February, 21, 2020

Volume XCVII, Number 11

February 21, 2020

Worcester, Massachusetts

Derek DeBobes Appointed Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity Ethan Bachand ‘22 Chief News Editor On Feb. 15, Derek DeBobes was announced as the new Director of the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity.

This decision comes after three finalists were presented through open forums to the campus community. The Search Committee made the final decision, with Mr. DeBobes scheduled to start at Holy Cross on March 16.

Following the departure of former Title IX Director Tracy Kennedy at the end of last academic year, a search committee was formed in order to determine the next person to fill the role. Members

of the committee came from a variety of backgrounds, including administrators, professors, and students. This committee was led by interim Title IX Coordinator and Director of Government and Community Relations Jamie Hoag.

Candidates were originally interviewed over a two-day period in Boston, until semi-finalists were selected to come to campus. At that point, open community sessions were held where students and faculty could meet the three remaining candidates.

Speaking to The Spire, Mr. Hoag said that the hardest part of the search process was “making sure we got the right person with the right set of skills

to serve the needs of our community. I think that we’re at an important point with Title IX on campus, and this an important issue for our community,” he said. “I think we’ve done that with Derek.”

One of the most important parts of the hiring process was finding someone that not only was equipped to run a Title IX office, as Mr. Hoag pointed out, but could also handle the new aspect of Equal Opportunity as well: “I think he has a wide range of skills and the depth and breadth of experience that will serve our campus well at this particular time. The position is both Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity, so

not only Title IX issues but also issues of discrimination. He brings experience on both of those levels, so that will help in terms of growing the office.”

Mr. Hoag continued his praise of Mr. DeBobes, saying, “He has experience working with students, faculty, staff, and then also working on preventative education, which I think is very important. Not only responding to incidents as they come into the office, but also being proactive in conducting training and being an ambassador for the office: going out and meeting with students, faculty, and staff, explaining what the role of the office is and how the office is there to serve them.”

As a new phase in the history of Title IX and Equal Opportunity begins at Holy Cross, Mr. Hoag sees a more proactive approach coming from Mr. DeBobes. Along with being an available office on campus, the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity will have a more proactive presence. As Mr. Hoag put it, Mr. DeBobes offers the best opportunity for that type of outreach, saying, “I think he has experience doing those trainings, and he has experience doing that type of outreach, focusing on both the Title IX and Equal Opportunity issues. I think we were lucky to have some strong candidates, and I think each would have brought certain skills to the table, but the search committee decided that Derek would be the best fit for our campus right now.”

Photo by Valentina Moran ’23

Black History 101 Mobile Museum Visits Campus Jocelyn Buggy ‘22 News Editor On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Black History 101 Mobile Museum was displayed in the Hogan Ballroom from 10 AM to 3 PM. This exhibit, one of the many events put on by the College in honor of Black History Month, was sponsored by the Black Student Union. Students and professors from a wide range of class years and departments came to view the display. This was the organization’s second time at Holy Cross, having previously visited in February 2016.

The Black History 101 Mobile Museum is a traveling table-top exhibit featuring over 7,000 black history artifacts. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, the Detroit-based organization has visited 40 states and over 500 institutions to share the story of black history, from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to modern hip hop culture. Dr.

el-Hakim, who received his doctorate from the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, began collecting artifacts of black history as a college student. When he later became a middle school teacher, Dr. el-Hakim used these artifacts in his lessons as a way to engage his students with the topics they were learning about. Over the past two decades, his collection has flourished into what is now the renowned Black History 101 Mobile Museum.

The exhibit was structured as a historical continuum with approximately 250 artifacts covering three long tables in a U-shape. Visitors were encouraged to begin at the leftmost table with the oldest artifacts, such as a newspaper article from 1806 about the burning of a freemen’s schoolhouse in Memphis, Tenn. As they walked from table to table, visitors were able to view pieces from different time periods and move-

ments significant to black history. Represented in these artifacts was slavery and racist memorabilia, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s career, black politicians such as Nelson Mandela and Shirley Chisholm, black arts movements, and more. The end of the exhibit featured more recent displays, including a special inauguration issue of Ebony magazine from February 2009 featuring Barack and Michelle Obama.

At present, the Black History 101 Mobile Museum has three exhibits circulating around the United States. The collection that visited Holy Cross was overseen by the organization’s Director of Community Outreach, Mr. Duminie Deporres, and Regional Director, Mr. Omari Barksdale. Both men are Detroit-based and were available to answer questions from students and faculty about specific pieces on display, as well as the Black History 101 Mobile Museum as a whole.

When asked what he hoped the Holy Cross community would learn from attending the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, Mr. Omari Barksdale said: “The view of black America is typically very one-dimensional and monolithic.

Americans tend to know the names of three black people: Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and either Malcolm X or Harriet Tubman. And the only movement that gets talked about is the Civil Rights Movement, but we’ve had a lot of movements. So what I would hope is that, as we are in the middle of Black History Month, people will stop treating February as the only time they should learn black history.” Overall, the event encouraged visitors to pursue their own research on issues of black history. In this sense, Black History Month can be used as a time to reflect upon one’s previous 11 months of learning.

Inside The Spire

News.......................1 Opinions.................4 Features..................7 Eggplant.................9 Sports.....................10

Statements from the SGA Co-Presidential Candidates Page 3

The Crusader OneCard: Handy or Hazardous?

Page 5

Preview of “DEAFinitely Dope” Page 8

Eggplant: Trump Hits Daytona, Sanders Hits Whole Foods Page 9 Track & Field Competes at Valentine Invitational Page 10

2

The Spire

NEWS

February 21, 2020

Student Government Association Senate Segment THIS WEEK IN THE SGA SENATE:

Class of 2023 Update

vSub-Committee Updates

Senators from the Class of 2023 shared ideas and gave an update on their work. Senators wanted to create a definition of “initiative” in the by-laws, create more involvement with class council, making a clearer distinction between MSOs and RSOs, and creating more involvement between RSOs and MSOs and Senators.

SBC gave an update on which clubs were granted money this week. SOAC has been working to clarify parking for students. Public Affairs has been promoting the Spot-a-Senator initiative on our instagram @hcsenate.

Sarah Cooper ’23 is the Public Affairs Clerk for the Senate. Check back weekly for more Senate-specific updates and initiatives to make student life easier on the Hill.

INSTITUTE CHANGE

CONTACT US: www.facebook.com/HCSenate Instagram: @sga_hcsenate sgasenate@g.holycross.edu

Snapshots From the Hill

Photo by Hui Li ‘21 The Modern Languages Department hosts the 10th Annual Pasta Olympics.

Students buy shirts at the “Vagina Monologues.”

Photo by Hui Li ‘21 College Choir hosts a bake sale in Hogan.

Photo by Hui Li ‘21

Photo by Hui Li ‘21 Emma Powell ‘20 delivers the Vanicelli Lecture for her award-winning D.C. Semester thesis.

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The Spire is distributed free of charge to all students, faculty, staff, and employees of the institution.

Jackie Cannon, Billy Fitzpatrick Editors-in-Chief Ethan Bachand, Jocelyn Buggy, Davey Sullivan News Editors Olivia Pan, Maggie Connolly, Ryen Cinski, Julia Maher, Grace Manning Opinions Editors Kelly Gallagher, Grace Bromage, Bridget Flaherty, Nicole Letendre, Clarabel Smith Features Editors Matt Anderson, Greg Hausler, Hannah Johnson, Mario Micallef Eggplant Editors Bobby Tuzzio, Luke Anthony, Charlie Krumsiek Sports Editors Hope Goodman, Olivia Cesarini, Kennedy Corrado, Brigie English, Anna Morris Copy Editors Kim Fetherston, Hui Li Chief Photographers Olivia Cesarini, Mary-Kate Cunningham, Bianca Miccolis Web Editors Caroline Manganaro, Cassie Smith Social Media Managers Professor Steve Vineberg Faculty Advisor Dean Brenda Hounsell Sullivan Staff Advisor

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The Spire

NEWS

February 21, 2020

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Statements from the Candidates

We’re running for SGA Co-Presidents because we’re committed to fighting for the issues that affect all of us. This is a critical time in Holy Cross history, and we need to come together

to make our next chapter stronger than the last. We need to be real with our administration and advocate for the issues we care about, big and small. We also need to be real with each other and strengthen the core values of inclusivity, respect, and compassion that unite us as a community. Together, we can reach a balance of achieving realistic goals next year and setting new ones for future generations of Holy Cross students to achieve. As Co-Presidents, we plan to tackle the issues that impact student life every day; this includes areas where we’ve made progress, but still need to drive the conversation forward to create further change.

Noah has served on the SGA Senate since arriving at Holy Cross.

He’s led small initiatives like ensuring the O’Kane computer lab is always stocked with a stapler, and worked on

larger problems like lighting the paths between Wheeler and Hogan. Most importantly, Noah is proud of working with underclassmen every step of the way as the Senate’s Clerkship Coordinator to make sure first-year students feel empowered to make their voices heard in SGA. He spent the last semester in Washington D.C. where he and Victoria strengthened their friendship and bonded over shared interests on campus.

Victoria has been involved in multiple organizations on campus, such as the Trial Teams, Fools on the Hill A Cappella, and the Donelan Office of Community-Based Learning with Girls Inc. and St. Mary Health Care Center. She is an Admissions Tour Guide, and has taken part in experiential learning opportunities as a member of the Washington Semester Program and the J-mester Program.

