Issue 7 | Volume 102

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College November 1, 2023

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Four inmates escape from Bibb County Jail Drew Oldham Opinion Editor

Four prisoners, Joey Fournier, Marc Anderson, Johnifer Barnwell and Chavis Stokes, escaped Bibb County Jail in Macon on Oct. 16.

The escape of the four prisoners was too close for comfort for GC students and the community of Milledgeville.

These were not just your run-of-the-mill petty criminals or nonviolent drug users either.

Fournier was being held for murder, Anderson was charged with aggra-

vated assault and Stokes was being detained for one count of alleged drug trafficking and another for possession of a firearm. Barnwell was awaiting extradition by U.S. Marshals and facing charges for armed distribution of large quantities of illegal drugs.

According to the Bibb County Sheriff ’s Office, the inmates escaped the jail by climbing through a broken window in a day room and slipping past a cut fence. They were then picked up in a blue Dodge Challenger in the early hours of the morning.

GC criminal justice professor Carrie Cook points out that this escape illustrates the numerous problems with infrastructure, security, overcrowding and adequate staffing that plague American prisons and jails.

“Jails are fiscally challenging to build and maintain,” Cook said.

“We’ve depended on them and used them so much in recent decades because of mass incarceration. The cost to build them is one thing, but they take a lot of money to maintain physically —

not to mention the other costs associated with them. They also incur lots of wear and tear that is improperly addressed.”

During the time of the escape, there were only 10 employees in the jail with 800 inmates in their care.“There are nationwide shortages in correctional personnel,” Cook said. “ It is hard to keep staff since the pay is low. Understaffing could have contributed to the door being unlocked when it was supposed to be locked or to the window being damaged.”

See PRISONERS | Page 3

Courtesy of Bibb County Sheriff Office

(from left to right) Barnwell, Fournier, Stokes and Anderson

Netflix increases their prices... again. Will the Bucks win

Does this new plan actually give more value to customers?

Hannah Dunn Staff Writer Netflix made headlines by announcing yet another round of price increases for its streaming service on Oct. 18.

This change comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to deliver more value to its members.

The adjustments affect two subscription tiers.

The basic plan, previously priced at $9.99 per month, has been raised to $11.99. The premium plan, which used to cost $19.99 monthly, now comes in at $22.99.

The Netflix plan with ads, priced at $6.99 per month, and the standard tier, at $15.49 per month, with no ads but lower resolution, will remain unchanged.

This is not the first time Netflix has adjusted its pricing structure.

In January 2022, they increased prices and stopped offering the adfree basic plan to new and existing users, compel-

nior psychology major.

“If this means they’ll add more interesting things to watch, then I don’t really mind paying a little bit more.”

Netflix’s official statement to shareholders

Julia Jensen | Art Director

ling them to pay more if they wished to avoid ads.

“I honestly had no idea that Netflix was raising their prices,” said Reagan Lippold, a se-

justified these price hikes by emphasizing the added value to its members.

They also highlighted that the most basic plan, at $6.99 per month, is

less than the cost of a single movie ticket nowadays and remains competitively priced in comparison to other streaming services.

The timing of this price increase coincided with the resolution of a significant labor dispute. In September, the Writers Guild of America successfully negotiated terms with Netflix, ensuring access to streaming data and higher minimum payments. This newfound stability may have contributed to Netflix’s ability to gain 8.76 million new subscribers over the past few months, increasing their global streaming base to 247.15 million users.

a championship?

Drew Oldham Opinion Editor In what was certainly the most shocking and important move an NBA team has made this off-season, on Sept. 28, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.

The acquisition came as part of a three-team trade that also included the Phoenix Suns.

Unfortunately, blockbuster moves, such as this one, come at a cost; the trade forced the Bucks to part ways with Jrue Holiday. Holiday was by far the team’s best two-way guard. In

See NETFLIX | Page 5

his stint with the team, he earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive first team in 2021 and 2023 and averaged 19 points and 7 assists per game.

Holiday was also integral in the Bucks 2021 NBA Finals victory.

In the final seconds of Game 6, he managed to steal the ball from Devin Booker and throw a fastbreak lob to franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo to seal the Finals win over the Phoenix Suns for the Bucks.

Now, Holiday will join Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee’s primary threat in the Eastern Conference.

See BUCKS | Page 9

ALYSSA NAKKEN: THE FIRST FEMALE MLB MANAGER CANDIDATE Davis Camuso Staff Writer

History has a chance to be made in Major League Baseball with the possibility of the first female manager, as Alyssa Nakken has been interviewed for the position with the San Francisco Gaints.

The Giants, who recently fired their old manager, Gabe Kepler, are one of many teams looking for a replacement.

This decision came after the team finished out the season in a dis-

appointing fashion, going 79-83 and finishing fourth in the National League West after being in playoff contention for most of the season. The Giants are now in the hunt for a new manager, and out of all the candidates who have emerged as possible options, there is one in particular that stands out, Nakken.

Currently the team’s assistant coach, Nakken, was hired by the Giants in 2020, becoming the first woman to coach for an MLB team. Kepler held the manager position for

the team for nearly four years and worked handin-hand with Nakken.

Her job as a coach on the team is to focus on in-game planning, base running and outfield obstruction, according to MLB Trade Rumors. According to CBS Sports, Nakken was also the first woman to become a base coach in 2022 after the ejection of the first baseman coach.

Before she became a baseball coach, Nakken played first base at California State University, Sacramento, for four

years. She was named to the All-Pacific Coast Softball Conference all four years. Nakken was also a three-time all-conference selection and the 2012 conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Nakken then went on to get her master’s in sports management from the University of San Francisco, where she first became an intern with the Giants in their operations department. From there, she worked her way up in the organization, making her way to the coaching

Alyssa Nakken

position she has now.

With there being several other candidates for the manager position, like current bench coach Kai Correa and third base coach Mark Hallberg, Nakken has some competition.

According to ESPN, Nakken started her career in baseball when she started as an intern

for baseball operations.

Although she is the only female MLB coach, there are other women that are on minor league coaching staffs.

ESPN further explained that there are over a dozen female baseball coaches that work in the minor league.

See MLB | Page 4

NEWS | PG. 3

SPORTS | PG. 4

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 5

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 9

Proposed changes to the Selective Service System, or “draft,” would require women to register.

The NBA is back. Who are the favorites to win it all this season?

Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour shifts from sold-out stadiums to the big screen.

After a disappointing season last year, things are looking up for the Bobcats.

REEVALUATING THE DRAFT

NBA SEASON PREVIEW

“TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR”

GC MEN’S BASKETBALL WILL BE BETTER

2

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

11.01.2023

NEWS

New stoplight in northern Milledgeville

Georgia state Senator Rick Williams hopes the new traffic signal will increase safety Kate Verity

gia House of Represen-

day, or the Milledgeville

and not having to brake

that was identified was

be a more productive

News Editor

tatives for six years prior.

Mall or even LongHorn

or

Dattilio

that there are too many

way of doing something

A new stoplight is

Williams was instru-

Steakhouse,”

Williams

said. “But it’s going to

ways to get in and out of

versus just adding an-

in place and operation-

mental in the implemen-

said. “They’ll have a way

be beneficial to the peo-

the surrounding shop-

other light, but I guess

al on Highway 441 in

tation of this stoplight

to get out, to make a left

ple on the other sides of

ping

Having

if that’s the long-term

northern Milledgeville.

and has been advocating

turn, to make a right

the road who are trying

too many access points

goal, that makes sense.”

