Feb. 6, 2019 theridernews.com Vol. 89, No. 13

DEREK HOUGH DANCES ONTO CAMPUS THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ATOP THE MAAC “Dancing with the Stars” celebrity teaches class to A nation reacts to the longest government shutdown in Halfway through the season, the men’s Rider students. page 7 U.S. history. page 8 team is in first place in its conference. page 12

Derek Hough visits Rider for SRC fitness program

SEE CEREMONY ➠ PAGE 2 Peter G. Borg/ Peter Professional dancer and “Dancing with the Stars” celebrity Derek Hough teaches an hour long dance class to Rider students at the Student Recreation Center on Feb. 3. Students learned a Latin-style dance. Rebovich event Faculty layoffs leads to arbitration talks infrastructure By Lauren Lavelle N the wake of the layoff notices sent to Rider faculty By Stephen Neukam in October 2018, Rider’s chapter of the American N afternoon devoted to discussion about Association of University Professors (AAUP) dispute the future of New Jersey and New York’s Iwith Rider’s administration was the focus of a infrastructure unraveled at Rider as Jerry lengthy arbitration hearing conducted over three days AZarro, the Chairman of the Gateway Program in December and January. Development Corporation (GDC), addressed Both the AAUP and the administration provided students and guests at an event hosted by The witnesses and presented documentary evidence to Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics on Feb. 5. support their cases during the hearing. Both parties The Gateway Program proposed investments into expect the arbitration to reach its final verdict in late the rail system to improve efficiency and capacity March. for a critical section of the Northeast Corridor. The According to Jeffrey Halpern, the AAUP’s chief GDC is a New Jersey non-profit that was established grievance officer, this arbitration was expected. to oversee the Gateway Program. In Oct. 2017, the first round of layoff notices were Zarro, a veteran of eight governors sent to Rider faculty only to be rescinded in early administrations in New Jersey, stressed the Spring 2018. Halpern said that, during that time, importance of investing in a new tunnel system to the AAUP kept an arbitrator on hold in case the

get workers from New Jersey to New York and vice administration sent out a second round of notices. Courtesy of Rider University versa. “We felt then and still do now that they were The Rider administration and the AAUP are in the midst of an “It is the single most important infrastructure inappropriate layoffs,” Halpern said. “[The layoffs] arbitration hearing following faculty layoffs. project in the United States,” said Zarro. “Thirteen did not meet the requirements that the contract lays percent of the entire workforce of New York City out that allow the university to layoff faculty.” university marketing and communications, said the goes through [the tunnel.]” Members of the AAUP and the administration administration also remains optimistic about the The major proposal of the GDC is the must now submit written briefs detailing their cases by outcome of the arbitration. construction of a new tunnel system under the Feb. 8 so the arbitrator can make final decision. “The university remains confident that this process Hudson River. “This is a big case and it involves a lot of issues,” will result in a decision from an impartial, third-party The existing tunnel, which consisted of one Halpern said. “I can’t guarantee that we’re going to arbitrator that sustains our right to proceed with tunnel in and one tunnel out, runs under the river. It win but we have a very strong case, and we wouldn’t the various options as determined by the Board of just turned 108 years old. Zarro have moved forward with this if we didn’t believe Trustees last year,” she said. put this in perspective for the ➠ SEE GUEST that.” audience, acknowledging that PAGE 4 Kristine Brown, the associate vice president for 2 The Rider News Feb. 6, 2018 Page 2 SECURITY BRIEFS BY LAUREN LAVELLE Berman pleads guilty

Pub problems By Lauren Lavelle No ID, no entry. On Feb. 3 at 5:03 p.m., a Public Safety officer was checking ID’s at LAN J. Berman, a former Rider the Rider Pub when a male student approached him and said he did not have a Public Safety officer, recently form of identification on him. The officer informed the male student that an ID was pleaded guilty to having sexual needed for entry and the male student became visibly angry and entered the Pub Acontact with an underage without permission. Public Safety followed the student and asked him to leave. male and possessing images of child The officer consulted campus life staff who eventually allowed the student to enter pornography, said a press release from the Pub as long as he followed the proper rules and regulations. The male student the Burlington County Prosecutor’s was cited with a violation of the university Social Code of Conduct. Office. The underage boy and his family were acquainted with Berman before the assault occurred, according to the Not your typical snow angel press release. Berman, 58, pleaded guilty on The Bart Luedeke Center (BLC) patio never saw it coming. On Feb. 2 at 8:39 Jan. 29 to one count of endangering a.m., a Public Safety officer was doing a routine check of the BLC patio when he the welfare of a child in the second office Prosecutor’s Courtesy County of the Burlington noticed an inappropriate symbol drawn in the snow. Facilities were contacted degree and one count of aggravated Former Public Safety officer Alan J. Berman and removed the symbol immediately. Public Safety is currently investigating this criminal sexual contact in the third pleaded guilty to conviction. matter. degree. He faces up to eight years in prison, said the release. Berman, who was originally placed Berman came under suspicion last on administrative leave, has been Suspicious flames year when an investigation conducted terminated by Rider and banned by the National Center for Missing from campus. She also mentioned This isn’t the best way to express yourself. On Feb. 1 at 1:29 a.m., Public Safety was and Exploited Children revealed he mandatory background checks called to Ziegler Hall for the report of a fire. After arriving, officers were directed had been posing as a teenage girl remain in place for all Public Safety to the second floor hallway where they discovered a poster referencing Rider’s online to obtain nude photos and officers. annual Drag Queen Race had been set on fire. The poster was removed and a videos of a teenage boy. “All our Public Safety officers report was filed with the Lawrence Township Fire Marshal’s office. He was arrested Sept. 21 go through a rigorous background and charged with four counts of check before they are hired, as did endangering the welfare of a child. Berman,” Brown said. “That process About a month later, he was charged will certainly continue.” — Information provided by Public Safety Coordinator Michael Yeh with seven additional counts of endangering the welfare of a child and three counts of sexual assault. Kristine Brown, the associate vice president for university marketing and communications, said that Experienced candidate chosen as new director

By Ryan Connelly Safety plays in the life of a residential ITH over 10 years of university. He was the best fit for Rider experience as head of campus among the finalist candidates.” security, James Waldon was Stasolla led the search working Wappointed Director of Public closely with Rider representatives to fill Safety at Rider on Jan. 14. the vacant position. “I am very excited to be a part of “I was blessed to work with such a the Rider University community,” said committed group of individuals,” said Waldon. “I am looking forward to Stasolla. “We received well over 100 getting to know and meeting as many resumes, many of which were from people as possible.” qualified candidates, conducting an His last employment was the initial set of interviews to arrive at Director of Campus Safety and three finalist candidates who each spent Transportation at Southern Vermont a full day on campus meeting with College in Bennington, Vermont. students, faculty and staff.” “During my career, I was assigned Not only was it important for the to the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Fugitive staff to do a thorough search for who Task Force and the U.S. Bureau of the next candidate would been, but Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm,” said Stasolla also stressed how important the Waldon. student’s views on this task are. Not only has he done his fair share “It was important to us that students in the workplace, Waldon excelled be involved in the interview process academically as well. along with those who work closely with “I have a masters of administrative Public Safety throughout the year,” she science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson said. University and bachelor of arts Many students are excited to have degree in political science from Kean another officer on staff. University,” he said. “I am currently “I have had a lot of interactions working on a second master’s degree as with Public Safety over my four years

