12.10.15 The Yellow Jacket

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | VOL. 93 NO. 9 | EST. 1924

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Service is in Waynesburg's DNA

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Insurance coverage prompts change in internship procedure

By KIMMI BASTON Executive Editor

Every summer, dozens of Waynesburg University students complete internships as a part of their complete education.

Much of the time, the internships count for credit toward their major or minor field of study.

The process is largely the same, regardless of the students’ varying disciplines.

During the spring before the internship, they register for an internship course for the following fall semester, worth upwards of three credit hours.

They complete the internship, keeping records as required by their department and take the corresponding course in the fall to unpack the results of the experience.

Now, the university is making a change to the way credits are assigned for summer internships. Students completing an internship during the summer months must be

Photos courtesy of University Relations and Adrienne Tharp Photo Illustration by Chad Sherman

Since 1849, Waynesburg's legacy of servant leadership is built by the hands and hearts of many

By SHON MEADE Managing Editor

F

rom the early days of the school when the students molded the bricks that would eventually become Miller Hall, Waynesburg University students have always had a passion for serving others.

Waynesburg University has been living up to its mission statement of faith, service and learning ever since the start of the institution in 1849.

Though the school has weaved in and out of having a strong presence of faith on campus and the evolution of the learning styles has changed over the years, the practice of serving others has remained a staple for the students of Waynesburg. One thing that hasn’t changed in over 15 decades is the marks that students leave on this campus. Like the bricks that the original students molded, fingerprints of students can be found all across campus and everywhere that students have left their mark.

“Waynesburg is so passionate in service,” said Kelley Hardie, assistant dean of student services. “Service is in the DNA of Waynesburg University.”

From their first weekend on campus, Waynesburg students are embedded in the service experience. The Saturday of their freshman orientation weekend is dedicated to serving the community.

This tradition started more than a year ago with the 2014

incoming class and is planned to continue on for many years to come, according to Hardie.

The initial project took place at Ryerson State Park.

Through a joint effort, the class as a whole was able to clear away invasive species of plants as well as paint and fix up buildings. Then, in 2015, the new freshman class cleared away debris from Civil War graveyards that had fallen into disrepair.

After this initial service experience, Waynesburg students spend the rest of their college career being presented with numerous opportunities to serve others.

The Center for Service Leadership (CSL), overseen by Hardie, is the hub for community service on campus and the place students go to express their desire to serve.

The center oversees all of the community service opportunities and service trips that go on at Waynesburg.

“It’s very important for our students, faculty and staff to leave their fingerprints domestically and internationally,” said Hardie, “That’s why we offer so many trips both locally and globally.”

Through the various organizations and clubs on campus, 1500 students, faculty and staff put in over 50,000 hours of community service in 2014 alone. Each year that number tends to grow, according to Hardie.

That number isn’t reached easily, as it takes a lot of effort from each of the clubs and organizations on campus to achieve it, said Hardie. Each student’s contribution is See SERVICE on A3

registered for one credit hour during the summer.

“What we wanted to do is to make sure that all of our students who are interning in the summer were officially registered with the university, to make sure they are covered by the university’s insurance,” said Dr. Jacquelyn Core, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at the university.

Core said there haven’t been any issues with insurance coverage for student interns, but the university wanted to ensure that, should a situation arise, there is no doubt that students are affiliated with the institution during those summer months.

The internship process for students will remain largely unchanged.

They will continue to register for the correct number of internship credit hours for the fall. The registrar will then switch one credit hour See CREDIT on A4

At age 87, friend and benefactor of university dies Joan Stover and her husband remembered as WU supporters

By KIMMI BASTON Executive Editor

Nine months after Waynesburg University commemorated the death of Dr. W. Robert Stover, generous benefactor of the university, his wife, Mrs. Joan Cote Stover, passed away on Nov. 15, 2015 at the age of 87. She is remembered as having loved Waynesburg University as much as her husband did and as a supporter of all its aspirations.

“Mrs. Stover had a great love of this university and was proud of its accomplishments, much like her late husband, Dr. Stover,” said university President Douglas Lee. “We were blessed to have such strong spiritual and financial support from these two amazing individuals.”

The Stovers were an integral part of the Campus Master Plan, a vision for the university developed by former president and current Chancellor Timothy Thyreen. Both he and Dr. Stover recognized the need for a campus center to serve as a hub of community on the campus. The Stovers contributed a significant donaSee STOVER on A4

Linebacker fights back against the punches life throws After mom's death, athlete reminded of her support

By TAYLOR WHITE

For the Yellow Jacket

For the past 14 years, Brent Blacharczyk has put hours of dedication into football. While at McGuffey High School, he had a Fri-

day night routine. He would step onto the field, ready to hit somebody, and knew he had his family in the stands cheering him on.

This tradition carried with him to his college career. Every Saturday, Blacharczyk would put on crimson and gold, the Seton Hill University uniform, and join his teammates for a game. In the midst of the coaches’ yelling, the cold expressions on the football players’ faces and the sound of helmets bashing off of each other, Blacha-

rczyk would look up in the stands to see his mother’s smiling face – a smile that could instantly warm the soul.

“I always knew my mom was up there, watching every play I made,” Blacharczyk said. “Even when I didn’t make a play, I just knew she was up there yelling for me.”

The routine continued a year later, but this time he wouldn’t be able to see his mother’s smile until he was finished with the game and drove about an hour and a

half west to his home in Taylorstown, Pennsylvania. His mother, weak and more frail then she was when he saw her last, would smile at the sight of seeing her son, even though she was going through a t re me nd ou s am ou nt of pain.

“I just would see my mom sitting on t he

couch; she just l o oke d l i ke a skeleton,” he said with tears in his eyes. “It was hard for me to accept that.”

This past year, Blacharczyk experienced change. He exchanged his Seton Hill jersey for an orange and black Waynesburg University uniform. He is now attending school only 20 minutes away

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Brent Blacharczyk holds a photo of himself and his parents at a high school fooball game.

Jenny Schouppe, Yellow Jacket

INSIDE

A NOMADIC LIFE

WRESTLER OF THE WEEK

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1–A4 Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1, B4 Editorial/Op-ed. . . . . . . . B2 News Digest. . . . . . . . . . B3 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1–C4 Arts & Life. . . . . . . . . . . . D1–D2 Entertainment . . . . . . . . D3–D4

The pipelining business is unpredictable - pipeliners must go where the work is.

Read one family's story abut balancing time with loved ones with traveling all over the country for the family business, including a stint in Waynesburg.

Waynesburg wrestler Tristan Buxton was name PAC Wrestler of the Week after finishing in 1st place in the 125-pound weight class at the ONU Invitational.

Student Senate, along with President and Mrs. Lee and university administrators, unveiled a new Christmas Tree for the campus on Light-Up Night

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December 10, 2015

Scholars meet with, learn from Pittsburgh business leader

By MAURA FENSKE

For the Yellow Jacket

Students of the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership, along with students from the Bonner Program, had the opportunity to hear D. Raja, a Pittsburgh area entrepreneur and politician, speak at a lunch gathering on Nov. 18, in Eberly Library.

Raja's moral and business philosophies fit snugly, both into Waynesburg University's connection to faith, service and learning and to the Stover Program's goal to transform politics through education and morality.

Raja addressed such topics as education, politics and computer science.

He also spoke to the group about servant leadership, something both close to his heart and closely intertwined with the Waynesburg mission.

Raja is the co-founder of Computer Enterprises Inc. (CEI), a Pittsburgh-based computer software company. He has been named CEO of the Year and Entre-

Photo courtesy of Collin Nelson

The Stover Schoalrs meet with Raja (middle) and the Director of the Stover Porgram, Dr. Larry Stratton (far right) after Raja spoke with both the Stover Scholars and the Bonner Scholars on several engaging topics. preneur of the Year many times by Pittsburgh publications and organizations, yet he has not lost sight of where he began.

Raja grew up in south India and attended Anna University, a school an hour away from his home. The public buses he took to and from school were often so crowded that people would hang dangerously far out of them, sometimes fatally in-

juring themselves.

“Going to school was difficult,” said Raja. “Not as easy as it is here.”

Raja would never take the easy path. Though he began his education in electrical engineering, he made the switch to computer science in 1986 after moving to America when the industry was experiencing rapid growth.

Because of his change in

focus, it was necessary for him to retake his undergraduate courses. He did so at Virginia Tech.

He went on to receive an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Pittsburgh.

Raja’s first job after graduate school was with Formtek, a software company.

He spent five years with the

company in Silicon Valley, California.

“But then I decided that Pittsburgh was home to me, and I came back,” said Raja.

Raja, his wife and their two daughters currently reside in Mt. Lebanon.

CEI began as a two-person consulting firm, humbly headquartered in the bedroom of his townhouse.

It has grown into a global information technology

business.

“I never took a handout, never took a loan to grow the business,” said Raja.

“Ever.”

In addition to his entrepreneurial presence in Pittsburgh, Raja is a constant presence in Pittsburgh politics and communication.

He hosts a business- and finance-focused radio show, “The Raja Show,” on KDKA. Paige C ar ter, junior pre-law major and Stover Scholar, appreciated Raja’s willingness to give advice, guidance and answers at the lunch event.

“Our meeting with Mr. Raja was splendid,” said Carter. “I was touched by his views and attitude toward a purposeful life. He is a living example that it is possible to be successful and charitable.

I left our meeting with Dr. Raja feeling very refreshed and hopeful for the things I wish to accomplish in my lifetime.”

Raja’s visit not only served students; he said it was meaningful to him as well.

“If I can serve others and help them in their goals, it serves me, too,” said Raja.

More than 50 students to spend President Lee celebrates gift of historical book at Christmas holiday break serving others

By MATTIE WINOWITCH

By CHELSEY WITHERS

With the holiday season approaching, the exchanging of gifts is a normal occurrence.

This year, Waynesburg University received a sentimental gift from Candice Buchanan, an archivist and genealogist for Memory Medallion, Inc. and the head of research and production for genealogists. com, a global family history research firm.

The gift that she presented the university was her new book, “A Waynesburg College Family: The Legacy of Alfred Brashear & Margaret Kerr (Bell) Miller.” This is more than just a book to many, as students and faculty at Waynesburg know that the Millers helped make the university what it is today.

As a third-generation Waynesburg University graduate, Buchanan knew first-hand the importance of the Millers to the school. This makes the book not only a historical piece, but a personal piece as well.

“I grew up in Waynesburg, so the Greene County history associated with Waynesburg University goes back to my ancestors, and so I am interested in the school’s history going all the way back to the beginning because so many local alumni fit either into my family tree or into the local history of Greene County, and that’s really interesting to me,” said Buchanan on her connection to her book.

The research that went into Buchanan’s book has been going on for about 15 years.

During this time, she became interested in the Millers’ familial background and their contributions to the school.

“As I learned more about [the Millers], I learned that they had also raised eight chil-

“Students volunteering on a service trip are able to make the connection between faith, learning and service. Trips enable students to utilize their passions and gifts to benefit an organization domestically or internationally,” said Kelley Hardie, assistant dean of students. “These opportunities offer lifechanging and eye-opening e x p e r i e n c e s t h at w i l l challenge students to think critically about social needs.”

Over Christmas break, 56 students will be serving around the United States and internationally to fulfill different missions.

“I have always wanted to go on a mission trip at Waynesburg University because I have always heard incredible stories from them,” said Ciara Scott, senior criminal justice major.

“I am excited to go because I feel it will be an experience of a lifetime.”

Scott, along with 13 other students, will be leaving for Bonaire on Jan. 2 and will be there until Jan. 10. This trip gives multiple opportunities for students. The history students will have the chance to archive documents and discover basic island archaeology. This will be the first year students from Waynesburg University will have the opportunity to do this.

On the other side, for the fourth year in a row, students interested in communication will have the chance to volunteer at a Christian radio station: Trans World Radio (TWR). While volunteering with TWR, students will be creating production schedules, radio lines, videos

For the Yellow Jacket

For the Yellow Jacket

Tyler Wolfe, Yellow Jacket

President Douglas Lee with Candace Buchanan, a Waynesburg alumna and author of "A Waynesburg College Family." dren. I realized that had not been covered as much, and that’s sort of how this evolved into being the family history. I think of [Waynesburg University] as kind of like their ninth child,” said Buchanan on the dedication of the Millers to Waynesburg.

After researching for 15 years, Buchanan’s main passion about the subject lies with the work that the Millers did with coeducation at Waynesburg University.

“I definitely can’t get away from the work that they did with the coeducation here; getting the girls equally educated so early,” said Buchanan.

“I think it’s really amazing when you look at the years that other schools in the country started to do that.

The women here were being educated 50 to even 100 years before most of the rest of the United States was really having that opportunity.”

Alfred and Margaret Miller were not just husband and wife in this operation. According to Buchanan, they were more like business partners, which was rare during this time period of dismissal toward women.

“When the board of trustees came to Alfred and offered him to be president of the school, they actually said for him and Mrs. Miller to take over,” said Buchanan.

“They actually made the offer to both of them … They led that opportunity together and they set that example for their students and the community, and I think that played a large role in the success in the coeducation and the success of the school.”

Today, one of the largest admirers of the history of the school – and the Millers specifically – is President Doug Lee. President Lee, like Miller, also has family history in Waynesburg, so he relates with her personal connection to the university. President Lee was present during the interview with Buchanan.

“Let me say how impressive it is that you spent 15 years of your life composing this work on the Millers,” said President Lee in response to Buchanan’s presentation of her book. “To receive it at Christmas is such a wonderful Christmas gift, and probably one of the nicest Christmas gifts an alumni could give our university.”

Program for educators plans spring semester

By IAN BARCLAY

For the Yellow Jacket

The Library of Congress Teaching with Primar y Sources (TPS) program at Waynesburg University has a variety of events planned for the spring semester for K-12 teachers in the southwestern Pennsylvania area.

From Feb. 16 to March 22, 2016, the TPS program will be holding a six-week long course called Coaches Academy for Teachers. This online course will teach K-12 teachers about the development of leadership skills and knowledge and how to use digitized primary sources from the Library of

Congress.

During the six weeks, teachers will learn by going through sample activities and peer discussions.

From April 6 to May 11, TPS will hold the online course Using Primary Sources to Address STEM Across the Curriculum. The main focus for this course will be about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math subjects in a school’s curriculum. For this course, teachers will learn how to find free online primary sources and how to use them effectively.

TPS is a nationwide program for schools, libraries, non-profit organizations and

foundations. The program started in 2006 and has 28 members across 17 states. TPS collaborates with the Library of Congress and K-12 teachers across the nation.

Barb Kirby, the project director for the TPS program, has been with the program since 2003 and has experienced its rapid growth.

“When I first started in the program, there were about 10 million primary sources, now you can’t even count how many there are,” said Kirby.

“Now anyone can go on their computer and look for a topic and be amazed at how many sources pop up.”

Kirby, who has been at

Waynesburg University since 1993, has been a part of many projects on campus and is happy to be the director for TPS. “ The university was approached by the idea of having a TPS program and I was basically assigned to it, but I love it and we have a great staff,” said Kirby.

According to tps.waynesburg.edu, TPS’ mission is to build awareness for the Library of Congress’ resources and provide content that promotes the effective educational use of the resources as well as offer access to and promote the See TPS on A3

and promotional materials.

The trip will be led by Dr. Jacquelyn Core, Dr. Karen Fisher Younger and Abby Pittinaro.

Education majors will also have the opportunity to go on an international trip over the break. Julie Bausman, assistant professor of education, will be taking students from the education department to Nassau, Bahamas, to volunteer and assist with classes and general projects.

“It was an incredible experience to be able to teach in another country, as well as spend time at two different orphanages,” said senior education major Makayla Vidosh, who went on last year’s trip.

Students going to the Bahamas will leave on Jan. 3 and return on Jan. 9.

The final international trip that will be occurring during the Christmas break is one that will take students to Patzun, Guatemala. Here, students will have the chance to work with Centro Nutritional Y Hogar De Ninos, mainly doing general maintenance and performing childcare.

“We build relationships with the kids. We help teach them English, about hygiene; and when we get the chance, we share our faith and hear their story,” said junior Emily Nowakowski. “Everyday we wake up and we work on a project while at the center, and while we are serving, the kids serve alongside us no matter what we are doing. So it’s really cool getting to serve alongside them. They are

making a bigger impact on us than they really realize.”

The unique part of this service trip is that it is not targeted toward a specific major. Pat Bristor, associate dean of students, will lead the students to help an orphanage.

These students will leave on Dec. 31 and return on Jan. 8.

The final mission trip that will be occurring is targeted toward science majors, but is open to anyone: “Crossroads C oalition: Wynne, Arkansas.” These students will also have the opportunity to work with children and teaching.

Here, the students will volunteer at a public school and educate students on the fundamentals of science.

Students will depart on Jan. 3 and return on Jan. 10.

All students attending service trips are grasping the university’s mission and executing it. Some students are fulfilling service hours for scholarships and class, but others are simply going because of their desire to serve.

“It is amazing to hear the life-changing stories from trip participants. It is also exciting to hear stories about how students are able to use their classroom knowledge while volunteering, embracing God’s gifts with those in need,” said Hardie.

Any student interested in looking into service trips for next year’s winter season, or ones that occur during fall and spring breaks, should contact Hardie at khardie@ waynesburg.edu.

December 10, 2015

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Students' entrepreneurship turns passions to income

By JENNY SCHOUPPE Chief Photographer

For college students, affording the variety of expenses that a typical student may have can be a challenge.

Some students participate in work study, while others work a part-time job; and some earn an income by creating a small business.

For junior international studies major Emily Mielcarek, creating a small business was a way for her to take her passions and make an income from them.

Mielcarek’s business, known as The Poiema Project, consists of hand painted canvas pieces, cards and other print items that can be found on Etsy.com. To Mielcarek, this Etsy shop is much more than simply just a business she runs in her spare time.

“Poiema is the Greek word for masterpiece or work manship of G o d, and comes from the Bible verse Ephesians 2:10,” said Mielcarek. “I love art, and more importantly I love Jesus.

I consider this shop as part of my ministry.”

Mielcarek uses this shop as an outlet to spread God’s Word. A lot of her handpainted pieces include s c r ip t u re , a l on g w it h watercolor designs and calligraphy.

“The whole point of my shop is to let people know that they are loved, and that in Christ’s eyes they are a masterpiece,” said Mielcarek.

Though Mielcarek’s main reason of starting this business was for her ministry,

she also admits that the shop has allowed her to make an income from something she really enjoys doing.

“I was really surprised how well it took off, because it’s a small Etsy shop and there are thousands of good Etsy shops out there,” said Mielcarek.

“It’s nice to have some extra pocket cash.”

Recently, all proceeds of Mielcarek’s shop are going toward her study abroad trip to Ireland next semester. Due to her study abroad semester, Mielcarek plans on closing her shop from the middle of January to the middle of June.

She does have hopes to open it back up after her return.

“I’m looking forward to going into a bit of a vacation mode,” said Mielcarek. “I do plan on continuing painting and writing in hopes that I can open my shop up again once I arrive back in the states.”

Similar to Mielcarek, Lauren Blair followed her passion and has created a business that she hopes will become her career one day.

“My passion for baking started in the kitchen when I was a little girl,” said Blair, an entrepreneurship major and marketing minor. “My favorite time of day was when I was in the kitchen with my mom preparing dinner for our family.”

Blair is the proud owner of “Laur Laur's Sweet Treats.”

This small cupcake and other baked goods business all started with a dream, according to Blair.

“My dream has always been to own my own bak-

Jenny Schouppe, Yellow Jacket

Junior Emily Mielcarek displays one of the many creative pieces she sells on Etsy in order to earn extra income as a college student. ery,” said Blair. “My ultimate hope and aspiration for my business is to have a successful bakery where I can spread love and happiness through my passion of baking.”

Though Blair’s business is still small, she has gained experience and knowledge that she hopes will help her achieve her dream after graduating in the spring.

Blair runs an Instagram account and a blog to promote her company. She

usually gets orders via her cell phone or email, and she credits her friends and family for helping her promote her business.

“My business is small right now, but I'm getting a lot of orders from friends and family,” said Blair. “I already see my business growing, which is awesome.

My business is doing well for where I am with my life.

Word-of-mouth is helping me out tremendously. The

friends and family is slowing turning into friends of my friends and family, which is nice to see.”

Blair’s business, which started the summer going into her sophomore year of college, has already allowed Blair to have a very popular recipe.

“My most popular cupcake is definitely Reese's Lovers,” said Blair. “Chocolate and peanut butter is the perfect combination.”

Though Blair finds joy and pride running her own small business, it does become difficult managing her time. Blair is not only a small business owner and full-time student, but also a student athlete as a member of Waynesburg University’s women’s basketball team.

