Friday, March 29, 2024 Print Edition

TANGERINE

Sexual violence prevention grant reinstated under new Title IX coordinator

◊ KAYDEN LAMPHERE SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

On March 1, Ann Ciancia officially took on the role of Utica University’s new Title IX Coordinator, following the departure of Lisa Green.

According to Ciancia, the position has been one she’s wanted for quite some time.

Ciancia, who graduated from Utica University in 2018, has experience in the field of sexual violence research and prevention, recently presenting her findings at the University of Melborne at the Swiftposium Conference. She said Title IX is an important issue for her and was a Title IX coordinator previously at another institution.

“Sexual assault prevention has always been a passion of mine. It was why I changed my career path to go to law school, I want to help survivors of sexual violence,” Ciancia said. “Title IX provides a due equitable process for both parties, and our goal is to end sexual violence.”

One of the most recent developments for Ciancia in her new position has been the reacquisition of the Office of Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention

Initiative grant, formerly known to some Utica University students as Safe Trax.

“We got the grant reinstated back in October,” Ciancia said. “Myself, Mathew Vincent, Marissa Finch, Ariel Rios, Bethany VanBenschoten, Shad Crowe, and Jay LaFayette all went to Louisville, Kentucky for a week-long training for the grant over spring break.”

Director of Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention Initiatives Mathew Vincent said that students should not expect a return of the name “Safe Trax,” due to the change in staff that run the program.

“The biggest reason is because my role is different from the previous director of the program,” Vincent said. “I am a mandated reporter, so if someone on campus wanted to confide in me that they have experienced sexual or dating violence, I would need to report it to our Title IX Coordinator.”

Originally, Utica University held the grant, but lost it due to the competitive nature of applying for and receiving federal funding, Vincent said.

“Out of the 100 applications [the Office of Victim Advocacy and

Violence Prevention] received, only 41 were funded,” Vincent said. “Amy Lindner and Wendy Lockwood did a really remarkable job at making sure we had the best application possible.”

According to Vincent, the program will provide comprehensive sexual violence prevention and bystander training to students and staff, in addition to instituting the Green Dot and Twelve Men programs.

“The overall goal of this program across the nation is to create sustainable and systematic changes on college campuses,” Vincent said. “We want to make it easier for

members of our community to access the resources they need if they have been impacted by domestic, dating, and sexual violence or stalking.”

For more information, contact Title IX Coordinator Ann Ciancia (accianci@utica.edu) or Director of Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention Initiatives Mathew Vincent (mjvincen@utica.edu).

Confidential resources for students include the Health and Wellness Center counselors, Project Manager of Student Life Bethany VanBenschoten (bavanben@utica. edu), and YWCA Campus Advocate Bridget Brezinsky (bmbrezin@ utica.edu).

Popular social media app TikTok in jeopardy after Congress votes in favor of ban

◊ BREANNAN O’HARA FEATURES EDITOR

Congress overwhelmingly passed a bill on March 20 that would force TikTok’s Chinese owners to sell or divest the platform, or face exclusion from U.S. app stores and web hosting services. Many members of the Utica University community aren’t happy about it.

The Senate will soon decide the future of this app, and if the bill is approved, parent company ByteDance will have 165 days to comply.

There has been a flurry of controversial issues around the bill. The argument in favor of the app is that China may pose a security risk because it has access to the data of millions of Americans. On the other hand, others believe that the app is useful for a variety of reasons, including news flow, commercial profit and entertainment purposes.

Daniel Tagliarina, professor of political science, said that it is a “bad look for the branch” in regards

to targeting TikTok and not applying the same pressure to U.S. based social media platforms that essentially do the same thing.

“This is a bill, not a law, and the Senate is not likely to move quickly, and seems against the bill,” Tagliarnia said. “The whole thing is about China far more than it is about TikTok, and it shows a bit of hypocrisy as lawmakers are not taking seriously the same practices that they accuse TikTok of when done by domestic companies.”

Some Utica students expressed concern about the app’s potential

banning since it serves as a platform to get information or a good laugh.

“I definitely do not approve of the ban, I find TikTok very helpful especially when connecting with others since it allows everyone to come together on one platform,” junior Meghan Sonnachio said. “I find myself always laughing with my friends about the TikToks we make together or other TikToks that we all see on our for you pages.”