I am attending the executive masters because I serve on the Community Courtesy of Rider University of public administration program at Standards Board,” said senior New Public Safety Directer James Waldon appoined on Jan. 14 after an indepth interview process. Rutgers University.” communications major Olivia “James brings a wealth of Battinelli. “I think Public Safety does “However, as you know every campus of public safety officers working every experience to Rider,” said Debbie their job extremely well to protect is different; right now I am trying to day to help keep Rider safe.” Stasolla, vice president for strategic everyone and they do whatever is best listen and learn the Rider community. initiatives and planning and secretary to for the student body.” I am honored to have been selected the board. “Having served as Director Waldon has some ideas in mind as Director of Public Safety. Having of Public Safety at several other about how he thinks he could better the a safe campus is a shared community institutions previously, he understands Rider community. responsibility and you also have very and is committed to the role that public “I have some ideas,” said Waldon. experienced and knowledgeable team Feb. 6, 2018 The Rider News 3 4 The Rider News Feb. 6, 2018 News Former Rider Priest accused of sexual abuse By Lauren Minore after investigation” on the list. N light of multiple allegations of child sex abuse in Kristine Brown, associate vice president for the Roman Catholic Church, a former Rider priest university marketing and communications, said the has been recognized as having credible accusations University “probably did not” perform background Iof sexual abuse of a minor against him. checks during the time frame in which the priest was Andrew Dittrich, who served at Rider from 1977 affiliated with Rider. to 1989, was one of 50 clergy members on the list of “From what I can gather, the university never credibly accused child sex offenders in New Jersey hired priests or other clergy as actual employees, but and nearby states. The list was released by the USA rather the priests were assigned to Rider from their Northeast Province of the Jesuits, which represents home diocese where they would have been actually Roman Catholic priests in parts of New Jersey. employed,” Brown said. According to the USA Northeast Province of the Although he was not employed by Rider, Dittrich’s Jesuits website, the regional organization represents association with USA Northeast Province’s list is eight states, including New York, northern New Jersey unsettling with members of the Rider community. and Connecticut, among others. “It’s scary to know that he served at a place as The allegations against Dittrich surfaced in 2002 safe as Rider feels,” sophomore psychology major and resurfaced in 2018. According to the report from Shannon McGinty said. the organization, Dittrich was accused of sexual abuse Dittrich died in 1990. of minors between 1966 and 1976 — one year prior Similar allegations against priests in the Catholic to his involvement with the university. Church have made long-lasting impact with some of

Dittrich also served at Rutgers University from Wikimedia Commons Courtesy of those currently practicing the religion. 1970-1977, six years during the time which he was Former campus priest, Andrew Dittrich, was accused of sexual “It hasn’t affected the way I practice my faith, accused of sexual abuse. abuse prior to his involvment with Rider. but it affects the way I think I will raise my family In a letter from Fr. John J. Cecero, Provincial 1950.” someday within the faith,” McGinty said. “I don’t of USA Northeast Province, said, “Hoping to On the official published list, a note indicated know if I will be as active practicing [my religion] as I contribute to healing from the pain and anger caused that, “Any allegation is deemed ‘credible’ if there is a was growing up.” by clergy sex abuse and the lack of accountability preponderance of evidence that the allegation is more In response to similar growing allegations, New and transparency on the part of church leadership, likely true than not after investigation. Credibility can Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal launched I am making public a list of any Jesuit in the USA also be established by conviction in a court or by the a task force in September 2018 to investigate priest Northeast Province who has had a credible allegation admission of the truth of the allegation by the Jesuit.” sexual abuse accusations in the Catholic Church. of abuse against a minor or vulnerable adult since Dittrich’s status of allegations were deemed “credible Education professor leaves behind a legacy By Lauren Lavelle “She was one of the most devoted, brilliant people ICHELE Kamens, a Rider professor known for that you could ever meet,” said Sharon Sherman, her significant impact on the special education dean of the college of education and human services. program, passed away on Dec. 8 of last year. “Students loved her and she was a very solid scholar. M An advocate for education from an early She is already missed so much because she was the age, Kamens began her teaching career at Rutgers expert and she was always there [when I needed her.]” University where she earned a degree in elementary Christine Fityere ’05, a former elementary and special education. education major, said that Kamens played a major After eight years in the teaching field, Kamens role in her college career. dedicated her time to supervising student teachers at “Kamens served many roles in my life over the Rutgers and West Chester University in West Chester, years — professor, colleague, friend and, most Pennsylvania before accepting a position at Rider in importantly, a motherly figure in my life,” she said. 1998 to develop its special education program. “She valued the interactions she had with each of Kamens spent 20 years in the program and earned her students and always wanted to know the person several accolades during her time at Rider. In 2008, in her class first, rather than the student. She was the she won the Nasim Dil Award for Outstanding Service type of person that made you feel valued, and wanted to Teacher Education for her contributions to Rider’s you to succeed and achieve your goals. If it wasn’t for

