Spring 2021

magazine

THE SHOW MUST GO ON Theatre continues during pandemic | 16

ZOOM UNIVERSITY Time to Phase Out & Say Goodbye | 20 Bike for Tikes

BEHIND THE MASK A Family Tradition of Ben Batey | 22 PAGE 12

CLASS OF 2021 Senior graduates | 38 Table of Letter from CONTENTS THE EDITOR To put into words what this year has been is awfully difficult. There are simply too many moments to count where I have been left profoundly astounded by the 4 36.76%36.76% 24 perseverance that students and staff hold within our community. A YEAR IN ISOLATION 34.87%34.87% CAMPUS IN REVIEW For months we existed only within the few walls that put together our homes. We by Brionna Scebbi have adjusted to online classes taught by professors who are just now using Canvas 5.09%5.09% EDITOR-IN-CHIEF to its full capabilities. Learning how to function within the spaces of the internet Kylie Tusing and realizing (possibly for the first time) that we cannot just live in the confines 6 26 of technology. We were left with memories of what the union used to be like and MANAGING EDITOR STUDENTS’ SPIRITUALITY WORLD YEAR IN REVIEW the reality of what it is now. This year, we lost pieces and parts of what made our Andrew Bailey IN COVID by Madison Finley communities whole then we found new ways to put it back together. WRITERS Each story told within this issue is a tribute to the perseverance, determination and Andrew Bailey 8 28 success that despite the odds being against BGSU students were still able to gain. Brandon Bell CROCHET AND CONNECT Ryan “RC” Cummings KAMALA HARRIS I would like to thank Paul Obringer for his continuous dedication to Key Magazine Megan Finke by Chloe S Kozal by Megan Finke but most importantly for bringing my vision to life through his designs. As well as Madison Finley Steven Iwanek my Managing Editor, Andrew Bailey, for not only the countless advice but the mere Chloe S Kozal Haley Lutz patience to put up with my countless ideas. To Mary Ross and Bri Scebbi, for always Shane Nissen 10 30 being a sense of encouragement and equipping me so well to take this role. Lastly, Brionna Scebbi UNAPOLOGETIC PETRA INDROVA Drew Terhall by Faith Zochowski by Drew Terhall to all the contributors who created phenomenal pieces for this year’s issue, took Kylie Tusing every critique with grace and came back with a stronger piece. I would not have Gabe Wagner Wesley Woods 12 32 been able to put this issue together if not for all you and I am truly grateful. Faith Zochowski BIKES FOR TIKES STACY KOSCIAK: When I received the incredible opportunity to put together this magazine, I wanted by Brandon Bell JOURNEY OF ATHLETICS to highlight this year and all the extraordinary accomplishments that COPY EDITORS by Wesley Woods Andrew Bailey BGSU students still made. Despite the hardships, challenges and continuous Brandon Bell change. Students showed up and created a better community than I think Ryan “RC” Cummings Kylie Tusing 14 33 anyone could have imagined during the midst of a global pandemic. THANK YOU: MACY SPIELMAN: LIVE AND LOUD A PROFESSIONAL FRIEND I hope this issue speaks volumes to the extraordinary lives that inhabit Bowling by RC by Steven Iwanek Green State University and inspire you as much as they have inspired me. PHOTOGRAPHERS Will Ardnt Megan Finke Yours, Kelly Mangan 16 34 Kyle Michaelis THE SHOW MUST GO ON SENIOR YEAR PLAYS TO Brynna Schroeder by Andrew Bailey EMPTY CROWDS Kylie Tusing, Editor-in-Chief Brionna Scebbi by Shayne Nissen

20 38 KEY MAGAZINE DESIGNERS ZOOM UNIVERSITY CLASS OF 2021 Kaitlyn DiBiase Key magazine is published by Falcon Media at Bowling Green State University, Lindsay West by Haley Lutz Bowling Green, Ohio, 43403. It is distributed at locations throughout campus Mercedes Williamson and at select locations in the surrounding community of Bowling Green. Paul Obringer Student editorial offices are located in 100 Kuhlin Center, 22 and any questions related to content may be directed to student editor BEHIND THE MASK Kylie tusing by email at [email protected] or by calling 216-318-2155. OF BEN BATEY Questions related to advertising in Key magazine may be directed to Assistant by Gabe Wagner Director of Falcon Media Tonya Whitman at [email protected] or by calling 419-372-2606. Key magazine is published two times per academic year at Bowling Green State University, once in the winter and once in the spring. Falcon Media, School of Media and Communication

2 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 3 COVID’s effect on student access to mental health care Isolation, hopelessness,“ and fears of the unknown A YEAR IN fueled by the pandemic have led to a rise in anxiety, depression, and other stress among college students. ISOLATION As a result, there is

a critical need to make

Mental health hits hard on college students mental health services

By Brionna Scebbi more accessible to all college students“ s college students hunkered down For some,“ it may be In January 2021, the state of Ohio in Ohio. for quarantine, their academic distributed $565,470 to BGSU to meet A and social lives continued to play an opportunity to slow the rising demands for mental health out in virtual settings. down and become care. Gov. Mike DeWine allotted this money The typical college experience had from the CARES Act and the Governor’s — Randy Gardner — significant losses for students across the more mindful of the Emergency Education Relief fund after he Ohio Department of Higher country, many of whom were already present moment and to and Ohio Department of Higher Education

grieving the death of loved ones or Chancellor Randy Gardner spoke with Education Chancellor

struggling financially as workplaces shut practice self-care in college students about struggles they were down or cut staff. At BGSU, graduating facing. Raising awareness of services offered n Much more difficult(23.28%) n No significant Change(34.87%) ways they may“ not have seniors from the Class of 2020 missed out “Isolation, hopelessness, and fears of by universities was another goal of the n Somewhat more difficult (36.76%) n Less Difficult (5.09%)

on in-person commencement while many had time for before. the unknown fueled by the pandemic funding. BGSU’s “It’s OK not incoming freshmen never had prom. have led to a rise in anxiety, depression, to be OK.” campaign has resulted in “Many people are experiencing a sense SOAR, Campus Fest and Fall Welcome and other stress among college students. virtual events for undergraduate and of grief over the loss of events, interactions, took on virtual or socially distant formats As a result, there is a critical need to make graduate students, faculty and staff to connections, and freedoms. They may be Many people are to accommodate new and returning mental health services more accessible “ — Denise Litterer — have conversations about mental health feeling sad, afraid, and isolated,” Litterer

students’ physical health. BGSU Counseling Center to all college students in Ohio,” Gardner concerns and strategies. wrote in an email. “For some, it may be experiencing a sense of