CONT. ON PG 3

New Title IX Coordinator Ann Ciancia presenting at the Swiftposium Conference at the University of Melbourne

Photo courtesy of Ann Ciancia

Spring 2024 STAFF

@UticaTangerine

@Utica_Tangerine

@Utica_Tangerine

Editor-In-Chief - Isa Hudziak

Managing Editor - Diana Sidorevich

Features Editor - Breannan O’Hara

Sports Editor - Brady Barnard

Online and Social Media Manager - Eleanor Berkhoudt

Senior Feature Writer - Charles Buckley

Senior News Reporter - Kayden Lamphere

Sports Reporter - Nick Phillips

Staff Photographer - Luke Reed

Circulation Manager - Juan Alvarez Garcia

Adviser - Mary Christopher

About

The Tangerine is published biweekly during the academic year by and for Utica University students. To reach a member of the staff, email tanger@utica.edu or call 315-792-3065. All material printed in The Tangerine is copyrighted. The Tangerine was first published as the Utica College News on Nov. 6, 1946.

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Letters to the editor are welcomed from all members of the Utica University community. Letters must meet fair and accurate publishing standards and contain no libelous material. Anonymous letters to the editor will not be printed. All letters and editorials must meet the print deadline of 5 p.m. on Mondays. Please send all submissions to tanger@utica.edu. Takeback requests are a form of censorship and therefore not accepted.

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The Tangerine accepts paid advertisements. Advertising copy is subject to the same professional publishing standards as content. The Tangerine reserves the right to reject advertising that does not meet the standards established, is libelous, is in poor taste or violates discrimination laws. Please direct all inquiries to tanger@utica.edu. The deadline for publication is 10 a.m. on Tuesdays.

The opinions and columns expressed in The Tangerine are those of the individual writers and do not represent the views of The Tangerine or Utica University.

CONT. FROM PG 1

Freshman Jacob Collea said people will be disappointed in the ban because various age groups use the app for different purposes.

“I disagree with the ban as people use it for informational purposes,” Collea said. “For instance, I look up many videos about firefighting, workouts, recipes and also important updates on things going on in the world today.”

Tagliarina said this issue is not “straightforward” since there are potential layers of First Amendment arguments but they are not strong claims because China cannot exercise free speech in the U.S and corporate speech is treated differently

based on the circumstance.

“I think a ban on TikTok likely would not have significant economic disruptions for the country, but would be felt significantly by influencers and businesses who have built their brand there,” Tagliarina said. “What is undeniable is that many young people get their news from TikTok and a ban would disrupt that flow of information.”

Campus Safety Blotter

A student watches TikToks during her down time.

Photo by Breannan O’Hara.

Out of the Darkness Walk planned next month to raise awareness on suicide prevention

◊ SYAMIMI ANUAR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority will host an Out of The Darkness Walk on Sunday, April 7, at Utica University to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention.

The goal is to raise $10,000 for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

On-site registration for the event begins at 11 a.m.; the walk will start at 12:30 p.m. and end at 2 p.m. Participants will start at Duffy Plaza, with the definitive route to be announced soon.

Duanena Graves, philanthropy chair of Kappa Delta Phi, said that she hopes the walk will

cause people to be more aware of mental health.

“I am glad the event got approved because I want people to unite at the event to show their support in preventing suicides,” Graves said. “I hope the weather will be nice on the day of the event.”

Sorority president Samantha Shaffer said the philanthropic sorority takes pride in raising funds and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The walk is a great way to show support to those who struggle with mental health and suicidal thought, she said.

“Having suicidal thoughts is not easy to deal with,” Shaffer said. “I hope this event will

receive a lot of support and love from people.”

Shaffer said the sorority often participates in walk events outside of campus and she is excited to bring this event to campus for everyone to participate in.

“Getting involved with this type of event would be a great way to spend quality time with friends and family as well as getting a chance to do a good deed,” Shaffer said.

Harleigh Dorrity, vice president of Kappa Delta Phi, said the event is similar to the Unity Walk, an annual tradition at Utica University.

“The Unity Walk event allows people on campus to support the importance of diversity and

values of belonging, but the Out of the Darkness Walk event is to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention,” Dorrity said. “Both events are similar because people will gather at Duffy Plaza and march around campus as a symbol of unity supporting the objective of the events.”

Dorrity hopes to see at least 100 people participate.

“I hope many people will support this event because it will not only mean a lot to the sorority and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, but it means a lot to people with mental health,” Dorrity said.

