Hillsdale Collegian 3.5.20 by The Hillsdale Collegian

Michigan’s oldest college newspaper

Vol. 143 Issue 21 - March 5, 2020

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The women’s Track and Field team overcame a 50 point deficit to win the GMAC championship. Calli Townsend | Collegian

Women’s Track and Field wins GMAC Championship By | Kate Pipher Collegian Reporter The two-day GMAC Conference Championship for the Hillsdale College Women’s Track and Field team was a heated competition that came down to what head coach Andrew Towne called the buzzer-beater of track and field: the 4-by-400m relay. “We went into that meet

down about 40 or 50 points on paper,” Towne said. “We just hadn’t shown exactly who we were yet.” Throughout the meet, however, the Chargers kept proving to themselves and the competition who they really were. Going into the final two events of the meet, the Chargers were second to Tiffin, the host of the meet and the

defending NCAA Division II team champions, by scary 24 points. But the Chargers rose to the challenge in the 3,000 meter run. They dominated the event, placing four girls in the top five spots and not allowing Tiffin to score. Senior Arena Lewis led her distance crew with a second place finish and a time of 10:07.81. She was followed by junior Maryssa Depies who

By | Cal Abbo Features Editor After a series of setbacks with Hillsdale College’s newly acquired Monticello replica, the college will move forward with its plan to establish the property as the Blake Center for Faith and Freedom. Last year, Prestly Blake, co-founder of Friendly’s restaurant chain, and his wife, Helen Blake, donated a large part of their estate in Somers, Connecticut, to Hillsdale College. A replica of Monticello, the famous home of Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, sits at the heart of the property. Hillsdale General Counsel

Robert Norton visited the Blakes’ estate last semester. Norton emphasized the beauty of the estate and said Hillsdale’s new facility will try to preserve it. When the college announced the donation last

February, Mike Harner, chief of staff for the college president’s office, told The Collegian the property would be used as an educational center. He said it would hold lectures, events, and training for local students and educators.

ended third (10:10.57), junior Christina Sawyer in fourth (10:10.77), and freshman Gwynne Riley finished fifth in 10:12.91. “It was an exciting race because I led for awhile and then my teammates passed me,” Sawyer said. “It’s scary when you see you’re getting passed, but then when you see it’s someone in blue, you know you can play off each other.”

This performance by the Chargers earned them 23 points which put them only .66 points behind Tiffin heading into the final event. The women’s 4-by-400m relay, made up of sophomore Alanna O’Leary, and freshmen Judith Allison, Jillian Roney, and Dakota Stamm, just had to beat Tiffin to seal the victory — and they did by four whole seconds ending in

3:58.04. “We kept the focus on our performance and it came down to the last leg of the last event,” Towne said. “When Roney handed off to Stamm, we were right there. And then Stamm just broke that girl.”

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Hillsdale works to open Blake Murphy wins Center for Faith and Freedom annual oratory In a January 2019 meeting with the Somers Economic Development Commission, the Blakes proposed a Hillsdale satellite campus called “The Prestley and Helen Blake Center for Business, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship.” They invited Hillsdale officials to visit the property, kicking off the process of donating it to the college. Since the property sits on Hall Hill Road, in a residential area, operating a facility in this way requires zoning changes. The Somers zoning commission revealed updated regulations at an April 2019

See Monticello A3

Hillsdale acquired a replica of Monticello last year. Courtesy | Wayne Dumas

competition

By | Regan Meyer News Editor Answering the question “How to be a good neighbor in a divided world,” junior Taryn Murphy won the 20th annual Everett Oratory Competition for the second year in a row on Tuesday afternoon. Five finalists (seniors Michelle Reid and Molly Buccola, juniors Connor Daniels and Taryn Murphy, and freshman Ethan Tong) competed in Plaster Auditorium before three judges (Jana Daley, Don Tocco, and

Larry Arnn) and an audience of CCA attendees, students, and faculty. Reid took second and Daniels third, respectively. Kirsten Kiledal, Rhetoric and Public Address Department Chairman, who is in charge of coordinating the competition said that she thought the competition went very well. “We didn’t have any no shows for the preliminary competition which is truly a first in 20 years,” Kiledal said.

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College preps for Daily News editor coronavirus cases replaces Monastiere By | Victoria Marshall Assistant Editor With the U.S. death toll at 11 as of Wednesday night, COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, has states and municipalities scrambling to respond. Hillsdale College “is developing additional strategies for combating coronavirus,” in the case the disease makes its way to Hillsdale County, Director of Health Services Brock Lutz said in an email. COVID-19 is a disease caused by a strain of the coronavirus family connected to the SARS and MERS viruses. The illness is believed to have emerged from a seafood market in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. Last Friday, Lutz sent out a campus-wide email with health reminders for

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students and faculty on ways to minimize the spread of viruses. “With the situation of the coronavirus, we would like to remind everyone about how to minimalize the spread of any virus,” Lutz said in the email. “We ask that if you do not feel well, visit the Health Center, so we can test you and continue to keep close track of all those who are ill. Our Maintenance Department continues additional cleaning efforts of areas where students and staff are residing and working as well as other public spaces throughout campus.” Lutz added that the college itself does not have a test for the coronavirus as of now. “Infection for the coronavirus may appear 2-14 days after exposure,” Lutz

said. “Hillsdale Hospital has a clear response and treatment protocol in place for the coronavirus and students will be referred and taken there. Parents will be contacted if a student is suspected of carrying the coronavirus virus.” At the end of the email, Lutz asked students to notify Linda Snoes at the Health Center if they are planning on traveling out of the country over spring break. Provost Christopher VanOrman sent an email this week to faculty and staff regarding travel concerns.

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By | Rachel Kookogey Assistant Editor The Hillsdale Daily News’ former sports editor and Hillsdale College alumnus James Gensterblum ‘12 replaced Brad Monastiere as Hillsdale College’s new Director of Media Relations for Athletics on Mar. 1. As Monastiere steps down, the Hillsdale College Athletic Department will undergo a shift in job positions. Gensterblum will join the team to increase the written media material released by the department. Gensterblum said he is excited to step up to the challenge of filling Monastiere’s role. “Monastiere won multiple awards for his work and he has built an amazing foundation,” Gensterblum said. “So it’s exciting to step into a place

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where the groundwork has been laid for me, but it’s also a challenge to live up to that standard.” Gensterblum will primarily be managing and writing for the athletics website, keeping track of all athletics statistics, and dealing with media outreach. Director of Athletics Don Brubacher said Gensterblum’s background in journalism made him a prime candidate to aid the department in increasing the amount of written media material. “James is a good writer and he understands the mission and goals of Hillsdale College very well,” Brubacher said. “It’s quite a large, complex job he is moving into, but we’re excited to structure the position to show his strengths.” Gensterblum started

his writing career with the Hillsdale Daily News when he was a senior in high school. At that time, Gensterblum wrote for the Daily News as a freelancer for $25 per story. “I’ll never forget I walked into the office and I was expecting an interview process and that I would have to show a bunch of writing samples,” Gensterblum said. “But the editor at the time saw me walk in and he says ‘you’re the guy, here’s a recorder, the game’s at seven, good luck.’” Gensterblum then went to Hillsdale College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in December of 2011 before going on to several sports writing and

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Look for The Hillsdale Collegian

News Scholarship selection chair urges Hillsdale students to apply

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March 5, 2020

action, something is “deephigh school. They come here, noticed about Hillsdale at By | Alexis Daniels ly wrong” with elite higher they’re challenged,” Walsh first,” Mortara said. “Coming Web Content Editor education. said. “They get bad grades, from the Marshall Scholarship “You can make change in “Before I let my kid go to they learn they don’t know selection side, what I can tell America through the MarHarvard, Princeton, or Yale, how to write, they don’t know you is we want Hillsdale apshall Scholarship,” said Adam she’s got to come visit this how to reason. They don’t plicants. President Arnn told Mortara, Marshall Scholplace,” Mortara said. “That’s know as much as they think me earlier tonight there has arship selection committee what I learned from the Harthey know when they apply. never been a Hillsdale Marchair and professor of law at vard litigation.” And we think, ‘This is a tough shall scholar; that is incredible the University of Chicago. “I Walsh said despite students place, this is a rigorous place.’” to me.” need you. So make a sacrifice.” being challenged at Hillsdale, Mortara said Hillsdale stuMortara said people need In an interview-style talk they believe they cannot com- dents should compete because to talk about Hillsdale College last Thursday in Dow A&B, pete against elite schools such it is immediately apparent more, and Hillsdale College Mortara spoke with foras Harvard or Yale when it that the students are “fully students have something to mer Chief Deputy Solicitor comes to challenging scholar- engaged, well-rounded,” and represent that they can fight General of Wisconsin Ryan ships or career tracks such as “likely to be more mature.” for anywhere. Walsh ’09 about how Hillsdale law school or medical school. “Each of them had a more “Don’t think the only place College students are essential “When we come to well-rounded education than to wage this battle is in law to forces like elite higher edu- Hillsdale, many folks in this virtually anyone else I was school,” Mortara said. “That cation and how their conseraudience had perfect GPAs in teaching, and that’s what I is not true. We need you out vative and Christian values can represent America through the Marshall Scholarship. “You guys are here and the rest of the world is essentially hostile to what we believe,” Mortara said. “And you’re going to go out there and that’s just the world we live in and we need to understand how to live in that world.” Mortara is also a well-known litigator in a case against Harvard regarding affirmative action, in which they uncovered that Harvard had conducted an internal investigation on whether it was discriminating against Asian-American applicants, discovered it was, and swept the data analysis under the rug. He said the case made him realize that irrespective of your Mortara and Walsh spoke to students about the Marshall Scholarship. Alexis Daniels | Collegian opinion on affirmative

there everywhere. Everywhere.” The general liberal arts education is valuable to things like the Marshall Scholarship because so many applicants are hyper-specialized, Mortara said. Marshall scholars pursue academics at Cambridge and learn more about the UK. “The first thing we look at is, is this person representative of America? Is he going to be a good representative of the United States in Great Britain? And is this person going to be somebody who takes what they learned in Great Britain and brings it

back to the United States?” Mortara said. “You are much better equipped to do that if you are not a one-trick pony. And Hillsdale kids - men and women - are not one-trick ponies.” Junior Abby Leali said in an email the talk was “an eye-opener” and inspired her to think “more deeply about applying.” She said Mortara was informative and a “good balance between professionalism and sincere love for life.” “I got a sense of real charity from him, and his emphasis on the formation of the whole person made me even more interested in the Marshall Scholarship than I otherwise would have been,” Leali said. She said many see Hillsdale as just a conservative force but she “would never have come to Hillsdale unless I was convinced that it was a safe but challenging place to pursue truth.” “I think the real Hillsdale brand are the students that the school forms: mature, outward-focused, and passionate about what they’re trying to do. And they have solid reasons for the things they do, grounded in logic and, more often than not, in faith,” Leali said. “That alone really sets us apart from the crowd, I think. We know how to think, and, maybe even more importantly, we learn about compassionate, constructive dialogue.”

Houses for Rent for 2020-2021 Attention: Class of 2021 The following houses are for rent for the 2020-2021 school year:

· 85 East Fayette Street - This is a very spacious, partially furnished, five-bedroom, one and one-half bath Victorian that is one and one half blocks from campus. It is centrally air conditioned, has a large eat-in-kitchen with a garbage disposal and dishwasher, separate dining room, living room, parlor, large front porch, deck off of the back, unattached one-car garage, unfinished basement useful for storage, and is equipped with a washer and dryer. The rent is $450 per student per month based upon five student occupants. Available immediately. · 173 West Street – This is a partially furnished three-bedroom, one bath Victorian that is only two blocks from campus. It has a separate dining room, living room, and unfinished basement that can be used for storage and is equipped with a washer and dryer. The rent is $435.00 per student per month based upon three student occupants. A fourth student may be added at a reduced rate if desired. Available August 1, 2020. · 171 West Street – This is a three bedroom, one bath Victorian that is two blocks from Campus. It has a living room, den, eat-in -kitchen, and an unfinished basement available for storage that is equipped with a washer and dryer. The rent is $405 per student per month based upon three student occupants. A fourth student may be added at a reduced rate if desired. Available August 1, 2020. If you are interested please call Berry LeCompte at: 850 736-8421(home); 847 381-2514 (office) 847 809-4843 (cell phone), 847 809-4829 (cell phone) or email at cblecompte@aol. com.

How to: Advertise with The Collegian

To advertise in The Collegian, please contact ad manager Benjamin Raffin at braffin@hillsdale.edu.

The time has come to elect your Senior Class Officers! The election will take place in two stages: Nominations: Nominations will be gathered Monday, March 9, through Monday, March 16. Names will be collected electronically, so look for an email from Adam Buchmann today. The following Class Officer positions will be open for nomination: President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Social Chair Each rising senior can submit one name, per position and may nominate anyone from their class for any position. The top four vote getters at each office will be put on the ballot for the general election. Nominations will be tallied the afternoon of Monday, March 16, and the top candidates for each position will be announced via email. General Election: The General Election will take place Monday, March 23, through Wednesday, March 25. Votes may be cast during lunch in the student union on these days. Each rising senior will have one vote, per person and the candidates with the most votes at each position will win. The winners will be announced at the Legacy Dinner on Thursday, March 26. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for updates as the election season commences! Questions should be directed to current president, Adam Buchmann, at abuchmann1@hillsdale.edu.

How to: Subscribe to The Collegian

To receive weekly issues of Hillsdale College’s student newspaper, please contact Patricia Fernandez at pfernandez@hillsdale. edu.

How to: Join The Collegian

To find out more about how to contribute to The Collegian through writing, photography, or videography, please contact Nolan Ryan at nryan1@hillsdale.edu.

News

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March 5, 2020

CCA guests speak on the Alumna discusses product life and works of John Ford research and math career By | Victoria Marshall Assistant Editor American film historian and writer Joseph McBride believes filmmaker and Oscar-winning director John Ford can be summed up in a line from Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass”: “Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.” “That’s John Ford,” McBride posits. Ford and his westerns are the subject of the fourth CCA for the 2019-2020 school year at Hillsdale College. A film CCA, attendees watch one of Ford’s films before each lecture. Classic westerns such as “Stagecoach,” “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,” “The Searchers,” and “My Darling Clementine,” were shown on the big screen in Plaster Auditorium Sunday through Wednesday. McBride, who also wrote a biography on Ford titled “Searching for John Ford,” talked about Ford as a man of contradictions. “You can’t reconcile his contradictions, they just exist,” McBride said. As an example of this, McBride brought up Ford’s political contradictions. At one point he described himself as a socialist democrat, at other times, a Maine Republican. American director and film historian Peter Bogdanovich, in his lecture on Ford Monday night said “Ford did not give political statements. He used to say, ‘I’m apolitical,” thereby proving Ford’s complexity. Ford came from an Irish family in Maine who spoke Gaelic. This experience as an immigrant minority influenced much of his work, as

Ford treated minorities sympathetically in his films. Paul Cantor, an English professor at the University of Virginia who characterized Ford as “America’s Shakespeare” in a lecture on Tuesday, brought attention to how Ford showed both sides of a story in his films. In “The Searchers,” for example, Ford’s heroes are the white settlers of Texas post-Civil War. Ford shows a settler family massacred by a roaming Comanche tribe. But later on in the film, the U.S. calvary murder and pillage a peaceful Indian village. This showing of both sides, Cantor asserted, is why Ford is like Shakespeare, for this was a technique Shakespeare utilized in his plays. Ford’s preoccupations as an artist were family, land, community, and patriotism, themes predominant in his westerns, according to McBride. “Ford was an idealist who dwelt on the destruction of his ideals,” McBride said. “The history of the Western is the history of the loss of faith in America. Ford always looked back to an imaginary past and its glory.” Ford’s complexity as a person and his outlook on life bled through to his characters, who were also contradictory, “the noble outlaw,” many times played by John Wayne, being one of them. Assistant Professor of Spanish Todd Mack who attended the lectures and will appear in a faculty round table for the CCA on Thursday said that students should take advantage of watching Ford’s films on the big screen. “Every great filmmaker af-

ter John Ford is influenced by John Ford, in the United States and abroad,” Mack said. “Even people who think that they’re not influenced by John Ford, are influenced by John Ford. So you’ll have lots of modern people in Hollywood, they’ll say, like Kurosawa, who’s a great Japanese director: ‘Oh, Kurosawa’s films are amazing. He’s the father of the modern action film.’ But you know who Kurosawa’s favorite director was? John Ford. There’s no getting around him. And every great thing that you could say about Spielberg or Orson Welles or Kurosawa, or any of these other—George Lucas was hugely influenced by him. There’s no getting around him. He is a giant.” Sophomore Alaura Gage said Ford’s westerns are much more sophisticated than she thought they would be. “It’s taught me a lot more about what it means to be an American, like how Americans have been represented in film,” Gage said. “I’ve always seen caricatures of the West in popular culture, but I’ve never seen it up close and personal. I’ve never seen it firsthand. The characters in the films are trying to reconcile all these ideas of, ‘How does one tame the West and what’s at stake?’ And I think these problems that they’re facing in these films are still problems that we face today, like relations with Native Americans and other minorities and how we treat them—even gender relations are still very complicated in these films, but they’re also complicated today as well. So I think Ford’s westerns can still contribute to an ongoing conversation about what America stands for.”

