Inside A2
Inside A3
Inside A4
Opinion: All able bodied citizens should have to register for the draft
A&E: Study Abroad office holds open house
Sports: SVSU ends BOV with football game
Monday, Oct. 4, 2021
Vol. 54 No. 5
Saginaw Valley State University’s student newspaper
thevalleyvanguard.com
(Top Left)Student Association raised $41,765 for Batte of the Valleys. Vanguard Photo Editor | Brooke Elward (Top Right) Monday night’s battle all stars finalists include social work sophomore Austin Urlaub, political science sophomore Toni Gjerkaj, and biology senior Thomas Metiva. Vanguard Photographer | Audrey Bergey (Center) Euchre winners include Vanguard Reporter Emily Burke, Dylan Gary, Vanguard Photo Editor Brooke Elward, and McClain Mercer. Courtesy Photo | Student Association (Bottom Left) Theatre elementary education freshman Scout McCulloch(left) and theatre freshman Zoe Gilbert(right) pie professor David Rzeszutek(middle) on Tuesday. Vanguard Photographer | Sarah Brege (Bottom Center) Max Gervis raises the most money on stage at the date auction on Wednesday. Vanguard Photographer | Audrey Bergey (Bottom right) Exercise science fifth-year Tyler Hanna kicks a soccer ball at an inflatable dart board on Monday. Vanguard Photo Editor | Brooke Elward
SVSU beats GVSU by raising $41,765 for BOV fundraiser Sadie Shepherd
F
Vanguard Reporter
rom Sept 26. through Oct. 1, Battle of the Valleys (BOV) overtook SVSU’s campus with a myriad of fun events for students to participate in. While attempting to surpass Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in fundraising efforts, students were eager to participate in events like the color run on Sept. 26 and pie-a-professor day on Sept. 28. Ultimately this healthy competition allows for both participating
schools to provide funds to chosen local benefactors. SVSU Student Association chose the Children’s Grief Center, headquartered in Midland, as this year’s benefactor. Josie Koenigsknecht, communications major and Student Association co-battle chair, said this choice was in part because of the pandemic. “Many are grieving the loss of a loved one due to COVID-19,” Koenigsknecht said. “We had many wonderful applicants, but the Children’s Grief Center stood out the most because of their wonderful work, com-
munity involvement and passion for helping those who grieve.” The event that managed to draw the most student support was the date auction that was held on Sept. 29. “This event took place … in the [student life] rotunda, which was a great place for students to participate and have some fun after a long week of classes,” Koenigsknecht said. Madeline Lowry, rehabilitative medicine senior and fellow co-battle chair, noted that many of the other events were also able to draw more student interest than in years past.
“This year we have had an incredible turnout with our events and a significant increase in overall participation,” Lowry said. “This could very well be due to (GVSU’s) return, but it could also be due to students being excited for all of our in-person events.” Based on the high turnout for the week’s events, Koenigsknecht had high hopes that SVSU would be victorious over GVSU in their fundraising efforts. “We are expecting to do very well by the end of the week,” she said. “We hope to win the fundraising
competition, and we feel pretty confident with our current circumstances.” BOV culminated during halftime at the SVSU vs. GVSU football game where the results of which school raised the most for charity were revealed. Ultimately, SVSU won the competition by raising $41,765 for the Children’s Grief Center and getting to keep the coveted BOV trophy until next year. GVSU managed to raise $3,855 for its benefactor I understand – love heals.
