Dodgers Win 2020 World Series

TheSnapperMU TheSnapper.mu TheSnapperMU THESNAPPER.COM FOR MILLERSVILLE.BY MILLERSVILLE.SINCE1925

VOLUME 97 THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. ISSUE 2 S ay Hello Social Media and The Tech Industry Shapes Human Perception pg.6 to FallI

Behind the Walls of Terror pg. 7

The Mandolorian blasts back onto Disney+ pg.9

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALBATWITCHDAY.COM The Albatwitch supposedly sits in trees on the lookout for picknickers and their apples. In the photo below The Squonk is another creature that lurks PA. JAKE MARKOFF News Editor Pennsylvania is home to 17 million acres of baby that wept constantly, either out of fear or mind was broken, and his words were reduced to forested land and over 1,000 caves. Such vast wil- when it caught a glimpse of itself in moonlit wa- nonsense. Wilson would go on to live out the rest derness always inspires the inception of myths ters. No specimen was ever captured because of his days in a cave becoming a hermit. and monsters in the mind of men. Unusual en- according to Cox the beast “when cornered, or Documents from that time period support counters, a sense of community, the simple plea- when surprised and frightened, it may even dis- show that William and his sister were real resi- sure of indulging childlike wonder – these are the solve itself in tears.” The Squonk was such a pop- dents of Chester and that there was in fact a trial basis of myth. What creatures and legends are ular entry in Cox’s book that it was the subject and execution. Whether or not the details sur- hiding near Lancaster? of a song on Genesis’s 1973 album, A Trick of the rounding his harrowing plight to save his sister The most pervasive mythical beast seems to Tail and is the namesake for a particular type of are true is impossible to say. be Sasquatch. Every corner of the world whis- compound in the field of chemistry. Referring to Certainly, there are many more local legends pers tales of a large bipedal ape creature, and the creature’s ability to dissolve itself in its own to explore, but for now hold on to your apples, while there are those who claim to have seen Sas tears, “chemical squonks” are substances that watch out for crying pigs, stay off the naughty hanging out in the forests of Pennsylvania, there can’t be isolated without catalyzing their own de- list, and avoid the ramblings of white haired- is a more niche monkey-man believed to roam composition. cave dwellers. the area near Chickies Rock. The Albatwitch is Beasts are not the only myths to intersect believed to be a 4-foot tall manlike cryptid that with the lives of Pennsylvania citizens. The lives in the wooded areas. Its name comes from Pennsylvania Dutch, for example, a bastardization of either “apple-witch” or “ap- brought with them traditions and ple-snitch,” which is a descriptive title given to beliefs from Europe that were inte- the creature do its supposed penchant for stealing grated into modern society. The Bel- apples and occasionally tossing them at people. snickel is a Christmas related entity The Susquehannock people often adorned their that comes dressed in furs to scold shields with depictions of an apelike creature naughty children and flagellate which raises interest in cryptozoological groups them with sticks. He is essentially looking for proof of creatures like Sasquatch. a nicer version of the more well- Primates are not known to have any native known Krampus who would stuff species in North America. They are an order of bad behaving kids in a sack to kill animal that has its evolutionary roots in the old them later. world of southern Asia and Africa. Anthropolog- There is one legend; however, ic records show no evidence of them in North that is rooted in true events that American history, eventually certain species mi- were merely embellished over the grated into parts of Central America and Mexico. years. William Wilson, The Penn- It is possible that culture knowledge of these spe- sylvania Hermit, is a figure of leg- cies remained engrained in the indigenous peo- end in Chester County. His sister ple of Pennsylvania. Or maybe there is veracity was framed for the murder of her to the existence of the Albatwitch and the next children by a spiteful lover and time you find yourself near Chickies Rock you William tried desperately to get her should be careful where you put your apples. pardoned. He received the pardon In 1910 William Thomas Cox published a that would act as a stay of execu- book titled Fearsome Creatures of the Lumber- tion from Charles Biddle, the then woods. It is a field guide describing the various vice-president of Supreme Execu- mythological creatures that were purported to tive Council of the Commonwealth exist over the years by lumber workers, fron- of Pennsylvania. Wilson arrived tiersmen, and hunters. One creature detailed too late and his sister had been in the book is said to have lived in the forests of hanged as he arrived shouting at northern Pennsylvania before going extinct in the stockade. Legend says he fell to the early 20th century. It is described as piglike the ground in despair and when he creature with misfitting skin that is covered in arose his hair had turned white and growths. The Squonk is said to have been a cry his face was aged with wrinkles, his

Have an eye for news? Contact our News Editor at [email protected] THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. PAGE 3 | NEWS

When Every Vote Counts

KYLIE STOLTZFUS the meantime, Michigan Staff Writer has been called in favor of Vice President Biden, Pennsylvania’s polling places opened at flipping the script from the 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning for voters to begin 2016 election where the casting their ballots for the 2020 general election. state went to Trump, going Many voters had already cast their choice for Republican after a history president through mail-in ballots, with more than of voting blue. 500,000 ballots casted from registered Pennsylva- Volunteers began nia voters choosing to vote by mail. Pennsylvania scanning mail-in ballots is a key swing state in this election, with 20 elec- at 7 a.m. on November 3 toral votes on the line. at the Lancaster County As of November 4, President Trump holds Convention Center. Lan- 214 electoral votes, and Vice President Biden caster County Commission- holds 264, according to the live updated results er, Josh Parsons says this of The Associated Press. The winner will be called process continued through when one party reaches 270 electoral votes. A the night and into Wednes- case was brought before the Pennsylvania Su- day. Officials believe it will preme Court that proposed votes could still be be at least Friday until the counted if the ballot was received by November winner is officially called 7, extending the process beyond Election Day and as votes are still being PHOTO COURTESY OF ABCNEWS.GO.COM likely adding time between voting and results of counted. The Associated Above are workers counting the overwhleming amount of election. Press reported that 1 mail-in ballots. Lawsuits from the Trump campaign have million ballots were still begun in key swing states and across the country waiting to be counted as of Wednesday evening. 2016 election. While votes are still being count- to challenge issues that arise during the voting As the country waits to hear the way Penn- ed and ballots are being processed, people have process and concerns over poll watching. Law- sylvania and its 20 electoral votes will swing this turned out in record numbers to make their voice suits have been filed on behalf of the Trump Cam- election, Bloomberg reported that voter turnout heard. paign in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia. In has increased across 42 states as compared to the The Election by the Numbers

JULIA MEASSICK/ THE SNAPPER Have an eye for news? Contact our News Editor at [email protected] OPINION THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. PAGE 4 | OPINION Quibi: a strange concept that didn’t pay off