Within these organizations, she has

earned leadership roles. She is a J.D. Power Center ambassador, Secretary and Social Media Co-Chair for Fools on the Hill, and served as a site manager for Working for Worcester’s collaboration with Worcester Common Ground. It is through her volunteer experiences on campus that strengthened her passion for our community and motivated her to run for a leadership position on SGA. The difficult conversations on topics such as sexual respect, diversity, and inclusion have begun and we plan to continue and expand the dialogue surrounding these issues. It’s vital to the integrity of our campus that we include all the different perspectives at the College in these conversations and these stories are told in order to create real and meaningful change. These issues cannot be solved overnight or even in just one year, and they definitely cannot be fixed unless we make

sure that all identities on campus have a voice. As a pair with strong SGA experience and fresh perspectives from active campus involvement, we want a Holy Cross where everyone feels like they belong.

While we’re committed to focusing on big issues and setting longterm goals, we also have to pursue short-term goals to address immediate student concerns. These issues affect every student, but are too often overlooked. Title IX and Sexual Respect, Athletics, Recreation and Student Fitness, Safety, Health and Counseling Services, Diversity, and Sustainability are all areas where we can bring about concrete, immediate changes that impact the daily lives of all students on campus. We’re not running to make promises we can’t keep, and we intend to follow up with clear action. Let’s get real, and let’s get to work.

We, Paulina Martin and Caylie Whiteside, are running to be your 2020-2021 SGA Co-Presidents on a vision of Discussing Difference, Creating Community.

At Holy Cross, and in the wider world, when we aren’t given the opportunity to talk about and engage with each other’s experiences, it can be difficult to foster meaningful connections. We recognize that this is a problem understood by many on campus, and that many have tried to address it. We want to continue to push that agenda, working with MSOs, RSOs, and offices like the Chaplains’ Office and Dining to

support their initiatives. This means starting an ENGAGE series, creating spaces for healthy dialogue of political difference, adding additional multifaith events, promoting Worcester outreach, supporting and working with the new directors in the OME, and bringing students’ home recipes to the Kimball menu. Big change is powerful. We want to sow the seeds for long-term growth, but we also want to address the immediate gaps in student experience. We want to install printers in Hogan and the residence halls, offer healthier snack options in the library vending machines, install additional water bottle refill stations, bring back the 9 PM Mass, adjust din-

ing to work for student-athletes, and bring free pads and tampons to restrooms, among other ideas. We understand that creating a thriving community means improving the day-to-day lives of all on this campus.

We have demonstrated experience on the SGA Executive and Legislative branches, as well as with general campus leadership through positions in Orientation, SPUD, Admissions, Theater, and RSOs. Both of us are determined, compassionate, and ready to work for the campus that has given us so much. Please follow our campaign Instagram @cayliepaulinasga to learn more.

We would love to hear your voic-

es; you can reach out to Paulina at pmarti21@g.holycross.edu and Caylie at cmwhit21@g.holycross.edu

Elections start this Monday, Feb. 24!

Policy Expert Discusses Green New Deal Davey Sullivan ‘22 News Editor On Monday, Feb. 17, the McFarland Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture at the College of the Holy Cross hosted a talk in Rehm Library that is part of a series of public lectures on the topic of political paths to dealing with climate change. The talk was given by Professor Thea Riofrancos, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Providence College in Providence, R.I. Prof. Riofrancos is the co-author of a recently released book on the subject, A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal, which was released in 2019.

Areas of expertise of Prof. Riofrancos include the studies of resource and environmental politics and social movements and protest, among others.

At the beginning of her lecture, Prof. Riofrancos discussed the goals of the Green New Deal, addressing safety and social justice. According to Riofrancos, in order to address these issues, one must understand that they are not two separate goals; they are interconnected issues. She stated that currently facing the world today, there are two major subsets of problems: crises of climate change and crises of social and economic inequality. The Green New Deal is a plan to solve both of these issues.

Prof. Riofrancos emphasized that the climate issue is one that needs to

be urgently dealt with. The scope and depth of the problem are severe, which takes the form of natural disasters, sea level rise, and erratic warming temperatures. She notes that this problem is generally created by nations with more wealth and large corporations; however, communities with less wealth and ability to deal with the problems are more heavily affected.

On the topic of policy, Prof. Riofrancos states that policy change is unlikely to come from the federal level, and it is best to rely on state and local means to bring about change.

One of the key parts of the policy is starting with green and affordable public housing. She argues that there is currently wide support for change of some kind, and the cooperation of the media could bring about more support for the Green New Deal. The policy trifecta of the Green New Deal is to slash emissions, slash inequality, and create jobs. Overall, she says, the policy is feasible, and Prof. Riofrancos is optimistic of social mobilization to bring about this change. The Green New Deal is visionary, yet feasible.

Prof. Riofrancos commented directly to The Spire by saying, “The policy paradigm that we call the Green New Deal is what I think is most in line with the climate science, and also what I think will engage and mobilize the majorities of voters that we need to actually enact really aggressive cli-

Photo courtesy of Holy Cross

mate policy. [The Green New Deal] is scientifically necessary and politically feasible, as well as inspiring and exciting because it is a new paradigm and it has been a long time in U.S. politics since we’ve had a paradigm that really galvanized a lot of people.

If we think about the New Deal, the Great Society, and World War II era mobilization, there are these moments in American history that are inspiring because we see masses of people supporting something and the government doing something good for us.

Unfortunately, there aren’t enough of those moments, but there are some, and so I think that the Green New Deal is a paradigm-shifting, new social contract where we expect the govern-

ment to do something good rather than something bad.”

Prof. Peter Fritz of the Religious Studies Department at Holy Cross, who was in attendance at the lecture, commented to The Spire, “We have a complicated and comprehensive crisis that we face, and therefore, we’re going to need a multi-faceted and comprehensive plan to address it. Nibbling around the edges is not going to work, and what Prof. Riofrancos described very well is a solution that won’t be a complete one; she was modest about that aspect. But it will be scaled to the problem, and because of that, and other factors, it will be feasible. To have something that is comprehensive to address something like this and to be

feasible, that is a home run.”

As previously mentioned, the McFarland Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture at Holy Cross hosted this lecture as part of a series on of talks titled Political Paths to Climate Change. The next talk in this series is by Professor Jody Freeman, titled “Resetting the Course for Climate Policy: What’s Necessary and What’s Achievable.” Professor Freeman is a Professor of Law, and the Director of the Environmental and Energy Law Program of Harvard Law School. This lecture will be on March 31 at 7 PM in Rehm Library.

4 The Spire

Opinions

OPINIONS

February 21, 2020

See What Other Students Are Thinking Around Campus...

One of These Things Is Not Like the Others: Rush Limbaugh and the Presidential Medal of Freedom Olivia Pan ‘20 Chief Opinions Editor Radio host Rush Limbaugh, was recently, and quite undeservedly, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Mr. Trump. It seems that this administration has created a whole new low bar for what constitutes heroism and outstanding citizenship. Recently, we had Edward R. Gallagher, the disgraced Navy Seal, who is nothing more than a war criminal, receiving the President’s intervention to keep his standing in this elite branch of the military. Now we have racist, misogynistic, homophobic, former drug addict, and hypocrite Rush Limbaugh receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It’s like our leader has decided Webster’s definition of heroism is all wrong.

Limbaugh recently took a series of homophobic digs at Democratic presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg, who’s openly gay and married. On February 12th and 16th, Limbaugh discussed a kiss that was publicly exchanged between Buttigieg and his husband. According to the New York Daily News, Limbaugh is quoted as saying, “A gay guy, 37 years old, loves kissing his husband on debate stages. Can you see Trump have fun with that?” Limbaugh continued, “America’s still not ready to elect a gay guy kissing his husband on

Photo Courtesy of Vox.com

Radio host Rush Limbaugh was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. the debate stage president.” Buttigieg responded to Limbaugh’s comments, stating, “Well, I love my husband. I’m faithful to my husband,” continuing, “On stage we usually just go for a hug.

But I love him very much, and I’m not going to take lectures on family values from the likes of Rush Limbaugh.”

Nor should he.

I guess homophobia gets you a Presidential Medal of Freedom these days. And I suppose, in Rush Limbaugh’s eyes, it’s better to elect a president who makes disgusting and degrading remarks about women, and who’s been accused of sexual harass-

ment and/or assault by twenty-four women to date, than to witness real respect and love in a marriage between two gay people. I suppose it’s better to elect a president who advocates for sexual assault, and who implies that only attractive women can be raped.

I only have two words to say to Mr.

Limbaugh: STOP TALKING. Well, I have other words, but we can’t put those in print. The fact that this individual was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award whose past recipients include Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King, Jr. is not only disgraceful, but insulting to those past recipients. It also seriously brings to mind the old Sesame street song that goes, “One of these things is not like the others.” A Sesame street child fan could figure this one out.

Limbaugh is the same individual who once said, “Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women access to the mainstream of society” as well as “The NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons.” Is this really the best we could find to award this prestigious honor to? Was everybody else deserving of this honor out of town? This administration is not lowering the bar bit by bit, but is ripping higher standards to shreds. Who should we reward this Medal to next after Rush?

How about Wendy Williams? Didn’t she just openly offend those with disfigurements and a plethora of other groups from gay men to a murder victim? MLK is rolling over in his grave.

We can and must do better.

The Trouble with Tik Tok

Maggie Connolly ‘22 Opinions Editor

Tik Tok has officially taken over.