In October, residents of

for increased traffic reg-

turn, to come toward

to cross because mak-

slowed

drivers

Still, it will be a few

Milledgeville

noticed

ulations for years. His

town and be safer. They

ing a left or right out of

along the road and made

years before the perma-

the construction next to

main goal is to increase

won’t be trying to pull out into moving traffic;

Starbucks is already kind

pulling onto Highway 441

nent lights are put in

Ruby Tuesday and Mat-

the safety of drivers.

“The traffic at that mall

they’ll actually have a

of dangerous in itself.”

very difficult. Once some

place. Until then, college

However, many peo-

of these access points get

students

ple may not know that

closed, the permanent

geville residents will have

this light is a temporary

stoplight will be placed

to adjust to the current

feature. Over the next

slightly further north,

traffic pattern changes.

few years, the GDOT

close

tress Firm, by the Milledgeville Mall. The new intersection will change the traffic pattern in the area and aims to increase safety for drivers in an area where pulling out of the shopping centers can be troublesome.

This light is only two and a half miles north of GC, and students have to drive through at least seven other stop-

has

been

horrendous

controlled

intersection

for years and has gotten

for them to pull out.”

worse and worse,” Wil-

However, not all of

liams said. “I’ve known

those in Milledgeville are

people that have been in-

thrilled about the new

jured there or had auto-

addition. Alyssa Baker, a

mobile accidents. I know

junior management ma-

there’s been some fatal-

sure that, you know, as

most entrances to the

entrances would be good

y’all come to town, if

jor, and Isabella Dattilio,

Milledgeville Mall lot

because it would also

you’re going to the mall,

ities even pulling out of

a senior chemistry ma-

and the Big Lots park-

make things more cen-

if you’re going to Star-

McDonald’s down there,

jor, voiced their opinions

ing lot across the street.

tralized,” Baker said. “I

bucks, we want you to

so it’s become a very dan-

on the new stoplight.

One main problem

just feel like there could

be safe,” Williams said.

gerous stretch of road.”

“I feel like they should

Since entering office,

not be making another

feel like traffic’s already

partment of Transporta-

pretty bad, and adding

tion, or GDOT, to reduce

another light is only go-

the danger for drivers

ing to back things up.”

Rick Williams is a

in this area. In order to

D a t t i l i o

member of the Georgia

slow down traffic and

state Senate representing

allow people to safely

District 25, which in-

exit

Milledgeville

is probably going to be

cludes Milledgeville, Ea-

Mall parking lot, a traffic

annoying at first, respect-

tonton, Gray, Monticello

light is being installed.

fully, just because people

they take the suggested route on Apple Maps.

and Locust Grove. He has

Milled-

“I feel like having less

Williams

the

has

“Hopefully,

this

weighed

in

as

to

and

will be working to close

with the Georgia De-

sections to get there if

down

“We want to make

red light,” Baker said. “I

inter-

centers.

LongHorn.

worked

light-regulated

anything,”

well.

“I think the traffic light

is

who are going down that

been serving in the Geor-

going to make it safer

road like they’re going

gia Senate since January

for people visiting Star-

to Walmart are used to

and served in the Geor-

bucks, or Ruby Tues-

just keep going straight

VOLUME 102 | NO. 7

Isabella McComis| Digital Media Editor

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board

Jennifer Crider................. Editor in Chief Cale Strickland................Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Kate Verity......................... News Editor Shadimon Smith......... Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz......... Sports Editor Emily Henderson........... Asst. Sports Editor Paige Blakemore............Arts & Life Editor Kylie Rowe........................ Asst. Arts & Life Editor Drew Oldham...................Opinion Editor Isabella McComis......... Digital Media Editor Kylie Noles........................ Digital Media Editor Avery Blair..........................PR Manager Kassie Arps.......................Ad Sales Manager William Burke.................. Faculty Adviser

*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

The Colonnade is looking for staff writers, editors, designers, videographers, and more.

Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com for more.

If you’re interested in writing for The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com.

Ad Disclaimer The Colonnade is not responsible for any false advertising. We are not liable for any error in advertising to a greater extent than the cost of the space in which the item occurs. The Colonnade reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy submitted for publication. There is no guaranteed placement of ads. The Colonnade does not accept advertising concerning firearms nor guarantee ads concerning alcoholic beverages.

Corrections

If you feel anything we’ve printed or posted online has been reported in error, please send an email to thegcsucolonnade@ gmail.com.

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Contact Us Office: Terrell 301 thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com bobcatmultimedia.com

3

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

11.01.2023

NEWS

Rumors about the draft circulate on social media Jack McKinney

these protests are appar-

said Pennsylvania Repre-

past that of tradition-

eryone, man, woman, gay,

at the grassroots level.

Contributing Writer

ent: Manned operations

sentative Chrissy Houla-

al grounds. Instead of

straight, black, brown,

“I cannot see any

are being replaced with

han. “It ensures that the

relying on the brute

and we need everybody

reasonable

safer technologies, such

Selective Service System

strength of ground-com-

on deck,” said Florida

against

as drones and precise ar-

is able to provide the

bat soldiers, the U.S

Republican

sexes and genders to the

tillery; women have been

DOD [Department of

holds a desire to defend

tative

Waltz,

draft if applicable,” said

added alongside men in

Defense] with personnel

itself in technological

a former Army Green

Sabrina Hom, a philos-

Beret. “It’s that bad.”

ophy professor and pro-

It has recently been rumored across a variety of social media sites — most notably TikTok — that the Selective Service System, also known as the “draft,” is to be amended this very year.

In 2021, a defense bill contained a measure to expand Selective Service to include women. Although not included in the final bill, it was originally met with bipartisan support from a 35-25 majority in the House Armed Services

Committee.

The reasoning behind

ground combat units; and,

generally

speak-

Represen-

Michael

On

subjecting

all

contrary,

gram coordinator for

ing, the United States

the minority argument

women’s studies at GC.

military has evolved to

relies

reinforcing

“And I think that in an

incorporate safer and

gender

fundamental-

instance where a national

more inclusive functions.

ist arguments by con-

draft was truly necessary,

Historically, the Se-

necting biological sex

many

to

constructs.

would serve regardless

has been an outlier from

“The reality is that if

of their draft status, as

this trend, as it embraces

we are a country that ac-

we see now in Ukraine.”

immutability in the face

tively chooses to forcibly

Hom is not alone

of

change.

conscript our daughters,

in her opinion. How-

Advocates for this bill

we are past the point of

ever,

salvation,”

Texas

dents feel as if a draft

Representative Chip Roy.

is not necessary at all.

lective Service System

systematic

point out the irony re-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

garding this trend: how change must be universal

and the skills it needs,

and scientific manners.

such extensive support

and leave no exceptions

including cyber, STEM

can be attributed to

for

policies.

the

argument

on

social

said

GC

stu-

“While I do believe in

Anybody, regardless of

sionate discourse, this

gender equality, I think

[science, technology, en-

gender,

partic-

addition was kept out of

it should be achieved

amendment

gineering and mathemat-

ipate in this struggle.

the 2022 military bud-

by doing away with the

er-draft protests during

clarifies women make up

ics] and technical talent.”