The Healthy Minds Network and the wrote in a letter to university presidents. During a semester when three BGSU an opportunity to slow down and become grief over the loss of events, American College Health Association Boes said he wanted the funding to help Sixty percent of students report that the students have died, promotion of more mindful of the present moment and surveyed 18,764 students from 14 colleges the BGSU community understand the interactions, connections,“ pandemic has made access to mental Counseling Center has been present in to practice self-care in ways they may not from late March to May 2020 about how effect the pandemic has had on their health care more difficult, according to each student’s inbox. Denise Litterer, an have had time for before.” and freedoms. the COVID-19 pandemic was impacting classmates. the survey data. The survey also marked assistant director, training director and With on-campus vaccination clinics their mental health. From financial stress “There’s still a lot of people that I an increase in mental health having a psychologist at the Counseling Center, open to students and other signs of to an increase in hate crimes, the virus don’t think realize the sole impact of the negative impact on students’ academic spoke with Falcon Media reporter Haley normalcy shining at the end of a year of itself was one item on a long list of worries mental health crisis and what it’s doing to — Denise Litterer — performance compared to fall 2019. Weis in April 2020 about the local impact anxiety and caution, there is hope that for college students. the people around us,” he said. Undergraduate Student Government of the pandemic. students may regain some of the missed BGSU Counseling Center Vice President Xavi Boes began to see the aspects of a college experience come fall toll the pandemic was taking on his fellow semester. n KEY BGSU received While only 5.5% of students students in Ohio during conversations From late March through May 2020, If you or someone you know is in need of reported experiencing more than half of students were with state leaders about mental health. mental health services, please reach out discrimination themselves very or extremely concerned about: “To look at the statistics both locally for help: — institutionally — and then statewide, it’s so consistent,” Boes said in a phone LENGTH OF PANDEMIC BGSU Counseling Center: 66% interview. “It’s quite appalling to think $565,470 419-372-2081 of students surveyed reported about how many students and how NUMBER OF PEOPLE INFECTED for increasing mental health care Wood County Crisis Line: increased financial stress many people are just really dealing awareness, availability 419-502-4673 41% LOVED ONES CONTRACTING COVID and access report witnessing online or in-person with the mental health crisis that we’re National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: racism as a result of the pandemic. experiencing.” 1-800-273-8255

4 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 5 “Within my personal mental health, Both churches are taking precautions H2O’s life groups are meeting in- away from her spiritual community. “It’s I think what has protected me from really to keep their services in person. person and following CDC guidelines. definitely been a challenge. At times, I struggling is knowing that God’s grip on “We’ve developed a relationship with They offer a virtual life group for felt distant from my church just because I me is steadfast and faithful and that his the Wood County Health Department students who are not comfortable with haven’t actually been there,” she said. She character never changes,” said senior and director, and he’s someone that we have meeting in person. continues to attend church services and H2O member Molly Bebko. “And even sought counsel in how we do church on “We know that the decision to be Delight Ministries meetings virtually. though we are promised that trials will Sunday morning,” McClure said. really safe is going to make it harder to Bebko said, “Because of the come, everything that happens is for His H2O Church is also actively helping be in relationship and have community, pandemic, people have been feeling glory and also for the good of those who students to care for their mental health so we’ve tried to create virtual platforms, isolated, and alone, and unseen and have been called according to His purpose.” alongside their spirituality. The church has not just for the Sunday gathering, but for unwanted, and it is really important for For many people, the ideas of mental a partnership with a Christian counseling small groups,” McClure said. people pursuing God to have people who health and spirituality are inseparable. service in town, according to McClure. Wentz attests to the difficulty of being care to walk alongside them.” n KEY “My pursuit of God determines my mental health for the most part.” Bebko said. “I think the biggest factor is the reality of who I’m called to be, that I am not sufficient in myself, but the Lord has made me sufficient, which is said in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6.” College can be a When Schmiesing struggles with “ her mental health, she prays or turns to time of isolation, friends who also have a relationship with God. “Not that it is a cure for mental health so then to have a By Madison Finley issues, because it’s not, but even having someone there to walk with me through it pandemic going makes it a little bit easier to overcome.” on where we’re study by Harvard’s Chan School Sophomore Isabella Wentz, one of Public Health indicates that of the founders of the new Delight separated from A healthcare workers with regular Ministries chapter on campus, is more each other forces church attendance are at a significantly isolated from campus because she is lower risk of suffering from deaths of despair, taking classes remotely. more isolation. according to an article in USA Today. Wentz also said she has battled anxiety “ and seasonal depression disorder since Students at Bowling Green State — Alicia Schmiesing University are also finding ways to fight eighth grade. “Spirituality has been such a We’re trying to isolation and uncertainty by going to guide for me. Without God and God’s word, “ church. The pandemic has increased I would not be here. I probably would have create a culture negative mental health effects on people, given up by now,” she said. according to the article. H2O Church and St. Thomas More where people are “The sense I get from interacting with University Parish have been working to our students is that it’s been a grind,” said cater to students’ spiritual needs. asking each other Matthew McClure, the university campus “We’re trying to create a culture where often, ‘How are pastor for H2O Church. “There’s a sense people are asking each other often, ‘How of exhaustion. It’s been hard up until are you? What’s going on? How can I pray you? What’s going recently to see a light at the end of the for you?’” McClure said. tunnel for most people.” On Sundays, St. Thomas More offers on? How can I Alicia Schmiesing, director of campus a free meal for the students to eat spaced pray for you? ministry at St. Thomas More University out in the gym. The event is called Thou “ Parish, said, “College can be a time of Shall Chow. “It’s the 11th commandment,” isolation, so then to have a pandemic Schmiesing joked. “Everybody needs to eat. — Matthew McClure going on where we’re separated from each It’s a way to come together as a community other forces more isolation.” to share a meal and, for a short period of Students engaging in church time, see each other’s faces.” communities and connecting with their St. Thomas More has small groups faith are finding less hopelessness in this and bible studies happening every day of time of difficulty. the week except Saturdays. Provided by: H2O Church 6 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 7 projects. Some yarn bombs can also have a significant purpose or draw attention to an issue. While the precise location of the Crocheters’ yarn bomb is currently unknown, Crochet and Connect plans on using teal and blue yarn to bring awareness to sexual assault during April because April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Besides being a group of wide age ranges, Crochet and Connect is open to members of all crochet backgrounds, even if you are a beginner. Some techniques that club members learned was how to make This club experience is essentially just Crochet and Connect members often your own DIY pom poms and how to begin getting the chance to relax and talk to feel that they are able to meet other to make amigurumi crochet projects. others in the BGSU community as you students who they never would have Amigurimi crochet projects are a crochet. Crochet and Connect is made prior to joining, allowing them to meet Japanese style of crochet that typically up of members from all over the BGSU people that they would have most likely involves creating a character or an object community and are a variety of ages. It never had interacted with on campus, and out of yarn. Crochet and Connect member also provides an opportunity for members members from all aspects of the Bowling Rob Snyder helped give introductory to learn new crochet techniques and Green community. tutorials into the world of amigurumi. Crochet and Connect discuss projects in progress. In the first group, crocheters focused “One of the things I’ve really enjoyed Like Emma Crabb, Megan McDonnell is on teaching one another new tricks and about Crochet and Connect is the ability also making a crochet blanket as a gift for techniques. The second group hopes to to meet new people with a common Brings Stress Relief, their partner and is proud of their progress take their skills and make a community interest who I might not normally interact in their crocheting skills. Megan believes project called a “yarn bomb”. with. It has also been nice to have both Community that having Crochet and Connect brings a Yarn bombing is when knitters or casual conversation while we crochet, as calm routine exercise into their schedule. crocheters beautify a space with a well as learning new techniques and ideas “My favorite thing about Crochet and handmade project, typically in a well from one another” said Rob Snyder, who By Chloe S Kozal Connect is meeting people from around visited or metro area and cover a light is a First Year Experience Coordinator at campus that I might not have had the pole, bench or other public areas with yarn BGSU’s Jerome Library. n KEY opportunity to meet otherwise. It is great to schedule an hour into my day to talk his past year has been next day. After a long day, it helps me “I find knitting a de-stressing activity with others and relax. Since the pandemic extraordinarily stressful. During take intentional time to work on a project because it makes me concentrate on started it has been hard to feel like I am T this time of ongoing crisis, that is just for me,” said Crochet and something other than what is around me. relaxing, so this intentional hour gives me taking time for self care and wellness Connect member and graduate student I like to knit all the time, but especially connection and relaxation” is essential. One way to help combat Megan McDonnell. during classes because it gives my hands The first group of Crochet and Connect the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic is something to do! My favorite thing I have members met with one another from to learn how to knit or crochet, since done is crocheting my cat a blanket,” December 2020 until February, and the anxiety-relieving benefits from these We wanted to bring said Emma. second group of members have been “ Crochet and Connect is a quiet, safe crafts includes repetitive movement, meeting since March. creating a safe bubble, portability and individuals together space for knitters and crocheters alike to helps boost your serotonin. through an activity make new friends, learn new techniques and The repetitive, simple movements build a sense of community, even if you are in knitting and crocheting acts as an that is naturally not on campus or part of BGSU Firelands. “ More serotonin is unconscious way to calm breathing “Crochet & Connect began because released with repetitive decompressing and the Center for Women and Gender Equity instead of having to consciously think movement, which improves about doing a breathing exercise. The healing in nature, was looking to find ways to connect action of using your hands to focus on a and bring folks together across campus mood and sense of repetitive task is also calming and the ease and that’s why we during the pandemic. We wanted to bring calmness. After you’ve of being able to carry your project and chose crochet! individuals together through an activity needles with you means that you can have ” that is naturally decompressing and learned knitting or crochet, healing in nature, and that’s why we chose your project with you when you are in — Jaime Wlosowicz it can also reduce blood public, especially if being in public spaces crochet!” said Jaime Wlosowicz, Student levels of cortisol, [which is] causes stress and anxiety. Engagement Coordinator at the Center for “Crocheting helps me be mindful Senior Emma Crabb originally started Women and Gender Equity. the stress hormone. ” at the end of the day when my brain to learn how to knit during her first year In my personal experience, Crochet is overthinking about what happened of college and began crocheting during and Connect meetings are very — Nurse Betty Houtman during the day and what I need to do the the pandemic. comforting and stress relieving. Anxiety Resource center

