Inside A2
Inside A3
Inside A4
A&E: Beatbox saxophonist Derek Brown performs in Rhea Miller
Opinion: Staff’s top four best and worst Christmas movies
Sports: Women’s basketball plays well
Monday, Nov. 29, 2021
Vol. 54 No. 12
Saginaw Valley State University’s student newspaper
thevalleyvanguard.com
POLICE BRIEFS Suspicious situations
Political science sophomore Larkin West voices his opinion at Tuesday’s Pastries and Politics session. Vanguard Photographer | Ryan Pelletier
‘Pastries and Politics’ discuss voting process Rebekah Williams
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Vanguard Reporter
VSU’s College Republicans and College Democrats hosted their second “Pastries and Politics” for the semester on Monday, Nov 15. Abigail Sefcik, the president of College Republicans, said the topic was picked ahead of time. “This month we are talking about mailing ballots, gerrymandering/redistricting and all the things related to the election process,” Sefcik said. Diva Patel, the president of the College Democrats, said the topic selection was specific. “The reasoning behind tonight’s topic selection was to facilitate active discussions about elections, voting,
and election integrity as they have been widely debated topics, especially following the 2020 election,” she said. They started the discussion off by talking about mail in ballots and the importance they can bring for both sides. “I think mail in ballots are important because they make things more accessible for everyone. About 11 percent of people don’t have a valid driver’s license or identification, so about 21 million Americans don’t have the ability to vote,” Patel said. After the discussion Patel believed a middle ground was found. “I believe that there was a middle ground between the two sides because both sides have the same fun-
damental goal: to have secure and accessible voter registration processes and elections. Both sides simply have opposing views on how to achieve those goals,” Patel said. Before the event, Sefcik said the goal of the event is to let people express their thoughts about voting. “We’ve found that between the two groups we have some differences but that those differences can be smaller than we think they are,” said Sefcik Sefcik said she and Patel get along very well and she anticipated the points that came from Patel’s side. “I want to note [the] way Patel listens and absorbs information, thinking critically and then responding accordingly,” Sefcik said. “Various attendees on both sides of the aisle could
learn something from the way she respects those around her. The College Democrats have a very deserving president who works well with others, and I hope that our friendship will show others that the youth of both the Republican and Democratic party are capable of more than just division.” Patel said meaningful conversation was accomplished at the event. “I am incredibly grateful to the attendees of Pastries and Politics for wanting to engage in deep and meaningful conversations on various topics while simultaneously keeping an open mind,” she said. “Pastries and Politics is a great place, in my opinion, to foster and develop your views, especially if you are unsure where you stand.”
Future educators gain insight from student teachers Audrey Bergey Vanguard Photographer
Aspiring Educators of Michigan Education Association hosted its Teachgiving event on Monday, Nov. 15 in Gilbertson Hall. The Aspiring Educators group of SVSU is a precursor to the MEA Union and is also affiliated with MEA to work with staff members to provide professional development, volunteer opportunities, social justice, and networking opportunities. This RSO helps SVSU education majors build connections with others involved in education programs. Much like Teachgiving, Aspiring Educators provides other fun activities, professional development, and more as their way to support their members. Elementary education and integrated science fifth year Madeleine Gray is the Co-President and Treasurer of Aspiring Educators. “Teachgiving was the name we
gave to our November meetings,” Madeleine said. Teachgiving hosted three students who are currently student-teaching this semester. “They were able to share valuable information and experiences with the member of our group and provide some insight on what lies ahead in both the Elementary and secondary education Programs here at SVSU,” Gray said. The main takeaway for this event was for members to gain some knowledge on the student-teaching experience they may one day experience for themselves through the College of Education. “I hope that members that attend can network with the other members, speakers, and E-board members to make new friends and connections that will guide them through their time at SVSU,” Gray said. Many of the meetings last year were virtual and took place online limiting the ability to host fun and
Students were able to grab from various treats offered that night to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Vanguard Photographer | Vincent Ford
creative events. “The other E-board members and I have been trying our best to increase membership in this group,” Gray said. “The ability to host in-person meetings has allowed us to host a wider variety of meetings and
events.” During Teachgiving, students were able to participate in a Thanksgiving themed icebreaker, a do-ityourself craft, and write some positive messages to children in the area receiving lunches from YMCA of Saginaw.