SHAUN LUCAS Opinion Editor in funding to establish a legitimate service, however, it’s ludicrous that Last week, it was announced the the only advertised Quibi content I re- mobile exclusive streaming service member is about Anna Kendrick and Quibi will shut down in December. The a talking sex doll. That, and the adver- service launched in April, meaning the tisements with celebrities awkwardly service had a shorter life span than the using phrases such as, “I’ll be done in Covid-19 pandemic. Quibi is yet anoth- a ‘Quibi.’” er business which struggled during the To be fair, I myself didn’t subscribe economic recession of 2020. Although, to Quibi’s services, only monitoring ad- Quibi certainly wasn’t a local business vertisements to see if any new content with little funding. The service was not on the service interested me. In addi- only co-founded by entertainment in- tion, I prefer watching feature films to dustry titans, Jeffrey Katzenberg and episodic series. Understanding I may Meg Whitman, but also had nearly $2 not have been Quibi’s intended audi- billion in investor funding, according ence, I’m still confused who exactly to The Verge. is this audience: who wants to pay to Quibi was an app that featured watch unmemorable content in an in- original series, with weekly new epi- convenient manner? sodes of the varied programs. The abil- To clarify the app’s inconvenience, ity to consistently release content is not Quibi truly is only accessible on hand- only due to high funds and the app’s held devices: the service cannot be PHOTO COURTESY OF DEADLINE pre-production, but also due to each streamed on televisions, consoles, nor Quibi is shutting down in December after an unsucessful six months. episode lasting 10 minutes or less. The laptops. Even if there’s content that gimmick was the service’s exclusivity one would appreciate, it would all be free apps such as Twitter and Insta- response to laid-off Quibi employees, to cell phones and tablets, intended as restricted on limited devices. Plus, if gram also provide quick entertainment perhaps poor management was also a an outlet for short, easily-consumable you enjoy watching shows with your for no charge. Even other paid services, massive obstacle for the service. The shows while away from home. Quibi friends, it’d be difficult if the shows such as Netflix, already allow you to Wall Street Journal released this state- subscribers either paid $5 monthly for only play on such small screens. I’ve watch renowned shows and films on ment: “During a video call with em- base membership, or $8 monthly to read this strict exclusivity is so shows your mobile device. ployees Wednesday, an emotional Mr. watch without advertisements. can use both landscape and portrait Some may criticize my insults to- Katzenberg suggested Quibi staffers I vividly remember the last media mode based on the orientation of the wards Quibi’s shows, despite never listen to the song ‘Get Back Up Again,’ I saw from Quibi; an advertisement for viewer’s device. Ironically, this adjust- trying the service myself. Yet, I’d wa- sung by actress Anna Kendrick in the an exclusive show titled “Dummy.” The ment for convenience leads to a string ger none of this article’s readers have animated film ‘Trolls,’ to buoy their show starred Anna Kendrick as Cody, of glaring inconveniences. heard any of their peers even mention- spirit.” Kendrick will now be associat- a young adult struggling to maintain Quibi attempted to capitalize on a ing a show from Quibi. Also, the fact ed with two brutal Quibi missteps: the a relationship. Somehow, Cody’s boy- surplused market, as other quick, as- Quibi lasted less than a year, regardless creation of “Dummy,” and Katzenburg friend’s sex doll comes to life, attempt- sessable content-based apps already of its outrageous funding and celebrity telling unemployed adults to feel better ing bond with Cody. The series then fol- thrive. For example, YouTube gives ac- support, doesn’t show promise in the by listening to a children’s song. Unlike lows Cody and the doll driving together cess to billions of hours worth of con- shows’ quality. Quibi, though, Kendrick will likely con- around the country. tent on a mobile device while away, From concept alone, Quibi seems tinue to financially thrive and grow her As a fan of bizarre media, I can- and still gives the option of viewing impossible to make successful in the audience beyond a portion of 2020. not say there isn’t an audience for this on home devices. YouTube also offers current entertainment ecosystem. Al- strange type of content. With billions much of their content for free. Other though, after reading Katzenberg’s Millenials and Generation X: why don’t young people vote?

nee Barack Obama challenged Repub- lege or join the workforce. This, in turn, important issues and encouragement DAVID VARGAS lican nominee John McCain, but it still allows high schoolers, with more time to be civically engaged, it would allow Staff Writer remained below this threshold. Com- on their hands, to register before busier students, younger Americans, to see In the US, people aged 39 or paratively speaking, older Americans periods of their life begin. the value of meaningfully interacting younger compromise more than a third (60+) have exceeded a voter turnout of Same-day registration also erases with the institutions which make them of eligible voters. 50% every year in every election since the pressure of having to go through a American. We are considered more ethnically 1986. long and bureaucratic process. Current- Ultimately, participating in Amer- diverse, liberal, and open-minded than One explanation is that younger ly, only twenty-one states, along with ican democracy is a gift. We have the previous generations. Americans are apathetic towards poli- the District of Columbia, have same-day ability to determine the legislative Despite this truth, why do we, tics. They do not believe the government registration. While same-day registra- branch and the executive branch. Se- young Americans, fail to vote – the pri- cares about them, nor that their efforts tion might produce higher turnouts, lecting representatives across multiple mary expression of our democracy? will produce any meaningful change. perhaps we just need to incorporate branches of government is a power According to John Holbein and Additionally, unlike older Americans, even younger Americans. In cities like not even granted to most of the devel- Sunshine Hillygus in their book Making they might not have an awareness of Takoma Park, Hyattsville and Greenbelt oped, Western world. Aside from this, Younger Voters, in 2016, although 90% how politics affects them. Why should in Maryland and Berkeley, California, if young Americans were to vote in the of young Americans reported an inter- they contribute to something which sixteen-year-olds are able to participate same numbers that older Americans do est in politics, and 80% intended to vote, they don’t realize affects their lives? in local elections. If many sixteen-year- (age 60+), it is said that we could have only 43% of people between the ages of Younger Americans are also some- olds participated in national voting, a political revolution, making represen- 18 and 29 ended up actually casting a times confused about how to vote. this could encourage their older coun- tatives and political parties turn their ballot. Mail-in ballot applications may appear terparts, 18-29 year-olds, to also engage. attention to our needs rather than the Later, in 2018, 7 out of 10 young too bureaucratic or complicated; re- Besides altering registration pro- needs of older demographics. As elec- Americans (between the ages of 18 and questing an absentee ballot seems too cesses, maybe effective high school tion day draws near, figure out how 29) did not vote. abstract or foreign. These processes civics classes can get young American you’re going to vote. If you did not fill What forces create this American discourage younger Americans from involved in voting. Not all schools do out a mail-in ballot, or an absentee bal- reality? making an effort to vote, even if they this, and not all schools do this well. lot, you can still go to your local polling Historically speaking, low voter have an interest in politics. Some schools turn their focus to memo- place on election day. You can find this turnout among young Americans is Nevertheless, there are some solu- rization of facts and figures, producing via the polling place locator. nothing new. According to electproject. tions which can be sought. A possible measures for multiple-choice exams, Have your voice heard. It is your org, to be exact, since 1986, voter turn- solution to remove the obstacles of vot- but not for substantive political engage- democracy. It is your country. Millen- out among young Americans has never ing is preregistration. Preregistration ment. However, if an effective peda- nials and Generation Z are the future. reached beyond 50%. It came close to allows sixteen and seventeen year-olds gogy encourages students to engage in And the future is now. 50% in 2008, when Democratic Nomi- to register to vote before they go to col- political issues, through discussion on

Passionate about something and want to write? Contact our Opinion Editor at [email protected] THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. PAGE 5 | OPINION The Snapper crew’s favorite candies!