“If we have a national

get due to closed-door

draft entirely rather than

the 1970s, whereupon

over 50% of the popula-

Other House members

emergency that makes

House-Senate

nego-

subjecting everyone to

groundbreaking

social

tion, and not including

in the majority hold sim-

us have to go back to

tiations. Even so, the

such an immoral and

movements changed the

them is not only a disser-

ilar beliefs to Representa-

the draft — we’re talking

original

still

outdated practice,” said

fabric of societal norms

vice to these women but

tive Houlahan, being that

COVID on steroids, a cy-

pose a relevant, serious

Margo Mason, a soph-

altogether. The results of

to our nation as a whole,”

warfare has progressed

ber attack — we need ev-

conversation to be had

omore Spanish major.

PRISONERS

Williams, who allegedly

revolutionary

count-

“This

GC’s clothesline project

could

Carly Henderson

lence. The display serves

made over the last 20

social problems that

Staff Writer

to increase awareness

years, all by members of

need to be addressed,

and

conversa-

our campus community.”

and hopefully, it will

tion about the threat

The Clothesline Proj-

inspire people to act to

violence.

ect allows members of the

improve these issues.”

The Clothesline Proj-

Milledgeville communi-

Materials to make

ect was created by mem-

ty to see that domestic

the shirts are provided

bers of the Cape Cod

violence

during

Women’s

in

The Clothesline Project is an event that serves to bring awareness to interpersonal

violence.

This past week marked

of

spark domestic

Continued from Page 1

Upon learning that the escape had occurred, the FBI and U.S. Marshals promptly began working with Bibb County authorities in their investigation and manhunt to recover the

around them. It also ex-

ing sessions. Howev-

escaped inmates. The

GC. Last week, students

1990. Visual artist Rachel

ists to show survivors

er, blank or fully made

FBI

noticed the t-shirts hung

Carey-Harper decided to

that they are not alone

shirts can also be do-

warnings describing the

up on front campus.

use shirts to draw atten-

in

experiences.

nated to the Women’s

“At first, I had no idea

tion to domestic violence.

“I think the clothes-

Center in Blackbridge

what the t-shirts hang-

“The purpose of the

line project is a great way

Hall. Students, facul-

ing up on campus were,”

project is to increase

to bring awareness and

ty and anyone else at

said

Owens,

awareness of the impact

visibility to the issue of

GC can partake in the

freshman nursing ma-

of violence and abuse,

domestic violence,” said

creation of these shirts

jor. “When I read what

to honor a survivor’s

Eryn Viscarra, Senior

throughout the year.

they had on them, I un-

strength to continue, and

Lecturer of Sociology at

The Clothesline Proj-

derstood what it was. I

to provide another ave-

GC. “In one of my class-

ect is one of many events

think it’s a clever way

escape, no significant

nue for them to coura-

es, we just spoke about

put on by the Women’s

developments occurred

to get people’s attention

geously break the silence

how we can become

Center to bring aware-

in the case. The FBI

that often surrounds their

distracted by everyday

ness to situations that

stated that the escapees

experience,” said Jennifer

life and things like so-

some may be apprehen-

Graham, Associate Dean

cial media and ignore

sive to talk about. The

of Students for Student

real

problems.

Women’s Center invites

Inclusion and Belong-

The Clothesline Project

all members of the GC

ing at GC. “There are

reminds the GC com-

community to partic-

974 shirts that have been

munity that there are

ipate in the project.

the Clothesline Project at

Sydney

on campus because it’s showing that it happens more commonly than we think, and it happens to people around us.”

The display was up Oct. 24 to 26 on front campus. Since 2003, the

Agenda

their

world

those

rumors

t-shirt-mak-

the 20th anniversary of

affects

of

some

women

pas-

outdated

Regardless

young

inmates. They also offered rewards of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of any one of the fugitives at large and a $10,000 reward for information on Barnwell’s whereabouts.

For a week after the

could be anywhere in the Southeast and as far north as West Virginia.

On Oct. 20, the getaway car was found abandoned

in

the

parking lot of a local ter by a Bibb County

has held the Clothesline

Sheriff ’s Office crim-

Project every October,

inal intelligence unit.

which is Domestic Vio-

“Law

lence Awareness month.

The project features shirts hung on a clothesline, each designed by or in honor of people who have suffered from domestic abuse. Each a different form of vio-

issued

blood donation cen-

Women’s Center at GC

color t-shirt represents

promptly

Kylie Noles | Digital Media Editor

enforcement

helped the inmates escape,” said Adam Lamparello, a criminal justice professor at GC. Authorities also tried to arrest Christian Williams, but he shot himself in the head when U.S. Marshals knocked at his door. He was later pronounced dead at Atrium Navicent Hospital.

He was the primary suspect in a 2021 murder

unrelated

to

the charges of the escapees and had been reported missing since the day before his trial was supposed to begin.

After an 11-day federal manhunt, Stokes was captured in Montezuma, Georgia. Stokes was captured at a home in the rural town, which is about 50 miles southwest of Macon. He now faces a charge of felony escape, which could earn him up to 10 years in prison — on top of the charges he was already facing.

The other three suspects remain at large, and their whereabouts are unknown. Anyone

has identified two in-

with information should

dividuals who all al-

call the FBI’s tip line at

legedly assisted in the

1-800-CALL-FBI

(1-

escape: Jakaylen Wil-

800-225-5324)

the

liams,

allegedly

U.S. Marshals Service at

possessed the Dodge

1-877-WANTED2. Tips

Challenger which was

may also be submitted

stolen from Enterprise

online

Rent-a-Car, and Mykia

or the USMS Tips app.

who

at

or

tips.fbi.gov

4

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

11.01.2023

SPORTS

Larry O’Brien is up for grabs this season

What team will claim him this season?

Chance Curbow Staff Writer The 2022-23 NBA season concluded with the Denver Nuggets and twotime MVP Nikola Jokic beating the Miami Heat to win the NBA Finals.

Favorites for the 202324 championship are the reigning champions Denver Nuggets, revamped Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks — featuring a new superstar — the classic Los Angeles Lakers and the star trio of the Phoenix Suns.

Denver won it all last season and still has the best player in the world in Jokic, and along with his co-star, Jamal Murray, the offense hummed smoothly in the season opener, where they defeated the Lakers. The Celtics’ additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday looked good, with Porzingis scoring 30 points in the opener to beat the New York Knicks.

“My Finals favorite is the Celtics,” said Brennan Cone, a GC alumni.

“The reason is because of their all-around roster construction and the quality of their players.

All starters and bench pieces are very good and work well together.”

Milwaukee constructed the best two-man game in current basket-

ball by trading for seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard this off-season to pair with top-three player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Phoenix went for a similar route, exchanging depth for an added offensive punch by trading for Bradley Beal and shipping out Deandre Ayton for a package surrounding Jusuf Nurkic.

The Lakers did not make major moves over the off-season. Instead, their front office did major work at last year’s trade deadline, starting the year 2-10 but finishing 43-39.

Lurking in the lower level of championship contenders are the Golden State Warriors, the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Healthy Stephen Curry has been a recipe for success since 2015, and adding a historically great player, even though he has aged, in Chris Paul will always do good things for an offense.

The 76ers have the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, and a budding young star with Tyrese Maxey but are far from a solid contender; James Harden is on their roster but did not show up to training camp and was not allowed on the team plane opening night.

The Miami Heat lost the Lillard sweepstakes over the off-season but

have shown that they should never be counted out. Jimmy Butler has been a monster for stretches of every postseason for half a decade, and the pairing with head coach Eric Spoelstra has brought success to the bay.