14 Michigan educators chosen for fellowship Alyssa McMillan Vanguard News Editor
On Nov. 4, SVSU announced the 14 recipients of the 2021 Gerstacker fellowship at an induction ceremony held in Rhea Miller recital hall. Co-Director of the Gerstacker Fellowship Mary Ackerman explained what the fellowship is. “The purpose of the fellowship is to create a cohort of educational leaders to expand the vision and leadership capability of premier teachers and administrators,” Ackerman said. “The cohort meets
2-days a month for an entire year, and then travels internationally to learn about the education and culture in a global community.” She explained on of the opportunities provided by the fellowship. “One of the greatest gifts of the Fellowship is the opportunity to develop relationships with the entire community of Gerstacker Fellows,” she said. “During the past 15 years, 165 teachers and administrators have completed the program. Annually, the entire group of Fellows is provided with opportunities to continue their leader-
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ship studies as a larger group.” The fellows are picked after an application process. “Interested individuals apply for the Fellowship,” Ackerman said. “They must be nominated by the superintendent of their district. The applications are then reviewed and an interview team chooses a 10-14 individuals with the following criteria in mind: Representation from the Great Lakes Bay Area, balance between elementary, middle and high school, and teachers and newer administrators.”
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The fellowship also includes training. “The Fellows receive training in leadership,” she said. “This may include: Communication, Culture, Organizational Structure, Political Advocacy, Diversity and inclusive practices, executing strategic priorities, Global Education. Topics may vary depending on the year.” In a normal year, the cohorts would be given the opportunity to travel internationally to study and learn. However, due to COVID, the trip has been canceled the past three years. A&E.....................A2 Opinion..............A3 Sports.................A4
On Nov. 23 at 12:04 a.m., officers received a call about a situation in parking lot L. The caller stated they could hear a car alarm going off and a female possibly screaming “get away from me.” Officers arrived at the scene and spoke with a male and female student outside of the car. Both stated they were fine and did not hear anyone screaming. On Nov. 25 at 1:04 p.m., officers responded to a report of a male and female arguing in University Village 407-3. Upon arrival officers discovered there was no physical altercation, but damage was done to the bedroom wall. No arrests were made.
Property damage On Nov. 19 at 8:30 a.m., officers responded to an accident on University Drive and parking lot J-3. When officers arrived, they found an 18-year-old female resident had pulled out of J-3 trying to cross the road when she struck another vehicle traveling north on University Drive. Both vehicles had substantial damage. On Nov. 19 at 2:47 p.m., officers responded to a walk-in report of a traffic crash that occurred on Nov. 17 at 9:30 p.m. A 21-year-old female student was driving west on College Drive when another vehicle tried to pass her while making a left turn onto Collings Drive. At the time both drivers thought there was no damage. The student later found damage on her car and filed a report with police. No information is known on the other vehicle. On Nov. 19 at 9:47 a.m., officers were notified about graffiti painted on a barrier in parking lot J-4. They located the graffiti and determined that it was the same type and style that was left on a dumpster last week. This incident is still under investigation.
Larceny On Nov. 22 at 8:15 a.m., officers were notified that some furniture was missing from several study lounges in Living Center Southwest. A custodian said that the furniture was there on Friday and was gone by Monday. Officers reviewed the cameras and observed several students had taken the furniture to their own rooms. Police said the incident is still under investigation.
A&E
Page A2 | Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 | thevalleyvanguard.com | The Valley Vanguard
Derek Brown performs beatbox saxophone concert Connor Rousseau
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Vanguard Reporter
he Rhea Miller Recital Hall was a full house Friday night as SVSU welcomed world-renowned saxophonist Derek Brown. So many people attended the event that some had to move to a classroom in Curtiss Hall and watch Brown perform via livestream. Brown has performed in many countries and across all fifty states. Songs he played included one dedicated to his parents called “South Haven.” Brown is a Michigan native himself, making the concert more personal for him and the audience. Brown has the ability to play his saxophone without needing to pause for lengthy breaths. He incorporates a beatboxing technique while playing that gives a percussion-like sound to his music while simultaneously playing actual notes. He even used the instrument’s keys to produce music. At one point in the performance, Brown put a shaker instrument in his bell and used it during one of his pieces and played what ended up being two instruments at the same time.