JULIA MEASSICK/ THE SNAPPER Halloween is far from the best holiday

The Snapper is Millersville’s Carly O’neill student-run independent Editor in Chief newspaper. We aim to bring you topical, relevant stories Juila Meassick and serve the Millersville Managing Editor community with fair and accurate information. Jake Markoff News Editor Any views or opinions Shaun Lucas expressed in commentar- Opinion Editor ies and/or advertisements do not reflect the views of the publication as a PHOTO COURTESY OF BRYAN MARKLEY Holdan Hitchcock Associate Opinion Editor whole. Sports Editor Bryan Markley dressed up in his last Halloween costume at age eight. Sydney Clark scious enough. The last thing I would Features Editor Contact us: BRYAN MARKLEY want to do is give another reason for the Mail: Sports Editor general public to look at me weirdly. Brian Markley The Snapper I am also a believer that one should Sports Editor 21 S. George Street Halloween sucks: that’s right, I said grow out of Halloween. There is an ex- Millersville, Pa 17551 it. citement that young children have for Caleb Wolfe Associate Sports Editor Email: There are a myriad of ways in which trick-or-treating, and my goal with this [email protected] Halloween is hands down the single article is not to take that away from worst “holiday” that occurs every year. I them. That being said, I think one just Kat Delaney Facebook: use the quotes around the word holiday, outgrows Halloween. Sure, it is yet an- Photography Editor facebook.com/TheSnapper.MU given that is a sorry excuse for one. other excuse to throw a party and that’s A little background on my hatred fine and dandy. Colin Vanden Berg Head Copy Editor for Halloween. As a child, I was scared My main gripe is that Halloween is Letters to the Editor when I unexpectedly was spooked from treated like a top tier holiday when in- Holdan Hitchcock behind as I was leaving a tent that was herently, it is one of the worst. It is dark Business Manager The Snapper wel- handing out candy. Sure, I probably and scary, yet the biggest appeal to Hal- comes letters to the edi- should have entered at my own risk, loween is for little kids to get free candy Julia Meassick tor submitted by students, however, scaring a little, unexpecting from strangers. Considering we are still Mulitmedia coordinator faculty, staff, alumni and child is sickening. Fortunately, the par- in a pandemic, it is bizarre to me that community members. ent of another terrified little soul report- parents are letting their kids go trick-or- David Milam Letters should be ed the tent and the people responsible, treating. Social media manager exclusive to The Snapper. and they were shut down for the rest of On the other end of the spectrum, We do not publish open the night. those who do not go trick-or-treating are Robert Spicer letters or third-party let- Since that night, I refused to par- spending ludicrous amounts of money Faculty Adviser ters. Letters should prefer- ticipate in Halloween. There is nothing to attend Halloween themed attractions ably be 150 to 175 words, appealing about it to me, a now 23-year- year after year. I find real haunted plac- should refer to an article old man. The whole “Spooky Season” is es fascinating, but you couldn’t pay me that has appeared in the a sham to me. Sure, free candy is a nice enough to go to one. Snapper, and must include incentive for kids. Nowadays, I can buy When it comes down to it, I am eas- the writer’s address and myself a variety pack of Hershey candy ily scared, and I am jaded from my past phone numbers. any day of the week, any season. experiences on Halloween. I am the Hal- The Snapper reserves Another big aspect of Halloween loween Grinch. My goal with this article the right to approve, edit is the costume. Now, my gripe with the is not to suck the joy out of you who en- or reject any submissions. costumes is a much more personal gripe. joy Halloween, but rather to show why I As an introvert, going out just as myself do not like it. without a costume makes me self-con- That being said, happy Halloween. Passionate about something and want to write? Contact our Opinion Editor at [email protected] THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. PAGE 6 | OPINION How Social Media and The Tech Industry Shapes Human Perception and Behavior