8 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 9 “People do not know what “For us young girls, it’s tough. We opportunities they might not show it, but we definitely have until they see beat ourselves up. When you put it other people who on, I need you to be your best self look like them or and feel the best, look the best. By Faith Zochowski represent them in “ positions of power.“

unior Shantaris Brown brings a To promote her business, she other people who look like them or — Julie Haught whole new meaning to the phrase wears her products around campus. represent them in positions of power,” Women’s Studies Professor “unapologetic.” She is unapologetic With the help of her friends and family, Haught said. Jfor being true to herself and is she shares her message on social media Shanta Dennis, Brown’s mother, has influencing others to do the same. The platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, seen a change of character in her daughter business and the dedication she put into it Sandusky native is running her own and her website. since starting her own business. is just admirable.” clothing line in an effort to promote body She hopes that her customers will “She was very shy and quiet. I just feel Brown, a sports management major, positivity in young women her age. She take pride in wearing her products and be like she’s blooming like a little bud of a aspires to be a high school athletic developed the idea for her small business their authentic, unapologetic selves. flower. She’s blooming into a rose,” director. She said her male high school her freshman year when she found she “For us young girls, it’s tough. We Dennis said. athletic director was sexist, and she was comparing herself to social media might not show it, but we definitely beat Dennis said she teaches her children hopes to promote gender equality at less beauty standards. Brown chose the name ourselves up. When you put it on, I need that God made you the way you are for fortunate schools within her community. Unapologetical for her business to urge you to be your best self and feel the best, a reason. “You are painted that way for a “Black kids tend to think sports is women her age to be more confident look the best,” she said. Julie Haught, a reason,” Brown said. their only way out,” she said. “If I could in their bodies. women’s studies teaching professor, said Brown, who is the first person in help a kid choose the right path and the “Growing up in the social media everybody in U.S. culture gets a message her family to get to college, said she is athletic path, that would be heartwarming environment, we tend to look at the about what it means to be a girl. Haught frustrated in the standards that women of to me to know that I’m helping someone girls on social media and basically bash understands the pressure social media color create in society. make the right decision in their life.” ourselves: Why don’t I look like that? Why places on young women. “For us black girls, we don’t have Women’s History Month is is my hair not as puffy as hers or long as “Don’t think it’s on you to have to many people to look up to,” she said. “We celebrated in March as a way to raise hers?” said Brown. reject the overwhelming message that have Cardi B., Megan Thee Stallion. We awareness for women’s issues. Women Brown has been running her online your body is the most important thing don’t really look up to girls who are in like Brown are paving the way for their business out of her Bowling Green about you,” she said. school and first-generation students.” generation. apartment since June. She puts the phrase She views Shantaris’s initiative to be “If I have to expose my life for you to Haught said, “A woman of color Unapologetical on t-shirts, hoodies, and a great stepping-stone for Black women have a vision of what the world could be starting, running, owning business-that BGSU junior Shantaris Brown other apparel using a Cricut cutter and role models. matters.” To join in Brown’s movement of for you, then I’m here for it,” she added. stands in front of the BGSU letters vinyl. She buys her supplies from Amazon, “People do not know what Dennis said, “To see her grow and get sporting a t-shirt from her self-love, visit her website or her Facebook Michaels, and an online t-shirt wholesaler. opportunities they have until they see older and wanting to be successful in her clothing line Unapologetical. and Instagram page. n KEY