BOV continues with Greek in the Square Cops and Donuts returns Alyssa McMillan Vanguard News Editor
Battle of the Valleys (BOV) continued its week of fundraising with Greek in the Square on Sept. 29. Sororities and fraternities joined together in the square to raise money for the Children’s Grief Center through a variety of activities. These activities included pie a sorority member and pet a furry friend. The Grief Center, based out of Midland, attended with a variety of crafts for students to do. Students were encouraged to make a touch stone that they could look at whenever they were feeling overwhelmed and to take a heart pin. Social Work Senior Rayanne Clark explained the pin and how it looks different because everyone’s grief journey is different. “When you experience a death, your heart is left raw and wounded,” Clark said. “There’s string wrapped around it. That string symbolizes you telling your story and working through your grief journey. It holds it together, it’ll never be healed but
it helps build that resiliency and strength.” The string shows that as children and families tell their story, their hearts are slowly healed. They may never be whole again but they’re held back together by the string. The goal of the pins is to spread awareness. By wearing them around campus, students can start conversations about the Grief Center and the work they’re doing there. “We offer peer support for children, teens, young adults and families who are experiencing grief and lose,” grief center intern Shelby Decatur said. “Next Tuesday we’ll actually be starting a group on campus as well for students.” The touch stones were a big hit among students. There were premade stones students can take but there were also the materials to make a more personal stone. “The idea behind them is you write either a small phrase or some kind of word that empowers you,” Decatur said. “It gives you strength in moments where you may be feeling overwhelmed or perhaps emo-
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tional. I like to take mine and fidget with it. It says breathe, you’re okay. It reminds me to breathe when I’m feeling overwhelmed.” The center returned to campus on Thursday to make “calm down bottles” with students. The bottles were made with glitter and can be used to focus on during difficult or overwhelming times. The Grief Center currently has two locations, besides their main Midland campus, in Bay City and Saginaw. They’re currently working to start an on campus group for grieving students.
Alpha Sigma Alpha raise money for Greeks in the square on Wednesday. Vanguard Photo Editor | Brooke Elward
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Audrey Bergey Vanguard Photographer
Campus Police and Residence Housing Association held Cops and Donuts on Sept. 27 at the south side courtyard. They offered a variety of treats including donuts for students to put in a bag and take home. There were even small whistles students could add to their key chains as an added measure of safety. RHA raffled off six prize bags filled with treats and safety items for student’s personal use. On the basketball court, cones and tricycles were set up for drunk goggle racing. To begin the event, Sergeant Mark Strain gathered the students for a quick information session on campus safety. Students were encouraged to ask questions and to report any suspicious activity to campus police. Pre-vet freshman Philip Hilmon attended this event with his friends. “I felt the event was informative,” Hilmon said. “I would suggest this to Opinion...................A2 A&E..........................A3 Sports.......................A4
a friend to come out to learn and have fun.” Cops and Donuts made its return after five years. The partnership with RHA was a new addition to the previous events held. “We have held Cops and Donuts events in the past but have never partnered with RHA,” Strain said. “The Chief of Police in the past has held these events but not in recent years.” There was a decent turnout to the event. “The past events were never attended well by the student body,” Strain said. “I like the numbers here.” Cops and Donuts purpose is to promote campus safety. “The main purpose of these events is to allow the officers to mingle and talk with resident students about life on campus, how to make our campus safer and to hear about any concerns the students have,” Strain said. Campus Police plan to continue holding Cops and Donuts in the future. “We are always open to these kinds of events,” Strain said. “Anytime we can socialize with kids, we like it.”
Opinion
Page A2 | Monday, Oct. 4, 2021 | thevalleyvanguard.com | The Valley Vanguard
The draft reflects inequality POLICE Connor Rousseau Reporter
BRIEFS
Elementary Education csrousse@svsu.edu
Police briefs are written based on reports from University Police. They indicate preliminary descriptions of events and not necessarily actual incidents.
Suspicious Situation On Sept. 27 at 7:37 A.M. a female student reported that she came out to her car in pine grove and found that someone had gone through her vehicle but did not steal anything. On Sept. 27 at 2:25 P.M. a professor reported that there was a student in his class sharpening his pencil with a knife. When officers arrived, they spoke with the professor who pointed out the student who had the knife. The student was asked to leave the classroom, and two pocketknives were found in his bag. The knives were taken for safekeeping, and the student was asked to stay out of class for the day. On Sept. 28 at 5:00 P.M. a 19-year-old resident went into university police department to report a suspicious situation. She advised that on Sept. 20 she received a package in the mail system. The package was addressed to her but not the correct room location. It was later discovered that there were two students living on campus with the same name. The package was returned to its rightful owner.
Larceny
The US Selective Service System (SSS) requires all male persons between the ages of 18 and 25 to register for the draft. It was founded in 1917, one month after the United States entered World War I, but the process of drafting was used in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War as well. The last draft was in 1972, and while most Americans see the draft as a relic of the past, it still exists today. It is a necessary system that ensures our nation has the personnel to defend itself, but the same old requirement that only men must register is still enforced. This fits the definition of discrimination and reinforces the outdated stereotype that men are the ones who should be put on the front lines of combat, that men are more expendable, that men are more capable of defending a nation. The draft discriminates against over 100 million Americans who are legally men. These are men of all creeds, colors, religions, sexual orientations, races and ethnicities. While much of history has proven that men have lived easier lives both physiologically and socially, such is not true when it comes to life-and-death situations. When it comes to survival, women and children boarded the lifeboats of the
On Sept. 29 at 7:00 P.M. officers were given information about a potential larceny that occurred Sept. 27 at 2:00 P.M. A 59-year-old student reported that he left his wallet in the mezzanine of Gilberston. When he went back to look for it, it was gone.