The hometown Atlanta Hawks ended last season at 41-41 and lost in the first round to the Celtics. Another year

playing more minutes for the Hawks, so there is optimism for their record. An offense still structured around Trae Young and an underwhelming Dejounte Murray does still have its problems, which we have seen in the past.

“They aren’t in good standing for this upcoming season,” said Andrew Dozier, a junior Management In-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

under Quin Snyder’s instruction and system should improve the regular season record.

Trading away disgruntled forward John Collins and opening more minutes for shooters Saddiq Bey and AJ Griffin will also smooth out some offensive wrinkles.

Third-year forward Jalen Johnson has also looked promising since

formation Systems, or MIS, major. “They didn’t make any major plays in the off-season, and Dejounte Murray showed he wasn’t as big of a help as we thought he’d be.”

MVP odds range depending on the website, but many familiar faces are atop the race.

Two-time MVPs Jokic and Antetokounmpo headline the race.

GC CROSS COUNTRY COMPETES IN PBC TOURNAMENT Drew Bogumill News Editor GC’s cross country teams competed in the Peach Belt Conference Championship on Sunday, Oct. 21, at the University of North Georgia Cross Country Course.

The men’s team placed fourth overall in the tournament out of nine teams, and freshman runner Daniel Laird was named the PBC Freshman of the Year.

The Bobcats finished with 115 points — just 12 points out of third place, behind Columbus State University. Augusta University won its fifth consecutive league championship, scoring 22 points.

“I think the team did well as a whole, considering we closed the gap on the third ranked team in the conference,” said Caiden Curtis, a junior runner. “We had some good performances all throughout the team, but I do still think that there is room for improvement with faster times, team placement and race execution.”

According to the Peach Belt Conference, Laird was the top-finishing freshman for the men’s tournament, who was also among his

teams’ top seven runners, finishing with a personal-best time of 27:00.7. He was able to shave 22 seconds off his previous best as he finished in 29th place.

Philip Bulatao, who was named to the AllPeach Belt Sportsmanship Team, was the top Bobcat in the field with an 8K time of 26:21.5 to finish in 20th place overall.

Caleb Carter posted a time of 27:31.6 and came in 37th place, while Evan Rehrauer was 41st with a time of 27:36.1.

Caiden Curtis finished in 49th place, with a time of 28:16.1, and teammate Peyton Harley was right behind him in 50th with a time of 28:18.3.

William Wright was the other GC runner to set a personal-best time, as he finished in 52nd place with an effort of 28:20.7.

Jack Sisk’s 28:40.1 was good for 54th place, while Jack Rea, who finished with a time of 29:07.8, and Denver Oakes, who finished with a time of 29:13.5, finished in 56th and 57th, respectively.

Brendan Rice finished in 66th place at 30:13.2, while Tucker Balch rounded out the GC runners in 77th with a time of 33:00.7.

The women’s team also placed fourth overall

Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum, superstars entering their prime, are high in the odds, but neither have an MVP yet.

Reigning league MVP Embiid is the fifth MVP option on all major betting sites. Longshot MVP bets could go to either explosive scorer Devin Booker or Curry, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also garnering top-10 odds.

“I think Jokic probably gets another one,” said Tyler Baker, a senior nursing major.

“After opening night, it’s obvious his production is still top tier.”

This season’s playoff hopefuls in the East are the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic. The Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors and Heat all likely got worse, and both the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic boast impressive young talent that could boost them into the playoff race.

The playoff hunt in the West is even more competitive. The Memphis Grizzlies are missing their star guard, Ja Morant, for the first 25 games, and the Los Angeles Clippers are likely going to miss their best players for around half of the season or more — as has been the case the past few seasons.

An Anthony Edwards jump could se-

cure the Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff spot, but Karl-Anthony Towns could also lose them that spot.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s collection of great young players will make them a competitive regular season team jockeying for a spot, and the Dallas Mavericks will be relying on superstar and MVP candidate Doncic and an underwhelming — and unproven — surrounding cast to hopefully earn a spot in the playoffs, which they missed last season.

Overall, the league is going to be extremely entertaining this season.

A rookie class headlined

by Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson is looking to make a splash, and the sophomore class, featuring last year’s rookie standouts, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, Bennedict Mathurin and Keegan Murray, should all be involved in the playoff race.

The West will have 11 teams realistically fighting for the Play-In Tournament; the East will have 13. The regular season will matter, and even the teams not looking to compete will have highlights. The playoff hunt should be bloody, and for a large middle pack, every game matters.

Nakken

huge for baseball —

Continued from page 1

and for all of sports. I

There is even a female

think that she would do

manager that coaches

a great job as a manag-

for the New York Yan-

er, but I do question her

kees’ low-affiliate team,

lack of playing the sport

Rachel Balkovec. Balkovec has been the manager for the team for two seasons, and according to Baseball Reference, her record as a managCourtesy of GC Athletics

— but out of 10 teams — with Flagler University taking first on their side of the tournament. They were able to finish with a total score of 103 points.

According to the GC Athletics website, nine of the 10 Bobcat runners in the women’s race hit personal-best times at the tournament, which helped the team place the best they have at the PBC Tournament since 2018, when they also placed fourth.

The Bobcats fastest runner in the women’s race was Anna Agi, who placed 16th after she ran a personal best 5K time of 18:42:9, which is 34 seconds better than her previous best.

Calli Crawford and Jillian Muncus placed not far after Agi, with personal best times that helped them take the

No. 21 and No. 22 spots.

GC’s Brooke Mooney was named to the league’s All-Sportsmanship team on the women’s side of the tournament.

“Overall, I think it was a good effort by both of the teams,” Curtis said. “We did have some highlights, but we didn’t exactly accomplish what we set out for, so we just need to keep working towards our goal and stay focused so we can achieve what we set out for next weekend.”

The Bobcats are set to return to the UNG Cross Country Course, as they will compete in the 2023 NCAA Division II Southeast Regional on Nov. 4. The men’s 10K race will be held at 11:15 a.m., while the women’s 6K race will be held at 10 a.m.

er is slightly below .500.

While Nakken has a

coaching

position

with the team, some question if she is capable or ready to be the manager of the Giants.

“I think that the hire would be a big step for women,”

said

Cami

of baseball if it would ever become a problem in the near future.”

“I think if she gets chosen for the role, then I think that it would be the start of something new for the sport,” said Chase Sammon, a senior management information systems, or MIS, major. “I think that more women would be able to become a larger part of the game because of the gender barrier that she would be breaking.”

Marcotte, a junior mass

While Nakken may

communication major.

not get the position due

“I feel like the mana-

to the other highly qual-

gerial position is in the

ified competition, this

air and that she has a

is still a big step in the

good background in

right direction that could

baseball. I think that

lead her to this posi-

hiring her would be

tion in the near future.

5

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

11.01.2023

ARTS & LIFE NETFLIX

won’t even show things

for multiple devices or lo-

do not have access to

the need to respond

where you can’t afford

that they know a lot of

cations. This move aims

Wi-Fi or mobile data.

to local market chang-

to spend a fortune on

people will want to see.”

to maintain the integrity

This price increase

es, such as fluctuations

streaming

subscription because I

Netflix also recently

of each subscription tier.

at Netflix is not an iso-

in taxes and inflation.