program and, in 2011, she took home the Frank N. Kamens, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” Courtesy of Rider University Elliott Award for Distinguished Service. Kamens also She is survived by her three daughters and two Special education professor Michele Kamens passed away on co-founded the study abroad program for special granddaughters. Dec. 8. education students. Guest speaker discusses tunnel funding CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 that it is to punish New Jersey and New York voters for not supporting him in 2016 the tunnel was built when the Titanic was still under construction. and, in all likelihood, voting against him in 2020 if he were to run. Population growth and the corresponding hike in passenger volume has “I just think we need someone who is more respectful and open minded [at put unprecedented strain on the current rail system, explained Zarro. This, the federal level] than Trump,” said senior global studies major Richard Nye. accompanied by extreme weather, has caused the concrete to crack, crumble and “Bipartisanship would be helpful.” expose high voltage wires running in the walls and ceilings. Additionally, it has Despite the standoff with the federal government, Zarro remained optimistic. caused massive delays. He cited the bipartisan support for the project in the state houses of New Jersey “[The current tunnels] weren’t designed for the traffic they have now,” said and New York and the fact that the new Democratic majority in the House of Zarro. “[Commuters] are forced to play transit roulette, betting daily on whether Representatives is pushing for the funding. [those tunnels] will get them to work on time and back to their families at night.” “The newly elected members [of Congress] are already committed to making Zarro continued, “Politics, more so than reason, is impacting this process.” Gateway their number one priority in Washington,” said Zarro. “When you get The GDC, New Jersey and New York represenatives hold that to complete the control [of the House], the chairmanships flip. So now, Rep. Nita Lowey [of New funding for the project, cooperation from the federal government is needed. No York] is the chairwoman of the all-powerful Appropriations Committee. They are project this large and this expensive can be done without the financial assistance the ones who decide what projects get what money.” from the national level, expressed Zarro. No matter the progress at the national level, Zarro insisted that the GDC would The current proposal, similar to one that was struck down by former Governor continue its work to make this proposal a reality. Chris Christie in 2010, asserts that New Jersey and New York will combine to “Rest assured that we’re not waiting on Washington,” said Zarro. “We’ve already pay for half of the funding with the federal government paying the remaining started work on both sides of the river. [Governor Phil Murphy] wants to see this 50 percent, which is about $13 billion. So far, President Donald Trump and his project done and we’re going ahead with it.” administration have shown no willingness to contribute that funding. “We have applied to the federal government and we have complied with For more information regarding the GDC and the infrastructure proposal, visit GatewayProgram. every federal requirement to get this funding,” said Zarro. “[However,] Gateway org. is a political pawn. It is being held hostage by the president’s administration in Washington.” Zarro presented theories about why he thought this may be, including the idea Feb. 6, 2019 The Rider News 5 Arts&Entertainment Rookie performer crowned champion for Rider Drag Race By Joe Passero easiest part for me,” Mueller said. “I NE of Rider’s largest annual don’t think people realize how much events returned for its third work goes into doing drag. From the installment on Feb. 1. Students makeup to the wigs, the heels to the Ofilled the theater in the Bart outfit reveals, the choreography to Luedeke Center to watch the Rider the quick wit, it’s not easy. I like to do Drag Race as four competitors took conceptual drag where there is a clear the stage for a fun-filled, jaw-dropping story and character, so coming up with night full of laughs and praise. a funny and poignant mix is a lot of The event was co-hosted by junior trial and error, but something that is musical theater major Anna Sanzone beyond rewarding when achieved.” from the Student Entertainment Fans in the audience voted for the Council and defending Rider Drag winner by donating toward a specific RiderThe News Joe Passero/ Race champion and junior English competitor through Venmo or with Diana Jettcrash, more commonly know as Terren Mueller, was crowned the winner of the 2019 major Sean Hubert as Spectra Electra. cash. In total, just under $1,900 was Rider Drag Race. The event was broken down into three raised – over three times what was Drag Race was also a sold-out crowd. Mueller also had a message for the segments: individual performances, raised from last year’s Rider Drag For the people involved and for fans who attended the show: catwalk with question and answer and Race. The money raised will go to many of the spectators, the Drag Race “I want people to understand what lip sync. Rider’s Relay for Life as well as to New was not only about having a good time, drag is,” Mueller said. “It’s more than Each of the four drag queens had Hope Celebrates, a local LGBTQ+ but rather it was a way of respecting just looking pretty. I never wanted to unique and distinct styles in their pride organization based out of New and inspiring people to be themselves create a character that conformed to personalities, looks and presentations, Hope, Pennsylvania. and do what they love and feel in the the standards of beauty that we uphold and, in the end, 20-year-old junior The night also featured special harsh world of social politics as well as today but instead mock that standard musical theater major Terren Mueller appearances from two distinguished reflecting on how far society has come and subvert it.” was crowned champion as his drag drag queens—Miss Pumpkin, who has in its acceptance. Mueller expressed that his goal was persona Diana Jettcrash. raised over three-quarters of a million “It’s almost impossible to put into to make the audience feel both fear and “I actually just started doing drag,” dollars for AIDS related causes, and words,” Barbati said. “It is a sense attraction to his character. Mueller said. “Rider’s Drag Race was Phoebe Manntrappe, who displayed a of pride and satisfaction that I didn’t “My character is dedicated to the Diana’s debut. She’s a character I’ve softer side of drag to the audience. think I would ever be able to see in freaks, weirdos and punk rockers that been developing over the past few Nick Barbati, the assistant director my lifetime. In 2004, you truly had to just don’t fit in. Diana is the perfect months and bringing her to life was a of campus life, was thrilled with the shield yourself and get to the theater balance of glam and depravity,” pretty surreal experience. Being able turnout of the event. and you weren’t able to put on that Mueller said. “I also hope people walk to develop a character from scratch “Two years ago, we brought it back much make-up or that much for away with an opinion on what they and have it be received so well by an as a small-scale program in the Rider costumes, and to see students now, saw. If you love it, great. If you hate it, audience was pretty extraordinary.” Pub and we packed it out, and the living out loud, in a way that is so equally as great. Art can be polarizing Despite being a rookie competitor, event was awesome. So last year, we authentic to themselves, it really puts and different people react to different Mueller was just as prepared as some thought the event was big enough to try into context how many people, over things. The worst thing for me would of the show’s returning drag queens. putting it in the [BLC] theater and we generations, built us for this moment. be for the audience to forget my “The show took a lot of preparation sold out,” Barbati said. It’s such an experience to see the show performance and that is something I and, ironically, performing it was the The 2019 edition of The Rider out fearlessly.” promise Diana will never let you do.” 6 Feb. 6, 2019 The Rider News 7 Arts&Entertainment Arts&Entertainment High school soccer star set to join Broncs Dancing with a star: Celebrity teaches class

By Joe Passero “It was in the middle of a game,” said By Megan Lupo such a wonderful opportunity. The when he was younger. to change the way you feel in a moment, ANY high school seniors are Morton. “She fractured it in two spots. CHOING the phrase, “Where the biggest thing that I retained from his Growing up, Hough said that, in an instant, is the way you move your currently in the midst of a high- I remember her trying to play through focus goes, energy flows” several inspirational talks in the point of view although dancing around in his living body,” Hough said. “If you’re in your pressure scramble to find out it. She would go down and get back up. times throughout the event, students as a performer is that you have to love room with his four sisters was a way head, you’re dead. Get out of your head Mif and where they will continue She’s so tough.” Ewere not only taught a Latin- your craft,” Douglas said, vowing to they bonded, he was apprehensive about and into your body. It’s definitely a way their education. Hailey Russell, however, Hailey Russell expressed her infused dance, but were given words of incorporate his outlook when working being bullied for liking dance class. to do it.” knows she is coming to Rider next fall. frustration reflecting on her inability to encouragement by celebrity dancer Derek out in the future. “When you do, you do However, living in a new era of The issue of mental health is pertinent Russell was born in 2001 in finish her sophomore season. Hough to celebrate Rider’s Campus whatever it is for yourself because that acceptance and tolerance, Hough is to Hough, as he said he suffered internal Willingboro, New Jersey, and was raised “I had to focus on getting better. I Fitness Day in the Student Recreation is the only person in the world that you hopeful of seeing these sexist attitudes struggles of feeling unfulfilled in the by her mother in Riverside, New Jersey, went four days a week at Strive Rehab Center (SRC) on Feb. 2. need to perform for.” changing. midst of his successful career. where she also lived with an older sister and worked with my school trainer to get Giddy with the same excitement that Although Douglas had previous “I really feel like we’re living in a time Even though he was a six-time and her twin sister, Hannah Russell. At me back quicker,” Hailey Russell said. the audience felt upon seeing a hyped-up practice in taking a dance class, Hough now, where it’s like ‘You want to dance? champion on DWTS and two-time age 4, the twins began playing soccer, Her hard work paid off, and she was Hough, he was just as eager to teach emphasized that even those who were That’s dope,’” Hough said. “Because for Emmy winner, he said he found his basketball and T-ball. At age 7, the twins back in time for the start of the winter others how to dance. never formally trained in the art of me, I was beaten up for being a dancer. essence of purpose in serving others. started playing on the New Jersey Real basketball season. She scored over 200 “One thing that I’m really passionate dance have the innate capability to move I was tormented. It’s so awesome for “When you’re outside yourself, I travel team in Medford and continued points that season. In the spring, she about is getting people to move. to the tempo, citing how babies can bob me to see, especially young kids, young believe you’re truly connected with who