Property Damage On Sept. 28 at 4:00 P.M. an 18-yearold female resident went into the university police department to report damage done to her vehicle. She parked her car in J-3 on Sept 26 at 10:10 P.M. and when she returned on Sept. 27 at 3:16 P.M. she discovered that someone had scratched her car on the trunk and rear bumper. On Sept. 28 at 4:00 P.M. an 18-yearold female resident reported to university police damage had been done to her car. She advised that she parked her car in J-3 on Sept. 22 at 6 P.M. and when she returned on Sept. 23 at 12:00 P.M. she discovered that someone had keyed a star into her driver’s door. There were also two markers on the front driver’s side quarter panel. On Sept. 28 at 4:15 P.M. a male student called to report and hit and run. He witnessed a white Toyota Sienna hit a white Pontiac G6 that was parked in J-2. The owner was notified and came into the office for the report. The incident is still actively being investigated.
to achieve gender equality since the first women’s rights convention at Seneca Falls in 1848. Women can vote, join the military, divorce, and drive (but there are numerous nations that feel women do not deserve such rights). At least here in the United States, women enjoy most of the rights men enjoy. But then we come back to the issue of the SSS, which still only requires men to register. There’s an easy solution to this problem. Make all able-bodied American adults register for the draft. This is also the perfect answer to the question of people in the LGBTQIA+ community. Those who are transgender must register, regardless of their sexual identity. This avoids a complicated, politically messy and controversial situation. Requiring all able-bodied American adults to register is the very definition of equality, and those who don’t believe that to be so should take a closer look at what they are fighting for. Equality aims to get rid of privileges based on one’s physical appearance or gender. Should we fight for this equality? Or should we accept the reality of the sexist Selective Service System? We can either accept what equality stands for or we can regress back into accepting the stereotypical gender norms of the past. It’s up to the younger generations to determine if equality is something we still see as worth fighting for. Perhaps it’s not a core American value anymore. Perhaps equality is too unfair.
The draft is unconstitutional Alyssa McMillan News Editor
On Sept. 27 at 10:30 A.M. three students had items stolen from their vehicles during the night. This incident is still being investigated. On Sept. 28 at 7:10 P.M. an 18-yearold female student reported to the university police department a reference of larceny to her vehicle. She stated that there were no signs of forced entry. A wallet and its contents were taken.
Titanic before the men could. According to ICYouSee, 75 percent of women survived the sinking and only 19 percent of men. This policy put the life of a woman before the life of a man. Does that make the Titanic’s policymakers sexist bigots, or are we going to simply say that things were different back then, that it was a man’s duty, that it was justified? Is it still a man’s duty to this day? When it comes to combat, serving on the front lines with bullets blasting and bombs booming was a brutal and fatal reality for young men throughout history. Women were typically spared from frontline gore and chaos. While there are specific examples in history where women fought on the front lines as well, such as Soviet women on the Eastern Front of WWII, they are an exception to the majority of conflicts. Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front explores the tragic reality of war for young men in Europe during WWI. They endured endless pain, blood, sweat and tears. Young men fresh out of high school with insufficient military training were thrown into No Man’s Land to fight while women got to contribute in other, less deadly and violent ways, such as working in factories, making clothes, caring for children at home and serving as nurses behind the jagged edges of the front line. Historically, when it comes to war, women have been spared where men have been slaughtered. But this is the year 2021. There’s no world war or sinking ship without enough lifeboats. Progress has been made
Psychology anmcmill@svsu.edu
The draft has been an essential part of the country since the beginning. It has been used in almost every war we’ve fought in. However, it forces people who don’t believe in the war to have to fight in it. The United States hasn’t used the draft in a long time and it should stay that way. Forcing young people to risk their lives for something they don’t believe in isn’t okay and shouldn’t be allowed. One of the last times the draft was used was during the Vietnam war, or as America calls it, the Vietnam conflict. Soldiers, some being so young they were still in high school, were forced to fight. When they returned home, they were met with hate and criticism. In a country built off the idea of being free, why are we forcing anyone to fight? The argument shouldn’t be who is required to register for the draft because, honestly, that doesn’t matter. The issue isn’t should everyone be required or not. The issue is why do we still have the draft?