Brown also did a saxophone rendition of Bach’s “Orchestral Suite Number 1,” a piece that was composed before the saxophone itself had been invented. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was also performed with Brown’s dad singing in the audience, a father who Brown said was always a big supporter of his musical passion. Brown was also able to play two notes at the same time on his saxophone, something widely accepted by the music community as impossible for any kind of woodwind instrument, but Brown proved it was possible to the audience with his rendition of “Chopsticks.” Brown then performed with music professor Colin Wood on the saxophone during an improvised piece in E minor. The performance concluded with the SVSU Jazz Ensemble under Wood’s direction joining Brown on stage for two final pieces. Brandon Haskett, a music professor, said Brown “takes a unique approach to the saxophone and has drawn many students to his work through his use of extended techniques, which produce an effect similar to beatboxing.” Theresa Clark, a music performance senior, attended the performance. They
Guest artist Derek Brown performs on his saxophone using his beatbox style for the first concert of the Rhea Miller Concert Series. Vanguard Photographer | Audrey Bergey said beatboxing on the saxophone was not at all what they thought it would be, and what Derek Brown was able to do with his saxophone was much more entertaining than they imagined it would be. Clark said they were there to support the local music scene
and fulfill music department requirements. “I had a good time listening,” Clark said. “It made me appreciate saxophone music much more. Usually it isn’t my favorite instrument to listen to … I felt that it had a great groove and was entertaining.”
SVSU theatre department performs George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’
(From left) Scott Lamont as Squealer, Holly Houck as Napolean, and Lexi Schultz as Snowball attempt to overthrow Mr. Jones in the show “Animal Farm.” Vanguard Photo Editor | Brooke Elward
Connor Rousseau Vanguard Reporter
One of George Orwell’s most renowned works was put on the stage at SVSU last Wednesday through Sunday. “Animal Farm,” written by English author George Orwell in 1944, is an allegory that touches on the influence of politics and power. The SVSU theatre department put on a show with a team of 15 actors and actresses. Additionally, there was a stage manager, costume designer, make-up and hair designer,
sound designer, prop designer, lighting designer and other people who made the show a reality. Scott Lamont, a theatre education sophomore, said he was eager to be back on stage since his last SVSU show in early 2020. He played the role of the pig Squealer who symbolized Vyacheslav Molotov, head of Communist propaganda under Joseph Stalin’s dictatorship in the Soviet Union. Lamont said that a great deal of work was put into this production. “It’s crazy to believe we have put together
such an amazing production in just about 6 short weeks,” he said. “Our rehearsal schedule was Monday-Friday for about three hours a day. However, rehearsal and practice time doesn’t just happen while in the rehearsal space at SVSU. As an actor in any production, a lot of work goes into making the character/ production you want your audience to see. Even on the production/technical team side of things, they put in lots and lots of work to give our audience the best show possible.” Lamont said that “Animal Farm” is a classic piece of literature with an interesting story, saying that he read the book in one of his high school English classes. “I learn something new in every show I am a part of,” Lamont said. “This production has some very unique elements like puppetry, voice overs and acting like a pig. Those are just a few of my favorite elements.” James Weaver, a medical laboratory science senior, said he was eager to see such a popular story portrayed on the stage and attended the performance opening night. Weaver said that due to his spiritual background, he found the character Moses the crow to be the most interesting. “The actress did an amazing job of portraying religious views as seen by the perspective of the Soviet Union,” he said. For those who may not be familiar with “Animal Farm,” Weaver said it is a simplistic metaphor for how communistic and socialistic ideals play out when implemented, adding
that it is a trustworthy metaphor since it is based on actual historical events. Weaver also said that this production of “Animal Farm” is highly relevant in society today. “The show is exciting in the fact that, in these hard times, when politicians are full of corruption, our world leaders lie and double speak, and people are pitted against one another while the pigs are sleeping in their beds, we can see Animal Farm taking place in our country today,” he said. “This work is the much-needed challenge for us all to come together and laugh at this beautifully ugly irony.” Weaver said that the history behind “Animal Farm” is important in understanding the purpose of the allegory. “In Russia’s history, the Czarist monarchy and Soviet autocrats both caused issues,” he said. “I couldn’t help but to think of how the grass is greener on the other side, and we, as individuals or a collective, always think we know what we want until we get there. Then we reminisce about the good old days.” Weaver said, above all, “Animal Farm” serves as a warning to the audience and society as a whole. “I truly worry that in our culture, where we are so worried about fascism but yet we uphold socialism, and thus ignore socialist atrocities, which are just as bad if not worse, that the [allegory] was lost on deaf ears,” Weaver said.
