JUNE 18 - JULY 1 2019
FEATURES
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE
A&E
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UAA gears up for summer
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG
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Discover the spirit within the UAA eSports team
Safety starts with knowledge By Jason Herr
layout@thenorthernlight.org
Sirens wail and lights flash as an emergency vehicle races west along Providence Drive, past the University of Alaska Anchorage. Several times a day, the sirens and lights are urgent and daily reminders that safety is important for students. Safety awareness goes beyond the sirens, as UAA and the University Police Department reinforce this reminder with a variety of events and programs to aid students in growing that awareness. The UAA campus is nestled in the middle of the metropolitan cityscape that is Anchorage, but when it comes to crime and safety, there are definite differences between the two. One major aspect of campus safety is informing students about the Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities to disclose campus crime and security information to the public. Accessing these reports is one way that prospective students can gauge their campus based on crime and safety specific statistics. The U.S. Department of Education, or USDOE, provides an online tool that can be used to access the Clery Act information. It also allows the viewer to compare different schools within the same browser window. The tool can help future students to decide on their destination for higher education, ac-
cording to Michael Votava, the assistant dean of students and director of student conduct and ethical development at UAA. “I think it’s a great tool because students are able to look up information about any college across the country, and they can look at the information and look for trends to make informed decisions,” Votava said. These conclusions can help students to decide on attending a specific school, or to predict possible precautions for attending that school. For example, a student concerned about campus alcohol violations could use this information to decide if they need to ask for a dormitory that is substance free, according to Votava. Aside from the tool run by the USDOE, UAA discloses this information in their own annual Security and Fire Safety report. Currently, the report provides data for 2015-2017 on Clery Act crimes at UAA. “We’ve been providing information to new students about the Clery Act for probably about four to five years at this point. We take time during every new student orientation presentation to show crime statistics from the most recent calendar year that we have available,” Votava said. Votava also explained that when a prospective student requests information from UAA, there is a disclaimer on the material provided that directs the individual to the online report offered by the university. “We provide a notice to stu-
PHOTO BY JASON HERR
UPD vehicles line the parking lot outside of Eugene Short Hall.
dents once a year about the availability of the annual security report, and we do that by Oct. 1,” Votava said. “We always send it about four days before the deadline.” After releasing the information, Votava follows up with UAA community campuses, as well as personally checks in with students on the main UAA campus to make sure that the notice was received. “Another tool that goes along with Clery, if you want to know about your community that your college is in, that your university is in, are the UCR reports,” Interim Police Chief Michael Beckner of the University Police Department said. The UCR, or Uniform Crime Reporting Program, can be used to examine crime statistics or
trends within a community. “It’s not always a reflection of what is going on in the college, but it is a reflection of what is going on in the city,” Beckner said. The UCR can be accessed online and is prepared annually by the FBI. Population is also key, as the UAA community decreases in the summer months. “The current climate is that we’re in summer session, so our crime rate actually goes down during the summer as Anchorage’s goes up,” Beckner said. Becker also attributes differences in campus crime to the University Police Department having a visible presence around the campus. “Overall, we’re a reflection of the city. We don’t have the
violent crime that the city has in different places because we’re so heavily patrolled by the University PD,” Beckner said. Other tools available to the public are the various programs offered by UPD, such as Operation ID, RAD training and the UAA SAFE app that was released last year. “Look at your local media, read the newspaper. They tend to cover local crime trends,” Beckner said. Through programs such as the Clery Act, reports prepared by UAA and programs available through UPD, students can take steps to learn more about safety. For UAA students, safety awareness doesn’t end after the sirens and lights have passed.