10 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 11 hen coming to college, students always wonder if leadership skills I am most proud of they will find a place they belong. They wonder if today. Craig is an advisor I will admire forever because of his kindness and they will find a place to call home and find others W ability to push students to be their best. that share the same passions they do. When I came to BGSU, From day one Craig always made sure I was lucky enough to find my place of belonging in Bike for we remembered why we bike and the importance of the event.” Peecook said. Tikes and Falcon Miracles. Another rider who worked very closely with my father was Molly Ernst. She Bike for Tikes is a three-day, 180-mile father over the last three years has been served as the Internal Communications bicycle ride from Cincinnati to Bowling one of the highlights of my college career. Chair and Sponsorship Chair during her Green that consists of 150 students. It is a The most inspiring thing about him is time in Bike for Tikes. “My relationship part of the Falcon Miracles organization his ability to get the best out of everyone with Craig Bell has been a really inspiring —formerly known as Dance Marathon— around him. He never lets us forget one. He is such an amazing motivator and and is one of the largest student-run why we bike and always motivates us to leader, and he always looks for the bright philanthropy events in Ohio. All funds constantly be for the kids. side of things. He definitely helped me raised go directly to the Mercy Health become more invested in the organization Children’s Hospital in Toledo, Ohio and For me, Bike for Tikes than I ever thought I would. To put it Bike for Tike has raised over $1 million in “ simply Craig is awesome, and I do not its 21 years of existence. is a family affair. The think Bike for Tikes would be as successful Over the last three years, I have had the ride gives me an as it has been without him.” Ernst said. great opportunity to serve as a student Not only has Bike for Tikes brought leader in Bike for Tikes, and spent the opportunity to spend me some of my best friends on campus, last two as the Director of Bike for Tikes. time with my entire but it also has brought me closer to my This role has allowed me to meet many family. Being able to share the same love amazing people, and really make a change family while also and passion I have for this organization on campus and in my community. But the doing what I love and with my family is something that I will best thing about this organization for me cherish forever. is that I get to share it all with my family. working towards a For me, Bike for Tikes is a family affair. My brother, Kaelan, is an alumnus of greater good. ” The ride gives me an opportunity to spend BGSU and was a Bike for Tikes participant for time with my entire family while also three years in his time as a student. He now Leah Peecook was a three-year biker doing what I love and working towards comes back every year to serve as an alumni and former Director of Bike for Tikes. a greater good. Without my family, and rider and helps us throughout the ride. She worked very closely with my father especially my father, I would never have My mother, Kathy, is also an alumnus throughout her time as a biker. “Working been involved in Bike for Tikes. Other than of BGSU and she always makes sure with Craig through Bike for Tikes is an the children in the hospital, the reason our riders are taken care of. She makes experience that helped me grow the why I ride is a simple one: it’s family. n KEY some of the best post-ride meals ever and everyone always appreciates her generosity year in and year out. Lastly, we come to my father, Craig. He has worked at BGSU for over 20 years as the Director of Photography Bike for Tikes in the department of Marketing and Communications and in 2012, he was asked to take over the role as Bike for A Family Tradition Tikes advisor. For 10 years my father has helped hundreds of students make this ride a possibility and he is one of the By Brandon Bell main reasons my brother and I chose to participate in Bike for Tikes. Getting to work so closely with my

12 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 13 Emily Anderson Emily is the perfect choice to take over next year, because she reminds me a lot of myself. I remember when she first joined MIC and she was shy, and it’s been a ThankThank you!you! pleasure to see her blossom over the years. ThankThank you!you! Hannah Secre I’ve known Hannah for less time than anyone else since she was a late addition A personal thank you to both MIC and Live and Loud. However, in the short amount of time I’ve known to every member of her, she has shown a lot of enthusiasm and eagerness to get involved. I wish I had Live and Loud gotten more time to get to know her, but I know she’s someone to look out for in the future. By RC Hunter Huffman My partner in crime. Almost every enjoyable experience I’ve had in college, Abbie Donovan Clare Caywood Hunter has been a part of it. He was the Josh Wilson Terrah Bruner Abbie has the singing voice of an angel. Clare Caywood is genuinely one of the perfect choice for producing Live and Loud I have never had a boring encounter Terrah is another one of those people that She was the first person I reached out to coolest people I’ve ever met. The new Live and, frankly, it wouldn’t have turned out the with Josh. That boy just oozes charisma. I feel like I’ve known forever at BG. She’s about possibly performing for Live and and Loud team was already cool, but I feel way it has without him. I appreciate how he’s never afraid to be never afraid to speak her mind, and that’s Loud, and since then I’m very happy to like Clare helped give us that extra oomph. himself, and he has a level of confidence something I really admire. say that we’ve become friends. I’m thankful to have gotten the chance to Jacob W. Fowler that I one day aspire to have. get to know her in the past year. Jacob W. Fowler is one of the most kind Tommy Marquart Alicia Kobasic individuals I’ve ever met. Anytime I’ve ever Mani Bechara I never know what to expect from Tommy, Alicia shows passion in everything that she Cooper Summers needed him for anything, he’s been there. I think I’ve known Mani longer than I’ve and I mean that in the best way possible. does. I always appreciate the amount of Cooper was a great addition to the team. We don’t always agree on everything, but if known anyone at Bowling Green. She was MIC wouldn’t be the same without the effort and care she puts in. Also, she’s seen We don’t know each other very well, but I’ll there’s one thing we can agree on, it’s that made to be the president of MIC, and she’s memes and energy he contributes, and he is me at my drunkest. That alone bonds us always be grateful that he saw a team that the love is always there at the end of the day. a real girl boss if I do say so myself. just an overall swell person to be around. for life. was just starting up and wanted to be a part of it. Much love. Jenna Brinkman Penny Rae Hawkins Trey Norman Bri Scebbi When the revamped Live and Loud was just When I was thinking about who should do I’ll never forget driving to Pittsburgh to I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I Damon Dotson starting out, Jenna was one of the people I the actual interviews for Live and Loud, record Trey’s vocals for my album. Ever wouldn’t be who I am today without Bri I first met Damon when I took a radio class really wanted a part of it. I don’t think I’ve Penny’s name instantly stood out to me. since we met, there’s just something about Scebbi. She gave me a home at Falcon in 2019, but we’ve really gotten closer in ever met someone so passionate about They have such a welcoming persona, and Trey that I’ve always been drawn to. I’m Media, and she pushed for Live and Loud the past year working on Live and Loud. making graphics. She has loads of potential, I figured that infectious personality would eternally grateful, and anytime he needs me when there was doubt and I will forever be He’s one of those people that’s really easy to and I look forward to seeing what she does translate well on camera. I was right. I’m I’ll always be here. grateful for her. click with and get on the same page with, with it. grateful to have them in my life. and I couldn’t imagine doing Live and Loud Brittany Line without him. Joseph Fields Rachel Kubick If it wasn’t for Brittany, who’s to say the Joseph Fields, who goes by the stage name Another one of the people I wanted to revamped Live and Loud would even Dawn Todd Trevor Feilds, was an excellent second showcase when putting together the team. be happening? She came to me wanting Dawn is one of those people I feel like I performer for Live and Loud. I’ve known The minute I saw Rachel’s photography I to make Live and Loud the focus of her could talk to for hours on end and not get him since, I think, my first year with MIC, knew she was the perfect person for the Honors project, and so I owe her a lot for bored. They’ve always had my back when and he’s always been nothing but kind to job. She’s got a real talent for it, and I’m getting things started and always being a I needed someone, and is one of the most me. He is one of my favorite people. I’m really excited to see what she does in the key player within the group. down to earth people I know. excited to see where he takes his music. coming years.