Girls are doing dances in the bathroom at parties. The “sounds” or songs that play in the background of the video clips will come on and people will start doing the dance moves like robots in a crowd. But what do these dances and jokes that people mindlessly scroll through mean?

Tik Tok has creators from all backgrounds, but the most popular Tik Tok-ers are predominantly young, white people. The average Tik Tok user is between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four. The dances and sounds are often rap and hip-hop songs, or often have a reference to black American culture. Many of the sounds that these white creators are using sounds with the n-word in them and quickly moving past the word or barely mouthing it, causing the comments of the videos to be entirely about whether or not the creator said it.

The app is a microcosm of a much larger issue in our culture.

Black American culture has become ‘cool’ and ‘trendy’ in the past decade.

We see it with the music teens and twenty-somethings listen to, clothing trends and even hair styles (vacation cornrows are not okay anymore people). White people fetishize

these aspects, among others, and completely disregard the black community in doing so. I’m not saying the white population can’t listen to rap music. I’m saying it needs to be

mean nothing more than a prompt to do a simple dance move or mouthing the words to a sound like the “This is for Rachel…” they are perpetuating a culture that completely takes

D’Amelio and co.) is almost entirely white. These are some of the mostwatched users on the app, and a lot of these creators make up the dances and trends to different sounds on the app.

done so with awareness and respect.

Understand the words you’re singing along to, and if you don’t? Figure it out. It’s our responsibility to do so.

Tik Tok dances are fun, and for the most part harmless! But when there are young girls and boys posting videos dancing and singing to lyrics that

advantage of black identity and culture in a way that benefits them. And that, my friends, perpetuates racism.

Aside from all of this, Tik Tok barely has any visible representation of Tik Tok-ers of color. The Hype House, aka a mansion used to house the most iconic of Tok-ers (aka Charli

But it’s not always them. Just last week, the New York Times released an article about Jalaiah Harmon, a 14-year-old who created arguably Tik Tok’s most well-known dance, the Renegade. The dance has been so heavily associated with Charli D’Amelio that no one really knew who created

the dance in the first place. She, just like many other users of color, are not given the same presence as the predominantly white crowd on the app, despite the fact that their identity and cultural influence is part of the reason the app has become so successful.

It’s silly, really. How can an app that’s just people mouthing the words to songs and doing some mediocre dance moves really set the framework for such an important, relevant debate? That’s exactly why we need to be talking about it. It’s a platform that has become so casual, we forget to understand what the things people say, do and post on their accounts really mean. The app is a small part of a larger issue in the United States, and it, just like all the other institutions, social media platforms and social norms that perpetuate an ultimately racist system in the US. Social media has already proved that it constantly shapes the way people think, especially about the political world. The app is doing the same thing, and it’s constantly pushing racial stereotypes and white superiority. It’s becoming an insular world for young people, developing the way they think about race, politics and culture in the United States.

Photo courtesy of Time.com

The Spire

OPINIONS

February 21, 2020

5

Veganism: Why it Should Not Be a Worldwide Movement Grace Manning ‘21 Opinions Editor Veganism, in my experience, is something that is very much understood, accepted, and discussed in the Western world, but not as much outside of it. This could be due to a few things: the relative facility with which we can access vegan alternatives to meat, dairy, and eggs or the way in which we think about animals in relation to ourselves, as just a few examples. But I would argue that some of the main reasons the vegan movement hasn’t spread into every conti-

nent are economic disparity and variance between the quantities of animal products consumed. While travelling around Cameroon, it quickly became clear to me that meat, and really any animal products, are highly valued and sought after. It was the wealthier population who would serve meat as part of a meal, otherwise it was potatoes, vegetables, and rice, and to refuse the meat presented was taken as an insult.

At events such as weddings or funerals, women pile their plates high with the meat offered and then slip pieces into their handbags over the course of the meal, hoping to be able to feed their families for the next few days on

something heartier than the usual.

I brought up the concept of veganism with my host parents who were more confused than outraged. For them, to refuse meat is to deny your body of the sustenance it needs— nourishment you may not know when you will be able to get again. For many families in countries across the African continent, meat is something rare that, when presented, must be taken advantage of. This for me presents a key point in understanding why veganism exists almost solely in the Western world: meat simply isn’t consumed to the same excessive level in a country like Cameroon as it is here in

the United States. It is important for us to limit and eventually decrease our consumption of meat because it has gotten out of control in terms of how much is being produced. However, I don’t think that this is an entirely worldwide issue, nor do I believe that it is acceptable to assume that veganism across the globe is an ideal situation. To insist upon this idea is to presume access to a certain kind of lifestyle that veganism supports, in which meat isn’t a necessary part of one’s diet because one has access both physically and economically to alternatives.

I would argue that veganism is a movement that grew out of an un-

healthy way of looking at animal products here in the United States. It stemmed from a chain reaction where companies were racing to keep up with the enormous quantities of meat being eaten, and since so much was being produced, more was being offered and ultimately consumed and those same companies then had to keep up with the mass consumption. Veganism is undoubtedly a way of life that is important for us to consider in our country. However, I don’t believe it is something that should be promoted in an equal and identical way to people from all walks of life across the globe.

Stop Supporting Fast Fashion Ryen Cinski ‘22 Opinions Editor Cheap, trendy clothing can be enticing. Although I’ve never ordered from these websites myself, I find that I often scroll through Zaful, Romwe, Aliexpress, Boohoo, Missguided and their counterparts.

While these clothes may not be the best quality and can sometimes be very hit or miss, many people purchase them. Fast fashion can be described as mass-produced, quicklymade, cheap, trendy clothing. While this concept might seem great at first— quick, cheap, and easy—fast fashion is born out of poor working conditions and negative environmental impacts.

According to BWSS, or Battered Women’s Support Services, 1 in 6 people worldwide work in the garment district. 80 percent of them are women and 2 percent of them earn a living wage (BWSS). Behind each silk camisole and pair of cargo pants is a living, breathing person who is struggling to produce large numbers of these pieces. Individuals working for these companies are constantly exploited for clothes that will be used and disposed of quickly.

When considering the time it takes

Julia Maher ‘23 Opinions Editor The Crusader OneCard serves as an all-purpose card that provides access to dining dollars, residence halls, and academic buildings on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross.

Although it seems convenient for students to handle only one card for every task in their busy lives, it is also dangerous. The card can be used to mindlessly spend dining dollars in locations like Cool Beans, a coffee shop; Crossroads, a late night and quick bite dining option; and the Lobby Shop, a

Photo courtesy of thefashionball.com

Fast fashion raises environmental and human rights issues around the world.

to produce fast fashion and the price of the clothing, it is no surprise that these clothes are often disposed of quickly.

The phrase “you pay for what you get” holds true. Since so much cheap clothing is produced, purchased, and thrown away, it is clear that there must be a negative environmental impact.

According to the EPA, or the Environmental Protection Agency, 11.2 million tons of textiles were received

by landfills in 2017 (EPA). Since these numbers were produced, fast fashion has further grown and expanded.

Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to avoid fast fashion and disposing of mass amounts of clothing in general. Thrifting is an inexpensive and environmentally conscious option as thrifting is literally recycling your clothes. Just because you’re tired of that sweater doesn’t

mean that someone else will be. I am guilty of getting tired of clothing, switching styles rapidly, and craving new clothes. I try my best to bring these clothes to a thrift store near me or to give them to friends, family, or those that I know are in need of them. Thrifting is a great option as it is inexpensive just like fast fashion.

While thrifting is a good way to purchase clothing, donating is an ex-

The Crusader OneCard: Handy or Hazardous?

convenience store. Particularly in the Lobby Shop, the prices of items for sale are not marked clearly or explicitly. It is quite easy and common for students to pick up a couple of snacks from the Lobby Shop, completely oblivious of how much their entire purchase costs, for the cashier to not tell them how many dollars they spent, and for the student to not inquire, either.

Moreover, if students would like to check the balance of their dining dollars, they can either ask for their card to be swiped to reveal the value, or they can check through the campus’ Grubhub app. Through either meth-

od, however, students cannot view the cost of each individual transaction on their OneCard. It is already bad enough that students cannot view the prices of items while they are buying them, but they also cannot check the prices after they make their purchases. A clearer system must be implemented.

This dysfunctional dynamic does not allow students to budget and manage their dining dollars responsibly, which will translate into their lives after college. Not only is this completely disrespectful to students, but it is also hazardous—when students form habits and attitudes of

apathy toward what and how they consume material goods, they will not be prepared for financial responsibility or conscientiousness throughout their lives. Since they form apathetic attitudes toward budgeting in college, they may extend it to their future choices. This oblivion could result in adults who do not budget well, prepare adequately for retirement, practice good judgment in their investments, or value generosity in their donations to impactful organizations.

If Holy Cross would like to fully respect its students and uphold its mission, which states, “Holy Cross seeks

cellent way to dispose of unwanted items. While many of us are privileged enough to buy and dispose of large amounts of clothing, there are some people who cannot afford to put clothes on their backs at all. The money made from reselling your clothes on Poshmark or Mercari is enticing, and if you are in need of some extra funds, a great idea, but if you don’t need the extra cash, donating is the way to go.

In donating your clothes, you could be saving a family the stress of not being able to purchase school clothes for their children. You could be saving a homeless individual from freezing on the street during a cold night.

Fast fashion is bad for a multitude of reasons. I of all people know that cheap, cute clothing is tempting; it is simply not sustainable though.

