The Yellow Jacket | 9.26.19

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I N S I D E SERVICE LEADERSHIP PREPARES HURRICANE RELIEF TRIP S E E A 4

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 • VOL. 97 NO. 02 • EST. 1924

theyellowjacket.org

OP-ED

REGION

SPORTS

Column: Children should be cautious of viewing athletes as role models.

After years of travel, Camilo Jauregui has found that music can be a valuable tool.

During summer, WU soccer programs played and served in Costa Rica for a week.

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Waynesburg U. recognized for student outcomes REBEKAH VAUGHAN For The Yellow Jacket

Holly Hendershot, Executive Editor

STRATEGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

President Lee outlines five-year plan to ensure success LACHLAN LOUDON Web Editor

Starting in 2018, President Douglas Lee has been following a detailed plan to keep Waynesburg University optimistic for the future. This five-year plan, titled the “Strategy for the 21stCentury,” aims to keep the university successful by maintaining a commitment to mission, outcomes and values. The three major strategic themes of this plan are learning experiences, affordability and recognition. “Those are the three themes that, [if] we continue to lead and develop, will ensure the success of the university moving forward,” Lee said. So far, the university has implemented efforts in order to align with the strategic plan. This past summer, incoming freshmen were

able to take part in “Seeds for Success,” which helped students “acclimate and adapt to college life,” Lee said. This school year, the Pathways Center was established as a forthcoming campaign to centralize student support, and there is a new initiative to teach students entrepre-

burg University number one in Pennsylvania universities and number six among regional universities. Lee says it is “critical” to maintain this status. Higher education is changing. President Lee is confident the university will continue to be a top value school, even in

“[Mission, outcomes and values] are the three themes that, [if ] we continue to lead and develop, will ensure the success of the university moving forward.” DOUGLAS LEE

President of Waynesburg University

neurial leadership skills in Fiat Lux classes. Lee also stresses the importance of maintaining their prestigious ranking as a top value school. The U.S. World Report has placed Waynes-

the wake of higher education bankruptcies. Wheeling University, formerly Wheeling Jesuit University, and Green Mountain College, located in Vermont, and many other establishments in America have

fallen victim to bankruptcy, a recent trend in higher education. Lee says Waynesburg University is “very conservative” in its spending. The conservative approach has allowed the university to offer value to students and provide an enriching learning experience with lower debt than most private schools in the nation. Learning experiences breed outcomes, and affordability and recognition breed value. This plan primarily revolves around the interests of students, both current and incoming. However, good faculty and staff, as Lee admitted, are essential to making this strategy function properly. “And what it boils down to ultimately is the people,” Lee said. “We have really great STRATEGY >> A4

For the fourth consecutive year, Waynesburg University has been named a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction awards this title to schools that excel in student engagement, teaching, community and outcomes. According to the website, Colleges of Distinction was created in 2000 to make sure students and their parents are able to find the best school for them. “College of Distinction graduates are prepared for anything,” according to the website. “They are strong writers, speakers and thinkers because their professors have encouraged and challenged them oneon-one. They have meaningful professional experience from internships and advanced research, and they know how to work together with people different than themselves because they have been active on campus, traveled abroad and pursued service opportunities.” Graduates from a school with this title are claimed to be the best prepared for anything a professional job can throw at them. In order to be named a College of Distinction, a school’s curriculum “must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research and global perspectives,” according to the website. Colleges and universities are awarded this title after being nominated and going through long evaluations and interviews. This prestig ious title helps Waynesburg University stand out to exploring high school students who have begun their college search by demonstrating

that Waynesburg University is about more than just attending classes and getting good grades. A good college experience also includes having the confidence that the education the students receive will be beneficial outside of the classroom. “ Taken together, our ranking and awards paint the picture of a highly valuable education,” said Stacey Brodak, vice president for Institutional Advancement and University Relations. “A Waynesburg University degree is not only affordable, but it is one with a reputation for positive outcomes, both personally and professionally, for both our students and the communities in which they live and work. Our students grow extraordinarily during their time on our beautiful campus, and the recognition we receive attests to that.” The College of Distinction title isn’t the only award Waynesburg has received this year. Many of the university’s programs have been highly praised for their educational benefits in and out of the classroom. Along with earning the College of Distinction award for the 2019-2020 academic year, Waynesburg has received other awards including: the Christian Colleges of Distinction award and the Nursing Colleges of Distinction award for the 2019-2020 school year. “ Waynesburg University has built a reputation for outstanding values and outcomes,” Brodak said. “We know that those qualities are important to our students. Maintaining that reputation is a differentiator for our University. Ranking and recognition such as this are important to our retention and recruitment efforts.”

Waynesburg nursing program ranked No. 2 in the state JOSEPH SMELTZER Sports Web Editor

Waynesburg University’s nursing program took another step forward earlier this year. In late May, it was announced that Waynesburg’s Bachelor of Science in the nursing program placed second in Pennsylvania in a ranking done by RNCareers.Org The list evaluated 668 schools nationwide, and Waynesburg ranked 23rd out of those schools. T h e p r o g r a m s we r e judged based on their accumulated NCLEX-RN pass rates over the past three years, along with program offerings, accreditation, institutional ranking, cost and graduation ranks. The program is familiar with recognition, and Lina Hixson, director of t h e R N/ B S N p ro g ra m

and assistant professor of nursing, credits the work of those around her, such as Director of Online Programs Jessica Sumpter, for the consistent success. “I think that we’ve done a lot of work,” Hixson said. “A l l o f t h e part-time faculty, mys e l f , [a n d ] Jessica Sumpter, the online program director, in making sure the courses are manageable, yet challenging … I think it’s because courses are challenging and they meet the needs of the working nurse.” The program went online in the fall of 2017. As with most new projects, it took awhile for the online program to find its foot-

ing.

T w o years later, Hixson feels that awareness for the program is continuing to grow. “I think the word has gotten out,” she said. “Now

nurses

and hospitals are hearing that this is manageable. It’s something they can do, and it’s applicable and productive.” Hixson said many stu-

dents who were in the program years ago are coming back, and this is a sign that the program is turning heads within the field. “That tells me there is a conversation that’s going on outside of the university,” she said. Waynesburg has long established itself as a top nursing school at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Because the healthcare is always changing, Hixson said, there is no room for complacency. “I think [a key is] making sure we’re always looking at current evidence that’s out there,” she said. “Looking at recent articles, things that are appli-

cable to the changes that are always happening on a daily basis in healthcare and the expectations for nurses, it always changes.” The idea that the profession is always changing means the faculty of the RN/BSN program constantly need to keep up to date. “We always have to be reading current journals, articles, listening to current webinars,” Hixson said. “Keeping up to date with what’s going on in hospitals and in the community.” For Hixson, the key to keeping this success going will be making the program as challenging as possible, while still making sure students get what they need. “Just being able to meet the needs of the student [and] maintaining the NURSING >> A4


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SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 S PJ B E S T A L L - A R O U N D N O N - D A I LY N E W S P A P E R

WINNER: 2004 2016 FINALIST: 2003 2013 2014

OPINION

Take the time to connect with family HOLLY HENDERSHOT Columnist

STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR DIGITAL NEWS DIRECTOR MANAGING EDITOR REGION EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR SPORTS WEB EDITOR OP-ED EDITOR WEB EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

HOLLY HENDERSHOT ANDREW HREHA GRACE HUTCHISON EDWARD BOICE DYLAN CLELAND JOE SMELTZER RACHEL PELLEGRINO LACHLAN LOUDON ELAINA SPAHMER EMMA HERRLE ANGELICA GOOD SIERRA MEDINA

TECHNICAL/FACULTY ADVISORS: RICHARD KRAUSE SARAH BELL KRISTINE SCHIFFBAUER

EDITORIAL

Power of pausing Students should take time for mental health College is the academic olympics. Most of students’ lives to this point have been spent carefully training our minds bit by bit to endure the gargantuan challenges of higher education. We develop the mental skills necessary to complete homework, exams, papers and presentations. After high school, we hop into this world of deadlines and unimaginable stress, just hoping to get the gold medal: our diploma. We train ourselves to be intelligent enough to succeed in college, but we never ask ourselves: are our minds fit enough for the task? Many students feel as though they can never be ahead or “done” with their assignments. They can never find a single moment of pure peace. Everything submitted. No Word documents open. The thought is borderline unfathomable. That is because college is a continuous treadmill of responsibilities. You can run as fast as you can to try and keep pace, but it is a perpetual task. Finish two papers? Prepare to have three more assigned. Have you met all of your required deadlines today? What about tomorrow’s? If it seems maddening, that’s because it is. However, the most brutal part about college is the challenge it presents in terms of mental health, not homework. The actual act of completing math homework is easy compared to the stress it induces. The anxiety of the looming deadline, cramming to get it done and the painstaking task of waiting for the grade to pop up online. There’s no doubt, its miserable. But, there is a secret. A way to find that paradise without deadlines and constant worry, that dreamland that lingers just beyond the horizon. Try taking a break. Not just any break, but an intentional break. It’s absolutely transformed the educational experience of those who have tried it. A traditional break consists of just walking away from your assignments and finding another task to take up some time. These traditional breaks are misguided. You stop the action of working, but the student’s mind stays a whirlwind of stress. You can walk away from the assignment, but the stress of it will follow you. The guilt of walking away can be crushing. The secret is what are called intentional breaks. Tell yourself that on Friday nights, for example, you are not unzipping your backpack. Write it in your planner. Treat it like a deadline. These breaks radically improve educational performance and provide renewed energy. The best thing you can do for your grades and yourself in school is take scheduled time to not do classwork. Embrace the intentional breaks, and endless academic chatter in your mind is sure to fade for just a few critical hours.