“It gets challenging at times, juggling school, basketball and preparing cupcake orders,” said Blair.

“When I get orders I just try my hardest to plan ahead and make sure I have my homework done on the nights I have to prepare an order. I have to focus on time management so I don't completely stress myself out.”

Another small challenge Blair has faced while in school is continuing her business with the small kitchen space.

“The past couple of years, I used the kitchen in the dorms to complete my orders,” said Blair. “They were pretty small so that made it a little challenging, but other than that, it had an oven and a table for me to work with, so it got the job done.”

Now Blair has an apartment off campus, which has a kitchen with plenty of space that allows her to complete orders without any problems.

Challenges aside, Blair has found her passion and she plans to continue to work hard to achieve her goal.

“I love baking cupcakes and seeing the excitement and joy they bring to my customers with just one bite,” said Blair. “I'm a firm believer of ‘you should do what you love and love doing it’.”

Service: Mission and heritage Professor publishes book connecting science and faith cemented by servant hearts

By GRANT LONG

For the Yellow Jacket

Dr. Wayne Rossiter, assistant professor of biology at Waynesburg University, has recently had a book published.

His book, titled, “Shadow of Oz: Theistic Evolution and the Absent God,” covers the topic of Theistic Evolution and the science behind it.

According to Rossiter, a good definition of Theistic Evolution is to say that God was present at the creation of the universe, but has not intervened with the lives of the people He created since the beginning of time. God, to Theistic Evolutionists, is noninterventional.

Rossiter said that they believe that when you pray, no one is listening. He also said that Theistic Evolutionists do believe in the supernatural powers of Jesus Christ, but this is the only supernatural phenomenon they accept.

Rossiter was introduced to the idea of Theistic Evolution at a summer workshop a few years back, which was led by Ted Davis, a professor at Messiah College.

Theistic Evolution has been a topic of high controversy in both the scientific and the theological fields of study.

Rossiter stated his belief that students in high school and college are being told that they can have only Darwin and God. He said that they are taught that Christian scientists believe in Darwin’s theory and it is perfectly ‘okay’ to do so.

“I suspect that back. I want to ofmost people will be fer students some shocked when they serious concerns read some of the about it so that they things that Theistic can think for themEvolutionists beselves.” lieve,” said Rossiter.

According to Rossiter has read Rossiter, the idea many books on the for the title of the topic and said that book stemmed much of his personfrom his daughRossiter al library contains ter’s obsession with books on Darwinian Evolu- “The Wizard of Oz.” tion, Theistic Evolution and Rossiter said that he reother books about the origin members a scene in which the of the universe. doorkeeper at the Land of Oz “I wanted to know what stops Dorothy and her friends they think, how and why they who ask to see the Wizard. The think it and see where they are doorkeeper says, “Nobody can coming from,” said Rossiter. “I see Oz! Not even I have seen want to know their arguments Oz.” Dorothy then asks, “How better than they do.” do you know he exists?” The According to Rossiter, the doorkeeper brushes this away basis of his book stemmed and tells them that they are from a two-hour telephone wasting his time. conversation with his brother “That struck me at that about their concerns regard- moment that this is what we ing Theistic Evolution. Ros- are talking about here: an siter compiled these thoughts unseen God,” said Rossiter. into a manuscript and had “The subtitle of my book is John Thompson, a librarian ‘Theistic Evolution and the at Eberly Library, read it over. Absent God.’ The shadow Thompson thought that the of Oz is when you pull back manuscript could be turned the curtain, there is nobody into a book, so Rossiter made there. You are never going some edits to the manuscript to find God. You are never and sent it to a few different going to find His direct publishers. Pickwick Publi- print on anything in Theistic cation, based out of Eugene, Evolution.”

Oregon, published the book.

Rossiter said that the UniRossiter’s target audience versity Provost is planning a for this book is college stu- book release event in Janudents and people of the Chris- ary. The 170-page, paperback tian faith and people who are book is now available online interested in science. through Barnes and Noble, “I want to be able to engage Amazon.com and Wipf and it truthfully and honestly and Stock Publishers. offer the students some push-

TPS: Library of Congress offers resources to university instructors

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sustained use of the resources.

TPS gives teachers the hope that when they teach, the students can ask their own questions and develop their own answers instead of the teacher having all of the answers. Even though this style is not unique or different, Kirby believes that TPS is unique in its own way.

“What makes us unique

is that we drive these lessons using primary sources,” said Kirby.

TPS has shown to impact educators greatly who are a part of the program. According to tps.waynesburg.edu, 97 percent of teachers in the program planned to use primary sources in their teachings. Also, about four to 10 months after the end of the teacher’s participation in the program, 79 percent of teach-

ers reported an increase in use of primary sources and a better understanding of how to find primary sources and use them.

The events coming up for this program will look to help these teachers and improve these numbers.

For more information about the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program, go to tps. waynesburg.edu.

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valued and essential.

Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee also stated how important it is for our students to serve others.

“It’s who we’ve always been,” said Lee. “A university committed to serving others like Christ.”

According to President Lee, the Corporation for National & Community Service as well as the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll recognizes Waynesburg University for the amount of service that the school provides.

D ur ing bre a ks f rom school, most students at other colleges and universities go home, but the same cannot be said for students at Waynesburg. Mission trip opportunities are available to give students a chance to serve both locally and abroad over their breaks.

The CSL has been finding ways to help incorporate a student’s major into the trip that they are going on. The Bonaire mission trip that is held over winter break lets communication majors get hands-on experience at Trans World Radio, a Christian radio station that broadcasts around the world.

“What better way for our communication department and communication students to use what they’re learning in the classroom, outside the classroom?” said Hardie.

Going on the trip for the second year in a row, Anthony Conn, senior electronic media major, values the unique opportunity the Bonaire trip provides.

“I enjoyed going to Bonaire because of the tremendous opportunities it provided in uniting my faith with my major,” said Conn. ”The trip provided ways for communication majors to use their skills in new areas and also helped create a bond amongst our group.”

This year, history majors are going on the Bonaire trip to help residents write about

the history of the island.

These opportunities will let students utilize their gifts and talents through a service trip, according to Hardie.

Those same history majors were also able to help locally during a service trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

They had the opportunity to learn about the history while also preserving what was left of it.

Waynesburg University is also affiliated with a program called the Bonner Scholars.

Select schools across the nation participate in this program and Waynesburg University is one of two in the state of Pennsylvania that offer it - one of the twentyone in the country. Sixteen students from each class are admitted into the Bonner Scholars Program.

According to Bonner. com, “The founding mission for the Bonner Program is to provide diverse low-income, under-represented, and first generation students with the opportunity to attend college, while engaging their talents and educations in building and supporting communities.”

Over the four years at Waynesburg, students in the Bonner Scholars Program each need to complete 140 hours of service per semester, as well as completing two summers consisting of 280 service hours each.

Austin MacGregor, a sophomore psycholog y major, came in as a Bonner Scholar his freshman year.

He helps out at the local Head Start program and the Waynesburg Historical Society.

“It’s good to have a sense of service,” said MacGregor.

“We’re able to show the community that there is a lot of good that can come from college students.”

Both faculty and staff at Waynesburg lead by example and also serve others while spending their time at the university. Professors are often seen being guides and helping to lead service trips both locally and abroad.

Every Saturday during the fall semester, the CSL has hosted a service Saturday in which large groups

of students have helped out in local areas around Greene County. This is a part of the steps to get more students active, according to Hardie.

Recently, the CSL added a new feature to the Waynesburg University myConnect page. Without having to sign in to any account, outside partners of the university will be able to post service opportunities for students to access and take advantage of.

Before getting to that step, however, they must first complete a proposal form.

These proposal forms will ask about the logistics of the project as well as the time and date to help better educate those interested in serving.

Hardie said that this will become a great addition to the CSL. Students and student organizations can also propose service ideas of their own to the CSL in the form of either local initiatives or service trips. It is the students’ ambition that will help to grow and maintain Waynesburg’s commitment to service.

In the long run, service opportunities have the ability to grow into something bigger than originally intended. Ten years ago, one service learning class started a Good Neighbor Program at St. Ann’s Church. According to Hardie, that same program is still up and running in 2015.

“The students saw a need, and they went and made a difference,” said Hardie.

The tradition of serving others will continue on in the future as Waynesburg University continues striving to give back.

Check the service tab on myConnect or stop by the CSL to discover more about service opportunities on and off campus.

Together, between all of the effort put forth from students, faculty, staff and organizations, Waynesburg University will continue doing what they have always done — instilling the ideas of service in each student, so that no matter where they may go in life, their fingerprints will hold true to the mission of Waynesburg.

Page A4

December 10, 2015

Counseling students present Ph.D. work Credit: University will

By JESSE SERRA

For the Yellow Jacket

The push to gain handson experience has always been clear through Waynesburg University’s graduate counseling program. They have shown this yet again through their recent conference presentations throughout the state.

“Having the opportunity to participate in state and national conferences is a fantastic scholarly experience for our students and one that will help put them on the path to changing the world as counselor educators,” said Dr. Devon Manderino, assistant professor of counseling.

In front of national conferences, Manderino, Thomas DeGeorge, Heatherlee Sittler, Michelle Steimer and Deborah Schratz, doctoral students in the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program, presented thorough and “well received” conference presentations, said Manderino.

According to a press release, Manderino, Sittler and DeGeorge presented at the Association for Counselor

Education and Supervision 2015 national conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday, Oct. 10. Their presentation, ‘Using Popular Culture in the Classroom: Strategies to Enhance Counselor Education,’ addressed methods of selecting appropriate cultural references for topics within counselor training, stated Manderino.

This year’s conference theme, culturally relevant p e d ago g y, fo c u s e d on connecting the students’ learning to their existing knowledge. These professionals and Ph.D. students impressed on their audience the necessity in presenting conferences such as these, said Manderino.

According to Manderino, the presentations and attendance at these conferences are vital for individuals within the field.

“Conference presentations such as these are crucial in putting Waynesburg University on the map in the counselor education field,” said Manderino.

In addition to this event, Steimer and Schratz went to State College, Pennsylvania for the annual Pennsylva-

nia Counseling Association conference on Saturday, Nov. 6.

Both second-year Ph.D. students presented on understanding and building the level of confidence that counseling students possess regarding potential work with military personnel, said Manderino in regard to their presentation, “Warrior Pride: Is Counselor Confidence in Working with the Military Population Dependent Upon Understanding Military Culture?”

This topic was based on extensive literature review involving significant amounts of research. Having history within the military, Steimer and Schratz needed to know how to learn more than they already knew.

“The field is always changing,” said Steimer. “It’s amazing how much research can bring you up to date.”

This impactful topic based on military culture tugged on heartstrings for both Steimer and Schratz.

Both women have been involved in military positions, and thus related easily with the topic.

“People don’t understand

the military culture,” said Steimer. “You have to understand their culture to work with them.”

With a passion for the military and eagerness to present, Steimer took great pride in the effect of the presentation.

“The room was filled,” she said with excitement. “It was rewarding seeing how much the audience wanted to learn and how open they were. But it was challenging, leaving personal experiences and bias out of the picture.”

These individuals will not be the only ones presenting at conferences. however. Dr. Taunya Tinsley, associate professor in counseling and director of Graduate Programs in Counseling, will co-present with colleagues from the National Basketball Association and the National Football League in Montreal, QC, Canada.

The presentations will be at the American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference in March 2016 and will involve the topic of “Counseling and Promoting Wellness with the Athlete Population.”

register student interns for free summer credit Continued from A1

from the fall to the summer.

As such, the total amount of credit taken for the internship will not change, it will just be split between the summer and fall registration periods.

Because of this, students will not pay for the credit during the summer.

“It should not have any functional impact on the students at all,” said Core. "It’s not any expense to the students, it’s just to make sure that they are officially affiliated with the university to provide them with affiliation and the protection that provides as a part of their internship.”

Internships that are not being taken for credit, or are ‘unofficial,’ are not subject to these changes.

The alteration to the way internship credits are assigned began last summer, but students interning last summer were not aware of the change.

“When we started thinking

about it, we went ahead and switched students and made notification to them that we did it,” said Core. “But the students didn’t know in advance. We said, ‘we are about to change your schedule, this is what we’re doing and there isn’t going to be a cost to you.’”

Beginning the summer of 2016, students will be aware of the change prior to their internship.

Core emphasized that the new policy is for safety’s sake, more than anything.

“It’s not that we thought necessarily that they wouldn’t be covered, it’s that we wanted to make sure that there could be no argument that they weren’t,” said Core.

Core said that students who have been so far affected generally feel positively about it.

“For the most part students were really grateful,” said Core. “I think they’re glad that people are thinking about them and making sure that they’re taken care of and protected.”

'Blaze': Despite loss, student finds ways to stay positive Stover: Couple's generosity cherished Continued from A1

from home instead of an hour and half, but he wakes up each morning and looks at a picture of his mother instead of hearing her voice.

“It may not have been the best decision to go back last semester, but I had a really rough semester,” he said. “Obviously with losing a family member like that, you just deal with a lot of stuff; it was just a dark time I guess,” Blacharczyk added, fiddling with his watch.

On Jan. 9 of this past year, Blacharczyk’s life was changed forever when his best friend and biggest supporter gave her final breath.

After giving a tough fight, Blacharczyk’s mother lost her battle to small-cell cervical cancer. Fourteen days later, Blacharczyk packed his belongings, gathered his textbooks and returned back to his life as a college student and athlete.

“When I went back that semester, I put myself into a really dark hole. I isolated myself, and I was upset all the time. I was always mean mugging, and I looked like a bulldog,” Blacharczyk said. “I walked around angry all the time, and you can’t do that.”

That was not the smiling, joking, having-a-good-timeman people who knew him were accustomed to.

“Whenever I go into my dark times, the way that I re-

lease my emotions is through working out and physical activities,” said Blacharczyk.

Being muscularly built with large triceps and bulging veins in his arms from lifting weights, it’s not a secret that Blacharczyk is a physical and athletic person.

“Football is my passion,” the linebacker said. “I take out my anger out on the football field.”

Blacharczyk, already dealing with the loss of his mother, had to part with another dear aspect of his life for a while. Surgery on his labrum made him take a break from football for six long months.

He couldn’t run, lift weights or hit someone on the field.

“I love football. Football is one of the loves of my life.

Having that taken away; it was just rough,” said Blacharczyk with a somber look on his face.

Blacharczyk felt in his heart that it was better for him to attend a school closer to his family, the most important aspect of his life. He transferred to Waynesburg University, and his passion for football and the coaches’ support had a large influence on his choice.

“I am honestly just thankful for the coaches down here. With everything I was going through, they just opened their arms and took me in,” said “Blaze” – which became a nickname for Blacharczyk given to him by his teammates and coaches.

Continued from A1

Photo courtesy of Brent Blacharczyk

After his mother's cancer fight and recent death, Brent Blacharczyk continues to play football and keeps smiling to honor and remember her.

The smile is a common facial expression for Blacharczyk when walking around campus. Though there’s a positive demeanor that radiates from Blacharczyk, he still has his moments of sadness when reflecting on his mother.

“I know I walk around, you guys see me out. I am smiling; I am joking around and having a good time, but I obviously – I have those times,” said Blacharczyk. “It just beats you up.”

As well as being his biggest supporter with football and what he did on the field, Blacharczyk’s mother would

cheer for her son to live a life of happiness. She wouldn’t want him to seek pity or hide in a hole and isolate himself from others.

“I think about what my mother would want for me,” said Blacharczyk.

Blacharczyk, a junior marketing student, linebacker on the football field, son, brother and friend, is just like your normal college student. He has found a positive way to cope with a tragedy that already occurred in his young life.

He still eats spaghetti, though it will never compare to his mother’s delicious

spaghetti dinner that he grins when thinking about.

He still drinks milkshakes, though they will never be as sweet as the ones his mother used to make for him.

He will still be joyous during the holidays, even though his mother will not be there to spend her favorite time of year with them; and most importantly, he will still have a positive energy about him.

“If you surround yourself in positivity, you are going to be happier,” Blacharczyk said. “If you put yourself in happier places, you are going to be a happier person.”

tion to spur the building of a campus center, though they did not want the building to be named in their honor.

In the end, Thyreen insisted that as exemplars of the university’s mission, the couple’s name be attached to the building.

In September 1999, Dr. and Mrs. Stover were the honorStover ees of a ceremony dedicating Stover Campus Center.

The Stovers’ legacy is also evident in the Stover Nursing Scholarship and the Stover Scholars Program, part of the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership.

Though both are deceased, Dr. and Mrs. Stover will forever be a part of the Waynesburg University campus and a legacy of service for the good of others.

Knox Learning Center to offer study tables before final exams

By CASEY HEIMBERGER

Assistant Advertising Director

As finals week approaches, students are scrambling to do some last minute studying and trying to retain some last minute information.

Amidst this rush, there is a service on campus that does everything it can to help students reach the goals they are striving for and promotes academic support outside of the classroom.

The objective of the Waynesburg University Tutoring Program is to give students the opportunity to go out and seek help without the stigma of having to ask the professor.

The Tutoring Program is a service the university provides students where they can go and be tutored by other students who have taken the class before.

“This is such an important part of the educational exp erience,” said Pam Abbe, tutor coordinator and director of the Knox

Learning Center. “Learning is a social and cooperative thing. The goal of learning is to then go out and share what you have learned.”

It is with this goal in mind that Abbe and her student tutors have a finals week program, including what they call study tables.

“Study tables” are a proactive approach to the probable influx of students seeking tutoring before their finals. A study table is simply a place where a bunch of students who are seeking tutoring can get together with a single tutor, to all be tutored at once.

The objective is to cut down the amount of times a tutor needs to go out and teach the same concepts, as well as giving the student tutors more time to study for their own finals.

“Overall, the program has received a very good response,” said Abbe. “I hope to continue doing it as long as the school has its study day.”

Knox Learning Center’s exam study day monday, deCember 14, 2015

COURSE

TIME

COURSE

TIME

Accounting (BUS 101)

10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Nursing Fundamentals (NUR 201)

3-5 p.m.

Anatomy (BIO 206)

2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Biology (BIO 121)

9 a.m.-noon, 6-9 p.m.

Nursing Pathophys.

(NUR 207)

3-5 p.m.

Chemistry (CHE 121)

11 a.m.

MedSurg (NUR 321)

1 p.m.

Computer Science (CSC 116)

2-4 p.m.

Ethics (PHL 205)

2-4 p.m.

20th Centry History (HIS 206)

11 a.m.

Logic (PHL 106)

2-4 p.m.

Western Civilizations (HIS 111)

Noon

Physics (PHY 201, 211)

4-6 p.m.

Math

1-5 p.m.

Physiology

Noon

Music (MUS 131)

4 p.m.

Psychology (PSY 105)

3 p.m.

Nursing Fundamentals (NUR 201)

3-5 p.m.

Psychology (PSY 201)

4 p.m.

SECTION B

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

Pipeliners embrace 'Gypsy lifestyle' on the road Drawn to Pa. by Marcellus shale, many workers in area living nomadic lifestyle

By JENNY SCHOUPPE Chief Photographer

“Where’s mom and dad at?” asked 23-year-old Jordan Heuerman to his older half-sister, Kelly Prather McDowell.

“Mom texted me at three and said they would be here soon, probably within the hour,” said Kelly as she stirs the large silver pot full of jambalaya.

Jordan stands in the kitchen of his sister’s rent house sipping water and staring out the window. His 19-year-old brother, Jake, watches television in the living room, while his niece, Ava, is upstairs playing with her toy kitchen.

David and Marcie Heuerman are on their way back to Pennsylvania after spending a couple months at their home in Effingham, Illinois. The Heuerman family is looking forward to being back together.

As 5:45 p.m. rolls around, finally Marcie and David pull into the driveway. As they enter the house, the downstairs rooms are suddenly full of laughter and Ava’s squeals of excitement from seeing her grandparents.

“Smells good in here,” says Marcie, peeking into the pot full of jambalaya that Kelly has been preparing all evening.

“Everyone grab some food,” yells Kelly. A crowd forms in

Jenny Schouppe, Yellow Jacket

Jordan Heuerman has spent the past five years as a pipeliner, continuing his family's tradition, traveling around the United States as work becomes available. the kitchen, everyone loading back to enjoying their time With the pipeline industry their plates with home cooked together. thriving right now, the Heufood. Everyone sits around With most of the Heuer- erman family is one of many the television eating their man family involved in the families that face extensive dinner and discussing work pipelining business, family traveling and long time pewhile Ava watches a movie in time becomes more impor- riods away from each other. background.