Title IX training reboot for University of Alaska By Mary Ryan
content@thenorthernlight.org
GRAPHIC BY MICHAELINE COLLINS
thenorthernlight.org
facebook.com/tnlupdates
The University of Alaska will have its own version of the mandatory online Title IX training. The new format will be more accessible, applicable and relatable for the UA community. Prevention education coordinator Bridget Coffou and other UA staff responded to survey feedback from the past two years by replacing the Haven training hosted by Everfi with UA’s own Title IX online training on Blackboard. They first started writing the script for the Alaska and UA centered training in October of 2018. The new online training will be approximately half an hour long, as opposed to the previous length of an hour to an hour and a half. It will also be complet@tnl_updates
@tnl_updates
ed in one part rather than two, featuring statistics and images from UA campuses. The script will be written on the screen with a voice-over option rather than displayed through video. However, it will still have the same basic content and multiplechoice question format. “A lot of the feedback that we got the last two years that we have required the training is that it just feels very impersonal and that it didn’t resonate with really anyone,” Coffou said. “Some of the [scenarios] that they were talking about [in the training] and even the images were just not things that happen here or just isn’t how our university looks.” The former Title IX training offered by UA presented sexual violence statistics on a national scale. Now, it will include data from the UA Justice Center’s youtube.com/tnlnews
survey of UA campuses. A lack of relatable content is the main reason why the university is making its own Title IX training. “That’s probably the biggest way we are very much so narrowing in to our university,” Coffou said. The inclusion of photos of people and places at UA campuses are also meant to make the Title IX training more personal and relatable for UA community members. Another issue students came forward with is that the videos in the training were not easily accessible under poor wifi connections or limited bandwidth. “People on our campus, it
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NEWS 02 Pride for breaking boundaries THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2019
By Christina Swayney news2@thenorthernlight.org
PrideFest is coming to Anchorage June 22-29, with the last day including a festival and parade. PrideFest is the annual celebration for Alaska’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning, or LGBTQ+, communities. Anchorage Pride is a program for Identity Inc., an Alaskan LGBTQ+ community organization. This year, the theme is “Breaking Boundaries,” in reference to this year being the 50th anniversary since the Stonewall riots. The first PrideFest in Anchorage was in 1977, eight years after the riots. “The Stonewall riots, also referred to as the Stonewall uprising or the Stonewall rebellion, were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan,” according to the Anchorage Pride website. J. J. Harrier, a UAA alumnus who is helping to organize Anchorage PrideFest and, appreciates the welcoming way it is celebrated. “Pride is not just for the LG-
BTQ+ community. Celebrating it as a city is critical. We are all inclusive, never exclusive,” Harrier said. Daisy Grey, who is majoring in journalism and minoring in art at UAA, moved to Anchorage from Miami about five years ago and has enjoyed the LGBTQ+ community here in Alaska. “They call it ‘The Last Frontier,’ right? We’re out here and we are a growing community and I want it to grow in a way that is forward thinking,” Grey said. Grey has enjoyed attending PrideFest in Alaska, as well as other states. “I try to go every year and really live it up. I’m out there and being myself and unapologetically,” Grey said. The festivities start on June 22, and the main event is scheduled for June 29. Some headliners at the main stage are Lardi B, who is a body-positive musical artist, DJ Hot Pants, a popular DJ and Thorgy Thor, a drag queen and musician most known for competing on the eighth season of “RuPaul’s: Drag Race” and for returning on the third season of “All Stars.” The main parade will begin at 11 a.m. on June 29 and start between Ninth Avenue and E Street in downtown Anchorage. There will be around 50 floats
PHOTO BY JASON HERR
A rainbow flag waves outside Identity Inc on Anchorage’s 5th Avenue.
and 500 people participating in the parade. The parade will make its way into the festival grounds, the Delaney Park Strip. There will also be youth events at PrideFest. The Church of Love will host a Youth Art Show Mixer, or Y.A.S., for attendees ages 13-19. This event is a family-friendly dance. There will also be a Youth Parade on
June 29. Youth have traditionally carried the flag before and after the main parade in Anchorage. PrideFest in Alaska is also celebrated in the neighboring communities of Seward and Talkeetna. Grey explained that even people who don’t support the idea of being LGBTQ+ might
attend out of support for people pursuing happiness, and have fun in the process. “The idea of Pride is Alaskan at its heart. I can’t think of anything more Alaskan than being exactly who you are and being loud about it,” Grey said. For more information and a complete list of events, visit the Anchorage Pride website.
