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(11/03/15 9:29pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
The stands were packed with parents and friends as the College’s swimming and diving teams competed in their first home meet of the season. Both teams had strong performances against Southern Connecticut State University, beating the Division II team and taking home another win for the beginning of the season on Saturday, Oct. 31 in the Packer Hall pool.
The men’s swimming team began the meet by taking first in the men’s 200-yard medley relay. Seniors James Shangle and Joseph Dunn, alongside junior Andrew Nesbitt and freshman Alex Skoog touched the wall with a time of 1:34.38.
Shangle, a captain who was named New Jersey Athletic Conference swimmer of the week last week, placed first in two individual events. In the men’s 100-yard breaststroke, it came down to a one second difference between Shangle and the SCU swimmer, with Shangle reaching out to the wall first with a time of 57.84. There was another one-second difference when Shangle competed in the men’s 200-yard breaststroke where he recorded a time of 2:10.03, to take first.
Throughout the meet, many of the men were able to take commanding leads in the water as soon as they leaped off the block. In the men’s 100-yard breaststroke, Skoog led the pack and easily took first in the event, clocking in a time of 52.34. Skoog went on to win the 200-yard backstroke as he coasted to the wall at 1:56.21, yet again having a strong lead.
In the fast-paced men’s 50-yard freestyle, the College was able to not only put up impressive numbers, but also sweep the event. Dunn, Nesbitt and junior Anthony Guirrieri went one, two and three with times of 21.11, 21.77 and 22.18, consecutively.
Together, the men’s team beat SCU, 184-108, showing just how hard they are going to be working this season to make sure they are consistently successful.
The women took home a 160-128 win against SCU and, like the men’s team, had events that were games of inches and seconds.
Sophomore Jill Galindo won by a second in the women’s 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:19.63. The College was leading the pack during the beginning of the event, but SCU pulled through to take second, with Galindo gliding into first for the Lions.
During the women’s 100-yard breaststroke, sophomores Marta Lawler, freshman Lindsay Rippey and sophomore Madeleine Clements swept the event going 1:10.99, 1:14.02 and 1:14.41, respectively.
The meet intensified during the final event. The women’s 400-yard freestyle relay proved to be the nail-biter of the afternoon. Senior Lauren Rothstein, sophomore Emily Rothstein, freshman Maddie Hynoski and sophomore Ali Huber swam for the team, which lead in the beginning of the event. At one point, the College lost the lead but was able to regain it. In the end, the team came in second with a time of 3:44.52, but the event showed just how supportive the team is for one another during a meet, with the women cheering their teammates on the entire time.
“We always go in with a really positive attitude,” senior Melissa Haley said about the team’s mindset for every meet. “That’s one of our big things on the team is positivity. We always try to be upbeat, everyone cheers for everybody.”
With their second win of the season, the women came into the season with one goal in sight: winning the NJAC.
“One of our big goals is to win (the) NJAC — New Jersey Athletic Conference,” Haley said. “In practices, we’ve been focusing on our finishes, our starts and our turns to be quick and out-touch the other team.”
Coach Jennifer Harnett explained how there were many goals set before the season began, some of which the team has already met. Harnett, like Haley, knows that the number one goal that needs to be met is the NJAC win, but she believes her team will have a successful season.
“We have already set our team goals for the season,” Harnett said. “We’ve actually accomplished some of those goals already. We had a certain amount of sweeps we wanted to do in events and we’ve already met that number for the season so we have to reevaluate that now. Obviously we want to win the NJAC. That is one of our top goals. I think overall our team is doing a great job. The team chemistry is phenomenal this year. We’re excited to see what the team’s going to accomplish together.”
(10/20/15 11:18pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
For many students at the College, Welcome Week was the perfect way to ease into their first semester away from home. From making friends across the hallway to learning all the campus lingo, students could rely on community advisors and the College’s ambassadors to help them assimilate throughout the week.
The College has programs in place to help new students, but many transfer students express that what is offered to them is just not enough.
Senior math major Rose Costanzo, who transferred to the College in 2013, is president of the Student Transfer Association, a club on campus that helps transfer students get acclimated to their new environment.
Costanzo said that the School of Science made her feel welcome in the beginning of her first semester, with the help of former Assistant Dean Pat Van Hise.
“Within the first month, they had a reception for all the transfer students,” Costanzo said. “At the reception were transfer mentors… There was faculty and the dean was there. Everyone gave me advice to think about.”
While some students turn to mentors, others rely on faculty members to help them get comfortable at the College.
Freshman music education major Lorena LiMato was grateful that the faculty in the music department were very welcoming.
“As far as I know, there are no mentors in my department for transfer students,” LiMato said. “Everyone was super friendly and we are like a family.”
Although LiMato is happy with how the music department responded, senior communication studies major Lindsay Wallman, who transferred in fall 2013, felt lost when she began attending the College and said there wasn’t a lot done to help her.
“(The College) didn’t do anything that made me feel included,” Wallman said. “I felt as though I was being thrown into the school without knowing where I was going or how I was to get there.”
Now, the College is implementing new ways to make the transition easier for transfer students. Each year, there is an average of 250 students transferring to the College in the fall and 150 students in the spring, so it is important that there are made to feel welcome.
Tim Asher, director of student activities, explained that there is a proposal to create a Transfer Welcome program, something transfers stressed the need for upon arriving at the College because they don’t receive a Welcome Week like most freshmen do.
“The new Transfer Orientation/ Welcome Program… will definitely take place before classes begin each semester,” Asher said. “It may be another semester before transfer students starting classes during spring term are permitted to move-in early, but we are hopeful this will occur.”
Asher hopes that a two-day Welcome Program will help transfer students get to know different areas of the campus better and understand what the school has to offer, like sports, study abroad opportunities and student organizations.
“To help out transfer students transition and stay engaged, we are creating an exciting new group of student leaders,” Asher said. “These students leaders will be known as Griffins, the mythical protectors of Lions.”
Asher went on to explain that the Griffins will be composed of transfer students that have already gotten assimilated to campus life and will be part community advisor, part ambassador. They will all be experts on PAWS, College acronyms and engagement specialists. These students will have enough training and knowledge about the school to help transfer students with any problems that arise.
Many transfers still long for a way to make socializing with other students easier.
According to Costanzo, transfer students have to force themselves to make friends and that it depends on the personality type of the student. For Costanzo, she said it was easy because she’s outgoing, but others, like Wallman, had trouble in the beginning.
“My biggest obstacle was fear,” Wallman said. “To come into a school where everyone already knows each other... is intimidating. I was so worried about not fitting in that I ended up isolating myself.”
It is difficult for most transfer students to meet new people, Costanzo said, due to where they are placed upon receiving housing. Many transfer students are placed in upperclassman dorms. The experience of living in an upperclassman dorm is different than living in Travers or Wolfe halls — people aren’t as willing to get to know their next door neighbor in the upperclassmen dorms.
According to William Petrick, assistant director of Residential Education (ResEd) for the Sophomore Year Experience and Upper-Class Experience, the dorms provide opportunities for transfers to meet each other through various programs.
“There was a ‘Transfer Orientation’ program in the apartments designed to bring students together in a meet-and-greet format that attracted over 30 participants,” Petrick said. “In the Townhouses, there was ‘Transfer Meet ‘N Greet’ that attracted around 11 participants.”
ResEd is also trying to change how it handles incoming transfers, something staff members have begun this year. Petrick explained how ResEd has provided specific training for staff that are working in areas where transfers would be housed.
Both Petrick and Asher explained how it is important to not just look at transfer students as one cohort, but to understand that every single one has an individual story for why they transferred.
“What I believe is truly meaningful and reflective of the continued work we do is the underlying message that we truly care about each student and their experience,” Petrick said. “This message continues to drive us to provide efforts that address the needs of our transfer population.”
