February 8th, 2019

Volume XCVI, Number 9

February 8, 2019

Students “Demand More” During Historic Sit-in Allyson Noenickx ’19 Editor-in-Chief After a historic two-day studentled sit-in and discussions between groups of students and members of the executive team, Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president formally addressed the student community in a written statement, offering an apology to students.

Hundreds of students lined the hallway directly outside of Fr. Boroughs’ office in Fenwick Hall, wrapping their way around the corner into the first floor of O’Kane. There they sat for over 17 hours over the course of two days, hunkering down with snacks and homework while breaking out in chants, listening to live performances, and awaiting updates from the sit-in student organizers.

The sit-in concluded just after 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon after several meetings between members of the College’s executive team and student leaders. These discussions produced responses to the students’ original four demands concerning the handling of sexual misconduct on campus and the investigation of Professor Dustin that were ultimately deemed satisfactory enough to end the sit-in.

As promised by the sit-in organizers, on Tuesday afternoon in response to the first demand Fr. Boroughs offered an apology for the “perceived disappointment” of students on campus. “I apologize that any student would feel that they were put into a position in which their

safety was compromised,” said Boroughs in his written statement to the student community.

Fr. Boroughs acknowledged the apparent disconnect between students and administrators: “While we believed we were acting with safety in mind, that has not been your assessment,” wrote Fr. Boroughs. “It is clear that there is a gap, which we will do our best to close.”

In response to Boroughs’ message, sit-in organizer Mithra Salmassi ’19, who participated in several of the discussions between students and the executive team, cautioned,“We need to see how the administration follows through. Father Boroughs’ email was a start––although I was disappointed that it came at a later time than was promised––but we are looking for further steps to be taken very soon. I personally will not be satisfied until tangible steps towards meeting our demands are made, and those have not been made yet.”

While originally promised by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Boroughs’ message to students was not sent until 3:57 p.m. that afternoon.

“We’re glad that we finally have an apology from Fr. Boroughs and an acknowledgement that students felt unsafe because of current administrative policies,” said Sarah Behrens ’19, another vocal sit-in organizer.

“It’s important that he mentioned the College’s commitment to changing the College’s Title IX process because that’s the next step–– See SIT-IN, page 3

Worcester, Massachusetts

Prof. Dustin Placed on Administrative Leave

Inside The Spire

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

College Celebrates 175 Years of Difference Makers with Annual Giving Challenge Photo by Jacob Bucci ’21.

Jackie Cannon ’20 Editor-in-Chief Following the release of a Worcester Magazine article detailing accusations of sexual misconduct against College of the Holy Cross Professor Christopher Dustin, Professor Dustin has been placed on academic leave. This information was shared in a January 30 letter to the campus community, six days after the release of the magazine article.

In this letter, Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president wrote that Dustin “was found responsible and sanctioned for violating our policy”

following an investigation. The sanctions included removing his title as Dean of the Faculty and prohibiting him from having one-on-one contact with female students, according to Worcester Magazine.

Fr. Boroughs stated that Dustin was placed on leave for this academic semester because of “new allegations pertaining to a previous academic year.” The letter did not include the details of any allegations against Dustin.

The Worcester Magazine article provided more specifics, including See DUSTIN, page 3

Page 3 Is Our Faith Worth Fighting For? Page 4 Little Women Charms in Fenwick Theater Page 7 Eggplant: Senior Girl Publishes Final Draft of 100 Days Kiss List

Tuesday’s sit-in began with a march from the Hoval to the halls of Fenwick Photo: Kim Featherston‘22

Page 8 Galen Comerford ’19 participates in the sit-in.Photo: Jake Bucci ’21

Find us online for more pictures hcspire.com @hcspire

Students spread out in the halls of Fenwick and did work to pass the time Photo: Jake Bucci ‘21

Three students sit during a period of heavy foot traffic Photo: Hui Li ‘21

@hc_spire

Women’s Basketball Coach Suspended, Investigation into “Personnel Matter” Page 11

The Spire

2

NEWS

February 8, 2019

Boroughs Outlines Multiple New Initiatives to Address Campus Climate Sofia Maietta ‘19 News Editor On Wednesday, January 23, Father Boroughs sent a campus-wide email detailing the several initiatives that would be undertaken by faculty, staff, and students alike during the spring semester, and outlining the College’s goals moving forward. To begin his email, Father Boroughs recalled the ENGAGE Summit during which an unprecedented amount of the campus community participated to address the issues facing the Holy Cross community and to develop solutions to these problems while moving forward as a group.

Public Safety Blotter ~Eggplant Eddition~ Sunday, February 3 Caro Street - Officers stationed to monitor Super Bowl celebrations said to be “as bored” as students watching the game.

Monday, February 4 Fenwick Hall - A record number of people were in line outside the admissions office. To some confusion, however, many of those in line already attend the College. Further investigations to follow.

Undisclosed Location - An unnamed college administrator and his armed guard remained unseen for several hours.

Kimball - Lines remained empty as even the administration’s suspiciously timed chicken parm night could not lure sit-in participants away from Fenwick.

Tuesday, February 5 Fenwick Hall - A large number of students were seen wearing black to mourn the College’s integrity.

In his list of initiatives, Father Boroughs first mentioned that he would be announcing the membership and the mandates of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Sexual Respect and Conduct planning groups which were made public in December of 2018.

Second, he stated that the College would be developing and launching a new website which would go live in late January to early February which would, “track College initiatives and action steps related to campus climate, diversity and inclusion, and sexual respect and conduct.” He added that this website would be updated continually throughout the year. Third, Father

Boroughs stated that Holy Cross will be conducting surveys regarding the campus climate, some of which will be contingent on student participation. The student survey will be coming first, while the survey for faculty and staff will be released in the next couple months.

Additionally, there are several offices on campus which have announced their increased availability to students and the campus community as a whole during the spring semester. Dean Murray announced weekly open office hours in addition to a monthly Dean’s Forum.

The Department of Public Safety will also host a series of Q&A ses-

sions beginning in February. Moreover, the Title IX Office will be holding weekly open office hours and will continue the listening and information sessions which commenced during the fall semester.

Father Boroughs also encouraged all students to address any concerns they may have through the classroom setting in order to engage with other members of the campus community and to share experiences and viewpoints in order to hopefully come to a common understanding of the issues our community faces and the tactics we can employ to find solutions to these problems.

At the end of the email, Father

Boroughs commented, “While we continue this work, our days also will be consumed with our typically rigorous schedule of academic and co-curricular work, community service, practices, retreats, rehearsals and meetings. We will celebrate the accomplishments of our classmates at Academic Conference, in our theaters and in our athletic arenas. We will impact various communities on our campus, in Worcester and beyond. I look forward to living and working alongside you and celebrating this extraordinary community this semester.”

Jill Lepore Takes a Stand for the Truth Ethan Bachand ‘22 News Editor On Thursday, January 31, Professor Jill Lepore gave a lecture titled “The Rise and Fall of the Truth” to the Holy Cross community in the Hogan Ballroom. The talk, which lasted an hour, covered a variety of historical events and our interpretation of information. Officially recognized as the Thomas More Lecture on the Humanities, it is the first event of the year to be put on by the McFarland center.

Professor Lepore holds two occupations: teaching at Harvard University as the David Woods Kemper ’41 Professor of American History and writing for The New Yorker. The insight between those two fields crafted a detailed account of how America’s interpretation rapidly developed with the increase in mass media. Her most recent work, “These Truths: A History of the United States,” was published last fall and contains events from the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the election of President Donald Trump.

To begin her lecture, Professor Lepore began by outlining her discussion into three mains areas: fact, numbers, and data. The professor

went on to explain how humans have developed a moving interpretation of what is the most important piece of evidence in history, hence the name of the lecture.

One of the crucial points in the lecture was the responsibility assumed by newspapers in delivering

from the world of scholarship and scholarly excellence, and they come from the world of journalism and journalistic accuracy. Do I think that as a whole the media is more attentive to matters of fact now? No, because the media is unraveling.”

left, consequently leaving most of the opportunities for questions to Holy Cross professors.

Most questions were centered around modern media rather than the historical piece offered through the majority of the talk.

Staff that went to the microphone introduced their questions with long prefaces, leading to a seeming slow question and answer period that lost the attention of many in the audience.

Talking about her opportunity to speak at the College of the Holy Cross, Professor Lepore said, “It’s always fun to get great questions, and the questions were fantastic.

The reason people go talk to groups like this is to get challenged so I appreciate that.”

This talk begins a long line of lectures organized by the McFarland Center, including “The Holocaust on the Local Level: Coexistence and Photo by Hui Li ’21. Genocide in one Galician Jill Lepore delivers her lecture “The Rise and Fall of the Truth” to a packed Town” by Omer Bartov and Hogan Ballroom.

“The Christian Invention of Human Dignity” by Samuel Moyn. They are scheduled information and the truth to soThe talk was well received by the for February 20 and February 26, ciety. When asked about the pres- numerous faculty and students that respectively. sure facing journalistic integrity in attended the event, with a crowd the modern “fake news” world, that left people standing in the Professor Lepore said, “I cannot back. Following the talk there was speak to that for myself. My crite- an opportunity for the audience to ria and my standards come from a ask questions. It was during this lot of different places. They come time that a majority of the students The Spire student newspaper College of the Holy Cross Published weekly since 1925

The Spire is a non-profit, non-partisan student publication of the College of the Holy Cross.

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

Allyson Noenickx, Bobby Tuzzio, Jackie Cannon Editors-in-Chief Caroline Ahearn, Ethan Bachand, Sofia Maietta, Kate McLaughlin News Editors Olivia Pan, Maggie Connolly, Henry Noe, Grace Manning, Ryen Cinski Opinions Editors Maggie Flaherty, Bianca Miccolis, Kelly Gallagher, Bridget Flaherty, Luke Walsh Features Editors Annie Hentschel, Mario Micallif, Sarah O’Rourke, Chris Shakespeare, Jackson Skelley Eggplant Editors Billy Fitzpatrick, Maggie Flaherty, Jackie Hart, Patrick Wareham Sports Editors Emily Kulp Senior Copy Editor Hope Goodman, Pamela Kote, Anna Morris, Sarah O’Rourke, Rebecca Tredwell Copy Editors Hui Li Chief Photographer Kim Fetherston, Jake Bucci, Davey Sullivan, Zoe Petit Photographers Bianca Miccolis, Mary Kate Cunningham, Emily Pellegrino Web Editors Professor Steve Vineberg Faculty Advisor Dean Michele Murray Faculty Advisor Dean Brenda Hounsell Sullivan Faculty Advisor

Please address correspondence to: The Spire P.O. Box 32A College of the Holy Cross 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610-2395 Email: spire@g.holycross.edu Website: hcspire.com

To advertise in The Spire: Email: spire@g.holycross.edu Phone: (508) 293-1283

The Spire welcomes letters and op-eds from its readers. Please include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. No submissions will be printed anonymously. All submissions may be edited for content, and must be received by the Sunday prior to publication. The Spire reserves the right not to publish any letter or content deemed objectionable or which does not meet the editorial standards of the newspaper.