Legislature proposes bill to criminalize abortion in Alaska By Christina Swayney news2@thenorthernlight.org
Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky and Mississippi have recently passed laws that make abortion procedures illegal after six weeks of pregnancy. Alaska’s House Bill 178 is a new proposed bill that would make abortion a felony punishable with prison time. The definition of a child aborted would be from the time of conception. The bill was proposed on May 19 by Representatives Bill Eastman, a Republican from Wasilla and Sharon Jackson, a Republican from Eagle River. Sonja Barnard-Gravel, president of Generation Action, a UAA club that also partners with Planned Parenthood, ex-
pressed the importance of being aware of bills that limit abortion rights. “Any time legislation is proposed for the purpose of taking away rights from a specific community, it’s important to be diligent of the effects it will have. HB 178 is primarily a strict ban on abortion that takes away the right to privacy for pregnant people. Some people don’t realize it, but this extreme law doesn’t even offer exceptions for survivors of rape and incest,” Barnard-Gravel said. A poll by Pew Research Center shows 63% of Alaskans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. It was conducted in 2014 and all 50 states were polled. The poll was a religious landscape poll, a study of what the religous beliefs are in differ-
Title IX Reboot:
Continued from Cover
was taking them an hour to an hour and a half, but people out in more rural areas, it was taking them three to four hours to
complete,” Coffou said. “We figured that taking out all of the animations will significantly help that.” Many UA employees and students have reviewed the new script for accuracy and the desired increase in relatable content. “I think it covers everything
ent states, and included whether or not the poller was for or against abortion. It also consisted of other yes or no questions such as belief in hell, divorce and homosexuality. Barnard-Gravel is considered about the effects of the bill if passed. “It’s important to consider what we would be asking our doctors to do. They have taken an oath to do no harm and to always provide the best patient care possible, a ban or even a gag on abortions prevents them from taking care of their patients,” Barnard-Gravel said. Pat Martin, the outreach director for Alaska Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization based in Anchorage, noted that several states, such as Arizona, Utah and a few southern states,
restricted or banned abortion. “Most folks don’t understand that 38 states have restricted or banned abortions. These laws are representations of the people of these states,” Martin said. Martin doesn’t support abortion because of his stance on the debated issue of when a person becomes an individual person. “We need to eliminate the distinction between a born person and a not yet born person.
Killing a born person would be murder. Life begins at conception. Seeking out abortion is recruiting for a killer. Murder should be punishable by law,” Martin said. HB 178 will not be on the Alaska State Legislature’s agenda until it reconvenes in January of 2020.
that needs to be covered,” Coffou said. “I hope that it’s informative and if they take away anything, they know that ‘hey, there’s an office on campus, that if I get discriminated against, harassed or whatever it might be, there’s an office I can go to.’” UA leaders believe the Title IX training is important for the university. Even though it is mandated, they hope that students recognize its value. “I hope [students] will react
positively,” Coffou said. “It’s an online training that we are requiring, so I think people right off the bat aren’t super jazzed about that.” At the very least, Coffou anticipates a positive response to the shorter time span of the training. As she predicted, students expressed relief upon hearing about the changes. “For the past two years, I was also a mandated reporter as part of my job, and I think that al-
lowing the training to more accurately reflect UAA might also remind people to speak up when they see something wrong,” UAA student and Learning Commons employee Elena Peyton Jones said. “My hope is that this change will help us as students to better prepare, even just as support for the parties involved.” If all goes as planned, the new training will be available by July 1, 2019, Coffou said.
GRAPHIC BY CHRISTINA SWAYNEY
FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2019
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Seawolves gear up for the summer By Robert Gant
features2@thenorthernlight.org
There is a hidden treasure trove of rentable, outdoor gear nestled to the left of the Student Union Information Desk. A red kayak greets any student who walks through the Student Union. Venture further and one will find a rainbow of hiking bags, stacks of coolers and rows of ice skates lining the walls of room 213. Amidst the bicycles, portable stoves and wilderness proof trash cans, a student worker smiles up at anyone who walks through the door. The outdoor gear in the Student Union Outdoor Gear Room is available for rent to any current UAA student. Building manager of the Student Union, Chris Brake, is a senior geomatics major. In the four years Brake has spent working in the gear room, he has mas-
tered the art of gear safety. “Kayaks and canoes are one of the more popular options that we have, especially when we do deals,” Brake said. “We have four or five singles and four or five double seat kayaks that are watertight and suitable for stormy lakes and seas. I’m in charge of making sure all the kayaks are washed out and ready to rock ’n’ roll.” The kayaks come fully equipped with lifejackets, paddles and more. Discounted rental deals usually occur around major holidays, such as the Fourth of July. Brake feels that the Student Union Outdoor Gear Room has much more to offer than students notice. Brake personally recommends the portable stoves. “We have [stoves that are] really good for alpine areas and then just the basic stoves for on the side of the road and all that sort of jazz,” Brake said.