TO THE READER In order to provide better coverage in a more timely fashion, The Yellow Jacket focusses on an onlinefirst format. Online coverage for campus, region, Op/Ed and sports can be found on our website, theyellowjacket.org. Due to this change, the print publication has been condensed to eight full-color pages and will be printed on an bi-weekly basis.

ABOUT OP/EDS

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

NEWSPAPER POLICY

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

ADVERTISING POLICY

Anyone wishing to advertise in the Yellow Jacket should email the advertising director at jacketads@waynesburg. edu. Ads must be submitted by the Monday before publication date and not conflict with the university mission. Copyright © 2018 Waynesburg University 51 W. College St.Waynesburg, Pa. 15370

Until recently, my permanent address was the same as my parents’, as well as my sister’s and brother’s. Despite the fact that I spent more time at college than home, after my 18th birthday, I still considered my home to be where I felt the most comfortable, and I enjoyed coming back on breaks and during summers. I was used to talking with my mother almost every day, asking my father questions about the world and hanging out with my siblings. Those days were both good and annoying times of my life. Good because I generally enjoyed the time I spent with family and knew there would come a day when that kind of time with them

would no longer be possible. Annoying because, firstly, like anyone close to you when you live with them for a while, my siblings could be hard to live with at some points, and more importantly, because the busyness of my world kept me from really spending the amount of time I wanted to with them. Time went quickly, and here I am, within the first few months of starting my life as a newlywed and an off-campus resident of Greene County. Not only that, but I am in my final year at college as well. This is the year that everything is changing in my life. Now that I live away from home, I miss my family very much, including my 4-year-old Australian Shepherd and Pug/ Jack Russel mix dog. Although I know I will v i s i t my p a re nt s a n d siblings when given the chance, I also understand

that those days of consistently seeing them every day are gone. Relish the time that you have to spend with your family, because if you are a college student, you are quickly approaching a day when you will be moving on from their home to find your own way, and you may not know where that new location will be. Recently, I became interested in discovering more about my extended family. I realized that I am not only just beginning to be more disconnected from my immediate family, but that I am already disconnected with my extended family and my ancestry. Other than a story here and there from relatives, I didn’t really know anything about the family I never personally knew. So, I called my parents and my grandparents and gathered information about these people who were part of my family. And it’s amazing how

much you can find out just by googling a name and date, as well. I discovered a lot more about my ancestry, but in the meantime, I was connecting with my parents and grandparents in order to find out more. After talking with them, listening to many of their stories and hearing about childhoods long past, I was suddenly closer to my family history. I recognized that one day, my childhood will be a topic of “long past,” and perhaps I’ll be lucky enough to have some of my own interesting life-stories passed down throug h generations. But, for now, I’ll relish the time I have to speak and spend time with my family right now. Don’t wait to connect and reconnect with family. There will come a time when you are not around them as often, but there will also come a time when they will not be around at all.

Children should not look up to athletes JOE SMELTZER Columnist

Charles Barkley has done many controversial things throughout his life. The NBA superstar was equally known for his antics off the court as he was for becoming one of the greatest players of all time on it. Among his most famous controversies, was his 1993 commercial for Nike Air in which he proclaimed that he “was not a role model.” Not everybody agreed w i t h B a rk l ey ’s p re m ise that athletes are not people young kids should pattern themselves after. “The first time I got hit really hard was for taking that stance,” Barkley recalled in his 2002 memoir. “There were some colum-

nists that defended me but mostly I got killed. I’m okay with it, though, because nobody in all this time has been able to convince me that it’s wrong to tell kids to listen to their parents and not a basketball player they’ve never met.” Barkley’s logic is somewhat flawed, as unfortunately, not all kids have parents worthy of looking up to. Some go through their childhood without their mom and/or dad being there for them and other kids are raised by terrible human beings that they would be better off striving to be the polar opposites in every way. Where Barkley is right, however, is that kids patterning their lives after athletes, singers, actors etc. could lead to a world of hurt. A lot of Pittsburgh Pirates fans were fooled by

Felipe Vazquez. Throughout his time in Pittsburgh, Vazquez developed into one of the most popular players on the team, mainly because he was extremely good at baseball. If we see athletes are “role models,” Vazquez would have been looked at as a good one before last Tuesday. Then, the world found out that he had a sexual relationship with an underage girl, and his reputation, as well as, his baseball career fell to pieces at the age of 28. If a child grows up a sports fan, it’s likely that their parents/guardians are fans as well. It should be their responsibility to make their children cautious about who they look up to. There’s a chance that their favorite player isn’t who they think they are and making children aware of this may soften the blow in cases such as

Vazquez. For years, Antonio Brown was thought of as a fun-loving guy who worked his tail off to become the best wide receiver in the world. Now, he’s been released by two teams in the span of two weeks because of several occurrences of poor offthe-field behavior. How does it look now that Brown was once looked at as a role model for America’s youth? Not all athletes turn out to be poor human beings, but there have been so many cases over the years that are similar to those of Vazquez and Brown in that they’ve destroyed their reputations and broke the hearts of their fans. Inevitably, there will be plenty more of these cases in the future, and children must be aware that these circumstances occur in real life.

NEWS

In the news: Three notable headlines EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a synopsis of a recent topic trending in world or national news. RACHEL PELLEGRINO Op/Ed Editor

1. Alien enthusiasts show up at Area 51 The long-awaited day has arrived. On Friday, Sept. 20 around 3,000 people showed up to Area 51 in plans of storming the US Air Force facility in Nevada. The Lincoln County Sheriff Kerry Lee reported to CNN that the crowd ultimately decided against storming the facility after officers warned them of the consequences. Instead of storming the base, many of the attendees enjoyed the day by participating in events with other alien enthusiasts. According to Lee, there were a small number of arrests and the overall crowd was manageable. 2. Wounded Soldier brought back home from Afghanistan This past week, the Air Force sprang into action to save the life of a critically wounded soldier. Fox News reported it took “three military aircraft, 18 medical personnel, 24,000 gallons of fuel and 26 gallons of blood” to save this soldier’s life. Once back in America, the soldier was transport-

Tribune News Serivce

3,000 alien enthusiasts showed up at the U.S. Air Force Facility in Nevada. ed to Brooke Army Medical Center, where the soldier received medical attention. According to Fox News, the soldier was still in critical condition Friday, Sept. 20. 3. Imelda ranks among the wettest tropical cyclones in U.S. history Imelda ranks high on the charts of wettest tropical cyclones in U.S. history after it brought 40 inches of rain to southeast Texas Monday, Sept. 16. Rainfall continued for four days, finally stopping Thursday night after much damage

had already been done. Floodwaters didn’t begin to recede until Friday. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency in 13 counties. He told Fox News, “The

state of Texas is working closely with local officials and emergency personnel to provide the resources they need to keep Texans safe from Tropical Storm Imelda.”

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


SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

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Prayer group meets for fourth year Freshmen adjust to life at college, new experiences OHSEUNG CHOI

For the Yellow Jacket

The Prayer at 10 prayer group is meeting every Sunday through Thursday night at 10 p.m. at Waynesburg University Prayer at 10 is a prayer group made up of students who come together every weeknight and pray to the Lord. The prayer group is meeting at different locations around campus such as the Center for Campus Ministry (The Hub), Marsh Center and different oncampus houses. This is for the students' convenience to come out, pray and have fellowship with different people. This prayer group didn’t start this semester. They have met for four years on campus. “ This prayer group started, way before I came to Waynesburg University, [by] two students, named Amelia Graves and Cullin Piatt who graduated in 2017 from Waynesburg University,” said Sarah Mendes, junior youth ministry major and coordinator of Pray at 10. “Someone challenged them to pray every single night for a whole month and see how the Lord works through that and they decided to organize the group.” After Graves and Piatt graduated from Waynesburg in 2017, Tanya Vecere took over the program as a junior to organize the Prayer at 10 group. She led the group for two years until she graduated in 2019. After Vecere graduated, Mendes carried on the Prayer at 10 entering this