Top-rated PBS program Ivory Tower to record at Strebel on April 10

◊ DIANA SIDOREVICH MANAGING EDITOR

WCNY’s longest-running television series “Ivory Tower,” hosted by Utica journalism professor David Chanatry, will be recorded live on Utica’s campus on Wednesday, April 10 at 7 p.m. in Strebel Auditorium.

The live recording is part of the “Ivory Tower on the Road” program where the show is recorded at colleges where the panelists teach.

According to WCNY’s webpage, Ivory Tower will be going on the road to give fans the chance to watch the show live and meet the panelists, said Doug Moreau, Senior Director of Production.

The topical show will feature six panelists, professors from neighboring institutions including Colgate University, Hamilton College and Syracuse University, discussing news and events from the perspective of academics. Journalism

professor Barbara Fought from Newhouse School of Public Communications will moderate questions from the live audience.

The topics discussed usually depend on current events in the world but Chanatry said he will gear topics at the recording toward what resonates with a college audience. The tentative list, subject to change, includes transgender sanctuary laws, changes in admission standards being part of a culture war and an environmental story. The show encourages balanced discussion of news and events.

Chanatry said discussing news and current events with professors is great because they reach the depth of knowledge they have rather than approaching topics as talking points.

“It’s an example of serious public debate without acrimony,” Chanatry said. “We like each other. We disagree with each other. We’re respectful. We allow each other to finish their

thoughts, we interrogate their thoughts a little bit. I like to think it can model how TV punditry can be done.”

Utica’s political science professor Luke Perry has been a panelist at ‘Ivory Tower’ since 2018. He said the role is a big part of his life and that he incorporates fellow panelists’ insights into his teaching and collaborates with them in research.

“I think it’s particularly important for teacher-scholars to share their expertise and analysis in furthering understanding of public affairs,” Perry said. “This is pivotal in an era of hyperpartisanship, disinformation, and weakening democratic norms.”

The five panelists include two professors from Utica, Perry and professor of economics Rick Fenner. Other panelists are political science professor at Le Moyne Anirban Acharya, political science professor at Colgate and member of the state’s Commission on Judicial

The recording will be an hour-long session and will be broadcast on Friday, April 12 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. on WCNY-TV. Utica’s on and off campus community are welcome to attend.

Court Nina Moore and political science professor at Syracuse Sarah Pralle.

The logo of “Ivory Tower On the Road”

Photo courtesy of WCNY

Utica’s Adrienne Smith in “The Christmas Letter” movie

◊ MEGAN WRIGHT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Utica University’s own Adrienne Smith was cast in the upcoming film “The Christmas Letter,” directed by Tori Hunter, alongside stars Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid. The movie, which is billed as a comedy and takes place in Central New York, found many local actresses and actors to be a part of their production.

Smith, who is Utica

University’s social media and media relations manager, was cast as the ski kiosk attendant. She has been involved in acting and modeling since she was 12 years old, and now, at 25, she received her first official speaking role in a film.

“[I’ve] pretty much been pursuing [print modeling and acting] as a side hustle since I was 12 years old,” Smith said. “My mom and I were kind of like a tag team; she was my mom-ager.”

Smith attained the role not through her agencies but said, “It was all about connections.” She had a family friend who is a local acting coach connect her to this film. Originally, Smith auditioned for two roles: the ski kiosk attendant and the news co-anchor. However, she said she felt stronger in the ski kiosk attendant role that she was cast in. Her particular scene took place at Woods Valley Ski

Area in Westernville and was with one of the leads in the film, Randy Quaid. Smith said the set atmosphere was fun and relaxed.

“It was really fun to work with [Randy Quaid]; I felt very comfortable,” Smith said. “Everyone was super friendly and super welcoming, and they made it a point to make me and the other folks who were just coming in to film one scene on one day feel very comfortable.”

Images from the set of the movie courtesy of Adrienne Smith

High School Communication Career Day brings students from Central New York to Utica University campus

◊ TANGERINE STAFF

Utica About 70 high school students from the Mohawk Valley and Albany region participated in High School Communication Career Day on March 20 at Utica University. The event was sponsored by the Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism.

After listening to keynote speaker Angela Grande, a Utica University alumnus and director of Streaming Channels for NBC Universal, students participated in interactive sessions led by faculty and current students, focusing on digital marketing, social media, storytelling,

sports communication, journalism and public relations.

Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions after alumni and current student panels.

Communication Career Day earned high marks from many of the prospective students, including Proctor High School student Eh Nee Thaw.

Thaw said it was reassuring to hear current students’ early college experiences and know they shared similarities.

“It gave a little comfort to know that we’re going to be in their shoes one day,” Thaw said. “I personally loved the

broadcasting room. I got to do different jobs. It was easier than expected. I absolutely loved being on camera though.”

Club Profile: Bible Study Club

◊ LYDIA IORIO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bible Study Club has existed at Utica University for around 10 years, but is one many students might not know about. The club’s goal is to give students a convenient place on campus to continue or start their relationship with Christ. It allows a comfortable environment for open conversations regarding Christianity.

Meetings are held in the Gannett Library conference room every Sunday at 2 p.m. and are based on the Scriptures. Club members read agreed-upon chapters before the meeting and then have an open discussion based on their learning or understanding of the Scripture.

Chris Kane, a junior and member of the Bible Study

Club, said he enjoys how the study leads to deeper group discussions.

“The great part about the study is that we often tend to get off track and discuss many topics,” Kane said. “These topics can be world events, specific questions some may be unsure of, and cross reference. It’s a time to just have conversations with like minded people.”

The club is open to newcomers, from those who already have deep faith to those who are uncertain or questioning their faith.

Matthew Brantley III, a senior and criminal justice major at Utica University, is the club’s president. He said he joined to help others find a relationship with Jesus. Brantley’s consistency and endurance are what led him to

fill the leadership role in the club today.

“You don’t have to ‘pledge’ to make a commitment to this group,” Brantley said. “Just come to experience the love, wisdom and power of Jesus Christ.”

Kane said he is normally a shy and reserved person, so conversations about his beliefs don’t always come easy to him.

“Because of this study, my faith has grown stronger and has allowed me to be bold

in Jesus and the Bible. It has really helped me be more bold in living out my faith,” Kane said.

The club is relatively small with six members, but it is growing and may move their meeting time to Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. to better fit members’ schedules. Bible Study Club does not maintain any social media accounts so interested students can email Brantley or Kane at mabrantl@utica.edu or cdkane@utica.edu.

Photo by Lydia Iorio

Photo of the event above taken by Mary Christopher

“Behind U” Staff Spotlight: Killy Bobela

◊ CHARLIE BUCKLEY SENIOR FEATURES WRITER

This week The Tangerine is introducing a new “Behind U”staff spotlight feature, highlighting the people who support and serve the Utica University community every day. Killy Bobela, the Sodexo barista who works at LeBistro in Gordon Science Center, is the first “Behind U” profile.

Q: How did you become a barista for LeBistro?

A: I started working for Sodexo after COVID. My original job was management in food service. I actually worked at another university for 15 years as a manager in food service. When I moved to this area, this job came up online so I applied for it and Damian [Boehlert] called

me in for an interview; next thing you know I’m here and working.

Q: Since you started working here, what has been your favorite part of the job?

A: I like seeing the students everyday, talking to them and seeing how they are doing. Just overall being in touch

with everybody on campus and getting to know new people everyday.

Q: Some students tend to get involved with Sodexo in order to make some extra money while they’re living on campus. Is there any piece of advice you’d give to students who are interesting in joining

A: I’ve always told my employees in the past to come to work on time, make sure to call in if you’re not coming in and just talk to the managers if there’s a problem. Damian works very well with the students and if they need to talk he tries his best to set up and meet with them around their schedule.

Q: When you’re not working on campus, what are some activities or hobbies that you do in your free time?

A: My husband and I like to go to concerts, specifically we follow a lot of jam bands. My favorite is a jam band known as Moe. I also ski and me and my husband also like to cook for our family a lot so we try to do gatherings with family often, basically family dinner once a week if we can.

Bingo draws big crowds, hoping luck is on their side

◊ JAMES HYMON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Office of Student Living and Campus Engagement (SLCE) has been hosting various Bingo events over the semester – and they are well attended.

The office has reported massive student turnout for each Bingo event, averaging 96 attendees. Director of Student Living Marissa Hall attributes it to the enthusiasm towards the prospect of winning the prizes on display for every game.

These prizes, ranging in value from $25 to $100, are already desirable items and vary from luxury goods

like Beats headphones and speakers to general goods such as cleaning supplies. This variety of prizes allows the Bingo event to attract those looking to test their luck while enjoying the thrills of competition.