While it may not be a warehouse, students who prefer quality over quantity may find the Outdoor Gear Room to be a safe and affordable option. Adult campers spent an average of $546.41 on camping gear in 2016, according to the 2017 American Camper Report. The majority of the nationwide top camping purchases, such as coolers and backpacks, are available to rent from the Student Union Outdoor Gear Room. Renting a cooler for a weekend for $10 instead of purchasing one for a much higher price is a safer investment for an inexperienced camper and a cheaper option for infrequent outdoor explorers. For more information about the rental services available, visit the Student Union Outdoor Gear Room in room 213 of the Student Union, call (907) 786-1204 or email uaastudentunion@gmail.com
Informational flyers about outdoor gear rentals are available in the Student Union.
PHOTOS BY ROBERT GANT
Bicycles and ice skates are lined against the walls of the Outdoor Gear Room in the Student Union.
A vast array of outdoor gear is available to rent next to the Information Desk at the Student Union.
FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2019
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Learning Commons: more than a tutoring hub By Mary Ryan
content@thenorthernlight.org
“People [had the misconception that] if students came to us, they must be deficient in some way,” Learning Commons director Cameron Nay said. “That mindset is changing.” Located in the Sally Monserud Hall, what was first known as the Learning Resource Center has changed a great deal since it was established in the 1970s. Currently known as the Learning Commons, it has expanded to include the Center for Language Learning, the Writing Center, Math Lab, Science Tutoring, Academic Coaching Center, Communications Center, English Conversations Group and a computer and study space. The first service available, the Center for Language Learning, is run by the College of Arts and Sciences. It offers tutoring in seven languages: American Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. The Writing Center came about in the 1980s. Students may walk in for a 40-minute session where peer-educators read their essays aloud and suggest edits. “Whether you think you’re a weak writer or a strong writer, it’s really valuable to have someone read over your work and pick up on those things that you may have missed,” Laura Barber, UAA senior and writing consultant, said. “It’s hard when you get so close to your writing to be able to be objective.” The Writing Center also
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAEGAN CIECIEL
Learning Commons tutors are available to help UAA students in a relaxed environment.
offers a digital consultation through email. This year, Live Google Docs Writing Consultations allow students to chat online with a consultant as they edit documents together. In addition, students may study math homework in the Math Lab, where they can ask tutors, who are also UAA students, for help when they have questions. This summer is the last semester the Learning Commons offers science tutoring. It will be run by the College of Arts and Sciences in the fall of 2019. Another service in the Learning Commons, the Academic Coaching Center, offers help with time-management skills,
study plans, study skills, test strategies, increasing motivation and other non-course-specific areas during drop-in hours. The Communications Center was added to the commons a year ago. It offers critiques on speeches and presentations, as well as the beginning outlines and planning for these assignments. The Learning Resources Center changed its name to the Learning Commons two years ago. With the change in title came a transition in image. The name “Learning Commons” is meant to reflect the connection directors hope students will have to the UAA. The “express, share, connect
wall” prompts students to leave notes or express themselves in some way. This wall is also used to display the Learning Commons’ annual art show. “[The activities left out for students to contribute to are] just different ways for students to connect to the space and of course to each other,” associate director of the Learning Commons, Maegan Cieciel, said. Employees continue to make the Learning Commons a welcoming place to gather. This summer, the physical appearance of the rooms will change through more color and other aesthetic appeals. The Learning Commons also has plenty of comfortable chairs and tables
for the purpose of studying as well as hanging out. “We are trying to keep a more lively, accessible space,” Cieciel said. “People will see changes before the fall semester.” While the Learning Commons is becoming a common ground for community, the core mission remains the same. “Our goal is to empower students to take control of their education and reach their academic goals,” Nay said. During tutoring sessions, employees not only help students with a particular assignments when they come in, but also teach them how to fix similar problems in the future. For example, this might mean advising students on good study habits or encouraging them to speak up in class when they have questions. “We’re helping them learn how to fish instead of just giving them the fish,” Cieciel said. Many students come back to work at the Learning Center after receiving help from tutors. “It also helps them to gain the professional skills they need when they’re moving on,” Nay said. Peer-educators are better equipped to advise other students based on how they have handled similar situations. It is that sense of commonality that allows the Learning Commons to be a prosperous environment for UAA students. “There is a lot going on in a student’s life and we’re here to lighten that load,” Barber said. For hours of operations and more information, visit the Learning Commons page on the UAA website.