For Jor“Work’s starting In the past five years alone, Jordan Heuerman dan Heuerto slow down,” said has lived in Wyoming, Montana, Florida, man, pipeJordan. lining runs “I heard work Illinois, South Dakota, North Dakota, in the fammay be starting Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and Pennsylvania. ily. It was up somewhere in his way of Texas,” said Lyle McDowell, tant. sticking to the “family busiKelly’s husband.

Occasionally, the family ness.” He also was excited to Jordan and David shake travels together, but it is not have the opportunity to travel their heads, agreeing that always that easy. Working to- and make good money all at their time here in Waynes- gether on the same work crew, the same time. burg, Pennsylvania is limited. on the same site, in the same After graduating from For now, the conversation state, is rare and always cher- Effingham High School in ends there and the family go ished when it does happen.

Effingham, Illinois in 2010,

Jordan went to Midwest Technical Institute in Springfield, Illinois to be certified in welding.

Within a year, he received his certification in welding and about month later, Jordan left Springfield for Gillette, Wyoming, which was first on a long list of places he would call home.

At the time when most young adults are graduating college and interviewing for jobs in the real world, Jordan has already been in the workforce for five years, making a salary that a fresh-out-ofcollege student would only dream to have at some point in their career.

Though the salary is appealing, Jordan refers to the lifestyle as similar to a “gypsy lifestyle” and says it has not always been easy.

In the past five years as a pipeliner, Jordan has spent three months in Gillette, Wyoming, three months in Broadus, Montana, two months in Crestview, Florida, one year in Springfield, Illinois, three months in Mitchell, South Dakota, three months in Oakes, North Dakota, nine months in Atoka, Oklahoma, nine months in Sherman, Texas and one year in Moberly, Missouri. He arrived in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania in August.

The many hours of traveling have made Jordan accustomed to a Gypsy-style of living.

Jordan tends to eat only off of paper plates with plastic utensils. He sleeps on an inflatable mattress, has had no Wi-Fi or cable the past five years and when he packs, ev-

By TIM NERAL

The Cornerstone Genealogical Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Established in 1975 at the old County Courthouse, it has seen a lot of changes.

The Society has been a constant in an ever-changing world and ever-growing Waynesburg.

Cars have been flying by the building on Greene Street, but the old courthouse has continued to house the past as the world around it moves forward.

The non-profit volunteer library holds 6,000 books, from newspapers, census records, county court and land records, scrapbooks, family

histories and computerized resources to will indexes from 1796.

“I feel family history is important. Yes, it’s in the past but sometimes it shows an insight into who you are, what you’ve become,” said recording secretary Bonnie Kiger.

The society’s mission statement emphasizes the importance of local history and family upbringings and helping others by compiling data of all sorts on Greene County and the surrounding regions.

“If people don’t continue to share their genealogical history, it will be forgotten or lost,” said Kiger.

The Society has become a vehicle for discovery and unearthing family histories.

Even the building that houses

it is historical.

“We’re told this is the only original courthouse on its original property in Pennsylvania,” said librarian Ruth Craft.

It has not always been a courthouse. The building has changed hands multiple times since 1796.

At one point, the courthouse was an apartment building and a home remodeling business. In all that time, it has withstood the effects of weathering. When the building was planted, the walls were paneled on both the inside and the outside, which has kept the logs in great condition.

Now, however, the building is back to looking the way it used to and now serves as a

visual reminder of what once was.

Inside the building, there are plenty of reminders to be found. Through multiple donations and collections of local clippings, the society has a thorough written record of the American Civil War and even some works before that.

At its centermost, the Cornerstone Genealogical Society seeks to be a helping hand, a cornerstone in the discovery of lost family members.

When people track down their family’s genealogy, they sometimes hit “the proverbial brick wall, the one or two ancestors, you just can’t find,” said Kiger.

With the amount of resources at their disposal, the society is able to uncover the

By REBECCA BURCHAM Copy Editor

The Morgantown Escape Room is bringing the nation’s latest entertainment craze in immersive game experience to the region. The Escape Room, which is co-owned by three couples from Greene and Fayette counties, opened to the public several weeks ago.

Locked in a themed room and challenged to escape in under 60 minutes, players must use observation and problem solving to “race the clock and escape the lock.”

The game begins with players receiving their assignments, and then the clock starts ticking.

There are two different rooms for participants to try.

One room, titled “Race to the Game,” is suitable for up to 10 players. Participants in this scenario are coworkers who have tickets to the big game but are also very behind in their work. There are multiple orders to fill and deliveries to make, and only teamwork and skillful problem solving will allow them to make it to the

“We’re pretty excited about the element of challenge and creative fun this experience will bring to the region.”

TODD DOWNER

Co-owner, Morgantown Escape Room

See PIPELINER on B4

Local genealogical society celebrates 40-year milestone Editorial Assistant

Local couples bring 'Escape Room' trend to Morgantown

clues and stories that had been lost. That also means bringing visitors from outside the local area to Waynesburg.

“We bring a lot of people from other states. People have called us the greatest tourist attraction in Greene County,” said Kiger. “We have people from four states in one day.

It’s a promotion for Greene County. 99.9 percent go away happy because of the vast amount of resources we have.”

The volunteers at the society get a sense of fulfillment when they’re able to uncover a hidden branch on someone’s family tree.

“You get a little high from helping that person discover,” said Kiger. “I come out of here on a cloud because of what we can do for people.”

game on time.

In the second scenario, “Detention Breakout,” poor behavior has landed players in in-school Saturday detention; however, the detention advisor is not interested in spending his Saturday in detention either, so he issues a challenge to break out of detention on his lunch break.

The game is appropriate for up to six players.

Waynesburg University had several student groups invited to participate in the Escape Room activities before the business officially opened to the public.

“Kellie [Crowe], one of the owners, actually stopped by and told us about it and offered us the opportunity to come free of charge to experience it in hopes that we would offer it to our students in the future,” said Pat Bristor, associate dean of students. “I See ROOM on B4

West Greene closes elementary schools, opens new building

By LUKE GOODLING Editorial Assistant

This past semester, West Greene school district closed Graysv i l le E lement ar y School and Springhill-Freeport Elementary School in Newfreeport. Thelma Szarell, the superintendent of West Greene, mentioned this was a change in waiting.

“I have talked about it for years … We planned for a long, long time,” she said.

The two element ar y schools have been replaced with a newly constructed elementary school located outside of Rogersville.

“There was only so much we could do in the old [schools],” Szarell said.

Now, with updated conveniences, the new school meets a modern day standard, which was lacking in the other two schools.

“We are able to utilize everything more efficiently

Tyler Wolfe, Yellow Jacket

As part of a project in planning for a long time, Graysville Elementary and Springhill-Freeport Elementary schools have been replaced with a new school in Rogersville. The new school features a new computer lab and library for students. now … and our resources [are] a little more wisely [used] than in the past,” said Szarell.

The new school replaces two old buildings built in the 1950s and 70s, respectively.

The board of education and Szarell herself have been receiving positive feedback by both students and parents regarding the new school.

“The parents seem pretty well pleased with everything,” Szarell said. “The two high points: they love the computer lab and they really love the library.”

The Springhill-Freeport students had their library located in a trailer outside of the school, but at the new school, the library is connected with the school build-

ing. However, despite the successful transition, there are still a few things that will need to be improved upon in the coming years.

“One thing that has been a little bit hard to get used to, I think, is we have a brand new kitchen at our middlesenior high school and we’re satelliteing the meals to the elementary school,” Szarell

said. “[This] means we have to take them down a couple hallways … [It’s] kinda been a little hard to get used to.”

Despite condensing two schools into one over the past year, there has been no effect upon jobs.

“There were some retirements, but things were planned in such a way people wouldn’t lose their jobs,” Sza-

rell said.

Additionally, building the new school will not drastically impact taxpayers.

“We were one of 10 school districts in the commonwealth who were able to cash flow building a building,” Szarell said. “Actually, it has taken years of planning and saving to be able to do that, because we didn’t want it to be a burden for taxpayers down the road.”

Szarell also mentioned her firm approval of the school system in the area.

“I’m a firm believer that public school systems are good,” she said. “I think teachers make the biggest difference in the world …

We have great teachers who do a really good job with the students. There’s more than testing involved, there’s that care and compassion that teachers and staff members give our children that I don’t think can be replaced.”

Page B2

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Standards shouldn't be lowered for military women JACOB MEYER Columnist

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Editorials in the left-hand column represent the views of the Yellow Jacket. Letters from readers, columns, cartoons and other elements on the editorial page do not necessarily reflect the position of this newspaper and university.

EDITORIALS

Voices Heard

Students' opinions don't have to be muted As expressed in our constitution, freedom of speech is a luxury available to everyone in the United States. As college students, we often do not realize exactly what that entails until we feel a need for our voices to be heard.

At Waynesburg University, the opportunity to speak out is made possible in a variety of ways. As students recently observed, the implementation of the outdoor Christmas tree beside Roberts Chapel was an example of a student’s voice being heard. This is a rather large-scale example, but it is living proof that your opinions and concerns matter.

The Yellow Jacket newspaper also provides an opportunity for students to present ideas to others. A simple letter to the editor is an easy way to get an opinion or request acknowledged. Students that prefer a face-to-face method of delivery are encouraged to attend Student Senate’s weekly meetings on Tuesday afternoons.

If you have something you want to say that you feel would benefit the university, perhaps the best way to start is to simply tell someone, whether it be fellow students, faculty or a member of the newspaper staff.

Without these stories, this newspaper would not be able to function properly to best serve you, the readers.

The paper is created by students for the entire campus community, and we look forward to sharing more stories with you next semester.

Don't Forget

Recognize the true meaning of the season “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

That’s what the yard signs in the churchyards say that I drive past during the winter months. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ--at least if you’re a Christian like most students who attend Waynesburg University.

It seems that in modern times, people have forgotten that true meaning of Christmas. The month of December has basically become a month dedicated to winter activities.

From building gingerbread houses and snowmen, to iceskating and light up nights, the Christmas season has become so commercialized that the once sacred day has become all about money.

Going to church on Christmas is almost as much of a winter activity for some as playing in the snow. Christmas church services are always packed with people, mainly because people feel guilty for not going the rest of the year.

So to make up for it, they go on the most important day of the year.

More and more non-Christians are also participating in Christmas. By no means is that a bad thing, but they are not recognizing that the day is supposed to be about Jesus Christ.

They are recognizing that the holiday has become a social trend and are participating in it.

Why you may ask? Because it's fun, that’s why. Looking at all the activities that go on, it’s no wonder why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

But we as Christians cannot forget the true meaning of Christmas, and should include that in our holiday fun.

NEWSPAPER POLICY The Yellow Jacket is the student-operated newspaper of Waynesburg University funded by student fees and advertisements and is intended for the entire college community. The Yellow Jacket is produced by the student staff on a weekly basis during the academic year. The office of the Yellow Jacket is located in room 400 of Buhl Hall. It is the right of the Yellow Jacket to print all material deemed newsworthy and gathered in a fair and unconditional manner. No advance copies of stories will be shown, and reporters' notes are considered confidential. No "off the record" information will be accepted.

ADVERTISING POLICY Anyone wishing to advertise in the Yellow Jacket should email the advertising director at jacketads@waynesburg.edu.

Ads must be submitted by the Monday before publication date and not conflict with the university mission.

December 10, 2015

Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced recently that the U.S. military will end gender restrictions on all jobs in January, including ones in combat positions.

Women are currently unable to serve in 220,000 different job positions – approximately 10 percent of all military positions – but starting in January, women will be able to serve in those roles.

The socially liberal side of me would normally praise a decision like this. This decision, though, goes much further than equality.

I understand how and why those who oppose women being in combat arms positions might come off as sexist. That is not at all my intention.

The main issue I find with this decision is women, i n mo st c omb at ar ms branches, will be held under a

lesser threshold for entry into the combat arms than their male counterparts.

This will cause a decrease in effectiveness in these units of the military.

Combat arms, in which women will soon be allowed to serve, include branches such as the Infantry, Field Artillery, and Special Operations, among others.

These branches are an unbelievably brutal part of the armed forces that are based around close combat.

Combat arms are meant for the best of the best in the military, and are often sent into harms way to seek and destroy the enemy.

To be in any form of the armed forces, a soldier first must pass the Physical Fitness Test. The test is gender-based, meaning women are not expected to meet the same standards.

This makes sense. For most military jobs, excluding combat arms, women should not be held to the same physical standard as men.

Aside from serving in

combat, women have served in the military, as well as basic combat, for a long time and are a vital part of the United States armed forces; without them, the U.S. military would be worse.

I know many women who would be much more fit to be in combat than me. Look at my picture. If you’ve ever seen me or met me, you know I shouldn’t be in combat.

But, combat arms are different than other branches of the military and should be treated that way.

However, this new intrusion from the Pentagon does not treat combat arms separately.

Special Operations, units such as Special Forces, Army Rangers and SEALs, are treated differently because there are more difficult tests that need to be passed in order for anyone to be admitted.

The two women who passed through Ranger School did so with the same exact stipulations and tests as the men.

Kudos to them. That test is excruciating, and any person—

man or woman—who is able to pass that kind of test is amazing.

For the rest of combat arms, though, there are not more difficult tests to assess soldiers.

The only fitness test used for retention and promotion of soliders is the PFT tests, used across all branches and military occupation specialties of each separate branch.

Admission into combat arms is not based on the physical superiority of a soldier, rather their score on a written test for soldiers and previous criteria in the military for officers.

For example, the Army Physical Fitness Test is used as the standard in the United States Army. The test is based on three criteria: maximum amount of push-ups in two minutes, maximum amount of sit-ups in two minutes and a timed two-mile run.

Each is scored out of 100, with a total score of 300 points.

See COMBAT on B3

It's the end for me here, but much more awaits NIKA ANSCHUETZ Columnist

What happened?

It s e e m s l i k e j u s t yesterday, I was a senior in high school anxiously waiting to star t my freshman year of college.

By the time you pick up

this paper to read it, I will have only a week left at Waynesburg.

Waynesburg University has been my home for the past 3.5 years and I’m so grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given. From working for ESPN to meeting Justice Clarence Thomas (who by the way is the coolest Supreme Court justice)

my college experience has been nothing short of amazing.

When I was looking for colleges, I was very interested in attending Messiah College out by Harrisburg. The campus was beautiful, flat and they were building new buildings left and right. But when I visited something didn’t seem

right. The people were rude and they just didn’t seem to care. I chose Waynesburg because my gut feeling told me that t h e re w a s s om e t h i n g special here.

The people were absolutely fabulous; from the coaches to the security guards, everyone walks See GOODBYE on B3

Christmas tree brings campus together RYAN SCHWERTFEGER Columnist

For the majority of my educational career, I have attended public school in northern New Jersey.

Not to s ay t hat my Christian beliefs were ever shunned or looked down upon in my area (my town still has a Christmas tree, manger scene and a menorah every year if you should know), but I could always tell that the month of December was a touchy time for public school faculty, staff and administration.

Fast for ward several years and I wound up cho osing Way nesburg Universit y – my f irst Christian education experience.

You’d better believe that once the first snowfall h ap p e n e d d u r i n g my freshmen year, I anxiously awaited to see what it would be like to celebrate our Lord and Savior’s birthday on a Christian campus.

Yo u c o u l d i m a g i n e my e x c i t e m e nt w h e n garland was strung up on lampposts, wreaths hung in a few locations, and, most happily, a manger scene was erected inside the Stover campus building.

But most of all, I awaited the tree lighting ceremony

noted on The Toilet Paper.

My anticipation had been building for a week or two, only to realize that the tree lighting was just plugging in the lights on the Chapel Christmas tree.

Not that the Chapel tree isn’t gorgeous, but it felt like such a let down.

On one of the most beautiful Christian college campuses in world, there was no centrally located evergreen tree that could serve as a campus Christmas tree?

I couldn’t believe it; after hearing others felt the same way, I simply wasn’t going to let it stay that way.

Since then, I ran for Student Senate, partly on a platform of getting more lights on campus, along with a tree.

Last year, to further convince my senate peers, I handed in a petition signed by over 150 students in a span of about 24 hours stating that they wanted a tree and more decorations on campus.

T hat c onv i nc e d t he Senate that if the campus community wanted a tree, students would support the effort to make it happen.

After months of meetings and email exchanges with administration and faculty to advocate for the goal of getting a tree and proposing ways for how that could happen, the biggest breakthrough wasn’t until a few months

ago.

President Lee told me he was in support of getting a campus Christmas tree – a signal that my mission, and the desire of hundreds of students, would likely be seen on campus.

And so, after the Senate passed funding this year

“It only took a little bit of passion, public support, persistence, compromise and respectful dialogue.”

RYAN SCHWERTFEGER

Christmas tree

to go toward the purchase of a tree and lights and after the tree was planted next to Roberts Chapel, a magnificent tree lighting event ensued, which officially lit the tree and started a new Waynesburg Christmas tradition.

Light-Up night, I must s ay, w a s an awe s om e event; not just because of the tree and not only because students, faculty

and administration alike were all ver y pleased-but also because I witnessed something that is so necessary, not just on college campuses, but in this nation as well.

I saw how, over the course of a little more than a year, something was able to happen that made our campus community a better place.

It only took a little bit of passion, public support, persistence, compromise and respectful dialogue.

So often we speak our m i n d s an d voi c e ou r dissatisfaction, yet we do not take action to see that those problems addressed.

This time, words and feelings were followed by action and results that benefited everyone.

That is not to say that there will always be agreement on everything, but I think the fact that a l l of t h e s e d i f fe re nt people came together to work with one another is a testament to what can happen if we are willing to put our hearts and our time into something.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor are encouraged as a method to bring issues of concern into the public eye. Letters should be typed, limited to 300 words, signed and include a phone number for confirmation. Letters may be submitted to 400 Buhl Hall, sent to the Yellow Jacket via campus mail or via email to jacket@waynesburg.edu. Letters may also be sent to Yellow Jacket, 400 Buhl Hall, Waynesburg University, 51 W. College St., Waynesburg, Pa. 15370. All letters must be received by 5 p.m. the Monday of any publication week.

December 10, 2015

Page B3

Cheat Sheet: A brief history on the rise of ISIS

Editor's Note: The following is a synopsisof a recent topic trending in world or national news.

By BRENDAN KEANY

For the Yellow Jacket

After acknowledging responsibility for the attacks in Paris that killed more than 120 people, the radical Islamic group known as ISIS has garnered a lot of attention from nations and citizens from across the globe.

However, according to the Huffington Post and many other media outlets, the United States played a central role in creating the feared militant group that has received so much media attention over the past few years.

To completely understand the roots of ISIS, one must travel back 11 years to the time when the United States invaded Iraq due to allegations of terrorism and harboring weapons of mass destruction.

At that time, Iraq was ruled by Saddam Hussein, who was a part of the Sunni -one of the two major sects of Islam- minority in Iraq, and he made it his mission to suppress and hunt down the Shia -the other major sect of Islam- majority.

The United States entered

Courtesy of MCT Campus

Iraqi Peshmerga, who represent opponents of ISIS, prepare to retake the Islamic State occupied city of Sinjar on Nov. 12. A unit crosses into enemy territory to assess the effect of coalition airstrikes.

Iraq and conquered the state rather easily. The problem, however, was that the United States had not really figured out a plan on how to successfully restore a balanced, steady government for Iraq, and this is where most of today’s current problems start to take shape, according to Global Research.

O n c e Hu s s e i n w a s

ousted from power, the previously suppressed Shia majority returned to power and began oppressing the minority Sunnis again.

According to Vox this led to a Sunni rebellion, upon which radical groups began to form. Terrorist groups came together and began to attack American forces, as well as the newly formed Iraqi state. This resulted in a

civil war in 2006, according to Foreign Affairs.

In this manner, according to Global Research, the United States’ invasion of Iraq began to develop the kind of terrorist groups that the U.S. wanted to eliminate in the first place.

As the timeline advanced, and the two sects of Islam became more and more hostile toward each other,

the two most powerful countries in the Islamic world began to play a part in the violence.

Saudi Arabia, mostly Sunni, and Iran, a majority Shia, started to fund groups that concentrated on killing off the opposing Islamic view.

According to BB C News, one of the religious organizations funded by

Saudi Arabia was called the “Islamic State of Iraq,” or ISI for short.

In 2010-2011, the religious and political landscape of North Africa and the Middle East was upended by what became known as the “Arab Spring.”

The Arab Spring was the series of demonstrations, protests and armed rebellions that took place in which dictators and rulers were overthrown, most notably in Egypt. In Syria, however, dictator Bashar alAssad – who possessed zero desire to resign – started a civil war against his own people, according to USA Today.

