1 in two-game stretch Ben Hummel

Staff Contributor

Shippensburg University’s women’s soccer team played a pair of games this past week, earning a win over Mansfield and losing to Millersville.

On Wednesday, Shippensburg shut out winless Mansfield 3-0 at home in a non-conference match. It was the team’s third shutout of the season.

Three players contributed to the scoring total, including two players’ first collegiate goals.

In the 27th minute, senior Maegan Quinn scored her first goal of the season and the third of her career off assists from freshman Emma Eisenhart and junior Ashley Hughes.

Keira Knedeisen / The Slate

Mia Kemp passes to a teammate on a throw-in.

Shippensburg inducts seven Raiders to Athletics Hall of Fame

Men’s soccer battles to draw at Bloomsburg, falls at Millersville

Sports Editor

Staff Contributor

Mason Flowers

Shippensburg University hosted its 40th annual Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday. Alumni, coaches, families and friends were in attendance to welcome the inductees to the illustrious group.

The 2025 inductees were Ray Ellis ’53, Keri Hopkins Gehring ’01, Mark Murphy ’07, Amanda Raudabaugh Geier ’12, Briana Schwartz ’14, Katrina SpratfordSterling ’13 and Matt Wright ’10.

The ceremony began with SU Athletic Director Jeff Michaels welcoming everyone, followed by Pastor Hunter Prough providing the invocation. University President Charles Patterson took to the stage, thanking everyone for attending and praising the athletes for their continued support.

Ray Ellis, class of 1953, was the first athlete honored. He was the starting fullback and linebacker for four seasons, serving as co-captain in his

Photo courtesy of Andrew Miller / SU Sports Info

Members of the 2025 SU Athletics Hall of Fame class pose with their plaques.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Miller / SU Sports Info

Shippensburg University president Charles Patterson shakes hands with Laura Ellis.

Carmela Carecotche Picone

Shippensburg men’s soccer earned a point this week after facing a pair of conference rivals. On Wednesday, they had a 0–0 draw against No. 13 Bloomsburg, and on Saturday, they fell 1–0 on the road to Millersville.

Shippensburg (3-6-4, 0-33) and Bloomsburg (6-1-6, 2-1-4) finished in a scoreless tie, replicating the same score as the last encounter they had on Oct. 8.

The teams shined with defense and midfield play; both teams recorded only two shots on goal each.

SU’s opportunities appeared early in the first half. Senior forward Ethan Paulukow had an early shot only two minutes after the game started, which forced Bloomsburg’s goalkeeper to make a difficult save.

Bloomsburg responded quickly in the 11th minute with a clear scoring opportunity.

Owen Hollobaugh hit the right post off a close-range free hit.

With two minutes left in the first half, junior goalkeeper Ryan Krumenacker made a gamechanging save from a closerange shot that collaborated to keep the game 0-0.

A minute later, sophomore midfielder Nat Thompson made a quick shot off a free hit that was also blocked by Bloomsburg.

During the second half, SU could not find any solid attacking chances.

The Raiders did not record any shots, and they earned just one corner. Krumenacker recorded two saves. The game ended up 0-0.

On Saturday, SU faced Millerville on the road for another intense contest.

The Marauders started the first half with an attack that forced the Raiders’ defensive line to step up. They recorded a couple shots on goal that were successfully saved by Krumenacker in goal.

Shippensburg’s offensive line had limited opportunities that they could not capitalize on. Junior Evan Brandt had a bottom-center shot at the 5th minute, saved by MU goalkeeper Kieran Finegan.

In the 33rd minute, Millersville’s midfield found an extraordinary through pass to forward Mason Quinton, splitting SU’s defense. Quinton then scored his first collegiate goal, giving the Marauders a 1-0 lead, which would be the final score.

During the second half, SU had some other opportunities that it could not convert.

Senior Cam Henry and redshirt freshman Coy Rush each recorded a shot on goal.

Krumenacker had an incredible game. He faced a total of 29 shots, 11 on frame. He made a seasonhigh nine saves, including numerous direct goal-scoring opportunities.

SU returns to action on Wednesday for a match against Shepherd at 7:30 p.m. at Robb Sports Complex.

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Thursday, October 30, 2025

Homecoming 2025

Photos by Madison Sharp, Asst. Multimedia Editor and staff photographer Sydney Ott