Netflix’s latest price

like the way Netflix is or-

cracked down on the is-

As part of their ongo-

lated event. Other ma-

“With Netflix increas-

increase, combined with

ganized, and I’ve already

sue of password sharing.

ing strategy to enhance

jor streaming services,

ing their cost, it influenc-

its ongoing efforts to

used it for so long,” said

To prevent this practice,

the user experience, Net-

such as Hulu, Disney+

es me to look into other

enhance the user expe-

Gia Lasher, a junior bi-

they implemented lo-

flix plans to introduce

and Apple TV+ have

streaming services,” said

rience and adapt to mar-

ology major. “However,

cation checks on sub-

content downloads for

also adjusted their pric-

Kendall Merritt, a first-

ket changes, reflects the

I didn’t know the costs

scribed devices. If the

their ad-supported tier

es at least once this year.

year marketing major. “If

changing dynamics of

were increasing, but I

system detects a different

in the coming months.

These changes are of-

the cost were the same,

the streaming industry.

find it very inconvenient

location than the address

This will allow users to

ten attributed to the ev-

it wouldn’t be a priority

Users can expect more

because Netflix has tak-

noted during a subscrip-

download movies and

er-evolving landscape of

to compare other com-

content and features in

en off a lot of popular

tion, users are prompted

shows for offline view-

content creation, mar-

panies. However, with

the future, even as sub-

shows and movies and

to upgrade their account

ing — even when they

ket

costs increasing every-

scription costs evolve.

Continued from page 1 “I won’t cancel my

competition

and

Courtesy of Kylie Rowe | Asst. A&L Editor

Kylie Rowe poses with “Eras Tour” movie poster.

services.”

Courtesy of Paige Blakemore | A&L Editor

Paige Blakemore and Isabella Jalbert at the Milledegeville AMC Theatre premiere.

“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” (movie version) Paige Blakemore

Los Angeles, CA, where

cial edition Eras Tour

Following the release,

bie” and “Oppenheimer”

reer, many described the

select

were

popcorn buckets, cups,

videos went viral on so-

for top releases of 2023.

experience as emotional.

to

posters and tote bags

cial media of fans danc-

The film has helped

Some even said that the

watch the movie early.

for “Swifties” to enjoy

ing and singing along

push Swift into the allu-

There, Swift announced

while watching the su-

with the movie. While

sive “billionaires club,”

there would be addition-

perstar on the big screen.

some enjoyed the experi-

a feat she has accom-

al showings at theaters

Fans took the op-

ence, others criticized the

plished

across the country due

portunity to dress up

fans for their behavior

through music alone.

to the intense demand.

as

era

since they were at a mov-

“I think releasing the

covered

In typical Swift fash-

and

friendship

ie theater, not a stadium.

tour as a movie was a

some 40 songs across 10

ion, the ticket prices were

bracelets, a reference to

“It was really fun,”

genius and super inclu-

albums as Swift danced,

Easter eggs that related

Swift’s “Midnights” track

said Grace Greer, a pub-

sive

move

group of girls that were

sang and spoke in end-

to her career. Adult tick-

“You’re On Your Own,

lic health major. “I loved

on [Swift’s] part,” said

eight or nine years old

less glitter and sparkles

ets were listed for $19.89,

Kid,” as if they were

singing along with oth-

Alexis Snyder, a senior

that were singing their

for her spectacle show.

in reference to Swift’s

at the actual concert.

er Swifties. You don’t

psychology major. “Not

heart out to ‘The Man,’”

According to AMC

birth year and recent-

“For me, it was real-

really see many other

only is she generating

Theatres, the film expe-

ly re-recorded album.

ly awesome seeing the

people doing this. I love

more revenue, but peo-

rienced

“unprecedent-

Children’s tickets were

movie because I got to

all of the attention she’s

ple who weren’t able to

ed demand,” surpassing

$13.00, Swift’s infamous

really focus on the de-

getting. I can’t gatekeep

go see the tour in per-

$100 million in presales

lucky number that art-

tails of the tour and see

her forever, so I’m re-

son are now able to go

and breaking the record

fully reoccurs through-

things I missed from the

ally just proud of her.”

watch the entire thing at

for the highest revenue

out her career and work.

adrenaline rush I expe-

As reported by Forbes,

a more affordable price.”

for ticket sales in one day.

Along with an al-

rienced the actual night

the film is now the high-

For those who have

Two days before the

most-three-hour movie,

of the actual Eras Tour,”

est-grossing concert film

been following Swift for

successful because they

release, Swift held a pre-

AMC Theatres collabo-

said Gini Peña, a junior

in domestic history and

years over her nearly

have Taylor Swift and

miere for the film in

rated with Swift on spe-

exercise science major.

joined the likes of “Bar-

two-decade-spanning ca-

her music to look up to.”

A&L Editor Global pop phenomenon Taylor Swift released her

highly

anticipat-

ed concert film for her most recent adventure, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” on Friday, Oct. 13.

The

film

superfans

personally

invited

their trade

favorite

predominantly

marketing

movie showed just how much Swift cares for her fanbase by making the tour accessible for all.

“I started crying at one point in the movie because there was this

Snyder said. “I just think that’s so important because no one is ever going to be able to tell them that they’re not worthy, or they’re not powerful or they can’t be

6

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

11.01.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Restless for registration Connor Blakley

was provided in their

period. If the ticket goes

admission

and

unpaid, the student will

It is now late October,

current students register

not be able to register

which means registration

through Unify, or PAWS.

until the ticket is paid off.

is on a lot of GC students’

It is also important for

Many GC students

minds. Registration is

students to know when

have spoken out about the

presumably a stressful

to register. This informa-

registration issues that

time for many students.

tion is provided by their

they have encountered.

They have trouble sched-

advisor via email.

No

“My registration ex-

uling appointments with

matter what year students

perience has been less

assigned advisors in time

are in, their registration

than good,” said Zach

for registration, desired

date and time are based

Fletcher, a junior Man-

class breaks not being

on the number of credit

agement

granted, 7 a.m. wake-up

hours they have earned.

Systems, or MIS, major.

The website also en-

“I have not once gotten

Staff Writer

times,

being

waitlist-

students

Information

to

more than two classes

A lot goes into the

know how registration

at my initial registration

registration process at

holds work. A main issue

date. I typically remain

GC. To ensure that the

students run into is get-

on

registration process goes

ting an advising appoint-

the first week of the se-

smoothly, the GC web-

ment on-time. Once a

mester,

site provides a founda-

student has attended a

it

tion of what to expect

meeting with an advisor

with my financial aid.”

going into registering

, their hold will be lifted.

for classes. The website

ed for classes and more.

courages

letter,

waitlists

through

which

stressful,

makes

especially

Julia Jensen | Art Director

class,”

Fletcher

said.

“The 7 a.m. registra-

He noted that this is

tion time is fine,” said

tion between advisors

the most stressful part of

Jared Carter, a junior

and students does not

his registration process.

accounting

“It

seem personal,” Fletcher

The 7 a.m. regis-

makes the student face

said. “Advisors give stu-

tration time is anoth-

responsibility for getting

dents the same advice,

er topic worth noting.

their classes. I think that

which I think results

“7 a.m. registration

the registration time is

in waitlists and possi-

time was an interesting

the least of the problems

bly not being able to get

experience,” said Peri-

during

into

major.

registration.”