Hall said this Bingo event is only the beginning for a selection of signature events created by SLCE to headline student engagement in the near future.

“We are looking into ideas for next semester,” Hall said. “But Bingo is definitely here to stay.”

The idea for these Bingo events stemmed from a

similar event hosted by Assistant Director of Residential Education Tyler Davis last semester. To celebrate the arrival of new washer and dryers in five of the residence halls, a Bingo event titled Laundry 101 was held, which proved to have such significant turnout among both students and faculty, that SLCE decided to offer the concept as a regularly-scheduled event. Each Bingo event tries to focus on educating students on various topics, from Black history to essentials for living on campus.

Perks of attending multiple Bingo events include

the opportunity to have an additional Bingo board simply by completing a survey that’s handed out after every event.

For freshman student Claire Bruley, it’s a fun event to look forward to.

“It’s good to know that we can have such simple events to look forward to here,” Bruley said. “It goes to show, not everything has to be really big and bombastic in order to draw attention.”

SLCE said this attention is a significant step in encouraging students to show up for events. The SLCE office is rescheduling the next Bingo event, which will be held in April.

Photo courtesy of Killy Bobela

20th Annual Sitrin Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game on campus April 11

◊ TANGERINE STAFF

Local celebrities and Sitrin’s STARS athletes will face off in the 20th Annual Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball game on Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m., in the Clark Athletic Center.

Syracuse University men’s basketball players Chris Bell and Maliq Brown will headline this year’s game. Two fans will have a chance to compete against Bell and Brown in a three-point competition during halftime. There will also be a silent auction of sports memorabilia, a 50/50 raffle and free autographs during the second half of the game.

Proceeds will benefit the Sitrin STARS program, which provides opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to participate in a variety of adaptive sports including wheelchair curling, road racing, target shooting, paddling, biathlon and archery, in addition to wheelchair basketball. Sitrin STARS athletes have competed on the international and Paralympic level and have represented the United States throughout the

world.

“We are grateful to the community, participants, and event sponsors for their continued support of the Celebrity Classic,” said Marc DePerno, vice president of Foundation and Communications and director of the STARS program. “The STARS athletes look forward to showcasing their amazing abilities and taking on the Celebrity Cruisers for what will surely be an exciting game.”

The local celebrity roster continues with Sen. Joseph Griffo, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, Assemblyman Brian Miller, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, among other community leaders.

Returning to defend their 19-year winning streak are STARS athletes Hermin Garic, elite road racer and the first Oneida County resident to win the Boilermaker 15K; Kevin Burnside, gold medal winner in 2K Nordic sprint and 6K biathlon at the 2022 Empire State Winter Games; Jimmy

“Jam” Joseph, three-time Paralympian; Tammy Delano, Paralympian; as well as other STARS athletes.

Tickets, which can be purchased online or at the door, are $10 for adults 18 years of age and older, and $5 for students of any age. Children

under five years old are free. For ticket information, visit www. sitrin.com/celebrityclassic.

Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball stars Chris Bell and Maliq Brown will headline the 20th Annual Sitrin Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game. /Photo courtesy of Sitrin.

Recap: Men’s hockey falls to Hobart in NCAA Semifinals

◊ ALEXIS WIMETT STAFF WRITER

In their first NCAA Division III Frozen Four since 2012–13, the No. 2 men’s hockey team’s spectacular season came to an end on March 21 as they fell short 3–1 against top-ranked Hobart College.

“No one expected us to win UCHC or even make it to the NCAA Frozen Four,” freshman Eric Vitale said.

“We got to beat the odds and it showed a testament to our hard work all year.”

The only goal for the Pioneers was scored by sophomore Michael Herrera, with assists from Kimball Johnson and Drake Morse.

In net the entire game, sophomore Ethan Roberts made 24 saves on 27 shots for a .923 save percentage.

Within the first 52 seconds of the game, Hobart had already taken a 1-0 lead. After a missed shot, the Statesman fired a shot from the point through traffic and managed to put it beyond Roberts’ grasp into the net.

For the next few minutes, the Pioneers fired many shots, but Hobart was standing strong. Utica, nevertheless fought back.

Before the game came to the second quarter, the Statesmen struck again, gradually increasing their lead, leaving the Pioneers behind by two scores.