Behind fast fashion is waste, pollution, and good people making an absurdly small amount of money for their hard work. Be good to the environment and be good to your fellow humans. Although talking so much about clothing seems trivial, it’s a good place to start and it’s something that many of us can change our habits in.

to build a community marked by freedom, mutual respect, and civility,” then the College should add a feature to the Crusader OneCard that allows students to view each transaction made on their card and also explicitly price the items in the Lobby Shop. The convenience of the OneCard does not have to be jeopardized in order for students to receive clarity and to be prepared well for life after college. If not only the students respect the College, but the College also respects them, then the Holy Cross community will grow more wholesome and ethical.

6

The Spire

OPINIONS

February 21, 2020

I Support Caylie & Paulina for SGA Co-Presidents, and Here’s Why Julia D’Agostino ‘20 Guest Writer Election season has arrived on the Hill, and you don’t have to be a polisci major to get excited! I’m sure you see that little “‘20” next to my name... yes, I’m a senior about to graduate, so why am I even interested in this year’s election? 1. Seniors CAN vote! 2. I want to graduate knowing that Holy Cross is in good hands. Therefore, I personally endorse Caylie and Paulina for SGA Co-Presidents for the 20202021 academic year.

Caylie and Paulina’s platform centers itself on “Discussing Difference, Creating Community.” As an English major, the alliteration of their vision appeals to me; however, as a student of this campus, the inclusive nature of their vision appeals to me even more. Caylie and Paulina’s honesty is refreshing...they have addressed the elephant in the room: they are both white women. As white women, they have had experiences on this campus that others may not have had; at the same time, they have not had experiences on this campus that others may have had. As a white woman, I can attest to this. Caylie and Paulina do not pretend to know the stories and experiences of all the students on this

campus. Instead, they acknowledge that there are stories and experiences that need to be shared. What does that require? For a story to be told, a voice must be heard. For a voice to be heard, someone needs to listen. Caylie and Paulina are ready to listen. They

want to represent the campus community as a whole, not just bits and pieces of it. Therefore, Paulina and Caylie aspire to create an environment in which dialogue is not only possible but also promoted.

I believe there is a particular sense

of community on this campus. I don’t believe it’s perfect, and I don’t pretend to believe that Paulina and Caylie will make it perfect. That’s just not realistic. They will, I believe, work together, and with the students, to make it better. The first step towards

improvement is recognizing where the flaws exist. Unfortunately, some students know these flaws more intimately than others, and with Caylie and Paulina listening, these students will be heard.

Throughout my time on this campus, I have wondered what the role of a NSGARP (non-SGA regular person) is. I’ve often wondered if the NSGARPs can make a difference on this campus? Then I realized, if the SGA Co-Presidents were the only two people who could engender change on this campus, then the remaining 3140 students wouldn’t matter, as far as change is concerned. But I know that’s not true. I know that every student matters, and every student has the opportunity to create change at Holy Cross. Caylie and Paulina believe this as well, and as SGA Co-Presidents, they will use their positions to make sure that no voice is silenced.

On Feb. 24, I will be voting for Caylie and Paulina. To put it simply, they care. They care about this campus, and they care about its people. Like them, I care about this campus, and I care about its people. I’m making sure my vote reflects that.

Photos courtesy of Paulina and Caylie’s Social Media

Why I’m Getting Real Maggie Ober ‘22 Guest Writer I met Noah at the student activities fair in the fall of my first year on the Hill. I remember his great enthusiasm for SGA and especially for the Senate clerkship program which he led as Clerkship Coordinator. In this position, Noah truly took the time to mentor each and every clerk and first-year in Senate in order to build the program and get our class excited about all that SGA can accomplish.

Noah helped me discover my pas-

sion for communications and media through my position as Director of Public Affairs in the Senate and assisted me with initiatives surrounding increased dining options for those with food allergies in Kimball in Crossroads. Since then, Noah hasn’t just demonstrated his abilities as a leader and mentor; he’s become the closest thing to an older brother that I’ve ever had. If I was ever stressed or having a bad day, I could always grab lunch and he would listen to everything I had to say. That’s why I’m voting for Noah.

He has sat with me in Kimball listening for hours, so I know he’s ready to listen to the student body. No problem was ever too small for Noah to help fix and no problem will ever be too small for Noah and Victoria to fix together.

Beyond SGA, Noah has always been a leader, role-model, and mentor to me and my fellow clerks. He is organized, efficient, works well in a team environment, and I am confident that he and Victoria will lead the school excellently.

Although I have only known Victoria for a short amount of time, she has displayed that she is fully qualified for the role as co-president because she is committed, reliable, and a leader on

Photo courtesy of Noah and Victoria

Photo by Kim Fetherston ’22.

SGA Co-Presidential Candidates Noah Sisk and Victoria Tara speak during the “Meet the Candidates” event in the Levis Browsing Room.

this campus. As an outsider to SGA, Victoria will present valuable input as co-president. I have seen their remarkable teamwork, communication skills, and dependability throughout the midst of this campaign and I am sure that they will leave Holy Cross a better school than they found it.

We have the opportunity to take advantage of our Co-Presidency system and elect a pair that possesses both SGA experience and an outside voice.

Not only can I endorse Noah and Victoria on a personal level based on their experience, leadership, team-

work, and mentorship, I am also confident in the ideas and policies they want to implement next year. They’re not promising abstract, out-of-touch ideas that are impossible to achieve, but solutions to the real problems that matter to us. These are real problems that an everyday student has - not being able to get to Kimball in time because your practice ran late, or not feeling safe when walking across campus because there is not enough lighting. While Noah and Victoria recognize that these mundane, everyday problems affect many students,

they also realize that as leaders of the school, they also are responsible for tackling the bigger issues that also affect so many of us, such as Title IX, sustainability, and diversity. Big or small, these issues are REAL. It’s time to get real about these problems and find real solutions. I’m confident that Noah and Victoria are committed to seeking transparency and communication as co-presidents in order to get real about the issues that affect all members of our community.

The Spire

FEATURES

February 21, 2020

7

Features

Creativity & Collaboration at Crusader of the Week: Dance Ensemble Benefit Show Maressa Park ‘22

Photo courtesy of Maressa Park ‘22

Name: Maressa Park Hometown: Whippany, New Jersey Major: English, Asian Studies minor Campus Activities: MRC worker; Uni2Act; CBL; ASIA; liturgical ministry; honors program Favorite Movie: Moana; Captain Marvel; A League of Their Own Favorite song: “Breathe” - In the Heights; “Saturn” - Sleeping at Last; “More (Reprise)” - Moana outtake Favorite singer/group: MARINA; Sleeping At Last; Gabrielle Aplin; Janelle Monáe Favorite color: Lavender-blue Favorite sports team: Nebraska Cornhuskers (I’m serious!)

Favorite class taken at Holy Cross: Montserrat; Writing the South; Transpacific Theory/Lit; Philosophy Favorite Professor: Ellen Lokos; Leah Cohen Item on HC Bucket List: Take an acting class; ski Biggest HC Regret: Running out of dining dollars before all of my friends every semester Embarrassing HC Moment: Once during freshman year, one of the maintenance workers came to empty our trash. I jolted awake, and jumped out of bed—but I’d slept strangely and both of

my feet were numb, so I fell down in front of her as soon as I hit the floor.

Bragging Rights: 375-day Duolingo streak; got to lector at St. Patrick’s in NYC; met Ice-T Words to live by: “At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” —Lao Tzu One thing you would change at HC: Fix the Loyola gym treadmills Favorite TV Show: Avatar: The Last Airbender/Legend of Korra; Person of Interest; Colbert Show Favorite Book: ?! (Rise of Kyoshi; Sound and the Fury; Invention of Wings; Brown Girl Dreaming) Favorite Kimball meal: Chalupas; pierogies (I always sneak a few in my pockets) Favorite Cool Beans Drink: Macchiato with chocolate; any smoothie Favorite spot on campus: Multimedia Resource Center (I’m lucky enough to work there!)

Guilty Pleasure: Churros & bubble tea Some small things that make your day better: Running into bunnies/butterflies/therapy dogs on campus; Zelda the poet cat First thing you do when you wake up: RUN to class Last thing you do before going to bed: Pray!

Favorite place you have traveled to: Gulf Shores or Mililani Role-model: Mary; my mom; Mariska Hargitay Something you look forward to when you go home: Snuggling my cat, Boots Post-Graduation Plans: Teachingexchange program; writing; making art; acting?!

Favorite memory at HC: Watching my Floridian friends experience their first snow

Bridget Flaherty ‘21 Features Editor Last week on Valentine’s Day, the Hogan Ballroom was the place to be thanks to the Holy Cross Dance Ensemble’s Annual Benefit Show.

This year, all of the ticket proceeds were donated to the Holy Cross Women’s Rowing Team. It was a thoughtful declaration of community reminiscent of the collaborative, encouraging show itself. Per usual, it was a night to remember.

All of the dances were beautifully choreographed to delightfully relevant pieces of music. Obviously, I was partial to the number choreographed by the Class of 2021, in which they brilliantly combined multiple dances and songs made viral on TikTok, both because I am a Junior and embarrassingly obsessed with TikTok. Despite hours, and I do mean hours, of practicing these dances in front of my mirror, I have still yet to successfully com- plete one of these dances, let alone seamlessly incorporate them all into a fun performance.

The members of the class of 2023 came to represent with their lovely dance to “Falling” by the inimitable Harry Styles. In terms of pleasing me, the song choice alone would’ve been enough. To be honest, they could’ve simply sat on the stage for the duration of the song and I would’ve dramatically sobbed and called it brilliant. Instead, they glided around the stage gracefully, executing elegant leaps and synchronized spins. Needless to say, I was incredibly impressed.