“The

communica-

desired

classes.”

co Cisneros, an unde-

Relationships between

Despite students fac-

Although there is a

clared freshman. “I did

students and their ad-

ing these issues when

Another factor that war-

system in place for stu-

not enjoy waking up

visors is another aspect

registering for classes,

explains to all students

rants a hold is an unpaid

dents to register for

during that time, and I

of the registration pro-

the school urges stu-

how and where you reg-

parking ticket. Students

classes, clearly, the pro-

honestly wish it were lat-

cess that may be worth

dents to be prepared

ister. Incoming fresh-

must ensure that any

cess is still stressful.

er rather than at 7 a.m.”

looking into when try-

for fallback options and

men use POUNCE, new

parking tickets issued

“I never know if I

do

ing to find out some

does its best to make

transfer students register

by the school are paid

am going to get all five

not mind getting up

of the problems that

sure students are pre-

through INTRO, which

before their registration

classes,

early

registration.

arise during this time.

pared for all situations.

with

friends,

Lorelai

like they were friends.

or

only

one

Other

students

for

“Where you lead, I will follow”

“Gilmore Girls”: the ultimate fall show Delaney Derry

that only a mother and

think Rory and Lore-

relationship

Contributing Writer

daughter can that made

lai’s relationship is good,

mom,” said Lexie An-

said to her mother Em-

Since Lorelai had Rory

The early 2000s tele-

‘Gilmore Girls’ unlike

but I think it wasn’t a

derson, a staff mem-

ily Gilmore in season 2,

at such a young age,

“Gilm-

anything else on tele-

real

parent-to-daugh-

ber at Campus Out-

episode 16. “We’re best

ore Girls” is considered

vision at the time,” said

ter

relationship.”

reach at GC. “They tell

friends first and moth-

among many fans to

Entertainment

Weekly.

Some viewers of the

each other everything,

er and daughter second.

be the ultimate fall TV

Although many peo-

show would consider the

feel comfortable being

And you and I are moth-

show. With its hom-

ple have a strong pas-

relationship between this

themselves

er and daughter always.”

vision

ey

feel

classic

and

and

her

grew

om,”

they grew up together.

Despite their relationship not being a typical one between a mother and daughter. Rory grew

aesthet-

up to be very goal-driv-

ic fall atmosphere, for

en, and she is known

many, it is a fall favorite.

for her intelligence and

The show follows the mother-daugh-

great love for books.

ter duo of Rory and

As some would say,

Lorelai Gilmore. In the

she has a good head on

quaint, little town of

her shoulders, and that

Stars Hollow, Connecti-

came solely from having

cut, these main charac-

Lorelai as the main pa-

ters can be seen sipping

rental figure in her life.

iconic

on coffee at the local

The two characters

diner and soaking up all

Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham as Rory and Lorelai Gilmore

would do anything for

the small-town gossip.

sion for the show, others

dynamic duo to be an

up together. Their rela-

Lorelai herself admits

The show never ex-

have a major problem

unhealthy one. On the

tionship is very special.”

that her and Rory’s con-

perienced any breakout

with the show’s portray-

other hand, some view-

success during its sev-

al of the mother-daugh-

ers crave their closeness.

ly close and spend a

erage

en-year

ter

be-

Lorelai gave birth to

lot of quality time to-

relationship. This could

er, it is still adored and

tween Rory and Lorelai.

Rory at the age of 16. She

gether. However, some

be a result of Lorelai’s

praised by many today.

“I feel indifferent to

raised her on her own,

would argue it is not

relationship

“It was that dynamic of

it,” said Ruby Hull, a ju-

and together, they made

the

parent-

own mother. She wanted

derson said. “It’s funny,

watching two best friends

nior English major. “I

a life in their little town.

and-child

relationship.

Rory to not feel domi-

and the setting is beau-

who had the closeness

don’t love it or hate it. I

“I love Rory and her

“Rory and I are best

nated by her mother and

tiful and comforting.”

run.

Howev-

relationship

They

are

typical

extreme-

nection is not the avmother-daughter

with

her

the other, which is an admirable quality between any two people in a relationship. Where one leads, the other follows.

“I love the show,” An-

7

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

11.01.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Cale’s Cinema Corner: “Killers of the Flower Moon” review Cale Strickland Managing Editor

ing; each of his films

could only see it in the-

ability to pace and tease

is an event. However,

aters if you lived in New

out a sprawling murder

Opinion

the end of his legend-

York or Los Angeles.

mystery,

ary filmography is get-

As such, I was thrilled

ping, mesmerizing. The

ting closer and closer.

when I read that his lat-

performances he gets

And he knows it.

est, “Killers of the Flow-

from Leonardo DiCap-

In a recent interview

er Moon,” an Apple

with GQ, he reflect-

TV+ film, was getting

and Letterboxd — is full

ed on the third act of

a theatrical release — a

of them, including the

his career — and life.

wide theatrical release.

debate to rule them all:

He only has, at best,

Yes, if you can believe

Who is the best direc-

a handful of films left

it,

tor of all time? Answers

in him. And it has been

geville AMC is playing it.

vary, and age plays a

four years since “The

The film follows a hus-

big part. Older cineasts

Irishman,” his — lat-

band, his wife and his un-

often say Alfred Hitch-

est — gangster epic, a

cle after several members

cock or Akira Kurosa-

sprawling

three-and-

of the Osage Nation are

wa. Younger film-lov-

a-half-hour parable of

murdered. The less said

ers often say Quentin

grief, longing and regret:

about the plot, the better.

Tarantino or Christo-

a film synonymous with

Getting to see my

pher Nolan. There are,

his age-induced anxiety.

first in-theaters Scorsese

of course, others: David

I will be honest. I

movie with two of my

Lynch or, my favorite,

teared up reading his GQ

best friends was an expe-

Paul Thomas Anderson.

interview, and I do not

rience I will never forget.

Each is a great film-

even have a meaningful

If I am being honest,

maker, but your answer

connection to him or his

I think I need to see it

is idiosyncratic, reflec-

work. Of course, he is one

again before I can try

tive of your personal

of the all-time greats. But

to write about it intel-

At the beginning of

strain of style and tone.

his “best” movies came

ligently. And I am al-

the semester, I wrote a

But, whether you are

out decades before I was

ready planning on it. It

piece about my five fa-

into big-budget specta-

born, and I was not old

is big — and not just in

vorite movies of the sum-

cle, muted melodrama or

enough to see “The De-

terms of Scorsese’s ca-

mer. In it, I gave “Op-

something

in-between,

parted” or “The Wolf of

reer; it is a three-and-

we can all agree on one

penheimer” the top spot

Wall Street” in theaters.

a-half-hour crime film.

name: Martin Scorsese.

— of the summer, but

I watched “The Irish-

But I will say, it was the

He is, in many ways,

man” “opening week-

fastest three and a half

of

end,” but it was a Netflix

hours of my life. Scors-

moviemak-

movie; realistically, you

ese’s attention to detail.

Cinephiles love debates. Their corner of the Internet — Film Twitter, or “Film X,” I guess,

the

“grandfather”

modern

even

the

Milled-

is

jaw-drop-

rio, Robert De Niro — and Lily Gladstone, especially — are, by far, three of the best of the year, if not the decade.