By | Maggie Hroncich Collegian Freelancer Every day, consumers make thousands of choices to determine which brands and products are most desirable. Companies attempt to predict those decisions through marketing research, a field that analyzes consumer trends and tailors products based on them. Last week, Hillsdale graduate Megan Peitz ’06 gave a presentation titled “Math, Marketing and Business” in which she addressed marketing research and how her Hillsdale math degree helped her in the field. Peitz is the founder of Numerious Inc., a firm that performs conjoint analysis. Essentially, she shows re-

Everett from A1

“We had strong speeches. Students made very few changes, and there was nothing that couldn’t be allowed into the competition.” Reid said she was impressed by the quality of the competition. “I heard a lot of people in the semi-final rounds who I was sure would be finalists,” Reid said. Murphy has competed in the Everett for the past three years. “I did speech and debate for six years in middle school and high school,” Murphy said. “That really ignited my hunger and passion for public speaking. Just to speak and participate

spondents different combinations to see which they’re likely to buy, forcing them to make tradeoffs to show what they truly value. With the information she gathers, Peitz advises companies on the best product pricing, most recently working for Google. “Google just released the wireless pixel buds … I can’t tell you about all the features of the product but I can tell you that I’m the person that told them how to price it and which features that should be in it,” Peitz said. “There are a lot of possibilities when you have a degree in math.” She noted that being a mathematician is no easy feat. It requires working full time and often meeting rapid deadlines and last-minute

requests for data. She recommends students interested in a math or marketing research career take steps to stay up to date and relevant in the field. “Build up a good LinkedIn profile, get yourself out there,” she advised. Other steps for success are reading about and taking courses for various programming languages such as R, Python, JavaScript, and HTML. Freshman Abigail Elwell was encouraged by the talk. “I’m in hard math classes right now so it was really encouraging when she said it’s okay to ask for help and be vulnerable, especially right before midterms,” Elwell said.

in this event for the college is such a joy because I get to do the thing I love the most.” Murphy’s winning oration focused on being a good neighbor through citizenship and politics. “So what enabled our Forefathers to build an entire nation despite their clear differences? The answer is that our Founders looked to their nation as their source of unity, not their political identities. This fact is manifest in the Constitution, which makes clear that the Founders gathered “in order to form a more perfect union,” Murphy said in her speech. Kiledal said that responses to the topic were a bit

different than she and the topic selection committee expected. “We found in a lot of ways that the students coalesced around certain archetypes and certain topical stories or sources that they went to. They were more limited than we expected them to be. Some of their responses were a little more localized than we thought they may be.” Murphy said that she really enjoyed listening to the other contestants. “Everyone did a phenomenal job,’’ Murphy said. “I learned so much listening to everyone else. That’s what I’ll keep with me much longer than the title.”

Tiananmen Square survivors warn of socialism’s dangers By | Stefan Kleinhenz Culture Editor When freedom is at stake, those who know its absence are the first to stand to fight. Two women who grew up in communist China spoke at an event hosted by the College Republicans earlier this week about their experiences growing up in oppression and their warning to the next generation. Grace Norris and Qian Schmidt gave a presentation to a room of students called “When Constitutional Socialism Marries National Economic Capitalism.” Both women shared their stories of growing up in China and shared their appreciation for everything America represents. Schmidt was a judge in Shanghai, China, but said she doesn’t for a moment wish

Monticello

from A1 meeting without any changes to Hall Hill Road. Effectively, the plan was shut down. A few months later, in September, Hillsdale applied for a special use permit as a religious institution instead of the business and education center. “Hillsdale College is its own religious institution,” Norton said. “I don’t think there’s any controversy about whether that’s the case.” At public hearings, some local residents opposed Hillsdale’s proposed facility. In April 2019, the Journal Inquirer, a Connecticut newspaper reporting from Somers, obtained six letters from locals opposing the planned changes to the estate, which they thought would devalue their residential properties. Jerry and Michele Tarbox live across the street from the Monticello replica and expressed concern about the new developments, even placing a sign reading “Not Hillsdale College here” in their front yard, according to the Journal Inquirer. “A 100-space parking lot and the related lighting along with increased traffic is clearly concerning,” they wrote in a letter to the city. Other Somers residents who live near the replica agreed with the Tarboxes.

for her old life over the new American life she now has. “I couldn’t run fast enough away from that dictatorship,” Schmidt said. “$45 got me in this country and while I would have been in a high class in China, I don’t regret leaving because I didn’t like the system.” Schmidt went on to warn those in the audience against modern waves of socialism in America. She said people that push those ideas today and say they’re different than past examples are wrong. “When I first heard this idea of political correctness a few years back I said to my American husband, ‘here comes the cultural revolution.’” She said because socialism looks good on paper it’s easy to manipulate young people who have no life experience. Norton said the college has developed plans with these concerns in mind. “We’ve actually proposed to use lighting that will have minimal light pollution effect,” Norton said. “These light poles will be lower to the ground.” In addition, the new version of the parking lot will only have 35 spots. Norton added that the college plans to use dark-skyrated lights in the parking lot. The parking lot itself will be built behind the replica and cannot be seen from the road, he said. The college also conducted a traffic study of the area to estimate potential impacts. “It showed there won’t be any major consequences,” Norton said. Afterward, the city did its own traffic study, which Hillsdale paid for, with similar results, according to Norton. As a tax-exempt institution, the college expects to receive a tax exemption on the property. After residents expressed concern about this, Harner estimated the tax loss for the city at $100,000 annually at a meeting with concerned Somers residents last year. Harner also said the college would try to replace the lost revenue via direct payment to the town or reimbursement to the community. For more than a year, and before the Blakes donated the property, Somers has

“Healthcare for all, free college, who is going to pay for all of that?” Schmidt asked the audience. “Socialism becomes communism and every example ends with a dictator.” While Schmidt and Norris spoke to an audience that was in large part favorable to their message, some in attendance said it was inspiring to hear the stories the two women had to share. State Representative for Hillsdale and Branch counties, Eric Leutheuser was of those in the audience who was touched by their message. “You can just see their passion,” Leutheuser said. “It reminds you of what is really at stake here.” Schmidt also spoke to her belief that the challenge that lies ahead of America’s been revisiting its zoning laws and designations. A few months ago, Somers introduced an ordinance that tried to update its zoning laws to allow for “places of worship” rather than “religious institutions.” Hillsdale, with the help of lawyer and zoning expert Dwight Merriam, explained to the commission that this ordinance would violate both the U.S. and Connecticut Constitutions. Another lawyer representing the college, Hillsdale College alumnus Ryan Walsh, also argued against the ordinance. In a letter to the commission, Walsh said the college would fight both a rejection of the “religious institution” special use permit as well as the new ordinance, if it was passed. The commission has since withdrawn the proposed ordinance. The zoning commission in Somers will hold another public meeting on Monday, March 9, to discuss Hillsdale’s special use permit. The commission does not have to vote at the meeting, but Norton said he expects it to. “We think we’ve given them every reason to vote in favor of it. We’ve tried to be respectful and counter any of the objections within reason,” Norton said. “We’re cautiously optimistic the commission will go our way.”

battle with socialism is one that rests in the heads of the younger generations, and her hope is they understand what they’re fighting for. “In China they took guns away from the people so they could slaughter them in the streets,” Schmidt said. “You have to understand that in America you cannot have the first amendment without the second.” Both Schmidt and Norris told stories of food rationing. They said there was never enough food and they could only get eggs every 10 days and there were never enough, and they only got meat two times a year. Norris also spoke of her similar experiences of the first part of her life under a communist regime, but she also discussed her part in the 1989 Tiananmen Square

Gensterblum

from A1 editing jobs. He returned to the Hillsdale Daily News to become the sports editor almost two years ago. Although the switch from newspaper work to digital media will be a challenge, Gensterblum said he believes the skills he’s developed, like the ability to work on a deadline, will benefit him in his position at Hillsdale. “I have a set of skills that I feel correlate very well to this field,” Gensterblum said. “The challenge will be learning how to apply those to a new position.”

Coronavirus

from A1 “Dr. Arnn said that if a country has reached a level 3 (reconsider travel) or 4 (do not travel) on the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories site, we will not send students abroad to that country,” VanOrman said. “Many colleges and universities are following this protocol and it is probably best to err on the side of caution

protest. “We spent days in the streets, but to the government we weren’t worth talking to,” Norris said. “It wasn’t well organized or a protest because we were just college students, but we tried to get their attention and we thought maybe a hunger strike would do that — they still never sent anyone out.” Norris got choked up while trying to discuss some of her memories. “I have a lot to say, but I don’t want to because it gets me so emotional,” Norris said. “I just don’t know how we lived life like that for so many years.” She said the government finally came and met them in the streets with tanks when they realized the protest was a threat to their power. Norris wasn’t there that day, but

spoke about the people that died. “People lost their lives, I don’t know how many,” Norris said. “Since then the Communist party has been more strict to make sure nothing like Tiananmen Square happens again.” Norris agreed with Schmidt that there is no distinction between the authoritarian government they experienced and the wave of American Socialists. “Your kind of socialism is still socialism.” Both Norris and Schmidt concluded that despite all of their struggles, they would never trade the fact that they’re Americans. “I am an American first,” Schmidt said.

Gensterblum added that he jumped at the chance to stay in his hometown and work at his alma mater. “For where I’m at now, the Hillsdale College job seemed way too good of an opportunity to pass up,” Gensterblum said. Assistant Athletic Director for Media and Community Relations Gwendolyn Buchhop, who attended Hillsdale Academy with Gensterblum, said both his attention to detail in sports and his writing ability will bolster their department. “He has always been a sports buff. We ran cross-country together and

he kept close tabs on all of our high school records as well as state rankings,” Buchhop said. “James has worked all over the state writing about sports and has developed a strong voice and style which will bring a lot to the department.” Buchhop will be working with Gensterblum as her title has changed from Community Relations Coordinator to Assistant Athletic Director for Media and Community Relations. She will add the duties of website content management and departmental social media strategy to her current tasks.

with our students.” VanOrman mentioned that on Saturday, Italy moved to a level 3. The college has plans for a study abroad trip there in the summer. Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expanding who can be tested for coronavirus, according to POLITICO. Now any American can be tested if a

doctor suspects a virus. People no longer need to display specific symptoms. This statement came after Pence told CNN on Sunday that the risk of the average American contracting coronavirus remains low. Symptoms for the coronavirus include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, and cough.

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A4 March 5, 2020

The Weekly: Enjoy a balanced spring break (517) 607-2415

The opinion of The Collegian editorial staff

Another spring break is upon us, and it can’t come soon enough. But with term papers and final exams on the horizon, it can be tempting to view spring break as a time for academic catch-up. But the week away from the daily grind is a chance not just for homework but, more importantly, resting our minds and our bodies. If we’re going back home or traveling with family, spring break is an opportunity to invest time in our parents and siblings — especially for seniors about to graduate and enter into the “real world” of the workforce. If we’re hanging out with friends over break,

the same holds true. In just two months, seniors will be leaving campus and the friendships they’ve formed here. And for underclassmen, spring break is a chance to deepen new friendships. Beyond strengthening bonds with family and friends, spring break should also be a time to rest. Even if we’re working on reading or writing (and we will be, that’s for sure), this doesn’t mean we can’t relish in the brief respite from classes and other work. Sleeping is important for spring break — and crucial year-round for avoiding academic burnout. The American Psychological Association emphasizes

the importance for sleep in things like muscle repair and emotional health. It also points out that even a little sleep deprivation affects our memory and judgment. “In addition to feelings of listlessness,” an APA press release says, “chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to health problems, from obesity and high blood pressure to safety risks while driving.” The release also indicates that Americans would be happier and healthier if they slept even an extra 60 to 90 minutes every night. The National Sleep Foundation offers some helpful tips to get better sleep, tips we can apply during breaks and

during the rest of the year. It suggests avoiding stimulating or stressful activities for at least 30 minutes before bed. Don’t text or do homework, don’t watch TV. The foundation says reading a book, stretching, and taking a warm bath, among other things, are some better alternatives. It might seem like spring break is a mad dash to fit in personal time, homework, travels, and time with family and friends. But if we pace ourselves in the next week away from school, we will be more satisfied in our attitudes, in our relationships, and in our work.

By | Matt Fisher After embarrassing showings in Iowa and New Hampshire, former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign was left for dead by many in the establishment. But after Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., destroyed New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in the debates, and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg failed to build on his momentum from strong performances in Iowa and New Hampshire, Biden found himself once again the favorite of the establishment. Biden’s comeback victory in South Carolina set off a domino effect, which began when Buttigieg pulled out of the primaries and endorsed Biden. Within 24 hours, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, and former candidate Beto O’Rourke followed in Buttigieg’s footsteps and endorsed Biden ahead of Super Tuesday. His strong showing — and Bloomberg’s subsequent withdrawal on Wednesday — now makes it a two-horse race between Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont. So what led to this sudden rush to endorse Biden? What compelled Buttigieg, Klobuchar, and Bloomberg to collectively throw in the towel so early and support a man who they all took turns attacking in the past? The answer is simple: to prevent Bernie Sanders from winning the nomination. It seems as if the Democrats are repeating the mistakes they made in the 1968 election. In August of 1968, the Democratic Party convened for their national convention in Chicago to nominate their

candidate for the presidency. This was no typical political convention. Rather than three days of celebration and excitement, the American people witnessed on their televisions a civil war between the party’s bosses and protesters opposing the Vietnam War. The eventual Democratic nominee Hubert Humphrey would campaign tirelessly to convince voters he would end the war, attempting to cobble together a winning coalition to defeat Richard Nixon. While popular among Republicans, Democrats and the media loathed Nixon. If anyone could seemingly unite the Democrats in opposition to their candidacy and turn out the vote, it would be Nixon. But Humphrey’s best efforts could not overcome the divisions and damage done to the Democratic Party during the primary process. 1968 was a missed opportunity for Democrats. Sanders is not beloved by Democrats in Washington D.C. He has always registered as an independent outside of his two presidential campaigns. Sanders has

an acrimonious relationship with the party’s donors and leadership. His socialist views are highly unpopular among white, suburban women — a key demographic in the Democratic Party’s 2018 midterm victories. It is clear that Democrats are just as committed to preventing Sanders from winning the nomination in 2020 as they were in 2016. That being said, the establishment has not done itself any favors in regards to their treatment of Sanders. Whether it be Donna Brazile of CNN passing on debate questions to the Clinton campaign in 2016, Wikileaks disclosing possible corruption in the nominating process, or the controversy over superdelegates, the Sanders camp feels cheated out of their fair shot at the nomination. While avoiding a Sanders ticket may be a wise choice, the alternative of angering and isolating the Sanders base could prove equally damaging for the Democratic Party’s chances in November. In 2016, a staggering 12% of Sanders supporters

switched their allegiance to Trump instead of backing Hillary in the general election. That 12% of voters cost then-candidate Hillary Clinton the vital states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennslyania — and ultimately the presidency. Since the 2016 campaign, the animosity appears to have only grown worse. A recent National Emerson College Poll revealed that only 53% of Sanders supporters would commit to backing a Democratic nominee other than their preferred choice. This poll was followed by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, leading a chorus of boos against Clinton for her criticism of Sanders. Though Tlaib would go on to apologize for jeering Clinton, her actions reflect growing resentment towards the party’s old guard. The last thing Democrats can afford is a repeat of 1968. But with the way this election cycle is trending, one should not be surprised if they see significant protests in Milwaukee when the Democratic National Convention rolls into town. The Democratic race may come to two candidates. The great divide between Biden and Sanders on ideology reflects the deeper chasm of animosity splitting the progressive wing and the establishment. If Democrats hope to defeat the Nixon of this era — that is, President Donald Trump — they have to reconcile the distrust.

State courts stand up to woke Democrats repeat past mistakes with split between Biden, Sanders America and gender therapy

By | Reagan Cool Judges and legislators across the country are taking up pediatric gender treatment. Finally, our government is prioritizing the protection of children, one of its most important duties, above a parent’s right to “wokeness.” In October, Sydney Wright, an ex-trans man, wrote her story for the Daily Signal called “I Spent a Year as a Trans Man. Doctors Failed Me at Every Turn.” Embarrassed by the looks she’d receive in public while holding hands with girlfriends in high school, Wright became envious of the happy transgender men on Instagram who could. Without her parents’ consent, Wright found a therapist who helped her acquire the letter needed to begin a testosterone regimen. When she handed the letter to her doctor, he didn’t even open it before writing her prescription. When she asked with surprise if he wasn’t going to give her the shot himself, he told her to figure it out at home and to consult YouTube if she needed help. Six months and 50 pounds later, with pre-diabetes and heart problems, Wright felt trapped. She hadn’t found the happiness she sought and was too embarrassed to change her mind about such a grave decision. Wright’s grandpa was the first person to ask her to stop the treatments. She quit cold turkey and is finally regaining a sense of normalcy after months in and out of the hospital from withdrawal symptoms. Wright’s story unfortunately isn’t special. She tells the story of all those sacrificed on the altar of American wokeness. Thankfully, judges and legislators are taking notice of stories like Wright’s, and the tide is turning. Brave adults are finally daring to admit that they see and hear the voices of the children whose lives are on the line. Last month, Ohio representatives Ron Hood and Bill Dean introduced the Vulnerable Child Protection Act. If passed into law, the bill would criminalize any medical professional who performs treatment on a minor which changes a child’s reproductive anatomy, delays or prevents puberty, or disrupts production of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, among other more widely-accepted violations of medical ethics, like restraining or inflicting pain on a minor. Rob Hoogland is an Alabama father of a 12-yearold. Last year, his daughter’s school counselor told her that she was a boy, and the school picked out a boy’s name and treated her as a boy without informing her parents. Two years later, Hoogland was fighting his 14-year-old in court over the initiation of testosterone treatments. The

courts ruled, all too typically, against the will of the parents. Hoogland speaks out now and warns other parents against complacency: “Don’t think it can’t happen to you.” After hearing stories like the Hooglands’, the house and senate of Alabama are working to pass a bill similar to Ohio’s, called the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act. It is time for parents, not just lawmakers and judges, to rise to the occasion to fight for the family. Society has crumbled under the weight of its inverted priorities. A healthy society is structured like a pyramid: first, personhood; then, the family; then, the neighborhood, the community, the state, and finally, the country. This arrangement is called “subsidiarity,” taken from the Latin “subsidias,” meaning “help.” It makes sense, too: the entire structure is ordered toward the priority of the person. The larger orders, like the government, only interfere with the smaller orders, like your local community, when the smaller orders cannot solve the problem on their own. The entire structure is aimed not at financial equity or distributing privilege, but far more importantly at the dignity of each person. Subsidiarity looks like individuals helping themselves first, and parents protecting their dependent children, and communities helping when parents can’t. In the rare circumstances that exceed the abilities of a community, the state will step in. And finally, when all else has failed, the federal government will help. In our current state of affairs, the individual often turns immediately to federal welfare. The perverse concept of seeking help first from a stranger rather than those closest to us is bolstered by the effects of social media; a major influence in Wright’s gender transition were the Instagram snapshots of apparently happy transgender men. Meanwhile, her parents stood by and despaired as they watched their daughter destroy herself. It is easy to see how personal dignity is being smothered, not empowered, by this unstable upside-down pyramid. The stances taken in Ohio and Alabama are a promising start, but laws won’t change the heart of our nation. If we want to protect the youth of America, it’s up to local communities: Parents ought to stand up for their children, and friends ought to stand up for their friends. Gender treatment therapy is bad for kids, and it’s about time we admit it. Reagan Cool is a senior studying philosophy and religion. She is a columnist on faith and culture.