BRUCE DAVIDSON For the Yellow Jacket

Courtesy of Elizabeth Garren

Prayer Group meets Sunday through Thursday at 10 p.m. academic year. “My freshman year, I decided to go to one night that became a daily routine, and something really transformed my faith and many ways,” Mendes said. “[The prayer group] really revealed the Lord. [It is] so worthy of my half an hour of my day and really has transformed the way that I pray and talk to the Lord. I had to carry on because it changed my life so I couldn’t let it die.” At Prayer at 10, students can share prayer requests and discuss different topics each day. “We prayed for the 9/11 families of those victims and for [the] country after the fact,” said Lizzie Garren, junior forensic investigation major and assistant coordinator of Prayer at 10. The attendees pray in a variety of ways. Some ways include prayer for thanksgiving to God, family, prayer requests, “grab it” prayer,

popcorn prayer, waterfall prayer, scripture prayer, government prayer for school and prayer for faculty/staff at Waynesburg University. At Waynesburg University,there are different faith communities that students can reach out to and grow their faith in. Each community has a different purpose in leading the larger community of faith on campus. The Prayer at 10 prayer group is led for students by students. “We just pray to God and I think that is such an important discipline when it comes to faith in general,” Mendes said. “I also think it builds a really cool community of believers who are dedicated and want to be vulnerable with each other. When we ask for prayer requests people say really dark and hard things are going on in their life and that is unique. It has been really cool to build

this group of believers together and believers who really care because they are taking forty-five minutes out of their day at 10 p.m. to pray.” Garren said, the Prayer at 10 prayer group has a vision for this group. “[Prayer at 10] just continues to grow,” Garren said. “We continue to see the Lord’s faithfulness throughout the year, throughout the next few years that I hope to continue.” Any Waynesburg student can come out and join in prayer at Prayer at 10. The Prayer at 10 prayer group has an Instagram social media account, which is @prayer_at10. Students can also reach out to Mendes or Garren at the Hub on the first floor of the Stover Student Center. You can join the Prayer at 10 prayer group at 10 p.m. every Sunday through Thursday at a variety of locations around campus.

After four weeks into the first semester, freshmen are still in search of ways to adjust to life at Waynesburg University. For many, college is a new experience. It’s different than high school or any grade before it. For some, it’s the first time living away from home and living with another person. The need to adjust is a common theme throughout college freshmen. For many, it's comforting to know there are people who went through and are currently going through the same challenges. Resident Director of Martin Hall pointed out the common obstacles that a lot of freshmen have to deal with during their first semester. “Adjusting to a new place is a common one,” he said. It is an issue mostly among first year students. “ This mig ht be the

to the point, contrastly, college offers more leeway, which has both advantages and disadvantages to it. “In some ways you have more time available, and other ways less time available,” said Pioch. New students also have freedoms they did not have before and must be responsible in making choices that are solely up to them. “'Do I go to class or not?' 'Do I or go to bed or not?' 'Do I study, do I not study?'” said Webb. While these problems are typical among true freshmen, transfer students can have them, as well as, their own unique issues. Coming in and trying to find a niche can sometimes be diff icult as a transfer student. “You’re one of maybe five or 10, instead of one in 400 adjusting to the same things,” Webb said. So, how can students handle these challenges that they face their freshman year? Talking to others and

“This might be the first big move they've ever had. You've put yourself in a whole new community that could be similiar, or very different from the one you grew up in.” TYLER WEBB

Resident Director of Martin Hall

Student Senate takes on campus issues KEATON MOORHEAD For the Yellow Jacket

This year, Student Senate has four sophomore senators: Luke Diel, sophomore political science major; Jacob Nicholas, sophomore sports broadcasting major; Alex Wees, sophomore biology and environmental science major and Tyler Wright, sophomore finance major. “I was encouraged to join the Student Senate because of the Stover Program,” Nicholas said. “I wanted to make an impact on campus; I wanted to have my voice heard and be a part of the decision making regarding the allocation of money to clubs.” The Student Senate is broken up into different committees whose goal is to better enhance student life on campus. Diel is part of the events and planning

committee; Nicholas and Wright are part of the budget committee and Wees is part of the campus beautification committee. As a member of his committee, Diel helps create and plan events for students on campus that are sponsored by the Student Senate. These events include Jacket Fest, Harvest Fest and Light Up Night. The Committee also does smaller events like WUpardoy, which is Waynesburg take on Jeopardy. “I love having students come up to me and talk about issues they have regarding life on campus,” Diel said. “I try and be there for every event that Student Senate sponsors to ensure that the students have a great time and can discuss and help the students stay informed about what decisions are being made.”

A big part of the Student Senate involves allocating money to other clubs around Waynesburg’s campus. The budget committee, which includes Nicholas and Wright, heads the allocation of funds to clubs around campus. “We just determine and budget where money will be spent during the year,” Nicholas said. “In the budget, we determine how much is going to committees inside the club and how much we are willing to allocate to other clubs on campus.” The Student Senate is also involved in the beautification of Waynesburg’s campus. The beautification committee continues to strive to make recycling on campus more dominant and known to students around Waynesburg. Recently, the committee has been working on

the idea of getting a community garden for both the school and the Waynesburg community. Heading this idea for the garden is Wees. “I’ve brought a lot of environmental ideas starting with the community garden. Which would be something to share with the community,” Wees said. “The fresh produce would benefit the campus because it can be used in the cafeteria.” All four of the sophomore senators wish that more students would attend their meetings which are every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Stover Building on the third floor. “To reach out to me or anyone in the Senate or show up to the meeting and let their voice be heard on problems they want to see fixed on campus, even if it is a budgeting issue,” Wright said.

f irst big move they’ve ever had,” said Webb. “You’ve put yourself in a whole new community that could be similar, or very different from the one you grew up in.” Another hurdle that new students can face is making new friends on campus. Some might be sharing a room or a having a roommate for the first time too. “A lot of people have friends from back home, but now they’re in a new area and have to adjust to new people,” Webb said. Manag ing schedules can be tough as well. As Director of Housing, Matt Pioch points out, this isn’t high school anymore. “In hig h school you start at 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m., and you’re done by 3:30 p.m., everything’s compounded,” Pioch said. It’s very structured and

utilizing resources is a way to make the transition easier. “Your RA’s and your RD are both great resources. Your RA’s were probably there in the last year or two and understand the acclimation period,” said Pioch. Speaking from experience, as he was not only a true freshman at Lake Land College but also a transfer student at Olivet Nazarene University where he graduated from in the greater Chicago area. “ T h e r e’s s o m e t h i n g here for everyone,” he said. L astly, get to know your neighbors and dorm-mates. “Reach out,” said Webb. Find people who care and are there to help in the midst of struggles. The college experience you want is still possible, just speak up and you will find it.

Tinnemeyer's journey continues at childhood church SIERRA MEDINA Editorial Assistant

Prior chaplain at Waynesburg University, James Tinnemeyer, was unanimously voted in as the next senior pastor at Southminster Presbyterian Church. The church happens to be just a block from his home, according to Josh Sumper, newly serving as chaplain at Waynesburg University. “Reverend Tinnemeyer played a key role in bringing me to Waynesburg University and invited me to apply for the position of being the assistant chaplain,” Sumpter said. The two worked together closely for three years until July 31, Tinnemeyer’s last day at Waynesburg. “I ’m just exci ted for him to have the opportunity to minister in the church where he grew up,”

Sumper said. Reverend Tinnemeyer wore multiple hats here at Waynesburg including: vice president of student services and dean of students, vice president of faith and mission, director of the center for leadership and christian ministry, associate professor of biblical & ministry studies and University chaplain. “To have the opportunity to work with him for the three years we were together was a joy,” Sumpter said. “We worked closely in regards to campus ministry. I enjoyed working with him, I learned a lot from an administrative perspective but also got to witness his heart for our students, the way that he loves his family and just the ways that he really reflects the light of Christ both here in Waynesburg and his hometown of Lebanon.” Reverend Tinnmemyer

and his family have attended Southminster Presbyterian Church for the last five years, said Sumpter.

peaceful step into the right calling. “There’s a lot of reasons people move on and leave

“There's a lot of reasons people move on and leave a workplace and I think Reverend Tinnemeyer left under the right calling and under the right reasons ... it's a good thing for him; I think it's a really good fit.” JOSH SUMPTER

Waynesburg University Chaplain

“I think there are opportunities there where he can use the gifts that God’s given him and I’m just grateful for his ministry here, but I’m excited for the plans that God has for him back in Mount Lebanon,” Sumpter added. Sumpter described Tinnemeyer leaving as a

a workplace and I think Reverend Tinnemeyer left under the right calling and under the right reasons. He was a blessing to our campus. He’s got his hands full with his new position. It’s a good thing for him; I think it’s a really good fit,” said Sumpter. Sumpter described

Tinnemeyer’s lasting impact at Waynesburg as having two major facets: his dedication to the students and his relationship with fellow employees. “I’ll start with employees, in particular, student services,” he said. “I think Reverend Tinnemeyer really conveyed encouragement and reminder that we spend a lot of time, even more so than with our families, we spend time with our fellow employees. So how do we craft and create Christlike community amongst each other?” Tinnemeyer wasn’t one to drift from his core belief that everything flowed from Jesus, and that was the biggest impact he left with the students, said Sumpter. “In ministry you can easily, especially in higher education, get caught up in all these different side

conversations, that are important, but we often can lose sight of who Jesus is and what the good news of the gospel is,” said Sumpter. “I think Reverend Tinnemeyer made that a staple for our campus, that Jesus is the center.” Reverend Tinnemeyer had multiple experiences working in ministry before coming to Waynesburg such as: associate pastor at Oakmont Presbyterian Church for four years, executive pastor at Shadyside Presbyterian Church for seven years and two years as acting senior pastor and head of staff. Tinnemeyer preached his candidating sermon at Southminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday, July 14 and has continued sharing his love for Christ with this new congregation, according to Southminster Presbyterian Church’s pastor nominating committee.