We’ve seen it time and time again that when we fight in a war that citizens believe in, people are willing to join. The draft was used during WW2 but not nearly as much as Vietnam and Korea. When it’s a just cause, people are willing to help. We call ourselves a “free country” but we had citizens fleeing to other countries to avoid having to go die in a war. Draft dodgers became a normal part of life, and I don’t blame them. The draft goes against everything we stand for as a country. We’re supposed to be allowed to believe in whatever we want and do whatever we want with our lives. I know personally I never see myself being a soldier and I shouldn’t ever be forced to become one. Not to mention the public isn’t suited to fight. They’ve had no training and the average citizen isn’t physically prepared for what it demands. I fully believe everyone is equal but physically that isn’t always true. If I was forced to go into a war right now, I would have no chance at surviving. I’m only 5’4 and have zero athletic ability. I would be one of the first people to die. I would give our country zero support.
It shouldn’t be legal to force someone like me, or anyone, to go knowing they won’t make it back. It’s not okay to ask someone to die for a cause they don’t believe in. We’ve run off a full volunteer army since the 70’s, so it shouldn’t even be a problem. As long as we don’t get involved in more wars, the citizens don’t want to be fighting, we have nothing to worry about. Again, the problem has nothing to do with the draft. That should just be gone. The problem is partially the fact that our country fights in things that no one else wants them to be. They pick battles that not even the other country wants to be in. The draft is just unconstitutional and shouldn’t be allowed anymore. It goes against everything we stand for. It’s taking away a very basic human right, the right to make our own decisions. Asking citizens to work to support a war they don’t like is already too much, let alone asking citizens to give up their lives for it. I can’t even imagine the way soldiers in the past have felt. The fear and sadness knowing they were most likely never coming home. No one should ever have to feel that way again.
Review: “He’s All That” - Is he really all that? Kelsie Todd Vanguard Reporter
When Netflix announced its remake of the romantic comedy classic “She’s All That” (1999), I really wasn’t sure how to feel about it. The new movie really sparked controversy when TikTok star Addison Rae was cast as the lead. Rae plays social media influencer teen Padgett Sawyer, who puts on a face for her followers. After a humiliatingly public breakup, Padgett makes a bet with her friend Alder
(Madison Pettis), that she can make the biggest loser in their school the prom king. What was at stake? Only the loser becomes, well, a loser. Tanner Buchanan stars as outcast Cameron Kweller, the victim of Padgett’s makeover. There are some appearances of actors in the original film, like Rachel Leigh Cook as Padgett’s mom, and Matthew Lillard as the school principal. The movie includes many elements of a classic teen movie: the evil best friend, the dress up montages, the lavish parties and the big prom apology speech. It also takes a very 2021 approach by
including Tik Tok, brand deals, texting, and the concept of “going viral.” Speaking of brand deals, there seemed to be a lot, and I mean a lot of product placement. From Core water and Lucky Charms to Pizza Hut and KFC, the movie took every chance to insert a brand deal. Overall, I wouldn’t say this movie is entirely awful. It has some sweet moments sprinkled in and is an easy watch. If you’re looking for the next cult classic, I personally don’t think “He’s All That” lives up to that potential, but if you’re bored and need something to put on (or maybe want to watch something as a joke with friends), I would say give it a watch.