14 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 15 department usually work separately, Outside the Lines,” featured both and we really had to play off of each other except for an annual collaboration prerecorded and live dances and was and the camera in a way I’d never had to between the two. But those in the streamed on Zoom. Dancers performed in do before,” she said. department with experience in film were various locations around Bowling Green, The Zoom duet was an experimental instrumental in ensuring the stage could like “The People” art piece on N College and exciting experience, she said. She had take the appropriate aspects of film and Dr, Simpson Garden Park and a tap dance to dance in her small apartment, while THE SHOW incorporate them in a way that made segment on tap boards in front of the trying to stay in the frames of the camera some productions closer to films, some BGSU letters. and performing the choreographed closer to plays, but each with the distinct moves with her partner, whose image was elements of theatre that make it what it is. mirrored due to Zoom. It was important for the students “It basically But that was just one piece she MUST GO ON to understand how to interact with the danced in. And it was one she didn’t have cameras and editing too. feels like a film to wear a mask in, which she said makes Theatre department continues during pandemic And Ragusa doesn’t just perform it harder to breathe correctly and forces in plays. Although Ragusa’s heart lies and you have dancers to emote solely through their eyes By Andrew Bailey | Managing Editor on the stage, he has experience in film to learn to act and not the rest of their faces. which helped him act to a camera Both Ragusa and Hahn found their instead of a crowd. without the experiences rewarding, despite the A present and engaged audience can cameras, cubes and coronavirus. together in post-production to give the hype up a performance, he said. “It was really something I learned It had the normalcy of any play at a theater. illusion that all the actors were in one reactions from But when seats are empty and a lot from,” Ragusa said. “It’s unlike room together. Audience seats were packed, performers were people are replaced by cameras, theater the audience. anything I’ve done before and it really The differences between theater ” actors have to trust themselves and their forced me to learn new things as an actor.” on stage acting and behind-the-scenes crew and film are many. In theater, actors instincts. — Mikey Ragusa Ragusa also dipped into wardrobe, don’t have to act to a camera, they act to Grounding yourself in your character learning more about costuming and were keeping the show running smoothly… an audience in the same room as them. is key, Ragusa said. Everyone in the Department of expanding his skillset in theatre. But the coronavirus forced theater to “It basically feels like a film and you Theatre and Film has had to adapt in But the theatre department had to rior to the statewide lockdown Third-year theater major Mikey adopt elements of film to keep actors have to learn to act without the reactions large and small ways. Hahn’s dancing deal with more than just building cubes, over a year ago, BGSU’s Ragusa found himself in one of these and crew safe, and to continue to put on from the audience. You just have to keep was no different. When her duet partner dancing over Zoom and postproduction. Department of Theatre and Film boxes as the character of Alex. productions. P yourself energized without the energy Joseph Galati was exposed to COVID and The onset of the pandemic last spring closed its last production, “Collective Ragusa has been acting since high This put the productions in an limbo from the audience,” he said. had to quarantine when their piece was forced intense planning and preparation Rage: A Play in 5 Betties.” school, when he gave theater a shot. And of uncertainty. Kelly Mangan, associate Like Ragusa, third-year Kayleigh Hahn scheduled to be prerecorded on a stage, for next fall, Chair of the Department of Fast forward to the fall, and the first after six years of embodying characters on teaching professor and design tech faculty, found her passion altered by the pandemic they turned it into a “Zoom duet” from Theatre and Film Lesa Lockford said.. production of the semester, “A Bright New large theater stages, he saw his stage shrunk posed the question: “Were we making too. As a dancer, Hahn’s energy is one of their respective homes. ‘The show must go on’ was a mantra Boise,” was shot and edited similarly to down considerably in his first performance films or filmed theatre?” physicality and full-body movement. But, the The dance itself reflected the personified by not only the actors, but a film, and had actors performing in six of his junior year of college, because the Students and faculty involved in the dance concerts she performs in can’t have pandemic too. by the experienced faculty guiding the separate cubes that imitated the play’s actors had to remain six feet apart. productions mostly agreed that filmed the large numbers and intimate movements “We set a scene of us being on a students and the program. setting of a Hobby Lobby break room in a Each cube was filmed by a camera, theatre was an apt description. between dancers that they used to. ‘Zoom date’ and having quarantine really Both Lockford and Mangan credit COVID-safe way. and then the footage was stitched The theatre and film sides of the The fall 2020 dance concert, “Dancing get to us. That’s when the dance unfolded the successful and complex technical