to compete in the three sports through competed in her second season on the RiderThe News Joe Passero/ Something I talk about often is that to the beat of music before they can walk boys, who are like ‘I want to dance.’ And you are. If you’re ever in a place where middle school and into high school. varsity softball team. Rider’s soccer prospect Hailey Russell (right) broke her high school’s scoring record during senior year. motion equals emotion. When you move, or crawl. people are like ‘That’s really cool.’ People you’re feeling down or depressed, think While taking the next step in her Still, after missing half of what was [that] directly affects the way you feel,” Hough further explained that what have been educated in the athleticism about somebody else,” Hough said. education by starting at Riverside High her second season in her high school and the tally crept closer to the school everything and we’re always together. She Hough said. “We’re so consumed and holds people back from showing off and creativity.” “That’s one of the fastest ways to get School, the twins tried out for the soccer soccer career, Hailey Russell came back record of 150 career goals. At season’s makes me a better player, teammate and our minds are hijacked by our phones their full rhythmic potential is the Being a professional instructor out of that space. You’ll instantly feel a team. Both made the varsity team their to the field with a vengeance in her junior end, she scored 160 goals and became the all-around person.” and TVs, [and other] technology that we development of self-consciousness, on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars sense of ‘OK, what was I worrying about freshman year as starters for soccer. year, scoring 60 goals — more than her new record-holder. Hailey Russell will take the field with forget to move. We’re sitting in our cars; despite the health and social benefits. (DWTS),” Hough had witnessed the again?’ Once you think about somebody Hailey Russell was positioned on the past two seasons combined. Suddenly, In the midst of her final year at the Rider Broncs for the first time in we’re sitting at our desks. There’s not “What dancing can bring that other various athletes on the series continue else, it’s the best.” offense as a striker. In her rookie season she was just 35 goals away from tying the Riverside, Hailey Russell had already August. One of her first games with enough physical movement. And we were physical types of activities don’t bring as to go to dance class to improve their The idea to bring Hough to campus at Riverside, she scored an impressive 37 Riverside High School soccer record for begun to reflect on her impressive high Rider will be against St. Francis, where meant to move.” much is a social connection, especially mobility and dynamic movement for was through the collaboration efforts of goals with several assists from her sister, most career goals. school athletics career. The one thing she will face off against Hannah Russell And the crowd of 200 participants, if you’re doing ballroom dancing where their sport. the Student Entertainment Council, the who became the team’s sweeper. As senior year approached, offers she said she will miss the most is playing for the first time in her life. according to Director of Recreation you’re actually dancing with somebody,” “I see [former NFL player Rashad Office of Campus Life and Recreation “It was evident from the start that flooded in from colleges to play soccer alongside her sister, who also sports an The sisters’ showdown is scheduled Programs Dianna Clauss, did just that. Hough said. “[Also,] studies show it’s Jennings] in the dance studio all the Programs. they had really great skills when it came for their teams. Rider was one of those impressive record, with 15 career assists with a tentative date of Aug. 27 at Ben In the middle of the SRC gym, an really great for your brain. There’s a time,” Hough said. “He was on the show Reflecting back on the event, students to soccer, and they were just really great schools. and eight career goals. Cohen Field at Rider. So how will Hailey assemblage of athletic leggings and great expression that says, ‘When you’re a couple years ago, and he’s in the studio expressed enthusiasm about learning to players from the start,” said Riverside “I loved the atmosphere, the coaches “Since [Hannah is] a defender, I Russell treat her sister on game day? sneakers were taught, step-by-step, body moves, your brain grooves,’ [which four times a week, dancing because he dance from a master of his craft, as well Rams girls soccer coach Katie Morton. and teammates,” Hailey Russell said. always go against her,” Hailey Russell “She’s any other player on the field,” portions of a fast-paced, electrifying can improve memorization skills and loves it.” as being influenced by his charismatic Hailey Russell looked to make her “I’m really exciting. It’s going to be way said. “She knows me so well, so I’ll always Hailey Russell said. dance number by Hough, who mostly led retaining information.]” Stirring that same appreciation for spirit, and are anticipating similar second year with the Rams even better different.” have to take it a step further and learn from the stage. When one student showed a hesitancy the art of dance, Hough’s objective for functions in the future. but, after scoring 18 goals early in the Before committing to a college, Russell different things. It’s definitely going to be To watch an exclusive short film on Hailey For some in the crowd, this to dance in front of the tiny audience the Rider dance class was for everyone “I really enjoyed the event that Rider season, a fractured ankle sidelined her for still had one season left with the Rams. weird and a big change, but I’ll be able to Russell, visit theridernews.com. opportunity was not only a way to meet when Hough split the crowd up, he to have a good time, as well as bestow hosted, and I hope that Rider is able the remainder of the season. She continued to score high numbers, visit her. She’s been by my side through somebody admirable and famous, but to coaxed her out to the floor with a wisdom that guided him throughout the to bring in more people like Derek to gain insight and career tips. promise of support and danced with her years. inspire more people to become active,” Sophomore musical theater major one-on-one to overcome her fear. One notion that he aspired to bring Douglas said. “Overall, I had such a fun Tessa Douglas, who had been a long-time In addition to uplifting the attention to through his dance lesson is time, and I can’t wait to see who comes Behind the wheel: Meet Rider’s NHRA champion supporter of Hough, was impressed by confidences of young adults, Hough is, the importance and relevance of mental next.” how fun he made exercising based upon also, ardent about breaking the stigma health, especially with today’s generation, By Joe Passero down to Rockingham, North Carolina, his promotion of positive thinking. that is associated with male dancers, he said. ALANCING sports and education is and collected a win. He traveled back “Learning a dance from Derek was which is something that affected him “I just feel like one of the fastest ways a challenge every college athlete home to attend his classes then traveled to has to face. Between schoolwork, Oklahoma later that week. Btraveling and training, it’s fair to “We were driving home from say that an athlete’s schedule is beyond Rockingham, and the following weekend hectic. The benefit of being an athlete there was a race in Oklahoma, so my Hundreds of students hustle with Hough on campus is that mostly everything you girlfriend’s father took my motorhome need for training and travel is supplied for and trailer out to Oklahoma and I flew in you. When you’re not an athlete for your Thursday after school. It’s tough; it’s very school, however, things become much time consuming,” Daniels said. more challenging. The win at Rockingham and his Jimmy Daniels, a senior biology major, performance in Oklahoma helped propel knows this very well. The 22-year-old Daniels in points and, at season’s end just commutes from his home in Yardley, weeks later, he was crowned champion,