(10/20/15 4:58pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
For soccer players, there is nothing comparable to stepping out on the field under the stadium lights, to the sound of the crowd cheering, knowing that they are getting a chance to play the sport that they grew to love.
For a majority of the five seniors on the College’s women’s soccer team: Christina Roach, Justine Larocca, Jessica Weeder, Taylor Lusardi and Brianna Cummings — it will be the last semester they experience the pregame rush again.
Luckily, they’ll tell you, the women have had the chance to make many memories while playing for the Lions, and at the same time, have learned life lessons that they will take with them even after they step off the field for the last time.
To some, the journey on the team hasn’t been an easy one. For forward Roach, there were some ups and downs, but the experience is still one she will never forget.
“It has been one hell of a journey. But as each year progressed, the journey got easier and the people you get to know make each season more memorable than the last,” Roach said. “Then once you hit senior year, that current season becomes your season. Currently, and reflecting, it has been super fun and I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.”
For others, their journey on the team has allowed them to overcome obstacles — both physically and mentally — that have helped them become a better player.
“My biggest obstacle while playing on the team was overcoming my lack of confidence,” forward Larocca said. “I had always been a confident player, but had a hard time adjusting my freshman year. My coaches and grad assistants worked with me a lot on it and I can still see myself improving every day.”
Goalkeeper Weeder’s biggest obstacle was a physical one that, in the long run, has given her the opportunity to play for the team one last semester.
“The very first day of preseason, I ended up tearing my hip flexor,” Weeder said. “It was both a physical and mental blow and it was difficult to stay positive and commit to a lot of physical therapy when all I wanted to do was get back on the field.”
One thing all the women collectively agreed on was the opportunity and experience for playing for head coach Joe Russo, who has been the head coach for the Lions since the program began in 1990.
According to the seniors, Russo is a coach that understands the meaning of the word “team” and emphasizes the team as a whole. He has a respectable following due to his presence and how he composes himself. Russo is an organized coach who reminds each player that they have an important role on the team.
To midfielder Lusardi, she is grateful for the opportunity to have been coached by Russo.
“(He) has provided me with four years of soccer knowledge and experience that you can’t get anywhere else. He knows the game so well, and he knows how to develop championship teams,” Lusardi said. “I can’t thank him enough for all the dedication and support he has provided for the girls and me. He breeds winning teams for a reason, and its been an honor playing for him these past four years.”
While Russo provided the women with advice and helped them become well-rounded players during their time on the team, as seniors they have become mentors and someone else that the younger players can look to for help.
Most of the girls stressed the importance of working hard and believing in their abilities.
Put simply by defender Cummings, her advice to younger players is “to work hard and to enjoy themselves as they do it.”
Roach gave advice that will really help the women in the future.
“My advice for the younger players is to wear sunscreen. Everybody should wear sunscreen,” Roach said and then gave the girls more advice to help them as they continued to play. “If I had to expense one thing it would be to have fun and enjoy it. It doesn’t last forever and it’s supposed to be fun. Don’t get in the way of yourself and don’t take yourself too seriously. Your time will come.”
Together, the women have made memories that they will keep close to them. Whether it was winning an NJAC tournament and dogpiling on the field or watching other players score amazing goals for a win, it’s the friendships made on the team and the strong bond between them that has made them a championship-winning team — something they’ll keep close with them.
“These past four years being on this team have meant everything to me,” Lusardi said. “This program has given me so many incredible memories that I will hold in my heart forever. It has taught me about the value of commitment, teamwork, and time management. And most importantly, I have gained friendships that will last a lifetime. This team has been my family for the past four years, and I couldn’t imagine sharing my final season here with a better group of girls.”
(10/06/15 4:52pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
In this week’s issue, Opinions Editor Chelsea LoCascio reports on the break down of tuition that students pay at the College. In an excerpt from a 2010 article by Kelly Johnson, she highlighted how students at the College graduated with a large amount of debt. The College’s student debt was higher than the state average, which brought on concern for both students and faculty.
A recent study revealed that 2008 graduates are burdened with an average student debt of $22,088, while the overall average for college graduate in New Jersey stands at $20,169.
The Project on Student Debt’s latest report showed the College’s student debt exceeds others in the state, including Ramapo College, Rutgers University, William Paterson University, Felician College and even Princeton University.
However, this debt is topped by New Jersey Institute of Technology, where students had a debt average of $27,930, Rider University with $33,156 and Georgian Court University with $33,620. Georgian Court graduates have the highest student debt in the state, according to the report.
“There is a concern this year because unemployment, especially for young people, is at its worst levels,” Edie Irons, communications director of the Debt Project, said.
The Project on Student Debt is an initiative of the Institute of College Access and Success. According to its Web site, the Project on Student Debt is designed to help students find cost-effective solutions to paying off loans, as well as increasing “public understanding” of borrowing for tuition.
The project has been tracking New Jersey student debt since 2004 and reports that the student debt load has increased 24 percent.
The national student debt exceeds New Jersey’s with $23,200, but New Jersey has a wide range of averages from Princeton University with $5,955 to Georgian Court University with $33,620.
“There is some comfort in knowing that the New Jersey citizens and students at (the College) on average bear a lower debt load on graduation than the U.S. average,” President R. Barbara Gitenstein said.
However, Gitenstein also said the average debt of graduate from the College is still “troubling.”
Gitenstein said the Office of Financial Aid, in combination with the Center for Institutional Effectiveness, “pays close attention to patterns of student need,” and “is very attentive to individual student need, providing individual advice and support.”
According to Gitenstein, the development several years ago of the EOF Promise Award and more recently, the decision to delay payment deadlines for tuition bills are ways the College has responded to student debt.
According to Irons, healthcare debate has all but stopped the progress of student aid legislation.
Progress has been made, however, in the House of Representatives, which passed a bill on Dec. 11, 2009 that would create a new agency to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive financial products and services, including private student loans.
Part of this bill will allow schools the opportunity to consult with students prior to their acceptance of private loans.
According to Lauren Asher, president of the Institute for College Access and Success, “private loans are one of the riskiest ways to pay for college.”
(10/02/15 12:05am)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
This semester, the Arts & Entertainment section of The Signal introduced a new column, WTSR: New Noise where WTSR staff members provide new music to listen to. But according to an excerpt from 1995 article by Amy Colasurdo, the radio station members were unsure of its future. Back then, the students wanted the station to have a strong presence on campus and to have more student involvement. Ten years later, it seems like the station his here to stay.
Discrepancies in memos have led executive board members of the campus radio station, WTSR, to question the administration’s intentions for the station and seek permission to broadcast during the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.
Unsure of the station’s future, the members are also demanding that WTSR remain a student organization and that there be more student input about any changes.
A problem arose when station manager Katy White received a memo from Dr. Claire Hardgrove, vice president of Academic Affairs, in November. The memo stated that the station manager would have full voting privileges on Hardgrove’s board of broadcasting. A conflicting memo, however, was sent to the Steering Committee three days later, stating that the station member would be a non-voting member.
Hardgrove’s proposed board of broadcasting for WTSR is a panel designed for “the development of policy ... and to determine what may be in the best interest of the WTSR community.” The memo lists its members as the student government president, the chair of Communications Studies, two residents of Ewing Township, a faculty member, a professional staff member, a faculty advisor and the station manager.
According to WTSR program director Kenyatta Cheese, the discrepancies in the information are examples of being “abused as an organization. It’s reasonable for us to be this upset at this point,” he said. “We’re tired of playing little political kiddie games.”
When asked about the discrepancies, Hardgrove said, “I can’t believe that. Isn’t that funny? I have to tell you quite honestly here that what happened here, I don’t know.”
Hardgrove called the mishap “a mistake,” but did say that the station manager should be a voting member. “I feel so innocent in this debacle,” she said. “I wanted the students to just kind of be calm, keep things pretty much the way things are, and see how it works out.