Letters may be mailed, e-mailed, or brought to The Spire office in Hogan 235.

The opinions expressed within the newspaper are not necessarily those of the College of the Holy Cross. This newspaper is printed by Community Newspaper Company. Reproduction of any part of this paper is by permission of The Spire only.

The Spire From SIT-IN, page 1 instituting structural change so that this doesn’t happen again. As organizers we’re looking forward to keep working with the College to make sure that we keep holding Holy Cross to a higher standard.”

Moving forward, both students and administrators emphasized the need for consensus on the issues surrounding disclosure in Title IX matters. “We will evaluate communication as part of our upcoming review of policies and processes related to Title IX,” assured Boroughs. “We can do better, and we are committed to getting this right.”

In addition to the issued apology, the parties came to several other agreements. As a result of the discussions, Provost and Dean of the College, Margaret Freije will From DUSTIN, page 1 allegations of “romantic advances and explicit sexually-charged comments, which eventually gave way to intimidating behavior and an abuse of power.” Dustin was the thesis advisor for the student, who stated that Dustin’s language became increasingly sexual and

NEWS

be meeting with students from the freshman Montserrat class that Professor Dustin taught to apologize and answer any questions that they may still have. Dean Freije will also work with the Academic Governance Council to formulate a procedure for removing faculty awards within the next two weeks.

Furthermore, according to the sit-in organizers, the College will complete an outside review of Title IX and students have requested that they receive updates on the Dustin investigation every other Monday. The College has also been asked to explain why they cannot legally meet all demands.

While not all demands were met in full, many students left the sitin feeling assured that progress was made.“I firmly believe that individuals would not have stood up and walked away had we not received

a promise from the administration that they would enact the concrete change we’ve asked for, so I think we can chalk this up to a success,” said Salmassi. “Regardless, every member of that 400+ crowd of people who showed up enacted the start of a huge cultural shift and I’m incredibly happy and proud to have been a part of it.”

Boroughs echoed this praise for student engagement: “I’ve been impressed over the past several days with the commitment of our students,” said Boroughs. “You have demonstrated a clear sense of purpose, and resolve. I know that your criticism is borne from a love for Holy Cross, and a desire for it to live up to its mission. We share that goal.”

hostile.

The student made her allegations in April 2017, after which a 20-month investigation ensued where Dustin maintained his positions as dean and professor. Following this, Dustin received the previously mentioned sanctions, including the removal of his title as dean.

The release of this article prompted frustration and concern for students and members of the campus community, who felt that the College’s failure to inform them of this investigation and the allow of Dustin to continue meeting alone with female students was a threat to the safety of students, which they expressed on the Inst-

February 8, 2019

3

Adam Coshal ’20 addresses students before Tuesday’s march to Fenwick. Photo: Jake Bucci ’21 gram account @SexualAssaultontheHill.

This concern eventually led students to hold a two-day sit-in in Fenwick Hall, as students demanded the administration be held accountable for the safety of the campus community. The results of the sit-in as pertaining to Dustin were unclear, as there were legal

reasons the administration was not able to comply with every demand, which they will explain in a future email.

The Spire will continue to report as new details are released.

College Celebrates 175 Years of Difference Makers with Annual Giving Challenge Caroline Ahearn ‘20 Chief News Editor At 6am on Friday, January 26th, Holy Cross kicked off its annual giving challenge to raise money for the Holy Cross Fund, the Crusader Athletic Fund, as well as specific initiatives such as the Bishop Healy Emergency Fund, the LGBTQ+ Leadership Fund, the Holy Cross Choir Tour Gift Fund the Collegiate Recovery Fund, the O’Callahan Society or other allocations designated by the donor. This year, however, the challenge came with a bit of a twist. In collaboration with the College’s year-long celebration of the 175th anniversary, this year’s challenge lasted 1.75 days, and celebrated “175 Years of Holy Cross Difference Makers.”

“By tying in with our year-long celebration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of Holy Cross, we wanted to remind our community of our storied history and the amazing alumni who have come

before us,” said Nicoleta Jordan, structured to encourage as much College raised a total of $2,656,772 Assistant Director of Media Rela- participation as possible, promis- from 6,342 donors. Sixty-eight tions for the College. “Our inten- ing that for every 1,000 donations percent of these funds will support the Holy tion was to Cross Fund, celebrate that which directly for 175 years provides 5.2% Holy Cross of the total has devoted operating buditself to transget, supporting forming lives academic iniin the hope of tiatives, finantransfor ming cial aid, faith the world.” programs, athThroughout letics, arts, stuthe weekend, dent life, susmembers of tainability, and the Holy Cross more. Twentycommunity four percent donated in reof the funds cord numbers, Photo courtesy of Holy Cross Social Media honoring the im- Donors submitted their photos with the hashtag #HolyCross175 to be will support the part of the Fenwick Mosaic.

Crusader Athletpact of decades ics Fund, raising and decades of “Difference Makers” as their sto- the College received, an additional unrestricted support for the Colries were shared on social media. $250,000 would be donated by a lege’s 27 varsity athletics programs.

Though there was no specific fi- generous group of alumni and par- The remaining eight percent will go toward specific initiatives designancial or participation goal this ents. year, the challenge was instead With these structures in place, the nated by the donor.

In addition to breaking its own records for donors and money raised, Holy Cross also broke the GiveCampus record for number of donors on a campaign by a liberal arts college in a short-term giving challenge, lasting no more than 48 hours.

“Once again, we are overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity and participation of the Holy Cross community,” said Tracy Barlok, vice president for advancement. “This community continues to support the mission of this special College in remarkable ways. We are grateful beyond words for their love, loyalty, generosity and enthusiasm. For 175 years, Holy Cross has been changing lives. With the help of our impassioned benefactors and advocates, we are poised to write the next chapter in our history.”

welcomes and honors all of its members?” An October 27 police report detailed an alleged hate crime against an LGBTQ+ student.

Two weeks later, a letter penned by English Professor Leah Hager Cohen entitled “A Response to Your Call” demanded that the College halt business-as-usual, and, instead, hold teach-ins, vigils, and community conversations to demonstrate solidarity with those affected and search for solutions. The letter was signed by more than 1,000 members of the campus community and delivered to the office of Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president on November 8. On November

or violence at Holy Cross.”

Ajah Eills ‘21 said of the new office hours: “I am glad that the College is becoming more proactive about providing opportunities to hear from students, but this expanded willingness to listen only matters if the College actually uses the input to make meaningful change.”

Dean Murray has worked at Holy Cross since 2017. Students with questions about her weekly office hours or the Dean’s Forum should contact Dean Murray at mmurray@holycross.edu.

Dean Murray Announces Office Hours

Kate McLaughlin ’21 News Editor On January 20, Dean Michele Murray, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, sent an email to the Holy Cross student body in which she outlined her plan to enact a series of new opportunities for students to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, or simply stop by to chat about campus life.

Dean Murray’s plan includes both weekly office hours and a monthly Dean’s Forum. Her office hours will be held on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 pm in Cool Beans, and will provide Holy Cross stu-

dents with the opportunity to meet with the dean one-on-one or in small groups.

The Dean’s Forum, designed for larger groups, will allow students to engage in a broader dialogue about the substantive issues related to life on the Hill. The first Forum took place on January 31, and subsequent Forums will be held on February 21, March 28, April 18, and May 9 from 4:00-5:00 pm in Hogan 519.

In the email, Murray wrote that all that transpired on campus last semester has caused many at Holy Cross to ask, “What is my role in creating a campus community that

16, all classes, sports practices, and club events were cancelled for the ENGAGE Summit, which was organized to address issues with respect and inclusion on campus and consisted of workshops and performances led by both professors and students.

Following the alleged hate crime in October, Dean Murray wrote in an email to the campus community: “At Holy Cross we pride ourselves on the strength of our community where each one of us is valued for who we are and the gifts we bring.

Demand of one another that we actively build the community we desire. There is no place for bigotry

4 The Spire OPINIONS

Opinions Katherine Lenahan ’19 Guest Writer The fact that we have to rely on the press to learn about what is happening in our own community is not only frustrating, but it is wrong. For better or for worse, we are a community that should be able to have a shred of transparency and the ethical backbone to actually communicate that the institution does not tolerate sexual misconduct.

Instead of any type of outreach by the administration, there is silence. The statement that was released was insufficient and did not condemn the abhorrent behavior that a faculty member enacted. The real issue is that we have been waiting in silence. Student-led organizations on campus are tasked with advocating for causes that they care about to an extent that is unfair.

MSOs, RSOs, SGA, among other groups have to fend for themselves to a school that does not want to suffer the bad press or acknowledge it, and consequently students are given the message that sexual misconduct is a normal and expected component of life on the Hill.

Asking politely for individuals in power to acknowledge the existence of misconduct is one of the more uncomfortable and difficult

February 8, 2019

See What Other Students Are Thinking Around Campus...

#AskMore

aspects of working with admin- ual violence to thrive and has not assault. It has been incredibly painistrators as a student on campus. bolstered Title IX with sufficient ful to be here, to know of perpeBehind the polite smiles and “of- resources for two attorneys to take trators walking among us, to know fering of information” that what on this issue. Our institution allows of administrators who do not want we’re asking about is “under inves- sexual predators to retain their pow- to change the status quo. I am distigation,” there is a level of frustra- er, whether it be within academia or appointed and hurt that I feel it is tion and evennecessary for tual rage that me to spell builds when out how disstudents are torted the disregarded environment that is diffiis here surcult to convey. rounding sexWe are ual violence. told to “Ask Not only has More” as a there been Jesuit, liberal silence, but arts instituthere has also tion.