“The Democratic race may come to two candidates. The great divide between Biden and Sanders on ideolog y reflects the deeper chasm of animosity splitting the progressie wing and the establishment.”

Matt Fisher is a senior studying political economy.

Government surveillance could make people safer, but at a cost By | Ashley Kaitz When Ph.D. candidate Yeming Shen was found dead in his dorm room on Feb. 10, the age-old tension between security and freedom became more fraught than ever. Shen, a student at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, was dying of the flu when he called 911, according to the Washington Post. But because he used a Chinese cell phone with a U.S. number to make the call, police weren’t able to track his location. Despite their frantic search, Shen’s roommate was the first to find his body. The Washington Post previously reported that police can easily track calls from landline numbers, but today, more than 80% of 911 calls are from wireless phones. Although our phones can easily pinpoint our location when we use Google Maps or hail an Uber, the issues arise in delivering the information through an old 911 system,

which was built for landline phones, according to a 2018 CNN article. The Federal Communications Commission attempted to address this problem with its Enhanced 911 program, which provides 911 dispatchers with more detailed information about wireless calls. Last year, the FCC proposed a set of new rules that would require wireless carriers to provide detailed location data within three vertical “Z-axis” meters of the caller, according to CPO Magazine. According to the FCC’s website, only emergency services are allowed to have access to your precise location. The FCC is also required to submit a yearly report to Congress to ensure that 911 location data is not being used by third parties. Despite these precautions, cell phone companies have been selling customers’ real-time location data for years. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon were caught

violating customers’ privacy in 2018, according to the New York Times. In fact, the Times article revealed that one buyer of location data, a law enforcement official, was using it “to track people without a warrant.” Other companies use the data for marketing purposes. Although the Times article reported that the FCC would fine the carriers more than $200 million, it also quoted Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, as saying that the amount was “comically inadequate” to stop the carriers’ illegal dealing. The FCC’s new Z-axis rules could help save lives by allowing law enforcement to find callers much more quickly than before. On the other hand, the illegal sale of customers’ real-time location data is a blatant violation of privacy and dangerous. In a March 2019 article, VICE reported that “bounty hunters and people with histories of domestic violence

have managed to trick telecommunications companies into providing real-time location data by simply impersonating US officials over the phone and email.” The article also specifically mentioned the dangers posed by Enhanced 911 technology. “In some cases, scammers sought out so-called “E911” data intended for first responders, which is highly precise and can in some cases pinpoint a device’s location inside a building,” VICE reported. While the Z-axis rules benefit people who call 911, they also place the privacy and security of every person who owns a cellphone at risk, whether they call 911 or not. Making people’s lives safer is an easy sell, but consumers should think twice about what they’re giving up in exchange. Ashley Kaitz is a sophomore studying history.

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A5 March 5, 2020

Unrest in Iran: Elites versus the people Low voter turnout in Iranian election shows citizens’ disdain for regime

Empower Iranian civilians with trade

By | Abby Liebing Iran experienced its lowest voter turnout ever for its Feb. 21 parliamentary elections. Since the regime managed the elections, it was no surprise that hardline candidates took 221 of the 290 seats in parliament. But the low turnout and general boycott of the election is a bellwether that the ruling elite is becoming increasingly detached from the public and Iranians are becoming disillusioned with the government. It’s time for the United States to increase pressure on Iran even more so that Iranian frustration with the regime continues to grow. Since the United States has already maxed itself out on Iran sanctions, the best way to pressure Iran is through its neighbors who are still engaged in trade, such as the United Arab Emirates. The United States should seek to pressure the UAE into applying sanctions to Iran, and as the economy would suffer even more, Iranian disillusionment with the regime would grow and could eventually lead to change. The election had the lowest turnout since 1979, despite the regime’s pressure and pleading with the public to turn up at the polls. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asked the people to vote for the sake of patriotism and resistance to U.S. sanctions, while the regime-supporting senior ayatollahs said that voting was a religious duty. But the official turnout was only about 20% in Tehran and 40% nationally. And those numbers were likely inflated by the regime. There was a 62% turnout in 2016, and 66% in 2012. Iranian elections have always been a farce because they are managed and fixed by the regime. Khamenei is not interested in a democratic system but in strengthening his own rule. That’s why every candidate had to be pre-approved by the Guardian Council, a 12-member body tasked with upholding Islamic law and supervising elections. In this election, the Guardian Council disqualified more than 7,000 candidates, many of them moderates and reformists who support former President Mohammad Khatami’s

By | Kathleen Hess Sanctions against Iran have failed. It is time to renegotiate. Two years after the United States reimposed economic sanctions on Iran, neither side is closer to its goals: Iran still wants nuclear weapons, and the United States still wants to block its ambitions. Not only is the Iranian nuclear program continuing to develop, but U.S. sanctions are decimating the Iranian economy without forcing change in the regime. Because of this, the United States should allow trade with certain industries and empower Iranian workers to exact political change from within. In 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action eased sanctions against Iran in return for curbed nuclear development. If nothing else, the JCPOA broke the stalemate and showed the Iranian people what prosperity could look like if they compromised with the United States. Iran’s economy surged. Under recently renewed sanctions, however, Iran suffers from massive inflation. Its GDP, exports, and foreign direct investment have all fallen dramatically. A problem with the “new” sanctions is that they are not new. The United States has imposed sanctions against Iran almost continuously since 1979, after protesters stormed the U.S. embassy and held 66 Americans hostage for more than a year. Over the last 40 years, the Iranian people have adjusted to the scarcity, and the government has not changed its anti-American stance. More than that, Iranian leaders can propagandize the sanctions to blame the United States for the failures of the regime. Reopening trade with the industries targeted by secondary sanctions could give ordinary Iranians the resources they need to push for reforms. The Persian rug industry is one such opportunity. Persian rugs are a luxury good with an enduring history and worldwide renown. Each square inch is bound by hundreds of knots and features geometric patterns and symbols of nature. The quality of the art is so high that the rugs only increase in

movement to allow more freedom and democracy in the Iranian political system. Though elections are managed by the regime, they still carry some weight. Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House in London, explained that though the elections have always been managed by the regime since the rise of the Islamic Republic, they are still important. Since 1979, elections in Iran have been a tool for the leaders to build consensus at home and make a show of outward strength to the rest of the world. “The fact that Iran has elections, albeit managed ones, is used to demonstrate that the Islamic Republic is more legitimate than other countries in the region,” Vakil said. Iran’s leaders sought to use this election to build public consensus and show outward strength after November’s violent suppression of protests and January’s unrest surrounding Qasem Soleimani’s assasination and the military’s shooting down of the Ukrainian airliner. But many Iranians were discontented with the disqualification of so many candidates and thus the majority of the population boycotted the elections. “I won’t be part of the show as long as I can’t see my favorite candidate who I genuinely support and believe in. I won’t choose between bad and worse anymore,” one Tehran resident told the Wall Street Journal. Iranians were more than just discontented with the chosen candidates. Many are also skeptical of elected officials and disappointed in their powerless positions.

“MPs who speak out against the system’s radical policies haven’t been able to change anything. So you tell me: Why bother?” Bardia, an Iranian information technology manager, told the Wall Street Journal. Khamenei uses the parliament for his own self interest. In this case, he stacked the parliament with hardliners to neuter moderate President Hassan Rouhani who has been trying to negotiate with the United States. The new parliament will not seek to ease tensions with the United States, which will leave the Iranian economy in shambles and only increase the public discontent with the regime. After the United States pulled out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, the Iranian economy floundered and there has been no improvement. In 2018 alone, Iranian inflation reached 33.5% while growth declined by at least 6%. And with current conditions and sanctions still imposed, the U.N. predicted that Iran’s economy will shrink by 2.7% and inflation will remain above 30% in 2020. The current restlessness among Iranians is in large part due to the crumbling economy and the regime’s refusal to improve it. Khamenei and his government will keep the economy in shambles by refusing to negotiate with the United States. Rouhani was the only person in Iran trying to improve relations with the United States, and now Khamenei has taken that power away from him with the new hardliner parliament. Now Iranians are

“The Iranian economy needs to continue to crumble for the disillusionment to keep growing until it affects change.”

blaming Khamenei and his government for the economic problems and the decline of Iran. One NPR reporter spoke to Iranians asking them, “Who do you blame for Iran’s economic trouble?” One Iranian quickly replied, “I think our government.” Another Iranian told NPR, “Most of our politicians have a bird’s-eye view and don’t understand the troubles of the lower classes.” The United States already applies economic, trade, scientific, and military sanctions against Iran, so there is not much more damage the United States can do on its own to the Iranian economy — there is hardly any more trade between the two countries. But the UAE is still a major trade partner with Iran and the best way for the United States to pressure Iran would be by convincing the UAE to apply sanctions against Iran. According to Iranian statistics, about 10% of all Iranian imports and 15% of its exports are through the UAE. Last year, Iranian exports to the UAE totalled about $1.55 billion. Because the United States is one of the UAE’s biggest trade partners and allies, it would be easy for the country to convince the UAE to apply economic pressure on Iran. In 2018, trade between the UAE and the United States totalled $24.5 billion, with the United States exporting $19.5 billion to the UAE. With so much restlessness surrounding the Iranian elections this is the perfect time for the United States to pressure Iran via the UAE. The Iranian economy needs to continue to crumble for the disillusionment to keep growing until it affects change. It is a bit of hard ball politicking since the Iranian public will suffer under the economic strain, but this seems the best way to bring about change, or at least civilian discontent with the regime in Iran. Abby Liebing is a senior studying history. She is the associate editor of The Collegian and a columnist on foreign politics.

value over time. The United States is one of the largest markets for the artform, and the JCPOA eased the secondary sanctions targeting Persian rugs. Following the tightening of sanctions in 2018, no Persian rugs may enter the United States, which effectively blockades the American consumer of these goods and disrupts an industry that has nothing to do with state-sponsored terrorism, nuclear proliferation, or arms development. Many of the weavers are women who have limited options in the male-dominated workforce. With the removal of sanctions against the Persian rug industry, these women would have the opportunity to play a greater role in the economy and, consequently, in the political sphere. Recent imprisonments of feminist role models in Iran demonstrate a growing unrest among women, and increased political involvement would increase pressure against the regime. Negotiating with a country the United States has deemed hostile involves risks. There is the distinct possibility that funds generated from any exporting industry could be diverted to support the Iranian government’s anti-Western agenda. Yet decades of sanctions have not halted this agenda, and it is time for the United States to reevaluate their purpose. If they are purely symbolic, then their effectiveness is moot. If they are intended to spur regime change and deter nuclear proliferation, then they have failed. The long-term change in Iran will not come from outside pressure. It must come from the citizens, and the United States can support them by encouraging industries unrelated to national security. The Persian rug business is the perfect example of an industry that has a U.S. market and whose trade will form connections between the two cultures. Forming relationships through common interests, rather than cutting off ties for 40 years, will set the stage for economic prosperity and regime change. Kathleen Hess is a junior studying international business and German.

Alexander Ovechkin: The best of our time

By | Scott Lowery Records, even the unbelievable ones, are all meant to be broken. On Feb. 22, Washington Capitals winger Alexander Ovechkin took one more step toward a record many thought was unbreakable. In a 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, Ovechkin became just the eighth player in NHL history to score 700 goals in a career. Ovechkin is now 194 goals from reaching hockey legend Wayne Gretzky’s career record of 894 goals. Now, often in sports, accompanying the achievement of any great milestone is the discussion of a player’s overall place in history. There is debate as to whether Ovechkin deserves a place as one of hockey’s rarified few, but the numbers tell a very clear story. Ovechkin is the most offensively-productive player of our generation and will go down as the greatest and most consistent scorer of all time. Ovechkin is unquestionably scoring goals at a historic pace. He entered the league in the 2005-2006 season and immediately demonstrated his scoring prowess, tallying 52 goals and 54 assists in 81 games in his rookie campaign. Over his 14-year career, he has scored more than 50 goals in a season eight times. His 701 career goals leads all active NHL

players — 140 more than San tions of the league. During focused on scoring goals. The on the wing, which means Jose Sharks center Patrick Gretzky’s career, the average perception surrounding the when a team is transitioning Marleau, who entered the NHL team scored about 3.50 Russian superstar is that the into the offensive zone, it league eight years before goals per game, compared to way he plays the game is akin is rare that he controls the Ovechkin. His 0.611 goals per 2.85 goals per game during to a sniper — striking with puck. Most offensive develgame is 16% higher than any Ovechkin’s career. Not only is extreme precision and power, opment flows through the active player. Ovechkin on pace to become but having a diminished imcenter, which is why the nine Statistically, Ovechkin is a more effective scorer than pact on the overall flow of the active leaders in assists ahead the most prolific scorof Ovechkin are all er of our generation. centers. Period. He receives critThis begs the icism for his lack of question, however: skill as a playmaker, how does he stack up and yet he is also the against the one they most effective playcall “The Great One?” maker in the 21st cenWayne Gretzky is tury from the wing. widely regarded as Ovechkin isn’t the greatest hockey just a scorer. He’s an player of all time. offensive machine. He He holds the career ranks third among marks for goals (894), active players in assists (1963), and offensive production points (2857). While per game with 1.108 Ovechkin will never points per game, just approach Gretzky’s barely behind Penmarks for assists or guins greats Sidney points (it’s likely that Crosby and Evgeni no one ever will), he Malkin. Over his is on pace to surpass career, he averaged a Gretzky for the most remarkable 85 points goals in NHL history. per season, breaking Gretzky averaged the 100 point barrier 0.601 goals a game four times. Offensive over his 20 year career production leads to — .01 of a goal per wins, and Ovechkin game behind Ovech- If he stays on his current goal-scoring pace, Alexander Ovechkin could take the re- has led his Capitals to kin. From there, the cord for the highest number of NHL goals scored in a career. | Wikimedia Commons three President’s Cups equation is simple: if OvechGretzky himself, but he did game. The numbers, however, and the 2017-2018 Stanley kin is able to play another 330 it in a league that was less tell a different story. While Cup title. games, or about four seasons, inclined toward offensive his 570 career assists ranks Ovechkin performs at a at the same level he is now, production, making him untenth among active players — high level, and the success of the record is his. doubtedly the greatest scorer over 500 behind Sharks leghis team reflects the imporThis mark is even more in NHL history. end Joe Thornton — it is still tance of this contribution. impressive than Gretzky’s Some criticize Ovechkin a ridiculous number given Perhaps the most impresgiven the relative condibecause this game is often his position. Ovechkin plays sive part of Ovechkin’s career

is his unbreakable consistency. He hasn’t played less than 72 games in any season since he entered the league, demonstrating a remarkable toughness. While he entered the NHL in the same season as Malkin and Crosby, he’s played 200 more games than each of them because of his toughness and aversion to injury. He has scored within 13 goals of his per season average every season during his career. By contrast, in Gretzky’s 20 year career, he averaged 62 goals per season in his prime seven years, but only 20 goals per season in the other 13. Statistically, it is inevitable that Ovechkin will go down as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He has the opportunity to become the most prolific goal scorer ever. Despite the numbers, there are still those who doubt his place in history. Ovechkin may break Gretzky’s record, he may not. Some may consider Ovechkin a legend, some may not. Even Gretzky had doubters during his time as the greatest ever. Just like we will never see another Gretzky, we will never see another Ovechkin. The best thing to do is sit back and appreciate the greatest talent of our generation before it is gone. Scott Lowery is a senior studying mathematics and economics.