HOLDAN HITCHCOCK Associate Opinion Editor

In my senior year of high school, my force of revenue for advertisers.Former classmates and I were given a task from presidential candidate Andrew Yang has our English teacher to persuade our au- stated on Twitter that users should be diences about anything. It wasn’t meant able to profit off of the data that is being to be a political assignment although collected from them. I’m sure a few other students presented So how do they do it? How political ideals. However, I went with is all the data tracked, and what is be- a more topical discussion. I remember ing tracked? It’s not something I really seeing news reports around this time thought about until watching the docu- in high school that social media was in mentary, then it all became quite clear fact causing more harm than good.This as I was writing this. While writing this notion I certainly didn’t believe, so I set article I received several notifications out to persuade my peers that these re- from apps I have not used in quite some ports were bogus. And if you were in time and I’ll preface that I have a Goo- that first period English class with me gle Pixel phone that I’ll get back to here at Wyalusing Valley, I would have told shortly.The apps that notified me were: you the true blessings that social media Moe’s Southwest Grill notifying me that and tech has provided. A few examples I can get double the reward points to- PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SUN I poured out were ideas of being able to day (the nearest Moe’s from where I live Data displaying correlation between teen suicide and social media usage. get news from reputable sources within currently is 2 hours away) and the ESPN a few button presses, the connections app notifying me about tennis match- ious, most fragile, and the least likely to For example, Facebook’s algo- created with one another that increased es the following day. The ESPN tennis take risks.” Dr. Haidt also goes on to cite rithm is designed in a way in which it dopamine levels, and entertainment match thing is bizarre because I’m not the statistics gathered by The CDC on has the ability to find users that are sus- content found on the web. I argued that a fan of tennis, but I have a brother who self-harm in preteen and teenage girls, ceptible to believing in conspiracy the- social media and other ventures in the is very into tennis and has mentioned it in which girls ages 15-19 self-harm has ories and suggest different conspirator tech social space brought about good, recently in a group chat I have with two increased 62 percent and suicides up 70 groups, such as Pizzagate and qAnon. systemic changes in human interaction. of my older brothers and my dad, that percent. Self-harm in preteen girls ages A normal person wouldn’t ever see this Yet this piece isn’t about how I got an group chat is run through Google Hang- 10-14 had increased 189 percent and type of faux-information. Sometimes A- in a high school presentation. I ref- outs messaging app. More commonly suicides were up 151 percent since 2009. these conspiracy theories can be as friv- erence this story because after viewing you’ll see ads pop-up through a Twitter We allowed these perception tools and olous as “The Flat-Earth” conspiracy or the Netflix Original documentary “The feed or before a YouTube video that is mechanics to really mess with our per- can be extremely dangerous with Pizza- Social Dilemma;” I do not believe I’d give usually tailored to your data. ceptions of ourselves. Where we value gate. Pizzagate conspiracy was rooted in the same optimistic type of presentation This time, though, it had backed happiness with ourselves with likes, and the idea that buying a pizza pie would, today. into tailoring the data from a group chat where we compare ourselves and how in turn, mean a human being was be- “The Social Dilemma” interviews tech into my feed. And Moe’s Southwest Grill our self-esteem is set by unrealistic stan- ing trafficked, this information allowed industry engineers and insiders about just misses me and notices I haven’t had dards of beauty, that even I have fallen a gunman to try and take over a pizza some hidden truths of the tech indus- Moe’s to eat in awhile. I miss Moe’s but for. shop to check out a basement that did try at large. The documentary opens that is beside the point. That is just an In 2019 I had fallen into this not exist because he believed there was with Tristan Harris a, former engineer example of surveillance capitalism that I trap of negative self-perception inadver- a pedophile ring. Facebook had essen- at Google and Co-Founder of Center for happened to notice because it’s not part tently through circumstances in life, and tially created a propaganda machine Humane Technology who is propped up of my niches. Notifications is just one of the things I would see on Twitter and that has been used by countries in un- as the catalyst for the whole documen- the many design aspects in the tech/so- Instagram and then later in YouTube der-developed countries to control its tary itself. Tristan Harris states at the cial industry to try to gain our attention. video recommendations. Back in 2019, citizens. beginning of his interview, that he was That design aspect may seem I had gone through a break-up in what Towards the end of Netflix’s working at Google at a time in which trivial and really doesn’t bring about was my first serious relationship. And as tech documentary, the ideas that are they were working on a new design for much concern that social media is harm- people know break-ups are sucky. being reflected about the threat of this how email notifications work and was ful. A problem with some of the tools that So as a dumb 20-year-old kid disinformation age is that the existential feeling burnt out. Harris says that even social media has brought about is where living by himself in Pittsburgh, I thought threats are not using the phone itself, he was addicted to his email and he be- there should be a serious concern. Deal- it would be in my best interest to buy a or advertisers getting you to watch one gan to question the integrity of what ing with perceptions with Facebook, Ins- gym membership that financially made more video, or spend 5 more minutes on Google was doing, “Shouldn’t we be tagram, and Snapchat in particular. Cha- no sense. So why would I buy a gym a site. The biggest threat is that misinfor- making this less addicting?” He asked. math Palihapitiya is a venture capitalist membership? It’s because of things I mation is causing more polarization and This idea gained traction with hundreds who was once a former Facebook exec- saw on Twitter and Instagram. I distinct- more division. Creating more offline of employees at Google and was even utive who was in charge of user growth. ly remember a tweet that showed up on harm that is relatively violent. Tim Ken- brought to attention by Larry Page, one In the documentary, Chamath Palihapi- my feed because of somebody I followed dall, who was a former President of Pin- of the Co-Founders of Google. tiya isn’t interviewed but there is video liking or retweeting it. I don’t remember terest was asked what he is most wor- Ultimately the idea would never footage of him giving a talk at Stanford exactly what the tweet said but it was ried about happening in the near future. come to fruition at Google. When most in 2017 about how Facebook’s tools and along the lines of “Men under 5’8” are He responded with “In the shortest-hori- people think of social media and other design deflated personal perceptions. useless.” zon...Civil War.” How horrifying is that? tech ventures, they are usually broken “We compound the problem. This tweet in particular had That some of the people who created the down to the simplest bits of what they ... We curate our lives around this per- something over 30,000 retweets and very tools of what technology and social are. Google is a search engine, while ceived sense of perfection because we over 100,000 likes. I bring this up be- media believe that at the current rate we Facebook is where I interact with my get rewarded in these short-term sig- cause as a man that’s well under 5’8”; to will be in a civil war in the new future. friends, and Twitter is where I see a nals: hearts, likes, thumbs up. And we know that the perception of me to over How do we stop this prospect? feed tailored to me and my hobbies conflate that with value, and we conflate 100,000 people is that I am considered Well, the opinion shared with many of and interests. YouTube is where I go to it with the truth. And instead what it re- “useless” is incredibly jarring.The hu- the tech engineers in The Social Dilem- get short-form entertainment. The really is is fake brittle popularity - that’s man brain isn’t suited to comprehend ma and something I agree with; is that ality is that really isn’t the case. All of short term, and that leaves you even what thousands of people may perceive the problem isn’t with the tech or so- these companies are in the advertising more, and admit it, vacant and empty us. This is something I’ve learned to get cial media. The real problem is within business and they all compete for your [than] before you did it, because it forces over as I get older, but surely this type of the business model. There is no regu- time and attention. Tristan Harris says you into this vicious cycle where you’re thing is happening to teens all over the lation on data mining users for compa- a common phrase in the industry is “If like, ‘What’s the next thing I need to do country on a daily basis. nies. The idea is that if you regulate the you don’t know what the product is, now?’ ‘cause I need it back,” said Cha- The tools of social media sites amount of data that is taken from users then you are the product.”This is a senti- math Palihapitiya not only are detrimental to the percep- or tax it. There is now no incentive for ment that author and computer scientist Something as simple as the “like tions of ourselves but to society’s per- companies to pursue all the data out Jaron Lanier doesn’t fully get on board button” had created detrimental conse- ception of information. The example there because it wouldn’t fiscally bene- with. Lanier is considered a founding quences to one’s mental health. Unfor- given in The Social Dilemma documen- fit the company or the shareholders to father for virtual reality. Lanier in his tunately, this type of perception feed- tary is on if you were to type in “climate do so. The reason none of it has changed interview in the documentary, says that ing loop is the most common and most change is” and let the Google engine au- is that the criticism hasn’t reached the the idea that you are the product is “too predatory in sites like Facebook and to-complete you’ll get different informa- mainstream. Who knows if it even gets simple’, it’s the gradual slight in change Instagram. These perception feeding tion just based on where you are physi- there? The failures expended upon the of perception and behavior that is the loops prey on Gen Z the most. As stated cally in the world. This is also the case tools of these technologies are not wide- product.” in the documentary Dr. Jonathan Haidt in Facebook and Twitter feeds. Where ly known, and that is why this documen- Being able to obtain your data of NYU Stern School of Business’ Social each user has their own echo-chamber tary was made, to shine a light on the and understand what data you would Psychologist, shares that “Gen Z, is the tailored to the user. The best examples failings of the tech industry. Not in the like to see through forms of what an al- first generation to have social media of how people can receive totally differ- tools they have created but being negli- gorithm is telling you is what is called since at least middle school (and before) ent streams of information is based on gent to the ways the tools are being used surveillance capitalism. In fact, surveil- and because of that, they are the gener- how Facebook and Twitter algorithms to do harm. lance capitalism is still a prominent ation that is most depressed, most anx- read it’s users.

Passionate about something and want to write? Contact our Opinion Editor at [email protected] FEATURES THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. PAGE 7 | FEATURES