In the final three minutes of the period, graduate students Khristian Acosta and Dante Spagnuolo took their last shots for Utica. Johnson, Andrew Della Rovere and Brian Scoville also took their chances, but none of the shots made it past Hobart’s defense.

As the final period quickly approached, Utica remained two points down. However, when all hope seemed lost, Utica found their will to fight. With assists from Morse and Johnson, the Pioneers were able to reduce their disadvantage as Herrera managed to score from long range after spotting a loose

puck and blasting it past the Statesmen making the score 2-1.

With eight shots on goal in the last 20 minutes, Utica was not going down without a fight. The game went into the last two minutes with the Pioneers behind by just one goal.

In an effort to take advantage of the offensive pressure and add an extra attacker, Utica opted to pull Roberts from the goal with just over two minutes remaining.

Hobart sealed their victory as they managed to get the puck out of the Utica zone, resulting in an empty netter

that ended the game with a 3-1 score.

With an additional attacker, Utica went 0-for-3 while Hobart went 0-for-2 with the man advantage.

Hobart had a 27–23 advantage in shots on goal by the end of the game.

Despite a heartbreaking loss for the pioneers, head coach Gary Heenan said he is proud of his team.

“What was meant to be a rebuilding here became our best season in program history,” Heenan said. “We have a lot to be proud of.”

Photo courtesy of YSM Media

Men’s hockey caps off best season in program history

◊ ALEXIS WIMETT STAFF WRITER

With 24 wins, a third straight UCHC title, and an all-star group of 18 rookies who helped guide the team to its first NCAA Division III Frozen Four since 2012–13, men’s hockey capped off its best season in program history.

This season, the addition of 18 new players, which all connected seamlessly to help the team make its second run to the Frozen Four.

They defeated Stevenson University, Nazareth College and Alvernia University on their way to winning their third consecutive UCHC Tournament this season.

They received a firstround bye in the NCAA Tournament because of their exceptional regular season, which also won them a 4-1 victory over Plymouth State in the quarterfinals.

Utica finished fourth in the Pairwise Rankings while holding the second-best spot in the USCHO National Poll.

This season introduced a number of new faces as a large number of players from the previous season parted ways. As one of the youngest teams in the country, minus first-year teams, many didn’t expect these players to win the UCHC or make it to the NCAA Frozen Four.

Forward Eric Vitale and goalkeeper Ethan Roberts made an immediate impact on the team.

Roberts earned a spot on the Second Team All-UCHC. He recorded 28 saves in the playoffs, making 17 in just one period, earning him the title

of 2024 UCHC Tournament MVP. He has made 525 saves this season and accumulated an impressive save percentage of 0.941.

Vitale, a first-year student, won Rookie of the Year honors for the conference. Just one of the three UCHC Rookie of the Year honorees from Utica. He had 25 points on 11 goals and 14 assists in 26 games played, while recording a plus-19 rating. He was also named the UCHC Rookie of the Week after his performance in the previous ten games, tallying eight goals and seven assists, including his first college hattrick on Feb. 2.

“Rookie of the year could’ve gone to half our team,” Vitale said. “I’m honored and very grateful for the award.”

Apart from the new arrivals, guys like Brian Scoville have proved to be fire on ice.

Scoville, a senior defenseman, made history by capturing the 2023–24 UCHC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year titles. In the league’s history, he became the first student-athlete to win both of the awards in the same season. At 30 points and 1.15 points per game, he ranked second among all Division III defenseman. In 28 games, he has nine goals, 23 assists, and 32 points, which puts him among the best in the nation with a plus-41 rating.

In addition to his five powerplay goals, Scoville has added two game-winning goals. In 20 UCHC games, he recorded 20 assists and seven goals, demonstrating his outstanding performance in league play.

Forward Matt Wood was named to the First Team AllUCHC following a standout junior campaign and earned his first All-UCHC title of his career. With 29 points this season, 12 goals and 17 assists, Wood is ranked second on Utica and fifth in the UCHC.

Junior Forward Shane Murphy was named to the Second Team All-UCHC following an outstanding second half of the season, his first All-UCHC honor. Murphy led the team in points with thirteen goals and fifteen assists, which is third on the team and eighth in the UCHC.

Veteran Kimball Johnson was named to the Second Team All-UCHC on defense after yet another stellar season in his second year with the team. This year, Johnson has contributed 11 assists and five goals. Now in his 23rd season as

head coach and program founder, Gary Heenan guided the Pioneers through this historical season.