PAGE A4

SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

Students to assist in hurricane relief efforts after Dorian HOLLY HENDERSHOT Executive Editor

It w a s l e s s t h a n a month ago that Hurricane Dorian, a category five hurricane, hit the islands of the Bahamas, killing more than 50 people with at least 1,300 still missing. Dorian is the most powerful tropical storm to ever strike the country in recorded history, and many people who lived there lost everything they owned. Waynesburg University is planning a trip for students to help the situation. Fo r t h e p a s t t h re e years, the Center for Service Leadership has worked with Hands and Hearts, an organization that aids in supplying the needs of people in areas affected by natural disasters. The organization allows students to participate in service trips each year during the first week of January over winter break to assist in disaster relief efforts. For the past couple years, the trip has been to Texas to assist after Hurricane Harvey hit the state in 2017. Orig inally, the plan was to return again this year, since the state was once again hit by a storm. However, after hearing

Tribune News Agency

Lynn and Leon Laing stand in what's left of their living room after Hurricane Dorian hit their home of 50 years in Pelican Point on Grand Bahamas Island. about the vast damage done to the Bahamas and those who lived there, Kelley Hardie, assistant dean of Student Services, and students decided to change their plans and go to the Bahamas to help during the week of Jan. 4-11.

“Our students are amazing service leaders, and I think they are being called to help in an area of such great need,” Hardie said. It is still uncertain whether the service a re a i n t h e B a h a m a s will be safe enough for

Waynesburg students to volunteer in. If not, the volunteers will return to Texas for a third year, as initially planned. Carin Camp, campus security officer, has volunteered as a leader on the disaster relief service trips for the past

two years and plans to go again this year. She originally was asked by Hardie to volunteer as a trip leader two years ago because she has previously lived in Texas for 15 years. Camp said the fact that the disaster was in her ex-home state led her to

say yes, and she has volunteered ever since. “When Harvey hit, it was very close to home, very personal for me. I had friends who lost everything,” Camp said. “I realized that, for myself, if I could be there, I would in a heartbeat.” Camp said one of the best aspects of the volunteer work is meeting the people they are helping and knowing they are making a difference in the lives of those people. It is also one of the saddest aspects, as they see first-hand the loss experienced by those involved. “It is a very personal experience,” she said. “You get to talk to these people, hear their stories and see the devastation of their homes.” If they are able to volunteer in the Bahamas, Hardie said the work they do will consist of going through debris, possibly tearing down homes that are unsalvageable and other immediate hurricane relief efforts. An interest meeting for the service trip will be held tomorrow at noon in Stover 303. Students interested, but unable to attend the meeting, can email Hardie at khardie@ waynesburg.edu or stop by Stover 102 to get more information.

Nursing New Event Staff Alumna returns as new Program provides admissions staff member CJ experience Continued from A1

SILAS MAYS

For The Yellow Jacket

MADISON STRUNK For The Yellow Jacket

T h e D e p a r t m e nt o f Criminal Justice and Social Science started the Event Staff Program, which guides students vocationally and educationally, while giving them real life opportunities, said Adam Jack, chair of the department. Students in the department are given the chance to act as security at Waynesburg sporting events. Each student has to go through a training session before offi-

keeping people off the turf, keeping a lookout for alcohol, and reporting back to security if staff see anything suspicious. The program encourages freshmen to join because it will help them discover what criminal justice actually looks like and if they really want to be a part of it. “My hope is that this program will be another thing that sets us apart from all other CJ programs,” Jack said. “We are providing real life opportunities to these students that they cannot

“We are providing real-life opportunities to these students that they cannot only put on their resumes, but also fine tune their skills to be better professionals.”

T h i s p a s t s u m m e r, Waynesburg made a few structural changes to the Admissions Office, hoping to remain ahead of the curve and appeal to students as an evolving, progressing college. One of the main changes made was the addition of a new admissions counselor, Kristen Friday. Friday is a graduate of Waynesburg University and is spending her first year in the working world with her alma mater. Friday studied psychology at Waynesburg and believes it equipped her with the necessary skills she needed for her role as a counselor, such as strengthening her ability to relate to students, parents and most people in general. “Being able to skillfully

navigate interactions with all kinds of people helps you connect better, relate better and recruit better,” Friday said. Shari Payne, vice president for enrollment, shared some insight on the addition of Friday. She said they were looking for someone who knew and understood the mission of Waynesburg of faith, learning and service. She also said they needed someone who would be energetic and enthusiastic about Waynesburg. They needed to be willing to travel and be an active team player. Payne said Friday fulfills all of those requirements. “[We] couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on our team,” Payne said. Friday’s responsibilities include bringing in students to come live out their

college years at Waynesburg. Her schedule reads very busy for the upcoming years. “I am most looking forward to the connections and relationships I will be able to build with students and families who are enthusiastic to make Waynesburg a second home,” Friday said. “Going to college is a significant life transition, so having the opportunity to walk alongside each of my students throughout the process is a true blessing and gift.” Friday stressed her excitement for the upcoming year by expressing her interest in meeting new families and helping to ease them into college life. She said she is excited to be a part of the admissions team and work alongside the Waynesburg staff.

rigour of a program [is] a challenge,” Hixson said, “because the competition out there is fierce for other RN/BSN programs. Sometimes people want the easiest way to get their degrees, but I think in the long run, those that graduate from our program find that they can take that information, that knowledge they learned from our program.” For Hixson, keeping true to the university’s mission of faith, learning and service is counted on for the program to keep up its success and accolades. “We just keep plugging away and doing the best that we can,” she said. “We rely on our faith. That’s what’s unique about us. We rely on our faith that God will move us forward.”

ADAM JACK

Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice

cially becoming “event staff.” “We teach them that they are not security, but merely ambassadors for the university at these events,” Jack said. “They are observing and reporting to the security staff if they see something occurring that needs to be taken care of.” Event staff are trained to observe and report. The program is supposed to help them strengthen their communication, radio control and tactical planning skills, which in turn will help students build their résumés. “Definitely, I feel like it will, mainly because it is a volunteer aspect,” said Paris Harsley, senior criminal justice major and team lead of the event staff. “It is not like we are being forced to do it; we choose.” Even though the program is volunteer based, many of the criminal justice majors have signed up as event staff. “I already have approximately half of the criminal justice students that expressed interest or have already been training,” Jack said. “We will have between five to 20 workers at events, based on the location and size of the event.” Responsibilities for event staff include greeting fans,

only put on their résumés, but also fine tune their skills to be better professionals when they leave Waynesburg University.” Aug. 31 was the first event staff game the students had the chance to work at. The football team had a scrimmage, and it was the perfect opportunity to test how the program was going to work. Before the game, Adam Jack mapped out John F. Wiley Stadium and decided where the students would be positioned. Harsley, as the team lead, decided which students would be in each position and then continued to make sure the volunteers were rotating. The rotation gave each student a chance to be in each position. The scrimmage was an interesting opportunity for the first game, because a player was injured and an ambulance had to be called. Event staff had to shift their positions so the ambulance could get through, and then they proceeded to direct the driver into the stadium and onto the field. Jack hopes that prospective students will see this program as another reason to consider pursuing their education at Waynesburg University.

Strategy Continued from A1 faculty and staff here that love this institution and have a real commitment to the mission – and my commitment is to hire people who want to work at Waynesburg University. They don’t just want to be in higher ed or be a professor, they want to be here, part of what we’re doing – and that makes a huge difference.” The strategic plan is set to accomplish more than simply higher rankings. Maximizing student success and outcomes has become a priority. Focusing on employment trends and accomplishing a high placement rate for graduated students will prove legitimate success. While the strategic plan’s first theme is related to learning experiences, the outcomes of those learning experiences are what matters to students. “The university’s traditional cross-disciplinary educational experiences paired with new initiatives enhance the comprehensive student experience,” according to the university’s website. “Employment trends

Holly Hendershot, The Yellow Jacket

Senior Tré Thomas sits in the counselling center, one of the areas that will be partnering with the Pathways Center. constantly change, and it is imperative that higher education continues to evolve by creating the best pathways to success for each student. The university has several new initiatives focused on this effort.” Implementing “Seeds for Success” and the Pathways Center as well as more professional development and career readiness displays the strategic plan already in action. It is showing students a valuable collegiate experience outside of the classroom, while staying mission-

oriented. “[We strive] to be a premiere institution of Christian higher education, recognized for a commitment to our strong mission and our preparation of 21st century leaders through innovative and student-centered learning experiences,” Lee said. Director of the Pathways Center, Brian Carr, sees the importance of these academic programs. “All you have to do is read our mission statement,” Carr said regarding the Pathways Center. “It’s very clear that

we want to lead students to lives of leadership and purpose for the glory of God. Ultimately, we know the benefit of that.” The university’s strategic plan is only a five-year layout, but the impact it can have will determine the fate of the institution in this changing era of higher education. “Beyond that,” Lee said, “we're really trying to attract quality students that believe in what we’re doing here, the mission and [be a] part of this community we have.”