March 5, 2020

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Presidential primaries, ISD millage on March 10 ballot By | Nolan Ryan Editor-In-Chief Residents of Hillsdale County will face two big issues on the March 10 ballot: the presidential primaries and a millage for the Hillsdale Intermediate School District. Interim County Clerk Michelle Loren said voters can choose to vote in either the Democratic or Republican presidential primary as well as on the millage, or on the millage proposal alone. Voters will decide on whether to approve the Hillsdale ISD millage that will increase funding for career and technical education through the Hillsdale Area Career Center. The CTE millage is currently set at 0.89 mill, according to Jamie Mueller, principal and CTE director at HACC. The request on the ballot would increase the millage by 0.6082 mill, for a

total of just under 1.5 mill. According to the Hillsdale ISD, residents with a home value at $105,600, and taxable value of the home at $52,800, would owe $32.11 with the millage. Hillsdale ISD Superintendent Troy Reehl said the millage will generate $700,000 for the programs. According to Mueller, funding for CTE was cut at the federal and state levels over the last few years. Because of this, she said, HACC has had to rely more on funding from millages. The current millage of 0.89 is substantially lower than the CTE millages for Branch, Lenawee, and Jackson counties. This millage increase would help sustain current programs and bring equipment up to industry standard, Mueller said. “This would allow us not to have to cut programming for the 30% of 11th and 12th graders that attend these

programs in our community,” Reehl said. “Simply, we collect less taxes because we have a smaller tax base, and we levy a much lower millage rate,” she said in an email. “With the substantial cuts in funding, we can no longer sustain the CTE programs we currently are providing, not without the taxpayers’ help.” Operating on a tighter budget means only being able to provide basic services to students, she said, adding that technical education is most effective when groups have “equipment that is up to industry standard.” On the benefits of HACC for students, Mueller said students can attend for half a day to gain experience and credentials in programs such as welding, health sciences, engineering, and criminal justice. These opportunities are open to all students in the

county, she said. The certifications students receive are recognized in the industry, allowing them to find employment in their field immediately, Mueller said. “Each instructor is an expert in their field and comes from the industry related to the program they are teaching,” she said. “This brings valuable, real-world knowledge into the classroom.” CTE is a benefit for students, she said, in that it gives them the opportunity to “be immersed in a profession and get a leg up on the next phase of their life.” The programs allow students to get hands-on experience in a career before deciding what they will do after high school. Mueller said these programs are good for local businesses in the county, as they create a pipeline of future employees. “The more we can grow that pipeline, the better for

By | Elizabeth Bachmann Assistant Editor On a cold night, Hillsdale’s homeless population can head to 7 S. Manning St. for a warm bed and a hot meal, courtesy of Share the Warmth. The warming center for Hillsdale’s homeless opens its doors 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. every night from Nov. 1 through March 31. The Share the Warmth program, which is in its second year of operation, is located in Sozo Church in Hillsdale. The operation runs completely off of donations from the community and is now a nonprofit organization — which means it is able to offer tax exemptions for donations. Independent donors, church

groups, and ministries volunteer to monitor the building overnight, to cook meals, and to fund expenses. Executive Director Penny Meyer said anywhere from seven to 15 people stay at the center each night. “I think they are very thankful for it, thankful that they don’t have to be out in the cold, and most of them are very respectful,” Meyer said. Each night, the volunteers offer homeless people a warm meal, a cot, and a hot breakfast. Meyer added that the volunteers were able to add breakfast to their offerings this year since operations moved into a new facility with a fully-licensed kitchen. The volunteers are currently in the process of installing washers

and dryers in addition to shower stalls. Meyer, currently responsible for Share the Warmth’s daily operation, was nominated by the Sozo Church Council in 2017 to head a project for wintertime homeless sheltering. “For some reason, they thought of me,” Meyer said. “They approached me, and I didn’t really think that we had a homeless problem in Hillsdale. I never even realized. Then I talked with my husband, and we prayed about it, and I accepted the challenge.” Despite growing concerns over homelessness in Hillsdale, and Meyer herself discovering the problem for the first time, Meyer said that homelessness is not increasing

in Hillsdale. Programs like Share the Warmth merely draws attention to a problem that already existed. Jennifer Rose, a housing specialist through the Community Action Agency, works closely with Share the Warmth and other outreach programs for Hillsdale’s homeless. She agreed with Meyer. “I don’t know that homelessness is increasing. It has always been here, but service is here now, so it is bringing homelessness more to the forefront,” Rose said. “Finding affordable housing for the homeless we already have is the big problem right now.” To volunteer with Share the Warmth, contact Penny Meyer: directorpennystw@ gmail.com

By | Ben Wilson Assistant Editor The Hillsdale City Council has received more than six applications for the newly formed Homelessness Task Force, which will soon begin addressing homelessness in the city. Seven people have submitted applications to serve on the board, and Mayor Adam Stockford said two dozen more residents expressed interest in applying. “I don’t think it’d be wise to set a total member number at this point until we see what

we’re really looking at here,” he said to encourage the delay of creating the board until more people submit applications. “We’ve got some really good people.” Stockford said Hillsdale Police Chief Scott Hephner will serve on the task force, along with whichever citizens are selected. Stockford said the committee’s first task should be to define a mission statement and determine the scope of the homeless problem in Hillsdale. “The first thing is getting some actual accurate informa-

tion to know what we’re looking at here,” Stockford said. The board will also seek to determine if the homeless population is native to Hillsdale or from other areas. Councilmembers and law enforcement officers will help lead the group toward solutions for the city. “The fact that law enforcement is going to be involved in the conversation is very encouraging,” Stockford said. The council will receive an update from Stockford at the March 16 meeting about additional applications submitted. Later in the meeting, the

council discussed a $1 million grant awarded to the Hillsdale Municipal Airport. The Michigan Association of Airport Executives Conference met in February with representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and Michigan Department of Transportation. The groups awarded Hillsdale for “outstanding promotion of the airport.” “Hillsdale received a supplemental grant of over $1 million to complete the phase two parallel taxiway project,” City Manager David Mackie said.

Share the Warmth meets needs of homeless

Hillsdale County,” Mueller said. “We want kids to gain experience and ultimately choose to live in Hillsdale County, whether they make that choice right after high school or after pursuing post-secondary education and training.” Mayor Adam Stockford said residents should make an effort to vote in every election, especially when millages are on the ballot. “We’ve seen for some time now that millage questions find their way onto March and August ballots when voter turnout is low. If you look at election history, millages tend to pass on March and August ballots,” Stockford said. Stockford also said the issue of funding for skilled trades training is important for Michigan voters in general. There are other ways for trades training to receive

funding, but Stockford said this continually gets brushed aside. The frustrating thing, he said, is that state legislators and the governor’s office recognize a shortage of skilled trade workers, but they still give increases in funding to public universities, who go on to raise tuition prices. “The state is directing some funding to skilled trades, but it’s telling people that it should be done locally. Meanwhile, locally, all the high schools are telling kids that college isn’t for everyone, that what we need is more skilled trade workers,” Stockford said. “You watch the state give huge increases to public universities that have no skilled trade programs. More money than ever is going to places like the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Rural areas are scrambling and having to go to voters once again.”

The kitchen at Sozo Church, where volunteers from Share the Warmth prepare meals for homeless members of the community. Courtesy | Penny Meyer

City Council discusses progress of Homelessness Task Force, new taxiway The city will be responsible for about $60,000 to fully fund the project. This is just 5% of the total cost for the taxiway. The airport already has a taxiway, which connects to the west end of the runway. The new taxiway will connect to the east end so that planes don’t have to travel across the runway to get to the opposite side. Hillsdale Municipal Airport Manager Ginger Moore helped make the grant possible. “We wouldn’t be talking about this grant if it wasn’t for

Ginger’s hard work,” Mackie said. “In networking with the Federal Aviation Administration represent for Michigan, she really had Hillsdale at heart.” Moore met with several representatives from the different agencies, showed them the airport, and followed up with proof of the work being done by the airport. “We were singled out by many, many airports that wanted this money,” she said. “We were very lucky.”

Scott Hodshire running for sheriff in 2020 Election, hopes to bring back former programs that benefit inmates By | Nolan Ryan Editor-In-Chief

Scott Hodshire, a former corrections officer and marine patrol deputy, is running for Hillsdale County Sheriff and said he hopes to bring back programs such as the GED and work programs for inmates. Hodshire, a lifelong resident of Hillsdale County, currently works with a management team and said that as sheriff, he wants to see more community involvement with the office. The sheriff ’s office needs to reinstate a variety of programs it cut over the last several years in order to ensure more community safety and involvement, he said. One such program is the work inmate program, which Hodshire said would benefit the economy if restored. “It brings in additional funds for the county,” Hodshire said. “We can take these inmates to work for, say, the fairgrounds. They pay us to come in and clean up the trash, prepare for the fair, and help clean up after the fair. It’s good money, and it’s no expense to the sheriff ’s office.” He noted that other nonprofits could hire jail inmates for service. But beyond the financial benefit, the program is a good thing for inmates. Bringing back the community service framework is part of this program. Hodshire said inmates need rehabilitation, something he saw during his

time as a corrections officer. The work, he said, can be as simple as mowing grass, raking and picking up leaves, and collecting trash. “We no longer clean the roadsides,” Hodshire said. “But it gets inmates out of the jail and gets them productive. It gets them into a work reform. The community can see these guys out working, knowing that they’re not just sitting in jail doing their time.” Hodshire emphasized how important it is for inmates to get used to working and contributing to society. If they aren’t working, he said, the sheriff ’s office needs to “get them on the working path.” Beyond the work, though, it’s important inmates have a good GED program, something the county is currently lacking, according to Hodshire. “Let’s get them educated while they’re in there,” he said. In addition to working on the inmate situation, Hodshire plans to address the opioid crisis and its effect on the county. Because of this serious drug issue, as well as problems with methamphetamine, law enforcement must be more diligent in working with community partners to combat substance abuse. For this to work, he said the sheriff ’s office needs to implement a system where all community organizations work together in Hillsdale and nearby counties. “We need to restore the

drug team,” Hodshire said. “We need to work with our neighboring counties, get a task force going, and work with the City of Hillsdale.” The sheriff ’s office used to be part of a multi-agency drug team called OMNI, which included Michigan State Police, sheriff ’s deputies, and other law enforcement officers, according to Hodshire. The team, he said, was cut about eight years ago. Since that time, there have been efforts to partner with the City of Hillsdale and other agencies, but Hodshire said only a full-time team will really help the county with substance abuse. Once a system is in place, Hodshire said, it’s important to begin educating the public on the opioid crisis. One way to do this is with public seminars. When it comes to community safety, Hodshire wants to restore neighborhood watch programs, as well as address school safety issues. Bringing back the neighborhood watch program could not only increase the county’s safety, but it allows people to become more engaged in their community, according to Hodshire. Meanwhile, Hodshire noted that school shootings are a serious issue right now. He wants the sheriff ’s office to have more of a hand in providing security and training teachers. “We need to get our teachers educated in school

lockdowns and shootings,” Hodshire said. “And we need to get a deputy in the schools every day. He’s not going to be there for eight hours a day, and we’ll have him rotate, but we need an officer in the schools every day.” In his goals of increasing security, Hodshire said one of his priorities will be to address the issue of jail overcrowding. There are about 67 inmates in the Hillsdale County Jail at any given time, according to Hodshire, and there’s a need to add more bedspace. “I want to apply for federal grants for an addition to the jail,” he said. “That way, it’s not a catch and release situation. Right now, if you’re sentenced to 15 days in jail, and we’re overcrowded, the judge is going to give you five days.” Hodshire said these additions would also allow Hillsdale County to rent out bedspace to neighboring counties if the jail isn’t full. On the streets, Hodshire said the sheriff ’s office needs to bring back the third shift, or “midnight,” patrol. Sheriff Timothy Parker cut the midnight patrol in November 2019, citing a lack of staff. Hodshire said the first shift is overstaffed right now and that the sheriff ’s office should move command staff to cover the third shift. But he also said staff shortage is a big problem he wants to address as sheriff. “We need to dive in and

find out why we lost 13 deputies in the last three years. They’re not happy,” he said, adding that a top concern is to find out why this is the case. During his days working for the sheriff ’s office, Hodshire worked alongside David Braxmaier, a former captain in the office. Braxmaier remembers when Hodshire joined as a patrol officer, and he also noted that three of Hodshire’s brothers also worked for the office at some point. Jeremiah Hodshire worked as undersheriff before going to Hillsdale Hospital, where he now serves as the CEO. Braxmaier said Hodshire has the right temperament for the job. “Depending on what the scenario is, you adapt to it. Scott never had a problem out in the field,” Braxmaier said. “As a corrections officer, he had a lot more situations where the people aren’t as friendly. Dealing with inmates, he always got along, established himself well, and was a leader. Scott’s never been a follower.” Even though Hodshire hasn’t worked in the sheriff ’s office for the last several years, Braxmaier said, he has kept up with law enforcement and the current laws. Braxmaier said he believes Hodshire will bring a “fresh set of eyes” and “high hopes of making changes.” Susan Smith, executive director of the Hillsdale Eco-

nomic Development Partnership, has been involved with Hodshire’s campaign by sitting in on meetings he held with local leaders. She said Hodshire has a “multi-level understanding of our community.” “He understands the family perspective, coming from a big family and having a family of his own,” she said. “He’s also been involved with public and private businesses and has a law enforcement background. Law enforcement has to have a well-rounded understanding of the community. It helps when dealing with people because everybody’s a little different.” From an economics perspective, Smith said bringing back the work program for inmates would be a smart move. “It’s no benefit to have people sit in a cell and not be productive,” she said. “They don’t have a daily mission. They need to be doing something to maintain connectivity to the community. And it’s important they restore some benefit to the community because it’s costly to have people incarcerated.” Hodshire said it’s important for employees in the sheriff ’s office to not get too comfortable in the job. “When we’re in a job for so long, we become complacent. It becomes a day-to-day operation,” Hodshire said. “But let’s bring this county to the next level. Let’s be proactive, not reactive.”

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March 5, 2020

Cottage Inn Pizza has grand opening this week at new location Silos Fun Park By | Liam Bredberg Assistant Editor

Part of the dining area at Cottage Inn Pizza’s new loaction. Liam Bredberg | Collegian

After buying the property for $345,000 in Aug. 2019 and constructing a number of new buildings, the owners of Cottage Inn Pizza opened the doors to the amusement park this week. Donna Olmstead has owned the Hillsdale Cottage Inn Pizza with her husband, Brad Olmstead, for the last five years. Donna Olmstead said that she and her husband were looking for a larger location to host a variety of different events. “We were leasing the old building where we were located downtown, and it was a larger dining room than most other pizzerias in town,” Donna Olmstead said. “We tried to specialize in bringing together the family, and we experienced space limitation when we did things like birthday parties. It would fill up almost all of our space.” Tyler Goodman, a manager at Cottage Inn, said he believes the location will be a much needed attraction for Hillsdale and its surrounding counties. “We’re the only place around here to go for a birthday party,” Goodman said. “The only other place

with a play structure for kids is McDonald’s. I feel like we’ll get plenty of people here looking for that kind of stuff. Silos had a lot of potential but I feel like it needed something else. Bringing Cottage Inn and adding that aspect is really going to be good for business.” On choosing the right property, Donna Olmstead said that there were not many

said. “One day we drove past and wondered if all the things at Silos would fit our needs. We decided that it would.” The Olmsteads added a few new areas to Silos to accommodate the restaurant portion that Cottage Inn will add. The dining room that guests see when they first enter the building is the main area in which food will be served.

Part of the arcade section at Cottage Inn Pizza’s new location. Liam Bredberg | Collegian

choices available in the area. “We recognized early on that we needed to have a bigger building, but unfortunately there wasn’t much property around that would fit our needs,” Donna Olmstead

Donna Olmstead said that she and her husband kept construction costs down by doing much of the work themselves when they could. “We spent $285,000 on improvements, which was

very low considering many of the bids we got were around $500,000,” Donna Olmstead said. “My husband and I did a lot of the work ourselves to keep the price down.” While the new owners are trying to fix everything they can, there are certain attractions at the park that are too far gone or that will get fixed in the future when Cottage Inn is ready to cover the expense. “The batting cages are just so far gone that it would be cost prohibitive to fix them,” Donna Olmstead said. “We’ll be taking those down and maybe one day we’ll look at putting a different building out there. We’re also looking to do something in the silos building itself. It’s just huge inside and there’s so much we could possibly do so we’re working on figuring that out.” There is still much for Cottage Inn to do before Silos is fully operational, but the indoor elements are open to the public. “Immediately we want to work on getting the fun park up and running,” Donna Olmstead said. “It’s been sitting here for two or three years without anything happening out there, so we’ll be working on getting the go-karts and mini golf up and running.”

Quartermania will raise money for Heritage Association’s Mural Project By | Abby Liebing Associate Editor The Heritage Association of Hillsdale is holding a fundraiser event called “Quartermania” on March 21 to raise money for its 2020 “Welcome to Historic Hillsdale” Mural Project. The 100 available tickets are on sale now for $10 at 55 N. Broad St. The Heritage Association will be auctioning off more than 85 items, including

$500 chandeliers, Fitbits, Echo Dots, designer purses, artwork, and more. “I am most excited about the evening because it brings the community together for a great evening of fun,” Connie Sexton, the executive director of The Heritage Association, said. “We not only raise money for a great cause but we give back by offering top-notch quality items to be won. With only a 100-person seating capacity and over

85 auction items and some giveaways, everyone should go home a winner.” The Heritage Association of Hillsdale began several years ago when Heather Tritchka, the co-founder, headed up the project for the Winona statue that now stands in Mrs. Stock’s Park. The community responded positively and loved the idea of bringing more artwork to Hillsdale, which then spurred the Heritage Association to

form and keep working on projects. Tritchka said that people throughout Hillsdale have volunteered to help with the projects, which keeps the cost down and makes them possible. “Everyone just jumps in and wants to help,” Tritchka said. The idea for the “Welcome to Historic Hillsdale” mural came from Richard Moore of Moore Insurance when he

asked The Heritage Association if it would be interested in doing a mural on the side of his building that is visible above Hillsdale Jewelers. The Heritage Association was happy to do it and contacted John Castellese, a local artist, to design the mural. The association then contacted Wes Hardin, a renowned muralist who painted the train mural on Manning Street, and asked him to make the mural.