Martin Scorsese

Leonardo DiCaprio

also the year. And I am not a Christopher Nolan fan. But a lot of things

have changed. I have

yourself a favor and go

seen “Barbie” two more

see “Killers of the Flower

times; Wes Anderson put

Moon.” It might be the

out a series of a shorts on

crowning

Netflix; “Asteroid City”

of the year — and one of

has risen in my rank-

the last Scorsese movies

ings. And, on a rewatch,

we get, if not, God for-

“Killers of the Flow-

bid, the last. Cherish it.

er Moon” might make

Relish it. I cannot wait

a claim for the throne.

to see it again — and

If you can, please do

write about it at length.

achievement

8

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

11.01.2023

OPINION The GC Basketball Team will be better this year Drew Oldham

team’s leader in assists, a reli-

and finished 2nd on the team

Opinion Editor

able double digit scorer that

in blocks, showing his versa-

The return of basketball

treated fans to numerous steals

tility on both ends of the floor.

season is upon us once more,

and blocks on the defensive end

The team also benefited

and the GC Men’s basketball

which illuminated his breath-

from an efficient year from

team is hungry to avenge a dis-

taking athleticism. These two

Forward Austin Sloan, who

appointing 2022-23 campaign.

worked in tandem, along with

recorded 9.8 PPG on a team

Last year, the Bobcats were a

a deep roster of good sup-

high 48% FG shooting. Guard

porting players to help vault

Richard Crawford led the team

the team to 3rd in the PBC

in assists, with 3 per game.

with a 9-4 conference record.

The team and myself are

However, after the end of

confident that the Bobcats will

the 2022 season, the Bobcat’s

be much better this year, For-

future was very uncertain. The

ward Luke Chism is returning

team lost Head Coach Mark

from an injury that sidelined

Gainous, who stepped down

him for all of last year, when on

group this year that has more

himself as a reliable 15-17 ppg

will restore the winning cul-

after eight seasons of leading

the court, he provides plenty of

love for being there and we

scorer while continuing to play

ture in GC basketball. Con-

the Bobcats, commanding a

scoring and great rebounding

are a lot closer as a whole.”

great defense, this will open

tributions from supporting

115-99 record in his tenure.

for the Bobcats. The team has

“It’s still on us to per-

up the floor for the rest of the

players like Sloan, Davis and

This only added to the chal-

also acquired Najhae Colón

form and do what it takes

Bobcats roster. If Austin Sloan

Crawford will be paramount

lenge’s the program already

from Atlantic Cape Univer-

to truly have a better sea-

is able to continue to provide

in propelling this team into

faced, as the loss of Thomas and

sity who averaged 10 points,

son than last year, but I can

efficient scoring and gets into

the top half of the PBC.

Simpson left the team with-

5 assists and 4 rebounds in

assure you we are doing all

the double digits regularly, this

The team’s first regular

out its two primary threats.

his time with the Buccaneers.

the things off the court to

will only help them further.

season game is on Nov. 11th

The 2022-23 season was a

The Bobcat’s internation-

difficult one, especially given

al appeal will also be on full

make it happen.” Said Davis.

Ryan Aquino will step fur-

in Dahlonega, GA against the

that the previous season was

display this year, with 7 footer

Davis will also be an im-

ther into his role as the head

Limestone Saints from Co-

one of the most successful in

Dallas Clayton arriving from

portant piece for this year’s

coach. He has a great mind for

lumbia, SC. The Saints finished

school history. The Bobcats

Auckland, New Zealand. He

Bobcats squad, as he can

the game and will work tire-

13-16 in the regular season last

went 9-18 overall and finished

is currently injured, but will

knock down long three point-

lessly to ensure the Bobcats are

year with a 8-10 record in the

2nd to last in the PBC with a

be a formidable paint presence

ers with ease and is a shifty

game ready. He played basket-

South Atlantic Conference.

conference record of 5-13.

when he re-takes the court.

guard who can get to his spot

ball at GC and earned 2011-12

The team will not be at

in the mid-range as well. He

PBC First Team recognitions

home for a long stretch at the

averaged 8 points per game last

while averaging a double-dou-

beginning of the season, they

season, and will likely adopt a

ble in his senior season.

will return to the Centenni-

young team that struggled to build on the positive momentum of their prolific 2021-22 season, in which the team finished with a 21-8 record and earned an appearance in the Division 2 NCAA tournament.

The woes of the 2022-23 season were largely the result of the team’s struggle to find a concrete sense of identity on the hardwood. They were in their first year with new head coach, Ryan Aquino and sorely missed Jordan Thomas and Wesley Simpson who both played their last year for the Bobcats in 2021-22.

Thomas ended his impressive career by averaging 17 points per game in his final season as a Bobcat, and cementing himself as the all-time leading scorer in GC’s men’s basket-

The team struggled to gen-

Redshirt

Sophomore

Cathy Cox , President of GC, supporting the team

ball history. In one of the most

erate points on offense, and

Guard and Exercise Science

memorable moments of his

get stops on defense. Howev-

Major Ian Davis is confident

final season, he eclipsed 1000

er, hope was maintained in

that his team stands poised

larger role as a swing play-

I believe that the elevation

al Center for their first home

career points with a 17 point

the emergence of a new star,

to be significantly improved

er who will lead the offense

and development of Rigs-

game on Jan. 6 against USC

outing in late January, against

Point Guard Brendan Rigsbee

in comparison to last season

for the Bobcats second unit.

bee’s game, the heightened

Aiken, a conference opponent.

Columbus State University.

became the team’s primary

due to its vastly improved

hoping to see

ability of the team to work

I am thrilled to see what these

Simpson provided a dy-

option on offense in just his

teammate chemistry and ex-

Rigsbee further elevate his of-

as parts of a fluid whole and

Bobcats can do this season, and

namic presence at point guard

first year with the team. He

tensive offseason preparation.

fensive game in his sophomore

Aquino’s enhanced comfort

I firmly feel that they will have

for the Bobcats. He was the

also led the team in rebounds

“We have a much younger

campaign. If he can establish

in his positiion as head coach

a much better record this year.

I amalso

Schedule for the GC basketball 2023-2024 season

9

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

11.01.2023

OPINION BUCKS

Continued from page 1

had spent his entire profes-

the same cloth as you, a

ESPN also places them at

likely face the Denver Nug-

well

ball-dominant

Lil-

sional career with the Blaz-

guy that is a killer, he plays

No. 2 in the NBA preseason

gets, who demolished the

lard and Antetokounmpo

ers since they drafted him

with a chip on his shoul-

power rankings and pre-

Miami Heat on the road

play together and establish chemistry with each other.

It will be interesting to

While it was undoubt-

in 2012. In his time with the

der,” Antetokounmpo said.

dicts them to finish the reg-

to their 2022 champion-

edly such a tough decision

Blazers, Lillard made the

“He’s been good for so

ular season with 54 wins.

ship. This roster is strong,

to part ways with such a

All-NBA first team, won

many years in the league,

Despite all the hype, I

boasts remarkable depth

phenomenal guard, Mil-

Rookie of the Year in 2013,

dominating the league and

believe the Bucks’ road to

and has one of the most dy-

waukee likely decided to

averaged over 32 points per

having a guy that you can go

the championship will still

namic duos the league has

gamble on Lillard in an ef-

game and almost — sin-

to war every single day that

be extremely difficult. In

seen in the last few years in

fort to address the team’s

glehandedly

brought

wants it as bad as you want,”

the

Conference

back-to-back MVP Nikola

failure to make it back to

the team to the Western

Antetokounmpo said. “It is

alone, the Bucks must get

Jokic, and prolific shoot-

the NBA Finals since the

Conference Finals in 2019.

always a good feeling. He’s

past the fortified Celtics,

ing guard Jamal Murray.

team’s 2021 championship.