region SECTION B

SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

To Jauregui, music is a learning tool EDWARD BOICE Region Editor

“At some point, my brain was burned because I was trying to learn Farsi from a n E n g l i s h [s p ea k i n g ] teacher, living in an Italian house, I was speaking Spanish and my roommate was from China. It was crazy, but you learn something from each one.” As a professional percussionist and conductor, Camilo Jauregui’s craft has taken him all across the globe. During his travels, his understanding of music changed. No longer is it just a form of entertainment to him. Music is a tool for anyone to learn, to grow. “This is a very interesting moment in the world. We have different points of view, very strong different ones,” Jauregui said. “For us, music is like a universal language. So, we take this universal language to do something. It doesn't matter if you are from Boston or Pittsburgh or Columbia or Mexico, we can play all together making LatinAmerican Music or making Bach or making Mozart.” *** Camilo Jauregui grew up in the capital of Columbia, Bogotá. He received his bachelor degree in percussion performance and a minor in conducting from Corpas University, based in Bogotá. A few years after his graduation, he founded the Metropolitan Symphonic Band, a community band based in the capital city. Then, in 2014, Jauregui received an opportunity from the Afghanistan National Institute of Music. That was

the beginning of a journey for him. “A friend of mine from the cultural ministry of Columbia saw something on Facebook and [it said] we are looking for some guy who knows how to teach percussion, who knows how to conduct and has the experience to teach young and old people,” Jauregui said. “I said, ‘ok, I can try. Why not?’” Jauregui and some members of the institute met for a Skype session, and seven months later he flew to Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and became a percussion and conductor instructor in the turbulent Middle East. “I didn’t know anything about [Cabul]. It was an interesting experience for me because teaching in a war zone is totally different than a normal school. This part of my life changed everything because I already did a business and music [course] back in Columbia. It’s interesting how you can implant, how you can teach that in Afghanistan, and even in America.” In 2016, Jauregui gained another opportunity: an instructor for the Music Project in Sri Lanka. Jauregui and other instructors traveled once a week to multiple villages to give people their first opportunity to learn an instrument. “We traveled three our four hours from the city one time a week. They try to learn everything they can because they are very poor [and] so far away. So we started early in the morning and finished late. We tried to do that everywhere.”

Though Jauregui taught, he realized he learned from the Sri Lankans as well. “I really wanted to learn from them, because you come with the idea to teach something, to teach this, but the moment you arrive you are learning from them. How they play, how they say something, how they learn from you. So everyone’s different, but in one moment, everyone’s the same.” Jauregui eventually moved yet again, this time to Pittsburgh. His family had vacationed to the steel city and “fell in love,” said Jauregui. Embracing his family’s decision, he moved to the city last year and is now a performer for the North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band, Camerata 33 and Gavas Beat, along with teaching part-time at Waynesburg University and David’s Music House. “It’s like a movie,” Jauregui said about western Pennsylvania. “I love it. It looks like everything is clean. Full of farms, full of rain, full of cows… I like the people here. Everybody shows respect. I am really glad of that because everyone says

‘p l e a s e ,’ ‘ h e l l o ,’ ‘g o o d morning’ and good afternoon.’ Back in maybe New York or Chicago, they are big cities. No one cares about anything and everyone’s rushing because, obviously, it’s a big city.” *** Jauregui’s travels have reinforced one fact: music is a powerful tool. Along wi th taking him all over the world, he now knows music is a language of sorts that can unify anyone. The more who learn this language, t h e

more of an understanding can be met. At least, that’s what Jau- regui hopes h e

can do wherever else he goes. “If they are playing Beethoven back there [in Argentina] it sounds totally different than the Beethoven here, [different] than the Beethoven in Columbia,” Jauregui said. “So, I really want to learn from everyone, and everyone, as I’ve said before, has something to say, has something teach, something to learn.” Photo Courtesy of Camilo Jauregui

E-cig sellers respond to proposed federal ban Muddy Creek 530 bridge for sale EDWARD BOICE Region Editor

With the rise in deaths and illnesses connected to e-cigarette usage this year, President Donald Trump proposed a federal ban on most, if not all, flavored e-liquids for e-cigarettes Sept. 11. Vape sellers in Waynesburg, however, think banning is not a good decision based on their knowledge of ecigarettes, human nature and history. In regards to the diseases and deaths, Josh Whoolery, owner of The Vaporium, said the problem is that people are inhaling harmful juices not created by companies. He said the people getting sick are the ones vaping homemade liquid. “I've been doing this for five years now, and I’ve never had one person come back here with ill side effects,” Whoolery said. “What you’re seeing in the media is illegal THC cartridges and dealers cutting them with vitamin E, because they think vitamin E is safe because it’s vitamin E. When you inhale vitamin E, it causes lipoid pneumonia, which is what is getting these kids sick and a lot of people in the hospital.” Tammy Fischer, owner of Fischer’s Antiques, has seen some of her customers use homemade e-liquid and knows its potential dangers. “A girl had diff iculty

cases of lung injury connected to vaping in U.S.

*

9

deaths connected to vaping.

RACHAEL PELLEGRINO Op/Ed Editor

85%

ery and Fischer said the ingredients that make up eliquids are safer compared to the “tar and carcinogens” and other chemicals in cigarettes. According to the Food and Drug Administration’s website, cigarettes are comprised of over 7,000 chemicals, and 69 of them are known to cause cancer. While they have not done a review on e-cigarettes, the FDA only lists 10 known toxic chemicals. “There’s only a couple of ingredients, and you can go to Walmart and buy all of them now,” Whoolery said. “It’s propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, nic-

Back in 1903, Penn Bridge Company of Beaver Falls constructed a 40’ long and 13’ wide pony truss bridge in Greene County, Pennsyvania. It was used by local residents to not only drive their horse and buggies over Muddy Creek but to also transport farm animals across the water. After a century of transporting people, goods and farm animals over Muddy Creek this bridge is on the market to be sold and relocated. “We have been working on this probably since 2008, trying to get this bridge replaced. It was identified back then that it needed to be replaced [because of ] the structural deficiencies,” said Jeff Marshall, Chief Clerk for the County Commissioners. Generally, replacing this bridge wouldn’t be an issue, Marshall said. They would just tear the existing bridge down and sell it for scraps. Then they would build a new one.

VAPE >> B2

SALE >> B2

of teenagers have tried or use e-cigs in 2018.

$3.6

million generated by e-cigarettes in sales in 2018.

Data gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Statista and CNN Graphic by Edward Boice

[when] she went to another place that made their own juice and overdid the nicotine,” Fischer said. “I think that is your biggest problem, people trying to do things their own way and not buy the stuff that’s out there.” The hope the ban will prevent more harm could be compared to the hope for Prohibition before it went into effect in 1919. In the decade the alcohol ban existed, bootleg alcohol consumption increased, along with crime lords such as Al Capone. “I think if somebody wants something, they’re going to get it either way,” Fischer said. “Prohibition has never

‑ States where deaths connectd to e-cigarettes occured ‑ States that have banned e-cigarette flavored liquids *Massachusetts declared a four-month ban

worked in this country,” Whoolery said. “I don’t know why they think it’s going to work with this.” Another example Whoolery used is underaged vaping. Both Whollery and Fischer card people who look younger and uphold the law that no one under the age of 18 is allowed to buy e-cigarettes. Yet teenagers still get their hands on them. “I’d get my buddy who was a few years older than me to go in the store to get [cigarettes],” Whoolery said. “I was watching an interview the other day. Well, it wasn’t an interview. It was actually from the courtroom in New York whenever they were talk-

ing about the flavor ban and they had people coming in there [and] speaking. One of the kids said something about how you walk in the bathroom at school and all you see is people in the stalls with their JUULs. Well, when [I] was in school, all I saw where people in the stalls smoking cigarettes and dope.” The only flavor that will remain on shelves after a flavor ban will be tobacco flavor. For those who can’t stand the taste of tobacco but still want to vape, bootlegging their own flavors becomes a more tempting option, said Whoolery. Even if people ignore the dangers and concoct their own flavors, both Whool-


SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

PAGE B2

White covered bridge celebrates 100 years standing JENNIFER GARREFFA AND HOLLY HENDERSHOT Staff Report