“I just want it to go on until the fear that the students have is calmed and we can march ahead.”
(09/30/15 1:49am)
By Jessica Ganga and Mackenzie Cutruzzula
Features Editor and Sports Editor
Colin Jost took a break from sharing the week’s top stories on “Saturday Night Live’s” “Weekend Update” to open the College Union Board’s (CUB) fall comedy show on Friday, Sept. 25, in Kendall Hall. Jost joked with the College’s own resident young people before his “SNL” co-star Jay Pharoah took the stage.
During the show, Jost made it a point to connect with the college crowd, covering topics from dating apps to relationships.
When he asked the crowd what types of dating sites students use, members of the audience cited examples such as Tinder and Christian Mingle.
“You know something is going in the butt on that date,” Jost said about those who use Christian Mingle.
He reflected on his time at Harvard University, when many girls in his class had their own views on sexuality.
Jost went on to paraphrase what they “assumed” was in the Bible about sex saying, “Thou shalt only do butt stuff.”
Jost touched upon drug use — specifically marijuana — and asked students if any of them use the drug.
“Anyone here smoke weed?” Jost asked, prompting weak cheering from the crowd. “Guys, relax, I’m not your RA. Does anyone here smoke weed?”
When asked again, the audience broke out in applause. One student in particular was louder than the rest, and Jost took advantage of the moment by joking that he is a part of Residence Life.
“Right here, get him, swarm,” Jost said. “The man clapping — tackle him! I am an RA. I wish I had hired some police to tackle him.”
Jost went on to tell the story of a date that went horribly wrong when a girl gave him a weed cookie. Now in his 30s, Jost says using the drug gives him paranoia, but at the time, he couldn’t pass up a delicious cookie.
When the marijuana really set in, he became so paranoid that he thought his date had poisoned him.
“I did what any 30-year-old man would do,” Jost said. “I snuck into the other room and called my parents. I swear to God. It was like three in the morning.”
His parents, who reside in Staten Island, traveled to Manhattan to help him. Luckily, his date found this all rather funny in her state of mind, but it didn’t lead the comedian to a second date. In that moment, Jost wasn’t sure if he should feel thankful or remorseful for having parents that lived so close.
“Staten Island was a great place to grow up,” Jost said, reflecting on his beginnings. “I feel like it’s pretty comedic. There are a lot of characters, so it’s help for writing shows and characters. I feel like I grew up with a lot of strong accents and some bold choices in looks.”
Jost also shared some “fun facts” about the College using a list provided by CUB.
“Here’s a nice one. Very appropriate for tonight,” Jost said. “‘Kendall Hall is supposedly haunted because in the 1970s, a girl was murdered on stage.’”
When the audience broke out into applause, Jost pointed out that the students were cheering for a girl’s murder.
It was apparent that not only was Jost good at coming up with jokes on the spot, but he could also prepare and write funny material.
As a head writer for “SNL,” Jost said he has always loved the writing side of comedy. He began writing during his time at Harvard as the president of the comedic magazine, Harvard Lampoon.
“It’s the only reason I got to ‘SNL,’” Jost said. “I ended up writing there like 90 hours a week and writing comedy with people who wanted to write comedy. And then eventually, I heard you could do it for a living.”
After Jost finished up his performance, he introduced Pharoah to the stage. In bright red kicks, Pharoah walked in rapping along to the song “100” by The Game, featuring Drake, playing in the background.
Later in the show, Pharoah told the audience he has been rapping for 14 years.
“Can I spit some bars for y’all?” Pharoah asked.
He freestyled for audience members, who in turn, listened intently to the comedians lyrics.
“I don’t know if it’s the time for self-promotion, but (my) mixtape is on SoundCloud,” Pharoah said. “You can check that shit out right now.”
Pharoah’s talent is not only evident in his ability to rap, but also in his ability to perform spot-on impressions. Throughout the show, Pharoah entertained the audience with his impressions of Lil’ Wayne, Drake, Eminem, Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy and even Jost.
In an interview with The Signal, Pharoah described how he is able to perfect his impressions.
“I envision a person’s face and I envision them saying the same shit I’m saying at the same time,” Pharoah said. “So in my mind, when I’m doing an impression, I’m taking this person and using them to talk like me. I’m imagining how they would say the shit I’m saying.”
Like Jost, Pharoah also talked about relationships and topics that might resonate with college students, but toward the end of the show, Pharoah took off the mask of a comedian and turned on a more serious tone. He recently opened up about his struggle with depression and reminded everyone at the College that they are not alone.
“For the people with depression out there, I just want you to know, y’all ain’t alone,” he said. “It ain’t just y’all. You don’t have to feel alone.”
He didn’t end on a sad note, though. Pharoah began singing “Hail Mary” by 2pac and a handful of people sang along. Pharoah had pointed out a kid who knew the lyrics.
“You, white guy, stand the fuck up. Come here,” Pharoah said, inviting the student to come to the front of the stage. “On behalf of the black community, I adopt you, son.”
Throughout the night, Pharoah and Jost were unafraid to tackle absurd topics like these.
During his set, Jost said that an ex-girlfriend defined quality time as when you’re not eating, watching a movie or having sex.
“I think when women use the term quality time they imagine in their heads, it’s the two of you alone in an empty warehouse sitting on two stools just staring into each other’s eyes,” Jost said. “Petting the puppy that you just bought together and every 15 minutes you apologize for something you don’t remember doing — that is quality time.”
No apologies were needed despite the lack of puppies because the College enjoyed the quality time with the comedians
(09/23/15 11:04pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
The College’s new LionsGate system is making it easier for students to be in the know of whats going on around campus. Below is a section of Alyssa Mease’s 2008 report about how the College had finally jumped on the bandwagon and created a Facebook page. The page was meant to help students, like LionsGate, connect with the campus and find out what is going on.
Although the College is more than 250 years old, administrators are trying to keep as up-to-date as possible with the latest networking trends.
As part of this push, the College developed a Facebook page last spring.
Matthew Winkel, professional Web developer adjunct professor, Matthew Golden, executive director of Communications and Media Relations, and David Adrian, sophomore computer science major, built the site together after Winkel heard about the idea at a conference.
Adrian programmed the site.
“Matt Winkel asked me to make a Facebook application for students. I had learn all of the programming language,” Adrian said.
The project took him almost three months to complete and he currently spends a few hours each week maintaining it.
“Many schools seem to have Facebook pages,” Winkel said. “Before Facebook we had an alumni group two years ago.”
Golden said the fan page first became popular through word of mouth.
The creators relied on students to spread the word about the site and let it build popularity. Now there is a link to the Facebook page on the College’s homepage.
“My career is about engaging my audience,” Golden said, adding that he had been thinking of how new ways to reach students.
“Print and mail is expensive to do, and students spend time on Facebook. We’re giving them the content they want in ways they want to receive it,” he said.
The fan page is holding a contest called “Snap your spirit.” Students are encouraged to send in their photos demonstrating their school spirit. Prizes will be awarded at Homecoming for the best Lions fans.
The site, which is only accessible to students at the College, allows students to connect with friends by searching for people with the same major and class.
There are currently 1,600 fans, but Winkel and Golden expect the number to rise.
“I haven’t accessed (the Facebook application) but I know about it,” Josh Hanke, sophomore math major, said. “I just haven’t spent the timeon Facbook to consider it.” “I would hope that (prospective students) regard the Facebook application as an attractive aspect of the school,” Adrian said.