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Opinion
The Valley Vanguard | thevalleyvanguard.com | Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 | Page A3
SVSU brings civility to political discourse with ‘Pastries and Politics’ Connor Rousseau Reporter Elementary Education csrousse@svsu.edu
With the kind of technology at our disposal in the 21st century, it has never been easier to communicate with friends, family and complete strangers from around the world. One thing that has been communicated most effectively is the measure of people’s absolute rage and hatred toward others. One can feel the blood boiling behind their screens as they pretentiously lecture people on their ignorance in an elegant message the length of a high school essay. It’s quite disturbing to see how social media puts all the hate and rage of humanity into our own hands. There are an awful lot of people out there in a constant state of rage on social media, and technology helps unleash that rage on an unprepared stranger or a stupefied friend. Technology makes it easy for one to be an always angry, contemptuous virtue signaler from the comfort of home. Unfortunately, little learning is done in social media comment sections. Scrolling through those dark places is the definition of an unhealthy addiction. Social media is the no man’s land of the digital world; it is a vile, unforgiving place that destroys one’s mental
health and self-esteem when abused. The sheer number of people online who see themselves as indisputable authorities on ethics, morals, politics and policy is astounding. Their answer to almost everything is a brazen diatribe that signifies nothing. Then there’s SVSU, which aims higher when it comes to political discourse, debate and shared opinions. No, I’m not referring to the SVSU Facebook page or the Valley Vanguard’s public comment section. I’m talking about SVSU’s Pastries and Politics. SVSU promotes rich and respectful discourse through this recurring on campus event. The College Democrats and College Republicans RSOs sit down in a respectful manner to discuss policy and debate topics such as election integrity, voter ID laws, abortion, vaccine mandates, mask requirements and gun laws in the United States. These are heavy topics that deserve care and thoughtful consideration. That is why political debates deserve mature, respectful discourse in an appropriate environment. Raging online with strangers about major matters like abortion only do a disservice to the entire topic and entrench people deeper in their anger and resentment. Pastries and Politics allows all sides to share their concerns and engage in a productive debate monitored by a faculty advisor. There are no supervisors in comment
sections, and the unfortunate reality is that for people to discuss heated topics and remain civil, a mediator is not only recommended, but necessary. Our political climate has reached its boiling point. In 2021, you don’t need to poke the bear to release its rage, you need only make eye contact. But walking with our heads down is no solution. Let’s sit down and talk. Through listening, respectfulness, and openmindedness, we achieve a more diverse perspective on significant issues facing our country. People with opposing beliefs are just as passionate in their views as you are in yours. Through respectful conversations we also realize that our fundamental beliefs as a nation are more closely linked than the media cares to admit. Division and anger are their goal, and your anger is their profit. But when we actually clear our eyes and peer through the fog of derision put before us, we come to the realization that we are all Americans who want what is best for our country. The mainstream media has demonstrated that its greatest fear is Americans of all beliefs, creeds, opinions, colors, religions and backgrounds unite as one people and acknowledge with maturity and dignity that we don’t have to share every single belief in order to build a better society for ourselves and generations of Americans to come. Friedrich Nietzsche once said: “We often
refuse to accept an idea merely because the tone of voice in which it has been expressed is unsympathetic to us.” How do we expect to convince someone of our views if all we do is belittle and insult our opponents? In the end, we are doing nothing more than belittling and insulting ourselves. When we treat politics like all-out war over indisputable facts and ideologies, everyone loses, especially our nation’s integrity. There cannot be healing without compromise and understanding. It is imperative that we acknowledge the fact that we don’t always agree with everything other people think and believe, and that’s life. That’s the complexity of democracy. It’s not always pretty, but we mustn’t veer off course. We mustn’t lose sight of our goals as a country and as a people. The day we forget the meaning behind our motto: e pluribus unum, democracy will already be dead. One of the most mature things we can do as American citizens is respect the fact that there are always going to be people out there who disagree with us, even on dire issues. That is simply part of the perplexing package democracy comes in. It doesn’t always give us the results we want. At its best, democracy gives everyone a voice and doesn’t result in division, hate and a refusal to get along with our fellow Americans. If we can’t understand that, perhaps democracy isn’t as important to us as we think.