Howbeen a burever, when we den placed on “Ask More,” those who are we are simost likely to Photo by Jake Bucci ‘21. lenced with be affected by Students assemble in Fenwick during the sit-in on Monday and Tuesday. excuses, pubsexual violence. lic gatherings The College about how we should follow the within student leadership positions. hosts events on how to be a good mission to be “men and women This is a testimony that has bystander, how to protect yourself for and with others;” however, been crafted after much thought, through self defense. But not once it’s clear that this mission state- as I have loved my academic and has the institution supported proment means to be a passive ally. social life at the College. However, gramming to mitigate rape culture.

Sexual misconduct is an epi- I acknowledge that for many of my I want the administration to demic that has always existed in in- peers, this has not been the case. know that students do not exstitutions of higher education, but My perception of the College that pect you as individuals to have all it is most felt when it is within your I once loved, has shifted to a place of the answers to these systemic own community. Holy Cross has that does not condemn one of the and difficult issues. However, we provided an environment for sex- most violent crimes, that of sexual do expect accountability, and we

do expect to be heard and to receive responses. The phrase “this is under investigation” will not be a sufficient excuse for inaction.

What does this actually mean?

Students are not asking for much. We are not expecting the most detailed accounts, but we do expect updates within a timely manner, without having to ask for them. We are not asking for you to reinvent the wheel with new programming and listening sessions.

We want you to advocate for student health and safety. Your silence empowers abusers and sexual predators. We don’t expect perfection, but when you value bad press more than you value students’ voices, we are angered and saddened by the artificiality of your words and responses. We are “Asking More” of you because we know that this institution has a lot of room for growth. However, your silence is deafening and your only response is with a 175th Anniversary Campaign for donations. I have no desire to donate to an institution that continuously accepts sexual misconduct as a norm, and neither should our Holy Cross community.

Is Our Faith Worth Fighting For? Grace Manning ’21 Opinions Editor It has happened again. This time not in Pennsylvania, but on our very own campus. We are confronted with the issue of sexual misconduct far too close to home and we are wracked with questions that have gone unanswered. What does this mean for us as students at a Jesuit school that has always been proud of its affiliation with the Catholic faith, and of its mantra that encourages students to be men and women for and with others?

What can we do about it? Why is it that people and institutions have known about some of these allegations for over 20 years and yet nothing has changed? Something is very broken and I am forced to ask myself if anything can be changed in order to keep the shell of the Catholic Church intact, or whether there has to be a radical transformation, possibly even a complete destruction and reconstruction of the institution. Most terrifying to think about, however, is whether or not the Catholic Church and our faith is worth fighting for.

An opinion article in the New York Times from this past summer both fascinated and deeply concerned me. The author, Naka Nathaniel, feels so disgusted and disheartened by the lack of action by the Catholic Church in light of all that has happened over the years, that he believes “it is wrong to support the church” by attending mass. He is convinced that the

only way to truly move on, heal, and begin to repair is by tearing the institution of the church down and starting from scratch. While I think his actions are radical and not entirely appealing to me, his sentiments reflect those of many people I have talked to recently; people like Nathaniel who have attended church every Sunday since they were born, who have been baptized, made their holy communions and confirmations and are heavily involved in their religious communities.

Catholics across the world are now doubting their faith. The questions Nathaniel demands are moving and thought-provoking ones: should all members of the clergy resign? Do we as individuals within the Catholic Church have any real power to change the institution? Or is it as hopeless as Nathaniel and his local priest suggest?

In light of the recent accusations towards Professor Dustin, we strive to feel empowered and inspired to take action by staging peaceful protests and educating our peers and ourselves on the issues surrounding sexual miscon-

duct at school and in the church. It is an opportunity for us to join together in common frustration and determination to make real, lasting change. So, I can’t agree with Nathaniel’s priest who says “you and I have no influence.” We have no influence when we choose to do nothing, when we choose to look

Photo courtesy of

the other direction, and when we refuse to acknowledge the wrongdoings of those in our community, no matter how painful this may be.

But from the hopeless note that Nathaniel left off on, I interpreted a kind of defeat that could be used as inspiration to propel us forward.

When those closest to the church are conquered by anguish and shame, we as students need to find strength in the fact that we are not shaped by the church or unused to allegations of sexual assault, but

in fact we have been dealing with these issues our entire lives. They are in the forefront of our consciousness and we have only just begun to fight for change.

In this time especially, I feel the need to consistently remind myself, as we all should, that there are people who are doing so much good in the world. I especially focus on those affiliated with the Catholic church as examples of what the essence of Catholicism is.

Father Gregory Boyle, for example, was filmed making a speech at a college graduation, in which Edmonton Catholic Schools. he spoke of one of his “homies,” referring to an L.A. gang member who now resides at Homeboy Industries. The video outlines Boyle’s work and is perfectly summarized in a line reading, “His hilarious and inspiring story reminds us all that there is no us and them, just us.” The friend of mine who sent me the video knows I attend a Jesuit college and was reminded of me. This speaks to the students of Holy Cross who remain moved to serve the community through participating in service trips and

volunteering at SPUD sites. Holy Cross students are known to give their time in order to work with others to improve the community and the greater world.

We may be too quick today, although perhaps justified in doing so, to assume the worst in humanity, to assume that when we hear of atrocities, abuses and cruelty, that this is the norm. But in listening to Boyle speak, in reading his words in his book, “Tattoos on the Heart” and in seeing the impact of his actions, I am reassured and hopeful that it is, in fact, the opposite and that although this kind of goodness may be more difficult to find, it is unquestionably there. So, can we really resolve to throw away the Catholic Church and all who are involved in it? Because that means throwing away people like Father Boyle and Peter McVerry, working with the homeless in Ireland, and The Hope Foundation working with slum children in India, who do endless good. We need change.

That is undeniable. But maybe we can start by adding to the Catholic Church instead of taking away.

Allow women to be priests! The role of women has come so far in almost every way, so why not in the church as well? Allow priests to get married and have children!

We have become tired waiting alone for others to bring about this change, so maybe the answer is to join together and to ask ourselves actively, “What can we as a community do?”

5

The Spire

OPINIONS

February 8, 2019

What It’s Like to “Roma”: Movie Review Change Your Major Tyler Christiansen ’21 Staff Writer

John Murphy ’21 Guest Writer First off, it’s awesome. If you want to change your major, do it.

If you have the feeling that you want to change it, that means you no longer enjoy the subject you are studying and will be happier in another subject area. In a time where mental health is a major issue for everybody, especially if you have a Twitter account, happiness should be a priority to every student on campus. Even if you don’t want to change majors, you should change majors. It will always make you happier. Here’s a statistic for proof: I changed my major and am happier.

Right there, that is a one hundred percent success rate. That’s a better percentage than the Red Sox win percentage this year. And they won the World Series. What more proof is necessary than guaranteed happiness? I started off my career as a crusader thinking I wanted to be a chemistry major. I wanted to be a scientist like Bruce Banner.

But once I learned that you can’t just shoot yourself with gamma rays and, not only survive, but also become super jacked I was out on the idea. The only way to get yolked is to actually go to the gym and eat healthy. It’s 2019 and my New Year’s resolution was to become allergic to dumbbells so that was not going to work. After taking chemistry here at the college, I have learned one thing.

Chemistry is wicked hard. It’s wildly difficult. So I decided to change my major. I decided to pursue something that was a better fit with my hobbies. And that major was Netflix. After being unsuccessful in chemistry, I have changed my major to Netflix with a minor in Hulu and a social media concentration. And let me tell you, it has been nothing short of phenomenal. I’m learning a lot in the field too. I cannot describe how sophisticated and important I feel when my friends are talking about shows and I have the power to spoil the ending or to join in and note at little easter eggs in

their favorite shows or movies. For instance, oranges are very influential in The Godfather, which was on our Netflix syllabus last semester, as they hint that death is in the air.

Another tidbit I will give you guys for free is that Bandersnatch has several references to previous episodes in the Black Mirror franchise.

Last semester was a tough one. But it was also very informative. Watching Evil Genius taught me how easy it was to convince a pizza delivery man to rob a bank. Stranger Things taught me that Verizon Fios is an excellent service provider that lets you and your family be online at the same time with their 100% fiber optic network. Black Mirror taught me that my phone will be the cause of the downfall of humanity.

Breaking Bad taught me that crystal meth is a profitable business model as long as you have a nervous wreck as a partner and look intimidating in a hat. This semester should be another challenge but still a $1000 amount of fun for $10.99 a month.

We’re going to learn about history, especially the 1990’s, by watching Friends. We’re also going to go over the political landscape in the United Kingdom by watching Peaky Blinders and Derry Girls, America’s broken prison system which is showcased in Orange is the New Black, and how to get away with murder by watching How to Get Away with Murder. The most difficult subject is what our final exam will be on, Game of Thrones. Sidenote, when Daenerys Targaryen becomes the new ruler of Westeros, please reference this article as having called it first. As a Netflix major, I feel it is my duty to refer you to some outstanding content I have found through this program. Shows like Schitt’s Creek, I’m Sorry and Riverdale are life changing. They will literally make it so that the life you are currently living is different. I am happily on my way to graduating with a degree in Netflix and I hope all of you can find a major you enjoy enough to lead you to a future of sleeping on your parents’ couch.

There has been a lot of talk about how 2018 was a disappointing year for film. To those people, I say this: either you didn’t see enough films or you only saw “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”

Despite these murmurings, 2018 has been not only an important year for American cinema with films like “Black Panther,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and “BlacKkKlansman,” but it was a great year for foreign films as well, with “Cold War” and “Roma” getting a lot of attention. While “Roma” is not my personal favorite film of the year, it is still easily in my top five of 2018 for its technical and directoral prowess alone.

It is a landmark achievement by director Alfonso Cuaron, helmer of “Gravity” and the best Harry Potter film, “Prisoner of Azakban.” Cuaron also acted as the producer, cinematographer, editor and writer for “Roma,” making this his most personal film to date and the love he has for these characters, especially Cleo, expertly acted by first-time actress Yalit-

zia Aparicio, is so clearly shown.