1616 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 17 work accomplished for each production Walton’s background in video along with them (the students). It wasn’t directorial effort was one of these. character, The Witness. As an innocent theatre program is no different. to the drive of everyone involved, and in and audio helped facilitate the critical easy and it was surely stressful, we were Lockford, who directed “Tragedy: observer of the events, he watches the Mangan said acquiring supplies for large part to Jason Walton, the technology thinking necessary to put on productions finishing things right up until the last A Tragedy,” chose to remain as close to reporters grapple with the crisis. But he building sets and props is more difficult. coordinator, who has worked on every while keeping everyone safe. And it’s minute,” he said. theatre as possible. It was live streamed, tells them that they can find meaning in Walton had to adapt himself and student production since the coronavirus. video that made many of the productions Typically, actors just have to prepare with the actors separated on sections of the stories that they tell. tech crew to new technologies and A specific instance multiple faculty over the past year possible. to perform for the nights the productions the stage about 20 feet apart so they could “The stories we tell can foster fear ensure they were still learning valuable members highlighted as an impressive, “Not many theatre people are are being shown. But due to some perform without masks. and despair, or they can foster connection skills. Lockford sought to maintain the and complicated, feat was in “The Theory thinking of video,” Walton said. productions having prerecorded elements Lockford said the ability to distance and hope,” Lockford said. education students were receiving pre- of Relativity” where enough actors were The Department of Theatre and Film and requiring extensive pre and post the actors, the HVAC system and the The Witness encourages the pandemic, and saw the department’s needed in one shot that it would have production, late nights for the tech crew talent of everyone involved allowed for reporters to find connection in humanity, revenue drastically cut down since the been unsafe to have them all onstage in in the Wolfe Center were common. “Tragedy” to be done the way it was. and each other. majority of profits are made through ticket close proximity. …we really had It wasn’t just learning equipment “We felt very confident and the proof “I think we can realize that during sales. Ragusa and Hahn had to perform So, a plan was devised to have half “ used for the plays. Mangan humorously is in the pudding, nobody’s been sick,” a pandemic, it’s so important to have in a way that was both uncomfortable to of the actors on the stage and the other to play off of pointed out that many faculty members she said. social connection, no matter if it’s over practice and exhilarating to learn. half filmed and placed on the stage via became experts in the HVAC system, She didn’t just select “Tragedy” for a computer screen or behind a mask,” The whole department learned monitors. This made for a seamless each other and which heats, ventilates and cools the logistical reasons; the absurdist comedy Lockford said. lessons on how to adapt to the situation. melding of theatre elements and film the camera in a Donnell Theatre. reflected the pandemic too. Although the productions as they elements that resulted in a play everyone “I learned more about our building’s “Tragedy” follows characters realizing It posits the idea were before the pandemic couldn’t be was happy with. way I’d never had HVAC system than I ever thought I the sun had gone down and may never “ replicated the same way with regard to And for “A Play by Play Spectacle of would,” she said. rise again. After their governor abandoned that it’s absurd to health and safety protocols, pride in the Ourselves,” the cubes from “A Bright New to do before.” It’s been the unforeseen learning them and chaos and looting ensued, work they had accomplished was clear. Boise” were redecorated to look like a experiences that has kept everyone on the institutions holding the community try to find meaning. And like the productions they put — Kayleigh Hahn castle. Those were for the indoor scenes, their toes. together began to crumble. on, whether they were acting in large but for the outdoor scenes set in the “This year has been a real journey “Life as they’ve known it has But there’s hope cubes, dancing on Zoom or learning new technology on the fly, the end results are center of the stage, the required distance couldn’t let a viral pandemic stop their outside of our comfort zone, but I changed,” Lockford said. And the at the end. something the department shares together. between actors necessitated editing magic students from learning what they came think we did a great job … rising to the reporters at the center of the narrative ” Looking forward, the Department of — in this case, cropping — to make it there for, and they owed it to them to occasion and giving the students the struggle to cover everything happening — Lesa Lockford Theatre and Film has hopeful trepidation appear as if the actors were standing side provide as best an education as they could production experiences they need,” while coming to grips with what may be for what they can do next fall. Whether by side. and keep them on track for degrees. Mangan wrote via email. their “new normal.” Now, preparations for the final they still have to film their productions, or Tricky situations require creative The atmosphere of the tech crew Despite the circumstances forcing the While it’s a certainly bleak premise, production of the spring, “Ordinary Days,” if they can have the packed seats they’re solutions, and Walton said most for each production was full of students department to adapt and alter their plans, Lockford said it had a resonance with are happening, which shows on April 23 used to, there’s optimism paired with problems were solved flying by the seat learning new techniques that they might Mangan and the rest of the faculty knew audiences and the “new normal” they had and 24 at 8 p.m. contingency planning to prepare them. of their pants. not have had reason to before. that they still needed to prepare students been experiencing for the past year. It’s been over a year since masks Like Ragusa’s character, The Witness, “We were literally learning as we Walton described it as the students for theatre careers, whether they were on But she said there was a message to became commonplace and six feet said in “Tragedy,” finding connection went along,” Walton said. “I don’t know turning into swiss army knives. And the the stage or behind the scenes. take away from it too. became more than just an arbitrary with one another despite the obstacles if anyone else realized this, but I was tight schedules and extra work turned So, when the stars aligned, some “It posits the idea that it’s absurd to try distance. The theatre industry has felt an can bring provide hope in the even the thinking to myself the whole time, ‘This is Walton into a swiss army knife too. productions were able to put on as close to find meaning. But there’s hope at the end.” impact on multiple levels, and BGSU’s bleakest of situations. n KEY never gonna happen.’” “I was learning a lot of things right to normal plays as possible. Lockford’s The hope is found through Ragusa’s

18 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 19 ZOOM UNIVERSITY Time to Phase Out & Say Goodbye

By Haley Lutz emote learning changed an I have never been Some even missed out on living in dorms There are students out there that like Regardless, whether students “Online isn’t ideal but there interactive, lively campus into “ or being in person on campus in general. this adjustment. Just like many things in prefer remote learning or dislike it, are some good aspects to it. I would Ran isolated, quiet environment one to struggle with Freshman Nick Falls came to campus only life, not everybody is going to have the it is without a doubt that the switch to say BGSU’s actions puts them at a 7 out and switched engaging classrooms into to end up returning home. exact same experience or outlook. remote learning has been an adjustment. of 10 for how well they handled the dead silent Zoom calls. Incoming and school, but remote “Remote learning didn’t really give “I enjoy the fact that I can be in the “It can get boring and feel like you’re evolving pandemic,” Otts said. returning students alike were learning learning has flipped me the best first perspective of how comfort of my own home during remote not in school sometimes but it was the As the COVID-19 numbers start to how to adapt to a new way of education college is. I ended up returning home at learning. It allows me to feel comfortable best way to get educated when we can’t decrease, BGSU plans to implement more in the college system. that upside down... the beginning of the semester because of in class and gives me an added feeling safely be on campus,” sophomore in-person classes and events starting Fall This year, more classes than not “ how isolated I felt,” he said. “I was hoping of flexibility balancing work and school, Ethan Norville said. 2021, phasing out “Zoom University”. n KEY were offered online synchronously or Returning students had to adjust to BGSU would have more in-person events asynchronously and events were held a whole new way of learning and living. so I could have more chances to meet ...there are some virtually, if at all. How do people that They already had a feel of what it was like people. It wasn’t impossible, but it was “ struggle with online learning adapt? How to live the “college experience” before it relatively difficult.” Falls said, on a scale good aspects to it. do people create strong connections with abruptly changed. of 1 to 10, he would rate his feeling of one another over Zoom? How do people “I miss big lectures. I really just miss isolation a 6. I would say BGSU’s with uncomfortable living situations seeing large groups of people. When I Another freshman at BGSU describes adapt? All questions that students were walk on campus, it’s sad that students and her college experience as something actions puts them at trying to find answers to. faculty aren’t consuming the sidewalks that was totally unplanned. “I think that a 7 out of 10 for how Realistically, remote learning was and frantically trying to make their next coming to college during the pandemic and is the safest option given the current lecture,” Binger said. gave students the wrong impression well they handled the circumstances. However, that doesn’t Not only does remote learning make of what college is supposed to be like. evolving pandemic. change the fact that many students returning students feel nostalgic, it also Remote learning can be good for people “ struggled this academic year. makes them feel alone. that can handle it, but for freshmen “I have never been one to struggle “On a scale of 1 to 10 on how secluded I just coming into college with little especially since you don’t have to account with school, but remote learning has have felt this year, I would say about a 9. expectations, experience, or structure, for travel time with remote classes” flipped that upside down. The quality of It’s hard to stare at the same screen all day it is challenging. I think BGSU did the sophomore Sydney Trevino said. learning is not where it should be. Classes and not feel alone. It definitely took a toll best that they could, but at the end of “Almost all of my classes have the are less engaging and students, as well as on my mental health and I know it did the the day you just can’t replace the quality lectures recorded which means I use the professors, are under much more stress same for others,” Binger said. that is missing from not having in-person recordings to catch up if I miss a class during the pandemic and it shows,” But for freshmen, they don’t have the classrooms or social settings,” freshman or review when it comes time to study,” sophomore Jenna Binger said. same college experience to look back on. Devon Bodnar said. sophomore Michael Otts said.