Undoubtedly, one of the best moments of the night was the hip-hop routine, perfectly choreographed to a Missy Elliott medley by Beth O’Brien ’20. Simply put - it was iconic. The costumes were straight

Photo courtesy of Dance Ensemble

As if the flawless execution wasn’t enough to astound, all Dance Ensemble routines were student choreographed!

out of a ’90s music video. The dance moves were fun, intense, and everything I would like to do when a Missy Elliott song comes on at a party (or any time or place, honestly).

I would be remiss not to mention the CELL BLOCK TANGO (!!!) routine, choreographed by the class of 2022. This number meant a lot to me considering I spend most of my free time choreographing my own routine to this song (with me playing every role, obviously). It’s not easy for me to say, but these girls blew my living room routine out of the water. They were the epitome of both sass and class, which isn’t easy when dancing to a song about killing your husband.

Every single routine was packed with talent and passion, and showcased the variety of skills that these dancers can pull off. I was blown away to know that these routines were choreographed by members of the dance ensemble, also known as STUDENTS. I can barely find the

coordination to not fall off one of the Loyola treadmills (if any of them are actually working for once), let alone choreograph an entire dance. These girls deserved every single “woop” and clap that were generously given by the enthusiastic audience. If you missed the chance to see this extravaganza, all of the routines are available on the Dance Ensemble’s YouTube page. I highly recommend checking them out. By the way, if anyone wants to learn the renegade TikTok dance, I am planning on begging one of the juniors to teach me, so feel free to shoot me an email.

Working Writers Series Welcomes Joshua Wolf Shenk for Reading Nicole Letendre ‘23 Features Editor On Feb. 13, the College of the Holy Cross welcomed author and editor Joshua Wolf Shenk as part of the Working Writers Series to give a reading and literary discussion in Rehm Library. He works as the editor-in-chief of “The Believer,” a bimonthly literary magazine. Shenk found his passion within the historical non-fiction genre, authoring a book entitled “Lincoln’s Melancholy” which chronicles Lincoln’s depression. Additionally, he wrote “Powers of Two,” a book about how creativity increases when people work together in pairs. Shenk finds joy in the margins of literary genres and he crafts his work with tact. During his talk, he compared crafting sentences to opening a preserved jar of almonds; though an idea or perspective may have been opened before, the sentence

itself—“it oughta venture, a means smell fresh.” in which to experiShenk read to ence the adventures the audience an or struggles of anuntitled essay he other time or perdrafted, which son. Shenk offered explores the conpowerful insight as nections between to the dynamics of people through the time: “To be preslens of time travel. ent at all you need He mentioned the to have some faith film “Back to the in the future.” He bridges the divide Future,” comparbetween the future ing the flux capacitor and plutonium of people in books components to and one’s own fuPhoto by Kim Fetherston ‘22 desire and relature. Having faith In his talk, Shenk discussed creativity, time, and vitality in writing tionships. He manages in yourself, and in othto tackle complicated ers, can grant you the the destination is now,” Shenk captimetaphysical subjects, ability to face the future such as relationships and the best use vated audience members, and drew with power and confidence. of time, with the tangible reality he them into another world. His essay Shenk was highly appreciative of adds in his writing. With the recur- demonstrates the pure imagination the audience turnout. When he had ring line, “Writing is time travel, and of writing. It acts as a vehicle for ad- finished his reading, he admitted:

“There’s an ocean of life in this room.”

Not only was he glad to have a successful reading, but he seemed to genuinely care about engaging in discussion with the audience. From there, the event became a Q and A. More so than writing for a job, Shenk writes for love of the craft. He is abundantly creative, and his imagination comes through in his writing. Throughout the adventures of life, the message is to be content with where you are. Whatever place or time you’re existing in, it’s important to find hope and peace.

At the conclusion of his essay, Shenk leaves the audience with the words: “… and I am traveling.” This is a powerful way to guide the audience into reflection, hopefully finding peace within their own lives. For more information about writer Joshua Wolf Shenk, visit his website: www.shenk.net/bio.

8 The Spire FEATURES

February 21, 2020

Preview of “DEAFinitely Dope” Hui Li ‘21 Co-Chief Photographer Spring: a busy time of year on campus! This is certainly true for the DREAM (Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring) Peer Educators, a group which is currently in its second year at College of the Holy Cross and seeks to raise awareness about disabilities.

The members of DREAM are planning to welcome a special guest to campus: Matt Maxey, the founder of DEAFinitely Dope, an organization that brings hip-hop and R&B music to the deaf community through American Sign Language.

The event will be open to the community and will be happening on Thursday, March 19, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Seelos Theatre. DREAM has also invited other Worcester colleges to see DEAFinitely Dope and has asked Matt Maxey a few questions in advance.

Q: How do you experience music?

Music is experienced through the

mind, body and soul! How I hear and experience music one day may vary dramatically compared to what I experience the next day. To feel the beats, beat changes, understand and be able to keep up with the lyrics, and also feel included with singing along to those that my family, friends and peers also listen to, there’s a myriad of emotions and feelings involved with every jam session.

Q: How did you get connected to famous singers, and why did you choose to follow your passion for music?

Connection is always through networking, personal interactions and word of mouth.

I truthfully didn’t choose to become a music interpreter, but more of allowed my passion for music to guide me on its own path which has led to opportunities like the VMAs, Chance The Rapper, music

Photo courtesy of DEAFinitely Dope

Don’t miss DEAFinitely Dope’s groundbreaking performance on March 19!

festivals, and more. Following my passion for sign language and music has led to a more authentic feel and representation in everything I do, hoping to convince the new generation that sign language can be modern, helpful and fun in the process to learn!

Q: Can you say a bit about the intersection of your linguistic and racial minorities?

As a black man that communicates verbally and through sign language, raised mainstream in public schools yet immersed in a deaf university, has allowed for a thinking and viewing outside-the-box perspective.

It becomes more apparent the oppression and views as a minority when I see sighs of relief for being able to talk, or seeing people tense up when they first meet me and warm up instantly as soon as they see a smile, or the ignorance of hearing or seeing cultural in-

sults thinking that I won’t understand what is being said from both deaf, hearing, and racial communities.

Q: What do you hope people take away from your performances?

I always hope to inspire people to do better, be better, and to realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel where all your hard work that you put into your passion will always pay off in the end.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self?

To my younger self, nobody defines you but YOU. You’re going to try to fit in and it’s not worth it, the best thing you can do is be your most authentic self. And save your money because investing in yourself pays off far more than fast food, coffee and parties.

CBL Students Confront “Toxic Charity” Kelly Gallagher ‘22 Chief Features Editor Service work often seems ubiquitous at Holy Cross. Currently, there are 39 sections of 28 courses with a CBL component, and SPUD is the biggest student organization on campus. Given this, it’s important for participating students to step back and reflect on their experiences. The Donelan Office offered students the opportunity to do so on Wednesday, Feb. 12, with their dialogue session “‘Toxic Charity’ and Getting Started with CBL.” The discussion began with students reading an excerpt from Robert D. Lupton’s Toxic Charity. The excerpt recalled Lupton’s experience realizing that the charity work he had been ardently performing for years was actually harmful to the recipients. Lupton spent most Christmases

delivering toys and food to the poor, but when he spent Christmas as the guest of a low-income family, he saw that the parents were deeply embarrassed about being unable to provide presents for their children. After this realization, he paid closer attention to his interactions with his recipients, and “noticed how seldom recipients gave [him] eye contact,” how recipients received charity with “head and shoulders bent slightly forward, selfeffacing smiles, meek ‘thank-yous’” (Lupton, 34). In addition, he noticed how both members of the exchange became expectant - recipients expected the free goods and service, and volunteers expected gratitude.

Lupton refers to this phenomenon as toxic charity, given its harmful effects on both the people intended to benefit from it and the people delivering it. With this concept in mind,

attendees of the dialogue broke into small groups to analyze their own service experiences and recall if they had ever been involved in an exchange like those described by Lupton. Students reflected on their intentions in performing service, as well as whether their gains were equal to those of recipients.

The attendees reconvened to share the highlights of their discussions.

CBL intern Julianne Esteves ‘22 touched on the importance of approaching service with the intention of building relationships and learning from others, not just helping people with less. Participants also discussed how understanding service is a process, as is building relationships.

When a participant asked for tips in building relationships with the people at their CBL site, interns said that it’s about the little moments, like remem-

bering to ask a student how their test went.

After the discussion, The Spire contacted Isabelle Jenkins, Associate Director of the Donelan Office, to ask what she hopes students will get out of the CBL experience, and why it’s important to address the potential of toxic charity in order to achieve that. In an email response, Ms. Jenkins wrote, “In an increasingly siloed world, it is my hope that participating in CBL enables students to have encounters and conversations with communities and people they otherwise might not have the opportunity to while simultaneously enhancing their classroombased learning. ‘Toxic Charity’ can be a guide for students about how to have those encounters, as it encourages reciprocity and mutuality. Students have as much to learn and receive as they do to give in the partnerships they build

through CBL.” For students who are looking to deepen their understanding of the CBL program and the service experience in general, the Donelan Office always welcomes questions and discussions. Students can also increase their involvement by becoming a CBL intern. The Donelan Office is accepting applications until March 4. For more information, check your emails or contact the Donelan Office. The Donelan Office is located in Smith 334.

Citation: Lupton, Robert D. Toxic.

Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those Whom They Help, and How to Reverse It. HarperOne, 2012.

Choirs Hold Bake Sale for Upcoming Tour Clarabel Smith ‘20 Features Editor On Monday, Feb. 17, at 11:00 a.m., a booth was set up in Hogan 1 with brownies and cookies available for students with a sweet tooth. Staffed by members of the Holy Cross College Choir and Chamber Singers, the booth was the first fundraising event for the choirs this year. The money raised will go toward an exciting longterm goal for the group: the Choir and Chamber Singers plan on touring in Italy during next year’s spring break!

Planning for this tour began last semester, and this bake sale is only the first of many fundraising events slated for the remainder of this year as well as next semester as the group prepares for this daring step.

Choir members were especially committed to setting up this bake

sale. One choir member, a Head RA in Brooks-Mulledy, provided supplies and assistance in reserving the BrooksMulledy social space and kitchen.

Here many members donated their time and cooking skills to the brownies, peanut butter brownies, and various cookies that were for sale. Staff at the bake sale table described the preparations as a bonding experience for both the College Choir and Chamber Singers, as well as a fantastic opportunity for the groups to connect with the campus community. As I visited the table, there were already many students loitering near the table, whether they were buying baked goods or just chatting with the choir members, so hopefully this energy means that the choir has a promising start to their tour fund!

The next events planned are a few call hours, and although the dates for these are not yet determined, they will

take place near the end of the semester and should be a great way to reach alumni as the bake sale has reached students. Further support for the choir can be given at these call hours, and in further events that should continue to be announced. Students can also show support for choir members by promoting and attending their upcoming performances. The next concert including the College Choir will be the Composer Tania León Tribute Concert on Tuesday, March 10, taking place at Brooks Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m., and the next official Holy Cross Choirs concert will be their performance of Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass and Te Deum. The latter will also be performed with the WPI Combined Choirs on Saturday, March 28 in St. Joseph’s Chapel from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public, and since the Choirs provide so many of these performances

for the campus community, the Bake Sale and upcoming fundraisers seem to be a good opportunity for students

to give back to their college choirs and ensure their next tour will be a great one!

Picture by Clarabel Smith ‘20

The HC Choirs’ fundraising campaign is off to a sweet start!

The Spire

EGGPLANT

February 21, 2020

9

The Eggplant

The Spire’s Satirical Page Trump Hits Daytona, Sanders Hits Whole Foods Greg Hausler ’20 Political Sycophant On Sunday, President Donald J. Trump attended the Daytona 500 and made history as the the second US president to kickstart the Great American Race with the trademark, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” and the first of any president to take a lap in the armored presidential limo, known as “The Beast.” Trump predictably received a raucous round of applause from the crowd; however, skeptics like myself would have loved to see his entrance into this weekend’s NBA All Star Game/Common’s Weekend to remind us all that he’s “famous.” While the crowd numbers are oddly not under dispute for this particular event aired

on Fox, it remains obvious kombucha bar owner, that this was a moment of Killian Thomas said “You triumph for the incumbent. should have seen the way Meanwhile one of Trump’s Bernie navigated his way possible opponents, Senathrough the Hot Food tor Bernie Sanders, decided section. If someone can to counter the president’s navigate that crowded appearance in front of section with a shopping thousands of supporters cart then they certainly with his own opening lap can navigate the intricate styled event at a crowded policymaking process of our country.” Fellow Whole Foods. Supporters Whole Foods frequenter followed behind as Sanders and social worker Lizzie proceeded to walk around a Bernie contemplates what to get from the hot case.

Johnson commented on local Whole Foods and folthe determination of the low the crumbled up grocery about the event chronicling what was list provided by his wife that the hope- on the Senator’s grocery list and how 78 year old front runner, saying “There ful Democratic nominee pulled out of he weaved his grocery cart through was a second there I thought he was gohis jacket. the traffic of a Whole Foods on a Sun- ing to lose it. Yet he did the right thing, Sanders’ voters have provided quotes day afternoon. Sanders voter and local he called his wife and asked what word

she meant because he couldn’t read her handwriting. That ability to delegate really stuck with me, and quelled all of my fears of an ‘I alone can fix this candidate.’” Even Whole Foods’ staffers were mesmerized by Sanders emphasis on paying in cash for his bill and countless other shoppers behind him saying “It’s been 2 years since someone last paid in cash here. I’ve even had shoppers ask me if they can venmo the store. Senator Sanders even handed me a crumpled up 20 dollar bill and told me to treat myself to a movie and a soda pop.”

The Sanders’ campaign has yet to comment on these reports, but observers have since referred to the event as the Whole Foods 500.

Student Unsure How to Ask if Person in Next Stall Alive or Not Matt Anderson ‘21 Genuinely Concerned In an impromptu interview conducted in an Alumni bathroom this weekend, a first-year student, Ivan Ichianus ‘23, expressed concern that the person in the stall next to them may be in dire straits.

“He’s been there every time I’ve gone to pee. I didn’t realize the human body could physically handle vomiting that long. I was wondering if maybe I should ask if he was good,” said Ivan, gesturing worriedly towards the stall in question, “but I was afraid that would seem like a total firstyear move. He’s not vomiting anymore, but, besides the random twitch, he’s not

really moving either…”

Being regrettably familiar with what the interior of a toilet bowl looked like myself, I followed the age-old Holy Cross ritual of making sure our beleaguered comrade still had a pulse.

“Yo bro, you alive?” I asked as I kicked the limp foot that poked from beneath the stall. In response, we heard a moan, the foot was slowly retracted towards its owner and immediately was followed by dry heaving and weeping. Within seconds, the unfortunate soul had made yet another offering to his porcelain goddess.

A little more worried, I nervously asked, “Bro, do you want me to like, call someone? I can find an RA or something…”

“Bruh, if you’re gonna call someone, get me an Uber! My ass isn’t getting hit with the bill for a transport. I’m a warrior bruh,” slurred the afflicted man between sobs and gasps.

Since I had places to be, I set up transport and tasked Ivan with watching over Barffalo Bill until the unknowing Uber driver arrived. When last I saw him, Ivan Ichianus was heroically tossing pieces of bread over the stall, telling its occupant it would soak up the alcohol and that help was on the way. Truly a man for and with others.

The News in Brief

The Only Reputable Source of News at Holy Cross Mario Micallef ‘22 Eggplant Editor Stein 5 - Portal found in the Economics Department; it is being reported as a direct line to Dad’s investment firm.

Campion - Secret society discovered in the attic of Campion: Father Chip awoke at 2 AM by the scratching of multiple Canadian goose patches against each other.

Campus Police are on the lookout.

Luth - Basketball team continues its winning streak.

Wider Worcester - Heat advisory sends students to Walmart for air conditioners instead of Plan Bs. Everywhere - Dude in front of you decides to hold the door open for you even though you are way too far away from the door and makes you do that little jog to catch the door.

Caro - Senior attains record 8 drink tickets at 100 Days Ball. Later found stumbling Caro Street looking for Domino’s Order.

The finest of Alumni 2’s bathrooms by the end of the weekend.

It’s All Tone Mario Micallef ’22 Eggplant Editor [Aboard the T, Bill and Bikus sit next to each other enroute to Grafton] Train Voice Announcement (stern and annoyed): “Get off only at a door accompanied by an MBTA staff member!”

Bill: Why does he say it like that?

Bikus: People are stupid and would get off on the tracks if there was no annoucement.

Bill: No, I’m not saying why does he say it at all, I’m asking why he says it the way he does.

Bikus: I think he is saying it the way anyone would.

Bill: Oh sure, take his side.

Bikus: What do you mean? I’m telling you how I hear it.

Are you funny?

Write for us. Email spire@g.holycross.

Bill: The dude clearly says it the way a mom scolds all of her heavily ADHD afflicted children after they have sneezed glitter into her dying mother’s eyes.

Train Voice Announcement (stern and annoyed): Get off only at a door accompanied by an MBTA staff member!

Bill (mimicking the voice recording ): Listen to the last two words “staff member.” How do you not feel the absolute loathe from this man’s tone?

Bikus: You have a lot of baggage that you are unloading onto this voice announcement.

What did it ever do to you?

Bill: I’m headed back home, back to Grafton. I hate my life.

Bikus: If you have a problem with the announcement, why don’t you write an email to the MBTA? Bill: My dad is the voice. I won’t break the silence of ten years on the slightest chance to talk to him. The hell with Grafton, I’m going to do something with my life; I’m getting out now at Westboro. I don’t need you, I don’t need my father, I don’t need anyone!

[Bill gets up and heads to an exit] Train Voice Announcement (stern and annoyed): Get off only at a door accompanied by an MBTA staff member!

10 The Spire

Sports Jack Milko ‘20 Staff Writer When the final buzzer sounds, one thing will be for certain: the 20192020 Holy Cross men’s basketball season will be one to forget. With Monday’s loss to Bucknell, the Crusaders dropped to 3-25 on the season. Holy Cross currently sits all alone in the cellar of the Patriot League standings, with a conference record of 2-13. The next worst team, Lehigh, sits two and half games above the Crusaders with a record of 4-10. Holy Cross actually defeated Lehigh in overtime 96-95 back on Jan. 22, the last time the Crusaders won a game. In the two Patriot League victories this year for Holy Cross, the Crusaders managed to win by a combined three points. In conference play alone, Holy Cross has a scoring margin of -10.9, the lowest figure in the league by a wide margin. With all of this in mind, head coach Brett Nelson and his players can only trudge through these difficulties and look forward to next season and beyond. At the very least, things can only trend upwards from here, right? After all, the last time Holy Cross failed to win four games in one season was the 1944-45 campaign, when most of the men in this country found themselves fighting the Germans and the Japanese instead of fighting for a rebound down low on the block. Moreover, Holy Cross played only 13 games that season, compiling a 4-9 record when it was all said and done. Hence, this season has been historically difficult for the Crusaders.