Pennsylvania to his classes every day beating over 100 competitors in the point Daniels Courtesy of Jimmy before going home, doing homework standings. Senior Jimmy Daniels (second from right), posing with his crew after winning the 2018 Division I and working on his now-championship- Daniels’ history in racing, however, Regional National Hot Rod Association championship. winning race car. reaches back to his childhood, and starts Daniels won the Division I Regional with his dad. Florida to Louisiana.” Daniels’ NHRA resumé also highlights National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) “My dad got into [racing] in 2003. We On that trip to Louisiana, as well as on him as the only driver in NHRA history championship in 2018 while studying got a little more into it in 2006, when he others before and since, Daniels did not to win three-consecutive Dodge Hemi at Rider. During the season, he had to stepped it up and bought an existing car just drive the race car — he also drove challenges, an annual event at Lucas balance biology classes with additional from our engine builder and, from 2006 the motorhome that carries the team, Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. It’s one of labs and his social life — a tall task for an on, we’ve been racing full force,” Daniels car and equipment needed on a regular many weekends he spends at the track. athlete of any sort. He had two simple said. “My dad had always liked cars, then basis. On that particular trip back home, “Usually, I have about two or three words to describe balancing the different he decided to get into racing.” Daniels drove 10-consecutive hours weekends off out of the whole summer aspects of his life: “It’s tough.” Daniels ran in a junior dragster “He gets all of his own work done,” that I’m not racing,” Daniels said. The NHRA hosts two distinct levels of division for a short time before joining said Daniels’ father, James Daniels. With graduation closing in, Daniels racing: the national circuit travels around his father’s race team in 2014, when “It’s a lot of continual maintenance, now is looking forward to his future, the continental United States. The he started racing in a 1980s Chevrolet in conjunction with traveling. He’s which he hopes includes more racing. divisional level sees drivers travel across a Camaro. In 2016, he took over the more always trying to improve; there’s always However, he has a back-up plan which set region to compete for region-specific powerful 1968 Dodge Dart which his something to do [on the car.]” requires more school. championships. Seven divisions make father raced before him. Daniels does servicing and “I’d really like to go into racing, but up this level of racing in the NHRA. “I work on the Camaros; I do maintenance which includes everything my dad’s a dentist and that’s what I’m Jimmy won the 2018 championship in the everything on them, including engine from bumper to bumper — engine, working toward right now,” Daniels said. northeast division. work. The ‘68 car, I work on that at the suspension, body and chassis, just to Daniels will start the 2019 NHRA Going into October of the 2018 track and a little bit outside of that, but name a few. season as the defending champion in his season, Daniels trailed in points and we have an engine builder who does the “You have to be 100 percent focused to division in a few short weeks, and will traveled outside his division to collect whole engine,” Daniels said. “[When] get the job done, it’s hard to convey that graduate at the end of the spring 2019 Six-time champion of “Dancing with the Stars” Derek Hough visited Rider for Campus Fitness Day more, as allowed by the NHRA on two my dad used to drive the ‘68 car, we to people who don’t understand,” James semester. on Feb. 2. He taught a Latin-infused dance to 200 students in the Student Recreation Center. G. Borg/Rider University Peter occasions per driver. His team drove were traveling all the way to Las Vegas to Daniels said. 8 The Rider News Feb 6, 2019 Opinion

FROM THE EDITOR Playing with politics HE commencement of the households, rental assistance longest government shutdown and other safety net programs,” in United States history that according to the Washington Post. Tlingered for an anxious 35 days, Joe Passero Sr. works as an finally met its end on Jan. 25, 2019. employee for the General Service On the official White House Administration (GSA) as a leasing website in bold white letters, the manager which is a division of the word “immigration” jumps out on federal government. top of the navy blue page followed “In the very beginning when by a mission statement declaring the you are furloughed, there’s never president’s stance on pushing for a guarantee for retroactive pay. stricter and more secure borders. It turned a lot of [government President Donald Trump stands workers] to file for unemployment,” by his commitment of ensuring the he said. construction of his infamous wall Passero continued, “In terms of with insurance of “the swift removal the financial impact that you hear of unlawful entrants,”according to about to the government workers, WhiteHouse.gov. about 40 percent live paycheck- Since 2015, President Trump has to-paycheck, and when you live expressed his objections with the paycheck-to-paycheck and don’t current state of immigration in the receive one or two paychecks, you United States and arguably built his can’t pay your mortgage or pay for campaign upon it. He believed the groceries for your family. When you United States penetrable southern have money in a savings account, borders generated an influx of you have backup, so some people unwanted immigrants that “steal didn’t get impacted greatly.” jobs” and cause “unwarranted The state of uncertainty lingers crimes” within the U.S. borders. on the conscience of federal workers President Trump based his who have families to feed and bills presidential campaign around to pay. Having to go to work without homeland security and strengthening the assurance of when you will be our nation’s border. Trump, as a compensated is frustrating and soul GOP front-runner, expressed on crushing. numerous occasions that cracking Furloughed and out-of-work down on immigration was at the top federal employees all met one of his list, guaranteeing to his fellow another at the White House. Americans that Mexico will be The American Federation of paying for the wall. He immediately Labor and Congress of Industrial gained support from 79 percent Organizations president, Richard of pro-Trump registered voters in Trumka, started his crowd roaring 2016 and other Republicans that speech with, “stop playing politics supported the measures of the wall, with our lives,” according to according to Pew Research polls. the Washington Post. He was The internal feud within one of thousands of protesters the White House about border in Washington speaking for the security has caused rifts between millions of onlookers from home. Ridge House, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 the politicians. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, The current state and security of who is slated to become the next the nation is the underlying priority Phone: 609 896 5256 General Meetings: Wednesdays Speaker of the House stated in a of all of America but to what cost? Executive Editor Social Media Editor press conference on Dec. 6, “Most The cost of millions of Americans’ Lauren Lavelle Dylan Manfre of us, speaking for myself, consider livelihood or a $5 billion fortress of Managing Editor Copy Editors the wall immoral, ineffective and steel? Megan Lupo Tatyanna Carman expensive. And the president said News Editors Amanda Fogarty he promised it. He also promised Ryan Connelly Matthew Garcia Mexico would pay for it. So even if Theresa Evans Sierra McCoy they did, it’s immoral still, and then Features and Arts Design Manager they’re not going to pay for it.” She & Entertainment Editors Gabriella LaVerdi continued “We have a responsibility, Joe Passero Business/Advertising all of us, to secure our borders, Lauren Minore Manager north, south and coming in by plane, Opinion Editor Danielle Jackson on our coasts —three coasts, north, Qur'an Hansford Circulation Managers south and west. And that — that’s a Sports Editors Drew Jacabacci responsibility we honor, but we do so The weekly editorial expresses the Rob Rose Kaylee Ettinger by honoring our values, as well.” majority opinion of The Rider News. Stephen Neukam Kerri Marano This week’s editorial was written by Faculty Adviser With assurance that a steel wall Photography Editor would provide thorough security opinion editor, Qur'an Hansford. Dr. Jackie Incollingo Chris Alexander of U.S. borders, President Trump bargained roughly $5 billion to be added to fund the wall. The Democrats disagreed and The Rider News serves as a public forum for student expression and welcomes letters to initiated the shutdown on Dec. the editor from all members of the university community. Letters must include the writer’s 22, resulting in several agencies telephone number and email address for verification. Letters that constitute personal attacks being shut down, such as The U.S. on individuals or groups are unacceptable. We reserve the right to edit letters to the editor Department of Agriculture and The for length, clarity, accuracy, grammar and libel. Letters must be appropriate in terms of taste Federal Housing Administration, and civility. Brevity is encouraged. All decisions are at the sole discretion of the editorial board, which left employees without pay or which may reject any letter. Send to The Rider News via email at ridernewsopinion@rider. not working at all. As the days of the edu. Letters must be received by midnight on the Monday preceding publication. Any tips or government shutdown increased, so suggestions can be sent to [email protected]. did the long list of the people who became affected by it. There was no www.theridernews.com @theridernews surprise that it fell upon the citizens who can afford it the least, putting facebook.com/theridernews necessities at risk such as, “food on @theridernews the table for millions of vulnerable [email protected] [email protected] Feb 6, 2019 The Rider News 9 Opinion