As the war in Syria progressed, an increasing number of outside groups joined the fight, mostly for the religious reason of wanting to build their own Islamic state. One of the groups that joined the fighting was ISI, upon which they rebranded themselves into the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, known to us today as ISIS or ISIL. Since then, the group has expanded its sphere of action from Syria to elsewhere, leaving western civilizations inundated with beheadings, violence and threats of mass destruction from television sets on a nightly basis.

In The News: Ten headlines you need to know this week

Editor's Note: The following is a summary of the 10 stories from last week that a college student needs to know.

1. Obama addresses the nation On Sunday e vening, President Obama addressed the nation on the issue of ISIS and the recent terror attack in California.

Obama also took time to try and put the nation at ease in the midst of nervousness and anxiety over what event abroad, or here in America, could happen next.

“The threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it. We will destroy ISIS and any other organization that tries to harm us. Our success won’t depend on tough talk, or abandoning our values, or giving into fear,” said Obama.

He promised America would continue to hunt down terrorist plotters, provide training and equipment to Iraqi and Syrian forces fighting on the ground against ISIS, work side-byside with international allies and establish a timeline to pursue ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflicts.

-The White House, Dec. 6 2. Bill to defund Planned Parenthood passes On Dec. 3, the United

States Senate passed a bill to end government funding to Planned Parenthood and repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act. The bill passed with a 52-47 vote.

According to NPR News, the bill continues to show the division between Americans over this topic between pro-life and pro-choice supporters. President Obama plans to veto the bill before it becomes a law.

-NPR News, Dec. 3 3. Former president Jimmy Carter cancer free On Sunday, Dec. 6, 91 year old former president Jimmy Carter announced that he was cancer free.

According to CNN, the announcement was first made in front of a Sunday school class he was teaching at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.

“My most recent MRI brain scan did not reveal any signs of the original cancer spots nor any new ones. I will continue to receive regular three-week immunotherapy treatments,” Carter said in a statement about his condition.

-CNN, Dec. 6 4. London stabbing investigated for terrorism Two people were stabbed during the evening on Dec.

5 in the London subway.

The attack was described by witnesses and police as “terroristic.”

According to NBC News, neither person stabbed was thought to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

Terrorism was suspected by a witness who heard the stabber say, “This is for Syria,” multiple times prior to fleeing the scene. Further investigations are taking place to avoid further attacks.

-NBC News, Dec. 6 5. Liberty president urges students to carry guns St u d e nt s at L i b e r t y University in Virginia have recently been advised by their school president, Jerry Falwell Jr., to carry guns around campus for selfprotection.

The advice was given during a school convocation in response to the attacks in San Bernardino, California.

According to TIME, the student-filled crowd erupted with cheers in response to the president’s words.

However, criticisms have been made as his speech was aimed specifically at Muslims.

-TIME, Dec. 6 6. All combat jobs to be open to women It was announced on Dec.

3 that all U.S. military combat jobs, including infantry units and special operations, will be open to women beginning next year.

According to USA Today, this decision was made to build a military force of the future.

USA Today also mentions that there are mixed feelings about women in the infantry.

Those who are against it include Rep. Duncan Hunter, Dakota Meyer, recipient of the Medal of Honor, and presidential candidate Ben Carson, to name a few.

-USA Today, Dec. 3

7. U.S. Postal Service going more digital The U.S. Postal Service is expanding digitally by now emailing customers regarding their mailbox mail contents. Called “Informed Delivery,” photographs of the front side of their mail will be sent before it even arrives in their mailbox later in the day.

Fox News reports that up to 10 images of someone’s mail could be sent each day, similar to how people currently get information about their packages before they arrive.

The service was first tested in 2014 in several Virginia zip codes but has now expanded to the New York City metro area last month.

The ser vice should be available to most Americans by the end of 2016.

-Fox News, Dec. 7

8. $10,000 offered for Irwin bank robbers Police in Ir win, Pennsylvania are searching for two men who robbed a Huntington Bank one week ago.

The robbers got away with an undisclosed amount of money.

One robber was described as a white man wearing a ski mask and a tan trench coat, and the other was described as a black man also wearing a ski mask and dark overalls.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for helping in the arrest of the robbers.

-WPXI, Dec. 5 9. Local police tell drivers to move over State police in Waynesburg issued citations and warnings to motorists this weekend who did not pull over in a created scenario to see who would obey the law in pulling over for the authorities.

The Gre ene C ounty Messenger reports that the “Steer Clear” law requires motorists to move over or slow down when they come across an emergency, traffic stop or a disabled vehicle.

Motorists are supposed to move over to an area that would not affect first responder response to the scene.

If drivers cannot move over because of traffic or other conditions, they must reduce their speed.

The scenario on Sunday resulted in police issuing four citations, six speeding citations, two other undisclosed citations and three warnings.

-Greene County Messenger, Dec. 6 10. Clinton refuses to say “radical Islam” Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton announced that she refuses to use the term “radical Islam” to describe the terror attacks that are linked to the Islamic State.

According to FOX News, Clinton believes that by using this term, it could suggest a war on religion.

“I don’t want to do that because, No. 1, it doesn’t do justice to the vast numbers of Muslims in our own country and around the world who are peaceful people,” she told ABC’s “This Week.”

-FOX News, Dec. 6 Information compiled by Mattie Winowitch For the Yellow Jacket

Goodbye: Senior thanks her helpers Combat: Efficiency lowered with women Continued from B2

around Waynesburg with a smile on their face. The very essence of Christ, c omp a s s i on an d l ove make up the fabric of Waynesburg University.

This last column isn’t about me – it can’t be. If this column is solely about me, then I didn’t learn anything during my time at Waynesburg.

This is about the people who have made me into the person that I am today.

My heart will miss the people at Waynesburg University for years to come.

I don’t think there’s enough room in the entire paper to write about the people who have poured into my life at Waynesburg.

Last week during my graduation interview I was asked to name all of the faculty and staff that I have enjoyed during my time at

Waynesburg. I rattled off a list of what seemed to be dozens of people. It’s been Kelley Hardie, Brandon Szuminsky, Pat Bristor, Dr. Chad Sherman, Dr. Larry Stratton, President Lee and many more.

Thank you for your service to Waynesburg University. After I leave, I k now t hat you w i l l continue to pour into the lives of students like myself. You’ve shaped me into the person that I am today – and for that I’m forever grateful.

Perhaps the people who have helped me the most have been the roommates that I’ve had throughout my years at Waynesburg.

You see, I’m an only child, and having a roommate is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a sibling.

I wouldn’t trade any of my roommate experiences for anything in the world.

Through thick and thin,

much like family, the bond between roommates is unbreakable.

To Shakila Kienholz, Ma k ay l a Vi d o s h , my housemates at 162 Franklin Street and Nicole Zimmel: I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for teaching me how to be selfless, for putting up with my messiness and most importantly, thank you for loving me even when I most definitely didn’t deserve it.

It was by God’s grace and divine providence that I ended up at a school as great as Waynesburg.

As my time at Waynesburg comes to a close, I will try my best to not cr y because it’s over, but smile because it happened.

Adventure is out there.

It’s time for me to go find a new one.

Continued from B2

To pass, a 60 percent is needed, or 180 points.

The test is tier-based on the soldiers’ ages and genders. For a 21-year-old woman to score a 100 percent on the AFPT, she must do 42 push-ups, 78 sit-ups and run the two miles in 15:36.

If a male soldier had the same raw score, he would get a 74.67 percent, compared to the woman getting a 100 percent. For that same woman to just barely pass the test with a 60 percent, she must do 19 push-ups, 53 sit-ups and run the two miles in 18:53. If a male soldier had the same raw score, he would fail with a 35.67 percent.

Soldiers, starting in January, could be admitted into the Infantry, and many other combat arms units, by earning a score on the AFPT test that is equivalent to a 24 percent failing score for the current soldiers in the Infantry.

“When it comes to the military, effectiveness, not equality, is fundamental because if the standards drop, more soldiers die.”

This is concerning because the future admission of women into combat arms would lower the standard for these divisions.

By allowing soldiers who have to meet a lower standard than what we currently have, it will inherently decrease the effectiveness of the most important aspect of our armed forces.

Ma r i n e C ap t . Kat i e Petronio, who has written an article on this topic titled, “Get Over It! We Are Not All Created Equal,” does not think women should be in combat roles.

In an inter view with CNN, Petronio said, “It’s an issue of cost vs. benefit. The cost is absolutely going to outweigh the benefit. It’s not going to

help the individual, and it’s not going to help the institution.

We are a war-fighting institution, and combatreadiness is going to be affected by this.”

The benefit here is the equality of women in combat arms. The cost is a potentially less efficient war-fighting group.

The goal of the military is to win wars and to keep the American people safe.

Including women in combat arms does not increase the likelihood of achieving that goal.

When it comes to the military, effectiveness, not equality, is fundamental, because if the standards drop, more soldiers could be in harm's way.

Page B4

December 10, 2015

Breakfast with Santa brings holiday joy Waynesburg shows Christmas spirit

By TIM NERAL

Editorial Assistant

The holiday season is filled with Christmas lights, ornaments of all shapes and sizes and of course, a Christmas tree. Santa Claus is the man of the month and is seen everywhere taking last minute requests for his Christmas Eve run. However, there’s one thing that people don’t know about Santa Clause.

What does the big jolly fellow have for breakfast?

Kids had a chance to find that out and talk to the man himself on Saturday Dec. 5, at the Breakfast with Santa event, which was held at the Greene County Fairgrounds.

Decorated and facilitated by the Department of Recreation staff, the fairground building was ornamented with lights, figurines and a breakfast fit for good old Saint Nick: pancakes, sausage, hot chocolate and marshmallows, orange juice and milk.

Chef Dan Wagner, a culinary arts instructor at the Greene County Career and Technology Center, catered the event.

“We’re just making break-

Tim Neral, Yellow Jacket

Children had the opportunity to meet Santa this past Saturday at the Greene County fairground building. fast,” said Wagner. “It’s a great community service project. I’m doing it, and students are volunteering their time.”

Pam Blaker, manager of parks and recreation, said, “We just build upon different things each year and tried to change it up this year. The kids get excited and they get their picture taken with Santa. We have template letters that can be delivered to

Santa and kids get letters in return.”

Aside from the breakfast, there were coloring contests and ornament decorating activities for the young ones.

“It’s a place friends and family can get together and socialize,” said Blaker. “We’re just trying to be proactive, have different choices for everyone. People come from Washington, Uniontown. It’s a regional thing. Maybe they

don’t have this around them.”

Early on Saturday morning, Santa was seen bringing his sleigh into the horse barn and more than a couple witnesses claim to have seen him chow down on a couple of chocolate chip cookies before getting ready for the festivities.

No image quite captured what the event truly meant until a kid ran jumping into Santa’s lap.

“You want to know what it’s about? Look here,” said Wagner. Wagner promptly walked over to a child and asked him if he’d talked to Santa. “That’s what it’s about.

It’s all about the kids.”

More than 80 children attended the function, which was sponsored by the Greene County Commissioners and all proceeds went to the department of recreation.

The event promoted the season of giving and prepared all for the Christmas holiday, especially Santa, who now has a few more names to add to his famous list.

The only difference to this tale was that Santa was saying, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good morning.”

Room: New business offers university opportunity Continued from B2

obviously jumped on the opportunity when I presented it to the Student Activities Board.”

Bristor said that students had previously heard about the Escape Room and were interested in participating should a trip become available through the university.

Bristor stated the Escape Room is not just an activity, but also serves as a leadership development program.

The staff of the Escape Room agrees that it is a unique spin on group outings.

“We’re pretty excited about the element of challenge and creative fun this experience will bring to the region,” said Todd Downer, one of three Morgantown Escape Room owners.

According to Bob Albright, also an owner, escape experiences are not only great for friends, dates and families, they are also the emerging trend in corporate team building.

“We project a considerable portion of our business will come from regional companies and corporations looking for team building and camaraderie opportunities

for employees, board members, management teams – you name it,” said Albright.

“There’s nothing like the experience of working together in a fun, fast-paced, under-pressure environment to achieve a common goal.”

According to Bristor, the university students who attended the Escape Room trip enjoyed the experience.

“Overall, I thought it was a good experience,” said Bristor. “We went out to eat afterwards, and there was a lot of reflection on ‘oh, I should have done this’ or ‘why didn’t we do that?’ … It was under a minute left before we es-

caped.”

Bristor added that there has been enough positive feedback regarding the Escape Room trip for several more trips to be added on SAB’s calendar next semester, and if SAB sponsors the trips, the cost would be approximately $10.

The Morgantown Escape Room is now accepting online reservations at www. morgantownescaperoom. com. For more information or to schedule a special event or corporate experience, contact Kellie Crowe at 724-986-3316 or kellie@morgantownescaperoom.com.

By LINDSAY ORZECHOWSKI Staff Writer

The Waynesburg downtown community ushered in the holiday season with the annual downtown Christmas Parade, on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Waynesburg and Greene County clubs, organizations and local volunteers gathered together to put on the Christmas Parade this past weekend.

Melody Longstreth, executive director of the Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, planned and attended the event. Longstreth began her career planning the event when she took over as the executive director in 1986.

“I get to work with a lot of really good people, who are here for one reason and that is to give back to their community,” said Longstreth. “It is always a joy to see the little kids faces and how excited they are that the parade is happening. Of course, when they see Santa it’s the big moment that everyone waits for.”

For the Chamber of Commerce and Longstreth, putting on this event is a tradition for the Waynesburg community and is proud to be running it.

“It is quite a large undertaking. We start in September of every year with preparations,” said Longstreth.

“On Saturday, I had a team of 41 volunteers, members of the Bureau Police Force and the Sheriff ’s department, and members of the Greene Community Church.”

This event not only kicks off the Christmas season but is the largest event of the year.

“For the Chamber, it’s our largest community service project, and as an organization, we do several community projects throughout

the year but this by far is the largest,” said Longstreth.

Community members gather along the streets to watch the parade to get ready for the Christmas season.

Recently retired from Waynesburg University, Barbra Mooney said, “[The Christmas Parade] brings you to Christmas. It brings you to the holiday’s and gets your spirit up.”

Mooney has attended four or five times to watch her kids and grandchildren participate in various dancing studio floats and clubs.

The Christmas parade participants include multiple local dance studios, Greene County marching bands and princesses, as well as Greene County and Waynesburg clubs and organizations' floats which march during the parade and are judged for first, second and third place winners for the best designed floats.

Longstreth said, “I enjoy when the bands come down and see how hard the kids have worked. When they pass in front of you and sound good, look good, and are working as a team; I think that’s my favorite part.”

The music, Christmas gear and smiling faces makes the Christmas Parade a great kick-off for the holiday season.

The Chamber of Commerce certainly makes it their goal to have a start to the Christmas season by putting on such a community gathering.

“Thanks to a very long list of people, organizations and business that help pull this off every year because it certainly takes a small army every year to make this happen. Without their volunteerism, financial support, and donations, we wouldn’t have the ability to make this happen,” said Longstreth.

Pipeliner: Career path proves to be experience full of ups and downs Continued from B2

erything he owns is packed into three large, green Rubber-Maid containers that are then thrown into the bed of his 1997 white Ford F250.

“If it doesn’t fit in the back of my truck, I don’t take it with me,” Jordan says, laughing.

When Jordan arrives in a new place, he tends to have about one week of time to find a place to rent and then he has to head to work.

“There are plenty of times when I wish I did something else,” said Jordan. “I’m a person that likes routine and this job does not allow any sort of routine. I never work with the same people. The only things that ever remain consistent in my life are my truck and dogs.”

His beagle, Copper, and rat terrier-mix, Bandit, have been with him since the beginning.

They always have been constant companions for Jordan’s constantly changing lifestyle.

Ideally, Jordan plans to marry one day and settle down, but this career has not made it easy when it comes to relationships. Since Jordan can up and move in the matter of days, it has been hard to find someone willing to up and leave their families, friends and their lifestyle to follow him across the United States.

While typical college-age adults like Jordan are enjoying the dating scene and are beginning to find their significant others, Jordan feels his lifestyle causes him challenges when it comes to making a relationship last.

“It’s hard to take care of someone or at least offer someone a chance at a regular routine life when you yourself do not really have one for yourself,” said Jordan.

It is not like Jordan has not tried. He had a four-year rela-

Photo courtesy of Marcie Heuerman

Quality time is important to the Heuerman family as their time together is limited due to pipelining work. tionship with a girl he met in high school, but the distance caused strain on the relationship and it fell apart two years ago. Since then, Jordan has not put much effort into relationships.

Friendships are even a challenge for Jordan to maintain.

“I keep in contact with some of my high school buddies, but since I’m constantly moving. It’s hard to always stay as connected to them as I would like,” said Jordan.

Though this lifestyle is a lonely one for Jordan, he hopes that this career will help him to eventually settle down and experience the aspects of life he can’t normally enjoy with his current gypsy lifestyle.

For Jordan, pipelining has always been his plan for his life for as long as he can remember. Pipelining runs in the family. Jordan’s grandfather started pipelining when he was 15 years old. Marcie took after her father and left a career as an Emergency Room nurse to join the pipelining business.

“I was nervous,” admits Jordan. “I was ready to do something new, but I had a lot of questions and fears. What if I fail? What if I have to go back

home?”

Jordan did not fail; in fact he fell in love with the business and excelled. He loved the manual labor, meeting new people and going new places.

Jordan worked through Michels Pipelining Company on stringing crews. Michels hires stringers to unload a variety of pipes off of semitrucks and lay them on railroad track-platforms known as skids.

Jordan was on the stringing crew while working on the Keystone XL line in Oklahoma and Texas. Jordan and five other men took 80 foot joints of 36 inch pipe that weighed roughly 24,000 pounds and maneuvered them onto skids so the welding crew could come in next and weld the pipes together.

Though Jordan has enjoyed the manual labor side of the job, there is a lot of controversy surrounding pipelining that cause pipeliners to receive a negative reputation.

Jordan admits that he has experienced a lot of locals that did not like the pipeliners. Most pipeliners have the negative reputation of being “uncouth and ignorant, which at times is correct but not al-

ways the case,” according to Jordan.

Though the reputation of a pipeliner is not a pleasing one, Jordan claims that a majority of the men he’s worked with are not the reputation.

He once worked with a man out of Monticello, Arkansas named Dennis Benz who was a 60-year-old man who drove the stringing crew around. Jordan built a tight bond with him. Dennis was a charismatic, sarcastic, wise old man that was very set in his ways. According to Jordan, “he was one of those people who you just listened to.”

There was another man named Benny who was “not the typical uncouth pipeliner.”

“He was a nice, well-mannered man,” recalls Jordan.

“He was a recovering alcoholic who went through a bad divorce and turned to alcohol.

The alcohol just about killed him until he turned his life around for his kids.”

There was also a man named Tyson Finch. Jordan roomed with Finch for about a year. Finch was a young guy, a couple years older than Jordan. He was a guy that could make everyone laugh – a gym rat who loved to stay fit and have a good time. He was kind of a “backwoods redneck”, according to Jordan, but worked hard every day and got the job done.

It was people like this that made working in the pipelining industry not as lonely.

“Making friends on the work site was always easy,” explained Jordan. “When you would leave to go work a different job at a different location, you would always hope to see familiar faces. The work crews kind of become your family.”

Ultimately, Jordan’s goal is to one day buy land and build a house – somewhere he can call home. The luxury of owning a home, eating off real

plates with actual silverware and sleeping in a real bed are luxuries that Jordan does not experience often.

“This career has been a great source of income and experiences, but I do not want to be doing this the rest of my life,” expresses Jordan.

“All I want to do is be able to call somewhere home. Somewhere that I can feel rooted in.

I’ve gone so long without that feeling, and it has become a desire to get back to that.”

Jordan hopes that once he has saved enough money, he can settle down in one of his favorite places.

“My favorite place I’ve ever been was Montana,” said Jordan. “I love the old-school style of living there. A lot of places within Montana haven’t been touched by man yet, so everything is naturally beautiful there.”

In the moments that Jordan is not consumed by this gypsy lifestyle, he daydreams of the life he hopes to have in Montana one day.

“In Ka l isp el l, Mon tana, there will stand a 1,700-square-foot log cabin sitting on a couple acres of land,” explains Jordan. “It will have a green tin room, kerosene lanterns in the window and two old wooden rockers on the front porch.”

This log cabin does not exist, yet. But to Jordan, this log cabin is the whole reason he continues to live this unique lifestyle that a pipelining career requires.Jordan will focus on work and earning money for now, slowly making his way to one day owning that log cabin with the green tin roof in Montana, where he can one day be the host of family dinners.

SECTION C

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

Buxton's first-place finish leads wrestling at invitational

By JON SILVIDI

For the Yellow Jacket

The Waynesburg University wrestling team hit the mats Saturday at the Ohio Northern University Invitational. The Jackets placed seventh overall, while six wrestlers placed in the top four of their respective weight classes.