20 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 21 assisting the community,” Batey said. “Ben immediately got to work. He “People started asking me what I Batey started his career as a nurse at never complained and jumped in to help would do if I hit $5,000, and I responded the Mercy St. Anne Hospital in Toledo. wherever he could,” Jones said. that I wear a pink tutu while doing the During his time there, Batey filled many The tornado caused damage to the walk,” Batey said. roles in the hospital. From the dietary entire Lake community and tore apart In the end, Batey raised $5,400. department to being a transporter, Batey Lake High School. Following through with his promise, Batey was always busy. “Seeing how Ben acted surrounding accompanied with his fellow members of “I was going to houses at midnight to such terrible events, I knew he was the health department, walked 54 miles BEHIND take care of our patients so I was exposed to destined for great things based only on his from North Baltimore to Perrysburg all the reality of the medical field,” Batey said. first day,” Jones said. while wearing a pink tutu. Batey said he’s thankful for these “in Batey said he owes a lot of his success “Having that team behind you that the trenches” positions because it allowed to Jones. She encouraged him to apply supports you… is a big part of being him to relate well to his patients. for advanced positions in the field and successful in the public health field or Deputy Health Commissioner Amy frequently told him, “You’re going to be really any other field,” Batey said. Jones interviewed Batey for his first my boss one day.” Batey said he has a similar supportive THE position with the Wood County Health During his time with the health team at BGSU that has his back no matter Department. department, Batey participated in a Real what challenges the pandemic has brought. “When I interviewed Ben, I realized he Men Wear Pink event. The organization Having spent almost the past year of was extremely sharp,” Jones said. “All of raises awareness and fundraises to his life dealing with COVID, Batey said it is his answers were knowledgeable, and he support those affected by breast cancer. important for him to set boundaries and was just so personable.” The event tasked Batey with raising take some time away from work. Batey’s first day with the health $5,000 for the organization. Batey “For me, my guilty pleasure is to throw MASK department in 2010 happened to be the declared that he would walk 1 mile for on a show that I can truly get immersed day after a tornado hit Lake Township, every $100 donated. Before Batey knew it in and not think about what I have to get By Gabe Wagner located in the northern corner of Wood County. he had already raised $2,500. accomplished,” Batey said. Batey said when it comes time to wind down, his go to streaming service is Netflix. Having that team behind you that supports you… Batey said he recommends everyone “ have some sort of destressing activity they is a big part of being successful in the public can turn to during this pandemic. Batey said he encourages all students health field or really any other field. and staff to take advantage of resources “ like COVID 19 testing and the Wellness Connection Center To stay informed with what Chief Health Officer Ben Batey and his team are doing, check out Batey’s weekly updates OF BEN BATEY and the BGSU COVID-19 Response website. n KEY hief Health Officer Ben Batey has MLS Program Director Jessica Bankey, spent the past year dealing with “Seeing how Ben acted said Batey has adapted well to his position C the challenges of COVID-19. surrounding such on campus. Exit only signs, mandatory mask signs “Ben was ready to take on this on entrances, and hand sanitizer at every terrible events, I knew position,” Bankey said. “He hit the ground turn. Batey has made sure these COVID running and has proved his expertise in precautions have been implemented all he was destined for health.” over campus. Batey worked with the Wood County “Much of my time has been dealing great things based Health Department, as the Health with COVID and trying to figure out only on his first day. Commissioner for six years before coming solutions to help the students,” Batey said. “ to campus. Batey’s position of Chief Health Officer — Amy Jones As Health Commissioner, Batey was was an entirely new position to BGSU. Deputy Health Commissioner tasked with developing programs to serve Batey, who is in-charge of leading the Wood County and addressing health COVID response team on campus, said issues within the county. Additionally, the position brought a lot of stress since counseling center and helping with the he worked with several Wood County he was responsible for creating what the Accessibility Services Office. governmental departments. role needed to be. “Trying to learn all of these pieces in “Being able to come to BGSU The responsibilities of Chief Health the midst of a new job with navigating the and utilize those connections and Officer exceed just dealing with COVID. pandemic has been a little complicated,” relationships right off the bat… is part of Batey has started overseeing the campus Batey said. the reason we’ve had so much success on photo via Google Images

22 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 23 Jan. 20 Feb. 17 New Integrative Design Classes Master Program Cancelled CARES ACT BGSU Graphic Design offers Classes were new Master of Design in cancelled due Integrative Design as an to a 12” snow online-hybrid program. storm.

Oct. 30 Apr. 5 Aug. 7 Sep. 2 BGSU Launches Cedar Fair Resort Feb. 12 BGSU Volleyball Celebrates and Attraction Management Program BGSU volleyball celebrates MAC BGSU Receives CARES Act funding SICSIC Reveal Mar. 30 Campus Clear App BGSU partners with Cedar Fair to create Championship over WMU BGSU was awarded $13.1 million from Two members of SICSIC were Vaccines are Administered BGSU launched a program that will provide a broad the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and unmasked at Prout Chapel in honor BG offers COVID-19 vaccines at #CampusClear, a self- foundation to prepare students for careers Economic Security (CARES) Act to help screening app that sends of the secret spirit group’s history. Perry Field House. relieve the financial impacts from the in the multi-billion-dollar resort and a daily reminder to attraction management industry. COVID-19 pandemic. conduct a self-wellness check before coming to campus or leaving a residence hall.

Aug. 26 Oct. 16 Dec. 10 On-Campus Testing Implementation of Winter Break On-campus testing Wellness Days Winter break begins. begins for COVID-19. BGSU implements Wellness BGSU decides not to Days in lieu of spring break. offer any winter classes. CAMPUS IN REVIEW 2020 AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY 2021