“He was very excited to come back and work in Hillsdale again,” Tritchka said. The mural will cost about $17,000. Hardin is projected to start painting Sept. 8, 2020, according to Tritchka. Depending on the weather, Sexton said, the mural should take about one week to paint. The mural will also have lights on it to make it visible at night.

Market House to add new businesses By | Calli Townsend Assistant Editor The Market House Supermarket is Hillsdale’s one-stop shop for everything from groceries and deli to postal services and a fitness center. Now the store owner, Brett Boyd, is looking to add another business or two. At the end of 2019, Domino’s franchisee Ken Clawson decided it was time to retire, leaving an empty space in Market House’s food court with no one new looking to sign a contract with the franchise to take its place. “We’ve been looking at a lot of different options to fill the space,” Boyd said. “We’re looking primarily at fresh food options. We’ve done a lot of due diligence on our side, analyzing opportunities to go there.” Boyd said he is considering a wide range of food options, including ice cream, Chinese food, or a different pizza option, but has yet to make a decision. He has traveled as far as California to find the best option. He said Market House is looking for something that will complement the other foods that are already there, including Blimpie Subs, Biggby Coffee, and Krispy Krunchy Chicken. “It’s an exciting time. We have a clean slate here, a great location, and an opportunity to add something new and different to the community,”

Boyd said. “We’ve been very patient in our review of other alternatives because we want it to have a niche and we want it to be different.” A new spot to eat in the food court isn’t the only thing Boyd is looking to add to his store. “We actually have another space in the store. It’s about 3,500 square feet that we’re looking at also adding, which is in the back,” he said. “You can’t see it right now because it’s part of our warehouse, but we’re looking at some options of opening up our floor plan to allow for another storefront that could potentially go back there.” This space, unlike the area in the front of the store where Domino’s was, is being considered for hard goods such as clothing or appliances. Boyd said he’s looked at several different options for that space, and most recently visited the B2 Outlet in Coldwater. “We love their business model because they’re very community-minded,” Boyd said. “We just looked at that option. It’s a Michigan-based business that has contracts with big box stores and they deal with new appliances, clothing, furniture. It’s a wide variety of stuff.” These additions are coming at an exciting time for the Hillsdale Market House. Founded in 1941 by Boyd’s great-great-grandfather, this fifth-generation family-owned

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business is entering its 80th anniversary. “We’re going to celebrate our 80th birthday,” Boyd said. “Our goal here is to be a fifth-generation, 100-year Michigan family-owned business. And there’s not too many of those, so it’s really important that we make good decisions with this and that we add these two stores, one here up front, and then one towards the back of the store. It’s really important to our future that those are winners. We’ve been really deliberate in making a decision because we want it to be right, to feel right.” Part of making sure they make the right decision is getting the community involved and making sure Market House introduces something it either needs or will enjoy. “I’m getting a little impatient. I want to make a move,” Boyd said. “I want to make a difference for my store, for our employees, for our community, so we’ll see what happens. We’re relying on talking to everybody to meet the needs of the community. And if there’s a need in our community we don’t have, we have two store fronts we can utilize for that.” He said he’s reached out to community members through the Market House Facebook page, and would also love to even hear what Hillsdale College students would like to see in the store.

“I would love to see a Chipotle,” Hillsdale College Junior Matthew Pfeifer said. “I once ate there five days a week for three months straight.” Mike Phillips has been the store manager of Market House for five years and was the assistant store manager 15 years prior to that. He greets customers by name and is very community-driven, supporting Boyd’s mission to serve the community. “That’s why we’re in business,” Phillips said. “It’s because of the customer base that we have.” Phillips said that despite the store’s already wideranging variety, he would like to see something else complete all that they have. “This thing is going to kind of get us that final puzzle piece for everything else that we have,” Phillips said. “With the amount of time we’ve put into it, we’re going to make the right decision doing it. I think it’s going to complement everything very well.” As decisions come to their final stages, Boyd said Market House Supermarket should have two more stores to offer the community of Hillsdale by the end of this year or early next year when it celebrates its 80th anniversary. “My great-greatgrandfather had a saying, ‘If you’re not making dust, you’re gonna eat it,’” Boyd said. “We’re gonna make some dust this year.”

By | Elizabeth Johnsen Collegian Freelancer The Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness organization of Hillsdale County will host a training event to teach adults who work with children how to prevent sexual abuse of children. The event, called “Keeping Our Children Safe,” is part of CAPA’s Stewards of Children program and will be held on March 14. “The Stewards of Children program is an evidence-informed, proactive approach to child sexual abuse prevention,” Executive Director of CAPA Christie Campbell said

in an email. Campbell said the training will take about two hours and includes an hour-long video called “Darkness to Light” that features stories from survivors of abuse, expert advice on how to recognize and prevent abuse, and practical guidance. In addition to the video, member training will feature a workbook and class discussions. “You’ll learn the ‘Five Steps to Protecting Our Children’ and how they can be applied to keep our kids safe,” Campbell said in an email. Court Appointed Special Advocate Program Coordinator Heather Upton will lead

The Market House Supermarket store owner Brett Boyd said he is looking for new businesses to fill the empty spaces of the building. Calli Townsend | Collegian

Hillsdale CAPA to host training program to prevent abuse the program. Upton recently took similar training herself to prepare for facilitating this program. She said the survivors’ stories made this training stand out as one of the only programs she has done that struck her as realistic. She added that there was an element of hope to these stories as well. “They’re not letting it define them. They’re wanting to get the word out there so that people know what to look for, and how to understand the struggle that people that have been sexually abused go through,” Upton said. Upton added that she hopes the training will raise

awareness in the community and help those who volunteer with CAPA to understand how to recognize and deal with situations such as these. “It’s a topic that most people don’t want to talk about, and rightfully so, but it does happen, and I think it’s good to have that community awareness there,” Upton said. The training is designed for adults who work with children but is open to all members of the community. Space is limited to a capacity of 25, but those interested can contact capahillsdale@sbcglobal.net or call 517-437-3100.

SPORTS

A8 March 5, 2020

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Scoreboard

Women's Basketball

Chargers close tough season with one-point loss at Findlay Young team misses G-MAC tournament for first time since joining conference By | S. Nathaniel Grime sports editor In a season full of close contests that never seemed to go the Hillsdale College Chargers’ way, their final game of the season followed that same script. The Chargers ended a disappointing 6-21 season with a 69-68 loss on Saturday at the University of Findlay. Hillsdale finishes the regular season with a 3-15 record in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, and misses the conference tournament for the first time in its three years in the conference. On Saturday, the Chargers got out to a 25-12 lead in the first quarter and led at halftime, 43-28. But the Oilers outscored Hillsdale in the second half, 41-25, and made a buzzer-beater layup at the end of the game to complete the comeback and come out on top. Sophomore guard Lauren Daffenberg led the Chargers with 23 points and made seven three-pointers. She went seven for 18 from beyond the three-point arc and eight for 21 shooting from the floor overall. Sophomore guard Grace Touchette followed with 21 points, and made six three-pointers on six for 12

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

| findlay, oh

Hillsdale (6-21, 3-15 Findlay (17-11, 13-5 -

final

68 69

g-mac)

g mac)

shooting from long distance. She also had eight rebounds and six assists. Senior guard Sydney Anderson scored 17 points and made five of nine three-pointers. She also had five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. The Chargers shot 49 three-pointers overall, and made 18 of them. They went just five for 19 from the floor when they weren’t shooting from beyond the arc. In her second season in a Chargers’ uniform and first season as a starter, Daffenberg was the team’s leading scorer. She scored 343 points in total, averaging 12.7 points per game. She made a team-high 68 three-pointers on the year, and shot 32.7% from that range. In two seasons, Daffenberg has already scored 633 points in her career, putting her on the map for a potential 1,000-point career sometime in the next two years. She shot 32.7% from three-point range in both of her first two seasons, and is a 87.2% free throw shooter

in her two seasons. Touchette was the team’s second-leading scorer on the season, scoring 290 points and averaging 12.6 points per game. She was the team’s leading three-point shooter percentage-wise, going 39.6% from beyond the arc. Through two seasons, one as a regular starter, Touchette has scored 511 points, making her another potential 1,000-point scorer sometime in the future. Anderson finished her Chargers’ career averaging 10.6 points per game in her senior season, her first as a starter. She finishes her four seasons at Hillsdale with 476 points, 228 rebounds, and 95 assists. Freshman forward Sydney Mills made an impact on the floor in her first season with Hillsdale. Though she came off the bench in 25 of the 27 games she played in, Mills led the team in total rebounds, with 173. Mills also was the team’s fifth-leading scorer with 170 points, and had the team’s most double-doubles, with

2020 G-MAC STANDINGS SCHOOL

february 29 Hillsdale (6-21, 3-15) Findlay (17-11, 13-5)

G-MAC OVERALL

1. WALSH 2. KENTUCKY WESLEYAN t3. CEDARVILLE t3. FINDLAY t5. MALONE t5. OHIO DOMINICAN 7. TIFFIN 8. LAKE ERIE 9. TREVECCA NAZARENE t10. URSULINE t10. ALDERSON BROADDUS 12. HILLSDALE 13. OHIO VALLEY

18-0 16-2 13-5 13-5 12-6 12-6 8-10 7-11 6-12 4-14 4-14 3-15 1-17

25-2 26-2 20-7 17-11 18-10 17-11 13-15 10-18 9-18 8-20 7-21 6-21 3-21

Lauren Daffenberg Grace Touchette Sydney Anderson Jaycie Burger Julia Wacker Kennedy Pratt Sydney Mills Amaka Chikwe Anna LoMonaco Arianna Sysum Maverick Delp

five. The Chargers will graduate two starters this year; Anderson and senior center Julia Wacker. Wacker was the team’s second-leading rebounder on the season and led the team with 18 blocks. Wacker finishes her career with 382 points, and an impressive 391 rebounds and 62 blocks. In addition to returning Daffenberg and Touchette as starters next season, the Chargers will get junior guard Jaycie Burger back for her senior year as a starter. She was the team’s fourth-leading scorer this season with 215 points, and had a team-most 63 assists. Through three seasons, two as a full-time starter, Burger has scored 552 points in her career in addition to 327 rebounds and 212 assists. She figures to be the team’s only starting senior next year, so her presence on the floor will be even more heightened in the 2020-2021 season. Looking forward, the Chargers will have the opportunity as a young team this season to build on a trying season. A seven-member freshman class and new incoming freshman class figures to give the team an exciting and dynamic look in the future. 1 2 3 4 FINAL

26 17 10 15 68 12 16 21 20 69

fgm/a 3pm/a ftm/a pts reb ast

8/21 7/18 0/0 23 4 0 6/15 6/12 3/6 21 8 6 6/11 5/9 0/2 17 5 5 1/11 0/7 1/2 3 3 7 1/2 0/0 0/0 2 10 0 1/3 0/2 0/0 2 3 0 0/2 0/1 0/0 0 4 1 0/2 0/0 0/0 0 3 0 0/1 0/0 0/0 0 2 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 1 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0

Against a loud away crowd, the Hillsdale College Chargers pulled out a close win Sunday against the Ferris State Dragons in Big Rapids, Michigan. “The day was long and very intense but felt like a great win,” head coach Nikki Walbright said of the 4-3 match that had four tiebreakers, three three-set matches, and a deciding point on the very last match of the day. The win puts the Chargers on an unbeaten 5-0 start to the spring season the week before the Chargers will travel to Florida to play three Florida schools during spring break. In Big Rapids, the Chargers started out the singles matches in a hole after narrowly losing the doubles point. Dropping the second court 6-1 but taking a 6-4 win on the third, the point came down to a tiebreak on junior Hannah Cimpeanu and sophomore Sarah Hackman’s court that was extremely tight the whole way

SINGLES DOUBLES

4 2

1 2

SCORE

4 3

singles scores

1. Isabela Paixao def. Hannah Cimpeanu 2. Sarah Hackman def. Agata Klak 3. Katie Bell def. Morgan Waller 4. Kamryn Matthews def. Brittany Lavenant 5. Patricia Martin Gomez def. Canela Luna 6. Sophia Spinazze def. Sam Stephenson

6-1, 6-2 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 6-1, 7-6 (3) 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (8) 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 6-3, 6-4

doubles score

1. Paixao/Klak def. Cimpeanu/Hackman 7-6 (8) 2. Stephenson/Waller def. Bell/Chawner 6-1 3. Matthews/Luna def. Lavenant/Martin Gomez 6-4

through. “They actually had a few match points,” head coach Nikki Walbright said. “The girls worked hard but unfortunately didn't pull it out.” As the singles matches began, the Chargers had to win four of six to win the match. Senior Katie Bell set the tone with a dominant 6-1 first set on the third court. “Katie Bell went out and gave us a feeling of confidence after doubles with starting out big in her match,” Walbright said. Bell faced more pressure in the second set, but was still able to pull out a straight set win by holding her opponent to 3 in the

second-set tiebreaker. Hackman’s three-set win notched another much-needed momentum shift in the match for the Chargers. “Sarah pulling ahead in her match was a really important momentum switch and I was really proud of her because she found a good rhythm all on her own,” Walbright said. But the focus of the match, to Walbright, was centered on senior Kam Matthews. She narrowly lost the first set in a 7-4 tiebreak, came back with a 6-4 second set, and went to tiebreak again in the third, this time winning 7-5 to notch the third point for the Chargers.

“Every game was really close and we couldn't get a big lead,” Walbright said. The match in the end came down to sophomore Sophia Spinazze on the sixth court. She faced a more powerful and aggressive player, but was able to maintain her consistency to outlast her opponent’s charges. “If I was able to stay in the point and move her around I could win,” Spinazze said. Even under the pressure of being the deciding match, Spinazze managed to keep the match to two sets. “It was a pretty tense environment and the Ferris state crowd was pretty vocal,” Spinazze said. “The match was close and only a few people were still playing so I knew that I needed to win.” In Florida, the Chargers will play three matches against teams in the region, including Nova Southeastern University, who as the fifth seed lost in the semifinals of last week’s NCAA Division II National Women’s Indoor Champion to the eventual winner, Barry University.

SCORE

5 2 6 1 1 1

singles scores

1. Yannic A. Mader def. Charlie Adams 2. Ivanhoe Lissanevitch def. Mathis Guerre 3. Michael Szabo def. Alec Olivier 4. Brian Hackman def. Josh McDermott 5. Tyler Conrad def. Cedric Rupa 6. Julien Clouette def. Andrew Swirzcek

3-6, 6-1, 6-1 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 6-2, 6-0 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 6-4, 2-6, 10-5 3-6, 6-2, 10-5

doubles score

1. Adams/Lissanevitch def. Rupa/Guerre 6-4 2. Mader/McDermott def. Szabo/Hackman 6-4 3. Clouette/Conrad def. Swirzcek/Olivier 6-2

March 1 Hillsdale Wayne State

SINGLES DOUBLES

SCORE

2 1 2 4 2 5

singles scores

1. Charlie Adams def. Niklas Karca 2. Pierre Renaudie def. Ivanhoe Lissanevitch 3. Max Rink def. Michael Szabo 4. Brian Hackman def. Luke Laws 5. Dom Spicer def. Tyler Conrad 6. David Solar def. Julien Clouette

7-6 (7-5), Retired 6-3, 6-3 6-3, 6-3 6-4, 4-6, 10-6 5-7, 6-4, 10-4 6-1, 6-0

doubles score

1. Adams/Lissanevitch def. Karcz/Laws 2. Solar/Spicer def. Szabo/Hackman 3. Renaudie/Rink def. Clouette/Conrad

MEN'S BASKETBALL february 29 Hillsdale (19-8, 15-3) Findlay (20-7, 15-3)

Connor Hill Patrick Cartier Austen Yarian Dylan Lowry Tavon Brown Mike Travlos Cole Nau Trenton Richardson

6-3 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2)

1 2 FINAL

25 34 59 22 32 54

fgm/a 3pm/a ftm/a pts reb ast

7/13 0/3 2/2 16 2 3 7/10 0/1 2/3 16 11 2 4/13 1/5 2/2 11 7 0 1/13 0/6 7/8 9 6 3 2/5 1/1 0/1 5 7 0 1/2 0/0 0/0 2 4 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 1 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 2 0

g-mac tournament quarterfinal march 3 1 2 FINAL 8 Kentucky Wesleyan 30 50 80 1 Hillsdale 29 43 72

Patrick Cartier Dylan Lowry Connor Hill Austen Yarian Mike Travlos Trenton Richardson Tavon Brown Cole Nau Jack Gohlke Kyle Goessler Jacob Ngobi

fgm/a 3pm/a ftm/a pts reb ast

11/12 1/1 2/4 25 8 4 8/19 3/9 1/1 20 4 1 4/11 1/3 2/2 11 1 4 4/9 0/4 3/4 11 5 2 1/5 1/5 0/0 3 0 1 1/1 0/0 0/0 2 1 0 0/4 0/1 0/0 0 6 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 1 1 0/1 0/1 0/0 0 1 0 0/1 0/1 0/0 0 0 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0