(09/15/15 8:37pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
After having an explosive final show at the Rathskeller last semester, College Union Board (CUB) was forced to relocate their weekly shows due to the current renovations to the Brower Student Center. The Decker Social Space is now the location for the new CUB Alt shows, letting students have the chance, even with the construction, to enjoy some music on a Friday night. It turns out that this wasn’t the first time the Rat moved or, in this case, in the works to move. In 1997, Steve Bates reported that the Rat was planning to be moved to the exact same space that the shows are in now. Luckily, we were able to enjoy 18 years of crazy, wild Rat shows.
Plans to relocate the Rathskeller from its home in the student center to the basement of Decker Hall are tentative and won’t be decided upon without student input.
However, Decker Hall’s version of the Rathskeller may not turn out to be what students have become accustomed to.
According to Kelly Gavin, alternate student dining services representative to the Student Government Association (SGA), live music may not be incorporated into the design.
“I don’t think the anticipation of loud bands being down there is a real possibility,” Gavin said last week. She went on to explain that if a dining facility were to be “put down there, noise shouldn’t be a problem.”
The plan is being instituted by the Wood Company, community development, auxiliary services and the office of the vice president for administration and finance, according to Gavin.
According to Dr. Jesse Rosenblum, acting associate vice president of College Relations, anything concerning the Rat at this time is a “concept.”
“There are no definite conclusions,” Rosenblum added.
Rosenblum believes the need for the relocation of the Rat comes from students’ comments that there is not enough night life close to the residence halls.
He believes the institution was responding to a need expressed by students.
Those involved in this issue have stressed that student input is extremely important.
“Something will probably be put downstairs in Decker, but has not been decided yet, but will be with the student input,” Gavin said.
Tracy Booth, a representative of the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) added that if students have comments or suggestions concerning the move that they can direct them to the SAC.
Booth reiterated this message on WTSR’s weekly SGA update last week.
The SAC mail box is located in the SGA office above the bookstore on the second floor of the student center.
There are many ideas circulating at the present time concerning the Rathskeller.
Proposed plans include not only relocating the Rat, but also putting “a coffeehouse where the Rat is now,” according to Tom Scerbo, a member of the SAC.
Rosenblum confirmed this plan. “One concept is to make the current Rat a coffeehouse and move the Rat to better space in Decker, he said.
Jane Buttermore, resident district manager for The Wood Company, said the idea of giving the existing Rat a facelift is also a possibility.
“I definitely don’t think that the move would be a good idea,” Claire Briggs, daytime manager of the Rat, said.
“This is the student center. This is where the students’ Rat should be,” said Briggs who has been with the Rat for 20 years.
(09/09/15 9:36pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
This Friday, Sept. 11, marks the 14th anniversary of 9/11. It is a day full of remembrance and unity across the country, as well as on the College’s campus. A year after the attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C. and the plane crash in Pennsylvania, The Signal News Editor Amanda Harris reported on the campus’ reflection of that tragic day. Students came together to offer support for those who might have lost someone. It was a day that showed how close students at the College really are.
Students, faculty and staff gathered together last Wednesday on the lawn in front of Loser Hall to remember those who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001.
The crowd was quiet as speakers promoted peace, patriotic songs were sung and the bells in Green Hall rang.
Chris Ludwig, senior English major, spoke at the ceremony.
His father was killed in the World Trade Center attack.
“What exactly do I, the family member of a 9/11 victim, have to offer anyone here today, who has come to remember or address the events of last year?” Ludwig asked. “What gives me the authority to speak before you, except my father was killed a year ago today? For surely his death alone would be enough.”
Ludwig said that he hoped that his story would offer insight into his own perspective, which in turn, would “open up part of the audience’s mind to ideas and emotions” it hasn’t experienced before.
President R. Barbara Gitenstein opened the Remembrance Ceremony, asking the crowd to remember three things.
“First, we must continue to reach out to those most personally affected by the attacks,” Gitenstein said.
She also asked the audience to embrace the values of America while rejecting violence.
She added, “Finally in order to embrace these values, we at The College of New Jersey are obligated to learn more about the world around us. It is not a question of diploma and job. It is a question of survival and morality.”
Gitenstein paused mid-speech at 8:46 a.m., as the bells in Green Hall rang.
The ringing coincided with the time the first plane hit the North Tower.
Sandra Roche, senior music education major, accompanied Susan Hickman, associate professor of music, on the piano as Hickman sang “God Bless America.”
This was followed by the crowd joining together to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“I think music if given to us for many reasons,” Hickman said. “But, this morning perhaps, (it was was given to us) to think about the fact that music can console us ... music can lift our spirits.”
(09/01/15 8:10pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
With rising tuition costs being an issue across the country, it’s interesting to see that, even back in 1998, it was still an issue for students attending college. At the College, Marie Brzostowski and Nick Manetto reported on how the College’s tuition cost was possibly increasing from 4.8 to 9.5 percent. Students would have to pay either $11,459 or $10,839, depending on which plan was chosen. Students that attend the College today pay roughly $25,000 per year to live on campus. If only we were born in the ’80s.
Next year’s tuition may increase anywhere from 4.8 to 9.5 percent, but the separation plan given to President Harold W. Eickhoff has no relation to the increase, the board of trustees, announced at its April 23 tuition hearing.
Pete Mills, vice president of Administration and Finance, explained the four scenarios which could affect next year’s tuition. “Budget numbers aren’t locked up yet. The revenue side is still being looked at,” he said. “We can’t specify what the budget will be until the legislature acts on it in June.”
The difference among the four scenarios presented relates to how much the state legislature funds the salary pay-increase that has already been granted.
“It’s an absolute commitment, it has to be paid. The more money the legislature allocates, the less tuition will increase.
“The legislature will fund the program, part of the program or none of the program,” Mills said.
The range of tuition will be form $5,078 to $5,303, a difference of $225.
Room and board is set to increase 2.8 percent, up $165 from this year’s $5,996, regardless of how much the legislature allocates for the salary increases.
This number stays consistent because, according to Mills, “residence complexes are self-supporting — there are no tax dollars behind them. The housing budget picks up the cost of benefits and salary of anyone who works in the residence halls.”
Under the governor’s current budget plan, students who pay tuition, fees, room and board face a 5.7 percent increase of $620 to $11,459.
In the second scenario, if the legislature funds 50 percent of the salary increase program, tuition will increase 7.3 percent to $5,198. Those who live on campus will see their bill increase by 4.8 percent, $520 more to $10,839.
If the legislature funds 75 percent of the program, tuition will increase by $295, and on-campus students will pay $460 more next year.
In the final scenario, if the legislature funds 100 percent of the program, tuition will increase 4.8 percent to $5,078. Students will pay $400 more.
(08/25/15 10:08pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
It was a night mixed with hip-hop, punk rock and bad dancing (on my part) during the Boys of Zummer tour headlined by rapper Wiz Khalifa and rock band Fall Out Boy in Hershey, Pa., on Saturday, July 3.
The Giant Center was packed and ready as Wiz took the stage to open the show with “Ass Drop” off his recent album, “Blacc Hollywood.”
With the stage lit up in yellow, Wiz rapped his well-known hit, “Black and Yellow,” which had fans moving to the beat.
“Let’s have some fun,” Wiz said before running off stage. As the crowd started to cheer, Wiz could be seen running out onto a mini stage, giving the people in the seats a chance to see him up close.
Like a small tidal wave, fans in the pit ran toward Wiz as he began his performance of “Taylor Gang.”
In true Wiz fashion, during his hit song "Young, Wild and Free," large inflatable joints were bounced throughout the pit as he had a real one on stage with him.
The crowd went crazy as Fall Out Boy’s bassist, Pete Wentz, ran out and joined the rapper during Wiz’s song, “Stayin Out All Night.” Wentz had a huge smile on his face as Wiz rapped alongside him, clearly enjoying the moment along with the crowd.
The lights dimmed as Wiz encored with his recent hit featuring Charlie Puth, “See You Again,” which is featured on the “Fast and Furious 7” soundtrack. The lyrics, “We’ve come along way from where we began / Oh I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again,” echoed throughout the stadium as images from the movie flashed on the big screen. It was a beautiful moment during the concert that still gives me chills.