“We hoped to at least finish in the top 10,” said head coach Ron Headlee. “I loved the progress we made and I’m really pleased with the way we wrestled as a team.”

Sophomore Tristan Buxton won the 125-pound title, which is his first individual championship as a collegiate

wrestler. “ Tristan just “ Tristan had wrestled the same an awesome way every time,” tournament,” said said Headlee. “He Headlee. “He was gives himself a very even keel and chance to win every wrestled one match match.” at a time.”

Buxton upset Buxton started the top seed of the tournament Olivet, Michael Buxton with an 8-0 major Schmidt. He decision over Thomas scored a takedown in the first Schnitker of Heidelberg. He sudden victory period of the then went on to win his next championship bout with Ohio two matches with a 21-6 (7:00) Northern’s Brad Taton. This technical fall against Ohio gave Buxton the 7-5 win.

Northern’s Austin Palmer “I’m very excited with and a 9-1 major decision the outcome,” said Buxton. over Jacob Burroughs from “I felt confident and I want Lindsey Wilson to make it to to achieve even higher the semifinals. accomplishments.”

After his impressive p er for mance over t he we eke nd, Bu x ton w as named Presidents' Athletic Conference wrestler of the week.

Senior Gordan Bieber was another 125 placer by going 5-1 on the day to take third place. He ended his day by pinning Giuseppe Penzone of the nationally-ranked Division II program Tiffin in 6:09.

“We need to start making more attempts in a match,” said Headlee. “As a team we need to work on our shots and finishes.”

Sophomore Zach Swarrow, who was wrestling

at 133-pound weight class, advanced to the semifinals following two wins; one by decision and the other a major decision. Swarrow dropped to consolations and made his way to the third-place bout.

He finished on the day with a 12-7 victory over Brad Moser of NAIA Lindsey Wilson.

“We have a young team,” said Headlee. “The biggest thing we need to work on is confidence in ourselves and realizing our potential.”

Freshman heavyweight Jake Evans was the Jacket’s final third place qualifier. He went 4-1 with three wins by pin and a 9-0 major decision.

Senior Filippo Crivelli at

141 and junior Ryan Shank at 184, both finished fourth place in their respective weights. Each of them posted 3-2 records with a first-period pin.

“As a whole we need to be more aggressive,” said Buxton.

“We need to push the pace more and wrestle our match.”

The Jackets return home for a quad-match with BaldwinWallace, Stevens Institute of Technology and West Virginia Institute of Technology this Saturday, Dec. 12, beginning at 11 a.m.

“We need to win the close ones,” said Headlee. “Stevens and Baldwin are top 10 teams but I’m not counting us out.”

Son of WU standout makes NBA

Photos courtesy of Waynesburg Department of Athletics and MCT Campus

T.J. McConnell, pictured here diving in a game at the University of Arizona, is the son of former Waynesburg basketball star Tim McConnell. T.J. McConnell has started 15 of 22 games as a point guard for the the Philadelphia 76ers. Tim McConnell (left) was a vital role of the men's basketball teams that went 40-5 overall and won District 18 and advanced to the NAIA Tournament in 1984-85 and 1985-86.

Champion alumnus reflects on son's successful college run, NBA rookie season

By TIMMY KAISER

For the Yellow Jacket

Being a starter in the NBA is tough. In fact, only 150 out of the 466 NBA players start.

Being a starter after going undrafted is even harder – only seven of the 150 starters went undrafted.

And of that group of seven, there is only one rookie, and he happens to be the son of

a Waynesburg University alumnus.

T.J. McConnell, a point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who has started most of his rookie season, is the son of former Waynesburg University basketball player Tim McConnell.

Tim McConnell was the starting point guard for the 1984-85 and the 1985-86 seasons with then Waynesburg College.

The Yellow Jackets boasted an impressive 40-5 record during those two seasons. Tim

McConnell led those teams in assists during both of the successful seasons.

Legendary men’s basketball coach Rudy Marisa, the man behind the naming of the Fieldhouse, was Tim McConnell’s coach. His teams in those two seasons qualified for the Division I NAIA National Tournaments.

“Waynesburg taught me how to be a team player,” said Tim McConnell. “It taught me the team is more important than any one player, and it helped me be successful in

coaching, my job and life in general.”

Tim McConnell’s skill set and mentality led him to many wins and accolades during his time at Waynesburg. He was firstteam All-Pittsburgh Press, first-team AllPittsburgh Post-Gazette and first-team AllNAIA District 18 during the 1985-86 season.

“I’ll never forget the trips to Kansas City [where the NAIA Tournament was held] and See MCCONNELL on C3

Gerber places within Stout defense leads to win for women's basketball top half at nationals with the next five points.

Grove City then fought back to bring the score to The Waynesburg women’s 7-7. Waynesburg scored basketball team battled the twice more to take an 11-7 Grove City Wolverines on lead after the first quarter. the road Saturday Dec. 5. The second quarter saw The Yellow Jackets entered the Yellow Jackets and the contest on a four game Wolverines play a close game losing streak playing against until the waning minutes. the team that knocked them Ahead 13-11, Waynesburg out of the playoffs last year. went on an 11-1 run to take Waynesburg would end a 24-12 led. The half ended the streak with a 55-43 win with Waynesburg lending over the Wolverines to pick 31-19. up its f irst “We started Presidents' TOP out slow, but Athletic we picked it up PERFORMERS C on f e re n c e defensively,” win of the Waynesburg s ai d ju n i or season. guard Katie “It was great Maura Bobby : 6-10, 13 points G e h l m a n n . to get the win,” “Once we got s a i d h e a d Katie Gehlmann : 12 pts, 10 rebs into a rhythm coach Sam we played Jones. “ The Grove City pretty well.” girls played Gehlmann w i t h h i g h Kathryn Erbelding : 11 pts, 11 stls w a s a b i g energy, which proponent to was exciting to see and we the Yellow Jackets keeping met the goal to get the win.” the lead in the third quarter.

Grove City pulled ahead Gehlmann scored nine of 3-0 early in the first quarter, Waynesburg's first 11 points but Waynesburg responded to start the second half.

By STEVE SAMEK

For the Yellow Jacket

By MITCHELL KENDRA Managing Editor

It’s Nov. 21, and sophomore Julie Gerber is standing at the starting line for the last time of the season. It’s the last race, and by far the biggest. The entire season has built up to this point.

The starting line is crowded as 280 of the best Division III runners in the country are waiting for the gun to go off for the 2015 NCAA Division III National Cross Country Championships to begin.

In Winneconne, Wisconsin, Gerber is a long way from her small college campus in southwestern Pennsylvania, but that’s okay: she is writing a new chapter in the Waynesburg University women’s crosscountry history book.

The chapter begins with the crack of the pistol.

Becoming the first man or woman at Waynesburg University to make it to

the national race in crosscountry, Gerber wants to keep her eyes on her next goal, being one of the elite runners in the country.

“I was definitely just excited to start the race and just see what would unfold throughout the race,” said Gerber.

The only runner from the President’s Athletic Conference to compete in the race, Gerber crossed the finish line in 114th in the field of 280 runners.

Head coach Chris Hardie said athletes do better in situations they are comfortable with: familiar courses, routines, fans supporting them, amongst many other variables.

The first step in comforting Gerber was by taking some fans to the meet. Since none of Gerber’s teammates qualified for the race, she brought along people who

See GERBER on C4

Waynesburg’s defense then took over in the second half and kept the Yellow Jackets lead in double digits for the remainder of the game. Waynesburg led by as many as 21 points in the second half.

Waynesburg limited the amount of turnovers in the second half compared to the first. The Yellow Jackets committed 11 turnovers compared to 16 in the first half.

"We play an up tempo game," said Jones. "We are going to make mistakes but trying to limit them is our biggest goal."

The Jackets' work on the glass complemented the defense as Waynesburg out rebounded Grove City 54-39 in total rebounds. “ We out re b ou n d e d [them], and limited second chance opportunities, which was something we gave up a lot of against Thomas More,” said Jones. “It was great to cut down on those.”

Gehlmann led Waynesburg with a team and

game high 10 total rebounds.

Gehlmann added 12 points to her 10 boards to record her first collegiate doubledouble.

“It w as n’t e x p e c te d, I didn’t think I had ten boards,” said Gehlmann. “It was really exciting to achieve the double-double and do what I can to help the team.”

Senior forward Heather D av is and s ophomore for ward Addy Knetzer added nine rebounds each.

Davis chipped in five points on 2-8 shooting from the field in her 30 minutes, while Knetzer tallied six points.

Waynesburg’s leading scorer was senior forward Maura Bobby who added a game-high 13 points to the Waynesburg victorious effort.

Grove City was led by senior forward Kathryn Erbelding. Erbelding contributed 11 points, 11 steals and eight rebounds to Grove City’s losing effort See BASKETBALL on C4

Page C2

December 10, 2015

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

Minjock top runner in D-III Huwe's weight toss, shot put indoor track season opener carry women at track meet

By ZACK ZEIGLER

For the Yellow Jacket

As sophomore Mark Minjock toes the blocks for the first event of the day, one thought is going through his mind: “Run hard. Start fast, and win, win, win.”

That thought propelled Minjock on Friday when he set school records in both the 60-meter and 200-meter dashes at the Youngstown State Ice Breaker. The competition was full with both Division I and Division II runners, but Minjock emerged as the top Division III runner in the event.

“Mark had a fantastic day,” said head coach Jason Falvo.

“He is a relentless worker who is definitely getting out what he is putting in.

I am excited to see how he progresses this season.”

Minjock started his pro ductive day by finishing 12th and tying the Waynesburg University school record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.21 seconds. He followed that up by breaking the record in the 200-meter dash finishing in 16th place with a time of 23.09 seconds.

Even after such a good start to the season, Minjock is determined to improve his

game and become better with each meet. He indicates his hard work in the offseason as one of the reasons he has become the runner he is today.

“I have to treat every event the same,” said Minjock. “I don’t let up, and I am always determined to run a personal best.”

To go along with his two school records, Minjock was the top finisher of any Division III athlete in both events. The sophomore standout had success in his rookie year last season and looks to use his accomplishments to propel him through the rest of the season.

“The records are good,” said Minjock. “But I don’t want to let up. I have to continue to work harder than I ever have before and keep pushing harder and harder everyday.”

Sophomore Mitch Kendra and junior Brandon Vantine headed the field events.

Kendra finished in 11th place in the event with a height of 4.20 meters, finishing fourth among Division III competitors.

“Mitch is the defending outdoor pole vault champion,” said Falvo. “I was not surprised he competed

as well as he did. He is very dedicated to his craft and will continue to do well for us.”

Junior Brandon Vantine led all Division III athletes in the shot put with a 10th place finish with 13.03 meters. Vantine has been behind Travis Schubert his whole collegiate career, and will now get the chance to shine with Schubert having graduated.

The track team has a big break until their next event, which will take place on Saturday, Jan. 16, when it travels to the Marietta Open.

The break gives the athletes some time to relax, but for Minjock, he said he will use that time to better himself.

“I will be working out a lot over the break,” said Minjock. “I will be pushing myself just as hard as I would be if I were on campus.”

For Falvo, the leadership aspect of the team will be very important for the success that the team looks to display.

“I am looking forward to seeing how this team responds after graduating three Jacket greats,” said Falvo. “Our leadership will need to direct this team and build off of a very good off season of work.”

By CHELSEY WITHERS Editorial Assistant

The Waynesburg University women’s track & field team began its indoor season on Friday, Dec. 4. The women traveled to Youngstown State University to participate in the YSU Icebreaker.

“At this early stage in the season, I was very excited to see the competitive fire back in our athletes,” said head coach Jason Falvo. “We are in phase one of our program this season. We are looking at and evaluating our pre-season training to get a baseline on where the team is at currently.”

The Yellow Jackets were one of three Division III team to participate in this weekend's events. The schools that participated were: YSU, Duquesne University, Slippery Rock University, Clarion University, Point Park University, Westminster C o l l e g e , Wa y n e s b u r g University and Grove City College.

“We didn’t know we were going to compete against Division I and Division II schools beforehand,” said senior Rose Huwe. “In weight throw especially I wasn’t to0 far behind the the people I was competeing against, especially

the Division II schools. This was a great confidence boost for me.”

Huwe led the Yellow Jackets this weekend as she placed 19th in the weight throw, and second amongst all Division III performers with a heave of 10.35 meters (33-11.5). She added a 29th-place showing in the shot put (9.8 meters (30-1.5)).

“Now that I am a leader on the team I feel that I have the responsibility to help the freshmen more,” said Huwe. “I have seen a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about this season.”

One of those freshman who is standing out is runner Olivia Kelley, who participated in both the 800-meter race and the 4x400 team race.

“Olivia is a highly thought of freshman in our program,” said Falvo. “I believe she is a great talent and is going to have a great season for us.

This performance confirmed that.”

The 4x400 team consists of sophomore Marla Holland, freshman Cassidy Guiser, junior Yashira Varga and Kelley.

The team placed eighth out of 10 4x400 teams at the event, being the only Division

III team that participated.

“The major benefit is that you are always being pushed, or to use a track term, ‘pulled around the track’ using them as chase dogs around the track,” said Falvo. “To see where you stand versus the top talent in the area always brings out the competitive nature in our athletes. We are not intimidated and we compete."

The women's cross country teams who took second in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships, are expected to help the women’s track and field team greatly this year.

Athletes to look out for are this spring are: sophomore Julie Gerber, freshman Teghan Simonton, junior Angie Marchetti, sophomore Emily Latimer, junior Katie Latimer and sophomore Elinore Loch.

“The sky is the limit with the women’s program. Coming off such an unexpected season in track last year, followed up by a great season out of the cross county teams,” said Falvo. “I feel we are progressing in a very positive direction.”

Waynesburg track & field is off until Saturday, Jan. 16, when it travels to the Marietta Open.

Cross country coach takes unusual road to head coaching spot

By ROBERT MCKINNEY For the Yellow Jacket

Chris Hardie, dean of student services and head cross-countr y coach at Waynesburg University, has a reputation as a helpful and attentive coach and mentor.

His co-workers and runners alike have both commented on his coaching style.

“He gives us all the attention we need, as a whole he takes care of his team, not just with workouts but with overall health,” said freshman runner Teghan Simonton.

However, Hardie has

a u n i qu e stor y, the varsity team, which many may not because he find unbelievable. w a s n’ t g o o d Hardie, who has enoug, but been the head because he didn’t cross-country meet the time coach for seven requirement for years, never the mile. You p a r t i c i p at e d i n might be asking cross-country yours elf, how Hardie himself. He did do es a crossparticipate in track, but as country coach not run a a thrower. mile in a passable time?

Hardie grew up playing “I got c ut f rom t he baseball, which is a sport baseball team because I was he dearly loves and follows overweight,” said Hardie. religiously. He played all the Hardie decided to way through high school, participate in track after until his senior year. At that being cut, and threw shot point, Hardie got cut from put in college at California

University of Pennsylvania.

During his years in college, he was determined to start running and lose weight.

Hardie didn’t just lose a few pounds, however: he lost 60 pounds in two years. Hardie then became a decathlete and ran in the 1,600-meter relay.

To keep himself in shape, Hardie decided to run long distances. This is where he grew his passion for running, and eventually, for coaching.

When he became a coach, Hardie used his past experiences as a guide. He coached softball, track and

now cross-country.

Hardie has one rule that he will never break.

“I don’t ever do any kind of cuts on my team,” said Hardie. “I refuse to make a cut if the athlete puts the work in,” said Hardie.

“Regardless of their ability, I feel athletes deserve to compete and wear the 'W' on their shirts.”

Hardie was an assistant track coach here at Waynesburg b efore he became involved with the cross-country program.

Ev e nt u a l l y, t h r o u g h networking, Hardie became the assistant coach on the

cross-country team under the leadership of Blair Zimmerman, head coach at the time. Zimmerman is currently ser ving as a Way n e s bu r g c ou nt y commissioner, and he was also the mayor of Waynesburg. According to friends of Zimmerman, he w as a phe nome na l coach in the late 1990s and transformed the crosscountr y program from forgettable to respectable.

Zimmerman spoke highly of Hardie and wasn't surprised at the success Hardie is having with the Waynesburg programs.

PRESIDENTS’ ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ROUNDUP MEN’S BASKETBALL STANDINGS Grove City Saint Vincent Westminster Bethany Thiel Thomas More Chatham Geneva Waynesburg W&J

Conf. Overall 2-0 5-2 2-0 4-2 2-0 2-5 1-1 3-3 1-1 3-5 1-1 2-4 1-1 1-6 0-2 0-6 0-2 0-6 0-2 0-7

Saturday’s Box Score

GROVE CITY 75, WAYNESBURG 71 Waynesburg 30 41 71 Grove City 33 42 75

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Waynesburg Top Scorers 1. Nate Labishack........................18 2. DJ Ritchie.................................17 Thiel Top Scorers 1. Khari Bess................................12 2. Avril Campbell.........................11 Westminster Top Scorers 1. Jason Pilarski...........................14 2. Brandon Domenick.................11 Grove City Top Scorers 1.Caleb Knudsen.........................22 2.Joe Vermilya.............................11 Geneva Top Scorers 1. Chase Vaudrin.........................32 2. Jimmy Leichliter......................8 Bethany Top Scorers 1. Javonte Trujillo........................13 2. Liam Davis...............................13 Wash & Jeff Top Scorers 1. Brian Graytok..........................16 2. Christian Rohaus.....................11 Chatham Top Scorers 1. Logan Hunter..........................13 2. Alex Schoppen........................12 Thomas More Top Scorers 1. Simon Clifford.........................10 2. Damion King...........................10 Saint Vincent Top Scorer 1. Pat Jones.................................19 2. Jaylon Bell...............................17

RECENT RESULTS

Saturday, December 5 Bethany 67, Thiel 44; Chatham 71, Wash & Jeff 64; Saint Vincent 78, Geneva 67; Grove City 75, Waynesburg 71; Westminster 72, Thomas More 60

UPCOMING GAMES

Saturday, December 12 Westminster at Waynesburg - 3:30 p.m.; Grove City at Thomas More - 4 p.m.; Chatham at Saint Vincent - 6 p.m.; Geneva at Bethany - 8 p.m.

PAC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STANDINGS W&J Thomas More Bethany Geneva Chatham Waynesburg Saint Vincent Grove City Westminster Thiel

Conf. Overall 3-0 7-1 2-0 5-0 2-0 4-3 2-0 3-3 1-1 4-2 1-1 2-5 0-2 3-4 0-2 2-4 0-2 0-6 0-3 0-8

Friday’s Box Score

CARNEGIE MELLON 95, WASH & JEFF 63 Waynesburg 11 20 17 7 55 Grove City 7 12 8 16 43

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Waynesburg Top Scorers 1. Maura Bobby..........................13 2. Katie Gehlman........................12 Grove City Top Scorers 1. Kathryn Erbelding...................11 2. Teresa Dallatore.......................10 Thomas More Top Scorers 1. Madison Temple......................21 2. Abby Owings...........................12 Westminster Top Scorers 1. Kristine Fromknecht................11 2. Kylie Cook................................10 Thiel Top Scorers 1. Hannah Stoneman..................9 2. Taylor Duchon.........................9 Bethany Top Scorers 1. Kelsea Daugherty....................18 2. Mikyla Thompson...................13 Chatham Top Scorers 1. Ashley McClain........................9 2. Katelyn Sieg............................9 Saint Vincent Top Scorers 1. Susie Ellis.................................19 2. Maria Morgan.........................18 Wash & Jeff Top Scorers 1. Beka Bellhy.............................23 2. Amirah Moore.........................10 Geneva Top Scorers 1. Heidi Mann..............................20 2. Callie Ford................................15

RECENT RESULTS

Saturday, December 5 Bethany 77, Thiel 60; Wash & Jeff 90, Chatham 72; Geneva 73, Saint Vincent 66; Waynesburg 55, Grove City 43; Thomas More 93, Westminster 47

UPCOMING GAMES

Saturday, December 12 Westminster at Waynesburg - 3:30 p.m.; Grove City at Thomas More - 2 p.m.; Chatham at Saint Vincent - 4 p,m,; Geneva at Bethany - 6 p.m.

PAC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Heidi Mann, Senior Guard, Geneva

Caleb Knudsen, Senior Guard, Grove City

WAYNESBURG ATHLETES OF THE WEEK Tristan Buxton, Wrestling

Heather Davis, Women's Basketball

Waynesburg at Wash & Jeff- 1:30 p.m.