Behind the walls of terror

CARLY O’NEILL Editor in Cheif tions were open to the public, a room with a doctor and a patient while Mayflower Hall was a luxu- gone mad. I had to get used to the ry only visitors of Pennhurts’s train whistle that would go off right History history tour could explore. before the customers would get to Located in Spring City, Covid measures were put my scene, signaling me to pop out of Pennhurst State School and Hos- into place as all the actors and my crevice and attempt to get them pital was originally named the visitors were required to wear with a good jump scare. I channeled Eastern Pennsylvania State Insti- masks and keep six feet from my inner Harley Quinn and used tution for the Feeble-Minded and each other. The attractions were a high pitched voice to pop out at Epileptic when it opened its doors also set up so the public had to people and squeal “Did you come to in November of 1908. It was an walk through all three back to play?!” and “You don’t want to go in institution meant for mentally and back, while on a non pandemic there!” It was entertaining watching physically disabled individuals that year, customers can tour the the reactions of groups unfold as also housed orphans, immigrants, attractions in whichever order I scared the pants off them in the and criminals. Anyone with a dis- they’d like and take a break by beginning of the scene and then ability during this time period was the bonfire or grab a snack. proceeded to follow them down the seen as an outcast and Pennhurst Pennhurst Asylum is the first hallway and pop out at them again served as a solution. attraction that customers will once the lights would turn back on. The institution was orig- walk through, where they will be However, occasionally I did manage inally built to house up to 500 forced to navigate through max- to get too into character and left patients with some room for addi- imum security and visit some of that night with some bruising from tions. After four years of operation Pennhurst’s most hostile patients. pounding my hands on the sides of Pennhurst was already overcrowd- While most visitors at first glance the walls to get an extra rise out of ed and throughout its 79 years of probably assume these doctors people. operation it housed over ten thou- PHOTOGRAPHER CARLY O’NEILL/SNAPPER or nurses are performing exper- Forewarning to anyone look- sand residents. Residents were clas- This building was one of the first groups iments gone wrong, look closer ing to try out this acting experience sified into three categories when ad- of buildings on the property. because it’s actually the patients for themselves, you will experience mitted; mental, physical, and dental. disguised as employees of the people who go to these attractions Mentally they were either classified In 1968, a five-part televi- asylum. to specifically mess with the actors. as imbecile or insane, physically as sion news report called “Suffer The The Morgue is where you’ll I had multiple instances of peo- eplieptic or healthy, and their teeth Little Children,” anchored by CBS learn about all the different ways ple calling me cute, asking if I was were classified as either good, poor, correspondent, Bill Baldini exposed to drain a body of its blood or sim- single, or even repeatedly shouting or treated. Pennhurst for its overcrowding and ply dispose of a body. Customers their number in my face to intimi- Injuries were very common poor conditions. This documenta- will walk through tight, darkly-light date me. Simply brush it off and stay at Pennhurst, especially due to the ry series ultimately led to the end corridors and make sure to double in character. The goal is to have fun lack of staff. In January, 1977 there of Pennhurst. In 1977 the lawsuit check if these bodies are indeed dead and give people an adrenaline-rush- were 833 minor and 25 major in- filed on May 30, 1974, Halderman v. or alive. ing experience, not be Johny’s date to juries reported. On Jan. 8, 1975 a Pennhurst state School and Hospital Containment is the last stop dinner. patient was reported to have bit off led to U.S. District Judge Raymond J. of the attraction where customers Overall, this was a very three-quarters of a patient’s earlobe Broderick ruling that the conditions get to walk through the 1,200 long fun experience that I would highly while the other resident was asleep. at Pennhurst violated patients’ con- tunnels of Pennhurst. Bear wit- recommend to anyone looking to be- Not too long after this another pa- stitutional rights. ness to a government facility using come a character for a night and give tient was reported to have pushed a In 1976, there were reported patients to experiment on in most people a scare they’ll remember. resident to the floor so hard, result- cases of staff abuse to the residents. inhumane conditions. Be careful to Even if haunted attractions aren’t ing in the other patient’s death. One resident was raped by a staff not become Pennhurst’s next patient, necessarily your thing, going behind person, while others were thrown as the employees of this facility are the scenes of it helps turn the attrac- several feet, hit with keys or always looking for new patients to tion itself into a less intimidating ex- shackle belts. In 1983, nine experiment on. perience. On the other hand, maybe employees were convicted of becoming part of the attraction will charges including slapping or Acting help you face your fears. beating patients (some who On Sat. Nov. 24, I had were in wheelchairs) and the opportunity to go behind even arranging for patients to the scenes of Pennhurst assault each other. Asylum and try out the acting In 1987, Pennhurst officially side of things for myself. As closed its doors due to lack of a lover of anything horror funding, overcrowding, and related, I have always been patient abuse. It was left to curious about what it would the vandals for 23 years until be like to become a character it was bought and turned into for a night. I arrived onsite a haunted attraction in 2010 around 4:35 p.m. and was giv- and renamed to what it’s en long johns to change into. more commonly known as, Then I was led to a room in Pennhurst asylum. the asylum attraction where I was told I would have to au- Attraction dition and create a scene for a Typically on a non potential customer. It wasn’t COVID-19 year, Pennhurst until I was given my spot for Asylum is broken up into the night that I could really four attractions; the Morgue, get into character and take Containment, the Asylum and advantage of my surround- Mayflower Hall, which allows ings to get a good scream out visitors to see what rooms of customers. inside the state school used I was placed in a PHOTOGRAPHER CARLY O’NEILL/SNAPPER to look like along with pre- crevice of a hallway where The Quaker Hall is where the worst pait- served artifacts. Unfortunately the lights would continuous- PHOTOGRAPHER CARLY O’NEILL/SNAPPER ents were housed. Most of these patients this year only the three attrac- ly turn on and off, leading to I am pictured above as a patient of the were criminals and considered dangerous. asylum attraction. Know a professor or student who is doing something exceptional? Contact our Features Editor at [email protected] THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. PAGE 8 | FEATURES Top four supposedly haunted Lancaster locations SYDNEY CLARK Features Editor

a nurse tending to soldiers during been something (or someone) that would ran- World War I. domly turn faucets on in one of the bathrooms The archives state, “As this in the cafe. Morgan Miller, a former manager at song played over his stereo, he Rachel’s says, “It would randomly just turn on full began hearing sounds apart from blast! I used to think that maybe it was custom- the music -- he heard moaning, ers leaving it on, but it would happen early in the rattling sounds, and overall, the morning. Then I thought it was Ray [Rachel Ad- sounds of a person in intense am’s father], but c’mon, he knows how to turn off pain...He later realized the con- a faucet.” When she would go into the bathroom nection between his experience Miller avoided looking into the mirror, not want- and Diagnothian Hall’s history as ing to see something other than her reflection a Civil War hospital.” Sitting next looking back. “I don’t know of anyone dying there to Diagnothian Hall, rumors sur- or any of the history too much, but it’s a very old round Old Main as being haunted building,” she says. as well. Constructed in 1853, this building was supposedly built on the site of Lancaster’s “gallows hill” due to it being the highest point around Lancaster. This would make it a prime spot for the town to see the hangings and be SYDNEY CLARK/SNAPPER scared into keeping order. Accord- Located on Franklin & Marshall’s campus, Old Main sits on the ing to the F&M Gazette in October grounds of Lancaster’s old “Gallows Hill.” of 1990, the bell in the tower of Old Main has been known to ring It’s no secret that Lancaster is an old town during the night without the help of anyone. filled with history. With this long history, in some 2. Fulton Theatre locations across town, you might get more than While the Fulton Theatre is known for its you bargained for. From theaters to plantations, fun plays and shows, it has a bit of a dark his- here are some rumored places where you may be tory surrounding its origins. According to the able to find a ghost or come across some unusual theatre’s website, before the theatre was built things. the land had previously been hosting Lancaster’s 1. Franklin & Marshall College pre-revolutionary jail. Here, the last fourteen of Franklin & Marshall College also has a few ru- the Conestoga Native Americans were massacred mored ghosts and haunted buildings across their on December 28, 1763 while they were being held 200 acre campus. According to the archives of in the jail for protection. They were killed by a F&M’s library Diagnothian Hall, built in 1856 is vigilante gang called the “Paxton Boys.” This mas- rumored to have a few spirits roaming around. sacre wasn’t the only death that this site has seen. Similar to the Fulton Theatre’s building, Diag- In 1852, the site became Fulton Hall and after the nothian Hall served as a hospital for wounded Battle of Gettysburg, it even served as a hospital soldiers during the Civil War. The archives also for wounded soldiers. The haunted folklore of The Fulton Theatre mention that while working late in his office in SYDNEY CLARK/SNAPPER continues with ghost sightings at this specific lo- Diagnothian, a music professor was playing a The front of the Fulton Theatre features bright cation. The Fulton Theatre’s website states that Souza duet called “Red Cross Nurse,” a song about lights and a cheerful message board, but not even three ghosts have been reported on the site over that can cover up the dark and death-filled history the years. The website says, “Several actors and of the site. stagehands reported seeing a woman in a white dress hovering around the bottom of an old, wooden spiral staircase or at the top of the stage right. A stagehand from Gettysburg, PA, saw her and asked what her name was. She said ‘Marie.’” Researchers have since discovered that an actress named Marie Cahill had frequently performed at The Fulton Theatre. She is known as “The Woman in White.” 3. Rockford Plantation Another stop to check out if you’re looking for any speculated haunted attractions would be Rockford Plantation or more specifically, Rock- ford Mansion. Home to Edward Hand, a Rev- olutionary War general and friend to George Washington, the mansion was built in 1794. This location tragically saw the death of four Hand family members and according to LNP, Hand’s eldest son, John Hand killed himself inside the mansion as well. His blood is even rumored to be staining the hardwood floor in an upstairs guest bedroom. Although nothing is confirmed, the plantation has seen slavery, death, and features a dark history. 4. Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie SYDNEY CLARK/SNAPPER Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie, known for their SYDNEY CLARK/SNAPPER With no known history of deaths on the Nutella drinks and savory crepes may also have Historic Rock Ford Plantation can be slightly property, workers cannot explain the unsual a ghost roaming around. Apparently, there has occurences happening with the faucets at scary anytime of the day, but especially as the Rachels’s Cafe & Creperie. sun starts to set.