UAA | University Art Analysis – Meet ‘Archibald’ the mechanical moose
PHOTOS BY ROBERT GANT
Bonnie Nygard’s “Welded Moose” watches students passing by the Automotive Diesel Technology Building.
By Robert Gant
features2@thenorthernlight.org
A foreign species of moose has made his home on the UAA campus, and the happiness he spreads is invasive. Bonnie Nygard has filled many roles in her time at UAA. Currently, Nygard is the Director of Workforce Development. Nygard served as Interim Dean of the UAA Community and Technical College, or CTC, from 2014-2016. During that time, she became the mother to a very unconventional moose.
“Archibald,” a welded hodgepodge of automotive parts in the form of a moose outside of the Automotive Diesel Technology Building, is Nygard’s creation. She created the mechanical moose as part of a non-credit welding art class offered by the UAA CTC. “When I took this class, I was serving as Interim Dean of CTC, so my goal was to bring some fun and attention to that part of campus, with a focus on the automotive, diesel and welding technology programs,” Nygard said. “I sure hope students and campus visitors enjoy ‘Ar-
chibald.’” The automotive technology faculty donated a vast array of car parts for the sculpture. Closer inspection of “Archibald” reveals a snout composed of a car fender, diesel brake hooves and numerous welded gears forming his torso. Nygard attests that this contribution from the faculty reflects the passion that goes into the automotive, diesel and welding technology programs at the university. “My instructor, Cindy Shake, allowed me to put in extra time in order to complete the project,” Nygard said. “Cindy was an outstanding instructor, so much credit goes to her expertise and creativity.” According to an article from UAA’s Green & Gold News, Shake’s class is “not your traditional classroom setting,” but draws in everyone from grandmas to art students, radiologists, optometrists and police officers. Nygard aimed to capture the diversity of students from all
A closer look at Bonnie Nygard’s detailed welding work on “Welded Moose” in the grass by the Automotive Diesel Technology Building.
walks of life convening to learn new skills in “Archibald.” Even students who have no involvement in the CTC take note of the welded moose’s presence. Kaitlyn Miracle is a senior environment and society major who appreciates “Archibald.” “I’ve always thought [‘Archibald’] was neat and gave the area character,” Miracle said. “He is a kind of rusty, rustic Alaskan.” “Archibald” may not be a real moose, but the student interest on campus he represents is authentic. Just like the mechanical moose, UAA is welded together
from many people that serve different parts and purposes. “Archibald” shows us that a diverse student body can collaborate to create exceptional things. When students pass between the Gord W Hartlieb Hall and the Automotive Diesel Technology Building, they may consider taking a moment to appreciate UAA’s own special species of moose. Have you seen art at UAA you want to know more about? Contact Robert Gant at features2@ thenorthernlight.org
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THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2019
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UAA eSports Club’s competitive spirit By John Novotny
arts@thenorthernlight.org
“I tuned in for one stream and I was hooked,” president of the eSports Club Christian Mercale said. UAA’s eSports Club was founded in the fall of 2017. Mercale says that before then, a small, dedicated group of gamers met regularly at Kaladi Brothers on campus with the goal of bringing eSports to UAA. “Right when I was starting at UAA, I was trying to do research and see if UAA had an eSports club. The only thing I could find was the Gaming Club. They were just kinda into board games and meeting up... [It was] not really the thing I was looking for. Then, a guy posted on a ‘League of Legends’ Facebook page about wanting to start one at the university and I got excited,” Mercale said. Mercale says that the club began to take shape in the spring of 2017. The group would meet up during the summer in the Engineering & Industry Building to practice. “It was awesome because it was all fresh, it was new. We were all learning, but we were passionate about starting [the eSports Club],” Mercale said. Mercale said that he wasn’t afraid to take on the responsibility of becoming club president. “I always wanted to expand my leadership experience. So, becoming president was natural to me,” Mercale said. “On [the club’s ‘League of Legends’
PHOTO COURTESY OF UAA E-WOLVES FACEBOOK
The crowd cheering at an eSports tournament at Senshi Con 2017.