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A&E
The Valley Vanguard | thevalleyvanguard.com | Monday, Oct. 4, 2021 | Page A3
Study abroad open house offers insight Connor Rousseau
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Vanguard Reporter
he Center for Community Engagement and Experiential Learning hosted a study abroad open house Thursday afternoon. The event aimed to bring interested students together and inform them about what studying abroad can offer them. Riley Hupfer is the director of the Center for Community Engagement and Experiential Learning. He studied abroad as an SVSU student in 2015 and wanted to share his experiences and encourage students to create their own. “We hope that students visiting the Study Abroad office have an opportunity to meet our staff, see our new space and explore the many opportunities to study abroad,” he said. Hupfer said that he plans to assist those who are planning on studying abroad. “The Open House is our first event of the year, but we look forward to supporting students and faculty-led trip leaders as they plan their experiences abroad throughout the academic year and beyond.” Johnathan Zink is the development and design coordinator for the Center for Community Engagement and was involved in planning and executing the open house. He said that the event gave students a chance to meet with the various trip providers that SVSU partners with. It also gave students a chance to see the many countries and cultures they can explore. He also said that the Center for Community Engagement has been wonderful to work with and he has gained several skills to help him professionally. “I will be graduating in the fall, and it has been one of the best experiences of my life professionally to not only utilize the necessary skills in design that I have learned in my education but to be part of a larger team and work together on exciting new things to bring to the students of SVSU,” Zink said. Studying abroad has been a difficult decision for many students considering the ongoing pandemic. Zink said that the
Students attend CEEL’s study abroad open house event in the science east hallway on the second floor. Vanguard Photographer | Audrey Bergey health and safety of students choosing to study abroad is always a priority and that studying abroad would not be offered to students if it was not safe. “Safety is our number one priority with traveling internationally as COVID-19 continues to greatly impact much of the world, so being on top of new regulations and restrictions as they go into effect guides our plans for our upcoming trips,” Zink said. Joseph Messana is a biology junior who expressed interest in the event and chose to attend. He said that he plans to become a dentist and that studying abroad could provide him with a new perspective on global practices of dentistry as well as the cultures of the world. “I wasn’t very interested in going on a trip, but I was open to having my mind
changed,” he said. “Now I’m actually thinking about it.” Messana said the most fascinating aspect was the community service aspect of studying abroad. “I think it’s really cool how you can help people with what you’re trying to study and learn about the field that you’re going into,” he said. Messana also said that seeing a cool part of the world at the same time was the cherry on top. Career wise, Messana said that he feels studying abroad would look good on a resume when applying for dental school, and that dentistry has a great deal of diversity when it comes to hygiene in different parts of the world. Savannah Bruske is a biology senior attended the event hoping to find a program
that focused on health. She said that she was particularly interested in a trip to Zambia that was geared toward nursing students. She said studying abroad could offer numerous benefits as a pre physician assistant student. “I’d learn to see how health care works in other areas,” said Bruske. “I haven’t really had any experience other than Saginaw, Michigan, so seeing it elsewhere would give me a different perspective.” When it comes to the pandemic, Bruske said that it would not be a major concern for her studying abroad. “I’m vaccinated so I’m not worried about it,” she said. “I would hope that [Zambia] has enough access to healthcare to willingly let us come. The way I see it, as long as they feel safe letting us come there then I feel pretty comfortable going.”
“Lonely Planet” to debut on main stage Shelby Mott Vanguard Editor-in-Chief
The SVSU theatre department will be returning to the stage with “Lonely Planet” by Steven Dietz. Theatre senior Jaden O’Berry will be directing the play, as it is a Studio XP production which means that everything is student-run. “My favorite thing about Lonely Planet is honestly the people I get to create it with,” O’Berry said. “The cohort we have here on this show is so incredible and driven that I do not fear anyone’s ability to do their job effectively. I love watching them find things about the show that I never considered before, and how they choose to fulfill certain elements of the design process, as my background is in lighting design as well.” This is O’Berry’s first full-length play that she has directed.
She chose this production while looking into works about queer stories. “I recently came out openly as pansexual last October and was inspired to find something that reflected who I am, and who a lot of my fellow cohort are in the theatre community,” O’Berry said. “Theatre is a place to be transparent about the experience of groups of people, and I wanted there to be a space for LGBTQIA+ voices to shine on SVSU’s stage.” O’Berry said that this experience has taught her to accept the things she can and cannot change for what they are. “Leading a show in this capacity is not something I ever imagined I would have the capability of doing, but this department has equipped me with the proper skills and knowhow in leading, and being unapologetic in my ability to do so, that I am no longer afraid of taking charge,” she said. She said that she has been lucky to work with a great crew all around.