Know a professor or student who is doing something exceptional? Contact our Features Editor at [email protected] ARTS & CULTURE THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. PAGE 9 | ARTS The Mandolorian blasts back onto Disney+ Hardcore Star Wars fans DAVID MILAM will be delighted to find a plethora Social Media Manager of easter eggs and references to both Star Wars cannon and legends After The Mandalorian in this episode. The character of released in fall of last year to endless Cobb Vanth and Mos Pelgo first ap- praise and critical acclaim, the release peared in the Star Wars: Aftermath of it’s impending second season has trilogy of books by Chuck Wendig been eagerly awaited. The Star Wars and in turn became one of the drama series was a massive success, first major characters in Star Wars winning seven Emmys for its first books to appear in a live-action season and becoming last year’s most production. Fans of the “Knights in-demand streaming show across of the Old Republic” video game all streaming services, according to series will also notice the addition The Hollywood Reporter. Fans will be of Krayt Dragon pearls in the epi- delighted to know the show is back sode, an item the main character in full swing with it’s second season of the video game was tasked with premiere episode releasing Oct. 30th. hunting a Krayt Dragon to acquire. The first episode of the The cinematography show’s second season “Episode 9: The and production of this episode Marshal” is directed and written by continues the show’s tradition showrunner and executive producer of gorgeous shots and creative PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF STARWARS.COM Jon Favreau. The episode is a delight- filmmaking. This episode features The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) stands alongside Cobb Vanth (Timothy ful mix of classic westerns and kaiju many beautiful establishing shots Olyphant). movies, featuring the titular character of the desert landscape and the of The Mandalorian, played by Pedro entire episode maintains the eerie produces a classic futuristic western gush over, I can confirm this episode Pascal. He teams up with the Marshal feeling of a lonely western town in a soundtrack, alongside the memorable has everything you need for your of the small town of Mos Pelgo, Cobb sea of sand. The episode also makes main theme that will be stuck in your weekly dose of cuteness. Mando and Vanth, played by newcomer Timothy creative use of aspect ratios, switch- head for days. Baby Yoda’s adventures are sure to Olyphant. The pair join forces to hunt ing from a 21:9 to a 16:9 during Krayt The Mandalorian is shaping occupy daily discourse as fans eagerly down a massive Krayt Dragon terror- Dragon scenes to properly accentuate up to once again deliver a fantastic discuss and await to see how their izing Mos Pelgo and must unite unlike- the massive scale of the monster. Lud- season full of adventure, action and adventures will play out this season. ly allies to pull off this monumental wig Göransson returns to score the heartache. Don’t worry, for fans just task. entirety of the season and once again looking for more Baby Yoda scenes to TWO SENTENCE HORROR STORIES To celebrate Halloween in this issue, the snapper crew channeled their spooky writing in a themed writing collaboration. Popularizied by the subreddit, r/twosentencehorror, we wanted to take a shot at this fun writing style to create some fearful pieces!

CARLY O’NEILL Editor In Cheif I called out to my boyfriend to hand me the dishes from the table as I scrubbed away, cleaning the ones from lunch. He passes me them and I turn around to say thank you when I see my boyfriend’s face on a different body.

SHAUN LUCAS Opinion Editor After a grueling battle, I had finally fought off the hoard of vicious skeletons trying to murder me. Only then did I realize that the most wicked skeleton was inside me all along.

CALEB WOLFE Associate Sports Editor I’m awoken from the nightmare; my hands moist and fearfully grasping onto something. As my mind begins to calm I look down to see my own blood splattered intestines clenched between my fingers.

JULIA MEASSICK Managing Editor I was dreaming of feeling the heat on my skin, I was at the beach on a sunny day. I awoke in terror, as I was being cremated alive.

SYNDEY CLARK Features Editor As I worked on my homework, I kept receiving calls from my Dad’s phone with no one on the other line. I wouldn’t have been frightened except for the fact that he died three years ago.

JULIA MEASSICK/ THE SNAPPER See any good shows lately? Contact our Arts & Culture Editor at [email protected] THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. PAGE 10 | SPORTS Dodgers win 2020 World Series