team], I like to be the shot caller which is kind of like the leader, so I feel like it was a decent transition.” “League of Legends” is an online, multiplayer area video game. Two teams of five control unique champions and fight to destroy a structure in the opposing team’s base called a Nexus. Mercale first became interested in “League of Legends” and competitive gaming after high school. “I’ve always been a competitive person myself. Anything I do, I try to become the best,” Mercale said. “League of Legends” is popular with the members of the eSports Club. It features a competitive ranked mode, which uses rules that are more similar to tournaments. “I remember playing ranked so much. I would hop into
ranked even though I was bad. I just had the drive to continually get better,” Mercale said. Mercale is an avid athlete. He says that the draw to watch professional eSports is the same reason people watch other professional sports. “It’s similar to why people watch football or basketball. I’m a basketball player, so watching the NBA and seeing guys pull off moves is incredible. It’s the same thing in ‘League [of Legends’],” Mercale said. “I think that’s why eSports is so entertaining. It takes an equal amount of strategy and mechanics to see it unfold and to see a team succeed.” Senshi Con 2017, an annual anime and gaming convention in Anchorage, was the first tournament the eSports Club competed in. The team didn’t do well, Mercale said. However, during
Senshi Con last September, the team placed second. The eSports Club also regularly competes in tournaments hosted by the Collegiate Starleague, or CSL, which is an eSports organization that hosts national tournaments for a variety of games including “League of Legends.” “We participate in the CSL tournament because playing against other schools is what college eSports is all about,” Christian Miranda, a member of the eSports Club’s ‘League of Legends’ team, said. Miranda says that the eSports Club competes in as many tournaments as possible to build a reputation with the community and gain experience as a team. The eSports Club has also started organizing their own tournaments such as the “League of Legends” Summer
Split. Mercale participated in the tournament with 907 Gamers, an Alaskan gaming organization. Since 907 Gamers didn’t host another one the following year, Mercale decided to have the eSports Club organize the tournament themselves. Six teams, including one from the eSports Club, signed up for the Summer Split tournament last year. However, Mercale says the eSports Club is having difficulty finding teams to join this year’s Summer Split. “We’ve only got two teams signed up right now. Both of which are from our club,” Mercale said. Mercale says that the teams usually practice online and communicate using Discord. He is also in favor of having teams bond outside of the game, such as exercising and planning activities with teammates. “I want us all to have in-game synergy as well as out-of-game synergy,” Mercale said. The eSports Club is currently working with UAA to open an eSports lounge on the second floor of the Student Union. Mercale says that they are working to open the lounge for the fall semester. The eSports Club meets every other Saturday in the Engineering & Industry Building in room 215 from 4-8 p.m. For more information about upcoming events, visit the club’s Facebook page, UAA Esports Club, follow them on Twitter at UAA E-Wolves or contact the eSports Club at uaaesports@ gmail.com.