“The cohort we have here on this show is so incredible and driven that I do not fear anyone’s ability to do their job effectively,” O’Berry said. “I love watching them find things about the show that I never considered before, and how they choose to fulfill certain elements of the design process, as my background is in lighting design as well.” Theatre education senior Jared Kaufman will be playing the role of Carl in the play. “This part is strange in the fact that I both have so much and very little in common with this character,” Kaufman said. “Carl has a lot of traits I wish I had myself. The trick is to find the relatable parts of a character and play into those aspects. The parts that may be more foreign to you. You just have to make your own and have fun with it. Never be afraid to try new things.” Kaufman also said that rehearsals have been going well for the show. “Rehearsals are very similar to other
main stage shows,” Kaufman said. “It’s stressful and fun. ... It’s weird being around only your peers and not faculty. We can get crazy and never stop laughing or we are dead serious, there really is no middle ground.” O’Berry said that the show sends a good message. “The main message is about the things we leave behind when we die,” O’Berry said. “In our COVID-centric climate, this show is incredibly timely in its existential awareness. We all have things about ourselves that our friends/family/etc. will remember when we die, rather than the physical objects we leave behind. The reward of good art, of challenging what it is the traces oneself will leave when they die, is the main question that Lonely Planet poses: what will you choose to leave behind? This show is about taking ownership of your own traces.”
Lotería night teaches Spanish terms through bingo
Students participate in Lotería event in the Rotunda. Vanguard Photographer | Audrey Bergey
Sadie Shepherd Vanguard Reporter
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, so do the numerous events throughout
campus spotlighting Latinx culture. On Tuesday, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) held a Lotería night in the Student Life Rotunda. Lotería is also known as Mexican bingo as both games involve the random calling
of cards with the goal of covering certain spaces on a playing board. Angelica Johnson, senior social work major and lead coordinator for OMSA, helped organize the event. She said that though Lotería and bingo are similar, there are several key differences. “Lotería is different than American bingo as there are characters instead of numbers that are the face of the card to show what that person or thing is for the Spanish term,” Johnson said. While Lotería may be new to some, it is a game with a rich history. “Latinx and Hispanic communities have been playing this game for hundreds of years, but in the past decade, it has become increasingly visible in the United States,” Johnson said. Social work senior Emily Schueren attended the event and was excited to revisit a familiar game. “A few years ago, I worked with OMSA at a Lotería with them,” Schueren said. “Translating Spanish to English is fun for me too.” Schueren was one of many students to take home prizes, which included candy, DIY kits and Bluetooth speakers.
Also found at the prize table were custom Lotería-themed backpacks, hair clips and phone stands featuring the iconic imagery used on the playing cards. These prizes were donated by Regalitos by Doña Lola. Acting as hosts for the event were political science sophomore Sammyra Nieves-Rivera and communications junior Evangeline Cruz. The pair spent the evening calling out cards in Spanish while providing English translations. As attendees called out “Lotería” the hosts rushed around the rotunda verifying straight line, four corners and full card Lotería wins. “It was amazing, I loved it,” NievesRivera said. “I loved the turnout, I loved seeing different faces.” Cruz said she enjoyed being able to share the fun of Lotería with fellow students. “I always love doing events like these that spread our culture and awareness to the campus community,” she said. “Especially after [2020] it’s great to have events again on campus and being able to see students again. It’s just an amazing feeling” Further events exploring Latinx culture will take place through October.
The Valley Vanguard A&E Editor Madeline Bruessow | E-mail mpbruess@svsu.edu | Office 989-964-4482 | Instagram @TheValleyVanguard 110A Curtiss Hall
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Sports
Page A4 | Monday, Oct. 4, 2021 | thevalleyvanguard.com | The Valley Vanguard
Football falls 49-17 in annual BOV game Denver Milam
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Vanguard Sports Editor
aginaw Valley States football team fell to 2-3 on the season following a 49-17 loss to #8 ranked Grand Valley State. SVSU gave up a 28 yard touchdown run on their first defensive stand of the game giving Grand Valley the 7-0 lead. Junior kicker Connor Luksic hit a 37 yard field goal late in the first quarter to bring the Cardinals within four. Junior quarterback Matt Considine threw an interception on the next SVSU drive that was returned 45 yards for a Lakers touchdown. Luksic had a field goal attempt blocked that was returned 55 yards for a touchdown followed by a 37 yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 28-3. With no time remaining on the clock in the first half, Considine was able to complete a pass to junior slot receiver Casey Williams who was able to score, cutting the deficit to 28-10 at half. A six minute 11 play 80 yard drive for the Lakers helped them keep control of the
game as they were able to top it off with a touchdown pass to extend their lead. Another Laker touchdown early in the 4th quarter had many fans headed for the gates as SVSU was trailing 42-10 late in the game. Redshirt freshman Colby Newburg entered the game for the Cardinals in the 4th quarter with the team trailing and was able to put together a scoring drive. Newburg completed a 26 yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Isaiah JohnsonMack to bring the Cardinals back within 25. SVSU attempted to recover an onside kick after their score, but Grand Valley recovered and scored a 45 yard touchdown on the first play of their drive. Senior running back Tommy Scott had 19 carries in the game and finished with 97 yards. Mack finished the game with seven receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. Williams added three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. Newburg completed four of his six passing attempts for 54 yards and a touchdown pass.