With these difficulties, however,

SPORTS

February 21, 2020

Update on Holy Cross Men’s Basketball

had a fairly consistent season in which he is averaging 12.0 PPG while playing just over 34 minutes per contest.

Next up, the Crusaders head to upstate New York to take on the Colgate Raiders, who find themselves in first place of the Patriot League. Colgate will most likely represent the Patriot League in the NCAA Tournament. If the Raiders do so, do not be surprised to find Colgate slotted in your bracket as a 12, 13, or 14 seed. The Raiders are deep, shoot well from beyond the arc, and can run with anyone. Holy Cross tips off at Colgate this Saturday at 2 PM.

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Junior forward Matt Faw puts up a shot against Colgate.

we must look at the positives. First, first-year forward Joe Pridgen has had a tremendous rookie season. Pridgen has averaged 17.1 points per game. He also won the Patriot League Rookie of the Week on eight separate occasions.

During a game at Lehigh on Feb. 12, Pridgen actually became just the fifth Crusader to score 400 points in his freshman season. After last night’s game Pridgen now has 434 total points on the year, second to only Ronnie

Perry who scored 574 points during the 1976-77 season. Pridgen also ranks fifth among current freshman in terms of scoring per game. Anthony Edwards from Georgia leads all freshman averaging 19.5 PPG. Sitting right above Joe Pridgen is Rochester, N.Y., native Isaiah Stewart, who currently averages 17.4 PPG playing for former Syracuse University assistant Mike Hopkins at the University of Washington. Nonetheless, Pridgen has accomplished

Photo courtesy of Mark Seliger/Holy Cross Athletics

a lot this season despite his team’s struggles. The other positive that we have to mention is how junior Austin Butler scored his 1000th career point as a Crusader this season. In the game against Loyola (Md.) on Feb. 5, the junior tallied 16 points and snatched three rebounds. Before that game, Butler needed 15 points to eclipse the 1000-point mark. A second-half layup propelled him over that mark. Butler, a three-year starter for Holy Cross, has

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Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Compete at Valentine Invite Bobby Tuzzio ‘20 Chief Sports Editor The men’s and women’s track and field teams traveled to Boston University last weekend to compete in the David Hemery Valentine Invitational. The women competed on Friday and the men competed on Saturday.

Both teams had strong performances, and those performances could not have come at a better time with Patriot League Championships just one week away.

It was a big day for the women’s track and field team. Senior Allie Smiley was runner-up in the long jump, leaping 5.84 meters. Her stellar performance earned her Patriot League Field Athlete of the Week.

The sprinters also ran really well.

Senior Caroline Frey ran a personal best in the 500 meter dash, running a 1:14.24, which is now the secondfastest time in school history. Frey, junior Marina MacKinnon, sophomore Grace Hoelscher and freshman Laura Turner ran 3:50.94 in the 4x400 meter relay, which is now the second-fastst indoor 4x400 in school history. Freshman Cymeria Robshaw had a personal best of 7.81 seconds in the 60 meter dash, placing 10th in the prelims.

For the middle distance runners, Marina MacKinnon had a PR of 2:12.21 in the 800 meter run, placing 34th. Sophomore Sam Carroll ran a PR of 2:59.34 in the 1,000 meter run. It was also a big day for the mil-

returning from the injured list, sophomore JT Leland ran a 1:57.34 in the 800 meter run.

The men’s distance runners also had solid days. Freshman Kyle Vandermark ran a personal-best time of 8:47.

64 in the 3,000 meter run, finishing 58th out of 100 runners. Senior Bobby Tuzzio was 61st in a time of 8:48.94.

For the sprinters, junior Gabe Piepergerdes ran a 50.28 in the 400 meter dash, placing 100th out of 232 runners. Senior Garrett Fortin ran a time of 22.61 seconds in the 200 meter dash, finishing 88th. Freshman Brooks Jackson ran a PR of 23.63 seconds in the 200 meter dash.

On the field side, junior Mike Pichay made his season debut after returning from injury, placing ninth in the triple jump at 14.42 meters and 14th in the long jump with a leap of 6.79 meters.

The Crusaders will return to action next weekend when they compete at the Patriot League Championships at Lehigh University.

Junior Gabe Piepergerdes had a strong outing in the 400 meter dash.

ers. Senior Allie McArdle (4:59.90), sophomore Emily Koufos (5:01.18) and sophomore Paige Davis (5:16.66) all ran personal bests.

For the distance runners, sophomore Michaela Halloran led the way with a personal best 17:44.50 in the 5,000 meter run.

On the men’s side, it was a big day for the middle distance runners, with all of them competing and running fast times in the 800 meter run. Sophomore Corey Kumamoto led the Crusaders with a time of 1:54.27, which was good for 65th place. Right behind him in the same heat was sophomore

Photo courtesy of GoHolyCross.com

Will Hornyak, who ran a personal record 1:54.44, placing 67th. It was a big day for the freshmen middle distance runners as well. Freshmen Jack Welch (1:57.58), Gray Nichols (1:58.02) and Kyle Culley (1:58.53) all had collegiate personal bests in the 800 meter run.

In one of his first races this season after

The Spire SPORTS February 21, 2020 11

Crusader Sports Roundup Through Feb. 18

Billy Fitzpatrick ‘20 Editor-in-Chief

With winter sports season nearing its final few weeks and some spring sports already underway, let’s take a look around campus to see how Holy Cross athletics has been faring in competition recently…

Note: All stats and records updated as of Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Men’s Ice Hockey The Holy Cross men’s hockey team (10-15-5 overall, 9-12-3 Atlantic Hockey) split a two-game series against Robert Morris in Worcester last weekend in Atlantic Hockey competition.

On Friday night, the Crusaders used an explosive first period to set them up for a 5-3 win. Goals from senior Patrick O’Leary (his first of the season), sophomores Conner Jean and Ryan Leibold in the opening frame set HC up for a comfortable win. Leibold added another goal in the second period, while senior Will Brophy sealed the win late in the third with a goal of his own. First-year goalie Matt Radomsky stopped 33 shots.

On Saturday night, the visitors got revenge and went travelling back to Pennsylvania with a series split. Firstyear Alex Peterson opened the scoring for the Crusaders in the first period, but the Colonials answered to tie the game at one apiece heading into the second frame. Robert Morris scored twice after controlling much of the second period, but senior Charlie Barrow temporarily kept Holy Cross in the game by scoring with 0.3 seconds left in the period, a crucial time for his first goal of the season. HC could not capitalize, however, as the visitors doubled their lead with eight minutes remaining and never looked back.

Women’s Ice Hockey Last weekend, the Holy Cross women’s ice hockey team (5-21-5 overall, 5-18-2 Hockey East) notched its second series sweep of the season, topping Vermont on both Saturday and Sunday. In the first game, a late goal secured a 2-1 win for the Crusaders. After a goalless first period, senior

Photo courtesy of GoHolyCross.com

Sophomore Grace Flink was named ckSmith Superior Crusader of the Week after making 18 saves against UMass-Lowell.

Maggie Hallisey opened the scoring for HC, but UVM responded later in the period to tie the game heading into the final frame. The two sides played for more than 18 minutes before a game-winner was scored. Sophomore Carlie Magier tapped in after senior Rachel Moore pushed the puck across the ice and found Magier in the slot.

Sophomore Jada Brenon recorded 40 saves to keep the Crusaders in the game.

On Sunday, Holy Cross dominated early on, out-shooting the Catamounts 12-5 in the opening period, but could not find a goal in the opening period.

First-year Mary Edmonds gave HC a well-deserved lead when she rifled in a low shot midway through the second frame. The Crusader defense held the lead the rest of the way, and junior Katie MacCuaig scored on an empty net with 31 seconds remaining to seal the deal. Junior Julia Pelletier earned the shutout in goal for the Crusaders, making 29 saves.

Baseball The Holy Cross baseball team (03) dropped its season-opening series against South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. last weekend. The Gamecocks (30) used a six-run first inning to set the tone for the first game of the series, a

10-0 win for the hosts. Four first-years (Jake McOsker, Jack DiLauro, Connor Crotty, and Ban Talbot) made their collegiate debuts, combining for eight strikeouts, one run, and two hits in six innings of work. In Saturday’s game, South Carolina again established an early lead, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first. The Crusaders responded the next half-inning with three runs of their own. Senior center fielder Austin Masel tripled to lead off the interview and was brought in on a groundout by junior right fielder David Kale. Senior Riley Livingston hit a double, and first-year left fielder Ben Dellacono homered to cut the score to 5-3. After South Carolina tacked on four more runs, junior Cam Meyer hit a solo homer to lead off the eighth. HC later loaded the bases with one out but couldn’t capitalize, and the Gamecocks held on to win 9-4.

On Sunday, Holy Cross was shut out 5-0 in a weather-shortened game that went four-and-a-half innings. South Carolina loaded the bases in the third and scored four runs on a hit by pitch, an infield single, a bases-loaded walk, and another hit by pitch. The hosts added another run the following inning on a solo homer.