WCYJ-FM, 99.5 The Hive, WUSN

CROSS COUNTRY

WRESTLING

MEN RECENT RESULTS

WOMEN RECENT RESULTS

Saturday, January 9: Franciscan at Bethany - 1 p.m.; Pitt-Braddford at Bethany - 1 p.m.; Wash & Jeff at Grove City - 1 p.m.; Alderson Broaddus at Chatham - 1 p.m.; Westminster at Rollins - 2 p.m.

Individual YOUNGSTOWN STATE ICEBREAKER 60-METER DASH 1. Leighton Antonio, 6.82, N/A; 2. Carl Zallow, Youngstown, 6.87; 3. Brandon Vanderbrook, Slippery Rock, 6.94; 12. Mark Minjock, 7.21, Waynesburg 200-METER DASH 1. Leighton Antonio, N/A, 21.70; 2. Carl Zallow, Youngstown, 21.96; 3. Chad Zallow, Youngstown, 21.98; 16. Mark Minjock, Waynesburg, 23.09 400-METER DASH 1. Mohamed Cisse, Duquesne, 48.05; 2. Kahleef Gravesande, Notre Dame, 49.11; 3. Dontay Jacobs, Seton Hill, 49.13; 30. Garret Guthrie, Waynesburg, 56.97 800-METER DASH 1. Carl Sturges, Duquesne, 1:56.58; 2. David O’Such, Duquesne, 1:56.89; 3. Derek Morrison, Youngstown, 2:00.47 1-MILE RUN 1. Eric Rupe, Youngstown, 4:15.57; 2. Tristan Williams, Walsh, 4:27.05; 3. Joe Lynch, Indiana, 4:28.62 3000-METER RUN 1. Jeff Van Kooten, Duquesne, 8:45.32; 2. Ryan Thompson, Slippery Rock, 8:46.35; 3. Tyler Palenchark, Slippery Rock, 8:49.02 5000-METER RUN 1. Austin McLean, Yongstown, 15:01.31; 2. Naimbai Njerakey, Walsh, 15:05.95; 3. Jeremy Parsons, Slippery Rock, 15:08.03 60-METER HURDLE 1. Chad Zallow, Youngstown, 7.89; 2. Torey McCaully, N/A, 8.19; 3. Nick Betz, Grove City, 8.21 HIGH JUMP 1. Arnaldo Moales, Youngstown, 2.14m; 2. Bradley Jones, N/A, 2.08m; 3. Jay Jakovian, Youngstown, 2.00m; 12. Lucas Maurer, Waynesburg, 1.70m MEN POLE VAULT 1. Cameron Daugherty, N/A, 4.96m; 2. Jordan Pacheco, Slippery Rock, 4.92m; 3. Andrew Koksal, Slippery Rock, 4.50m; 11. Mitch Kendra, Waynesburg, 4.20m LONG JUMP 1. Montravius Berry, N/A, 7.13m; 2. Isaac Agyemang, Youngstown, 7.03m; 3. William Royal, N/A, 6.92m; 18. Hunter Palmer, Waynesburg, 6.32m TRIPLE JUMP 1. Caleb Smithco, Slippery Rock, 14.68m; 2. Adam Leeper, Slippery Rock, 14.29m; 3. Jyri Davis, Point Park, 13.95m SHOT PUT 1. Ryan Booth, Youngstown, 16.62m; 2. Jacob Chiclowe, Youngstown, 15.24m; 3. JJ Ollio, Slippery Rock, 15.14m; 10. Brandon Vantine, Waynesburg, 13.03m WEIGHT THROW 1. Connor Neu, Youngstown, 20.67m; 2. David Reinhardt, N/A, 17.68m; 3. JJ Ollio, Slippery Rock, 16.19m

PAC SWIMMERS OF THE WEEK

UPCOMING EVENTS

Individual YOUNGSTOWN STATE ICEBREAKER 60-METER DASH 1. Nina Grambling, Youngstown, 7.62; 2. Taylor Thompkins, Youngstown, 7.82; 3. Thronda Craig, N/A, 7.84 200-METER DASH 1. Nina Grambling, Youngstown, 24.95; 2.

Daianna Barron, N/A, 25.23; 3. Taylor McDonald, Youngstown, 25.41; 48. Marla Holland, Waynesburg, 28.26 400-METER DASH 1. Daianna Barron, N/A, 55.79; 2. Abby O’Connell, Duquesne, 57.06; 3. Jen Shiley, Youngstown, 57.48; 32. Yashira Vargus, Waynesburg, 1:07.18 800-METER DASH 1. Annergret Nehl, Duquesne, 2:15.87; 2.

Gabriella Benninger, Duquesne, 2:26.89; 3. Lizzy Cunningham, Indiana, 2:27.24; 17. Olivia Kelley, Waynesburg, 2:44.73 1-MILE RUN 1. Jenny Picot, Slippery Rock, 5:13.66; 2. Tori Reeves, Walsh, 5:13.98; 3. Melissa Rains 3000-METER RUN 1. Leah Anne Wirfel, Slippery Rock, 10:11.05; 2.

Nicole Burlison, Notre Dame, 10:29.41; 3. Lizzie Morris, Duquesne, 10:37.29; 15. Stacy Martin, Waynesburg, 13:11.10 5000-METER RUN 1. Hannah Campbell, Malone, 17:15.47; 2. Catie Campbell, Walsh, 17:30.06; 3. Katie Guarnaccia, Point Park, 18:08.35 60-METER HURDLES 1. Amber Eles, Youngstown, 8.71; 2. Shatasia Walker, Youngstown, 8.79; 3. Taylor McDonald, Youngstown, 8.93 HIGH JUMP 1. Ashley West, Slippery Rock, 1.71m; 2. Chenera Lacey, Youngstown, 1.65m; 3. Abby Jones, Youngstown, 1.65m POLE VAULT 1. Marissa Kalsey, Westminster, 3.73m; 2. Cassidy Shepherd, Westminster, 3.42m; 3. Elizabeth Coppella, Indiana, 3.42m; LONG JUMP 1. Victoria Soeder, Duquesne, 5.47m; 2.

Ellie Pollock, Youngstown, 5.46m; 3. Jessica Shomo, Clarion, 5.41m; 23. Caitlin Brooks, Waynesburg, 4.66m TRIPLE JUMP 1. Savannah Osborne, Youngstown, 11.57m; 2. Gabriella Benninger, Duquesne, 11.42m; 3.

Chontel Flis, Youngstown, 11.33m; SHOT PUT 1. Jayne Corbett, Youngstown, 14.14m; 2. Lexi Stevenson, Seton Hill, 13.63m; 3. Ciera Trybed, Youngstown, 13.13m WEIGHT THROW 1. Jayne Corbett, Youngstown, 15.93m; 2.

Alyse DePaola, Duquesne, 14.20m; 3. Rachel Fyalkowski, Duquesne, 14.20m

STANDINGS Thiel Waynesburg W&J

Conf. Overall 0-0 4-5 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-4

RECENT RESULTS

Saturday, December 5 RITT TOURNAMENT 9. Thiel, 83 pts.; 10. Wash & Jeff, 71 pts.

OHIO NORTHERN INVITATIONAL 7. Waynesburg, 98.5 pts.

UPCOMING GAMES

Saturday, December 12: West Virginia Institute of Technology at Waynesburg - 11 a.m.; Stevens Institute of Technology at Waynesburg - 11 a.m.; Baldwin Wallace at Waynesburg - 11 a.m.

PAC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK

Tristan Buxton, Sophomore, Waynesburg

SWIMMING & DIVING MEN RECENT RESULTS

Thursday-Saturday, December 3-5: WOOSTER INVITATIONAL 4. Westminster, 1,009 pts.; Chatham, Individuals Only CALVIN WINTER INVITE 8. Grove City, 569 pts.

Saturday, December 5 Bethany 114, Hiram 71; Saint Vincent 193, Wash & Jeff 101

UPCOMING GAMES

Friday, December 11: Saint Vincent at Mount Union - 5 p.m.

Saturday, January 9: Pitt-Braddford at Bethany - 1 p.m.; Alderson Broaddus at Chatham - 1 p.m.; Wash & Jeff at Grove City - 1 p.m.; Westminster at Rollins - 2 p.m.

WOMEN RECENT RESULTS

Thursday-Saturday, December 3-5: WOOSTER INVITATIONAL 7. Westminster, 794 pts,; 8. Chatham, 445 pts.

CALVIN WINTER INVITE 7. Grove City, 687 pts.

UPCOMING GAMES

Friday December 11 Saint Vincent at Mount Union - 5 p.m.

Men’s: Matt Baurle, Senior, Westminster Women’s: Megan Bilko, Senior, Grove City

Team Friday, December 4 YOUNGSTOWN STATE ICEBREAKER Individual Results Only, No Team Scoring

Friday, January 8 Thiel at Dan Kinsey Invitational - 4 p.m.

Team Friday, December 4 YOUNGSTOWN STATE ICEBREAKER Individual Results Only, No Team Scoring

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, January 8: Thiel at Dan Kinsey Invitational - 4 p.m.

December 10, 2015

Page C3

COMMENTARY

Don't panic; men's Men's basketball loses sixth straight game basketball will be fine

By WESLEY BRISTOR and KYLE DAWSON

By KYLE DAWSON

Assistant Sports Editor

They’re too young.

They’re too inexperienced.

They’re not rebounding.

They don’t have enough scorers.

They lost anybody from last year.

All those things are being said about the Waynesburg University men’s basketball team after an 0-6 start to the 2015-16 campaign and that is 0-2 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play after consecutive losses to Thomas More and Grove City on the road last week.

Well, not all those things are wrong.

Actually, only the last is correct. Yes, it’s no secret that the Jackets are playing without a senior class from last year that rebuilt the men’s hoops program over the course of four years and made it to the first PAC Championship game for Waynesburg since 2006, losing to Saint Vincent, who was an obnoxiously good team, by a margin of fewer than 10 points. Yes, this team is playing without two 1,000-point scorers in Jacob Fleegle and Jason Propst.

They’re playing without Casey Hope, Kenny Klase, Byrum Louco, Tyler Miller and Thomas Ellis.

I’d be lying if I said that isn’t making a difference on the hardwood this season, because it is.

When those seven players are seven of a group of 10-11 players that saw consistent time on the court, there’s going to be a drop-off. Any sports fan with common sense can say that.

B ecause Waynesburg f ans are n ow u s e d to winning in men’s sports, and rightfully so after last year’s unprecedented run by the teams for the PAC All-Sports Trophy, at the immediate sign of struggles, fans are starting to write off this basketball team.

Not many people have seen this team play due to the fact that the only home game this team has played was during Thanksgiving break, so there’s an excuse for a lack of people seeing this team play.

Let’s back up. People are hitting the panic button and writing this team off.

Take a step back.

Take a deep breath.

There is absolutely no reason you can conceive and present to hit the big, red, panic button on this

team, or to write this team off this year.

L et me expl ain w hy by breaking down the statements from the outset of this.

“They’re too young.”

Wa y n e s b u r g ’s t e a m has six seniors on its 16man roster. That number is closely followed by two juniors, which when added to that senior total is half the roster. You have four freshmen on the team that haven’t seen significant time yet and that’s fine. But youth is not an excuse. The six seniors were on the roster with those guys from last year. They learned under them and they worked their tails off under them to be ready for now.

To e c h o w h at h e a d coach Mark Christner is saying about the youth and “inexperience” of this team, what these guys have is good enough. I don’t, and nor should you expect Nate Labishak and Tim Plansinis to do the same things in the post as a Jason Propst, and that’s not the only comparison I’ve heard.

This problem goes back to football this season as well. People wanted Jake Dougherty, mind you a freshman, to perform at the levels of Carter Hill, who we all know was a great quarterback in his time at Waynesburg. People wanted there to be no turnover, which is downright silly and not what happens in sports.

No player on any team should be expected to live up to what they are replacing. That’s not only asking too much, but it’s asking for someone not to be themselves. I’m fine with Labishak being Nate Labishak. I’m fine with Kendall Paige being Kendall Paige, among others.

“They’re not rebounding.”

Waynesburg’s rebounding margin is close to negative 11, which is almost by a full two rebounds the worst in the conference. So sure, you can make that argument, but if you look at matchups and pure size in the post this year for Waynesburg compared to other teams, you’d see a small excuse for getting beat on the glass.

I’m sure the players and Christner would be the first people to tell you they aren’t rebounding well enough.

But I’m sure they also would say they will get better.

I believe that. They’ll See DAWSON on C4

For the Yellow Jacket

Coming off two straight losses by a combined total of five points earlier in the week at the hands of Frostburg State University and Thomas More College, the Waynesburg men’s basketball team entered the weekend looking to end its three-game stretch before returning home on a high note against Grove City College.

However, the Wolverines thought otherwise with a 75-71 win over the Yellow Jackets in each team’s second Presidents’ Athletic Conference contest.

The game was back-andforth for the entirety of the Jenny Schouppe, Yellow Jacket contest. Grove City took leads that Waynesburg Senior guard BJ Durham, shown here in a game last season, scored in double erased, and then took the digits in the loss to Grove City. Waynesburg is now 0-6 overall and 0-2 in PAC play. lead again.

D o w n t h e s t r e t c h , favor of the host team, Grove State and Calvin games. the conference to this date.

Waynesburg battled back City.

“We played hard all game Grove City was led in into t he game, t a king Much like the first half, and found ourselves in a scoring by senior forward advantage of missed free the second consisted of very good game in the last Caleb Knudsen, who had throws by Grove City and more back-and-forth play two minutes like we have 22 points to help lift the fought offensively to climb with Grove City just edging so often throughout this Wolverines to their victory. back in. But in the end, the Jackets in shooting season,” said senior guard Knudsen was named the the Jackets fell short in its percentage from the field BJ Durham. “Games like this PAC Me n’s B aske t b a l l comeback effort, falling and, in the end, knocking will help us down the road, Player of the Week by the to 0-6 overall and 0-2 in down a total of seven giving us experience for conference on Monday. the early stages of its PAC more free throws than future situations of similar The Jackets had four schedule.

Waynesburg. predicaments.” players who scored in double “Overall we competed This small difference isn’t Waynesburg’s shooting figures, led by senior forward hard, but it turned into a the first time the Jackets p e r f o r m a n c e w a s n o t Nate Labishak, who had 18 five minute have lost by a Christner’s concern moving points for Waynesburg. game down TOP slim margin forward after the game.

Senior wing DJ Ritchie PERFORMERS the stretch and this season in "Our rebounding is what chipped in 17, while Durham they were the a tight contest. we need to get better at, and freshman Dylan O’Hara tougher team,” Waynesburg The season- especially offensively. Just were both in double figures said head opening loss because we are young doesn’t as well. coach Mark Nate Labishak 6-7, 18 pts at Muskingum mean we can’t win, what we Moving for ward, the Christner. a n d l a s t have is good enough to win Jackets’ next opponent will Both teams DJ Ritchie 17 pts 4 rebs Wednesday’s games,” said Christner. be Westminster College in shot well in the loss to Waynesburg was out another PAC matchup this first half with Grove City Thomas More rebounded 39-27 by Grove Saturday. The contest will Waynesburg in Kentucky City and also lost the battle serve as the PAC homeand Grove Caleb Knudsen: 7-9, 22 pts were overtime on the offensive glass. opener for Waynesburg and City each losses, while The margin helped to only its second game at home shooting Andrew Beckman: 9 pts, 8 rebs differences of dip the overall rebounding this season.

50 percent six points or margin for the Jackets this Tipoff against the Titans from the floor. This led to fewer were the differences in season to nearly negative 11, (2-5, 2-0) is set for 3:30 p.m. a halftime score of 33-30 in the losses in the Frostburg which is the worst margin in in Waynesburg.

McConnell: Son builds off father's success

how much we were a team,” said Tim McConnell. “I made great friends, many of which I still keep in touch with today.

My time at Waynesburg was a dream come true.”

Tim McConnell coached his son T.J. at Chartiers Valley High School. He has won more than 500 games at Chartiers Valley, and besides T.J., his other son Matty was a 1,000-point scorer in high school and currently a freshman on the Robert Morris basketball team.

“Tim was a competitor and all he wanted to do was win,” said Larry Marshall, current athletic director and former Waynesburg University assistant basketball coach.

“He was a workaholic and a competitor, and he carried those things with him when he left and it has helped him in life.”

Tim McConnell is not the only member of his family

who has an impressive coaching history. His sister Suzie McConnell-Serio is the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Pittsburgh. His other sister Kathy is an assistant on her staff and was previously been a head coach at both the University of Tulsa, and the University of Colorado. She also served as an assistant for the Tulsa Shock of the WNBA. She has witnessed Tim’s competitiveness first hand throughout her life.

“Growing up, [he] was by far the most competitive,” said Kathy McConnell. “He is so determined to finish everything he starts. He taught us (siblings) how to always give it everything we have and how to be tough.”

The ability to deliver good passes to open teammates is a trait Tim McConnell has certainly passed down to his son T.J. Just as his dad did at

Weekly Awards

Sophomore wrestler Tr ist an Buxton and senior basketball player Heather Davis have been lauded as the newest Waynesburg Athletes of the Week.

Davis Buxton Buxton took home the 125-pound title at Saturday’s Ohio Northern University Invitational. The Washington, Pennsylvania, native started his 5-0 day with an 8-0 major decision of Thomas Schnitker of Heidelberg. He upset top-seeded Michael Schmidt of Olivet to set up a championship showdown with ONU’s Brad Taton. Buxton completed his run to the gold by scoring a takedown in the first sudden-victory period that clinched a 7-5 win.

Davis finished second on the team in scoring average with 10 points per game and first in rebounding with six for the 1-1 Jackets this past week. She led Waynesburg with a team-high 15 points and a contest-best five assists against the defending national champions from Thomas More on Wednesday.

The Waynesburg wrestlers will return to the mat on Saturday, Dec. 12, with a quad-match against West Virginia Tech, Stevens Institute of Technology and Baldwin Wallace. Action will get under way at 11 a.m. The women’s basketball team will also compete on Saturday, with a home game against Westminster. Tipoff from the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Waynesburg, T.J. leads the it is as expected.

Philadelphia 76ers in assists “I always knew T.J. was with 5.8 assists per game. going to go on to bigger and “T.J. would rather pass and better things,” said Hope. “He have his other teammates could see plays happen on score,” said Tim McConnell. both ends of the floor before “He doesn’t care about scoring; anyone else. He could put he wants to set guys up and do up 40 points and still drop whatever it takes to 15 assists and win.”

T.J. MCCONNELL caus e havo c Besides his defensively.” ability to pass Philadelphia 76ers The parallels t h e b a l l , T. J. from his father’s M c C o n n e l l ’ s 22 games played game to his are competitiveness is also apparent another trait that 26.9 minutes per game for those who draws comparisons have seen both between himself 6.8 points per game play. and his father. “ T h e “Off the court, 6.5 assists per game passing is most T.J. is a goofball apparent,” said and loves to have 4.7 rebounds per game Marshall. “They fun,” said Casey both would Hope, former AAU teammate rather pass than shoot, and of T.J. McConnell’s and former they both hustled and want Waynesburg University to win more than anyone else.” basketball player. “But as soon T.J. McConnell’s early as he steps on the court it’s like success has not only been someone lit a fire under him impressive, it has also been and he doesn’t stop until the historic. He is the only rookie final whistle." in NBA history to have two T. J. Mc C on n e l l w a s 12-assist games in his first a standout player at the four contests.

University of Arizona for the T.J. has shown he is capable past two seasons. He was the of playing in the NBA with his starting point guard for the early success. As more teams Wildcats’ team, which made watch film of his game as the it to back-to-back regional year goes on, it could become championships in the NCAA more difficult for the rookie.

Tournament.

His family knows he is up for “When he was at Arizona the challenge.

I was really proud,” said Tim “He (T.J.) has risen to McConnell. “I did not think I any challenge, and is very could be more proud until I goal oriented,” said Kathy heard his name called in the McConnell. “When he sees NBA, especially after all the something he wants, he will time, work and sacrifices he do whatever it takes to get has made.” there. He always has his sights A l t h o u g h h e w e n t set on something greater and undrafted, T.J. McConnell that is why he has and will be was informed shortly after successful.” the draft ended that the Regardless of how the rest Philadelphia 76ers were going of T.J.’s playing career pans to sign him. out, he already bolsters a “I told him all you need very impressive resume. Tim is an opportunity,” said Tim McConnell knows his son will McConnell. “I knew he would succeed wherever his career have a good opportunity to takes him. make the team and become “My son has grit, and he an NBA player.” is going to come at you,” said From afar, how well T.J. Tim McConnell. “Whether it McConnell has played thus is playing basketball now, or far seems surprising. But for coaching or anything in life those who played with him, he has that same mentality.”