To set the record straight, “Roma” is a black and white film with English subtitles and lacks a musical score. I know this doesn’t sound very convincing to the mainstream American audience. It didn’t really sound appealing to me

also shown through the cinematography, in which Cuaron more than succeeds at being as objective as possible. The camera rarely goes in for the close up and the amount of long-takes is staggering. The slow constant movements of the camera lets us follow the action without being subjective. It’s a masterclass effort.

Expect “Roma” to make a splash at the Oscars on February 24. It has 10 nominations, including Best Picture, Actress, Supporting Actress, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Production Design and Photo courtesy of Netflix.

Foreign Language Film. If it wins Best Picture, which at first, to be honest. However, after watching the it mostly likely will, it will become film three times now (it’s a Netf- the first foreign language film to lix original, so check it out now), ever claim the top prize. If I were I can confidently say that this is a betting man, I would say that it is not only the best film of 2018, but going to win Best Picture, Direcit is probably in the running for tor, Cinematography and Foreign one of the best films of the de- Language Film. The only films cade. The lack of a score allows possibly in its way are “BlacKthe sounds of the 1970s Mexican kKlansman” and “Green Book,” town to come to life, making the which are both fine films in their audience totally immersed in the own right. With that said, “Roma” experience, almost like we’re a fly deserves the top prize and deserves on the wall, observing this family to be watched again and again. through their tribulations. This is

Erasing the Stigma on Mental Health Anastasia Vasko ‘19 Guest Writer Within the first week of 2019, the instagram account @hcerasethestigma posted its first anonymous story and since has grown in popularity among students.

But why now? And why is mental health among college students globally dwindling? Well, the “new year, new me” philosophy combined with the massive influence of the @sexualassualtonthehill account surely had an impact on the need to increase awareness on the surge of anxiety and depression among 18-22 year olds. According to Penn State’s Center for Collegiate Mental Health in 2017, 1 out of 5 students reported anxiety or depression. This report only accounts for the students who spoke

out, meaning, that the number of students either undiagnosed or concerned about social stigma were not included in the 20% statistic. Lack of sleep, the toxic impact of social media on self-esteem, drug abuse, spiralling debt, and/or environmental and psychological issues can be the causes, but in order to understand the whole picture, students must be empowered to speak about their struggles in order to get better.

Holy Cross itself-- like many elite colleges-- has a demanding workload which often leads to stress, adding or creating anxiety and spells of depression. I myself have struggled with depressive episodes and sleepless, anxiety-filled often on the Hill as the atmosphere both from the pressure to perform academically and the constant need to

fit into the cliche-filled social environment and I know that I, unfortunately, am not alone. As the instagram account’s following has increased and the number of posts become more and more prevalent, the next question that comes to mind is what is the school doing for people like myself who have realized coping with alcohol or other substances only goes so far?

Thus far, it seems to be something grossly ignored. But, the community that Holy Cross’s student body continues to create with the social media accounts which allow for voices to be heard in a anonymous platform certainly adds to the awareness and sharing of personal, often isolating, experiences students go through in hopes of helping those affected and those who want to help.

How Creativity Breaks Up Monotony Henry Noe ’22 Opinions Editor In the cyclical nature of a college student’s day, it is reasonable to occasionally get into ruts and feel the onset of monotony with little else new to look forward to.

Amid writing papers, scanning over practice problems and flipping page after page of textbook readings, finding ways to be personally creative can infuse one’s day with a much needed positive change.

Indulging and allocating time daily toward creativity gives people freedom to create whatever they please.

When thinking of the word

“creativity,” oftentimes our minds drift to childhood days spent drawing and creating whatever came to mind for hours on end. However, these same child-like wonders, and the health benefits which accompany them, can be transferred into college life. Temporarily detaching ourselves from the rigidity and form of college life through art and creative writing is beneficial and must be utilized more.

The meditative craft of drawing allows individuals to slow down the frenetic pace a college day can have, destress, and focus on a task outside of school, work or extracurriculars. Having a pas-

sion project which you work on for yourself grants a sense of ownership and pride which is occasionally lost in the flurry of submitting and receiving various assignments.

Drawing and other artistic ventures increase dopamine levels and refresh the artist enough to focus on the rest of his or her day.

Aside from drawing and the visual arts, writing can also be a potential avenue for alleviation.

Designing characters and the settings in which they live opens up a myriad of opportunities for potential prose topics. In lieu of biting your nails or nervously pacing about your upcoming exam, think

of themes and worlds which your story will center around as a means to destress. Moreover, frequent story writing and prose conjecturing builds strong problem-solving skills which can be brought to homework assignments and to future problems in one’s career. Allocating a certain block of time each day to creative thought will empower students to work harder during dedicated times of study as they look forward to the time they will spend creating.

In both of these mediums, there is no stress to try and achieve high grade or aim toward mastery; rather, simply attempting either

of these brings about a bounty of positive benefits. Art and creative writing give individuals the means to attune themselves to their own emotions and take pride in the beauty they created. In a college environment where stressing about a bad grade on a paper or one’s GPA is all too common, creative practices must be propagated. Although focusing on one’s studies and dedicating wholly to them is crucial, it is the duty of all to ensure that they are infusing each of their days with creativity to better aid themselves and to keep the craft alive.

6

The Spire

OPINIONS

February 8, 2019

Internet Beauty Standards: How do They Impact the Younger Generation?

Ryen Cinski ’20 Opinions Editor For quite some time, I’ve had a great interest in all things beauty - makeup, hair, even the before and after of plastic surgery. Women and men utilize cosmetic procedures for a multitude of reasons.

Some people, like myself, simply enjoy cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance and to alter certain features. Some people find them necessary to boost their confidence and self-esteem. Social media takes this all to the consumer and shows you how to be beautiful, regardless of your age.

I don’t consider myself particularly sensitive or easily offended or angered by things. Nor am I easily shocked by things that I see on my various social media accounts.

I’ve seen transformation videos; I’ve seen crazy injury videos; I’ve seen dark-humor jokes. While they do amuse me and at times make me cringe or feel uncomfortable, none of them have ever really shocked me. Recently though, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed, when I found something that I stopped to stare at for a solid twenty seconds. The photo that I saw was of a young girl, a young girl with white bandages wrapped around the entire top of her head.

Her caption read: “Otoplasty video reveal, coming soon…” It is safe to say that I was shocked.

Otoplasty, also known as cosmetic ear surgery, is a procedure in which the ears can be reshaped, repositioned and even resized. I have

heard of people getting these procedures before, and although they aren’t entirely unheard of in children (done for both medical and cosmetic reasons), I still found it shocking.

After looking into her internet persona further, I learned a few things. The first being that she is internet famous, currently sitting at 107k followers on Instagram, and having videos on YouTube with upwards of 700k views. These videos range from singing, to makeup, to her otoplasty reveal. The second thing that I came to learn about her is that she was born in 2007, meaning that at the age of 11, she underwent her otoplasty for cosmetic reasons.

At 11, she had her first cosmetic SURGICAL procedure.

The first emotion I felt when I thought about this was disbelief, then rage, then disappointment. At the age of 11, I was riding bikes, watching the Harry Potter movies, and playing with my mom’s makeup in front of the bathroom mirror. Meanwhile, age 11 for this young girl meant cosmetic surgery because she was unhappy with the way that her ears protruded. Due to her age, the procedure was done with

the consent of her parents. While this may show a lack of judgment and reasoning on their part, it is important to remember the biggest

celebrities have had procedures or enhanced their photos, and therefore project unrealistic appearances. To be clear, this is not meant to shame anyone. I am a strong believer in the idea that you should do whatever makes you happy. If it takes a procedure to reach that happiness, then so be it. Live and let live.

In many cases, though, impressionable young boys and girls view the profiles and photos of these internet stars and grow unhappy with who they are due to unrealistic comparisons. The internet is a breeding ground for discontent and self-shame. While cosmetic procedures and intensive hair and makeup have always been associated with grown women and men, they are now something available to Photo courtesy of Pintrest. and utilized by many young girls and boys. player in this game: the internet.

Again, I am not trying to put Along with the rise of social anyone down. If young people love media came new standards and cosmetics as much as I do and can new beauty ideals viewed by even gain a loving, supportive fanbase the youngest of people. With con- from it, that is great. What concerns stant access to numerous photos of me is the young people that see the models, actresses, internet person- numerous videos and pictures of alities, fitness junkies and more, it is “perfect people” and feel as if they easy to lose confidence in your own need to change who they are. Alappearance. What many forget, though the young girl who received though, is that most of these media an otoplasty feels more confident

now, it is sad that she was so unhappy with herself at such a young age.

Freddie Mercury, lead vocalist of Queen, had horrible teeth.

His teeth were so terrible that he was constantly afraid to open his mouth and smile. Although he had the resources to fix his teeth and change his appearance to fit beauty standards, he didn’t. His fear that altering his teeth would change his singing abilities and his selfconfidence formed this decision.

While he was unhappy with his smile and how his looks didn’t fit beauty norms, his talent and showmanship shot him to fame. Here is someone who overcame his imperfections and learned to accept them and utilize them and their uniqueness. I wonder---if Freddie Mercury had been alive in this time of social media, would he have felt the need to change who he was?

Self-acceptance and confidence are so important today. We must remember that no matter who we are or what we look like, we have value. Whether we have big ears or crooked teeth, we have value.

We must stop basing our perceptions of ourselves on our perceptions of others. Instead of urging future generations to look a certain way and conform to social media standards, we should follow in the footsteps of those who encourage individuality and uniqueness. If we really feel the need to, we should do the hair, makeup or procedure for ourselves, not for the internet.

Are You Smarter than a STEM Student?

Maggie Connolly ’21 Opinions Editor Over winter break, my sister had an appointment at our doctor’s office. While she was in the room getting her check-up, the nurse practitioner asked her what her major was to determine her stress levels at school. When she responded that she was studying Political Science, the nurse responded, “Oh, that’s fine. You probably are not that stressed out then.” When she came home and told me the story, I was not so much surprised as I was reminded of a conversation I have been having since my middle school years.

The kids who excel in the humanities are smart, they get good grades, they write well, and they are often consistently up to date on current events. The kids who study math and science are the geniuses. They are the students that always got asked to explain the calculus homework. There are levels of intelligence, and some kinds of intelligence do not make the cut, or simply are not a “difficult” field of study.

Intelligence goes beyond solving a math problem that takes an entire page. Having strengths in differ-

ent areas does not make students or even those in the professional world any less competent or challenged in their day to day life. Some of the smartest individuals I have met to date would not be able to solve a derivative if their life depended on it.