BRIAN MARKLEY Clayton Kershaw retiring market team that is able Sports Editor without a World Series to spend outrageous ring. Kershaw was haunt- amounts of money on The Los Angeles ed over the past years of players, say, the best play- Dodgers are 2020 World play-off failures, choking er in baseball not named Series Champions. away performances and Mike Trout in Mookie Bet- The title has been an not being able to make it ts, you are able to form elusive one for the Dodg- to the promised land. Ker- a nightmare of a lineup. ers over the last decade, shaw is now undoubtedly Betts is now locked in but the drought is finally a lock for the MLB Hall of with the Dodgers for the over. The Dodgers were Fame, and his legacy is next 12 years, and it ex- the best team in baseball now enhanced with the tends the Dodgers dynas- over the 60-game sprint addition of a World Series ty window. that was the regular sea- ring. Speaking of dynas- son and they dominated Secondly, a resur- ties, the Dodgers have every team they faced gence in World Series an opportunity to go on Slippi Champions up until the NLCS in the MVP Corey Seager over a historic run with the post-season. the regular season and team they currently have. Game six of the in the post-season played Sure, Kershaw is not get- World Series gave plenty a big role in the Dodgers ting any younger, and the League Week Three of story lines, from Justin success. Seager hit .400 in likes of Muncy, Bellinger Turner testing positive for the World Series, tallying and Buehler are all even- COVID-19 a few innings two home runs, five RBI, tually going to want to get into the game to Tampa a stolen base and drawing paid. However, windows Recap Bay Rays’ manager Kevin six walks. He posted an of success are few and far Cash pulling former Cy OPS of 1.256 and led the between in baseball, and Young winner Blake Snell offensive charge for the the need to strike while Dodgers. you can is essential to SHAUN LUCAS fication by defeating both Marquez and after allowing his second Staff Writer Sheleby. In Division 1 finals, Williams hit of the night. Are ana- This ring is also a putting together a run of testament to the perfect championships. ends his run by pushing Naghmi to his lytics ruining baseball? The final week of Super Smash limits, with each of their 4 games being What would have hap- balance of home-grown Will the Dodgers be talent and going out of the in the conversation to win Bros. Melee’s Slippi Champions League extremely tense and competitive. pened if the Rays forced remains mostly consistent with the Another important Twitter moment a game 7? What type of organization to craft the the Fall Classic again next best team possible. The year? Absolutely. Their league’s competition so far. Zain Nagh- came with the announcement of Juan punishment is Turner mi gained his second first place Division “HungryBox” Debiedma opting out of facing for not following likes of Max Muncy, Cody window is far from be- Bellinger and Walker Bue- ing closed, and they will 1 bracket, defeating Joseph “Azel” Resp- the final weeks of league brackets. De- league guidelines regard- landor, Cody “iBDW” Schwab, and Grif- spite speculations that the self-disqualifi- ing COVID? Those are for hler were raised within reign havoc on the Na- the Dodgers organization tional League West for the fin “Captain Faceroll’’ Williams. In addi- cation came due to disappointing losses, another day. tion, Edgar “n0ne” Sheleby and Schwab @BTSsmash clarified Debiedma planned This moment is about and all made major con- foreseeable future. That’s tributions to the Dodgers’ the future, and as of the finished in top 4 of Division 1 for the a vacation for the weeks of Oct. 25 and celebrating the greatness third straight week of competition. Oct. 31. With Debiedma’s Division 2 spot that is the 2020 Los Ange- World Series run. writing of this piece, the Combine this home- Los Angeles Dodgers are Joseph “Mang0” Marquez, who fin- vacant, Saturday’s open bracket winner, les Dodgers. ished first and third in Division 1 on Shephard “Fiction” Lima, immediate- Firstly, we no lon- grown talent with the defending World Series perks of being a big Champions. week 1 and 2 respectively, was eliminat- ly gained the spot. Unfortunately, Lima ger have to worry about ed from Division 1 bracket in his first was swifty eliminated from the league, match this week. Marquez lost a close losing to Hallet in the Division 2 bracket set (3-2) to Williams. The two have only and then Jason “Gahtzu” Diehl in Divi- one set prior to their Division 1 meet- sion 2 relegation. Diehl will compete in ing at 2019’s “Smash Camp: End of the Division 2 in the final week of the league. Summer,” with Marquez’s victorious (3- Lima wasn’t the only league mem- 2) according to liquipedia. In addition, ber to derank after just qualifying: after Marquez played weak against Justin his unexpected Division 1 qualification “Wizzrobe’’ Hallett, as Hallet barely lost last week, Resplandor’s first loss came to Marquez (3-2) after Marquez’s previ- from Naghmi (3-0), even after Resplan- ous dominance against Hallet. dor gained another chance at a third Unfortunately for Marquez, the up- game after server issues. In Division 1 set from Williams was poorly timed: relegation, Resplandor lost to local rival this week, Marquez found himself in a Zaid “Spark” Ali. Ali will then compete Twitter argument with 2015 and 2016’s in Division 1 next Saturday. number 1 ranked Melee player, Swe- While there were many exciting den’s Adam “Armada” Lindgreen. The sets this week, both in Division 1 and two have competed at top level for over Division 2, perhaps the tragedy of this a decade, and were disputing on who de- week was the underperformance of fan serves to be considered Melee’s “Great- favorite character, Falco. Marquez’s run est of All Time (G.O.A.T). In addition, was described in grave detail, Avery Marquez criticized Lindgreen’s state- “Ginger” Wilson once again failed to ment regarding the game’s stagnation regain his Division 1 spot, and Jeffery in terms of technical and competitive “Axe” Williamson failed to beat Ali after advancements, primarily due to Lind- attempting to use his secondhand Falco green’s inactivity. (3-2). “Yeah but you [Lindgreen] don’t get Next Sunday’s matchups are listed to not play and say you would be top 5. on Liquipedia: Zain vs. Mang0 (although, That’s the whole point of competing,” according to his Twitter, Marquez may Marquez tweeted. “I don’t think anyone not be able to compete), n0ne vs. Plup, is denying that Armada could come back Captain Faceroll vs. S2J, and iBDW vs. and not be amazing again. But to just say Spark. it is dumb and pointless and takes away The easy answer for the grand vic- from everyone who’s grinding.” tor of the final week is Naghmi: two first Marquez continued with his stance place finishes and only one set loss is during a Twitch.tv broadcast this week: certainly a sign of consistency. In fact, “By saying the meta [the general state of either Naghmi immediately eliminates a competition] hasn’t changed, you’re Marquez, or Marquez doesn’t even play just trying to say that you would still be and Naghmi receives a free round. Yet, good,” Marquez said, referring to retired looking at the bracket, Nagmi has three Melee players who share Lindgreen’s Sheik players he’d potentially play perspective. against: Ali, Williams (Faceroll), and Focusing on Williams, the Southern Justin “Plup” McGrath. Sheik is notably California Sheik player had an amazing a difficult character for Naghmi, as seen PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA last few weeks. On week 2, Williams in finals of this week. Naghmi will have Clayton Kershaw dominates his post-season woes and cements his place qualified for Division 1 after defeating to continue his consistent play to over- in the baseball hall of fame with the Dodgers 2020 World Series win. Division 1 invitee Hallet. This week, Wil- come his mighty competitors this Satur- liams instantly capitalizes on his quali- day, Oct. 31.

Got a passion for the game? Contact our Sports Editor at [email protected] TheSnapperMU TheSnapper.mu TheSnapperMU SPORTS THE BACK PAGE THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 2020. The Ville Without Fall Sports