This year is the 100th anniversary for the Greene County White Covered Bridge. The historic monument has been a part of local culture since its construction in 1919. More recently, it has undergone a complete renovation in 2008 in order to sustain the approximately 6,000 visitors attracted by the bridge. This year, the 49th annual White Covered Bridge Festival celebrated the years the bridge has been standing. White Covered Bridge Association Executive Director Pat Walko said the festival had no hard time finding vendors. “Normally we have 10 to 12 vendors on a waiting list for the fest,” Walko said. Each year, the festival hosts on average 65 vendors, including both new and returning stands. The 10 new vendors this year included Heritage Farms, who sell pastureraised pork, Down Home Cookin and All N Stitches. Returning vendors included the National Pike Wagon Trail, which holds their only fundraiser at the festival each year by selling food, including Pioneer Breakfast options in the morning. Volunteer firefighters were also represented there, along with returning Native American dis-

plays. Even Bear Bottom Boyz came all the way from Florida to sell their salsas, ciders, butters and more at the festival. The festival also hosts live entertainment, and on average they had 10 bands scheduled for the festival; five per day. Aside from vendors and live musical entertainment, patrons also viewed live-action civil war reenactments. The reenactments were performed by the 140th Pennsylvania Volunteers Company A Reenactors. This local group is based on a company from the civil war that came from Waynesburg University. The reenactment group included faculty members, students and staff. Due to severe f looding last year, the White Covered Bridge Festival was canceled. Last year’s weather had no crippling effects on the festival’s attendance this year, and Walko and Joanne Marshall, tourism director of the Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency, believe their absence the previous year has caused more excitement for this year's festival. “The cancellation of last year’s festival because of the rain and the f looding definitely encouraged people to reflect positively on the festival happening this year and increased the anticipation of returning to the grounds for the White Covered Bridge Fes-

Holly Hendershot, The Yellow Jacket

Standing since 1919, the white covered bridge's anniversary was celebrated with around 65 vendors last weekend. tival,” Marshall said. Marshall believes the nearly 50-year-old festival owes much of its success to the community of Greene County. “Small festivals like this don't usually get to see that landmark,” Marshall said. “It’s the community support and patronage that has kept is going year after year.”

County oil pull tradition continues Sale ANGELICA GOOD

Continued from B1

Editorial Assistant

The Greene County Fair Grounds hosted the Lucas Oil Mega Pull this Saturday, Sept. 21, for the 20th consecutive year in Waynesburg. The admission price was $25 per person and the event took place from 7 - 10 p.m. The pull consisted of both trucks and tractors. The event included appearances from mini rod Tractors, super stock diesel trucks, unlimited super stock tractors and OPTIMA Batteries super modified 2WD trucks. Each of these vehicles have large, wide tires, are weighted, have huge or even multiple engines and are all diesel, amongst other qualities.Functions such as this are expected to have a huge fan following. “It’s a very large turnout. The grandstands will be full. We have on site, beside the track parking, that is completely taken a year in advance; it is kind of like your own personal tailgate party,” said Debbi Stevenson, coordinator of Greene County Fairgrounds. “People typically follow their favorite class, making the event a huge ordeal.” The fairgrounds encourage everyone to attend,

Vape Continued from B1 otine and f lavoring. The flavoring they use is the same kind of flavoring they use in candies, cakes, milkshakes, you name it.” The simplicity of e-liquid, compared to the list of chemicals in cigarettes, has the owners questioning why the government wants to ban vaping and not cigarettes, especially considering the annual 480,000 deaths the Center for Disease Control predicts are caused by cigarettes. “Another thing people need to think about is

Angelica Good,The Yellow Jacket

The track of the Greene County Fairgrounds in preparation for modified trucks and tractors riding in the 20th annual Lucas Oil Mega Pull. stating, “we will never turn anyone away.” “It is for all ages. You can even go and interact with the drivers and get photos taken with the vehicles before the show starts,” Stevenson said. Their goal is to have participants interact with the fans as much as possible because many have traveled a great distance to attend. A large number of visitors are anticipated each year and it only keeps growing with time. That being said, it takes a massive amount of planning in advance to coordinate the arrival of such massive

these tobacco companies pay these states for smoking-related illnesses that people come down with,” Whoolery said. “It’s kind of an insurance thing. They pay them billions. States get paid billions from tobacco companies.” Some states are receiving money from vaping as well. Gov. Tom Wolf passed a 40% tax in October, 2016 on the sale of e-cigarettes, e-liquids and starter kits. The tax has already lost W hooler y and Fischer money due to fewer customers buying these products. “The number one thing I sell is flavored e-liquids … It’s going to cause a lot of places to close,” Whoolery said. “A lot of people aren’t

vehicles. “In March, we usually decide what type of vehicle we want to come to this pull, what is available, how close they will be to us and where they will be at the week before, that way there is no conf licting scheduling,” Stevenson said. People tend to come from all over in order to either participate or enjoy their hobby. “Just come on out and have a good time,” Stevenson said. Active fan and experienced driver, Erran W. from Sycamore, Pennsylvania, attended the pull.

His interest in this event came from his experience driving International 1066, a farm tractor for four years. His friends got him into the hobby of driving the vehicle for show. “My favorite part of being involved with driving these vehicles is because it is a lot of fun,” Erran said. “What worries me the most though, is breaking the drive train and motor. It can be a very expensive hobby or job costing a few thousand dollars.” Erran recommends that people attend pulls for “enjoyment, fun and friendly competition.”

“What you’re seeing in the media is illegal THC cartridges and dealers cutting them with vitamin E, because they think vitamin E is safe because it’s vitamin E.” JOSH WHOOLERYI

Owner of The Vaporium

even gonna try and stay in business, because, like I said, it’s where we make most of our money.” A concern Fischer has considers those who use vapes to get off of cigarettes. Fischer and Whoolery have seen multiple customers who have used vapes for that very purpose. With the ban in

place, all vapers will have to choose to vape tobacco flavor or return to cigarettes, said Whoolery. “I just feel bad for people who really have used it and it has done them a lot of good, because if they aren't able to get what they want, they’ll just go back to cigarettes, which is not a good thing,” Fischer said.

However, Marshall said they’ve been “jumping through hoops” with this process, because this is no ordinary bridge. The now standing four panel rivet-connected pony truss bridge represents a part of Pennsylvania’s heritage. It is one of numerous metal truss bridges built during the Industrial Revolution. Tyra Guyton, transportation special initiatives coordinator at PennDOT, said these bridges tell the story of the industrial era and how important the iron and steel industry was in Pennsylvania. Because PennDOT is responsible for maintaining safe transportation, these historic truss bridges are required by federal and state law to be removed and replaced. Due to the historic relevance of these bridges, this is not an option. “We want to preserve a part of Pennsylvania history,” Guyton said. In an effort to preserve this fundamental state history, PennDOT’s Historic Bridge Marketing Program started selling historic bridges. The one requirement is that the bridge must be relocated and the steel structure must be preserved. “[Truss bridges] were never built for vehicles on the road today,” Guyton said. “[They] were meant for horse and buggies, so they’re not able to meet the needs of a particular crossing. Because of that, we want to save them instead of demolishing and replacing [them].” There are only a handful of truss bridges that still exist today, so PennDOT preserves the historic bridges by selling them or putting them up for auction. The people who buy the bridges have the option to put them where they please. “They put them on trails, somewhere where the weight load isn’t as much for the bridge to

hold,” Marshall said. “You f igure that bridge that we’re replacing was built back in the early 1900s, usually dealing with small cars, farm animals and trailers.” There have already been around five inquiries about the pony truss bridge in Greene County, but there is only one serious offer from a local historic farm owner. “He [the farm owner] has got a creek crossing that is giving him an issue, so he is trying to see if that bridge would fit that purpose,” Marshall said. “Right now, PennDOT, the county and the property owner that is interested are sort of … coordinating the level of interest, what’s going on, that kind of stuff ... to see if the bridge can be located to this gentleman’s farm.” The bridge is currently county owned, so the property deed would need to be transferred to the local farm owner. Marshall said they’re hoping for approval. “We’re hoping for approval, because being a historic farm with a historic bridge on it kinda makes sense,” he said. Currently, the pony truss bridge carries Township Road 634 over Muddy Creek. So, if the transfer of property deed is approved, a new bridge will need to be built for traffic to cross the creek. “The plan right now will be to have that bridge removed, relocated and a new concrete unlimited bridge will be put there across the creek,” Marshall said. The new bridge will be funded partly by the Federal Highway Administration because, as Marshall said, the county will only receive a small prof i t from selling the historical bridge. “It’s not like we’re going to be making a lot of money off of selling this bridge,” he said. “It’s generally going to be a nominal amount.” With many of the other historical bridges sold by PennDOT, the preservation of history comes before money.


sports PAGE B3

SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 | WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY | THEYELLOWJACKET.ORG

KICKIN' IN COSTA RICA

Photo Courtesy of Zack Morgan

Soccer programs travel over summer break to serve and play in Central America COLIN MCLAUGHLIN For the Yellow Jacket