This theme is not exclusive to my eyes and ears, nor my schooling growing up. It is everywhere, even on the Holy Cross campus.

We perpetuate the stereotype of smart being equivalent to a STEM student, and while these students are exceptional, putting their studies on a pedestal can be dangerous.

As a society, we give certain areas of work more status than others.

For example, those who work in the medical field are typically considered more successful, or better off than most writers. While there are exceptions to this norm, more often than not, others’ perceptions of your success are contingent on the work you do, or hope to do, in the professional world.

Coining doctors, accountants, and engineers as the kinds of careers the smartest students find themselves in leads other students to steer clear of studying the humanities or the arts. These kids are told they will not make enough

money to support themselves, or that the chances of success in these fields are slim to none. Although many people ignore these comments and pursue careers based on their own visions of success, it can be dangerous to maintain the idea that science and math are the quickest paths to success.

At its core, the concept of students in STEM fields being smarter than others comes from the way society has defined success.

There is no specific correlation between success and lucrative careers. Many people agree with this, but less people actively carry out

the idea and make money less of a factor in the equation. Choosing a career that excites and fulfills you is worth more than dragging yourself out of bed to get a bigger paycheck at the end of the month. Although money cannot be removed from the equation entirely, the role it plays is large, arguably larger than necessary, in determining what it means to be a successful adult.

All of these fields-- science, math, English, politics-- they all have their own importance. The world would be a much different place without doctors and engineers, and that is not lost on me

and my personal views. My opinion stands that being a doctor or an engineer is not the only pathway to success, nor does pursuing a career in that field make someone any more intelligent than others who choose different paths. Intelligence is not defined by what you study, but how you study and what you take from it. It does not fit one mold or one certain area, and that is often forgotten when dictating who the smartest kid in your chemistry class is.

Calling all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and HC community members: Do you want to share your opinion on the sit-in or respond to any of the articles from this week?

Submit your opinion to spire@g.holycross.edu by February 11th to appear in next week’s issue.

7

The Spire

Features

Crusader of the Week: Claire MacMillan ’19

Dream job: Doctor Favorite architect: My dad Favorite class taken at Holy Cross: Hometown: Ridgefield, CT Quantum Mechanics and Intro to Major: Chemistry major, German Sociology minor Favorite professor: All of them Activities Favorite involved in on spot on campus: SPUD campus: Scisite leader at St. ence Francis Nursing Favorite Home, interdeword: Kernominational fuffle worship service, Favorite post office ice cream: worker Pistachio Favorite TV Dream vacashow: The tion: Alaska Marvelous Mrs. Role-model: Maisel My mom Favorite movie: Favorite A Knight’s Tale memory TV or movie at HC: Bethat you refuse ing on the Courtesy of Claire MacMillan to watch: The jumbotron at Bachelor Yankee stadium Favorite singer/group: Zac Brown during the HC Fordham football Band game Favorite color: Purple Favorite dessert: Favorite sports team: New York Anything chocolate Knicks Favorite Broadway show: Newsies Favorite Knicks player of all time: Best dorm: Figge Charles Oakley Last person you texted: Natalie Favorite Knicks player that was Phillips traded: Tim Hardaway Jr. On thing you’d change about HC: Favorite Language: German The gym Favorite dog type: German ShepYour mantra: Positivity is key! Optiherd mism is crucial!

Favorite potential Dog name: Pet peeve: When people don’t put Oakley their box number on packages at the Go to snack: Chocolate and pretzels post office and Pats fans Favorite country you’ve been to: Favorite off-campus restaurant: El Germany Patron Favorite sport: Basketball Favorite Book: Tattoos on the Heart Allyson Noenickx ’19 Editor-in-Chief

FEATURES

February 8, 2019

“Sex Education” on Netflix Lorna Doherty ’20 Staff Writer

while also constantly comparing themselves to those around them. The prominence of social media emphasises this; when we meet someone new, we immediately ask for their Instagram handle and make assumptions about them based on the images

feelings of isolation. This is especially shown through one of the main characters, ‘Maeve Wiley,’ We have all experienced that who lives in a broken household, awkward middle school health and often takes on the responsiclass. Between having teachers bility of paying the bills. We see explain things which we thought how this affects her life as she we knew everything about aldoubts her academic and future ready, and forced disopportunities because cussion of taboo topof her family’s finanics with our classmates cial status. It is easy through suppressed for socio-economic giggles, it’s not a time differences between many of us want to repeers to go unnoticed, member. However, the and “Sex Education” new Netflix Original, brings to light these “Sex Education,” not situations. only embraces these The show has also topics, but brings been praised for its them to the extreme. strong female narraThe comedy show, tive. The majority of which has just been recourtesy of popsugar.com the writing staff of newed for a second sea- The popular Netflix series was recently picked up for the show is female, a second season. son after its successful and they give a voice premiere, tells the story to the silent struggles of 16 year-old ‘Otis’ many young women played by Asa Butterfield and they post. People take 100 pho- face and touch on pertinent subhis unlikely companion, ‘Maeve tos, choose one, edit and enhance jects such as body shaming and Wiley,’ played by Emma Mackey, it, and then post it. The way we pressures that can be experienced who together open a sex-therapy present ourselves is very rarely an within relationships. The series business for their fellow students. accurate representation of who also brings to light the danger This time it isn’t awkward e x - we are. This is why “Sex Educa- of societal, and sometimes faplanations from your 7th grade tion” is so important; it starts a milial, expectations of masculinteacher, but brash reality from dialogue about common prob- ity. Throughout the first season equally confused teenagers. lems and feelings of insecurity of the show we see several male Apart from the obvious fo- which we are too scared to talk characters struggle with their cus on modern teenage sexuality, about on our own. It erodes the identity as they attempt to balthe show also discusses a number illusion that we all have it figured ance who they are with who they of important topics, including out, because the truth is that think they should be.

Despite the serious topics “Sex LBGTQ+ issues, familial discon- none of us do. nect, financial troubles, and the Financial difference between Education” discusses, the show trials of friendship, all wrapped peers and the consciousness that remains light-hearted. Its use of up in the overall awkwardness of starts to arise in adolescents about comedy makes often embarrasshigh school. Unabashedly crude, how money can dictate their lives ing and intimidating topics easy the show doesn’t shy away from is also shown throughout the to digest. The relatability of “Sex portraying the reality of adoles- show. As children, we lack an un- Education” makes it a valuable cence, as each character has their derstanding about what money TV show to watch because it perown struggles and triumphs. means and how it influences how tains to many different audiences In a world obsessed with per- others see us. However, as we and issues. fection, it is easy to forget that get older, it becomes more taneveryone has insecurities. This is gible. “Sex Education” depicts especially true in the world of a how money can create a barrier teenager - a time in which one is between friends, and even parttrying to figure out who they are, ners, during adolescence, causing

Little Women Charms in Fenwick Theater Kelly Gallagher ‘22 Features Editor The polar vortex had Massachusetts tight in its grasp on Jan 31, yet it could not discourage community members determined to attend the opening night of the Holy Cross Theatre Department’s production of “Little Women.” A cello warmed up in the pit as students and other theatre-goers filed into Fenwick Theatre. A collection of quilts stitched together comprised the curtain, which gave the room a cozy atmosphere. The theatre was filled with lively chatter until the lights dimmed and the musicians struck up their cheerful overture.

The stage bubbled with personality as the characters clashed and reconciled, dreamed and stumbled and achieved. Actresses Megan Siebecker, Cathryn Zachary, Sadie O’Conor, and Corinne Heffernan perfectly captured the individuality of March sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, respectively.

The set and the costumes - especially the swishing hoop skirts -

transported the audience into the source of empowerment and holds off stage. Her confidence, drive, home of the four sisters and their such meaning for so many people. I and resilience have translated into mother, Marmee, played by Sa- wanted to be the Jo that everybody my day to day life, and she has truly mantha Sweet. The play begins in wanted me to be, and it took me a changed my life.”

Massachusetts, Director during the Civil Meaghan DeWar, and introiter, Professor duces the sisof Practice in ters as a group Holy Cross’ of close-knit theatre departteenagers. As ment, celebrates they grow up, the importance they struggle to of Louisa May strike a balance Alcott’s work, between buildwhich “gave ing their sepawomen living in rate lives while the second half also remaining of the 19th cenloyal to one antury an opportuother. They are nity to read charCourtesy of Mike McMath. guided by Maracters written by Little Women’s three final shows run this weekend. mee, peacekeepa women.” ing and inspirNot only is ing, and their Aunt March (Liza while to allow myself to be the Jo the work written by a woman and Goodman), strict but loving. that I felt most connected to.” focused on women, but the women Cathryn Zachary ‘21, who plays She added that “However, I are relatable, fully fleshed out indiJo, shared details of her experience have been having the time of my viduals. Indeed, this is part of what with the Spire. She said, “The most life playing Jo. I have never played a makes the tale of “Little Women” difficult part of this role had to be character that has had such a posi- timeless. Nina Masin-Moyer ‘22, taking on a character that is such a tive impact on my life, both on and one of the production’s assistant

directors, reflected, “I think what keeps drawing people into “Little Women” after so much time is the universality of themes of familial and sisterly bonds, which lends itself particularly well to the emotionally impactful form of the musical.”

The book is written by Allan Knee, based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Music is by Jason Howland and lyrics are by Mindi Dickstein. Directed by Meaghan Deiter, the play ran through Jan 31-Feb 3 and will resume Feb 7-10.

Sunday performances are at 2:30 p.m., while all others are at 7:30 p.m.

Those who wish to see the play before the final curtain call may purchase tickets at the lobby table in Hogan on Friday afternoon, or at the Box Office before the show.

Tickets are $10 for Holy Cross students and $15 for other community members.

8 The Spire FEATURES

February 8, 2019

Another Point for Queen: Rami Malek Wins SAG Award for His Role in “Bohemian Rhapsody” Bianca Miccolis ’21 Features Editor On Sunday, January 27, Hollywood stars of the latest movies and TV series gathered for the 2019 and 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) in Los Angeles. This event never receives as much attention as the Golden Globes or Oscars, but most of the selected actors and actresses are also recognized at the Academy Awards. Among the award winners was Rami Malek, who won “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role” as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody” released in theaters on November 2, 2018.