SCOTT MACHENRY lenges is creating a schedule for myself. such commuter. She travels to campus ersville uniform for the last time. Staff Writer Obviously right now I have more free once a week to practice with the Field Sadly, this is a scenario that has time than I have ever had before so just Hockey team. crossed Happ’s mind multiple times. “It Delayed. Cancelled. Postponed. creating a routine has been helpful and These unique circumstances have has made running and putting in all the These are the buzzwords of 2020. Sports allowed me to use my time wisely. Each further complicated practices because miles difficult,” she admitted. “Howev- and movies were delayed, concerts and week I find myself growing as a virtual not all athletes are even available to er, I talked to my coach and teammates Comic-Cons were cancelled. Life at learner and learning how to do school attend. Student athletes who live far about how I felt. Through their help I Millersville University was no differ- online as opposed to in person,” Strick- away from Millersville have not been was able to work through the sadness ent. When students were sent home in land said. to campus this semester. Pili Zaballa is and negativity. Honestly, I am not disap- March and the spring sports season was It hasn’t only been the academic life a sophomore on the Field Hockey team, pointed in my college running career. cancelled, there was hope that when that has changed though, every student but as an international student, Zaballa Every race might not have been my the fall semester started, things would athlete’s athletic life has been altered as is currently living in her home country best, but at the end of the day I know I look similar to how they usually do. Un- well. Gabriela Karch, a junior sprinter of Argentina. Pili is now doing her best gave it my all.” fortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has on the Track and Field team describes to stay fit by running and power train- Hopefully every student athlete not lessened its grip on society; in fact, some of the changes to her experience ing when she can and hopes to return can adopt Happ’s positive mentality. So many people have a threatening vision on the track as drastic. “[We] complete in January. many seniors have worked hard and of a dramatic winter spike. a daily COVID screening, warm up with Additionally, Coach Smith has done given great performances in their sport. The realities of this pandemic have masks, can’t give high fives at practice, a great job expanding the recruiting No matter how the rest of their senior forced some changes around Millers- and can’t even stand next to people who field for the Women’s Volleyball team, year shakes out, the senior class has ville for the Fall 2020 semester. One of aren’t in our pod. Also, when we lift in meaning he has found players in loca- already represented Millersville well. the most notable differences is the lack the weight room, we have to wipe down tions well outside of Pennsylvania. The Haley Peachey is a senior on the Wom- of fall sports. There are no pregame tail- everything we touch and we can only Volleyball team has freshman from en’s Soccer team who has excelled on gates around Biemesderfer Stadium on lift with 16 people in the room max ver- Florida, North Carolina, New Hamp- the field and in the classroom, earning Saturdays and no packed gymnasiums sus our usual full team of 40.” shire, and even Ontario, Canada. Rylee her first PSAC Scholar-Athlete award anxiously watching the Women’s Vol- As Karch mentioned, practice for Thomas is one of Coach Smith’s fresh- in 2019. Faced with the possibility of a leyball team. No one is huddled togeth- every sports team looks different. Each man recruits, a Middle Hitter who is cancelled senior season, Peachey said, er, braving a chilly autumn evening to team is hoping to compete at a later living in Florida this semester. When “My greatest disappointment would be cheer on the soccer teams. date, so coaches and the athletic depart- asked about how she stays fit, Rylee not having a chance to compete for my It came as no surprise when the ment have devised strategies to hold answered, “Coach Smith has us prepar- last season of soccer and finish out my Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference safe, socially distant practices that ad- ing to take the court in our best shape, soccer career with my teammates that voted to suspend all athletic events here to Millersville’s health protocols. whenever that may be. For those of I have built such strong connections through the fall semester. In a July 14 Teams have similar practice plans, such us like myself who are much farther with. We have worked so hard as a statement, PSAC Commissioner Steve as breaking up the roster into pods, but away, we have a workout plan put to- team and it would be disappointing to Murray said, “It has become apparent ultimately teams are practicing in the gether that we follow and try to get on not get a chance to fight for a champion- that the safe conduct of sports under the best ways to remain healthy and pre- the court in our hometown however we ship after all of our hard work.” guidelines of social distancing is unten- pare for an upcoming season. can.” For other athletes, this time away able for our members. We cannot place The Men and Women’s Soccer teams For all of the players, coaches, and from competition offers the opportu- our student athletes at greater risk than are running near-identical practices. teams, the goal is to complete their post- nity to reevaluate personal and team the general student body. Despite our Erb spoke on their practices, saying, poned season in the spring semester. As goals and create an entirely new level planning and collective efforts, it has “We are broken up into pods by posi- with everything in life right now, athlet- of motivation. Happ is determined to become clear that we are not able to do tion. We have four pod groups, goalies ic departments in the PSAC are unsure get back on the track and break some so.” in one, attackers, midfielders, and then when, how, or if the fall sports will get a of her personal records this year. Blyth The pandemic and this semester’s defenders. Since each pod is broken new season. Currently, there is a sched- hopes to be a role model for the under- mostly online format have caused a down by position, Coach [Widdowson] ule in the works for fall sports, which classmen, while helping the Women’s shift in every student’s schedule. This is has us doing specific drills based on is set to be reviewed by the PSAC Presi- Soccer team win a conference champi- a different semester for everyone, but our position. We practice three times a dent before Thanksgiving. Every athlete onship. Dalstad strives to improve her the changes particularly affect the Mill- week and lift twice a week.” is eager to get back to competition with defense and movement to the ball and ersville student athletes. Student ath- Cassie Blyth, a junior Midfielder on their teammates. Dalstad and her team- be a better encouraging teammate. Erb letes live a balanced and structured life the Women’s Soccer team elaborated mate Amanda Neessen are especially only wants to get another ring for the to get the most out of their education more on the types of activities they are hopeful volleyball can have a winter or Men’s Soccer team and go for the three- and compete at the highest level. Now doing. “The team is divided into pods spring season as long as players contin- peat that has never been done in PSAC due to the pandemic, student athletes of eight, which help us stay around the ue to follow the safety procedures. history. must restructure their daily routine. same people. In order to follow those Karch is just as eager to get back These are all worthwhile goals to These changes affect everyone in a protocols, we have been doing technical on the track. “Right now, it’s not look- have. Here’s hoping the PSAC finalizes different way, both in the virtual class- drills and exercises, such as juggling, ing like we will have a winter season, as and approves a schedule for fall sports room and on the field, court, or track. ball work, and dribbling. Unfortunate- it would be almost impossible to have to play in the spring and all of Millers- Nathan Erb, a junior Forward on the ly, we are unable to participate in any so many people inside cramped up like ville’s student athletes get to return to Men’s Soccer team, is someone who has contact drills, so we are focusing on per- indoor meets typically are, but we are competition. The fall semester here at found difficulty with the adjustment. fecting our touches,” Blyth explained. very hopeful for a spring season since Millersville hasn’t been the same with- “My day-to-day experience has changed Track and Field is probably the best last year’s spring season was cancelled out our favorite fall sports. tremendously with virtual classes. For sport to hold socially distant practices. as well. We are all very anxious and me, this format is harder than normal Happ said Coach Young has the team hungry to get because I enjoy going into a classroom doing various activities to stay in shape back on the track and learning rather than looking at a for potential 2021 competition. “For dis- and show what screen and learning through a comput- tance runners, we are working hard to we got.” er. It’s a lot harder to engage with my get our mileage back up and adding a While this se- professors since I can’t just go up to mix of various distance workouts, such mester has been them after class to talk to them,” Erb as 800-meter or 1000-meter repeats, a whirlwind of said. progression runs, hill repeats, and uncertainty and This is the case for many of Millers- much more. [Our two distance pods] anxiety for fall ville’s student athletes. Rebecca Dals- will run in completely opposite direc- student athletes, tad, a sophomore defensive specialist tions or maintain appropriate distanc- the worry is on the Women’s Volleyball team, finds ing by spacing out runners and going heightened for se- online classes more difficult because on opposite sides of the road.” niors. If the pan- without a strict schedule of classes, she The Women’s Volleyball team also demic has a dead- finds it easier to procrastinate and push used pods of eight at practice. They ly winter spike, work off. Alexa Happ is in a similar sit- have two practices and two lift sessions the PSAC might uation. The senior distance runner on a week, as well as online yoga sessions, have no choice, the Track and Field team began her stu- but as Dalstad noted, the whole team is but to postpone dent teaching this year, which makes not living on campus. This is the case fall sports entire- her day-to-day life significantly differ- for every team, since the pandemic has ly for the 2020- ent with virtual classes. given students more options to learn re- 2021 school year, Kate Strickland, a sophomore For- motely. Some athletes chose not to live so there is a pos- ward on the Field Hockey team, has in campus housing or off-campus apart- sibility that se- focused on finding a new routine that ments, and instead elected to commute niors have already PHOTO COURTESY OF MU ATHLETICS works for her. “One of my biggest chal- to campus for practice. Strickland is one played in a Mill- Millersville’s untouched football field during the COVID-filled semester.