With a short break in between, it was finally time for the reason I had driven two and a half hours out into middle-of-nowhere Pennsylvania: Fall Out Boy.
The band came out and opened with their 2005 hit “Sugar, We’ re Goin’ Down.” Lead singer Patrick Stump did not start out singing, but instead let the crowd belt out the lyrics.
I screamed along to the chorus and was suddenly transported to my teenage years.
Like Wiz, guitarist Joe Trohman, Stump and Wentz left the stage to sing acoustic versions of “Young Volcanoes” and “Immortals” on a smaller stage away from the pit.
Throughout their performance, Wentz stopped and took a moment to talk to the crowd, at one point giving a shout-out to the brand new mountain lion cub in Hershey Park. What stood out the most, however, were the moments when Wentz connected with the crowd and offered words of encouragement for people going through rough times.
“At some point, the storm clears for everybody and you realize you can fucking move mountains,” Wentz said, before the band played their recent hit, “Uma Thurman.”
The crowd started to cheer as large, lighted “FOB” letters came down and reminded fans of their music video for “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs.” Once again, the crowd sang along to the famous song.
Wentz gave one last speech to the crowd, touching upon how special it is to be different.
“Most of the status quo in this world kinda sucks and it’s kind of cool to be outside of that,” Wentz said. “If we weren’t considered outsiders, then we wouldn’t have ended up in this band on this stage.”
The band ended the unforgettable night with the 2003 song, “Saturday,” where Wentz made his way to the front of the crowd to hold hands with some lucky fans, a tradition of his dating back to the early years of the band.
It was an unforgettable night that had been seven years in the making for me. I left the stadium with barely a voice, sore cheeks from the never-ending smiling and memories that I will never forget.
Wentz was right when he said, “Hopefully these songs can be the bodyguards of your dreams.”
(08/25/15 10:02pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
As the College undergoes renovations to the Brower Student Center and construction to a new STEM Building, it is hard to think back to a time that there weren’t people with hard hats walking around. According to Mairin Sutcliffe in the Sept. 7, 1999, issue of The Signal, the students were welcomed back with similar construction. Bliss Hall was undergoing some renovations and Bray Hall was demolished and the Business Building and Biology Building were brand new to campus.
Students returning to the College should expect to see some new faces — on the academic buildings.
According to Greg Bressler, associate vice president of Facilities Management and Planning, every academic building will be newly built or newly renovated by the 2004-2005 academic year, in time for the college’s 150th anniversary.
Construction projects in the works this fall include the new School of Business Building, the new Biology Building, the demolition of Bray Hall and renovations to Bliss Hall.
The school of Business Building, scheduled for completion two weeks ago, should be finished within the month, according to Bressler. Construction projects on the building’s exterior include birchwork, the installation of windows and the completion of sidewalk extensions surrounding the building.
Inside, workers are still installing sheet rock, ceiling tiles and carpeting before the building is ready for academic use, Bressler said. By October, he anticipates that students and faculty will be able to move into the new offices and classrooms.
Bliss Hall has undergone renovations over the summer in order to house the humanities departments: philosophy and religion, English, modern languages and women’s and gender studies. According to Bressler, only “punch list,” or small construction projects, remain.
Within a few days, more fences should begin to go up around Bray Hall, Bressler said. The demolition is expected to take approximately a month and a half.
The demolition will be primarily contained in an “island construction site,” to leave the surrounding area as unobstructed as possible.
The area immediately surrounding Bray Hall will be fenced off, as well as a triangular area between the student center and the main sidewalk leading to Loser Hall.
Sidewalks will be blocked only temporarily while construction vehicles pass between the two fenced-in areas, Bressler said.
Once demolished, construction will begin on a new social sciences building, which will stand just south of its predecessor, closer to the Brower Student Center.
Upon completion in the summer of 2001, the New Bray Hall will house the political science, history and psychology departments, Bressler said.
According to Bressler, construction on the new Biology Building is running on schedule, projected to finish in June 2000. Workers are close to completing the brickwork, he said.
Although the classrooms are in place, the building requires extensive ventilating systems and piping, Bressler said.
(08/25/15 10:00pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Features Editor
It all started with a simple video uploaded to YouTube.
The College alum, Tammy Tibbetts, launched a fundraising campaign in 2009 with some friends in the hope to raise awareness on girls’ education.
Flash forward six years and She’s the First (STF), the nonprofit organization started by Tibbetts, has helped hundreds of girls around the world be the first in their family to receive a secondary education along with inspiring these young women to be future leaders.
Tibbetts’s story begins on this campus where she was a journalism major. She said her first entrepreneurial experience was starting the College’s chapter of ED2010, a magazine club.
“My dream at the time was to break into the magazine industry, and I saw that the way to do it would be building a network and camaraderie among other students who shared that dream,” Tibbetts said.
Tibbetts’s dream would come true during the beginning of STF, where she worked as the very first social media editor for Seventeen.com
During her time at the College, Tibbetts found inspiration in College alum Leigh Belz, who at the time worked for Elle magazine. Tibbetts “snail mailed” Belz a letter and was surprised when the editor wrote back.
“I remember being so blown away that a magazine editor in NYC actually responded to me,” Tibetts said.
Tibbetts would later become someone else’s inspiration through her work and leadership with STF.
Carissa O’Larte, a senior elementary education and mathematics major, is the president of the College’s STF chapter, She’s the First*{TCNJ}. She joined the club as a sophomore during the annual activities fair held in the fall. Overwhelmed by all of the tables stacked with information pamphlets and free candy, O’Larte said she had just happened to pass by the STF table and quickly grabbed a sheet of paper, not realizing at the time that that piece of paper would one day allow her to be a leader.
O’Larte first met Tibbetts at the She’s the First Summit in New York City and has gotten other chances to speak to her, each time being reminded how “caring and down-to-earth she is.”
“She is very involved with the campus chapters of She’s the First and she makes sure that we are all connected, whether it’s through Facebook, Twitter or in person at the She’s the First Summit or campus events,” O’Larte said.
STF does a lot on campus to bring attention to the mission of the global organization, and this year, O’Larte says that they want to make their presence even more well-known. Along with their annual, signature tie-dye cupcake sales, the club will be having a #SweatsforSTF fitness campaign. O’Larte said that the organization would like to increase involvement outside of the campus by partnering with after school programs or scout troops.
On a larger scale, Tibbetts was excited to bring up #BakeAChange, the organization’s fifth annual Tie-Dye Cupcake Bake-Off campaign. Students can help out the campus chapter by purchasing a cupcake during the annual bake sell on Sunday, Oct. 11.
STF is also helping lead the way in achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, the main focus being high-quality education. According to the 2014 She’s the First Annual Report, at the United Nations’ General Assembly meeting in September 2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals will be approved, with the key goal being gender equality and female empowerment.
Though STF is helping girls all over the world, the organization is also helping the girls involved with making others dreams come true.
“Being a part of this organization has had a huge effect on my life,” O’Larte said. “I am in a leadership role that I was once too timid to take on and have learned a lot by working with the She’s the First leaders who have come before me.”
Tibbetts is one of those leaders who, O’Larte says, she has learned a lot from.
“I have gained leadership skills through my participation in She’s the First that I would never have gained otherwise,” O’Larte said. “Just by watching Tammy and listening to her speak, I have gained confidence and learned that even a very shy person like me can be a leader and make a difference.”
Once voted “Most Shy” by her senior class, Tibbetts would go on to prove that anyone, no matter how shy or timid, can have a voice and shed light on an issue they feel strongly about.
Tibbetts voice has definitely been heard. In 2014 she was named one of Marie Claire’s “20 Women Who Are Changing Your World,” along with being named on other lists in various magazines such as Time and Glamour.