Society today makes it hard for kids to just be kids Emily Burke Reporter Psychology erburke1@svsu.edu
I find myself saying “kids these days...” like a stereotypical grumpy man from the movies. Unlike these character tropes, I am not shaming the children. Rather I am shaming society. Kids today are almost forced to grow up way faster than they did when I was a kid, which was not too long ago. I blame technology and social media, again the inner Nick Miller from “New Girl” coming out. I’ve felt this way for a while, but I saw something recently on Facebook that made
my jaw drop. There’s a trend on going around where you post a picture of yourself from when you were 12 and you now. This one girl posted one, and the picture of her at 12 looked like she was 17. She’s only like 15 now, but she still looks older than myself and many of my college-aged peers. Nothing wrong with that, but the kind of attention people give it is not okay. It takes away the innocence a 12-yearold should have. When I was 12, you could tell I was 12. I acted 12, had the makeup skills of 12-yearold, and had no idea how to use social media properly. Personally, I think all of that was what made my childhood more fun and less stressful. I played outside, was rarely on social media, and there was more in-person communication and interaction. I also did not
feel like I needed to look or act a certain way because the girls on TikTok or Instagram do. The most advanced technology I had as a kid was a laptop to play Webkinz and watch cute animal YouTube videos, and in middle school I got an iPod for games and music for my hour-long school bus ride. Due to the lack of availability of social media, I did not feel influenced, or even sexualized by it. There is not a week that goes by where I don’t see a minor posting videos of them doing dances that emphasize the movement of hips or butt or chest. I immediately report those videos for the child’s own safety. The kid is most likely just having fun and following a trend. But there are always comments that are sexualizing it. It has almost become acceptable for literal children to want
to look and act “sexy.” I don’t blame the kids at all. They’re just doing what they think is normal and what everyone their age is doing. I blame society as a whole for making that the norm, making it normal for children to receive comments that sexualize their bodies or actions. Obviously, the people leaving those comments are to blame, but these children should not be accustomed to being hit on. The world is forever changing, and societal norms will adapt to that, but I don’t think the adaption of the lack of innocence in children should be one that exists. Sadly, it does, and the best we can do as those who are adults and see that this is wrong is to educate kids today to make them aware of the dangers they may face on social media and try our best to protect them.
Staff’s top four best and worst Christmas movies Emily Burke
Rebekah Williams
Brooke Elward
Vincent Ford
Vanguard Reporter
Vanguard Reporter
Photo and Design Editor
Vanguard Photographer
The best Christmas movie has to be “A Christmas Story.” It’s been my favorite since I was young, and oddly enough, it’s my dad’s least favorite. I almost chose Jim Carrey’s “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” but I have the leg lamp tattooed on me, so I couldn’t betray my ink. “A Christmas Story” is iconic. First of all, the leg lamp. “It’s frag-i-le… it must be Italian!” But this movie was also a staple of my childhood. Did I get my tongue froze to a pole because I was influenced by the movie? Of course. And I bet we all know someone who has. Have we all experienced getting a present we didn’t want and tried to hide the disappointment? Duh. Have we all spent Christmas in a Chinese restaurant because the neighbor dogs ate the turkey? Okay maybe not, but it’s still a memorable scene from the movie. I could go on and on about why this movie deserves to be the on the list, but I will end it with this: I feel like “A Christmas Story” is severely underrated in our age group and I want to give it the recognition it deserves.
The Christmas movie “Polar Express” does not have the elements of a good Christmas movie. In fact, I find it to be the worst Christmas movie there is. The movie’s animation is not cute (in some ways it is rather creepy), and the characters are very dry and not funny at all. The movie’s plot is dull and lacking which makes the movie not heartfelt. There are so many reasons I can’t stand this movie; one is that the boy in this story we assume will hear the bell will ring forever since he saw Santa and met him. But the concept of “blind belief” is not fully proven because the boy saw Santa. None of the other characters reinforce the concept of “blind belief” either. The thing that bothers me the most about this Christmas movie is that most people think it is the best Christmas movie of all time, when there are countless others that succeed this one. It lacks in so many ways, the plot is weak, the characterizations are bland, and the movie does not present itself as a funny, cute Christmas movie for kids or adults.