Men’s Lacrosse The Holy Cross men’s lacrosse team (3-1) got back to winning ways last weekend with a close 10-9 win over Vermont at Kuzniewski Field in Worcester. It was the program’s first win over UVM since 2013. First-year Dean DiNanno and senior Justin Lynskey paced the Crusaders, with each tallying a hat trick. HC led 2-0 after the first period behind goals from Lynskey and fellow senior Sean Mullaney. In the second quarter, Vermont responded to an HC goal by scoring twice in quick succession to pull within one, but HC rallied to enter halftime with a 6-3 advantage. In the third, the Catamounts brought the score to 7-5, but senior Connor Waldron responded with a goal to put HC up 8-5 entering the fourth quarter.

After DiNanno put HC up 9-5, three Vermont goals cut the Crusader lead to just one with about seven minutes remaining. However, Lynskey capped off his hat trick 30 seconds later to bring the lead back to two. Vermont scored with 90 seconds remaining but couldn’t pull off a comeback as the HC defense held strong. Mullaney led the Crusaders with five points, and senior goalie Jonathan Tesoro posted 11 saves in net.

The Crusaders eked out a 13-12

overtime win at home over UMass Lowell on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Holy Cross found itself in a hole down 3-0 early, but responded with four goals in the first quarter to hold a one-goal advantage after 15 minutes. Lynskey scored twice, Mullaney added one, and sophomore Will Spangenberg tacked on his first of the season. HC extended its lead in the second quarter, scoring another four goals (including two from senior Kevin Kodzis) to the Riverhawks’ one, entering halftime with a 8-4 lead. An explosive, back-and-forth third period saw each side add four goals apiece, with Spangenberg and Kodzis finding the back of the net again and senior Dan O’Connell connecting twice. However, Lowell rattled off four goals in the fourth quarter, including the equalizer with 21 seconds remaining, to send the game into overtime. In the extra period, Mullaney secured the win for Holy Cross by scoring his third goal of the day and seventh of the season, giving the Crusaders a two-game winning streak.

Women’s Lacrosse The Holy Cross women’s lacrosse team (2-0) continued its strong start to the season last Sunday with a commanding 13-5 home win over UMassLowell. Sophomore Jolie Creo, coming off a five-point outing against Fairfield that earned her ckSmith Superior Crusader of the Week honors, again led the Crusaders with five goals. After UMass-Lowell opened the scoring in the first period, HC rallied and held a 5-2 lead at the half.

The Crusaders scored seven unanswered goals to open the second half, putting the game out of reach. Senior Bryn Carroll, sophomore Izzy Grant, sophomore Mairead Anderson, junior Shannon Dudeck, and Creo all scored during that run. First-year goalie Grace Flink posted 18 saves for Holy Cross and was named ckSmith Superior Crusader of the Week for her efforts. This is the first time the program has opened a season 2-0 since 2006.

This weekend in Holy Cross athletics... visit goholycross.com for more information on how to watch or listen to HC athletics.

Friday (Feb. 21):

Baseball kicks off a three-game series against Old Dominion in Norfolk, Va. (3:00 PM) Women’s ice hockey hosts Providence at the Hart Center in the first game of a home-and-home series (7:05 PM) Men’s and women’s swimming & diving compete in the Patriot League Championship in Annapolis, Md. (10:00 AM)

Saturday (Feb. 22):

Women’s ice hockey travels to Providence to take on the Friars (3:00 PM) Men’s ice hockey travels to Springfield to take on conference-leading American International (7:05 PM) Baseball takes on Old Dominion in the middle game of a three-game set (2:00 PM) Women’s basketball hosts Colgate at the Hart Center in important Patriot League action (2:00 PM on NESN Plus) Men’s and women’s swimming & diving continue with the Patriot League Championship in Annapolis, Md. (10:00 AM)

Sunday (Feb. 23):

Baseball rounds out its three-game set against Old Dominion (12:00 PM) Men’s basketball travels to Hamilton, N.Y. to face Colgate (2:00 PM)

12 The Spire SPORTS February 21, 2020

2020 Champions League Knockout Stages Underway Mike O’Brien ‘23 Sports Editor The 2019-2020 Champions League campaign amongst the top clubs of European soccer has heated up, with the group stages concluding and the Round of 16 knockout stages beginning on Feb. 18. The first batch of games played was Liverpool visiting Atletico Madrid while Borussia Dortmund played host to Paris Saint Germain.

Coming into these first-leg matchups, it seems like Liverpool and PSG were the heavy favorites to advance to the quarterfinals. Liverpool, the defending title holders from last year’s Champions League season, sit atop the English Premier League table by a staggering 25 points over second place Manchester City, and have played like the best team in the world for pretty much the entire season. Meanwhile, French side PSG had the fourth best odds to win the Champions League Final, only behind Liverpool, Manchester City, and Barcelona.

However, Atletico Madrid came out firing against the Liverpool machine without fear. Only four minutes into the match, Saul Niguez netted a rebound in the back of the net for Atletico, igniting the Wanda Metropolitano stadium crowd into a frenzy. Excluding one game in which the team’s youth side played in, the Liverpool defense and goalkeeper Alison Becker had not allowed a goal in their previous five games in all competitions.

Atletico did not mind playing keepaway from Liverpool, who are known for their suffocating gegenpress style of play, which puts emphasis on pressing the opposition immediately after losing possession of the ball. For the entirety of the night, Atletico defenders did a fantastic job of ensuring they did not give up too many quality chances, despite Liverpool’s staggering 73% possession and completing 723 passes as opposed to Atletico’s 277.

Atletico played economic soccer all night, and only allowed eight Liverpool shots while creating seven of their own. While Liverpool suffocated the Atletico side of the field with possession and passes, this all seemed to be for naught as Atletico walked away with a win and not allowing a crucial away goal. While Liverpool hoped to return to the stadium where

Although Liverpool may place a solid amount of prep into their 5th Round FA Cup match-up with Chelsea, the Reds seem to have the Premier League locked up. No English team has ever had as much of a lead on the field at this point in the season as this Liverpool team has, and currently have a 99% chance to win the Premier League; at this point, Liverpool’s

Park. This game seemed to almost be an inversion of the Liverpool vs. Atletico match, with all goals coming in the second half and the possession split much more evenly, with PSG claiming 53% and Dortmund 47%.

It took nearly 70 minutes for the game’s first goal, but what followed next was a wildly exciting stretch of soccer. In the 68th minute, new

Photo ccourtesy of The Guardiana

Erling Haaland led Borussia Dortmund to victory over PSG in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

they won the 2019 Champions League Final against Tottenham and earn yet another win, that was not the case Tuesday night.

The second leg at Anfield will be a must watch game, as Liverpool have been almost unbeatable in their home stadium, which has been likened to a fortress. With Liverpool likely to come out harder and faster than their previous match, will they see another magical European night at home? Or can Atletico’s style of keepaway soccer best the Liverpool side once again?

With three weeks until the second leg to determine who advances to the quarterfinals, both clubs can turn their focus back to their domestic leagues.

Champions League aspirations come entirely from the standpoint of a title defense and the hopes of a treble.

As for Atletico, they currently sit fourth in the La Liga table, thirteen points behind crosstown rival leaders Real Madrid, seemingly putting them out of the race for the Spanish league championship. However, Atletico can salvage their disappointing domestic season by coming into Anfield and stunning the soccer world to beat Liverpool again and potentially reach the Champions League Final, something which they have not done since 2016.

Meanwhile in Germany, PSG and Dortmund played an exceptionally exciting match at the Signal Iduna

Dortmund signing 19 year-old Erling Haaland tapped in a ball that came off the hands of PSG keeper Keylor Navas. However, this lead did not last for very long as Neymar was able to cash in on a fantastic cross from Frenchman Kylian Mbappe for the equalizer in the 75th minute.

When Dortmund signed Haaland, they recognized his extremely talented offensive capability as he was scoring goals at a torrid rate for RB Leipzig, and this trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Before PSG could even catch their breath, Haaland scored an absolute rocket of a goal from outside the box to get the lead back to Dortmund not even one

minute after PSG had scored. Dortmund held on to win the game by a final score of 2-1.

Haaland’s brilliance is starting to become unprecedented, as the teenage phenom has now scored 11 goals in his last seven matches for Dortmund.

Dortmund’s entire squad is starting to become highlighted by their young core, as joining Haaland is the blossoming fellow 19 year-old Englishman Jadon Sancho and even younger still is American Gio Reyna, who became the youngest American ever to feature and assist in a Champions League match at just 17 years and 97 days old.

For Dortmund, they will need to continue to fight if they want to win hardware. Although their win over PSG will give them plenty to feel good about going forward, they did concede an away goal which can prove to be so vital in Champions League fixtures.

Additionally, they sit amongst the tightest domestic title race in Europe, currently in third place in the Bundesliga, where first and fifth place are only separated by six points. While Dortmund’s side is young, they have a real chance to do some damage in Germany and beyond.

As for PSG, scoring an away goal is critical; if they can hold on for a 1-0 or better win back in Paris for the second leg, they will advance to the quarterfinals. They sit pretty atop the French League 1 table, with a 99% chance to win the domestic league. However, some doubters believe that that is not enough. It is safe to say that Ligue 1 is the least competitive across Europe’s five major leagues, and PSG has won the title for six of the last seven years.

With the amount of money they spend and the quality of players they have, it’s time for them to make a deep run into the Champions League, as they have only made it as far as the quarter finals four times since the 2012-2013 campaign.

Crusader Sports Snapshots

Photos by Kim Fetherston ‘22, Hui Li ‘21, and Valentina Moran ‘23