WOMEN'S TRACK AND FIELD february 28-29 G-MAC Championship | Tiffin, OH

60 meter dash

3. Kajsa Johansson 8. Jillian Roney 200 meter dash

time

7.61 7.92

time

1. Kajsa Johansson 8. Dakota Stamm

24.76 26.33

2. Dakota Stamm 3. Alanna O'Leary

58.07 59.08

3. Gwynne Riley 6. Calli Townsend

2:15.95 2:18.59

3. Maryssa Depies 4. Arena Lewis

5:04.45 5:05.18

2. Arena Lewis 3. Maryssa Depies 4. Christina Sawyer 5. Gwynne Riley

10:07.81 10:10.57 10:10.77 10:12.91

1. Christina Sawyer 4. Claire McNally 5. Meg Scheske 6. Sophia Maeda

17:38.17 17:59.64 18:00.27 18:15.02

400 meter dash

800 meter run

3000m Run

Chargers edge Ferris, remain undefeated february 29 Hillsdale Ferris State

february 29 Hillsdale Ferris State

1 mile run

Women's Tennis

By | Ryan Goff collegian reporter

MEN'S TENNIS

5000m run

60m Hurdles

5. Carmen Botha 6. Jillian Roney 8. Judith Allison

4x400 meter relay

time

Time

9.20 9.21 9.54

time

1. O'Leary/Allsion/Roney/Stamm

3:58.04

4. Poole/Nimtz/Mango/Rauch

12:45.42

4000m DMR

Time

long jump

distance

triple jump

distance

shot put

distance

weight throw

distance

6. Emily Gerdin 4. Emily Gerdin 5. Michaela Burkhauser 7. Nikita Maines 1. Nikita Maines 5. Michaela Burkahuser

5.37m

10.98m 13.77m 13.53m 17.70m 16.63m

MEN'S TRACK AND FIELD february 28-29 G-MAC Championship | Tiffin, OH 60 meter dash

time

400 meter dash

time

3. Jacob Schmidt

6.98

6. Adam Wade

51.05

4. Sean Hoeft 6. Mark Miller

1:56.97 1:58.71

3. Jack Shelley 4. Mark Miller

4:24.78 4:25.60

1. Joey Humes

8:31.25

3. Adam Wier

15:07.63

800 meter run

1 mile run

3000m Run 5000m run

60m Hurdles

3. Ian Brown 7. John Baldwin

4x400 meter relay

time

time time

Time

8.16 8.54

time

1. Meintjes/Wade/Calvert/Schmidt

3:23.48

6. Waffle/Ritzer/Palmer/Sprague

11:02.48

4000m DMR

Time

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Men's Track and Field

Sports

March 5, 2020 A9

Chargers finish third at G-MAC Championship By | Kate Pipher collegian freelancer The Men’s track team exceeded expectations and finished third at the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Championship meet on Feb. 28 and 29 in Tiffin, Ohio. “On paper we could’ve ended sixth or seventh,” head coach Andrew Towne said. “They just performed really, really well.” The men’s team was led by a stellar performance in the heptathlon by both junior Ryan Thomsen and sophomore John Ethan Baldwin. Thomsen ended with 5,157 total points which came from winning the long jump (6.86 meters) and the pole vault (4.55 meters). He also earned four second place finishes in five other events which clinched the title for him. “Thomsen is a really talented kid who has started to see the big picture and figure out how to handle himself. He did a great job,” Towne said. Thomsen not only reclaimed his school record that was broken by Baldwin earlier this season with last weekend’s performance, but he also qualified for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track National meet next weekend. Baldwin also put forth an impressive effort in the heptathlon coming in second with a total score of 4,786 points. Baldwin walked away with victories in the 60 meter hurdles (8.15 seconds) and 60 meter dash (7.18 seconds) and took second in the long jump. Senior Joseph Humes also

brought home a G-MAC title in the 3,000 meter run with a time of 8:31.25. He’ll be joining Thomsen at the National meet, but for the mile run from a time he ran earlier this season. Fellow distance runner, sophomore Adam Wier ran 8:21.25 and ended third in the 5,000 meter run. “I was excited and nervous to run the 5k,” Wier said. “This is my main indoor event. I focused on staying in the race and staying competitive. As the race went on, I moved up slowly and by the end I was kicking hard.” The endurance and resilience of Hillsdale’s distance crew was a huge factor in the Conference Championship for both the men and women’s teams. Junior Mark Miller ended fourth in a competitive mile race with a time of 4:25.60. Miller also ran the 800 meter run in 1:58.71 and came in sixth. Miller had previously this season suffered knee pain and had competed sporadically and had minimal training leading up to conference. “As a team we beat the expectation for us,” Miller said. “For the training I’d been able to do, I was happy with it. We always talk about being grateful for the opportunity to run. You have to be grateful to be the best version of your athletic self. We’re given a great opportunity to compete.” Junior Jack Shelley added to the points on the board for the Chargers with a third place finish in the mile running a 4:24.78. Freshman Sean Hoeft ran 1:56.97 in the 800 meter run to earn fourth

place. In the shorter distances, senior Ian Brown continued his incredible season with a bronze medal in the 60 meter hurdles for which he received all G-MAC honors. Brown ran a huge PR of 8.16 seconds, which would have broken the school record if Baldwin hadn’t run an 8.15 in the 60m hurdles of the heptatlon earlier that day. Junior Adam Wade took sixth in the 400 meter run with a time of 51.05 seconds. Sophomore Jacob Schmidt earned sixth in the 60 meter dash with a time of 6.98 seconds. In the field, freshman Charlie Andrews jumped 1.92 meters to take seventh place in the high jump. To end the Chargers’ impressive conference performance, the 4-by-400m relay came in second place with a time of 3:23.80. The Distance Medley ended sixth with a time of 11:02.48. Overall, Towne said he was proud of his men’s team for rallying together to pull out an unexpected third place finish. “These kids are challenged everyday,” he said. “This was just another challenge for us. We’re used to these challenges and I think that’s why we always rise to the occasion.” The Chargers will now focus on the NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships on March 13 and 14 in Birmingham, Alabama, at the Birmingham Crossplex. The men will be sending Humes to compete in the mile and Thomsen to compete in the Heptathlon.

Men's Tennis

Chargers split weekend trip By | Ryan Goff collegian reporter On the road this weekend, the Hillsdale College Chargers split their matches, beating Ferris State and losing to Wayne State. The weekend puts the Chargers at 6-1 as they head to Florida for a series of competitive outdoor matches over spring break. Against Ferris State, the Chargers withstood pressure from a raucous crowd for much of the match. “They’re extremely loud and obnoxious,” head coach Kieth Turner said. “It was an intense match, but once we got the doubles point it started to quiet down a little bit.” The whole Chargers team traveled to Ferris State in an attempt to offset the noise of the Ferris State fans. The Chargers took wins on the first and third doubles courts to secure the doubles point and kept up their momentum in singles, winning five of six matches. “He was honestly a big key to the weekend, the way he got through not feeling his best and still played well,” Turner said of senior Charlie Adams. “He showed up and competed really hard. I was really proud of him.” Adams, with junior Ivan Lissanevitch, secured a 6-4 win on the first doubles court against Ferris State and a 6-3 win against Wayne State the next day. Hackman, after losing the first set on Ferris State’s fast

indoor courts, picked up his play to beat his opponent in three sets. “I wasn’t really playing my best,” Hackman said of the first set. “Once I adjusted, I knew I could win the match. I knew I was the better player, I just had to figure it out.” The match turned out to be a pivotal win for the Chargers, sealing the match against a tough rival. “Brian had a couple of big wins for us over the weekend, for sure,” Turner said. “The one against Ferris was huge because it was in the third set and the match hadn’t been decided.” The Chargers dropped their first match of the season 5-2 the next day, but the match wasn’t quite a blowout the score line suggests. “It couldn’t have been any closer,” Turner said. “We pushed them. I mean, we had our chances. We could have beat that team.” The doubles point was decided by two tiebreaks on courts two and three. Szabo and Hackman managed to get up a break midway through the set and take a 4-3 lead. They were broken back on Szabo’s serve and lost the tiebreaker 7-3. “We just kind of had a sloppy game. I missed a volley and he double faulted,” Hackman said. “All of a sudden it was like, we just threw away our break, which we worked really hard to earn.” Clouette and Conrad also kept their match close before

losing ground in the tiebreaker and falling 7-2. In singles, the Chargers tried to keep up their intensity. Senior Charlie Adams outlasted his opponent in a first-set tiebreak before he retired with an illness and ceded the match to Adams. Hackman and Conrad were both up a set on their opponents when Wayne State clinched the match. The match showed just how important the doubles point is in collegiate tennis, according to Hackman. “If we had gotten the doubles point, Charlie won then I won, it would have come down to Tyler to clinch,” Hackman said. “That’s how close we were, based on that doubles point. It was a bummer.” Conrad, who went on to lose his match in the third set tiebreaker, would have had the chance to play a full third set and potentially win the match for the Chargers. It didn’t happen that way, and Adams and Hackman’s singles wins were the only points on the board for the Chargers on Sunday. “Really it’s a confidence booster for us that we can play right with those top teams in the nation,” Turner said. Now, the Chargers will travel to Florida and play teams ranked above Wayne State in national rankings, including no. 5 St. Leo University and no. 18 Florida Southern College.

Ryan Thomsen prepares to throw in the shot put. courtesy | shane o'donnell

TRACK, from A1 This performance gave the women their second indoor track G-MAC Conference Championship title since joining the conference for the 201718 season. They won by a final score of 149 to Tiffin’s 147.66, a 1.33 point separation. “I have never seen anything like it,” Towne said. “I don’t use this lightly, but from top to bottom it was the stuff of legends and it’s the kinda thing we will be talking about for a long time.” But a lot of athletes had to put in hard work throughout the two days to get to that championship moment. “When you win by 1.33, everyone matters and every single thing is important,” Towne said. Sawyer won a G-MAC title in the 5,000 meter run with a time of 17:38.17 the day before her 3000m race. “I felt really good about the race and it was fun to run with the other three girls on my team that did really well,” Sawyer said. She was followed by sophomore Claire McNally who ended fourth running 17:59.64. Taking fifth and sixth, were freshman Meg Scheske and sophomore Sophia Maeda, running 18:00.27 and 18:15.02, respectively. Sophomore Nikita Maines won another G-MAC title for the Chargers with a new personal best in the 20 kg weight throw (17.7 meters). Maines also threw for seventh in the shot put with a throw of 13.53 meters. Kajsa Johansson continued her dominant season at the conference championship, winning the 200 meter dash for the second

year in a row with a time of 24.76 seconds. “Her 200 meter run was incredible,” Towne said. “I bet you there’s not five people in the country who can do what she did there.” She’ll have a chance to compete against the rest of the nation at the NCAA Division II National meet next weekend in this event, as her title-winning time from Saturday was fast enough to qualify her for the meet. “What helped me perform well was trusting the process and staying motivated throughout the season leading up to conference,” Johansson said. “I felt so proud of my whole team, every individual contributed so much to the team as a whole.” Johansson also took third in the 60 meter dash, with a speedy time of 7.61, breaking her own school record in that event. In the field, sophomore Michaela Burkhauser threw 16.63 meters in the weight throw and ended fifth all conference. She also ended fifth in the shot put (13.77 meters), earning more points toward the Charger victory. Freshman jumper Emily Gerdin triple jumped 10.98 meters to end fourth, and took sixth place in the long jump with a mark of 5.37 meters. Back on the track, many of the distance stars from the 3k doubled up on events. Depies ran the mile to end third with a time of 5:04.45, while Lewis earned fourth place running 5:05.18. Riley ran for third in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:15.95, and junior Calli Townsend ended sixth in the 800 meter run, running the race in 2:18.59. “I’ve been surprised with how quickly [Riley’s] developed for a freshman,”

Towne said. “We relied on a lot of freshmen this meet, but what we put her through this meet was really tough, especially for a freshman. She was impressive.” Another solid freshman performance came from Stamm, who placed second in the 400 meter run with a time of 58.07 and fifth in the 200 meter dash in 26.33. Roney ended her first indoor season sixth in the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 9.21. She also took eighth in the 60 meter dash with a time of 7.92 seconds. Allison ran for eighth in the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 9.54 seconds. She also competed with Stamm in the 400 meter run and ended eighth (1:00.49). Junior Carmen Botha took fifth in the 60m hurdles with a time of 9.20 seconds. And O’Leary took bronze in the 400 meter dash with a time of 59.08 seconds. The distance medley relay, made up of junior Megan Poole, sophomore Amber Mango, freshman Allison Nimtz, and senior Addison Rauch, also snagged fourth all conference with a time of 12:45.42. Overall, Towne said he could not have been more proud of his athletes and the heart and strength they showed throughout all he asked of them over the two-day period. “I was thinking on the ride home from the meet, I’ve never heard or seen anything like that meet,” he said. The Chargers will send Johansson and Maines down to Birmingham, Alabama on March 13 and 14 to compete in the NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships, while the rest of the team begins to prepare for the upcoming outdoor season.

Charger A10 March 5, 2020

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

Men's Basketball

Panthers eliminate Chargers from conference tournament By | Calli Townsend assistant editor

The Hillsdale College men’s basketball team finished the 2019-20 regular season as co-champions of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference after beating the University of Findlay Oilers on their home court on Saturday, Feb. 29. Four days later, the Chargers entered the conference tournament as the no. 1 seed, hosting the no. 8 Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers on Tuesday, to whom they lost 80-72. Against the Panthers, the Chargers faced close competition as neither team led by more than five points until deep into the second half. A Kentucky Wesleyan three punctuated a key scoring run for the Panthers, putting them ahead 61-50 with just under six minutes remaining. From there, the Chargers played catchup. Junior forward Austen Yarian stopped the Panthers’ run with a layup and an and1, closing the deficit to eight. The Chargers continued to battle back as junior guard Connor Hill and freshman forward Pat Cartier took turns making threes and layups. It was 67-61 with 2:02 remaining when Yarian got a technical foul — the third of the game as Hillsdale’s head coach John Tharp and Kentucky Wesleyan’s coach each earned one earlier — and the Panthers extended their lead by one. Things looked bleak from there, as the Panthers carried that momentum for the next minute, resulting in a 73-63 lead with 55 seconds remaining. The next 15 seconds, however, sparked a hope in the Chargers’ offense as Cartier scored a layup and got the and-1, and senior guard Dylan Lowry came down on the next play to drain a three, closing the Panther’s lead to only four points with 39 seconds to go. Tharp called his last timeout, leaving the Chargers to foul for the rest of the game, and that’s just what

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

| findlay, oh

Hillsdale (19-8, 15-3 Findlay (20-7, 15-3 -

final

59 54

g-mac)

g mac)

g-mac tournament quarterfinal

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

| hillsdale, mi

final

80 72

Kentucky Wesleyan 1 H illsdale 8

they did. Kentucky Wesleyan took full advantage of that, shooting 7-8 from the stripe. Even back-to-back threes by Lowry weren’t enough to seal the victory. Lowry did go on to score 20 points in his final game as a Charger, however, along with four rebounds and one assist. He’ll go down in Hillsdale history as one of 38 Chargers to score more than 1,000 points in his career. The young Cartier led the team in scoring in Tuesday’s game with a 25-point performance that included eight rebounds and four assists, leaving him with a solid freshman year and much to look forward to in his next few seasons as a Charger. “To be honest, I’m not really looking ahead very much right now,” Cartier said. “I’m pretty disappointed at how the season ended and sad for our seniors.” Yarian and Hill each added 11 points. Yarian also had eight rebounds, while Hill had four assists and four steals.

“I'm really proud of our guys. When we think about those eight seniors we lost last year and we had a really tough non conference schedule. I think we played six of the eight regional qualifying teams from last year,” Tharp said. “We really challenged our guys and I thought we kept getting better and better.” Saturday’s game against Findlay was perhaps just as intense, but with a much happier ending as the Chargers defeated the Oilers for the second time this season. This was only the second time in the last 18 seasons that Hillsdale has won on the Oilers’ court. “It felt amazing being regular season champs. It’s only Coach Tharp’s second time ever and our first in the G-MAC, so it’s something that we all will always remember,” Hill said. “The G-MAC is a tough league so to be crowned as a champion is something pretty special.” It was an evenly-matched game, one that became

2020 G-MAC STANDINGS SCHOOL

t1.

FINDLAY t1. HILLSDALE t3. WALSH t3. CEDARVILLE 5. MALONE 6. KENTUCKY WESLEYAN t7. LAKE ERIE t7. OHIO DOMINICAN 9. ALDERSON BROADDUS 10. TREVECCA NAZARENE t11. TIFFIN t11. OHIO VALLEY

G-MAC OVERALL

15-3 15-3 13-5 13-5 10-8 9-9 8-10 8-10 7-11 6-12 2-16 2-16

20-7 19-8 22-6 18-10 16-12 11-15 14-14 12-16 9-19 6-21 8-20 5-23

heavily focused on defense and resulted in the Chargers’ lowest scoring game of the season, 59-54. Hillsdale barely edged out Findlay in the offensive statistics categories, winning the game with its defensive strength. “You know, we couldn’t hit a shot pretty much all game but we really hung our hat on our defense in that game,” Hill said. “We rebounded the ball extremely well and made plays when we had to. Pat was also extraordinary per usual.” Cartier led the team with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists, earning him his second G-MAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week award this season. His 64.3 shooting percentage leads the conference, and he averaged 16.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. “Beating Findlay was awesome for all of us,” Cartier said. “They have had our number in the last few years and to flip the script this year was awesome. The atmosphere was great and it was definitely one of the most fun games I’ve been a part of.” Hill also added in 16 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Yarian scored 11 and snagged eight rebounds and two steals. “I’m proud of the G-MAC and to be conference champs,” Tharp said. “I’m disappointed with our performance [on Tuesday]. That was a tough way for us to end, but when you look at the overall work we put in, we did a good job of getting better throughout the season.” The Chargers finish their 2019-20 season with a 19-9 overall record, 15-3 in the G-MAC. They will return three of their starting players, including Hill, Yarian, and Cartier. They’ll also have freshman forward Tavon Brown who became a much bigger factor in the Chargers’ offense, and junior forward Davis Larson who missed the season’s last seven games due to injury.