“I’m always honored to be recognized in places where the visibility of She’s the First will be raised and our mission will receive more credibility.” Tibetts said. “I do hope people realize I’m representing She’s the First — and those awards should not be seen as a solo spotlight. Each and every one reflects the hard work and dedication of so many volunteers, teammates, and students.”
That hard work is reflected through O’Larte’s work on campus and in the end it all pays off.
“It’s cool to think that $400 is equivalent to a year’s worth of education.” O’Larte said. “This $400 will change a girl’s life, change her family’s life and in turn, change a whole community.”
STF is an organization that is not only meant to inspire the young girls they help, but also the people involved. There are 86 campus chapters, according to the 2014 She’s the First Annual Report, and that number is only growing. The chapters on campus allow students, like O’Larte, have a chance to make a difference in a girl’s life, something Tibbetts wants people to be aware of.
“I would like the reader to know, if they took the time to pick up The Signal and read this article, then it is their signal — literally — to DO something. Take one action. Follow She’s the First on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook. Go to our website and sign up for the newsletter. Show up for a She’s the First chapter meeting at TCNJ. Take one action to support, in any small or medium or big way, a girl having a chance to graduate from high school, just as you have. I promise you it adds up. It matters.”
(05/06/15 9:37pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Nation & World Editor
The Lions had a successful week, winning three of four of their games and qualifying for the New Jersey Atlantic Conference playoffs in a thrilling, extra-innings win against Montclair State University. The team also bid their graduating seniors farewell during Senior Day, showing respect and gratitude for all the hard work they’ve done throughout their careers.
In a crucial win against Rutgers University-Newark, the Lions snapped a three-game losing streak and earned vital points in the NJAC standings on Thursday, April 23. Freshman pitcher Joe Cirillo took the mound for the College and pitched six strong innings while only giving up two runs to his opponents. Cirillo, who was recently named NJAC Rookie Pitcher of the week the previous week, is now 5-1 overall in the regular season with a 3.48 ERA.
The team got on the board early in the top of third. Junior John Rizzi had a busy inning — the outfielder walked, stole second and moved to a passed ball, eventually scoring on a base hit by junior Mark Mari. The Lions added to their score by picking up two unearned runs in the fourth to extend their lead to 3-0.
It wasn’t until the sixth inning that the team took a huge advantage over the Scarlet Knights Freshman Steve Bucci smacked his first collegiate hit to left field that scored a run. Mari hit a huge two-run double to left center, making the score a crushing 7-1 lead over RU. The Lions went on to win 9-4, with senior pitcher Ryan Carmon striking out the side in the ninth.
It was Carmon who pitched for the Lions the next day against RU on Friday, April 24. The game was also a special time for the seniors to be honored for their contributions to the team.
“I remember being recruited here, seeing the field and absolutely loving it. (I saw) seeing the shortstop position and saying ‘that’s where I want to be the next four years,’” senior Anthony Cocuzza said after the game. “It’s kind of crazy that that’s come to end.”
Cocuzza had another great game, registering three hits in five at bats making it 177 hits for his career. In the bottom of the third, he laid down a bunt that resulted in a base hit. The ball was thrown away at first, allowing Rizzi to score. Roberts hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Mari and extending the lead to 3-0.
The bottom of the sixth was the key inning of the game for the College, when the team scored five runs and batted around. Cocuzza reached second on an error by the RU catcher. Two players came around home, making the score, 7-1.
At the end of the Lions’ 11-4 win, the seven seniors were honored by their coaches, teammates, family and friends, stepping on to the field with a huge round of applause.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time here at TCNJ and playing for this program,” Cocuzza said about his four years as the starting shortstop. “I’ve really, really enjoyed it, and I made some of the best friends that I could have ever asked for and it’s like a big old family here.”
Senior first baseman Josh Limon reminisced on some special moments that he experienced while wearing the uniform for the Lions.
“There are so many good memories that come to mind. As a personal achievement, hitting my first collegiate home run and getting the silent treatment from my teammates is something I will never forget,” Limon said. “Moments like that mean the world to me, and sharing that with my team was pretty special.”
After the huge win, the Lions were ready to take on Montclair State University for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 25. The team went on to lose the second game of the day, but the first game made all the difference, allowing the team to clinch a spot in the NJAC playoffs.
The first game went to 13 innings, with Rizzi having the winning blow in the top of the 13th.
The Lions now look forward to the playoffs this week and hope to have nothing but success.
“We did what we had to do in exciting fashion to get into the playoffs. It was definitely one of the more emotional wins we have had this season,” Limon said. “Our team is so excited to get into the conference tournament and to make some noise.”
(05/06/15 8:43pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Nation & World Editor
The College’s baseball team defeated top-seeded Rutgers University-Camden in the opening round of the 2015 New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship Tournament on Saturday, April 28. However, the team later fell to Kean University and RUC in a second match, ending their chance to take home an NJAC title.
It was a back and forth in the first game between the Lions and RUC until the seventh inning. Freshman pitcher Joe Cirillo gave up two runs in the first inning but pitched a phenomenal game, earning his sixth win of the season. Cirillo struck out four in six innings. Senior Anthony Cocuzza, who was named NJAC Co-Player of the Year, also had a huge game. Cocuzza had a hot bat, going 4 for 5 with three RBIs.
Junior Garen Turner singled to center and advanced to second on an error. Senior Michael Murray hit a single up the middle, scoring Turner and cutting the deficit to, 4-3. Murray moved into scoring position and then came home to tack on the tying run, off a base hit from junior John Rizzi.
It was the seventh inning that was huge for Turner. Cocuzza led off the inning with a single, and after one out, it was Turner’s turn to step up to the plate. Turner blasted a two-run home run, making it his second of the season and giving the College its first lead of the game.
The Lions did not stop there — the team added three more runs in the eighth inning. Freshman Steve Bucci walked and Rizzi laid down a bunt single. Junior Mark Mari loaded the bases with still no outs. Cocuzza, who was having a successful night, got his third hit of the game, scoring two when the RUC left fielder misplayed the ball. Senior Josh Limon hit a sacrifice fly to give the Lions a 9-4 victory.
Junior Steven Volpe threw a complete game in the College’s win against Rowan University on Friday, May 1.
Volpe silenced the Profs up until seventh, but that was the only run he allowed during the Lions 5-1 defeat of Rowan.
The Lions moved to the winner’s bracket after their consecutive runs, but fell short to Kean, losing 8-6 on Saturday, May 2. The team got off to a good start, scoring early in the game, but couldn’t hold off the Kean offense.
Unfortunately, losing to RUC 7-3 on Saturday, the Lions have been eliminated from the conference tournament. The team showed tremendous effort and perseverance throughout the entire season. The Lions end with a 18-18 record. This was their 18th consecutive season competing in the NJAC tournament and their eighth straight playoff run under head coach Dean Glus.
(04/23/15 4:22am)
By Jessica Ganga
Nation & World Editor
After a winning weekend, the College’s baseball team suffered some tough losses, but they also had an important win against conference opponent Rutgers University-Camden to put their season record at 13-15.
The Lions suffered a loss against Rowan University on Monday, April 13. The team jumped out in the beginning of the game by scoring two runs after juniors Patrick Roberts and Garen Turner ripped singles to score the men on base. The two runs weren’t enough, though, with Rowan adding one run in the bottom of the inning and then adding two more in the bottom of the third.
In the fourth, the Lions tied the game at three. Senior Josh Limon led off the inning with a double, making it his 10th double of the season. Sophomore catcher CJ Gearhart got a base hit to plate Limon, the tying run. In the bottom of the fifth, Rowan scored the final runs of the game, and the two runs were enough to hold their 6-4 win over the College.