GREEN CORNER Young adults taking initiative on the climate crisis F someone asked you what your favorite thing about Parties. The Paris Climate Agreement was created individuals to change their own habits to be greener. Rider was, what would your answer be? Would it to strengthen the global response to climate change. Kristen Castronuovo, a junior environmental science be the passionate staff, the lively basketball games, The objective was to keep the global temperature major believes in the importance of this pledge, Ithe thought-provoking classes or the captivating rise this century below 2 degrees Celsius, above pre- because it “raises awareness for climate change, and theater performances? While all of those things are industrial levels. with the current political state of our country, it is impressive, so is the drive and determination of our Currently more people are seeing the detrimental important that everyone know what it is.” school to help fight climate change. effects of human actions on the environment, While the government works to pass laws and Young people just like us are taking action around prompting an overtime deal, at the 24th Conference regulations, it is up to us, as the future of this planet, the world to battle our planet’s greatest threat, and it of the Parties, to keep the Paris Climate Agreement to take action in our own lives to help better the is only just beginning. You may have heard the name alive. Among all who spoke, none expressed more environment that we call home so we may be the Greta Thunberg circling around social media. The discontent than Thunberg because, after all, “we shining example for future generations of what 15-year-old Swedish student made headlines all over cannot solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis.” it means to love your home. In the wise words of Europe in 2018 when she ignited widespread strikes With the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, Thunberg, “the real power belongs to the people.” for climate action. In December 2018, she spoke at scientists and environmentalists around the world the 24th Conference of the Parties, stressing that “If a were finally granted a bit of hope for our dire Alina Bardaji few children can get headlines all over the world just situation. However, when President Donald Trump Lawrenceville EcoRep by not going to school, then imagine what we could was sworn into office in 2017, he pulled the United all do together if we really wanted to.” States out of the agreement, followed by budget Individuals are realizing the urgency of the cuts in the Environmental Protection Agency and climate crisis on a global scale. Natural disasters are advocating “clean coal.” capable of destroying homes and cities alike, but For some, his actions were deemed financially when amplified, they can do much worse. advantageous, but for others, this marked the In 2018, the United States was struck with several beginning of a downward spiral for our planet’s environmental disasters including devastating floods, health. Many are caught in the middle and need earthquakes, wildfires and even mudslides. The news more information and, while the Paris Climate covered tragedies that struck California, Maryland, Agreement hasn’t appeared as “front page news” Florida and the Carolinas over this past year alone. lately, the fight for our planet is not over. Many of us at Rider know someone that was affected In the summer of 2017, Rider became one of in one of these places. That being said, it is no 346 colleges and universities that have committed wonder why there has been a call to climate action to lowering their overall carbon emissions with the around the world, including here at Rider. signing of the We Are Still In pledge. In other words, In 2015, an agreement was signed by over 175 we would not abandon the Paris Climate Agreement. parties at the 21st meeting of the Conference of the Living on a sustainable campus encourages

FILM REVIEW 'Surviving R. Kelly': A series of troubling events HE limited Lifetime series “Surviving R. Kelly,” began each episode with Watching the series, it felt as if it should have been written fictionally as an a warning to viewers, “Due to the explicit discussion of sex involving HBO show. The amount of manipulation, sex and people involved made it feel minors, viewer discretion is advised.” If they decided to continue, they’d as if it were fantasy. But the sick feeling in my stomach and throat kept reminding Tsee photographs, video footage and interviews of young women, celebrities, me of how real it was. The show was made not only to expose the wrongdoings of psychologists, lawyers and R. Kelly. Kelly, but to stimulate America, yet again, to see the world as it actually is. I say The Chicago native R&B superstar Robert Kelly rose to fame with his yet again because these media outings of misbehavior are nothing new in the face debut solo album 12 Play, as well as a professional basketball career. Some of of the hashtag #Metoo, Black Lives Matter and #NoBanNoWall movements. his most famous songs “Step in the Name of Love,” “ I Believe I Can Fly” Oftentimes, we as a society are so blinded by the status and riches of those and “Ignition” were celebrated as staples in popular culture as well as anthems we admire that we fail to remember their humanity. And when we do see them in the black community. His songs ran the gamut of being inspirational and sin, we often ignore their wrongs because it would mean that we could no longer uplifting, to flirtatious and sex appealing. Now, how can someone with so many indulge in their talents with a clear conscience. We would rather be self-gratified accomplishments and worldwide acclaim be banned from Philadelphia? than see our heroes receive true justice. This is evident in the cases of Kelly, James For over 20 years Kelly has been accused of sexual and physical abuse, Gunn, Woody Allen, Kevin Hart and Harvey Weinstein. sexual misconduct with minors and illegal marriage to an underage female. Something I have been taught since I was a child was to apologize, learn from Councilwoman Helen Gym said the Philadelphia City Council’s ban is to show my mistakes and move on. Apologizing and moving on does not right my wrong survivors that they are not alone and a “symbolic act of solidarity puts all sexual but shows that I have acknowledged my faults and am willing to do better. It is predators on notice.” These resolutions and “Mute R. Kelly” hashtags have been when someone continues to cyclically do the wrong thing without any conviction on the rise since the release of the six-episode series “Surviving R. Kelly” that that forgiveness is often withheld. I believe Kelly and all sexual offenders need premiered earlier this year on Lifetime. to be held accountable for whatever allegations they may face. I believe that The series tells the story of Kelly’s upbringing and takes viewers on a journey people should not be unfairly judged based on their situation because they looked through his musical career. Kelly’s brothers are interviewed and discuss the “sexually mature” or their parents should have been more involved. I believe musician’s musical genius while also sharing in the hardships they faced as people need to be taken at face value. The survivors of Kelly were brave enough children. to share the story with the public, and it’s now our duty to listen and believe. Kelly was molested as a child by both a male neighbor and a female designated to watch over him. He never shared these struggles with his family but, instead, Danielle Jackson chose music as an outlet to relieve his pain. Psychologists in the series say that his Film major childhood experiences of molestation were a catalyst for the abuse he imposed on others. The show analyzes his annulled marriage to the 15-year-old teen pop star Aaliyah Haughton, whom Kelly met when she was 12. The series follows the emotional trauma of the numerous miscarriages and abortions had by young females Kelly impregnated. It questions an acquitted court case over an explicit sex tape in which he is portrayed having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old female. The preceding information is horrifying in itself, but the show is about more than child pornography allegations and sexual obsession. It’s a very political and socially driven look at the impact of abuse on the psyche and how it affects the way people see race, gender roles and social standing. 10 The Rider News Feb. 6, 2019 Sports WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 7-2 start has Rider second in the MAAC