This past summer the Waynesburg University soccer teams spent a week in Costa Rica. The teams had the opportunity to serve at a Christian school, give shoes to those in need, play against professional teams and watch a professional match as well. “It was awesome, I think you can measure a trip in a lot of ways,” assistant coach Zach Morgan said. “You have the experiences of everything, so being in a different country as a team [was beneficial]. Playing soccer matches was also great as a team.” Both the women’s and men’s teams played two games each. The women’s team played against first division teams and the men’s teams played against second division teams. Morgan added that the

program decided to play the games early in the week so that they could do more service activities towards the end of the week. They did their service projects through an organization called Thrive Vision. “We are the only organization in Costa Rica that is interacting with soccer players in a professional level,” Daniel Rojas of Thrive Vision said. “So, you do have other organizations bringing teams into Costa Rica, but most of the time we want them [to do the service] as well as play with professional teams.” Rojas is the founder of Thrive Vision, and was originally a missionary for 18 years. He loved preaching the gospel, but always asked himself and God if there was anything else he could do to help people. Then he found the answer and created Thrive Vision. “We want for people to

thrive spiritually, emotionally, academically and professionally,” Rojos said. “We believe that as Christians we can help other people, but not in a spiritual way. If that was the case, then I would be a missionary.” Morgan said the original plan was to help at a women’s shelter and a church, but once they arrived they were told that they were going to be assisting at a Christian school as well as going to different towns and helping with kids. They also took fishing boats to a remote island in Costa Rica where they stayed for two days, preached the gospel and gave out shoes. “It’s one of the reasons why we wanted to go there,” Morgan said. “We knew there was needs and we tried to fit those needs as best as we could.” Each night the team would come together to bond and listen to different

stories from Rojas. The final night, whenever they were all together on the field, was a night Rojas said he would never forget. “We all gathered together in the soccer field and it was a very good and emotional day for a lot of things,” said Rojas. “A lot of them started to think about their life… so that one night a lot of them made a lot of good decisions and there were some tears and a lot of hugs. That was the night I could say I enjoyed the most.” Morgan added that each night the teams would do what they called ‘The Beads’. The teams would gather around and give out beads of four different colors to their teammates. Each color represented something that they witnessed that day. One color was for comfort zone, another was for good attitude, another for leader-

ship and one for love. “Just being able to share and encourage our teammates with something that we witnessed them do and show how proud of each person we were,” Morgan said. “That was probably one of my favorite memories of it. Just crying together, laughing together and loving each other was just amazing.” For senior midfielder Hannah Sembower, this is the only trip with the team she has taken since it was the first year they did it. She said she enjoyed the trip and seeing the culture and beauty of Costa Rica, with her only regret being that she wished they had gone sooner. “Some of my favorite memories are definitely going to the school one day,” Sembower said. “We actually got to see the classrooms and then we also got to play with the

team down there as well. We got to exchange our jerseys and interact with them a little bit.” Sembower added that she still keeps in touch with some of the people from Costa Rica through Facebook. “I know the girl that I gave my jersey to,” she said. “I friended her [on Facebook] and her and I keep in touch a little bit. Also, some of the people from the island where we spent two days they also have us on Facebook too.” Nate Kummer, senior midfielder, also went on the trip to Costa Rica with the team. For him the trip was truly a once in a lifetime. “I remember each day pretty well,” Kummer said. “Each day we did something pretty cool. But my favorite memory was hanging out with everyone and SOCCER >> B4

Kirby, Proper develop strong bond Jackets prepare to ‘stay the course,’ look for first win ADAM MORGANTE For the Yellow Jacket

Waynesburg University volleyball player Alyssa Proper is the only senior on the 2019 roster. She and the juniors on the team have experienced the process of a coaching change during their time at Waynesburg. In the spring of 2018, Hayley Kirby was hired to lead the program, and is now in her second season. Proper had mixed feelings when Kirby f irst stepped foot on Waynesburg’s campus. “I was definitely nervous, because I didn’t know if the change would be better, if it would be worse, I didn’t know what was going to happen or what to expect,” Proper said. “But at the same time, I was excited for a change. We obviously needed one.” In Proper’s first two years with the program, Waynesburg had a combined record of 2-52. Last season, they won five games, which was more than double their win total in Proper’s first two seasons. Proper said the team had a different mentality with coaching change. They all realized that if they wanted to improve, changes needed to be made. “I think that [the change] was positive,” Proper said. “We all realized that what we had been doing obviously was not working. We hadn’t won much, we hadn’t improved much, so I think overall people were ready for a change.”

ANDREW HREHA

Digital News Content Director

Photo Courtesy of Waynesburg Volleyball

In her final season, senior Alyssa Proper leads the Jackets volleyball team in assists, averaging 3.97 per set, and sits fourth in digs with 1.6 digs per set. One thing that Proper has noticed with Kirby compared to Benkowski, is that she doesn’t look at the big picture which helps Proper improve her game. “[Kirby] definitely pays closer attention and picks out the little things,” Proper said. Proper can point out one specific thing that coach Kirby has helped her to improve. “Her big thing with me since I’m a setter is my legs,” Proper said. “I don’t use my legs all the time when I set so that’s one thing that she’s really focused on is my legs and my

follow through so that the ball doesn’t spin as much.” Kirby picked out a different strength that she believes Proper has improved on since she took over in 2018. “I think she has really improved her mental game with not getting so hard on herself and being able to make good choices,” Kirby said. Kirby also says that she’s tried to help Proper from a technical standpoint on the court as well. The work has paid off. At the setter position, Proper leads the Jackets with 119 assists, 25 more than any other

player. “She’s not typically a setter, so I’ve helped her become more aware of where to set the ball, when to set the ball,” Kirby said. Since Kirby has arrived at Waynesburg, Proper said that Kirby’s main message to the team is less talking and more doing with their actions on the court to get positive results. “Since she got here,we are a different team,” Proper said. “We’ve noticed we are a different team and big thing is [to] prove it. Prove that we can do it, prove that we’re better, prove people wrong.”

The home opener didn’t go as planned for the Waynesburg University football team, as the Jackets fell to the Bethany Bison, 41-17, despite jumping out to a 10-0 lead. “We did not play to our potential for four quarters,” head coach Chris Smithley said. “We accept that, I accept that, and we’re gonna work harder to get that right. Rome wasn’t built in one night, so we are going to stay the course here.” Waynesburg [0-3, 0-2 in PAC] will look to “stay the course” this week when they travel to Beaver Falls and take on the Geneva College Golden Tornadoes [1-2, 1-1 in PAC]. Two of the past three games against Geneva were low-scoring wins (10-7 in 2018 and 10-9 in 2016). The goal defensively, Smithley said, is to continue to stymee Geneva’s offense. “If we can play defensively to holding them to 10, 14 points, that’s obviously going to increase our chances of winning the game,” Smithley said. “Defensively we have a big task this week of shutting down this run game.” Smithley also pointed out that while the Gene-

va offense will run their standard triple option offense, their defensive scheme will look different than last season. “Now they’re doing a little more two-high things, doing a little more stuff from a pressure standpoint, playing some nontypical coverages behind some pressures because the ball is gonna come out quick,” Smithley said. “For the most part, we are seeing a similar Geneva team that we’ve seen in the past and we’ll plan accordingly to what we see of them on tape.” Last week, Bethany had great success running the ball against Waynesburg, gaining 347 yards on the ground. Although the Jackets haven’t done what they’ve wanted to do in slowing down the run game in 2019, Smithley plans to beat Geneva by controlling the football, much like they did in last year’s win. . “We took their game plan and used it against them and we’re gonna have to do that again. We had some guys make some good plays,” Smithley said. Another benef it of controlling the football is giving the defense much n eed ed re s t b et wee n drives, which Smithley wants to see Saturday. GENEVA >> B4


PAGE B4

SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

Family, friends of Success continues for women's XC Davis reflect after fatal auto accident MIKE TRAX

For the Yellow Jacket

er, Breisinger grew close to Davis, and saw him as somebody who John-Glen Davis respected all hoped more than types of people. anything that the “He didn’t care news wasn’t true. what your status Late Saturday was, your backevening, Sept. 7, ground, what Davis found out you liked what that his older you didn’t like,” brother, Dan, had Breisigner said. been in a car acci“If you showed dent. Shortly after, respect for Dan John Glen-Davis’ he liked you.” Dan Davis worst fear became “He would do a reality. anything to go out of his His brother was dead at way just to do something the age of 25. for somebody, even if he He was killed in a single- didn’t know them,” Johncar crash that also took the Glen Davis said. “He wanted lives of two other Waynes- everybody to feel like they burg residents. were on the same page, and “He was my best friend,” he didn’t want anybody to John-Glen Davis said. “I feel like a minority. He aclooked up to him in ev- cepted anybody. He was erything I did. He taught very loving and caring in me everything in the ways that aspect.” that I was with my family. Those who knew Davis He taught me everything described him as having from my work ethic, from an easy going, fun-loving being a good person, being personality. a leader.” “When he was in a room, Dan Davis began his col- he just made it better,” lege football career more Watts said. “He made it a than 350 miles away from good vibe.” home. “Dan was always a good After a year at Appala- time,” Breisinger said. “He chian State University, Da- was always in for having vis returned to where he fun. Whatever it may be, he was born and raised, and was enjoyable to be around. through a fun-loving per- I’ll miss that.” sonality, made an impact on Dan’s senior season was the Waynesburg University cut short due to an injury, football program for four but he didn’t let the disapyears. For two of those pointment of not being able years, he was teammates to perform on the field stop with his younger brother, him from making an impact who came to Waynesburg on the program, particularin the fall of 2015, influ- ly in mentoring the younger enced by Dan already be- players. ing there. One player in particuThe impact Dan Davis left lar that Dan developed a on his teammates and close connection with was thenfriends will be permanent. freshman running back “He was kind of like the Chad Walker. In the only man around Waynesburg season Walker and Dan Dait seemed like,” former vis played together, Davis Jackets’ tig ht end Alec suffered a torn ACL. Watts said. “He grew up [in Despite the injury, he Waynesburg], and the Da- made it a point to contribvis family kind of does a lot ute to the program as much for the town of Waynesburg as possible. and the schools and stuff. “Him being a senior, So it seems like everybody sometimes he would mokind of knew who he was.” tivate me,” Walker said. When Watts was a soph- “Sometimes I would put omore, he changed posi- it on myself. I’d put a loss tions and ended up playing or something like that on behind Dan Davis at tight myself. He was a huge supend. During their three porter of trying to get this years as teammates, Davis thing turned around. Trywas a mentor to Watts on ing to be a supporter of me the field, and off the field, and helping me out. Even he was a close friend. though he was hurt.” “He kind of took me unWatts said he’ll miss Dader his wing, honestly when vis being there as someit came to football,” Watts body to lean on more than said. “I got moved into his anything else. position while he was still “He was always there playing. He really took it when I needed him,” Watts upon himself to teach me said. “Somebody to talk everything from the ground to. When I had a question up. Football and the posi- about something, I enjoyed tion and what I needed to helping him as well. I’m just do to be successful. That gonna miss his presence. kind of built a friendship, Just everything about him you know.” being around.” Another close friend of John-Glen Davis said he’ll Dan Davis, Christian Breis- miss his brother always inger, didn’t have the same pushing him to be at his football-related connection best, and the moments they that Watts did. Briesinger shared together as not only spent some of his time at brothers, but best friends Waynesburg as a defensive as well. back, so he and Davis didn’t “I’ll just miss him tellplay on the same side of the ing me how proud he was field. Off the field, howev- of me.”