Page C4

December 10, 2015

BASKETBALL WEEKEND PREVIEWS

Men's basketball seeks first win Turnovers, rebounding crucial of season against Westminster to women's basketball Saturday 14 points, respectively.

The second contest, played at home for the Jackets, was When the Waynesburg a much easier win, an 81Yellow Jacket men’s basketball 60 final. Westminster’s Paul team takes the court Saturday Carswell led all scorers with 20 against the Westminster points, but Waynesburg’s four Titans in the Rudy Marisa double-figure scoring outputs Fieldhouse, the Jackets will were enough to best the be looking for their first Titans, an effort highlighted by win of the season overall now-senior wing DJ Ritchie’s and in Presidents’ Athletic 14 points.

Conference play.

Both Wallander, Carswell After a week off and a n d S c o t t r e t u r n t o coming out of a pair of losses Westminster on the hardcourt to start the PAC portion of its this season, and after falling schedule, Waynesburg will in five straight to open the battle a Westminster team that season, the Titans have rattled it beat twice during last year’s off two straight PAC victories successful season, however, against the newly-christened the makeup of the two teams Chatham program and most has changed. recently, last Saturday, Dec. 4 On one end, Waynesburg against Thomas More at home. lost seven seniors, while F o r Wa y n e s b u r g , Westminster played last year competitiveness has been without a single senior on the a constant even though the roster. In the first matchup last team is 0-6 overall and 0-2 season between in conference the two teams, MEN'S action after a 70-63 BASKETBALL road losses to Waynesburg Thomas More v i c t o r y , P L A Y E R S T O W AT C H : last Wednesday four Jackets and Grove finished with Waynesburg City Saturday. double-digit B oth games scoring efforts: BJ Durham (Sr., G) were won by Jason Propst, DJ Ritchie (Sr., W) four points or Jacob Fleegle, Nate Labishak (Sr., F) fewer by the Kenny Klase opposition for (who since Westminster the Jackets. graduated) The only and nowCharlie Wallander (So., G) game in which senior guard Paul Carswell (Sr., G/F) Waynesburg BJ Durham. has struggled For Westminster, Deontay at the end is a loss to Alma Scott and Charlie Wallander College, in which Alma nailed paced the Titans with 16 and double-digit three-point field

By KYLE DAWSON

Assistant Sports Editor

goals and shot over 55-percent from the field.

In the loss at Grove City Saturday, senior forward Nate Labishak notched 18 points to lead the offense for Waynesburg while Ritchie put through 17 points of his own.

In Westminster’s win over Thomas More, who beat the Jackets in overtime last week 85-83, the Titans received four 10-plus point scoring efforts from its team. Jason Pilarski scored 14 points, while Cameron Pozsgai and Domenick chipped in 11 a-piece. Wallander netted 10 points of his own in the 72-60 statement win.

Way n e s bu rg i s s t i l l searching for some answers in regards to finding out the “style,” in which they will play, according to head coach Mark Christner. The sixth year head coach said the effort is there from this young team, it is just about “developing a style of play we are going to commit to playing all the time.”

Christner said once this team figures that out, the rest will figure itself out.

Wa y n e s b u r g h o s t s Westminster this Saturday, Dec. 12 inside the friendly confines of the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse looking for its first PAC win and first win of the still-young 2015-16 campaign.

The Jackets were 7-1 at home in conference play last season.

Tipoff Saturday is scheduled for 3:30 p.m in the second game of the women's and men's PAC doubleheader.

By RJ LEISIE

Sports Convergence Editor

T h e Wa y n e s b u r g U n i v e r s i t y w o m e n’s basketball team will be looking for its first set of consecutive wins on the season and second Pre s i d e nt s’ At h l e t i c Conference win when it hosts the Westminster Titans Saturday.

Waynesburg is coming off a victory over Grove City this past Saturday, 5543. Heading into Saturday’s contest, the Yellow Jackets swept the Titans last season by the scores of 79-69 and 73-47. This year, the teams have some different faces on the court compared to last.

In last year’s games, then senior guard Rebecca Kerr was one of the top point scorers for the Yellow Jackets. Kerr scored 22 in the first game and followed that up with 15 in the next game.

For Westminster, last season’s team was led by Allison Borts. Borts led the team in both games for scoring. Since then she has graduated and moved on with her professional career.

Way n e s bu rg w i l l b e looking for some home cooking Saturday when it plays its second home game of the season.

Since the 2002-03 season, the Yellow Jackets are 7665 at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse. However, the

Titans have been one of the game against Case Western tougher opponents for the Reserve.

Yellow Jackets in that time “I’m just glad we finally span. Waynesburg has a accomplished that aspect,” 5-8 record at home against said Waynesburg head coach Westminster since 2002-03. Sam Jones. “We have talked Waynesburg is coming about it and we went out and off a 55-43 victor y in did it. Now I just want us to Grove City in which senior keep it up for the rest of the guard Maura semester.”

Booby scored a WOMEN'S The other game-high 13 BASKETBALL part was points. Junior working on g u a r d K a t i e PL AY E R S TO WATC H: t h e n u m b e r Gehlmann of tur novers f i n i s h e d Waynesburg Wa y n e s b u r g second to c o m m i t s Bobby with her Maura Bobby (Sr., F) during a game. first collegiate Heather Davis (Sr., F) This season so d o u b l e Addy Knetzer (So., F) far, the Yellow double with 12 Jackets are points and a Westminster averaging 19 game-high 10 turnovers per rebounds.

Rachel Durbin (Jr., G) game. When Westminster Kylie Cook (So., F) they faced is looking Grove City, the for their first win of the Yellow Jackets committed 27 season. The Titans hosted turnovers. the number one team in “We are going to commit Division III, Thomas More turnovers. It’s part of our and lost 93-47. Westminster game,” said Jones. “We like to s o p h o m o r e f o r w a r d , push the pace and turnovers Kristine Fromknecht, had are going to happen. I just the team-highs in scoring want us to limit how often with 11 and rebounds with they occur.” eight.

Wa y n e s b u r g h o s t s The Yellow Jackets are Westminster this Saturday focusing on two aspects of i n s i d e t h e f r i e n d l y their game heading into c on f i n e s of t h e Ru d y Saturday.

Marisa Fieldhouse where Ag ai nst Grove C it y, it is looking for its second Waynesburg out rebounded consecutive PAC win. the wolverines 54-39. It is The Yellow Jackets were the second time all season 6-3 at home in conference that Waynesburg grabbed play last season. more rebounds than the Tipoff is scheduled for opposing team since its 1:30 p.m.

Gerber: Preparation was key for national competiton Dawson: Despite shaky

start, men's team is talented

Continued from C1

have known Gerber longer than just a season or two.

Gerber was accompanied by her grandmother – who went on her first ever plane ride – as she joined Gerber’s parents, coach Hardie along with assistant coach Michelle Cross and her three month old baby, Gilbert.

After arriving in Winneconne, Wisconsin, step two of comforting Gerber came into play: Hardie said it was important for Gerber to have the opportunity to preview the course several times before the race, and therefore the group left a day early so that Gerber could experience the course more.

Gerber ran the course and then later sat down with the coaches to put together a plan for the race. Due to the fact that they arrived late at night, Gerber was the last one on the course that evening.

“The family and I just sat in the van while we were watching Julie with the headlights on,” said Hardie.

“It was neat because it was the national championships and no one was there, [since] we go there late. We were the last ones to leave; we shut the lights off… It’s a good memory that we will have.”

She continued to examine the course, studying it for a while – something that Hardie had no problem with.

Hardie said this showed Gerber’s character: instead of calling it a night, instead she wanted to truly feel the course and therefore stayed going over it and over it, turn after turn, step after step.

Cross said one of the amazing things about Gerber is her attention to detail.

Cross saw when Gerber was previewing the course – which she did both Thursday night and Friday morning before the race on Saturday – she was taking in as much as possible.

Cross, Hardie and Gerber spoke and Gerber was wellaware on how to handle the turns during the race and when the wind would be most challenging.

While finding areas that the wind would be most problematic was possible, the cold temperature was something that all of the runners had to face.

Continued from C3

Photo courtesy of Chris Hardie

Sophomore Julie Gerber was the first cross-country runner in Waynesburg history to compete at nationals on Nov. 21. She finished 114th out of 280 runners.

Hardie said if he could use one word to describe Gerber this season it would be preparation. “[Gerber is] better prepared than anyone I have ever coached,” said Hardie.

“By far.”

Cross said the thing about Gerber is the small decisions that she makes every day that turn out big in the long run, citing her diet and training programs as a few.

“She’s willing to pay attention to the details and when it comes down to it, that’s what really ends up making a champion, so I really appreciate that about her,” said Cross.

Although there was a banquet that included all the runners, wanting to keep Gerber as comfortable and familiar with the past as possible, the group ordered Olive Garden for her because it was something they knew she could eat the night before the race and the familiarity would help the comforting process of keeping her stress level to a minimum.

While Gerber had goals of placing in the top 100 and possibly in the top 35 in order to receive the All-American status, she was very satisfied with her time of 22.25.

After running at nationals once, Gerber now knows what it takes to make it back again next year and only 24 hours after the race she had already set goals for next season.

“I definitely would’ve liked to place higher but I’ll take this more as a learning experience and then hopefully next year, if I’m able to go again, really try and work on my place

and hopefully reach the All-American placing,” said Gerber.

Hardie said Gerber’s three personal goals for the 2016 season are to finish first in the PAC, to run well enough at regionals to qualify for nationals and then to be in the top 100 at nationals, possibly low enough to receive the AllAmerican status.

Gerber, Hardie and Cross believe these goals are obtainable because of her work ethic, preparation and determination.

Hardie said Cross and assistant coach Laurel Rush are the “real geniuses behind the plan” as they are the ones who work close with Gerber with the training plan. Hardie said they are responsible for the amount of mileage for the runners and the pacing of the training and that the two assistant coaches “put the athletes in great places.”

Hardie said he was glad Cross had the opportunity to travel with Gerber to nationals because Cross works exceptionally well with Gerber and having her at the race was “a great support network.”

No matter where Gerber finished, her coaches said they are proud of her because of what she has accomplished and the fact that she will always give her all during every race in order to get better and strive to reach her goals.

“We are definitely really excited and incredibly proud of her. Obviously this is a historic moment for Waynesburg, so there are a lot of things that go along with that,” said Cross. “But it’s

been a pleasure coaching her and just helping her through everything. We’re not only helping her get better as an athlete, but also through life and school.”

Gerber commented on her close relationship with Cross.

“At the beginning of this season after my race at Bethany [College] I sat down and talked with [Coach Cross] and she really helped me get through some things,” said Gerber. “And she’s just always been somebody to stay positive and always encourage me not only in athletics but in academics. I really owe a lot of this her: just knowing what workouts to do and just listening to what I want to do as well – like if I wanted to go get more mileage in – she’s very adaptable to those types of things. I think she just brings a great spirit to the team too.

She’s definitely been a very big influence.”

The experience of being the first Yellow Jacket to go to nationals is something that Hardie, Cross and Gerber said they all will remember.

Gerber said she hopes her success is repeated in the future with improved results, but also hopes her teammates are able to join her at next year’s national championships as a team.

“I really hope that it paves the path for other people to hopefully go and opens up that door, because we definitely have the potential on the team,” said Gerber.

“We know more now what we have to do in order to get there, so hopefully it just sets the pace for good things to come.”

rebound. They’ll be fine.

“They don’t have enough scorers.”

A l s o n o t t r u e . Tw o players, seniors DJ Ritchie and BJ Durham, are averaging 17-plus points per game. Labishak, also a senior, is close to ten points per contest.

If you want to play the comparison game to last year’s men's basketball team, let’s. The true scorers on that team were Propst, Fleegle and Ellis. Klase chipped in his fair share , and so did then-junior BJ Durham, but the other three seniors, and this is no knock on them, weren’t key scorers for that team.

So the amount of scorers isn’t the problem either.

In the end, this team is going to be just fine. What talent this group brings to the table is, again to quote Christner, “good enough.”

The final thing you can do is look at the schedule.

The season-opener and the PAC-opener losses to Muskingum and Thomas More, respectively were

b ot h ov e r t i m e l o s s e s .

The Calvin loss was a sixpoint loss against a very good basketball team. The Alma blowout – a team Waynesburg beat by a slim margin last season and that returned everything – was a blowout partially because Alma nailed 14 3-point field goals and shot at a 56-percent clip from the field.

The talent this group brings is good enough.

They don't need to be anyobdy else.

Then the other two, losses to a solid Frostburg State team that shoots the ball well and a tough Grove City team because of the style it plays under head coach Steve Lamie, were by a combined seven points.

Take your hand off the big red button.

This team has the talent, work-ethic and above all else, I think and they think they have “it.”

They will perservere and be fine in the long run.

Basketball: Jackets look for consecutive PAC wins

Continued from C1

and was on the floor for 25 minutes.

Grove City forced 23 turnovers, but couldn’t turn them into points. The Wolverines shot 23 percent from the field.

Ball protection is something Jones hopes to work on moving forward.

“We need to take better care of the basketball,” said Jones. "We also need to fine tune our defensive mistakes and work more on offensive execution.”

Jones thinks this win could be a turning point for the season after picking up Way ne s bu rg’s f i rst conference win and ending a four-game losing streak.

“I hope it is a turning point game,” said Jones. "It is a focus point game, where

if you put in the focus you will get the result you want."

The Yellow Jackets look to continue their winning ways Saturday at home against the winless Westminster College Titans, who have dropped six straight overall and two consecutive PAC games to start the 2015-16 campaign.

Jones looks for strong defensive play to lead the way against the Titans. “ We n e e d t o p l a y defensively sound,” said Jones. “Win the battle of the boards and execute plays on both sides of the ball.”

In addition to strong defense, the Jackets look to win the procession battle.

“We need to take care of the basketball,” said Gehlmann. “Then we just have to play as a team and execute plays.”

Tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

SECTION D

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

Symphonic Band, Lamplighters team up for Christmas concert

By HANNAH MORRIS

For the Yellow Jacket

T h e Wa y n e s b u r g University Symphonic Band and Lamplighters Choir invite students, faculty, staff and the Waynesburg community to come and feel the power of music.

“Music expresses something that cannot be expressed in words alone.

The beauty and value of fine arts is invaluable to the students,” said Dr. Ronda DePriest, director of the

music program and associate professor of instrumental music.

The concert will be held in Roberts Chapel on Dec. 12.

Carols will be played by the various musical groups on campus in the foyer until the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

The band and choir will perform a joint concert.

“I like the group concerts because they are full and exciting,” said Jon St. Laurent, secretary and treasurer of the Lamplighters. “The simple harmonies the two groups

s a m t s Chri

create produce phenomenal songs.”

The concert will be a mix of arrangements focusing on traditional Christmas carols.

Songs include familiar tunes such as "O Holy Night," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Three Noels."

According to DePriest, a few songs will be somewhat unfamiliar, but the listener will still be moved by the power of the music.

“We are playing Russian Christmas and it’s my

f av or it e s on g , b ut s o challenging,” said Mandi Pascarella, freshman youth ministries major and band member.

At the beginning of each semester, DePriest and Mrs. Melanie Catana plan the direction they want to take the groups. The songs are chosen so that the band and choir are stretched.

The choir and band is made up of more than just students. Several community members and high school students are participating.

Fiat Lux

“We have several faithful community members who love playing. This concert I invited high school students to participate as well,” said DePriest. “High school students are able to expand their education and be a part of something bigger by playing with us.”

Wit h e x t e n d i n g t h e invitation of being able to play music to those outside of the university, this will be a unique experience for all those involved. The experience continues with

Students travel to Pittsburgh to see classic winter ballet

BY ANTHONY CONN Managing Editor

Kyla Wolper, Yellow Jacket

President and Mrs. Douglas Lee stand in front of the new Waynesburg Univeristy Christmas tree. Lee completed the inaugural lighting of the tree with the students who braved the rain.

Waynesburg University Student Senate makes way for new tradition with celebration of long-awaited tree

By BRENDAN KEANY Op/Ed Editor

Although it was a chilly, rainy evening at Waynesburg University, a crowd that exceeded 50 people gathered outside Roberts Chapel to witness school history.

It was the inaugural ceremony of the Christmas tree lighting, and according to junior Ryan Schwertfeger, the secretary of

Student Senate, the event went along better than he had hoped.

“Taking into account that it was raining, I thought that the turnout was fantastic,” said Schwertfeger.

“I think it was really cool to see students bonding with their friends around the tree. I think it’s a really good start of a tradition that we could see for years to come.”

The event began with a

prayer from from the Rev. Jim Tinnemeyer, university chaplain, who said a prayer for the students and acknowledged the meaning of the tree for the Waynesburg campus.

Next, President Lee took the mic, and he described his excitement for the possibility of a new tradition on campus, and he See TREE on D2

Students take trip to Oglebay for lights

By KYLE DAWSON

Assistant Sports Editor

On Dec. 1, Waynesburg University kicked off its Christmas season festivities with “WU Light Up Night,” as the tree was lit outside of Roberts Chapel in a ceremony involving President Douglas G. Lee, among other faculty members and Student Senate members.

The next activity, hosted by the Student Activities Board, was a trip to the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia for the resort’s annual Festival of Lights event.

In a trip that was described to be sold out by tripgoer and junior John Wicker, students of Waynesburg huddled in vans and took to the road to go through the holiday lights display.

“Oglebay is normally a heavy golf resort and they

Ryan Schwertfeger, Yellow Jacket

The group shown above visited the Winter Festival of Lights at the Oglebay resort in West Virginia. The vehicles that went drove through the displays. do other things as well,” said Wicker. “It was interesting.

We actually just stayed in the vans, driving around seeing all the different characters

the variety of different songs that will be performed.

“I really enjoy music with lyrics like what the choir sings. With band it is a completely eye-opening experience because a band can make you feel a certain way just with the sound,” said Pascarella.

“Music is a powerful way to worship God and express yourself. It crosses the barrier of language. It crosses all barriers. Music is a universal language,” said St. Laurent.

and displays they had.”

According to the Oglebay Resort website, the lights event has been run since 1985 and lights envelope a

300-acre area, with a drivethrough road spanning almost six miles.

See OGLEBAY on D2

More than 20 students attended the presentation of “The Nutcracker Ballet” at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh this past Saturday evening.

Waynesburg University filled its vans for the trip after tickets sold out at Student Services weeks prior.

Seeing the ballet presented a new experience for some students that had not seen the show before.

“I knew that “The Nutcracker” involved ballet, a nutcracker and a little girl,” said Jessie Kiner, senior nursing major. “Otherwise I knew very little about the show. I thought it was beautiful.

Definitely an experience that made me a more well-rounded person. The dancers were captivating. I can’t imagine how much work goes into being able to do what they do.”

The ballet centers around a little girl named Marie that dreams of a magical land in which toys are enormous and can come to life. After a conflict with a mouse king, the girl’s nutcracker saves her from danger and then turns into a prince. The story has been adapted into multiple plays, movies and musical shows.

For junior criminal justice and psychology major Amy Hawley, Waynesburg’s trip to see “The Nutcracker” offered her an exciting and new opportunity.

“Seeing “The Nutcracker”

was always something I have wanted to do, but sadly I have always had a conflicting interest come up,” said Hawley.

“So this year, I was happy to see that the school was going at a time I would be able to make.”

“The Nutcracker” offered many stunning visuals and entertaining segments. Kiner said these elements added to her enjoyment of the show.

“During the second act when Marie and the Prince get to watch all these creatures and people perform for them, there were these four little kids, probably like three [years old], that came out in bee costumes and toddled around the stage with the sugar plum fairies, and it was so cute,” said Kiner.

Hawley said she was most impressed with the agility of the dancers and the implementation of comedy throughout the show.

Like other aspects of the arts, ballets certainly do not attract everyone. Kiner suggests that others broaden their entertainment horizons and give ballets a chance in the future, by possibly taking advantage of another trip through Waynesburg University.

“I think that everyone should see a ballet at some point in their life,” said Kiner.

“The theater is a whole new realm of experience that students should have an opportunity to know.”

“The Nutcracker” can be seen at the Benedum Center until the end of December.

Waynesburg musicians join international brass concert of holiday music

By TYLER WOLFE

For The Yellow Jacket

With Christmas right around the corner, there are many holiday events occurring. One of those events will be held in Waynesburg University’s Goodwin Performing Arts Center (GPAC) tomorrow.

W a y n e s b u r g University’s 9th annual TUBACHRISTMAS Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the GPAC on Friday, Dec. 11, and is free to the public and Waynesburg students.

TUBACHRISTMAS Concerts are held in 280 cities across the United States and in several foreign countries every year, with the largest being held in Rockefeller Center in New York City with 400 plus players.

Harvey Phillips created TUBACHRISTMAS in 1947.