By Stephen Neukam SPLIT two-game road trip saw the women’s basketball team climb to second in the MAAC, with a victory over Marist, 68-58, on Jan. 30 and a loss to the reigning MAAC champions, Quinnipiac, 72-56, on Feb. 3. A Rider entered the game against Marist on the back of its first conference loss of the season, a defeat to Canisius on Jan. 26. The Broncs did not look hindered by that setback, with four players scoring in double figures for Rider. Junior guard Stella Johnson and junior forward Lea Favre led the Bronc attack, each finishing with 18 points. Senior guard Lexi Posset and junior guard Amari Johnson notched 15 points each. As a team, Rider shot 47.2 percent from the field in the game. The Broncs limited the Red Foxes to just over 40 percent from the field and under 30 percent from the three-point line. “I think, defensively, we did a nice job,” said Head Coach Lynn Milligan. “We did a good job of staying within the game plan. We made some mistakes, but we were able to bounce back from them.” With the win, Rider improved to 7-1 in conference play, which is a first in program history. The real test proved to be against Quinnipiac, which has won the MAAC for the past four seasons. Over that span, the Bobcats have amassed a record of 82-6 in conference play. The Broncs were again led by Stella Johnson, who posted 22 points and six rebounds. Amari Johnson poured in another 15 points and finished with six rebounds as well. Despite the performance from both Stella Johnson and Amari Johnson, Rider’s defense allowed Quinnipiac to shoot 46.8 percent from the field and was outscored 35-25 in the second half. The loss was Rider’s first on the road in conference play. The Broncs were a perfect 5-0 in away games before the contest. The MAAC standings have Quinnipiac at the top with a 10-0 conference record, followed by Rider in second with a 7-2 mark. The Broncs sit ahead of Marist and Niagara, which hold the third and fourth spots respectively.

Rider fell to 0-14 all time against the Bobcats with the defeat. G. Borg/Rider University Peter “We know who we’re chasing. Quinnipiac is the defending [postseason] Junior forward Lea Favre scored 18 points and four rebounds in a 68-58 victory over Marist on Jan. 30. champion two times over for a reason,” said Milligan. “We’ve got to make sure we continue to learn from the mistakes we made on the offensive and defensive ends.” Favre or Posset. As a team, Rider has the third best offensive output in the MAAC The Broncs have lost two of their last three games, the first time they have done and plays some of the most stifling defense, averaging the second most blocks and so since early December. Rider is 5-3 this season in games following a loss. steals per game. At this time last season, the Broncs were 6-6 in MAAC action. A large reason The Broncs will surely look to strengthen on those numbers, as they gear up for for the improvement this year has been the play of Stella Johnson, who leads the a three-game homestand against formidable MAAC opponents. Monmouth visits MAAC in scoring at just under 20 points per game and is No. 2 in assists per game. Rider on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m., followed by Marist on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. and Iona on Feb. The impressive performances do not stop at Stella Johnson, Amari Johnson, 12 at 7 p.m. Gabriella LaVerdi/The Rider News Gabriella LaVerdi/The Feb. 6, 2019 The Rider News 11 Sports WRESTLING Broncs improve to 4-0 in EWL play

By Mike Ricchione ESPITE a lackluster return from injury from the Broncs’ lone 2018 NCAA Qualifier, the wrestling team cruised past George Mason, 30-6 and DClarion, 23-10 in the (EWL) competition on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2. Senior Dean Sherry, who qualified for the NCAAs last season by winning the EWL Tournament at 174, has been out with a knee injury since Jan. 1 when he forfeited out of the Southern Scuffle. Freshman George Walton took his place at 165 while he was recovering and went 2-4, including a 7-2 decision over George Mason’s Neil Schuster. Sherry’s return to the mat started out well as he recorded the first takedown of the match but he couldn’t keep down Clarion’s Max Wohlabaugh for long as he would score six-straight points for the decision. “I didn’t perform the way I wanted to but I’d like to see where I am after this match. I’ve got a lot to improve on,” Sherry said. Senior Mike Fagg-Daves, who suffered a knee injury during the Southern Scuffle, has settled into a

nice rhythm since returning on Jan. 11 against Drexel. Courtesy DeBoer of Roy Fagg-Daves won over Paul Pierce, of George Senior Anthony Cefelo extended his match win streak to seven with a 11-3 major decision victory against Clarion on Feb. 2. Cefelo had 20 wins last year. Mason, via a 14-6 major decision, and toyed with Clarion’s Tyler Bagoly with an attempt at a high-risk returning, Hangey said, “If I could figure out [the] performance since then. move in the third period of a 10-4 victory. 149 [weight class,] I’d tell you yes.” “I think they’ve responded to what we’ve “That’s just me trying to have fun out there,” Fagg- The duties at the 149 weight class were shared by challenged them on. I think their aggressiveness is Daves said. juniors Gary Dinmore and Evan Fidelibus and both where it needs to be,” Hangey said. Fagg-Daves is 5-1 since the Southern Scuffle. men came up empty. Rider has two road EWL bouts on tap against Junior Anthony Cefelo came into the Clarion bout Dinmore lost via an 8-4 decision over George Lock Haven on Feb. 8 and Bloomsberg on Feb 10. with a four-match pin streak. He had the Golden Mason’s Tejon Anthony while Fidelibus was shutout, The Lock Haven dual will be the first since Assistant Eagles Seth Koleno’s shoulders inches away from a 9-0, to Clarion’s Avery Shay. Coach Ryan Wolfe left the program and returned to fifth-straight. Junior Jesse Dellevecchia, ranked No. 13 by Rider. “I thought it was a pin, but the ref said it wasn’t,” theopenmat.com, continued his path of destruction “I appreciate [Lock Haven] giving me the said Cefelo. “It’s not a big deal. You just go out there with a 15-0 tech fall over the Patriots Ryan Yorkdale opportunity of my first coaching job,” Wolfe said. “I and get ready for your next match.” and a 6-2 decision over the Golden Eagles Evan know they’re in our conference, but I have nothing but Cefelo extended his match-winning streak to seven Delong at 165. good things to say about them. But obviously, back at with an 11-3 major decision. Junior Jonathan Tropea and Senior Gino Fluri Rider, my alma mater, all I want to do is just win so, I The lineup still has one flaw, according to Rider went two-for-two at 125 and 157, respectively. definitely want to go there and beat ‘em.” Head Coach John Hangey. Hangey held a team meeting after the loss to No. When asked if he had his best lineup with Sherry 16 Iowa State. He’s been satisfied with the team’s TRACK AND FIELD Rider sprints past TCNJ with 71-point victory