I was on a mission this holiday season to find the worst possible Christmas movie ever. I am a crazy Christmas lady and love every little thing about Christmas, except I have one little issue: Hallmark Christmas movies. Every movie poster has a girl in red, a guy in green, and a glowing background with words like Christmas, movie, baby, prince, princess, love, merry, wish, angel, charming and ghost. With one whole company in the gutter for me, I had to find a bad Christmas movie that was not from Hallmark. This led me to “A Christmas Movie Christmas.” When I heard that this movie was filmed in our very own Riverplace Shops in Frankenmuth, Michigan, I was so excited. How could you not love a movie filmed next to Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store? I will be the first to tell you that I was wrong. This movie is about two sisters waking up inside of a Christmas movie after they make a wish with a Santa on Christmas Eve. The plot line is not so original, as the movies “A Very Charming Christmas Town,” “Wrapped Up in Christmas,” and “Just Another Christmas” all have the same idea. Somehow “A Christmas Movie Christmas” was the worst of them all. The actors over-acted the script. The props looked fake. The set was shaking and unstable in every shot. And the movie was overall slowmoving. However, I do recommend this movie if you can call a friend over, down a bottle of wine, and laugh at how terrible it is, all while you eat your Thanksgiving leftovers.
“Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” is a classic animated 2000s movie that was inspired by the song with the same name by Elmo and Patsy- something you might often hear on the radio around the holiday times. Though the song may not be to my taste, I can definitely say the movie, on the other hand, is something that should be held as a tried-and-true movie. It is sure to be on everyone’s holiday watch list. It’s also personally one of my favorite Christmas movies. Once a staple of ABC Family’s (now Freeform’s) 25 Days of Christmas, it definitely is one movie that you grow up with a fondness for. After Jake Spankenheimer’s family gets together on Christmas Eve, they find out the next morning that their grandmother has been the victim of an interesting hit and run-- by Santa, of course. This ends up causing her to lose her memory. Due to this, his evil cousin Mel tries to take over the family store, causing a rift within their family. Though the animation seems to be all over the place, re-watching this as I’m older and better able to comprehend it, “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” is a continually loved classic, by those who have grown up watching it. Though there are many people who stand on the other side of the line, this movie tells a great story about celebrating the bond of family, and how capitalistic greed is the root of all evil. Sure to be great for all of the family, it is definitely high on my holiday movie watch list.
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Sports
Page A4 | Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 | thevalleyvanguard.com | The Valley Vanguard
Women’s basketball moves to 5-2 Denver Milam
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Vanguard Sports Editor
aving four players score in doublefigures was not enough for the Cardinals in its Nov. 20 match against Southern Indiana that ended in a 6564 loss. On Nov. 16, Saginaw Valley looked to extend its early season success to a 3-0 start as it traveled to face Ohio Dominican. Junior forward Tori DePerry led SVSU with 18 points along with six rebounds and three steals. Senior guard Maddie Barrie (11), junior guard Kaitlyn Zarycki (10) and senior guard Maddie Maloney (10) also scored in doubledigits for the Cardinals. Both teams struggled in the first quarter as Saginaw led 6-2 after the first ten minutes. During the second quarter, Ohio Dominican found its stride and scored 21 points to carry a 23-15 lead into halftime. In the second-half the match remained tight as the Cardinals were trailing 46-45 with 1:16 remaining. A basket by DePerry gave SVSU the lead and began the desperation fouls by Ohio Dominican.
SVSU was able to make five of its six freethrows in the final 30 seconds of the game to preserve a 52-49 win. Three players scored in double-digits for the Cardinals during its Nov. 18 win at Tiffin University. Maloney (20), DePerry (18) and Zarycki (24) led SVSU as they combined for 62 of the teams 76 points. Saginaw Valley rolled in the first-half, scoring 38 points while only allowing 24. Tiffin tried to close the gap late in the fourth quarter but continually missed second chance opportunities. After allowing Tiffin to get within eight points, SVSU began to make its free throws as it ended with a 76-64 win. As a team SVSU made 26 shots and converted 16 of its 20 free throw attempts. Saginaw Valley’s trio of Maloney, DePerry and Zarycki each ended with at least eight rebounds as the Cardinals won the rebound battle 34-27. Coming off of the win that moved the Cardinals to 4-0, the team returned home to face Southern Indiana on Nov. 20. Junior Tyler Scheid (14) joined Barrie (11), Zarycki (14) and Maloney (13) in scoring double-digits.