Phillips was inspired to create the event to honor his mentor and teacher, the late great William J. Bell. Every

Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages gather to play respect to William J. Bell, born on Christmas in 1902, as well as to all the great artists and teachers who represent their heritage.

“Not everyone that asks to be a TUBACHRISTMAS host gets to be a host,” said Ronda DePriest, associate professor of instrumental music and director of music. “It’s really important that we are able to be a host in the Waynesburg community.”

T h i s y e a r ’s T U BAC H R I S T M A S at Waynesburg will have around 20 players, consisting of students, staff and community members.

The musicians for the concert only practice for about an hour before the event.

Registration for musicians starts at 5 p.m. Then, rehearsal lasts from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 See TUBA on D2

Page D2

December 10, 2015

Craft Day relaxes students before start of studying, final exams

By MITCHELL KENDRA Managing Editor

On Saturdays, unless it is a prospective student day, the Stover Center is usually quiet. On Dec. 5, the building was quiet as it normally is, until 2 p.m.

At 2 p.m., students joined together in the Beehive for Craft Day. The event lasted about 45 minutes and attracted 30 students who came to the event and decorated ornaments. After taking the top off a round Christmas tree ball ornament, the students poured different colors into the clear ornament and then shook the little bit of paint they poured inside around.

After the paint dried, there were many creative decorations, with unique colors, shapes and designs.

Whi le de corat ing, t he

Sarah Ditzenberger, Yellow Jacket

Students were able to show their creativity by decorating ornaments with their peers. Stories were shared at the tables about different holiday traditions. attendees joined in casual conversation with friends.

The Student Activities Board (SAB), which hosted the event, paid for the

supplies, while Laurie Steere led the ornament decorating.

Steere, who is the resident director of Burns and Ray Halls, works closely

with students on a daily basis and having a “crafty” mind, decided to lead the event. Steere found the easy Christmas ornament

decorating idea on YouTube and then worked with the SAB to set the event up.

Students with all different levels of artistic ability were able to complete the easyto-do craft and create their own individual Christmas ornament.

Steere said that events such as Craft Day are a necessity in the holiday season because not only did the event help with creating decorations, but making the ornaments was also a way for students to get away from their typical day and use their artistic abilities.

“I firmly believe that doing arts and crafts can be a stress reliever,” said Steere. “When students have the pressure of classes, finals, maybe even going home, it is nice to set time a side to do something for the joy of it.”

Steere and the SAB re-

ceived positive feedback.

“Overall, students expressed that they enjoyed the event,” said Steere.

The feedback that the SAB receives after events are one way the club works to improve and to know which events to hold in the future.

Steere said that she not only likes seeing the students enjoying events, but she also likes participating in them herself and interacting with the students.

“It was a great event and I am glad to have been able to host it,” said Steere.

Steere looks forward to future occasions around campus and interacting more with students.

The SAB hosted Christmas Bingo Wednesday night at 8 p.m. in the Beehive, followed by All-You-CanEat Pancakes for $3 in the Beehive at 10 p.m.

Oglebay: Christmas SAB hosts late-night breakfast and games spirit encouraged with trip to local light show

By NICOLE DREW and JODIE ALEXANDER For the Yellow Jacket

Continued from D1

For Wicker, six miles of Christmas lights made for a new and awesome experience.

“It wasn’t just the actual lights display that was cool either,” said Wicker. “The way the area there is allowed some back-country and more rural roads to have some interesting scenes as well.”

Wicker also said it is events like this that begin new traditions, and talking about the Waynesburg Light Up Night, he hopes both become Waynesburg University traditions when the holiday season rolls around each year.

The Oglebay trip cost just $5 to students, a fee Wicker said was well worth it for the lights display alone, not even counting the fact that the group ate at an “All You Can Eat” Chinese buffet during the trip.

“I think we won on that one,” said Wicker. “Paying five bucks and seeing the display and getting to go to the Chinese buffet was well worth it.”

The trip to the Festival of

Lights isn’t the only one that can bring memories and tradition for students. Waynesburg University’s Student Activities Board, according to Wicker, is always planning these kinds of events, and the junior believes more students should “buy-in” to that fact and be more involved with campus events.

“I think people are missing out on a lot of fun opportunities,” said Wicker. “Even if they don’t think the actual event is fun, honestly a lot of it is just going out and trying new things and maybe taking a friend or two and creating experiences like that. You make memories too. And of course, you have fun because you’re not spending a lot of money either.”

“It’s just another tradition that can be formed here,” said Wicker. “The recent lighting up of the tree should be one and of course this Oglebay trip can be one. It’s just one more addition to the memories made here at Waynesburg.”

Now the students at Waynesburg University have a couple of new traditions they can take part in as the holiday season comes around each year.

On Friday, Dec. 4, students ventured through the cold night air to attend the WU Christmas Jam, an event in the Beehive with free nighttime breakfast and Christmas music.

The event, which was sponsored and run by volunteers from the musical entertainment committee of Student Activities Board (SAB), featured buffet-style breakfast foods, festive decorations, Christmas music and various games.

On the walk to the Beehive, the lit trees and decorated lampposts set the festive tone. The Beehive itself was decorated in a way that one attending student described as “warm and cozy” with a Christmas tree in the far corner and recordings of fires on both the projection screen and the alcove T.V. Some students even joined in with the Christmas spirit by wearing Santa hats.

When asked where the idea for this event came from, Chris Kellner, the resident director of Willison Hall who helped with planning, said that “it’s good to have an event close to Christmas” and that “everyone loves breakfast food.”

The breakfast food came from one end of the Beehive

Nicole Drew, Yellow Jacket

Gathered in the Beehive, students participate in late night breakfast and events to get into Christmas spirit. Christmas music was also being played. where a buffet table with dishes and sterno fires held scrambled eggs, French toast with syrup and sausage patties. There were also drink dispensers filled with orange juice and coffee.

Kellner said that the event was possible due to Aladdin providing the food and SAB had a lot of volunteers.

The DJs sat at the far end of the Beehive where speakers played classic and contemporary Christmas songs. Songs such as “Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy” by Brad Paisley and “Reindeer Boogie” by Hank Snow were intermingled with ones like “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”

When “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” started playing, many students started singing along.

While eating and listening to the music, students who went to the event could sit at the round tables playing games provided by SAB. The Beehive was almost filled with students talking, eating and playing together while the music added to the Christmas atmosphere.

At one point in the evening, some students stepped up near the speakers and began singing Christmas karaoke. One student improvised, holding his phone in front of him for the lyrics of “Feliz Navidad.”

Lexy Waldman, a freshman nursing major, said, “playing games and hanging out with friends was fun” and “a good time to relax, especially before finals.” Lauren Ault, a freshman marketing major, agreed, saying that she too enjoyed the Christmas music and games.

According to Kellner, eve n though the event did not have a specific message, he hoped it would be able to start conversations about Advent.

“This is great,” said Kellner, “To have students come together, encourage each other, blow off steam and create space for conversation.”

Tuba: Concert performed around the world returns to WU for holidays Continued from D1

p.m.

“It can be hard with only having one rehearsal only an hour before, and some of the music is in hard keys,” said DePriest. “But they learn quickly and are very talented musicians.”

Some of the musicians play in multiple TUBACHRISTMASEes each year, which helps make the

rehearsals go smoothly.

“The songs, for the most part, are pretty repetitive. So it’s just like when you hear a new song on the radio a couple of times; you start picking up on it by and by and at the end of the day because you have heard it over and over again,” said Marla Holland, sophomore psychology major.

T h e Wa y n e s b u r g TUBACHRISTMAS has come a long way since its start several years ago.

“Our first year, nine years ago, started out with five people and only four horns, with the players rotating instruments throughout the concert, but last year we had over 20 players and a really great night,” said DePriest.

“This is a great family event and we are looking forward to seeing community members there.”

TUBACHRISTMAS is more than just your average concert. All types of

Christmas music are played and most of the pieces are arranged so that the audience can sing along.

“It was an upbeat and interac tive exp er ience that I will probably never forget,” said Katie Kondrick, sophomore history major. “I loved how all of my favorite carols were played and how I got to share the joy of Christmas with my friends.”

Even the players say that they have just as much fun as

Tree: Students, staff gather for new, bright tradition Continued from D1

even received some chuckles from the audience when he described coming back to Waynesburg as older people.

“When you all are 80 years old, you’ll be able to come back and say, ‘I was here for the very first tree lighting,’” Lee said.

After the speeches, all who gathered for the event shouted in unison, “Fiat Lux!” As soon as the shouts were heard, the lights brightened and the tree was lit for the first time. Facing the front of the chapel, the tree sits about 20 feet to the right of the building, and it is lit up at night so that anybody walking through the center of campus can see it with

relative ease.

The students who flooded the front entrance of Roberts Chapel to stay out of the rain huddled together to share in Christmas carols, Santa Claus and little stockings that were handed out as goodie bags.

The event was so loud that the carols could be heard all the way down to Stewart Hall.

Schwertfeger views the entire process of the tree as a quintessential example of how different parties can come together to achieve a common goal.

“This was a really perfect example of how an idea goes through a process, and then everyone kind of gets around the idea, and it comes to fruition,” said Schwertfeger.

He is alluding to the entire process of conceiving the idea, generating awareness

and support for the cause and executing the idea through garnering the votes necessary by the other members of Student Senate.

“I don’t know of anybody that was unpleased with the way that the event turned out,” said Schwertfeger. “I think that is what we need more of on this campus: There’s an idea, it’s executed and everyone can come around and support it. I think that’s what Waynesburg University is and should continue to be.”

Therefore, the wheels in Schwertfeger’s brain are beginning to turn for ways to improve the ceremony for next year, and he already has a couple of ideas that he would like to see implemented.

Once again, he wants to see different organizations

come together to achieve the goal. “ There is a Student Activities Board event, where it’s like an ornament-making thing, but I’ve heard that it’s just for personal student use,” said Schwertfeger. “I would like to see next year to have the ornaments be outdoorgrade ornaments so that students can decorate their ornaments and then put them on the tree.”

Schwertfeger wants the focus of the tree to be for the students, and he thinks the best way to do that is to make the tree a personal possession of the student body. “ This is the campus C h r i s t m a s t re e ,” s a i d Schwertfeger. “I think this should be something that students continue to rally behind for years to come.”

the audience does.

“This will only be my second year of playing in TUBACHRISTMAS but from last year, I can say that it is a lot of fun for everyone both preforming and listening,” said Tim Raner, junior forensic chemistry major. “It feels like everyone is a family whether or not you know the other people there.”

The only instruments in the concert are the tubas and the euphoniums, and with

the smaller size of the GPAC, DePriest says having a little over 20 players really fills the room with music.

“I really enjoyed TUBACHRISTMAS last year and I highly recommend ever yone to come and listen,” said Kondrick.

“TUBACHRISTMAS was a great kickoff to my holiday season and I can’t wait to go back on Friday to hear what the players have in store for us.”

December 10, 2015

Page D3

WEEKLY CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Pharmacy purchase 5. Figure (out), slangily 9. Early Yucatán settlers 14. German “a” 15. Irish New Age singer 16. Bite-the-bullet type 17. 400 athletes?

19. “Star Trek” lieutenant 20. Trophy prized by ac tors 21. Watermelon eater’s discard 23. Austin-to-Baton Rouge direction 24. Flat hat with a pom pom 26. 40 polos?

28. Football club based in Lombardy 32. Many a casino visitor 33. Bank offering 34. Kelly of morning TV 37. Moral code 39. Texter’s “Horrors!”

40. 4 tire inserts?

42. Squeeze (out) 43. Local news hr.

45. Mix 46. ESPN analyst Hersh iser 47. Wife of Abraham 49. Chatty gathering 51. 600 stand-ups?

54. Plea at sea, briefly 55. “Sadly ...”

56. Pouty expression 58. Repetitive musical piece 62. ACC team with a turtle mascot 64. 1,500 thermometer

units?

66. Gobbled up 67. Letter carrier’s sackful 68. Starbucks order 69. Sound from an angry dog 70. Sugar bowl invaders 71. Battle of Normandy town

DOWN 1. Geometric art style 2. Frees (of) 3. Like the word “waitress,” briefly

4. Gummy bear ingredient 5. Susan of “L.A. Law” 6. Small bills 7. Oven-safe brand 8. Stand in a painting class 9. East Lansing sch.

10. Nonreligious sort 11. Mall directory words 12. Bombing missions 13. Sings like Ella 18. Shrunken Asian sea 22. Broadband initials 25. Harry and __, “Home Alone” bad guys 27. Ground breakers 28. Plenty

29. Fesses up 30. Document sealed by King John in 1215 31. Petty peeves 35. Salt (away) 36. “Not __ deal” 38. Boston NBAer 40. Islamic prayer leader 41. Notable periods

44. Thrive 46. In some respects 48. That guy 50. Five-time Wimbledon champ Bjorn 51. Goes out with 52. Pause punctuation 53. Khartoum’s land 57. Cut a line from, say

59. Well-kept 60. Computer giant 61. Norway’s most popu lous city 63. NBC comedy staple 65. Some Bronx trains

LAST ISSUE'S SOLUTION

WORDS OF WISTIM

THE COMIC STRIP

FILM REVIEW: 'CREED' A FIGHT WORTH SEEING Marvel aids Netflix

By TIM NERAL

Editorial Asistant

“Creed” is the latest rejuvenation of what began as a Best Picture winner all the way back in 1976.

Now, one year short of four decades later, Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan and Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler try to reignite a spark in all of us.

Boxing is a sport that has declined over the years and fallen out of prominence’s gracious spotlight, a development that’s tragic for the sport’s once passionate fan base.

Now “Creed” walks in at the last second, just as the crowds were starting to disperse, with the hope that this tale can return the series’ most loyal patriarchs to the theater seats.

The narrative of an upand-coming fighter hasn’t been displayed with this much emotion since 2011’s “Warrior.” Adonis Creed, played soundly by Michael B. Jordan, one of Hollywood’s emerging talents, is trying to find his footing in life and escape the shadow of his father’s legacy.

Creed is nowhere near as developed or promising

a character as the boxing hero we’ve all come to know and love, but that isn’t to say he doesn’t show potential.

Creed has an untamed fire and seemingly unquenchable thirst within him: the undying will to win. That, coupled with solid direction from Coogler and Stallone,

gives any future sequels a firm footing. With Jordan at the helm, “Creed” could very well redevelop a longlost passion for the sport of boxing and create intrigue over the next few years.

T h e c om mu n i c at i on between Coogler and Jordan behind the camera

is evident, the story’s flow is natural and genuine, and the dialogue, especially between Jordan and Stallone, is very noticeable. When you can watch a movie without paying close attention, it’s usually because the film isn’t worth your time. “Creed” is not that film.

“C re e d” i s a d r am a with impact, despite its commercial appeal as a boxing mainstay. The Rocky films have always been dramas, and “Creed” is no different. The transition into this new development in the Rocky franchise is clear and clean. The tone, aesthetic and fluidity of the latest addition are crisp. Creed pays ode to the previous films while still making itself an individual that can be viewed apart from the Rocky epics.

It’s e a s y to b e c om e ensnared in the works of others, especially when Rocky is such a legend, but Jordan’s Creed and Stallone’s Rocky stand atop the steps of the Philly Museum of Art as two separate entities. Creed is not a younger version of Rocky. He’s his own man, and that should give all Rocky fans faith in the character Michael B. Jordan now embodies.

By ZACHERY ZALAR and TIM NERAL

For the Yellow Jacket

“The Devil made me do it.”

Never have those six simple words – words all too common in today’s society – in a television or movie program had more of a resounding truth behind them than in Marvel’s second Netflix installment, “Jessica Jones.”

“Jessica Jones” is the story of a tragic heroine who possesses great power and a great drinking problem.

The show is as much a superhero saga as it is a journey of character discovery and self-identity.

Jones’ excessively pessimistic outlook and demeaning dialogue provide audiences w it h d ark humor and realism, a stark contrast to the upbeat, everything-willbe-alright hero.

Played by Krysten Ritter, the character and show take on a much more grounded approach than its predecessors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

David Tennant’s villain is a commanding presence that toys with the emotions of the audience as much as with the characters around him, using his powers of mind control.

Conniving, clever and lethal at a word’s notice, the writing of Tennant’s Kilgrave allows for a sense of humanity and a discussion of theology.

While the show works on a fundamental level, the real takeaway is the issues that are at play here. The show dives into issues avoided on television today and is a perfect format for Marvel to reach the “thinking man,” if you will. T he show tackles issues such as sex, rape and addiction unlike any other, including “Daredevil” from earlier this year.

The dynamic chemistry between Ritter and Tennant is haunting. Not only are they the spitting image of their comic counterparts, but their scenes together are powerful, chilling and gripping.

It’s scenes such as those that set up the roller coaster ride that is the 13-episode season.

Reading this review does the show no justice, and if you want something to keep you guessing over the holiday break or distract you from finals, watch “Jessica Jones.”

But much like Jessica and Kilgrave’s other victims, you can just say: “The Devil made me do it.”

Page D4

December 10, 2015

THE BACK PAGE

Holiday Gift Guide: WU Edition

By Emily Hackman Designed by Cassidy Graham The season of Christmas is upon us and with the sound of jingle bells filling the air, lights twinkling and families gathering around the decorated pine trees to exchange gifts. But we all have that one uncle or sister that is extremely hard to find a special gift for. Waynesburg University professors gave their input on what the best entertainment gifts are for people of all ages.

“Distant Land of My Father” by Bo Caldwell: Caldwell’s story is set in pre-WWII

China and southern California and is a beautiful account of betrayal, family love and the power of forgiveness.

“Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Klingsolver: Klingsolver’s is about a missionary family from Georgia who move to the Belgian Congo and their tragic undoing and reconstruction.

“The Reason for God” by Timothy Keller: Keller’s book brilliantly addresses modern skeptics and shows that belief in a Christian God is rational and sound.

“Elf”: After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity.

Rev. Dr. Karen Younger

“Scrooge” (1970s): A musical retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel about an old bitter miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime": a novel by Mark Haddon. This is a

novel with some mathematics throughout the book. The book was made into a play and won the Tony Award this year for Best Drama.

"The Lady Tasting Tea": by David Salsburg is about how statistics revolutionized science in the 20th century ”The M&M's Brand Chocolate Candies Counting Book” by Barbara Barbieri McGrath.

Dr. James Bush “It's a Wonderful Life”: This is absolutely my favorite movie and it is a must watch every year or you aren’t in the Christmas spirit.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou: These are two great books that I would give as gifts. I like them for the same reason,

because they are both very profound. They show us things about human behavior that make me believe in humans.

“The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan: I would give this book because it is the book that is

the book that started the women movement in the 1960’s as it made women aware of the social trap that they were in. The social norms at the time said it was okay but really women everywhere were unhappy and this book let the women that they were not the only one having a tough time dealing with the life of being a stay at home mom and taking care of the house. I read it in college and it was interesting because it shows how bad it used to be and how things have changed.

Dr. Jenny Jellison

NY Times Gift Guide: Movies “Inside out” by Walt Disney Studios: When a young girl named Riley is uprooted from her

Midwestern lifestyle and moves to the busy and chaotic San Francisco, her emotions; Anger, Sadness, Disgust, Fear, and (her most important emotion) Joy, start to disagree on how to deal with this dramatic change, which causes problems up in Headquaters, the central living and working place for the five emotions.

“Amy” by Lionsgate: Despite just two albums to her name Amy Winehouse is one of the biggest

music icons in British history. With a voice oft described as a combination of Billy Holiday, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan, Amy Winehouse was a pop star with soul; a once in two generational musical talent whose appeal crossed cultural and demographic boundaries. But while her music made her a star, her chaotic personal life stole headlines.

NY Times Gift Guide: Books “Oreo” by Fran Ross: Raised by her maternal grandparents, Oreo sets off to find the father that abandoned her as an infant. Her journey takes her through unexpected and sometimes unsavory parts of New York City, only to allow Oreo to realize that the person she is truly looking for is herself.

“All My Puny Sorrows” by Miriam Toews: All My Puny Sorrows, at once tender and unquiet, offers a profound reflection on the limits of love, and the sometimes unimaginable challenges we experience when childhood becomes a new country of adult commitments and responsibilities. In her beautifully rendered new novel, Miriam Toews gives us a startling demonstration of how to carry on with hope and love and the business of living even when grief loads the heart.

“One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” by Dr. Seuss: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish is a 1960 children's book. It is a simple rhyming book for beginning readers, with a freewheeling plot about a boy and a girl and the many amazing creatures they have for friends and pets. As of 2001, over 6 million copies of the book had been sold, placing it 13th on a list of "All-Time Bestselling Children's Books" from Publishers Weekly. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association named the book one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children."