Game review: ‘Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons’ is an emotional journey By John Novotny
arts@thenorthernlight.org
“Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons,” a single-player video game, was released on August 7, 2013. It was developed by Starbreeze Studios and published by 505 Games. In the game, players simultaneously control two young brothers, Naiee and Naia, in a medieval world. Immediately, “Brothers” sets a somber tone by opening with Naiee, the younger brother, kneeling at his mother’s gravestone near his family’s house. Through a flashback, players learn that Naiee and his mother were on a boat in the ocean during a storm and she was thrown overboard, and struggles to stay afloat amid the tumultuous waves. Naiee attempts in vain to rescue her by gripping her hands and pulling her into the boat. He watches helplessly as his mother sinks deeper and deeper into the dark, blue ocean. As the present begins to fade back in, Naiee sees the ghost
of his mother appear from her gravestone and kiss his head. As their mother’s ghost fades away, Naia calls to his brother to help their father, who has suddenly fallen ill. Players then control the brothers, leading their father on a wheelbarrow to the village doctor. The brothers receive a map from the doctor and learn that they must embark on a long journey to find the medicine required to cure their father. The introduction to the characters is seamless and efficient. Wasting no time, it sets up the brothers’ task and sends them on their way. A controller is required to play “Brothers,” even on PC. Players control Naia with the left trigger and stick. At the same time, the player controls Naiee with the right trigger and stick. It took some time to get used to the controls, but once I did, it felt fluid and natural. The characters in “Brothers” speak a sort of garbled, madeup language. Although none of the characters in the game speak English, players can always tell what they are express-
ing through their gestures and tone of voice. The experience is somewhat similar to charades. “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons” combines narrative and gameplay to create effective storytelling moments. Because of this combination, players become greatly invested in the characters and their journey. The brothers must work together to overcome obstacles during their journey. Several times, the brothers must cross rivers. Because of his mother’s drowning, Naiee is afraid of swimming and must hang onto Naia’s shoulders while crossing the rivers. There are also several side paths where players can interact with villagers, animals and objects. Players learns about the brothers’ personalities during these interactions. If Naia interacts with shallow water, he will rub some on his face and neck to cool off, while Naiee’s interaction with the water results in him cupping his hands and throwing the water in the air above him. These compelling interactions highlight each brothers’ person-
IMAGE COURTESY OF STARBREEZE STUDIOS AND 505 GAMES
ality. The interactions also provide moments of levity during some of the game’s bleakest moments. One of my favorite moments was seeing Naiee play rock-paper-scissors with a wild-haired inventor. Before or after each main area of the game, players are given the opportunity to appreciate the environment and reflect on events by having the brothers sit on a bench. The music, composed by Gustaf Grefberg, accentuates both the classic adventurous
spirit of “Brothers,” in addition to darker themes. “Brothers” features the most compelling narrative I have ever experienced in a game. The ending of “Brothers” is so impactful that it had me in tears until the credits rolled after my first playthrough. “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons” can be purchased for $15. At about the length of a movie, the game can be completed in about two-three hours. I highly recommend scheduling an afternoon to play through “Brothers” in a single sitting.
SPORTS
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2019
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UAA cross-country and track and field team lose head coach after 29 years By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org
After the completion of the 2018-2019 track and field season, head coach Michael Friess announced his retirement from the program, after nearly 30 years at UAA. Friess did more than coach almost three decades of athletes: He built the program from the ground up. He started out as the head cross-country coach in 1990 before taking on the duties of the strength and conditioning coach in 1994. In 2000, Friess started the women’s cross-country program at UAA, while coaching track and field athletes before UAA even had a sponsored track and field team. Friess helped gain sponsorship for outdoor track and field in 2005 and indoor track and field in 2013. Despite start-
ing from almost nothing, Friess has coached 15 NCAA national champions and 178 All-Americans. Cody Thomas, a New Zealand local, was recruited and coached by Friess until his final outdoor track and field season, where he became the fourth Seawolf to win an individual outdoor national title. “Coach Friess changed my life. He took a risk in bringing me from New Zealand on little to no performance standards and times out of high school. I’m guessing he saw something that none of the other coaches saw, including other Great Northwest Athletic Conference coaches,” Thomas said. Thomas explained that there are many reasons that he doesn’t believe he would have been either athletically or academically successful without Friess in the picture.
“I admire his passion for the sport and his strong moral values, such as being on time, integrity and respect. He runs a tight ship and every athlete knows they need to conduct themselves professionally, or you have no place. If you respected him as a coach, he’d respect you as a person and an athlete,” Thomas said. Quality was always something that Friess emphasized during his time at UAA. This is one of the reasons he chose to leave to program, to spend more quality time with his family. “I want to spend more time with my wife Stephanie, our family and our grandchildren. Stephanie and I would love to travel more. I’ve been blessed to have had coached athletes from all over the world, and it would be great to visit and experience their home countries,” Friess said.