Patrick Cartier goes up for a layup during the second half of Tuesday's tournament game. calli townsend | collegian

G-MAC TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL TUESDAY, MARCH 3

80 72 8

Hillsdale Chargers

Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers

FIELD GOAL

54.2% (26/48)

46.0% (29/63)

THREE POINT

47.8% (11/23)

24.0% (6/25)

FREE THROW

81.0% (17/21)

72.7% (8/11)

REBOUNDS

ASSISTS

TURNOVERS

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS

SECOND CHANCE POINTS

POINTS IN THE PAINT

FASTBREAK POINTS

BENCH POINTS

LARGEST LEAD

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

March 5, 2020 B1

‘ Tower Players’ ‘Little Women’

brings fresh take to campus

By | Abby Liebing Associate Editor Louisa May Alcott’s beloved “Little Women” took the stage in Hillsdale during the last weekend of February and brought a fresh take on the story of the March sisters. Unsure that Alcott’s story would lend itself to a musical, it was a pleasant surprise to find that the musical that Allan Knee, Mindi Dickstein, and Jason Howland wrote in 2005, didn’t botch the story entirely. It was an enjoyable production filled with energy and sentiment that left the audience satisfied and smiling. Alcott’s well known story of the March sisters has been made into at least 12 TV adaptations and six films. And after Greta Gerwig’s newest

remake of the story in 2019, it felt like the musical version of “Little Women” might just be more of the same. But the musical, while still following the story fairly well, was refreshingly energetic and different. The casting of the production was remarkable. The script and lyrics often fell flat and are not well written, but the characters that the actors brought to life made the audience forget that the lines they were delivering and the songs they were singing were quite cheesy and one dimensional. Senior Abbey Bohrer played Jo March and brought energy and feeling to the character that showed Jo’s passion without going over the top. Though she had to say the awful line “Christopher Columbus” as an exclama-

tion again and again and skip around the stage much more than necessary, Bohrer was still convincing and endearing. She made the audience laugh with her dramatics but was heartfelt and convincing when grieving Beth’s, played by junior Julia Salloum, death. Even though the focus was on Jo as the main character of the play, all the other characters were well acted and very endearing. Meg, played by junior Michaela Stiles, was sweet and innocent but also showed that she was a wise older sister and there was more to her than her looks and smiles. Beth, played by Salloum, was perfectly sweet and gentle while Amy, played by junior Ariannah Gaiser, was the petulant little sister who gained sophistication af-

ter her trip to Europe. Laurie, played by John Szczotka, was the perfectly lovable next door neighbor and Szczotka did a great job making Laurie a fun character without stealing the spotlight from the more central characters. With a story like “Little Women” and the nature of the script, it would have been easy for the characters to be overplayed and dramatized to the point of being corny. But the cast did a remarkably good job at making their characters joyful, big personalities on the stage, but without making them fake or overblown. The only downfalls of the production were the things that the actors could do nothing about. The script and lyrics of the musical were not very well written and relied

See Tower B2

From left: Junior Julia Salloum, junior Ariannah Gaiser, junior John Szczotka, senior Abby Bohrer, and junior Michaela Stiles star in the Tower Players’ production of “Little Women: The Musical.” Courtesy | Daniel Harmon

I cried as ‘the women tell all’ so you don’t have to By | Haley Strack Collegian Freelancer This week, Peter discusses the season with his former girlfriends in a live setting. All 30 of them. The live audience is filled with just the kind of viewers you would expect - scholars, esteemed professionals, and men whose girlfriends dragged them there. Before we hear what the women have to say, we finish the rose ceremony from last week. Hannah Ann throws on a casual bedazzled brazier with fringe and we’re ready to go. Last week, Madison and Peter had a monumental fight that left the fate of their relationship unknown. Madison told him not to have sex and he did… but will she forgive him? Chris Harrison consoles Peter before he makes his final decision, telling Peter he “has the weight of the world on your shoulders.” I didn’t realize the world was so light. After giving Hannah Ann a rose, Peter turns to Madison, [exhales deeply], and asks the question with quivering lips: “Will you accept this rose?” In a shocking turn of events, Madison says “yes,” to which Peter replies, “you sure?” Confidence is key. With that, Madison completely demolished the last shred of hope I had for the women on this show. Peter sends Victoria F. home and it’s apparent that she is quite upset. The alligator tears speak for themselves. Granted, she has broken up about 3 marriages (with the potential of a fourth after this season), so I didn’t expect her dark void of a heart to dish out much emotion. Our gracious Victoria hopes “Peter doesn’t regret this decision.” Don’t worry, he won’t. Now that Victoria has dropped out, I wonder who she’ll endorse. Hannah Ann seems to be the safe choice for the establishment, but Madison’s radical tendencies may prove to be what the public needs right now. With that, we move into the highly anticipated ‘women tell all’ portion of the episode. This part proves relatively boring — turns out these women don’t have much to say. Articulation, as we’ve seen, isn’t exactly their strong suit. Kelsey comes out swinging, asking “so are we going to talk about who said I was emotionally unstable?”

I have no doubt half the country thinks this girl is emotionally unstable, but Tammy owns up to it and the first fight of the night commences. Kelsey says she “never admitted she was sober,” which is fair. Plausible deniability is always a good strategy. Victoria P. is concerned about Kelsey’s pill-popping “from a medical standpoint,” to which Rachel says “from a medical standpoint? You’re a dermatologist.” Look, you don’t need a medical degree to see the chemical imbalance in Kelsey’s brain. Unfortunately, the producers fuel the toxicity of our alcohol-obsessed society and award Kelsey with a giant champagne bottle. Something tells me Kelsey would rather go home with the bottle than Peter. Tammy fires more shots at MyKenna, calling her fake and disingenuous. “Every time a camera was around, you’d spread your legs,” Tammy said. Low blow. Peter enters the chat and surprisingly, the girls have nothing bad to say about him. I could have given them a few talking points. Victoria F. has the chance to sit down with Peter and in a chilling testament to their love, she says there’s no bad blood. In fact, she’s sorry she caused so much drama. “Watching this, I’m like, ‘how is he dealing with me?” I’ve been asking myself that question for 7 weeks. Chris Harrison brings a former Bachelorette, Rachel, on the show to speak on bullying and online harassment. Rich coming from a show that promotes the use of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse in competition to win a man — excuse me — a boy. Peter ends by thanking the girls for “just wanting me to be happy,” saying he is “committed to bettering himself ” through this process. This far into our journey, I know Peter better than he knows himself. Any possibility of him bettering himself went out the door as soon as the first limo door opened. All there’s left to do is pray for our esteemed bachelor’s soul. Will Peter leave the show engaged? Will Madison get her happy ending? Do I care? I’ll let you answer that.

B2 March 5, 2020

Orchestra to perform Tchaikovsky Symphony in Christ Chapel tonight

By | Maggie Hroncich Collegian Freelancer Stressed in this challenging week of midterms? Need a break before spring break? Treat yourself to hearing Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 performed live by the Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra this Thursday, March 5th at 8 p.m. in Christ Chapel. The performance will welcome a special guest conductor, Mark Douglass, associate professor of music

at Spring Arbor University, and will also feature two of the five winners of the 2020 Annual Student Concerto/ Aria Competition, juniors Anne Ziegler who will play the piano and David Forman who will play the viola. “I’m excited to be able to attend this performance and hear the orchestra from the vantage point of our audience and immerse in the acoustics and beauty of the Christ Chapel,” said James Holleman, director of orchestras and choirs and music depart-

ment chairman. Some students also expressed their excitement. “I’m most excited for the Tchaikovsky,” said junior concertmaster Ellie Fishlock “The piece requires a certain vulnerability, both for the performer and the listener. It tells a very personal story, evoking familiar emotions that connect everyone in a very humbling way. I’m honored to be able to play even a small role in that experience.”

Style Check: Surviving the spring semester fashion crisis By | Meera Baldwin & Katie Weis Collegian Freelancers As winter melts into spring, students are caught in a limbo when it comes to what to wear around campus. These are the kinds of days when short sleeves are of no use against morning wind as you walk to your 9 a.m.. However, when you make your way to AJ’s after the last class of the day, the weather seems to demand an iced drink and running shorts. No one outfit works for the entire day, so students are forced to mix-and-match their seasonal clothes to achieve day-long comfort. Look around any classroom and you will see proof of this phenomenon in action. The football player to your right is wearing sweats, a same sweatshirt , and—inexplicably —slides without socks. The Neidfelt kid to your left is wearing a Catholic Society sweatshirt, jean shorts, and—for some reason —snow boots. These outfits, void of cohesion and a taste for fashion, are the Hillsdale student’s attempt at wearing something that will make sense for the whole day. On the flip

side, sitting in the front row of your class is the sorority girl wearing woolen tights, a pencil skirt, and some expensive looking sweater. She is the poster child for a winter-ready wardrobe, but is red faced and sweaty by the end of the hour.

“These outfits, are the Hillsdale student’s attempt at wearing something that will make sense for the whole day.” This is the current state of fashion at Hillsdale. But there must be some happy medium. Students shouldn’t have to choose between sacrificing their comfort for fashion or their fashion for comfort. The perfect outfit must exist for this time of transition on campus. When posed with this

question, junior and local fashion icon Grace Stokman emphasized the importance of layers; starting the day warm and ending cool is no problem when you have a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a light jacket. Freshman and Midwest native Emma Purdy suggested grabbing a cardigan before class. She was then asked if she personally owned a cardigan. “Of course not. What do I look like, a grad student?” Purdy said. Senior Nick Oxaal offers another perspective on this fashion crisis. He sees no need to make an attempt at comfort as the weather changes. He wears whatever he wants and, if he needs to walk from one place to another, he can “tough it out for a few seconds.” Taking the toughness of Nick and the cleverness of Grace into account, perhaps we can all find the happy medium. If we all look deeply enough into our closets and deeply enough into our strength against the weather , perhaps we can all survive the “Hillsdale Fashion Crisis of Spring Semester.”

Students had the chance to get experimental with food this past weekend as they competed to create the tastiest cuisine. The Student Activities Board hosted “Charger Chopped,” a cooking competition event over Parents Weekend on Saturday, Feb. 29. The Weightless Warriors team dominated the competition to earn the coveted title of Chopped Champions. Twelve teams hustled around the Old Snack Bar, sharing ingredients and grill space with their competitors while brainstorming a tasty way to combine mushroom — the secret ingredient — into their entrees. Spectating students and visiting parents lined up around the sidelines of the workplaces, sharing their support and enthusiasm. Judges William Pearson, social media specialist for Bon Appetit; Fiona Shea, assistant director of alumni relations; and Clare Nalepa, a creative team member of SAB, said they were excited for the day’s competition. “I am setting the bar low so that when we get stuff that isn’t good I am not as freaked out by it,” Pearson said. “But the more I talk to people I think there are some cool things being made. The only thing I’m worried about is the execution. Can they ex-

ecute what they say they are going to do and make it look and taste good?” The selected teams tested their culinary skills against fellow classmates on three main categories: flavor, use of the secret ingredient, and “instagrammability” of the dish. There were three types of mushrooms including oyster, dried, and shiitake. Amidst their rush, the teams were excited for their odds and showed team spirit and camaraderie. Team Hispanic Flavor — freshman Nina Bedard and juniors Jonathan Burton and Juan Vargas Hernandez — chose their team name based on their desired choice of cuisine. “Our team is Hispanic Flavor and we are making tortilla wraps,” Bedard said. “Our inspiration is from Juan’s Spanish roots.” “We love Mexican cuisine,” Burton said. “I am a Spanish major and Juan is from Columbia so we have a shared interest in that. We are really excited for the judges to try it. I think we have a good shot.” After one hour of planning and cooking time, the teams offered their dishes to the judging panel. The judges had positive comments, including that they appreciated all the work the teams put into the competition. Although the judges awarded aprons and herbs to the grand champions, the judges gave out honorable

mentions to the winners of each of the three sub-categories. Clare Nalepa gave out the Flavor Award to Rachel Warren, David Morris, and Kendall Doer, the members of team So Fresh. Nalpea complimented this team for their culinary success. “So Fresh created a very difficult dish using the ingredients we provided for you,” Nalepa said. “It was a very cohesive dish.” Freshman Emma Purdy, Meera Baldwin, and Katie Weis, team Peach Kings Return, won in the mystery ingredient category. “We thought this team did very well at changing the actual constitution of that mystery ingredient to make it different and taste really good,” Shea said. For his favorite category of “instagrammability,” Pearson chose Thomas Curro, Malia Ambrosia, and Celina McGowan representing the Weightless Warriors. “What we were looking for here is whether it is something that, when I am scrolling through my feed, I am going to stop and ask where I can buy it,” said Pearson. “It is just beautiful and you want to know what it tastes like.” The Weightless Warriors said they were excited about their recognition not only for their Instagram strengths but also for their award as overall Chopped Champions. Senior Celina McGowan said she was surprised.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, Michigan. Nathan Grime | Collegian

The benefits of Lenten practices Lent is a time to prepare to receive the risen Lord By | S. Nathaniel Grime Sports Editor For Christians across the world and across denominational lines, the season of Lent has once again begun. This is the season of the church year that culminates in Good Friday and Easter. There are many reasons to observe Lent, and they nourish the believer’s reflection on the passion of Jesus Christ. Aside from Sundays, there are 40 days in the season of Lent from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. This mirrors the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness and endured temptation by Satan. Christians use the practices of Christ during this time to model their own behavior during Lent, and appropriately so. Liturgical churches put an increased emphasis on prayer, meditation, self-examination, and fasting, among other things, during Lent. It is useful for Christians to always remember that Jesus, though He is true God in human flesh, prayed to God the Father in heaven. While He fasted in the wilderness for 40 days, He spent time praying. When in the garden of Gethsemane before His arrest and execution, He prayed. So too during Lent, Chris-

Fifteen teams compete in SAB’s ‘Charger’s Chopped’ last weekend By | Amelia Teska Collegian Reporter

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“I honestly did not expect to win. I am not super experienced in cooking,” McGowan said. “We just came up with a couple of ideas, and I think Malia’s idea to fry the mushrooms was the thing that made us win. We were down to the last second plating food.” The overall competition was a great success and everyone enjoyed testing their culinary skills. “I thought this competition went very well,” Shea said. “We saw a lot of creativity which was what I as a judge was looking for. I think we had a really great use for the mystery ingredient, just like I had hoped previously. I was definitely most impressed with our winning team for their presentation of their dish, closely followed by the rosotta which was the second place.” Shea also mentioned her hopes for future competitions. “Being a judge, the hardest part was that there is no category for prep time or execution,” Shea said. “So watching the teams getting ready for an hour and seeing the way they were prepping their ingredients was really cool. I feel like that was a big part of the competition. Hopefully next year we can add that category. Overall, it was a great opportunity to watch the students unleash their creativity.”

tians should spend ample time in prayer and meditation. And what should we pray about? The passion of Christ is necessary because of the promise God made to man when sin first entered the world. God the Father, out of love for His creation, sent His son Jesus to die a horrible and gruesome death by crucifixion. This is the reality of sin. We should pray that we endure temptation without turning to sin and that we be forgiven for our sins, realizing that our sins drove the nails into Jesus’ hands and feet on the cross. What does this prayer accomplish? Only with contrite hearts can we be forgiven of our sins. And we must be forgiven; this is why our Savior suffered agony and hell, so that we could be forgiven. This forgiveness is a gift freely given, poured out from the cross for us, by the divine mercy and grace of God. Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness before His passion were also spent in fasting. Though not a pervasive practice among most Christians today, some still fast during Lent, and it has real benefits. Changing one’s usual lifestyle allows one to experience everyday life in a different way. Fasting has deep roots in the Christian tradition as one

example of this. When Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread during His fasting, Jesus responded by quoting scripture: “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Christians also pray in the Lord’s Prayer to “Give us this day our daily bread.” Recognizing that food is a daily gift from God, but that it is not the only thing that nourishes and sustains us, is the object of fasting. Though Christians should certainly pray daily and always spend time reflecting on and repenting of sin and giving thanks to God for the gifts of forgiveness and daily bread, Lent offers a time in the Church Year to not just talk about good practices for Christian living, but also to actually change one’s lifestyle and do them. There’s a reason Jesus’ 40day model in the wilderness still shapes what Lent looks like for Christians after more than 2,000 years. It is appropriate to receive the free gifts of forgiveness and everlasting life given to us by Christ’s passion with the sincerity and reverence of these Lenten practices.

Freshman Jacob Risse & Ethan Tong participate in SAB’s ‘Charger’s Chopped’ last weekend. Amelia Teska | Collegian

Tower from B1 too heavily on the audience having a previous knowledge of Alcott’s story. There were numerous elements of the story that were never fully explained and left those who did not already know the story of “Little Women” confused. For instance, though a significant portion of the beginning of the production explored how the girls missed their father who was off fighting in the Civil War and Marmee, played by junior Sarah Nolting, had a whole song about how hard it was to be without him, Mr. March didn’t even make an appearance and left the audience wondering what had happened to him. When Beth died, though the scene was touching and heartfelt, her death felt very abrupt and almost unexplained. There was only

one or two mentions of her contracting scarlet fever and then suddenly she dies. Nearly every episode throughout the story felt cutoff and missing explanation. But the actors cannot be blamed for a poorly written script and their stellar performances in spite of it makes it more impressive. They skillfully managed to take poorly written lines and lyrics like, “Who ever thought in all the world we’d fall in love and yet we did... amazing, the most amazing thing,” and not make them sound so banal. Instead of drowning under the triteness of the script, the cast adroitly made the production touching and enjoyable with powerful singing and impressive acting.