By Dylan Manfre and throwing events, like Hamer predicted. HOME dual meet gave every athlete on the track Freshman jumper Ayo Oyewole secured an and field team the opportunity to compete as Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of Rider and Route 206-rival TCNJ battled on Feb. America qualifying distance of 7.16 meters in the A 1. long jump and won the triple jump with a 14.29 Both Rider teams claimed victory over its meters score. Oyewole was named MAAC Men’s Field neighboring foes. The men’s final score was, 113-42, Performer of the Week following his performance while the women’s team recorded a 20-point win over against TCNJ. the Lions, 89-69. On the track, both Rider teams saw new personal With the meet’s location minutes away from bests and a new program record was set. campus, Head Coach Bob Hamer mentioned the Graduate student Sara Gardner had herself element of comfort was on their side. another superb outing both on and off the track. “One of the exciting things is that it’s a team- Gardner set a new Rider record in the 55-meter scored meet and it’s close to campus so we get a lot of hurdles and finished with a time of 7.91. On top of excitement and thrill from competing close to home,” her already impressive night, Gardner took second Hamer said. “We compete in the facility we practice in the 55-meter dash and won the high jump at 1.65 in on a regular basis so I think it really helps us a lot in meters. the special events and gives us a lot of confidence.” Dual meets feature all track and field events, Hamer mentioned the facility, trackwise, becomes whereas other meets, such as invitationals, may only more tactical as opposed to the field events. He said feature a few events. anything was possible and the runners, throwers and Freshman jumper Soham Kolli won the high jump jumpers had potential to breakout. at 1.90 meters — that’s 0.23 feet taller than Kolli, who “I think the field events are really an opportunity stands at 6-foot. for them, the long, triple and high jump, as well as Kevin Heredia took first in the mile in 4:22.70. the throws with the shot and weight. I think there is “This meet gives them an opportunity to really a really great chance for those athletes to get to those break through and shine and show what they are standards,” Hamer said. capable of,” Hamer said. “A lot of times, it takes Hamer’s prediction would come to fruition as just one event, one meet, to break out and feel junior jumper Yohanny Rodriguez won the women’s accomplished and ready to take on the world.” triple jump soaring 11.46 meters. Junior jumper The Broncs return to the oval on Feb. 8 for the

Lindsay Bauer won the women’s long jump and G. Borg/Rider University Peter Monmouth College Invite held in West Long Branch leaped 5.11 meters. Graduate student Sara Gardner set a program record in the 55-meter hurdles. and the Fastrack National Qualifier at the Ocean The men’s team also found success in the jumping Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, New York. 12 The Rider News Feb. 6, 2019 Inside today: The women’s basketball team in No. 2 in the Sports MAAC. Page 10 MEN’S BASKETBALL Rider lose grip on MAAC after rough road trip Peter G. Borg/Rider University Peter Junior forward Devine Eke scored a career-high 12 points against St. Peter’s on Jan. 31. His alley-oop slam dunk during the St. Peter’s game was featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter as the No. 6 play on the top during the Jan. 31 edition.

By Rob Rose the Broncs unleashed an 8-0 run to tie Durham for the first time since Dec. 8, The Jaspers took over with 17:31 left FTER a 5-0 start to conference the contest with 15 minutes left in the 2018. in the half and began a back-and-forth play, the men’s basketball team game. Jordan was called for his fifth foul contest that saw the lead change hands went 2-3 in its next five MAAC Junior guard Stevie Jordan hit a and was forced to sit for the remaining three times in the first eight minutes of Agames. jumpshot to give Rider a 34-32 lead two minutes, and his foul created a the second half. “Everybody is starting to watch with 13:46 and it never trailed again. three-point play which gave the Hawks Back in his home state of New more film on us and adjusting to us,” St. Peter’s battled back and cut the a one-point advantage. York, Vaughn had another strong said sophomore forward Dimencio Rider advantage to two points with The Broncs took the lead back on a performance in The Empire State. In Vaughn. “So, we gotta make more 5:17 remaining, but Rider held on for basket by junior center Tyere Marshall addition to the 19 points and seven adjustments too.” the 59-51 victory. with 1:41 left in the game, but those rebounds he had against Wagner in Rider secured a 59-51 win against Junior forward Devine Eke scored were their final points. Staten Island, New York on Nov. 24, St. Peter’s on Jan. 31, before a 75-71 a Rider career-high 12 points, grabbed Monmouth responded with a free Vaughn had 22 points against the loss at Monmouth on Feb. 2 and a five rebound, five steals and had two throw to tie the game and then hit Jaspers. 73-66 loss at Manhattan on Feb. 5. blocks. another pair from the free-throw line to With the game tied at 56-56 Rider, 12-10 (7-3 MAAC,) stayed The highlight of the game was take a 73-71 lead. with seven minutes left, Manhattan atop the conference despite back-to- a one-handed alley-oop dunk Eke After a timeout by Rider, graduate exploded for an 8-0 including a pair of back losses, but held just a half-game finished off from a pass by Jordan that student guard Anthony Durham three-pointers. lead on Monmouth and one-game lead was No. 6 on SportsCenter’s top 10 on attempted a three-pointer to take the Rider battled back and cut the over Canisius, Quinnipiac and Siena. Jan. 31. lead, but his shot rattled around the rim deficit in half with 3:26 remaining and On Jan. 31, Rider defeated St. On Feb. 2 against Monmouth, Rider and bounced out. trailed, 66-62 after a fastbreak layup by Peter’s, the team who eliminated found itself down double-digits once Monmouth grabbed the rebound Jordan after a steal. the Broncs from last year’s MAAC again, but couldn’t pull off another with 15 seconds left and hit two more Over the final three minutes the tournament, 59-51. miracle. The Broncs were able to erase free throws to secure the 75-71 win. Jaspers outscored the Broncs 7-4 to Although the victory was their an 18-point lead and took a lead early Vaughn led Rider with 15 points, secure a 73-66 win. seventh MAAC win of the season, in the second half. nine rebounds, a career-high five steals “We came out with the right energy, the Broncs trailed at half for the fifth Head Coach Kevin Baggett used the and dished out two assists. we just didn’t finish with the right time in conference play and relied same starting lineup that was on the Following the four-point victory energy,” said Baggett. on a second-half surge to defeat the court for majority of the second half of for Monmouth, the last 13 contests Rider returns home for a pair of Peacocks. Rider’s regular season championship- between the Hawks and Broncs have MAAC contests against Canisius on Rider was down by six at halftime winning season last year and the start been decided by a combined 21 points. Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. and Siena on Feb. 10 before it outscored St. Peter’s by 14 to of this year. In the Feb. 5 game at Manhattan, at 2 p.m. complete the comeback victory. Sophomore guard Jordan Allen Rider led by four at the break, but The Canisius game will be on After the Peacocks increased their and Vaughn returned to the starting Manhattan responded early in the ESPNU, while the Siena contest can be lead to eight as the second half began, five along with Jordan, Marshall and second half and took the lead. streamed on ESPN+.