Also known for his leading role as Elliot Alderson on the TV series “Mr. Robot,” Rami Malek has taken home a few awards since debuting as Queen’s frontman. In addition to the recent SAG Award acceptance, Malek won the Golden Globe for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture,” the

AACTA International Award for “Best Lead Actor,” and the CinEuphoria for “Best Actor - Audience Award” for his performance in the Queen biopic.

In his acceptance speech of his most recent award on January 27, Malek said, “I thank Queen and Freddie Mercury. I get some power from him that is about stepping up and living your best life and being exactly who you want to be and accomplishing everything you so desire. I feel that, and he allows us all to feel that. So this is again for him.”

Freddie Mercury is considered

one of the greatest performers in history. Queen’s lead guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor played significant roles in

the process. In an interview, Roger Taylor says, “I think a lot of people they think about Freddie and that the media tend to think of flamboyant … and they remember him for other things and they tend to forget that he was a brilliant musician.”

“Bohemian Rhapsody” has caused the views on Youtube of Queen’s music videos to increase especially for Courtesy of WROR the title song, Rami Malek accepting his SAG award.

“Bohemian Rhapsody.” In proposing the movie, which began November, the song was named in 2010. May and Taylor wanted the most viewed music video of to protect Freddie’s legacy, which the 1970s with 671 million views is why they were so involved with and now has over 827 million views

and counting. Other popular videos include “Don’t Stop Me Now” with 404 million views, “We Will Rock You” with 281 million views, and “I Want to Break Free” with 252 million views. In addition, subscribers continue to comment everyday. One Youtuber commented, “90% of the comments started 2 month ago” reflecting on the influx of people viewing these videos. On the video for “Somebody to Love,” another subscriber commented, “The Opening Scene of Bohemian Rhapsody literally brought me down in tears at the theater, when I first watched the movie ... God was that the Best movie I’ve ever watched, Hands Down.”

Alongside Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody” won the Golden Globe for “Best Motion Picture.”

In addition, Malek is Oscar nominated for the “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role” as well as the movie for “Best Motion Picture.” The Oscars is scheduled for February 24, 2019.

A Definitive (And Totally Biased) Guide to the 2019 Oscars Bridget Flaherty ’21 Features Editor This insane, confusing, strange awards season is coming to a close on February 24 with the most anticipated ceremony of them all — the Oscars. This is simply a movie superfan’s guide to the ceremony, specifically these five categories: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

If you know me at all, you know that I’m rooting wholeheartedly and unapologetically for “A Star is Born.” The blockbuster’s consistent snubs is one of the strangest narratives this season. Nobody can fathom the lack of love for what is (objectively) a stunning, moving, wonderful film. It earned eight nominations this year, including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Actor. It’s my personal pick for Best Picture, because I firmly believe it was the best picture of the year. Recently, the Academy has chosen to award smaller, lesser known films for Best Picture, thus leading to minor criticisms and speculation that the lack of popular films awarded are the reason for low viewing of the ceremony. “A Star is Born” is both critically acclaimed and popular, thus making it the epitome of Best Picture. I’m hoping voters will see the Oscars as an opportunity to finally award this spectacular film that has been wrongly overlooked this awards season.

Rami Malek is the season’s frontrunner for Best Actor for playing Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” I have so many problems with this situation, mostly because I believe that there are other actors that are way more deserving of recognition. Malek is a bit of a dark horse this awards season and

many were shocked that he edged finally win an Oscar. is Born” (duh), an incredible charout his competition for the SAG Mahershala Ali has swept the acter actor with a long career who award for Best Actor. I’ll refrain Best Supporting Actor category in earned his first Oscar nomination from elaborating on the Best Ac- every major awards ceremony thus this year. The Academy likes the tor mess by simply quoting a text far, thus making him a clear Oscar opportunity to honor older actors I received from my mother af- favorite. However, considering Ali with outstanding careers. Thereter Malek beat fore, I wouldn’t Bradley Cooper be surprised to for the SAG see Elliott win. award: “I’m so In my opinupset for Bradion, Best Supley yet proud of porting Actress him. He stood is one of the best up and hugged races to watch. It that dude whose is stacked with name I don’t incredible pereven know. formances from Rhami?”

My wonderful acpersonal picks tresses. Regina for Best Actor King won the are Bradley CooGolden Globe per and Chrisand Critic’s tian Bale. CooAward, Courtesy of empire.com and spin.com, respectively Choice per gives one of but wasn’t even Olivia Colman was nominated at the 2019 Oscars the best perfornominated for mances of both the SAG Award. the year and his career as a fading won this exact award in 2017, I To make matters even more intermusician, addicted to drugs and wouldn’t be surprised if the Acade- esting (and confusing), Emily Blunt alcohol who falls hard for a rising my chooses to honor someone else. won the SAG Award for her imstar. His performance is an emo- My pick is Sam Elliott from “A Star pressive performance in “A Quiet tional knockout that affects you long after you leave the theater.

Bale, on the other hand, delivers an impressive and entertaining portrayal of Dick Cheney in Vice, and — you can quote me on this — somehow makes Cheney kind of hot. I’m holding out for a BCoops win, but I’ll settle for Bale. As for Rami?

No comment.

It is pretty clear that Glenn Close will win Best Actress, beating Lady Gaga in her emotional first film performance and Olivia Colman in her funny, nuanced portrayal of Queen Anne in “The Favourite.”

These three women were all spectacular, but Close has had a stellar career and deserves to

Place,” but isn’t nominated for the Oscar. In my opinion, this category boils down to King, Amy Adams, and Rachel Weisz. (I am an Emma Stone warrior, but I’m sticking to these top three.) King has a slight edge, but Adams, who suffers from always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride syndrome, is on her sixth Oscar nomination. Many see her as long overdue for some recognition.

Weisz is the category’s dark horse, offering a spectacular performance in “The Favourite” that is arguably the core performance of the film.

“The Favourite” is one of the most nominated films this year and has yet to receive much recognition, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she nabs the trophy.

This year’s ceremony is sure to be one of the most entertaining, brow-raising, and potentially disastrous shows in a long time. Personally, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Overheard on the Hill “Thank god the sit-in ended in time for pub night”

“The only thing I could think about during my mental breakdown yesterday was if we left our refrigerator running” “I’m gonna go eat...until I die”

EGGPLANT

The Spire

February 8, 2019

9

The Eggplant The Spire’s Satirical Page Students Spend Day Sitting Outside Father Boroughs’s Office To Let Him Know What a Great Job He’s Doing The Holy Cross Marketing Team Meet-and-Greet Planners On Tuesday and Wednesday, members of the Holy Cross student body lined the hallway outside Father Boroughs’s office for the sole purpose of letting him know what a great job he’s doing.

They held signs and cheered every time he walked out of his office, presumably to complete his daily brisk stride through Cool Beans

and confuse the hell out of every first year who still isn’t quite sure of exactly who he is.

A student interviewed at the demonstration said, through gritted teeth as though she was trying to prevent herself from laughing, “Yeah, we just want to be right outside his office and get our pants as filthy as possible so we can spend the day congratulating him for spending more time soliciting donations than interacting with students.” When asked what

her favorite highlight of his presidency was, she thought for a moment and said, “Probably his response to the Chris Dustin article seven days after it was published. I really liked the part when he presented us information that was already in the article and ended it by letting us know that this was also painful for him. I’m so happy he has the ability to empathize with us like that.”

A representative from the President’s office remarked, “It’s great

to see students coming together to praise the administration like this. I don’t know what spurred this demonstration of gratitude – I haven’t read any of the signs or heard what they were cheering at him – but my suspicions lie with the beautiful new facilities we’ve provided non-athletes at the Luth Center.” This author is inclined to agree. I mean, have you even seen those treadmills? I’ve never been more confident that a machine will not abruptly stop and throw

me off in my life. The representative was quick to add that any other students wishing to virtually show their thanks were welcome to donate to the Holy Cross Fund.

At press time, several students had begun a chant involving the phrase “Daddy B,” presumably to convey that they see him as an actual father figure.

Holy Cross Greets Its First Openly Straight Student Leon D. Jensen Standing in Solidarity The College of the Holy Cross campus made an unprecedented advance this past month when a student openly declared that he was straight. Although he felt comfortable sharing his identity with me and a few other people in Cool Beans, he requested that I would not include his name in this article for security reasons. “This is the first time I’ve said this out loud in front of other people,” he told us. “My heart’s racing, but I feel good. This feels right.”

This student felt a growing sense of empowerment after seeing events on campus, such as

Pride’s annual event “Breaking the Closet.” In a follow-up interview, he explained his journey in more detail. “I saw so many people on this campus having the courage to stand up in front of others and share their sexual orientations and how that impacted their lives. I came to realize after a few events that nobody had talked about their straight identity, and it made me feel initially very isolated.” This student dreams of creating an environment on campus where other straight students can find a community and share their stories on the hill.

Early polling from the Spire suggests that this student may have a small but potent sample

size at Holy Cross to connect with. An anonymous survey we published asked several questions that students may feel uncomfortable answering in person. The questions covered a variety of topics, and these results will appear in subsequent issues of the Spire. Be sure to check out our article next month using this data, titled “How Far Can We Take an Academic Debate on Ethics?” Not surprisingly, our question of “What is your sexual orientation?” had a majority response of “Whatever I’m feeling when I’m drunk.” In a twist of events that shocked our data collection team, the answer “Straight” got a response of 11 percent. This contradicts previous

polling data conducted by other student groups from 2016, where this answer only had a 5 percent response rate.

The suggested presence of such a sizable straight community on campus prompted the Spire staff to reach out to alumni and see if they would help sponsor some space that straight-identifying students could use as a collective, nurturing space. A few incredibly wealthy alumni are unsure about what specific space straight students would need, but the idea of an athletic complex seems to be an early contender. In their proposed plans, Brooks-Mulledy Hall would be torn down to make room for an indoor complex that contains

half a football field, three basketball courts, and a table tennis arena. Talks with the administration have just begun, so it is still unclear whether or not this will resemble the final plan at all.

We returned to our lone straight student and informed him about the survey and alumni talks. The tears of joy that started to form in his eyes told us everything we needed to know. We asked once again if we could publish his story anonymously, and he gave an enthusiastic affirmation. “I want my story to reach the campus, and I hope it encourages those other straight students to make the leap into the public sphere like I did.”