Nov. 16: SVSU 52, Ohio Dominican 49 Nov. 18: SVSU 76, Tiffin 64 Nov. 20: Southern Indiana 65, SVSU 64 Nov. 23: No. 3 Drury 81, SVSU 76 Despite a slow start, the Cardinals kept the score within three points as the game headed into halftime with a score of 34-31. Entering the fourth quarter down by six points proved to be too much for SVSU as it was unable to make a comeback, eventually falling 65-64. SVSU turned its attention to its Nov. 23 road game against #3 Drury who entered the game with a 6-1 record. A poor first-half by the Cardinals made it difficult to comeback, as they headed into the half down by 13. Zarycki scored her career best 36 points, while Barrie (12) and Maloney (10) each scored in double-digits again. DePerry had the most rebounds in the game with nine, helping Saginaw Valley win the rebound battle 32-25.
SVSU’s strong second-half came up short as the team lost by a final score of 81-76. Looking to get back on track following two losses, Saginaw faced off with Truman in a neutral site game on Nov. 24. After scoring a career high 36 points the game before, Zarycki decided to set the mark again as she scored 39 points for the Cardinals in this contest. Maloney added 20 points of her own along with two assists and a rebound. Truman used a strong second quarter to build a 12-point lead before halftime. Saginaw Valley scored 44 points in the second-half to mount the comeback and win the game 77-72. SVSU currently sits at 5-2 on the season as they prepare to begin GLIAC play with a Dec. 2 matchup at Grand Valley on Dec. 2.
Women’s soccer soars to Regional Final match Denver Milam Vanguard Sports Editor
A goal by freshman midfielder Gabby Green in the 98th minute of Saginaw Valley’s second round match in the 2021 Division II Women’s Soccer Tournament kept the Cardinals season alive as the team won 3-2 in overtime. On Nov. 16, SVSU was selected to participate in the tournament and was labeled as the six-seed in the Midwest Region. As the six-seed, Saginaw Valley was slated to play against GLIAC champion Ferris State in the first round. In the regular season, SVSU played to a 0-0 draw and a 1-0 loss against the Bulldogs. During the Nov. 18 match with Ferris, senior goalkeeper Olivia Argeros saved all 16 shots that she faced from the Bulldogs. It was a chippy first-half, as the teams each
had four fouls without any leading to cards. Ferris continued its aggression in the second-half, earning nine fouls compared to just two from SVSU. Saginaw Valley’s offense was held to just eight shots in the match which produced no goals in regulation. On defense, the Cardinals successfully kept seven corner kick attempts out of the net to help give its offense a chance at a counter attack. Neither team scored in either overtime period, pushing the game into Penalty Kicks to determine the winner. Sophomore midfielder Dori Payne shot first for the Cardinals, but her attempt was stopped. Freshman forward Michelle Missler, senior forward Amy Babon and freshman midfielder Ashley Myall successfully took the next three attempts for SVSU. Argeros stopped all three penalty shots
Nov. 18: SVSU 0 (3), Ferris State 0 (0) Nov. 20: SVSU 3, Drury 2 that she faced, giving SVSU the win by a score of 0-0 (3-0). Freshman defender Lea Grunnagel had two shots on goal for the Cardinals and a yellow card in the match. Myall added one shot on goal in the match during regulation, along with the final penalty kick to secure the win. After the upset win in the first round, the Cardinals were slated to face the Drury Panthers who were champions of the GLVC and were coming off of an upset win of its own. An error by the Panthers goalie Kaitlyn Knetzke allowed sophomore midfielder Sarah Fredrick to score unassisted in the 29th minute of the match. Argeros saved every shot she faced in the
first half, helping the Cardinals preserve its 1-0 lead. In the second half the scoring went backand-forth with freshman forward Stephanie Strong scoring for Saginaw Valley to help force overtime. Green scored in the first overtime period to give the Cardinals a 3-2 victory, moving them to the Super-Region championship match against Grand Valley on Dec. 3. Strong led the Cardinals with four shots and three shots on goal. She scored once. Argeros ended the match with four saves against the six shots that she faced. Saginaw Valley’s match with Grand Valley will be its second on the season, as it lost 3-2 during the match on Oct. 15 at home.
Cross country ends season at National Championships Rebekah Williams Vanguard Reporter
SVSU sent sophomore Carlee Stimpfel and their women’s team to compete at the Division II NCAA National Meet. Evelyn Kammeyer, the co-assistant coach of cross country/track and field was pleased with the teams performance. “The women’s team came in ranked 15th, so anytime we can outperform our ranking it’s a good day,’ said Kammeyer. “We have all of these women returning next year and will also add a few more to the pot, so we’re very optimistic that we can continue the upward trend that we’re on.” For the 6k race senior Arianna Wegienka led the Cardinals in 57th place with a time of 21:42.6.