In the loss against Farmingville State College, the freshmen were the stars of the game. Freshman pitcher Jacob Anderson made his first collegiate start and, despite the loss, pitched a great game against the Rams. Anderson went six innings, walked one and had one strikeout. Freshman Zachary Shindler had three hits in the game. In the seventh, Shindler prevented further damage by cutting down a runner at home who attempted to score from third on a grounder.
Fresman pitcher Matt Curry talked about the dynamic of the team with the freshmen and the upperclassman.
“We have a tight-knit group of freshman — there’s like nine or 10 of us, so we are all really close,” Curry said. “All the seniors and upperclassman are really close, and they’ve been great to us. I think with the way our team works, it doesn’t matter if you are a freshmen or a senior — we have guys contributing all over the field.”
Freshman pitcher Joe Cirillo had a strong performance against Rutgers University-Camden on Thursday, April 16. Cirillo went six innings, allowed only three hits to RUC and gave up one run in the fifth. In the fourth inning, Cirillo escaped a bases loaded jam with ease. With the 6-1 win, Cirillo approved his record to 4-1 for the season.
The Lions’ bats came out swinging, with senior Michael Murray and juniors Patrick Roberts and John Rizzi all getting two or more hits in the game. Roberts got the team started by singling to plate Rizzi and give the Lions an early 1-0 lead.
With Cirillo silencing the RUC bats, the Lions’ offense took off in the fourth to increase their lead to 5-0. Gearhart and Murray started off the inning by hitting back-to-back singles. Junior Mark Mari hit a grounder that was misplayed, and three players were able to touch the bag at home, giving the College a comfortable lead.
The next couple days were tougher for the Lions, with a loss against RUC on Friday, April 17 and a pair of losses in a doubleheader against Ramapo College on Saturday, April 18.
Curry got the start for the Lions against RUC and pitched five and one-third innings, only giving up one run in the second. In the top of the sixth, the Lions lost their 2-1 lead when a RUC player hit a grand slam to clear the bases, allowing RUC to take a strong, 7-2 lead against the College.
RUC eventually scored two more runs in the eighth, and the College answered back by scoring two more runs in the bottom of the inning. But it wouldn’t be enough to rally a win, as the Lions would go on to lose, 9-4.
Even with the loss, Curry knew what he needed to work on for the next time he took the mound.
“I just got to see what I need to work on … I got behind on a lot of hitters today,” Curry said.
The College suffered a sweep against Ramapo with a 3-1 loss in the first game of the day and a devastating 8-1 loss in the later game.
The team doesn’t let the losses affect them, though. They continue to keep a positive mindset and focus on what they need to do.
“We just need to get the bats going,” Curry said. “Once our offense gets rolling, there’s nothing that could really stop us.”
The team is now 13-15 in the season and 6-8 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The Lions return home on Friday, April 24, against Rutgers University-Newark after a stretch of away games.
(04/15/15 4:23am)
By Jessica Ganga
Nation & World Editor
After having a tough few games in the previous week, the College’s baseball team was able to bounce back last week by adding five wins in six games.
The Lions started out their week playing at Stockton University on Monday, April 6, in a game that ended up going into extra innings. The Lions had an early lead, scoring three runs in the fourth and following that up by scoring two more runs in the fifth. Stockton tied it all up later in the bottom of the eighth. With the score still tied after the ninth, the game went into a 10th inning.
Seniors Josh Limon and Michael Murray hit back-to-back doubles to break the 5-5 tie in the 10th. Junior John Rizzi stepped up to the plate and hit an infield single to bring Murray home, which proved to be the difference in the game as Stockton went on to score only one run in the bottom of the 10th.
Sophomore closer Eric Teesdale came out to pitch the final two and two-third innings — making it the first win of his collegiate career. The starter of the game, junior Steven Volpe went seven-plus innings for the Lions, putting them in position for their win.
However, following the victory, the Lions suffered a crushing loss against Rowan University when they were home on Thursday, April 9.
The trouble started in top of the third for the College. Rowan University scored five runs off of three errors, making it a 7-1 game. The Profs used three consecutive bunt plays — two of which were mishandled and one of which was beaten out by a Rowan player for a single — to build their lead. A passed ball scored another player, putting the Lions in a difficult position.
No matter what the scoreboard read, the Lions still battled back to try and take a lead. Senior Anthony Cocuzza was one of those players, ending his night with three RBIs on three hits.
“I try and work the pitcher a little bit more and try and see if I can see some more balls and just kind of get on base,” Cocuzza said. “I’m usually a pretty aggressive hitter.”
In the fourth, junior Matt Facas led off the inning with a single. Rizzi followed by hitting into a fielder’s choice and then sped down the base line to steal second. Cocuzza earned his second RBI of the game, smacking the ball to right to bring Rizzi home.
Junior pitcher Evan Edelman went six and a third innings, handing the ball to freshman pitcher Chris Barcas in the top of the seventh.
Despite the loss, the Lions will move past forward and keep a positive mindset going into their next games.
“Our saying is ‘flush it’ kind of like a toilet because it’s kind of a stinky game and we got to forget about it,” Cocuzza said. “And that’s the game of baseball, you get knocked down time after time and you’re never going to be any good if you can’t come back from it.”
The Lions came back from the loss on Saturday, April 11 with a doubleheader sweep against William Paterson University.
In the first game, the Lions started off by scoring three runs in the first inning. Junior Garren Turner hit a two-run single, and Limon followed with a sacrifice fly to give the team an early lead. During the fifth, three straight singles off the bats of juniors Mark Mari, Patrick Roberts and Cocuzza loaded the bases. Turner drove in a run and sophomore CJ Gearhart reached on a throwing error, and two more runs came into home, making the score 6-4 for the Lions.
Cocuzza finished the game going 4-5, while sophomore Ben Varone, Rizzi, Turner and Roberts each got two hits.
WPU started off the second game with a 1-0 lead. The Lions answered back, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first off of two ground balls hit by Roberts and Limon to score the runners on base.
In the eighth, WPU had the advantage once again, scoring one run in the top of the inning, but it wasn’t enough. The Lions came back in the bottom of the ninth when Gearhart reached on an error with one out. Varone hit a bullet to left and Rizzi drew a walk. Mari entered the batter’s box and came up clutch, hitting a two-strike ground ball passed second. Sophomore Ed Guippone, who was pinch-running for Gearhart, scored along with Varone to have the walk-off win for the Lions.
The Lions now stand at 12-10 on season and 5-4 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
(04/11/15 6:36pm)
By Jessica Ganga
Nation & World Editor
The College’s baseball team stumbled this past week, losing both games on the schedule. The team began the week playing against Widener University and finished off the week playing against Stockton University. But even with the losses, the team still fought hard and never gave up.
Widener came into the game hot, scoring one run in the first against Lions’ senior pitcher John Spinapont on Wednesday April 1.
The College responded by scoring two runs to take the lead in the top of the second. Senior Josh Limon started the inning off with a single up the middle, reaching. Senior Michael Murray and sophomore C.J. Gearhart both followed with singles. With two outs on the board, sophomore Ben Varone slapped a single to the left base side, bringing home Murray and Gearhart.
Widener fired back by scoring two more runs in the bottom of the second, retaking the lead, 3-2.
The Lions were able to tie the game in the top of the fifth. Junior Garen Turner singled to left-center. Limon stepped up to the plate and hit the ball to right-center field, making that his second hit for the day and moving Turner from first to third. Junior Matt Facas drove the ball up the middle, and Turner coasted to home with the tying run.
Spinapont went five innings, allowing only three runs and seven hits while striking out one. Freshman Brandon Zachary took over in the sixth, using a 4-6-3 double play to get out of the inning.
Widener took the lead in the seventh, starting off the inning with a double and a base hit to left, scoring a run in the process. The final score of the game was 5-3, Widener.