Defensive back Noah Suber goes to tackle GVSU running back. Vanguard Photo Editor | Brooke Elward
SVSU is now 0-2 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference (GLIAC) matchups this season.
Saginaw Valley will continue their season with an away game at Texas A&M Commerce on Oct. 9.
Volleyball record falls to 9-3 after losses Denver Milam Vanguard Sports Editor
SVSU traveled north for both of their matchups over the weekend of Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 as they faced two Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference (GLIAC) opponents in Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech. In its Oct. 1 matchup Saginaw Valley split the first four sets with Northern Michigan looking to spoil their homecoming game. During the first set SVSU was able to get 14 kills and used a seven-point run in the middle of the set to pull away and win 2518. After only getting nine kills in the second set leading to a 25-20 loss, Saginaw Valley made it back to double digits as they
recorded ten kills in the third set to hold off Northern by a score of 25-13. Set four ended with 13 kills for the Cardinals, but 4 errors helped the Wildcats pull off a 25-19 win in the set, forcing a fifth set tiebreaker. SVSU was unable to secure the win in the fifth set with three hitting errors holding them back, causing a 15-11 loss. Sophomore hitter Rylee Zimmer led Saginaw Valley with 12 kills during the match. Freshman outside hitter Madison Thompson and senior middle hitter Haley Clum each were able to reach double digit kills as well. Kelsey Vittitow, a freshman defensive specialist, also had a strong performance with 20 digs for the Cardinals.
Saginaw Valley traveled from Marquette to Houghton on Oct. 2 to face off with the Michigan Tech Huskies. After falling behind 4-0 in the first set SVSU was able to catch up and tie the set at 4-4. Both teams traded points until Michigan Tech was able to pull away after a tie of 8-8 to shut the Cardinals down by a final score of 25-13. During the second set Saginaw Valley fell behind early as the Huskies were able to take an 18-6 lead before winning the set 25-10. Looking for a win in the third set SVSU had their best showing of the match in terms of points scored. After falling behind 9-3 Saginaw Valley was able to keep pace and was trailing 19-
15 in the late stretch of the set. Michigan Tech however was able to finish on a 6-2 run, finishing off the three-set sweep of the Cardinals. Clum had five kills for SVSU which was the most of any Cardinal in the match followed by senior outside hitter Maria Vukaj who had four. Vittitow and junior setter Peyton Gerstacker each were able to reach double digit digs for SVSU. With the two losses over the weekend the Cardinals record moves to 9-3 overall with a 1-3 record in GLIAC play this season. SVSU will continue action on Oct. 8 at home against Ferris State followed by a home matchup with Grand Valley on Oct. 9 and a third home match with Davenport on Oct. 10.
XC hosts Red October Invite Golf places seventh Denver Milam Vanguard Sports Editor
SVSU’s cross country team held the inaugural Red October invite on Oct. 2 at Saginaw Valley State’s campus. There were four events hosted at the race: college men 8k, college women 6k, high school 5k and a middle school 2 mile. Sophomore Carter Stoner led the way for SVSU finishing in seventh place with a time of 26:59.70. Brendan Nesbitt, a senior at SVSU, finished the race in 13th place 25 seconds after Stoner. As a team SVSU’s men were able to finish in third place after accumulating 59 points. The Cardinals had a total time of 2:19:00.00 for their six runners which gave them an average of 27:48.00. Wayne State and Davenport finished ahead
of SVSU while Lake Superior State finished in fourth place. On the women’s side of the event SVSU was able to finish in third place. Sophomore Emma Banning finished with a time of 24:51.56 which earned her 12th place and was the best finish for Saginaw Valley. After 25:20.32 freshman Aubree Sedore finished the race in 18th place followed by junior Emily Buska and freshman Jessica Jablonski moments later. SVSU finished the race with 89 points and a total time of 2:14:46.36, for an average racer time of 26:57.46. Wayne State finished in first place while Davenport ended in second and Lake Superior State came in fourth. Saginaw Valley will compete again on Oct. 9 in Romeoville, Illinois at the Lewis University Crossover.