JOE SMELTZER Sports Web Editor

The Waynesburg University cross country team has built a successful reputation for its program over the years and the centerpiece for the success is the atmosphere and the certain strategies the team has built. “Pacing and pack running go hand in hand for us,” head coach Chris Hardie said. “That has been our formula for us.” The other part of the centerpiece came from five years ago, when the team turned the corner on how competitive they were with each other and kept that fierce competition.” Assistant coach Michelle Cross believes the culture the women have built in the team has been essential to its success. “I think the women themselves have built a culture that breeds champions,” Cross said. “They are good about the little things for example sleep, nutrition and stretching and that is important if you want to win.” The Yellow Jackets traveled to Lock Haven, Pennsylvania last weekend to compete in the Lock Haven University Cross Country Invitational. Waynesburg finished 12th out of 37 total teams scoring 339 points. The meet included teams from the Division I, II and III levels. West Virginia University won the meet taking the top

Photo Courtesy of Patty Kaczinski Scott

Last weekend, the women's cross country team finished 12th out of 37 teams at the Lock Haven Invitational six finishes and scoring 15 team points. Going into this race Hardie wanted the team to come out strong against stiff competition “We knew it was going to be a big talented field,” Hardie said. “We urged everyone to push their opening pace through the first mile and to stick in groups.” Cross wanted to make sure the runners kept their composure throughout the race. “In a large meet like this the adrenaline runs high and the pace goes out fast,” Cross said. “We really just emphasized that they needed to feel strong and calm at the mile and to remain focus throughout the race.” Sophomore Aubrey Wingeart was the Jackets top runner, placing 18th with a time of 22:05.1.

and freshman Madelyn Verhoff, who rounded out the top seven for the Jackets finishing with times of 24:37.6 and 25:12.9. Hardie was pleased with his teams showing at Lock Haven. “I am happy with how the team performed,” Hardie said. “Almost coming in the top ten at this kind of meet is impressive to us.” The Yellow Jackets are back in action Saturday Oct. 5 when they compete in the Paul Short Run at Lehigh University. Hardie said the team needs to improve on how their top five run together. “Our spread is a little too high right now and we have to get our runners working better together and to keep pushing forward,” Hardie said.

Smith thrives after position switch DYLAN CLELAND Sports Editor

Most players experience a turning point in their career, whether it’s one big play or a record setting season. An athlete will experience ups and downs, but ultimately have their view of the game completely changed. For senior Tyler Smith, it was a position change from safety to linebacker between his sophomore and junior season that allowed him to find success on the gridiron. Smith, now a linebacker for the Yellow Jackets’ football team said the position change was something he needed to do because it was best for the team at the request of defensive coordinator Scott Venick. “Coach [Scott] Venick came to me after my sophomore season and asked me about moving to linebacker,” Smith said. “I was a little iffy on it because [I had] never played linebacker since little leagues, but I decided to do it not just for myself but for the team, because he said we needed me there.” After playing at linebacker for the entirety of his junior year, Smith was named to the first team of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference’s all-conference team. Smith recorded 86 tackles, 12.5 of which for loss and two sacks last

season. Third-year head the leadership they have, coach Chris Smithley was Ty is a guy that exemplian assistant on fies everything the staff during we want from Smith’s fresha character man year, but standpoint.” he has seen him Another part develop into a that helped reliable athlete. Smith transi“The transition easily from tion from safety defensive back to linebacker to linebacker is was at the time the ability to be a transition of coached or ‘beneed for us deSmith ing coachable.’ fensively,” said “Coming in Smithley. “Finding a way for as a freshman it was a little us to get our best 11 guys on devastating because you the field, we knew Ty was have high expectations

“Personally, I want a winning season and want to do whatever I need to do to get that.” TYLER SMITH

Senior Linebacker

one of those guys. So, moving him down to linebacker was our best option at the time and the way he transitioned into that role is the [same] way any of us would expect Ty to do.” Off the field, Smith studies business management and is pursuing a minor in marketing. For Smithley, Smith’s character on and off the field speaks for itself. “He’s an extremely high character individual,” said Smithley. “When we sit here and evaluate not just what our guys are doing on the field, but off the field and

Soccer

and want to play right off the bat, but you come in and see competition is a little bit harder than you expected,” Smith said. “The main thing with freshman year is you just have to be coachable and I felt like I tried my best to do that and get out of my high school techniques and do what coach Venick needs us to do and continue to do throughout my past three years and senior year.” Smithley echoes Smith and said he was more than willing to switch positions. “He stepped up and knew that his role was changing

Geneva

Continued from B3 going to watch the Cup Final.” Morgan loved whenever the teams were vulnerable with each other and able to come together and bond. “You wish that kids could do that here in the states without the trip, but sometimes the trip has to bring it out in people,” Morgan said. Next year the plan is for the trip to Costa Rica to be a service trip for all students.

Wingeart, who stood out as a freshman last fall, has continued to run well for the Jackets this season and Hardie has high praise for the sophomore. “Wingeart has been putting on a really good season and the future is looking bright for her,” Hardie said. “At the meet she was the third Division III runner to finish which is very impressive.” Junior Becca Volz was the next Jacket to cross the line coming in 49th with a time of 23:03.6. Finishing off the Waynesburg’s top seven scorers were junior Nichole Shelton placing 62nd with a time of 23:21.5, Sophomores Gloria Reed and Monica Kolencik placing 101st and 126th with times of 24:11.6 and 24:32.2, and Junior Gianna Pugliano

Continued from B3

Photo Courtesy of Zack Morgan

During the trip to Costa Rica, both soccer teams had the opportunity to meet and perform service work with Costa Ricans while also playing a few soccer matches.

“Field position is key in a game like this and every time your defense is out there, it’s like being in a high rate of speed car crash,” Smithley said. “So limiting the amount of times that their offense is snapping the ball is going to be key for us.” Overall, Smithley wants to see more improvement in his team’s run defense and believes it is imperative to success Saturday. “[The key] is to stop the

and knew that’s what was best for the team,” Smithley said. “He handled it as everybody in this program would expect him to handle it. Just [a] phenomenal, hard-working guy that wants to win as bad as anybody does and wants to do what it takes to get that done.” In his final season as a Yellow Jacket, Smith is prepared to take on a leadership and mentor role for the younger guys on the team, but doesn’t want to lose focus of his goals. “Personally, I want a winning season and want to do whatever I need to do to get that,” he said. . “As a team I feel like throughout spring ball and going into the season through camp we connected very well, and I feel like everyone is on the same page. We have to set the tone for the season.” Waynesburg has lost its first three games, but still has more than half the season to play. Smithley is excited to see how Smith finishes and progresses towards the end of his time with Waynesburg. “He’s a mature individual, respectful, great discipline, he’s accountable, not just to this program but to his teammates and professors as well,” Smithley said. “Ty’s a guy that’s going to be very successful no matter what he does in life just because of the character he has and the type of individual he is.”

run,” Smithley said. “We can’t give up 300 rushing yards. I think we have to score points and possess the football and we have to finish drives. We have to score touchdowns and we’ve got to make splash plays on special teams. If we do those things, I feel like we are in a really good place.” Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday.No matter what takes place, Smithley wants his team to finish. “As a team, when you smell that blood in the water, you have to attack,” Smithley said. “ That’s something we need to do a better job at.”


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