With this acquisition,

The Bucks will be one

The team has exited the

Lillard only increases the

of the most exciting and

the odds. I also adore An-

playoffs in disappointing

sheen of an already stacked

potentially

tetokounmpo’s

fashion the last two years,

Bucks roster. He joins Khris

teams in the league with

man athleticism, the re-

losing to the Celtics in the

Middleton in the backcourt,

Lillard, but I still do not

markable development of

semifinals last year and

who has an impressive 39%

believe they will win the

his skill set since his rook-

being humiliated by the

career

shooting

2024 NBA championship.

ie year as well as his off-

Heat, despite being heav-

percentage. In the front-

The defensive downgrade

court humor and charisma.

ily favored in the series,

court are two-time MVP

they will incur as the re-

in the first round in April.

The Bucks begin their

Antetokounmpo and ver-

sult of losing Holiday will

2024 season with a four-

Lillard

—

3-point

Eastern

The Bucks celebrating their championship win

dangerous

significantly

satile center Brook Lopez.

upgrades the already fear-

Now, the team has only

hungry, and but he even

who have only improved

navigate, especially in the

some Bucks offense; he is

one thing on its mind:

makes me hungrier because

since they bested the Bucks

playoffs,

a lights-out shooter who

winning this year’s NBA

when you are amongst

two years ago. And do not

is

is capable of going on su-

Finals. The Bucks’ orga-

greatness

single

forget about the Miami

They will also have to

perhuman scoring barrag-

nization is confident that

day, you have to bring it.”

Heat, who, despite appear-

go through many extreme-

es. He is also an incredible

this trade has put them in

According to ESPN staff

ing severely outmatched

ly well-rounded teams to

leader that has attracted a

a position to do just this.

writer David Purdum, the

in relation to Milwaukee,

eventually win, and I be-

reverence from Blazer fans

In an interview with

acquisition of Damian Lil-

have sent the Bucks pack-

lieve that this team lacks

every

be quite challenging to when

especially

defense

important.

see how this team’s regular season unfolds, and I sincerely hope they prove me wrong, as I have always loved Lillard’s passion, confidence and willingness to take on challenges against superhu-

game home stand, where they will look to capture momentum at the start of the regular season and develop chemistry in their coexistent

superstars.

In the meantime, I suggest you watch as many

due to his fearlessness,

Andscape,

Antetokoun-

lard immediately vaulted

ing in two of their last

the same depth that teams

Bucks games as you pos-

confidence, poise and un-

mpo commented on Lil-

the Bucks into the spot as

four playoff appearances.

such as the Celtics and

sibly can this season , as

failing loyalty to his team.

lard

team.

the consensus betting fa-

Should they advance to

Nuggets boast. It also re-

this team will be nothing

“A guy that is built from

vorites to win the NBA title.

the NBA Finals, they will

mains to be seen how

short of thrilling to watch.

Before this trade, Lillard

joining

the

Interesting Times: The transition from world order to world disorder Dr. Steven Elliot-Gower

ereignty and international law.

enough, the horror of the

form of economic nationalism.

more sense of them and help

Contributing Writer

Most of the world’s de-

Hamas attack on Israel, the

We are transitioning from

you make connections from

mocracies have rallied to

bombardment of Gaza and

world order to world disorder.

one thing to another — as

hearts and minds prompt you

support embattled Ukraine,

the ensuing humanitarian cri-

What should and can you do?

opposed to seeing them as

— in protests, rallies, vigils

but many autocracies and

sis in the region came along.

As students, you should

a morass of individual, iso-

and letter-writing campaigns.

theocracies have not. They

Now, it is very likely that a

work on your global litera-

lated and confusing events.

For me, as a professor of

have lent political and even

massive Israeli ground inva-

cy — that is, on your under-

So, how do you do this?

international relations, this

military support to Russia,

sion of Gaza will occur. This

standing of what is happen-

Become a political science

moment in time is a unique

including Iranian drones and

will bring more death and de-

ing in the world and why.

major! Attend Times Talks

teachable moment. I believe

North

munitions.

struction, create more conflict

Try to understand these

and other university events

that we are in a critical pe-

The Great Power rivalry

and de-stabilize an even larger

what and why questions in the

that deal with international

riod of the overall state of

that exists between the Unit-

portion of the Middle East.

broader contexts of important

issues. Stay up to date with in-

the globe, where the trajec-

ed States, China and Russia

We are living in a time of in-

geopolitical events that play a

ternational news; I have many

tory of today’s events can be

plays out all around the world,

ternational political disorder.

large role in shaping how these

books and podcasts I can rec-

hugely momentous in decid-

including in the Ukraine, Far

Moreover, the post-Sec-

events occur. These include the

ommend that will help you

ing humanity’s ultimate fate,

Great Power rivalry and the

do so, if you reach out to me.

even moreso than they were

rise of China, the global con-

Move beyond the mean-

at the end of the Cold War.

test between democracy and

ingless clicks and “likes” that

It is an opportunity for

authoritarianism, demands to

are characteristic of social

me to try to help my students

make our international insti-

media activism; you can join

make sense of all these chang-

tutions more inclusive and the

existing activist groups —

es. While all of this is intellec-

shift from economic liberal-

or even start a new one on

tually and emotionally chal-

ism to economic nationalism.

campus that can make real

lenging, it is also very exciting.

“May you live in interesting times” is thought to be an ancient Chinese expression. Sounds nice, right? But rather than being a blessing, it is an ironic curse.

The “interesting times” being times of chaos and change.

We indeed are living in “interesting times,” both domestically

and

internationally.

Domestically, we are witnessing

an

unprecedented

assault on our democracy, efforts to turn back the clock on civil and women’s rights, the propagation of bold-faced lies,

intimidation

through

threats of violence — including death threats against prosecutors

and

judges.

Internationally, democracy

Korean

East Asia and sub-Saharan

ond

Africa. It is about power and

tional economic order that

resources but also about com-

brought a modicum of peace

peting political systems: de-

and an abundance of pros-

mocracy and authoritarianism.

perity to much of the world

This rivalry takes place

is also crumbling. The so-

not only in the traditional

called Bretton Woods Order

domains of land, sea and air

successfuly lifted millions of

but also, increasingly, in cy-

people out of abject poverty.

interna-

Economic liberalism, a faith

to sow chaos and division in

in free markets which was the

elections in the U.S., France

philosophical foundation of

democratic deficit” and “il-

and elsewhere through social

the international economic or-

liberal democracy” reflect the

media are part of a broader ef-

der, is now being displaced by

disturbing downward trend

fort to undermine democracy.

economic nationalism, which

in global democracy that we

These efforts to meddle in

prioritizes perceived, perhaps

see in our interesting times.

our democracy are now going

even politicized, security is-

Unable to tolerate an aspir-

into maximum overdrive with

sues over economic prosperity.

ing democracy on its doorstep,

the expanded use of AI-en-

In the U.S., the Biden ad-

Russia did the unthinkable and

hanced tools, like deep fakes,

ministration has framed new

launched a full-scale invasion

which are now ubiquitous

U.S. high-tech export controls

of Ukraine last year. It was an

on social media platforms.

as “high walls around a small

unparalleled violation of an-

And then, just when we

yard,” but no matter how it

other country’s national sov-

thought things were tense

may be framed, this is still a

“democratic backsliding,” “the

Russia’s

War

attempts

is also on the rocks. Terms like

berspace.

World

Understanding

berg and Malala Yousafzai.

Participate

In

as

your

interna-

change. Look for leadership

tional events within a broad-

and inspiration in the words

all need to strap in. We

er context will help you make

of people like Greta Thun-

live

in

any

—

event,

interesting

we

times!

Anti-war protests in Columbus, Ohio on March 5, 2022