Rebekah Williams Vanguard Sports Reporter
SVSU Women’s golf took seventh at the two-round Lady Bulldog Invite this past Sunday and Monday. Ferris State University hosted the Lady Bulldog Invitational for golf teams from across Michigan. SVSU came in seventh with its team of five girls just behind Northwood University. The team, freshman Rachael Krieger, freshman Brook Herbstreit, freshman Megan Thiravong, sophomore Amanda Ehrlich and freshman Megan Kozlowski competed for SVSU at the meet. The leader for the cardinals was Krieger, who tied for 20th place, with a final score of 159, 75 for round one and 84 for
round two. Herbstreit wasn’t far behind tying for 27th place and scoring 84 in the first round, 78 in the second round, totaling 162. Thiravong tied for 33rd place, scoring 82 for both rounds, totaling 164, only two behind Herbstreit. Ehrlich tied for 41th, scoring 86 in the first and 81 in the second, totaling 167. Following Enrlich, Kozlowski tied for 46th scoring 83 for round one and 85 for round two, totaling 168. The team finished with a first-round score of 324, a second-round score of 325 giving them a total score of 649. The Cardinals continue in action on Monday Oct. 4 at the William Beall Classic at Findlay Country Club in Findlay, Ohio.
Tennis continues season with split weekend Sadie Shepherd Vanguard Sports Reporter
The SVSU women’s tennis team was able to celebrate its first head-to-head win of the season after winning against Lawrence Tech (LWT) at home on Sept 24. The victory did not come without challenges, according to coach Ryan Ruzziconi. “We got off to a little bit of a slow start and I attribute that to nerves to some extent – it was the first on-campus home match since Fall of 2019 and being in front of our own fans for the first time this season, contributed to some early nerves and struggles,” Ruzziconi said. Thankfully, the team was able to overcome its game-day jitters in the latter matches. “Once that was gone, you could see some of our players like junior Chelsea Dzenga and sophomore Emma Charlton get comfortable and really put their opponent away for nice wins,” Ruzziconi said. Dzenga and Charlton both managed to defeat the competition in their singles matches after three sets. Several of the team’s freshmen players
also shined in their singles matches despite initial nerves. “It was … good to see freshmen Elizabeth Stuart and Andrea Teofilovic not overwhelmed by the moment and winning their matches easily,” Ruzziconi said. While celebrating the 5-2 win over LWT, Ruzziconi said he knew it would be an even tougher contest when the team took on Cornerstone at home on Oct. 2. “This will be a tough weekend of matches,” he said. “We have Cornerstone University coming here on Saturday morning, and they are clearly becoming one of the best tennis programs in Michigan.” Cornerstone lived up to its reputation winning 4-3, with SVSU taking their first head-to-head loss this season. SVSU certainly put up a fight, with Teofilovic, Stuart and freshman Alexis Anthes solidifying 3 singles matchup wins out of 6. The pair of Dzenga and Stuart were once again able to win their doubles match with a score of 6-3. This victory was not enough to stop Cornerstone from dominating the other 2 doubles matchups and ultimately
clinching the win. While the loss is disappointing, the SVSU women’s team must stay focused in preparation for competition at Hillsdale on Oct. 3. “On Sunday afternoon we play at Hillsdale College, and they were the top team in the GMAC last spring,” Ruzziconi said. Regardless of winning or losing, Ruzziconi says this weekend’s gameplay will serve as a learning experience for the entire team. “I am looking forward to this weekend, as it will be a good gauge of where we are as a team and what [we] need to work on for the spring Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) season,” he said. After Hillsdale, the team will have one more weekend of head-to-head competition at home. The Cards will be taking on Walsh on Oct. 8 and Findlay on Oct 9. before concluding its fall season. After the fall season ends next weekend, the Cardinals will continue to practice leading up to the spring season. The tennis team’s spring season will resume in Feb. and will last through the month of Apr.
Freshman Elizabeth Stuart (pictured) and Junior Chelsea Dzenga win the game 6-2. Vanguard Photo Editor | Brooke Elward
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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