Heenan has reached significant milestones this season as he has not only recorded his 350th career win but has also been named the UCHC Coach of the Year for the third consecutive year and the fourth overall by his peers. Under Heenan’s leadership, the Pioneers ranked No. 2 in the USCHO. com Division III national poll. They advanced to the conference championship game six times in the last seven seasons and won the UCHC regular season title seven times in a row.

“This group was committed and resilient,” Heenan said. “What was meant to be a rebuilding here became our best season in program history. There is a lot to be proud of.”

Photo courtesy of YSM Media

Utica University Esports continues to thrive

◊ BRADY BARNARD SPORTS EDITOR

Utica University’s Valorant Esports team has made it to the Grand Finals for the second year in a row. They face off against rival team Southern New Hampshire University at the BrookLAN Center in Brooklyn on April 14.

With the addition of the Carbone Family Esports Auditorium, Utica University Esports entered the East Coast Conference(ECC) and now offers a fully featured tournament-ready Esports venue.

Unlike a traditional sports program, Esports is not separated into divisions. Regardless of the school’s size, they can compete at the top level. Over the past two seasons, Utica has competed against schools like Harvard University, Texas A&M University and Cornell University.

Esports Program Director Daniel Sportello gives credit to the new facility for the program’s recent growth and success.

“Before the facility, we were only able to work with what we had internally, and everyone operated out of their dorms,” Sportello said. “With a designated space for each team, we are taking competitive esports to a whole new level at Utica. Every practice and match happens here. The friendships, bonds, lifelong memories and

team chemistry. We are extremely blessed to have one of the greatest facilities in the North East.”

Every season the Esports program holds multi-week tryouts to build their rosters for the upcoming season.

“These tryouts are for more than just individual player skill, but also, their ability to play with a team, receive criticism, their mental fortitude, and so much more,” Sportello said. “We also select players based on a number system that is used to come up with an overall score. And then the esports staff sits down to talk about each selection. And then decisions are made.”

Much like the other sports

programs at Utica, the Esports team practices four to five days a week for up to three hours a day. The teams also have hour-long workouts in the school’s fitness center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

“Each practice consists of scrimmages, video review of past matches, and practicing strategy,” Sportello said. “Depending on the day, you will also see teams preparing for matches coming up through counter-strategy, specific film review on the team, etc.”

Currently, the team competes in five different games that each have their own roster.

The Valorant team, who will play in the Grand Finals, is currently 12-3 going into their matchup against Southern New Hampshire.

The Super Smash Bros: Ultimate team is 3-6, the Rocket league team is 7-4, the League of Legends team is 3-1, and the Counter-Strike 2 team is still working towards their first win with a record of 0-2.

There is a lot to look forward to in the upcoming fall semester as Call of Duty will be returning, and Esports will be getting a page on Utica Pioneers Athletics so that students will be able to view the team’s record and stats.

Photos courtesy of Utica University

ACROSS

3. Utica native, Flyers play-by-play broadcaster

5. At Denny’s, it’s pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage

7. Coke’s water brand

9. Ford sedan, 4th-gen. Mondeo in the U.K.

10. Capital of the Evergreen State

15. “Don’t leave home without it”, for short

16. It wasn’t built in a day, as they say

19. “Til My Baby Comes Home” singer

20. Species include Green, Marine, and Lesser Antillean

22. Formerly known as Clear Channel Communications, Inc.

24. The “Finnish Flash”, NHL hall-of-famer

26. Sooner, Heisman Trophy winner

27. Second from the sun

28. A tell-tale sign of Detroit hockey

29. 55-past, on an analog clock

Created by James Hymon

DOWN

1. “Soup is good food” marketer

2. Coyotes’ prequel, Thrashers’ sequel

4. Estuary of Massachusetts Bay

6. _________ Airlines, “LUV” on the NYSE

8. Turns grape juice into wine

11. They’ve got a box, and it’s full of music

12. City of Kodak’s former HQ

13. Administrative capital of South Africa

14. Sponsor of Jazz’s home arena, reunion after 22 years separate

17. Manufacturers of 7(insert number here)7s

18. Dan ______, the first Bush’s VP

21. Jobs’ right-hand man, Apple I developer

23. London river, or the city’s former ITV weekday service

25. “Wasted $7 million” in famous Super Bowl 34 commercial

29. AuctionWeb, back in the day