Father Boroughs to Put Quotation Marks Around Mission Statement Senior Girl Publishes Final Draft of 100 Days’ Kiss List Scramble, Sr. Can Be Found in Drunk Tank by 8pm With just under 48 hours to go until the Holy Cross Class of 2019’s 100 Days Ball, one senior has just put the finishing touches on her carefully crafted and highly selective 100 Days Ball “kiss list”.

According to tradition, 100 Days Ball is one of the final opportunities for seniors to kiss classmates before graduation. “Ya know, just in case you haven’t had the chance to kiss the only 3 remaining guys at this school that you or one of your friends haven’t gotten with yet,” the senior reports.

Between roster-stalking Dance Class Lacrosse Boy and crossing off the boys who had since grown ugly facial hair, she was generous enough to disclose some details of her selection process with The Eggplant.

“It was hard to make the final cuts, but in the end, I feel I’ve made the right decisions. I really wanted Jack C. to make the list, but I’m just not sure he’s here for the right reasons. It was a tossup for the first spot. It was really close between Montserrat Boy and Plaid Backpack from Calc, but in the end, my Appa Love from sophomore year cinched the num-

ber one spot.”

She explained that for efficiency purposes you want a solid mix of crush-worthy but attainable guys.

“Like, I know Steve has a girlfriend right now, but that’s temporary. The love we shared in the stir-fry line at 6pm on Wednesdays...that’s forever.”

In preparation for the exchange of bodily fluids that will occur between the already incestuous Class of 2019, she reported that she had nearly doubled her already aggressive dosages of Airborne and Emergen-C. “I’ve already had both strains of mono. I’ve gotten two flu shots. I will not be slowed

down. I’ve trained for this since the first outdoor edge. 100 Days is my Olympics.”

“That’s not how that works,“ Martha Sullivan wanted to add.

A whole case of Carmex from the Lobby Shop in hand, the girl was ready to give The Eggplant an exclusive behind-the-scenes preview of her final draft, which was no shorter than the length of a CVS receipt, and no longer than her eventual walk of shame from Caro to Figge come Saturday morning. As she rolled up her list off the ground, her girl crush walked by, and the senior mentioned that she might need to

make some more adjustments to the list.

At press time, the girl had reportedly scrapped her list, and instead printed off the entire “Class of 2019 Participants” Moodle page.

10

The Spire

Sports Patrick Wareham ’20 Sports Editor The Holy Cross men’s basketball team is slumping. After firing on all cylinders throughout non-conference schedule, the team is sitting in the cellar of the Patriot League, at a miserable 3-7 conference record.

This was supposed to be a breakthrough year for coach Bill Carmody’s squad. Led by last season’s Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year Jehyve Floyd and accompanied by four sophomore starters with significant experience under their belt from a year ago, the team was picked to finish fourth in the preseason polls. However, the Crusaders are currently struggling through their worst stretch of the season, having just won two of their last nine games.

The game that has proved to define the Crusaders’ season was their devastating home loss to Lehigh back on January 9th.

It was a game that displayed the team’s incredible raw skill and potential, but also exposed its deepest flaws. In that game, the Crusaders came flying out of the gates, playing at a fast-paced tempo, pushing the ball upcourt, and relying on their three point shooting. The team scored an incredible 59 points in the first half, but the

SPORTS February 8, 2019

Men’s Basketball Near Bottom of Patriot League

pace with which they played would come back to haunt them. The Crusaders would go on to score just 27 points after halftime, show-

the stretch of games this season.

Only six players are receiving significant playing time of at least twenty minutes per game, four of

December, has proved to be especially critical, as the team is particularly thin in the frontcourt. The team is often forced to play small

Photo courtest of Hui Li.

Senior forward Jehyve Floyd posts up on the block against Army.

ing visible signs of fatigue, highlighting significant depth issues, which has become a determining factor in their struggles down

whom are breaking the thirty minute threshold. The loss of sophomore forward Connor Niego, who has been out with an injury since

the team has been outrebounded in all but one game since their loss at Navy on January 6.

What is so frustrating about the slide throughout conference play is that there have been relatively no adjustments made.

While Carmody’s hands may be tied to a certain extent due to Niego’s injury and the lack of depth, the Crusaders haven’t changed up their style of play.

Last Saturday’s embarrassing loss to American proved just that. The game was over before halftime, as the Crusaders dug themselves a 24-point hole by the intermission. Floyd was overworked once again, playing thirty-four of forty minutes. The only other forward to play was Matt Faw, who saw the court for just three minutes.

The team has eight games remaining before the Patriot League Tournament. Crusader fans are hoping for a bit of a late season renaissance, perhaps a return to the form shown in the non-conference schedule, but given the lackluster play over the last couple weeks, hope of the team turning the table is very dim.

with four true guards on the court at once, making it especially hard for rebounding against physical Patriot League opponents. In fact,

Crusader Sports Roundup Through February 6 Billy Fitzpatrick ‘20 Chief Sports Editor Although most Holy Cross students left campus for several weeks during winter break, Crusader student-athletes have been busy with competition as the winter sports season is in full swing. Let’s take a look at how Crusader sports teams have been faring recently.

have used a dominant form at the Hart Center to stay floating around .500 in Patriot League play. After dropping the first three games of conference play, the Crusaders have beaten Loyola (Md.), Boston

ing the conference in scoring (18.6 PPG) and clocking in at second for rebounding (11.4 RPG).

Men’s Ice Hockey The Crusaders (6-16-4 overall,

two weekends. Holy Cross split a pair of road games against Sacred Heart the last weekend of January, falling 5-2 on Friday night before bouncing back with a 4-1 victory on Saturday. Back at home last

Men’s Basketball The Crusaders (13-11 overall, 4-7 Patriot League) have faltered in conference play of late after a promising run in the non-conference portion of the schedule. Holy Cross has dropped games to Boston University, Loyola (Md.), and Navy in recent weeks, three teams that are situated in the bottom half of the Patriot League standings.

Depth has been an issue, as head coach Bill Carmody has been using a seven-man rotation often since junior forward Connor Niego went down with an injury in early December. They got back to winning ways with a 56-42 home win over Army Wednesday.

Women’s Basketball The Holy Cross women’s basketball team (12-9 overall, 4-6 PL)

Photo courtest of Kim Fetherston

Junior forward Kevin Darrar faces off against an Army player.

University, Army, and Lafayette.

Junior forward Lauren Manis has put herself in Patriot League Player of the Year conversations by lead-

6-11-3 Atlantic Hockey) have struggled against tough competition in conference play, but have found some success over the past

weekend, the Crusaders tied Army 2-2 and then won a close contest 5-4 thanks to a winner by first-year forward Anthony Vincent in the

third period.

Elsewhere The women’s ice hockey team (125-3 overall, 1-21-1 Hockey East) have struggled in its first season in the prestigious Hockey East conference. The Crusaders pulled off a stunning upset in November by defeating #5 Northeastern 5-3. The track and field teams recently competed at the New England Championships last weekend, where two school records went down on the men’s side by senior Alexander Escada and sophomore Michael Philay. Meanwhile, sophomore pole vaulter Christa Jay Moore was named ckSmithSuperior Crusader of the Week for winning the pole vault with an effort of 3.80 meters.

For swimming and diving, sophomore Nathan Kramer was named ckSmithSuperior Crusader of the Week (week of January 21-27) for his performance in a victory over Springfield. On the women’s side, two pool records were broken: the 400 medley relay, and sophomore Brianna Larnard in the 100 fly (58.77).

The Spire SPORTS February 8, 2019 11

Patriots Top Rams in Super Bowl LIII Billy Fitzpatrick ‘20 Chief Sports Editor The New England Patriots overwhelmed the Los Angeles Rams to win Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, Georgia, last weekend. In defeating the Rams by a score of 13-3, New England quarterback Tom Brady clinched his record sixth Super Bowl title. This was also the sixth Super Bowl for New England head coach Bill Belichick, making the Brady-Belichick tandem the most successful player-coach duo in NFL history.

With two of the league’s top offenses squaring off for the Super Bowl, the low-scoring affair was a surprise to many fans and NFL analysts alike. Los Angeles established the defensive tone that would define this game on the opening drive. Three minutes into the game, with New England marching into Los Angeles territory, Brady’s first pass of the game was tipped and intercepted by Rams linebacker Cory Littleton. However, any momentum the Rams gained from forcing that turnover was nullified when the Patriots defense forced an immediate three-and-out.

On the ensuing New England possession, the Patriot running game gained some traction with Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead all getting carries.

New England again found itself threatening in Los Angeles territory, but Stephen Gostkowski missed a 46-yard field goal, the first miss by an NFL kicker in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season.

The teams exchanged a series of uninspiring drives ending in punts that saw the score stand at 0-0 after one quarter of play. Later on, Brady began to establish a connection with wideout Julian Edelman and tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Edelman caught a third-down pass for 25 yards that brought New England inside the Los Angeles 30-yard line three minutes in to the second quarter. The Patriots again

the first half. The defense alone kept Los Angeles in this game by holding Brady & Co. in check during the opening two periods.

The Rams finally put together

limited Brady through the game’s first three quarters, the 41-year-old veteran led a vintage drive with less than ten minutes remaining in the contest. Over the course of four

Courtesy of USA Today

Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore intercepted a potential Rams touchdown to seal Super Bowl LIII.

could not get inside the red zone, though, and had to settle for a 42yard field goal attempt. This time, Gostkowski converted to open the game’s scoring at long last.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles could not get anything going against the Patriots. Third-year quarterback Jared Goff looked overwhelmed by a New England defense that did an excellent job of disguising coverages and audibling on the fly with the play clock inside 15 seconds. The Rams could only muster 57 yards of offense and two first downs in the entire first half. It was the first time under secondyear head coach Sean McVay that Los Angeles had been shutout in

a decent drive midway through the third quarter. After Goff missed an open Brandin Cooks in the end zone, Los Angeles still had a good chance to get into the red zone on a 3rd-and-seven from the New England 26-yard line. Yet, the Patriots defense came up with another big play when linebacker Dont’a Hightower sacked Goff to force a long field goal attempt. Los Angeles evened the score at 3-3 when Greg Zuerlein nailed the 53-yarder - the second-longest field goal in Super Bowl history. The combined six total points between the two teams entering the fourth quarter is the lowest ever in a Super Bowl game.