Friess spent the majority of his time and effort on his athletes during his career, something former athlete Cody Parker appreciated. “Coach Friess is extremely passionate about track and field, and that alone was always motivating. He pushed us to our potential. He has been present during some of the major ups and downs in my life for sure,” Parker said. “He helped me through getting surgery on my elbow. He came to every doctor’s appointment with me and really helped through the entire process of rehab, not only with the physical side, but the mental as well.” Despite the hard times during his career, Parker’s effort and Friess’ support were worth it. Parker was the third Seawolf to capture an individual outdoor title. He came first in javelin throwing in 2013. In addition to coaching
PHOTO COURTESY OF ADMA EBERHARDT
Head coach Michael Friess interacting with an athlete.
national champions such as Parker and Thomas, Friess also helped coach 237 individual GNAC champions and 32 GNAC team champions. On the cross-country side, Friess coached the team to win eight NCAA West Region Titles and helped the women’s team finish in the top eight at nationals for the past 11 years. In addition, Friess has been named Coach of the Year a combined 49 times by PacWest, GNAC and USTFCCCA. “I knew that if I was doing my job to the best of my abilities, that I would always be in the tough position of leaving behind a very good team and very good coaches. This is certainly the case for me now, because the team and staff
that are returning and the recruits we have coming in will be very good. It does provide me satisfaction knowing that the program is on a roll and positioned for even greater success in the years to come,” Friess said. Despite retiring, Friess emphasized that this is likely not the end of his involvement in collegiate track and field. He is open to the possibility of future coaching or non-profit work that benefits his community. A replacement for Friess is being actively pursued, but no information has been announced regarding prospective candidates or a timeline of replacement.
How to get outside and get active this summer in Anchorage By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org
The summer months in Alaska often seem so short, but can be some of the best months of the year in Anchorage. With warm weather, abundant sunshine and long days, there are many ways to stay active and get involved in activities around town. Yoga in the Park (Wednesdays 6-7 p.m., June 5-Aug. 7) The Alaska Club is hosting a weekly yoga class at Delaney Park all summer long. All skill levels are welcome and it is free to the public. Participants must bring their own yoga mat or blanket.
Alaska Outdoors Weekly Evening Hike (Every Monday and Thursday) The Alaska Outdoors host easy to moderate social hikes. A $1 donation is suggested, but the hike is otherwise free. Hiking locations vary each week, so check out their website for the latest hiking location updates. Skinny Raven Pub Run (Tuesdays 6 p.m., starting June 11) Every single Tuesday this summer, Skinny Raven is posting a pub run. The social run will start at Skinny Raven downtown, follow an approximate 5K course, ending at a local pub. Slam’n Salm’n Derby (June 14 - 23) For a whole week, locals and visitors can join the crowds at Ship Creek to fish their way to
cash and prizes. The event is a benefit for the Downtown Soup Kitchen, with admission by donation. Midnight Sun Jump-aThon (6 p.m. June 21-6 a.m. June 22) This event takes place all night on the summer solstice. Join the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage as they display their athletes on the Karl Eid Ski Jumps at Hilltop Ski Area. A barbeque takes place at 8 p.m. and a pancake breakfast at 6 a.m. Alyeska Downhill Cup Race (June 30) The Alyeska Cup is a downhill, mountain bike race series that takes place at Alyeska Resort. The races are timed, points are given and a winner will be determined at the end. Admis-
sion is free with the purchase of a lift ticket. Price varies by age. Anchorage Mud Factor Run (June 30) This muddy 5K run features an obstacle course taking place at Kincaid Park. Participants will be able to slide down water slides, climb metal walls, crawl under nets and more. Boondocks Breakaway 5K (July 7) This family-friendly fun run features both a 2.5K run and a 5K run. It takes place along the scenic Kincaid trails. Turnagain Triathlon (July 19) This youth-targeted event allows sixth through 12th grade students to get a chance to compete in a triathlon. The swim portion takes place at the
Bartlett High School pool, the bike portion on an out-and-back closed road and the run portion on the Bartlett track. Distances are determined by grade. Alaska Distance Classic (Aug. 3) This Skinny Raven hosted event gives the option to run either a 5K or 10K. The course takes place along Elmore and around Goose Lake. All finishers will be rewarded with a root beer float at the finish line. Moose’s Tooth Marathon (Aug. 18) Previously the Humpy’s Marathon, this annual marathon will be taking place on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and Chester Creek Trail as an outand-back marathon. The event also includes options of a 49K, half-marathon and 5K run.
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