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March 5, 2020 B3

Quick Hits: Joshua Fincher A weekly interview

Joshua Fincher is a visiting assistant professor of classics. This interview was conducted and compiled by Tracy Wilson and has been edited for length and clarity. What languages do you know? Speaking-wise, I only know German, French, and a little bit of Mandarin. I can read Biblical Hebrew, Sanskrit, Ugaritic, Avestan, Greek, and Latin. If you could tour the home of any ancient historical figure, who would you choose? Probably Seneca. Seneca was very rich, and he was also hypocritically Stoic. So, I think it would just be hilarious. What is the most unique gift you’ve ever given? I do a lot of creative stuff. Once, my friend sent me a picture of his friend and he wanted me to turn it into a painting of her in a Renaissance costume and in an enchanted looking forest with a well. And so, I did it. It was hilarious. It was on Reddit. What is one vivid memory you have from your childhood? My great-grandfather reading to me mythological stories from a mythology en-

cyclopedia, which he actually gave to me before he died. As he was dying, he made sure to sign it. I would attribute that to why I’m into classics in the first place. He also had a huge library. The genesis of all the different things I’m interested in and knowledgeable about come from there and from him. I don’t believe in any of the myths, but I do believe that myths have information on how a culture contextualizes its origin. What is one dead language that you think shouldn’t have died? Aramaic. Aramaic was the most important language in the Ancient Near East. Its having died means that there’s a huge amount of literature that no one has access to. The Babylonian Talmud, which is important to Judaism, is written in Aramaic, and all of our Aramaic translations of the Bible are very important to understanding problematic words. From Egypt to Northern India, you could find Aramaic speakers. It’s a major world language that has no reason not to exist. Who

is one person you’ve always looked up to? Both of my parents. The fact that they were 20 when they had me and made almost no money but could raise two kids like that is something you don’t understand until you’re older. Now I can ask them how much they were actually making and paying in rent, and I realize all of the things that they didn’t do because they spent that money on us. What’s the best piece of advice your parents ever gave you? Probably to do what I want. If I had been constrained by utilitarian ideas about education, or if my parents had focused on financial success rather than passions and interests, I probably wouldn’t have done classics. That was very impressive to me and shaped who I am. What ’80s movie character do you most identify with? Allie Sheedy in “The Breakfast Club.” She’s the one with the goth persona. I was kind of like that: very non-conformist. I was more popular than her in high school, but still very non-conformist. What is your

favorite word? Res, in Latin. It’s un-translatable. Res is usually translated as “thing,” but in Latin it means anything in any context, so it has almost unlimited amounts of meanings. The vaguer the word is, the more I tend to like it because you can explore it more. What is one experience that changed your outlook on life? Living in Germany. I had grown up on the outskirts of a city but in Germany I was living completely in the countryside in a town of 500 people. Living in a foreign country for an extended period of time and having to completely absorb a totally different way of speaking as well as different expectations was the most valuable thing I could have done. Having to do the mundane things in another country taught me way more about the culture than looking at its art or history. What was your favorite band or type of music growing up? I really liked folk music in all its various manifestations. I’ve also always had a thing for very early European music.

That and classical Chinese music. I also listen to plenty of punk. If you could change one event in history, what would it be? I would say the Mongols’ destruction of Baghdad. That wiped out the nascent scientific culture in the Near East. Do you have any hidden talents? I don’t know if they’re necessarily hidden. I paint, and I also appraise all sorts of antiques. If anybody shows me a piece of decorative art, I probably know when it’s from and I can guess who made it and a general figure on what it may be worth. I once appraised an estate as a graduate student. The guy turned out to own some Turner paintings, and had a very valuable collection of 19th century bronzes. It was this huge process and the estate was worth millions of dollars. What is one particularly funny memory you have from your high school years? I did not like spirit assemblies when I was in high school because I felt that they were pointless. I felt that we could be doing something more

productive. So once I told my 9th grade English teacher that I would not be going to the assembly and instead he let me and a whole bunch of my classmates stay in the classroom and debate different issues using the Socratic method. What’s one way you hope to impact your students? I hope to get them to not think just about the West because there’s a whole world out there. I was strongly influenced by studying cultures outside the Western tradition, particularly East Asia. Yes, the West is important, but it’s also important to compare it to the rest of the world. I want students to have the idea that there is a China that exists, and that China has its own classical literature and its own culture that isn’t superior to the West or inferior. It’s just different. The more we look at these other cultures, we understand why the West is different and understand the commonalities that make us human beings.

Rough Draft’s most popular drinks Bourbon Vanilla Latte

Chai Latte Dark Mocha Latte Plain Latte Students win the fight to extend spring break By | Callie Shinkle Columnist Spring break is a long-honored college tradition, including in The Collegian archives. On March 14, 1985, The Collegian ran an article titled, “Spring break mania hits the Dale.” Reporter Lisa LeMoal wrote, “With cries of ‘I’ve got to lose 10 lbs!’ And ‘I need $200 NOW!’, one can be sure that Hillsdale’s spring break is rapidly approaching.” I’ll be honest, I have cried more about midterms than either of these issues, but I guess I can understand these students’ pain. LeMoal continued, “While popular spring break paradise seems to be Florida, students also are choosing more unusual places. For example, seniors Bridget Bowden and Margie Jacobs are dashing off to the Bahamas while sophomores Bob Philips and Rob Warner are spending the week in Europe.” However, according to LeMoal, choosing a spring break location is only half the battle. She wrote, “Once you’ve decided where you’re going, how you’re going to get there, and who’s going to pay for it, your worries aren’t over yet. Senior Linda Mancuso and junior Christa Beardsley explained, ‘Our biggest fright is that we won’t get tan because we’ll spend too much time at Penrod’s drinking 25 cent drafts during happy hour!’” Between the exorbitant prices and unavoidable nature of this problem, I can’t help

Balkan from B4

sophomore year. “We all joke around with her and she jokes back,” Zetwick said. “We’re not coddling. We treat her like another friend.” Senior Sutton Dunwoodie said at first he thought it was weird for a girl to join, but she quickly became an essential part of the team. “It would be a weird and sad day if she was not on the team,” Dunwoodie said. “She has such an easy personality, so there’s no barrier between her and the rest of the team. She gets along with everyone and sometimes brings cookies to the golf office. That’s just who she is.” Dunwoodie added that

but share in the girls’ devastation. LeMoal ends her article with this warning: “Professors also don’t want you to come back with sand between the pages of your text; it causes an absolute mess in the classroom.” One year later, The Collegian echoed the spring break ideas presented by LeMoal and published an article titled, “Forget Those Books! Tan Preservation Ranks First” on April 3, 1986. All these spring break opportunities can be credited to a group of students who petitioned to extend spring break in 1971. A March 24, 1971, Collegian article read, “Hillsdale College recently approved a recommendation that spring break be extended. The extra day should be attributed to the efforts of Bob Nusholtz and Bob Anton, who saw a necessity for change in the calendar and acted upon it. Their action demonstrated how concerned students, working through the right channels, can accomplish felt changes.” I have never felt so inspired in my life. I’m about to start a petition to add these two characters to the Liberty Walk up the hill. The Collegian describes how Nusholtz and Anton accomplished this victory: “On Wednesday, March 3, both Nusholtz and Anton went to Dean Hendee and asked how a change of dates could be implemented. The Dean ‘suggest-

ed the possibility of a petition’, which the two students then drew up.” The article continues, “By Monday afternoon when the petitions were handed into Dean Munn’s office, 526 signatures had been obtained.” The Collegian reported, “Reaction by the student body was on the whole, very favorable.” In other news, the sky is still blue. In addition to giving a history of Hillsdale spring breaks, The Collegian also offered advice for spring breakers. On March 23, 1978, The Collegian read, “It would be 90% accurate to assume that if you are reading this article you are not planning to spend your Spring Break in Florida. You are probably getting psyched to sit around the house and do absolutely nothing.” This is stunningly accurate 40 years later. The author offers several interesting ways to avoid wasting the time at home. “Sew on buttons, wash sweaters and get winter clothes ready for retirement.” As exciting as this sounds, I will probably stick to another classic suggestion: “Write postcards from your town, the ‘Greetings from Podunk’ type to all your friends in Florida.” As the campus departs, we can only hope to have spring breaks that will make it into the newspaper for future generations to read.

Balkan has become a team leader because of her work ethic. “When Grace was a freshman, she would walk to Hayden Park with a full set of golf clubs on her back to make it to practice,” Dunwoodie said. “It embarrassed the rest of us because we wouldn’t want to go or would show up late, and we had this girl showing us that there were absolutely no excuses.” Zetwick said Balkan is a good example for younger team members because of how hard she pushes herself. While many of the guys resort to practicing on the inside golf simulator during the winter months, Balkan will play outside even in 40-degree weather.

Harner said Balkan works “as hard and diligently as anyone on the team.” “While her participation is voluntary, and theirs is mandatory, there is no difference in the level of participation,” Harner said. Both Balkan and her coaches would say that her technique, physical strength, and mental game have all improved through her work with the men’s team. Balkan added that she is honored they “let her tag along.” “They did not have to lift a finger to help me,” Balkan said. “I was kinda the random girl who jumped on board and they just welcomed me in.”

Americano

-Compiled by Sutton Dunwoodie

Top: Craig Wheeler leads his horse in after winning the 100k Jim McKay Spring Stake. Bottom: Mike Hall (right) and Craig Wheeler (left) hold Imprimis at the barn after he won. Courtesy | Craig Wheeler

Imprimis from B4

the races. The gates opened, and Imprimis fell straight to his knees. “We thought it was over,” Wheeler said. “But he started picking up horses, picking up horses, picking up horses. Well here he comes in the stretch and he was thriving with all his heart and then he got up there, and he won.” Their celebration lasted late into the night, but they were high on excitement for days, Hall said. “There’s nothing like a

win in a big race,” Hall said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling. I don’t know what more to say. It was like a dream come true, and the biggest thing. With a horse falling, you don’t know if he’ll even place, but he won.” Imprimis won’t opt out of his worldwide travels anytime soon, and neither will Wheeler. “You don’t ever really retire from it,” Wheeler said. “They say, ‘every time you have a new crop of two year olds, you’re always dream-

ing because there’s always a champion.’” And though his Hillsdale chapter finished more than 30 years ago, Wheeler still flips back to it. He says he’ll carry — and has carried — his education through his entire career. “It’s the most simple thing I learned,” Wheeler said. “But it’s this: If there’s a will there’s a way. No matter what obstacle you come out of in life, if there‘s a will to get past it, you can … If you really believe in it, it works.”

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Imprimis races to the finish in the Jim McKay Spring Stake. Courtesy | Craig Wheeler

Imprimis: first horse on the list By | Sofia Krusmark Assistant Editor Imprimis isn’t just the name of a Hillsdale College publication. There’s another — but you won’t find this one in a mailbox. Trek down to the horse racetrack in Ocala, Florida and meet Imprimis, a thoroughbred racehorse, one of the fastest in America. “Imprimis actually means ‘first on the list,’ and I named him after Hillsdale because I love Hillsdale, and it did great things for me,” Craig Wheeler, Hillsdale alumnus ’78 and Imprimis’ breeder, said. Wheeler began his thoroughbred management career right after graduating from Hillsdale, where he studied philosophy and economics. He always knew he would go right back to the “horse thing.” “On my way to the milk

store, I would beg my mom to stop so I could run to the riding rink at riding school,” Wheeler said. “Years later, I would clean up the stalls so I could be around the horses. I read every book on horses. It was just me. It didn’t come from my family.” While studying at Hillsdale, he owned a horse and worked at horse farms in Virginia during the summer. After graduation, the Irish National Stud became home for a year — a top-class graduate school for thoroughbred race horse farm management with a 3% acceptance rate. Two Americans got in that year. Wheeler was one of them. Twenty-five dollars a week. That’s how much each student earned at the Irish National Stud. John O’Meara, longtime friend of Wheeler and now owner of Milestone Farm in

Lexington, KY, said the days consisted of chowing down quick meals, working long days out in the farm, and sitting in one lecture each day. “One day it could be on the quality of feed, lectures on how to take care of the horses, how to feed them, how to take care of their feet,” O’Meara said. “They’d be showing us how to present the horse for sale, how to walk the horse, how to make it look good, and the work that it took. There would be a veterinarian who would come in and give us a lecture on vaccinations, for example.” Wheeler came home one year later and became the assistant manager at Hobeau Farms, one of the largest thoroughbred farms in Florida. Twenty years later, he started his own. Wheeler’s farm is an anomaly. While most farms

focus on one specific area — training, selling, racing, or breeding — Wheeler does all four. With 20 breeding mares, 30 horses in training, and 15 horses up for sale, Wheeler runs a family operation with more than 60 head total horses and 20 outside client horses. “We prefer to sell them as two-year-olds, but it’s time-consuming,” Wheeler said. “If you can come up with one that can have great times on the track, this warrants them being looked at as a really, really good horse, and the opportunities are limitless. The top end of the market can sell through the roof, and the lower end is weaker. It’s a very bipolar industry.” The more horses, the greater the probability of raising a champion, Wheeler said. That’s how Imprimis came along.

“He had an injury early on and he missed the sales, but we kept giving him plenty of time, and I knew we were going to have to race him because we already missed all the sales,” Wheeler said. “Then I named him. He won his first two races so easily, and we were in business. The beauty of it is, I sold him to good friends of mine, and I’ve gotten to enjoy his success all along the way.” His current owner, Mike Hall, friend of Wheeler and owner of Breeze Easy farms, said he knew Imprimis would be a good horse primarily because of his trust in Wheeler. “First of all, Craig wasn’t even at the sale, but I just bought the horse,” Hall said. “I knew Craig never would have sold me a bad horse. He’s just not that type of person. He’s like a legend. And on top of all that, he’s a hard worker. This

guy goes from daylight to dark and then some. He just doesn’t quit, and I trust him so I knew this would be a good horse.” It’s a horse that’s won seven races so far and more than $440,000 in prize money. He’s traveled the world, from finishing third in the Fountain of Youth race, a prep race for the Kentucky Derby, to racing in front of The Queen of England in the Royal Ascot. He finished fifth, only a little more than three lengths behind Battaash — the world’s top rated sprinter for 2019. It’s been two years of surprises, and some of the very best, Wheeler said. Imprimis proved everyone wrong at the Shakertown Stakes in Kentucky. After picking Wheeler up in his private jet and enjoying cocktails in the sky, Hall and the team arrived at See Imprimis B3

By | Rachel Kookogey Assistant Editor In the JAM weight room during one of the varsity men’s golf team lifts, one woman exercises with the men. At their practice, she swings right alongside them. Junior Grace Balkan participates in all of the men’s team’s training, and she’s done it voluntarily since her freshman year. When Balkan was about 5 years old, her father began teaching her how to play golf. The sport became a family activity, since Balkan’s two sisters also played. According to Balkan, the three sisters were pretty competitive with each other.

Although the Balkans were homeschooled, the three girls played for their local public school in Mesa, Arizona. Balkan said she considered playing for a college team, but decided against it because it required a caliber of play that she did not feel she had. When Balkan came to Hillsdale College as a freshman, she looked for ways to continue playing golf. Although the college did not have a varsity women’s team, Mike Harner, the assistant coach of the men’s team, told Balkan she could practice with the boys. Harner said Balkan quickly took him up on that offer. “She came knocking on the

door ready to go,” he said. Balkan said she spent a lot of time in her first two years of college trying to form a women’s team. While other women joined Balkan in the past, all have graduated or quit. Balkan, however, stayed with it. By the beginning of her junior year, Balkan said, she realized that she appreciates the opportunity to be a one-woman team. “The lack of a team has made me appreciate golf so much more,” Balkan said. “It’s really grown my game in ways I don’t think I would have with a team.” Balkan attends all the men’s team practices and competes

for Hillsdale as an individual at various women’s tournaments, traveling with the team when their outings coincide. Balkan will attend the Saginaw Valley State Invitational with the team in March and the Great Midwest Athletic Conference championship in April. Matt Thompson, who joined the men’s golf team as head coach on Feb. 1, said Balkan is “just like another member of the team.” The guys on the team echoed this. Senior Ryan Zetwick said Balkan and the guys on the team did a good job of adjusting to the new team dynamic when she joined during his See Balkan B3

Swingin’ with the boys: Balkan is a team leader Grace Balkan started learning golf at 5 years old. Courtesy | Grace Balkan

Dear Dale, My roommate and I both like the same guy. I feel like we are constantly competing every time we hang out with him and it’s often tense. How do we keep our friendship? -Rivaling Rory Rory, This is an age old dilemma: Do you go after the guy or prioritize your female friendship? First, evaluate how well you know him. Figure out how likely it is that you would date. If he’s not interested, it’s not worth jeopardizing your relationship with your roommate. If you do want to pursue a relationship, be honest about it. Communication is key. You said it’s obvious that you both like this guy, but have you sat down and talked about it? Nothing could be worse for your friendship than secretly pursuing someone you know your roommate is also interested in. Suggest

-Dale

that, no matter what, you two will remain friends. Then, leave it up to the guy to decide. If he pursues you, be gracious about it and avoid rubbing it in. If he is interested in her, do your best to avoid jealousy and give yourself space if it makes you sad or uncomfortable to be around them. If he doesn’t want to date either of you, problem solved! Regardless of what happens, spring break is just around the corner. A few days apart may be a nice breather for you and your roommate to diffuse the tension. Have a great break and happy spring!

To submit questions to Dear Dale, contact The Collegian on social media or email cabbo@hillsdale.edu.