After the Rams defense had

straight plays, Brady peppered the ball around the field (to Gronkowski for 18 yards, Edelman for 13, Burkhead for seven, and back to Gronkowski for 29) to bring New England to the Los Angeles twoyard-line. Michel punched in the go-ahead score to cap the fiveplay, 69-yard touchdown drive.

It only took three-and-a-half quarters and a touchdown deficit for Goff and the Rams offense to show any sign of life. With All-Pro running back Todd Gurley rendered ineffective by injuries, Goff kept turning to Cooks to move the Rams down the field. Los Angeles nearly scored when Goff fit a fade route in a tight window to Cooks in

and Danielle Parks.

Coach Gibbons was in his 34th season as the head women’s bas-

program’s history, earning a record of 602-401 in 33 years at the helm and winning 11 Patriot League

him only the 21st active Division I coach to do so at the time.

Gibbons is a Worcester native and

the endzone, but the former Patriots receiver could not reel in the potential game-tying touchdown catch.

The next play, throwing from the New England 27-yard line, Goff went back to the well one too many times. New England rushed six and forced Goff to throw off his back foot. His effort to Cooks was far short and picked off by Stephon Gilmore inside the fiveyard-line with 4:17 remaining to effectively end the game. Gostkowski connected on a 41-yard field goal on the next drive with less than 90 seconds remaining to seal Super Bowl LIII for New England, 13-3. Edelman secured the game’s MVP trophy for his ten-catch, 141-yard performance.

As always, the Patriots face a number of questions this offseason. What will the big three of this era of the Patriot dynasty - Brady, Belichick, and Gronkowski - decide to do about their futures? All three could retire and ride off into the sunset, or they could just as easily run it back another year and enter the 2019 season as favorites to win another Super Bowl. Whatever course these three men end up taking, New England fans cannot complain. They just witnessed perhaps the most unique and impressive Super Bowl win of the franchise’s record-tying six. It was a virtuoso coaching performance

by Belichick, the perpetually underappreciated defense shut down an historically good offense, and Brady reminded everyone just how ruthless he can be when it matters most. Perhaps the final chapter of this unprecedented dynasty is in the books, and Brady and Belichick made sure it was a memorable one.

Women’s Basketball Coach Suspended, Investigation into “Personnel Matter” Allyson Neonickx ‘19 Editor-in-Chief

On January 31, Holy Cross Interim Director of Athletics Brendan Sullivan announced that longtime women’s basketball head coach Bill Gibbons has been suspended for the remainder of the 2018-2019 season.

The suspension––effective immediately––is due to an “internal investigation into a personnel matter,” according to the release issued by the College. While the College did not disclose any details regarding the nature of the investigation, it was noted that the action “does not involve a claim of sexual harassment, nor does it involve a student.”

Associate head coach Ann McInerney has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Current director of basketball operations, Sarah Hope, has been named assistant coach for the time being, joining Jeff Kirpas

Photo courtesy of Worcester Telegram & Gazette Women’s basketball head coach Bill Gibbons has been suspended for the rest of the season.

ketball coach and 38th season with the College’s athletic department.

He is the winningest coach in the

titles during his tenure. Gibbons secured his 600th victory with the Crusaders just last January, making

Clark University alumnus. A fixture in Holy Cross basketball and the greater Worcester community, Gib-

bons was awarded the prestigious Paul N. Johnson Award, given annually to a member of the Worcester community who has greatly contributed to Worcester area basketball.

According to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, in 2013 Gibbons voluntarily went on paid administrative leave after a former player filed a civil suit against him, alleging that he physically and verbally abused her.

After the College conducted a thorough review of the lawsuit’s allegations, Gibbons was reinstated to his position in January 2014 and the parties reached a confidential settlement in August 2014.

Interim head coach McInerney is in her 11th season with the Holy Cross basketball program. She is an alumna of Assumption College and a member of their Hall of Fame. The Crusaders currently stand at 12-9 overall.

The Spire

12

SPORTS

February 8, 2019

The Sad and Painful Life of a New York Knicks Fan Bobby Tuzzio ‘20 Editor-in-Chief Being a fan of the New York Knicks sucks. Well, I guess for most of the time it sucks. It could be worse.

There are definitely more atrocious teams than the Knicks. However, the fans of those teams are used to losing at this point. But let’s face it, this is the New York Knicks we’re talking about. This is a team that has won eight conference titles. Two championships. In fact, the 1970 champion New York Knicks are considered by many to be one of the greatest NBA teams of all time. It featured four Hall of Famers, including Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, and Willis Reed. The Knicks would go on to win the championship again in 1973.

Following a string of so-so success in the late 1970s to early 1980s, it appeared that the Knicks’ return to glory was imminent with the drafting of Patrick Ewing in 1985.

Ewing, a once-in-a-generation talent out of Georgetown University, became one of the most dominant centers the NBA had ever seen. With Ewing leading the squad and legendary coach Pat Riley at the helm, the Knicks returned to the NBA Finals in 1994, which they would lose to in a hard-fought series against the Houston Rockets, a team that featured its own legendary center in Hakeem Olajuwon.

Most people forget that the Knicks made the NBA Finals in 1999.

However, yet again, they would lose to another Texas team, this time the San Antonio Spurs, which were led by a young Tim Duncan and All-Star center David Robinson.

Alright, now we reach the 2000s. My lifetime. And boy have the Knicks really just sucked ever since ‘99.

Ok, I suppose that’s a bit of an exaggeration. They made the playoffs in the 2003-2004 season, but lost in the first round to the New Jersey Nets (a team that I probably should have paid more attention to in the early 2000s). With that one playoff appearance, the 2000s for the Knicks is best summed up as atrocious. Thanks a lot, Isiah Thomas.

However, by the 2010s, it looked as though the Knicks were going to regain their former success when they signed Amar’e Stoudemire in the 2010 offseason and then Carmelo Anthony in 2011. The Knicks then made it to the playoffs three straight seasons. They lost in the first round to the Celtics in 2011, lost in the first round to the Heat in 2012, and then beat the Celtics in the first round but lost to the Pacers in the conference semi-finals in 2013. Oh, and Linsanity was pretty cool during that period too.

Then Phil Jackson came in and just absolutely ruined the Knicks. This period is marked by terrible, just,

God awful decisions in the front office. I don’t even want to begin to dissect the triangle offense. And

He was recovering smoothly but was most likely not going to play this season (which now he official-

up a Knicks fan in northern New Jersey? Here, sign this piece of paper and let’s go win an NBA cham-

rant will pick up his things and go somewhere else, such as the Celtics.

The most legitimate thing that the Knicks have going for them right now is landing the number one overall pick in this years draft, which I would HOPE they use to pick Zion Williamson out of Duke. The Knicks are currently the worst team in the league, posting a 10-43 record. Right now they have the best chance of winning the draft lottery. But again, knowing the Knicks, I’m sure they’ll win a few games in the last two weeks of the season and fall to the fifth or sixth pick.

So, in closing, it’s a tough life being a Knicks fan. I’ve seen very little success for my favorite team during my lifetime. However, there’s one thing that almost all Knicks fans, including myself, always do, and that’s never give up on them. They may be one of the most frustrating teams in all of basketball, Photo ccourtesy of Associated Press however, they’re still the New The Knicks trading Kristaps Porzingis is the latest in a long line of heartbreaking moments for Knicks fans. York Knicks. I just hope to God they make some blockbuster moves this off-season. then there’s the draft choices. I’ll ly won’t). He was also on the last pionship.” Knowing the Knicks, admit, when the Knicks drafted year of his contract, so either the I’m sure that’s exactly how that Kristaps Porzingis in the 2015 NBA Knicks traded him, signed him to conversation will go. And I bet Dudraft, I was livid. What a waste of a max deal, or let him get picked a first-round lottery pick. But then, up in free agency. It seemed like the like most Knicks fans, it turned out last two options were not going to that I was wrong. It was like watch- happen, a sentiment that Porzingis ing a young Dirk Nowitzki. I had and the Knicks front office agreed never seen a guy with that height upon just hours before he was tradand level of skill in my lifetime. It ed to Dallas. It seems like everyone was awesome. But, the Knicks still in the world is criticizing the trade. sucked. It was in 2017 that my frus- However, we don’t know what kind trations against the Knicks came of player Porzingis will be when into full effect. Whether you see he comes back. He could have lost the potential or not, I never under- his touch. Another scenario, which stood the drafting of Frank Ntiliki- Knicks fans would REALLY hate, na. I distinctly remember driving is that he comes back even better home the night of the draft when than he was before he got injured. a New York sports radio host said The Knicks also traded Tim Hard“The Knicks first-round pick Frank away Jr., who was an average player Ntilikina told the French press ear- that got way overpaid. Trading him lier this year that he wasn’t sure if also got rid of his insanely large he was ready for the NBA because contract. The trade also nabbed he thought it was too physical.” the Knicks a couple of future firstRight when I heard that, I said to round draft picks. The trade, essenmyself, “we are so screwed.” And tially, frees up a ton of cap space look, I get it, he’s still super young, for the Knicks to go after big-name but I just don’t see it yet. Hopefully free agents this summer, including I’m wrong about him, though, and Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. he turns out to be a great player. The Knicks have somewhat of a At this point you’re probably won- shot of landing Durant or Irving dering why I’m writing this article (or both). This trade allows them in the first place and where this is to go to someone like Durant this all leading up to. Well, you may or summer and say “Hey KD, picture may not have heard that last week, this: you could play for one of the the Knicks stumped down to an most storied franchises in the NBA all-time low when they traded Kri- (despite everything I just told you), staps Porzingis (and a couple of play in the world’s most famous other players that I actually wanted arena every night, and guess what, to see leave) to the Dallas Maver- you could regain your credibility icks for DeAndre Jordan, Wes- back by winning a championship ley Matthews, and Dennis Smith on your own without joining a suJr. (whom the Knicks could have per team. Oh, and did we mention drafted two Junes ago, but took that we freed up a ton of cap space Ntilikina instead). The Knicks so that you could bring in one of traded away their franchise player. your really good friends who is Seriously, what were they think- also really good at basketball and ing? To be fair, Porzingis has been that he could also sign a max deal? sidelined all year with an ACL tear. How about Kyrie? Didn’t he grow