Yet with the loss, the Lions played pretty good baseball. Limon ended the game with three hits and freshman Mike Follet recorded his first hit of his collegiate season.
“As I tell the players every year, there are going to be up and downs and we can’t get too down when things are going they way that we have planned,” Head Coach Dean Glus said. “Stay the course and when you work hard, you will see the benefits. We stay focused on the positive things that the team is doing and work on the items that we haven’t done so well and improve in those areas.”
It was a windy but sunny day as the Lions took the field for the second game of the week against Stockton on Thursday, April 2, at George Ackerman Park.
The Lions came out of the gate swinging, scoring four consecutive hits and three runs in the first inning. Junior John Rizzi smacked a double off the base of the fence in left to start the inning. Gearhart followed with a base hit to left. Senior Anthony Cocuzza hit a double down the left-field line to bring Rizzi home, giving the College a 1-0 lead. Turner was up next and lined a base hit to right, making it a 2-0 game. Cocuzza rounded home on a double-play groundball, and the Lions had themselves an early 3-0 lead.
It was the third inning that caused the Lions some trouble. Stockton had five hits off freshman pitcher Joe Cirillo and ultimately scored six runs, four of which were unearned. Stockton was up 6-4 after the third inning.
Cirillo cited after the game that his main problems were that he “didn’t locate well” and that he just needed to “focus more.”
“(The) change-up was doing good today,” Cirillo said. “I felt good in the bullpen.”
Despite the difficult third, Cirillo would battle back, leaving the game after six and a third innings. In the seventh, Cirillo stepped out on the mound and quickly struck out the first batter looking. Cheers erupted from his teammates as the batter watched the ball shoot past him into Facas’ glove. Junior Joseph DiLorenzo was handed the ball after Cirillo gave up a base hit to first. DiLorenzo worked his way out of the inning after Limon grabbed a grounded ball and flipped it to DiLorenzo for the out at first.
Cirillo allowed five earned runs, struck out four and only walked one in the 9-4 loss to Stockton. Cirillo noted after the game that he’s going to step out on the mound for his next start with more focus.
“(I’ll) go out there and be the pitcher I know I can be, and my teammates will back me up,” Cirillo said.
(04/10/15 4:05am)
By Jessica Ganga
Nation & World Editor
The Red Cross called for an immediate ceasefire in Yemen on Saturday, April 4, saying that many more people have been wounded in recent airstrikes in the war-torn country. The call came just after the United Nations Security Council met last Saturday, March 28, to discuss the situation in the country, according to CNN.
Arab forces and fighters loyal to the displaced Sunni President, Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, have been fighting against Shiite rebels, the Houthis, who forced the president out of power back in January, CNN reported.
According to BBC, at least 185 people have been killed and 1,282 injured since Thursday, March 26, in Aden, the country’s second city. The U.N.has reported that 500 people have been killed in the past two weeks.
The devastation in the city caused the Red Cross to make the call, saying that food, water, medical equipment and personnel needed to get into the devastated areas.
“Otherwise, put starkly, many more people will die,” said Robert Mardini, the ICRC’s head of operations in the Near and Middle East. “For the wounded, their chances of survival depend on action within hours, not days.”
Another official of the Red Cross told CNN that people were running out of food, water and fuel in the capital, Sana’a.
“Medical supplies need to be here yesterday. The situation is difficult,” said Marie-Claire Feghali, a spokeswoman for the ICRC. “We need to save lives that can be saved.”
The residents of Sana’a have witnessed the fiercest and strongest strikes since the air assault began, according to CNN.
Russia has also gotten involved, demanding a so-called “humanitarian pause,” according to ABC News. On Saturday, April 4, the country urged the U.N. Security Council to stop airstrikes by the Saudi-led military coalition. The country proposed that foreigners in the country should be evacuated immediately and aid should be delivered to the citizens.
According to CNN, the meeting adjourned with no decision announced and that one diplomat said that the draft “was missing what the envoy called key elements.”
Saudi Arabia got involved with the conflict after Hadi fled to the country from Aden in late March, according to CNN. The predominantly Sunni nation and other Arab nations began targeting the rebels in Yemen.
A Saudi source told CNN that special forces supplied the Yemeni fighters with weapons and communication equipment.
According to BBC, Yemeni and Saudi forces forced Houthi rebels out of Aden this week, but the fighting still continues.
(04/02/15 12:03am)
By Jessica Ganga
Nation & World Editor
After a successful week in sunny Florida, the College’s baseball team came back to a busy schedule, including a doubleheader on Sunday, March 29. Despite the rain, the Lions were able to win two out of four of their games and improve their record to 7-7.
The Lions took on Alvernia University on Wednesday, March 25, and were led by junior pitcher Evan Edelman. Edelman was able to scatter just seven hits over nine innings to shut out Alvernia. Edelman struck out five batters, issued zero walks and allowed only two batters to reach second base during his nine-inning stretch on the mound.
The College’s offense put the team on the board in the first inning of the game. Leadoff hitter junior John Rizzi and sophomore C.J. Gearheart got on base with a couple of walks. Following a balk by the Alvernia pitcher, both were able to move up to third and second. Senior Anthony Cocuzza shot a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing Rizzi in for the 1-0 lead.
Alvernia’s defense was not together during the game, which the Lions took advantage of in the top of the seventh. Sophomore Ben Varone dropped down a bunt for a base hit and made it to second base after an off-balanced throw by the Alvernia catcher. Rizzi stepped up to the plate and, with a sacrifice bunt, moved Varone over to third. On the play, the pitcher threw the ball away, allowing Varone to coast home and score the second run of the game. With two outs in the inning, junior Garen Turner doubled to right-center field to score Rizzi, putting the Lions up 3-0.
The Lions’ defense was flashing the leather as they made great defensive plays throughout the game. In the bottom of the eighth, senior Mike Murray caught a hard line drive and fired the ball to first, doubling off the runner.
Junior Patrick Roberts had a tremendous game on Friday, March 27, against Haverford College. The outfielder had three home runs in a huge 10-1 win against 9-1 Haverford.
Once again, the Lions were on the scoreboard early in the game, putting up two runs with two outs in the first. Cocuzza walked and moved to second on an error that put Turner on first. Senior Josh Limon singled to center field, plating Cocuzza and Turner and putting up a quick two runs for the team.
Roberts stepped up to the plate in the third with Cocuzza on first after a walk. With two outs, Roberts hit a line shot over the right-center field fence.
In the fourth, Roberts entered the batters box again with runners on the bases and two outs. Roberts drilled his second homer over the scoreboard in right making the score 8-1.
After Roberts worked the count full in the ninth, he hit a solo bomb that traveled far over the scoreboard. Roberts is now hitting .452 this season.
On the mound, freshman Joe Cirillo pitched six scoreless innings. He allowed the opposing team only seven hits and walked none.
After the two games were rescheduled due to weather, the Lions played their home opener against Kean University on Sunday, March 29. The team suffered a pair of losses against the 15-4 team.
In the first game, Kean got on the board early with a run in the first and continued tacking on runs throughout the game from there, scoring four in the second.
The Lions tried to come back in the bottom of the fourth, with Cocuzza starting it off by hitting an infield single and then stealing second. Turner stepped up and doubled to left, bringing Cocuzza in to score. Roberts followed with a base hit to left-center field to move up Turner. Limon shot a long fly to left, and Turner came into home to score the second run. Junior Matt Facas would eventually single to right field, scoring Roberts and making it 7-3.
Despite the effort, the team was unable to take home the win, and senior pitcher Connor Smith took the loss.
In the second game, the Lions came close, leading the game until Kean tied the game at five apiece in the fifth inning. The College allowed five unearned runs to score, giving Kean their 10-5 win.
The Lions are set to take on Stockton University at home on Thursday, April 2.