Following behind her was sophomore Alexa Keiser who finished in 73rd with 21:53.0 while freshman Maddie Isola ended up in 108th with 22:19.1. Rounding out the race for SVSU was senior Lauren Buckner in 143rd with 22:43.0, and finally sophomore Jenna Picard in 163rd place with 22:57.2. Sophomore Emma Banning, freshman Kailee Sandoval and freshman Kristen Brylowski also traveled with the team as alternates. Kammeyer said every course in cross country is different and must be trained for. “Times in cross country really only mean so much, as each course is wildly different,” Kammeyer said. “The course in St. Leo was hillier than anything we’ve been on all year, but we had the Nationals
course in mind when we designed the training this fall.” Kammeyer also praised the work of coach Winter. “Working with Coach Winter and his staff has been absolutely crucial to our ability to train for a course like that, and we can’t possibly thank them enough,” said Kammeyer. “I feel comfortable in saying that a lot of these women had their best race of the season. Maddie, Arianna, Alexa, and Emma were all very close to the personal best marks they set two weeks ago on a flatter course in perfect weather conditions, which tells me they likely had the best race of their season on Saturday.” CarLee Stimpfel took third in the men’s 10k race with 30:09.0 and was awarded his third All-American honor of his career.
“CarLee had quite possibly the best race he could have put together,” said Kammeyer. “The course, the weather, and the way those guys went out in front of him were absolutely relentless. CarLee finished 3rd because he was patient, smart, and gritty. He is used to racing with Isaac and Tanner from Grand Valley, and he knows they’re people he can run well with.” Kammeyer said this week was a high point for the cross country program. “But it [this week] certainly is not the ultimate peak. To have the highest men’s individual finish in program history with CarLee paired with the highest women’s team finish at 14th says a lot about the trajectory of this program, and the staff could not be more proud of this team and the things they were able to achieve this year.”
Men’s basketball defeats Division I opponent for first time Denver Milam Vanguard Sports Editor
A 80-63 win over the Western Michigan Broncos for the Cardinals men’s basketball team on Nov. 18 was its first in school history against a Division I opponent. Senior guard Delano Smith led the Saginaw Valley offense with 23 points along with a rebound, steal and assist. Senior guard Darnell Hoskins Jr. (12) and senior forward Tyler Witz (11) also scored in double digits for the Cardinals. After trailing 7-2 early, SVSU was able to take an 11-9 lead and not trail for the rest of the game. A late run by the Broncos in the firsthalf narrowed the score heading into the halftime break as Saginaw Valley found themselves ahead 36-30. In the second half, the Cardinals scored the first seven points extending its lead to 13. Western Michigan was able to tie the score at 47-47 with 13:48 left in the game, but the Cardinals would pull away soon after.
SVSU ended the game on a 33-13 run as it was able to score 44 points in the second half to down the Broncos 80-63. Saginaw ended the game making 25 of its 50 shots, including nine of its 20 three point attempts and making 21 free throws. On defense, SVSU forced 15 turnovers while the offense only turned the ball over seven times. Saginaw Valley lost the rebounding battled 30-29, but junior guard Tre Garret led the Cardinals with five while Witz and McIntosh both added four to the SVSU total. Freshman guard Freddie McIntosh had nine points and four rebounds for the Cardinals off of the bench. Through five games this season, the Cardinals have a record of 3-2 and faced off against Great Lakes Christian. SVSU’s next game is on Nov. 30 when the team travels to Indianapolis to face Division I opponent Butler. Following the matchup against the Bulldogs, SVSU will begin its GLIAC games as it travels to face No. 23 Grand Valley on Thursday and Davenport on Dec. 9.
Nov. 12: No. 7 Hillsdale 75, SVSU 67 Nov. 13: SVSU 85, Malone 80 Nov. 17: SVSU 84, Olivet 73 Nov. 18: SVSU 80, Western Michigan 63 Nov. 21: Gannon 90, SVSU 80
The Valley Vanguard Sports Editor Denver Milam | E-mail dtmilam@svsu.edu | Office 989-964-4482 | Instagram @TheValleyVanguard 110A Curtiss Hall
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