Mar. 9 Sep. 15 Students Hold Silent Students Protest Spiritual Dec. 2 Protest Following Abuse at H2O Church ArtsX Virtual Winter Showcase Death of Stone Foltz Students protest H20 church on BGSU School of Art hosts its 16th annual Students gathered for a accusations of being unloving ArtsX event virtually. The event’s theme is peaceful protest in memory and unwelcoming to members a celebration of stories told through music, of Stone Foltz where students of the LGBTQ+ community. visual arts, writing, and performance. announced demands for BGSU administration. Aug. 31 Students Protest Racist Feb. 2 Groundskeeper’s Posts ASL Program Cut Aug. 26 Students protest racist and violent VOICE VOICE VOICE At the end of last semester, a decision was made to remove the Back to School comments shared on Facebook by a BGSU your vote your vote your vote minor and all ASL courses at BGSU Students return back to campus employee from his personal account. Mar. 7 starting in the fall semester of 2021. in a hybrid-online format. Stone Foltz Dies VOICE VOICE VOICENov. 30 After an alleged hazing your vote your vote yourBob vote Bortel Retires incident from the Director of BG News Jan. 14 Pi Kappa Alpha Bob Bortel retires. bgsu.edu/bgsuvotes IG: @bgsuvotes Winter Wonderland fraternity, student BGSU transformed Stone Foltz dies. This was covered by Photos via BG Falcon Media, Sep. 21 the Bowen-Thompson National news. BGSU Marketing & Communications, BGSU Votes Registers Quadrangle into a and Google Images Students to Vote Winter Wonderland BGSU Votes encourages students in celebration of the to register to vote for the 2020 start of the spring Presidential Election. semester. 24 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 25 Nov. 7 Aug. 28 Oct. 24 Jan. 20 Mar. 23 Actor Chadwick Millions Celebrate COVID-19 Surpasses 220,000 Deaths President Joe Biden is Suez Canal Blockage Boseman Death Millions gather Outside the D.C. Armory 220,000 white sworn in by Supreme The Suez Canal was blocked Well-known actor across the country flags were set up by Suzanna Brennan Court Justice Roberst as after a container ship, wedged Chadwick Boseman died to celebrate the Firstenberg to represent the surpassing the 46th President of the itself across the waterway due after spending years Presidential outcome. of 220,000 deaths from COVID-19. United States. to strong winds. battling cancer. He was best People in Times known for his role as the Square celebrate by Feb. 13 Black Panther in the burning a MAGA hat. Former Marvel franchise. Jan. 20 Feb. 3 President Trump’s Kamala Harris Sundance Film Impeachment Inauguration Festival Virtual Former President Vice-President For the first time in Trump is acquitted Kamala Harris is history, the Sundance Sep. 18 for his second sworn in as the Film Festival was impeachment The Death of RBG first woman and held virtually with the hearing for inciting United States Supreme Court biracial person ability to stream all, or the attack at the Justice and Human Rights Activist Oct. 24 to be the Vice- individual, movies. Capitol Building. Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies. Trump Holds Mass Rally President of the Trump speaks in Circleville, United States. Ohio to hundreds causing an outbreak of COVID-19. Mar. 19 Aug. 5 Nov. 7 U.S. Surpasses 500,000 Beirut Explosion Joe Biden Jan. 6 COVID-19 Deaths After failing to secure Sep. 7 Nov. 3 Wins Presidency Attack at the A photo taken after 2,750 tons of ammonium Trump’s Boat Rally Election Day Joe Biden and Kamala Capitol Building surpassing 400,000 two explosions occurred, Supporters of President Voting day for the 2020 Harris give their victory Pro-Trump mob COVID-19 deaths, one being powerful. Over Trump gather for a Presidential Election, speeches in Wilmington, storms the Capitol the Presidential 190 people were killed boat rally along the USA Today reporting over Delaware surrounded Building after Administration takes upon impact and over Intracoastal Waterway. 158 million voters. by supporters, family President Trump steps to get Americans 6,000 were injured. and friends. holds conference. vaccinated. WORLD YEAR IN REVIEW 2020 AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL 2021

Dec. 8 Jan. 15 Mar. 16 COVID-19 World surpasses Atlanta Spa Oct. 21 Vaccinations Begin 2 million COVID deaths Shootings Obama Hospital staff cheer on The world surpassed 2 A series of mass Aug. 13 Joins Biden’s Margaret Keenan, 90 years millions COVID-19 deaths shootings occurred at California Wildfires Campaign Trail old, as she was the first reported by John Hopkins three spas or massage Wildfires break out, Former President person in Britain to receive University, marking the parlors in Atlanta, destroying more than Barack Obama the Pfizer vaccination. second wave. Georgia, killing eight 4,200 acres of land in Aug. 19 Sep. 29 shows support for Dec. 12 people, six of whom Azusa, California, and president-elect Kamala Harris named Vice Amy Coney Barrett FDA Clears were Asian women. spreading up the coast. Joe Biden on the Confirmation Pfizer Vaccine Presidential Candidate campaign trail. California Senator Kamala Amy Coney Barrett was FDA clears the Jan. 21 Harris accepted the Democratic nominated and swiftly Oct. 27 Pfizer vaccine confirmed as a for millions President Biden nomination for Vice President Drive-in Rallies Supreme Court Justice. of orders to places First Day in Office in Wilmington Delaware. President-elect by America. President Biden signs Biden holds drive-in executive orders and Sep. 29 campaign rallies focuses on the ‘return across the country. Nov. 7 Presidential Debate to normalcy’ on his The first Presidential Trump Jan. 13 first day of office. Loses Election debate took place President Trump’s President Trump in Cleveland, Ohio, Second Impeachment falsely claims the facilitated by journalist House Speaker Nancy Pelosi election was stolen Chris Wallace. signs the second article of after being told he impeachment for President lost his bid for Photos via Google Images Trump after the attack at the re-election. Capitol Building on Jan. 6.

26 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 27 Harris has also made calls with foreign leaders of Canada, France and the World Health Organization regarding COVID-19 KAMALA HARRIS and how the countries can work together Vice-President Kamala Harris is sworn in and effectively move forward. A New Era for Women as the first woman and biracial person to In her short time as Vice President, be the Vice-President of the United States. Harris has had to cast three tie-breaking votes in the Senate to help Democrats By Megan Finke | BG News City Editor pass legislation, something Biden didn’t have to do in his two-term vice presidency. According to ballotpedia.org, two n January 20, I remember tie-breakers were on Feb. 5. The first wanting something to watch in I soon felt myself was “to adopt an amendment proposed O between classes. So, I clicked “ by Sen. Chuck Schumer on the budget onto Youtube, but my scrolling was cut grinning as a wave resolution,” and the second was “to adopt short after remembering what day it was. a budget resolution relating to COVID-19 I quickly clicked on the 2021 of emotions hit me: economic relief.” In both, the Senate was Presidential Inauguration live stream excitement, awe, split 50-50, but Harris broke the tie to and the screen loaded to Vice President adopt both. Kamala Harris walking out onto the stage disbelief and worry. The third tie-breaking vote occurred with her husband, Doug Emhoff, Second on March 4, when, “The Senate voted Gentlemen of the United States. Then reality struck 50-50 on a motion to proceed with debate Harris’ smile shone through her mask that I was watching on the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. from the moment she walked onto the Harris broke the tie to affirm the motion” stage and through her inauguration. It the first women to according to the website. was extremely infectious. Aside from the positives, there are Seeing a woman in this high rank be inaugurated as always negatives. Many people need to of power in the U.S. government was a remember that political figures aren’t to first for the whole country, but the new Vice President of the photo via Google Images be idolized. They are working for us, the possibilities were potentially endless. United States. people, and when they do something we Breaking barriers in history with “ don’t like it is not wrong to call them out. governmental roles isn’t new to Harris. she is seen at Biden’s side while making Brief, which is an update on top-secret It is noted in the same ABC News article Harris has been the first Black woman to Aside from the joy that came from remarks or signing executive orders. national security, or in meetings together. Watching the that Harris was continually asked questions be elected district attorney in California, the inauguration, I found myself a little I’m not really surprised that Harris One of the VP’s first jobs is to swear “ regarding the safety of teachers going back first woman to be California’s attorney anxious while watching. The current has taken this approach to begin her in Biden’s cabinet members. On Harris’s inauguration live was to school without the vaccine, but her Instagram, many pictures can be found general, first Indian American senator, political climate of the nation was vice presidency. My assumption is being only response was, “teachers should be a with her swearing in members. a special experience. and now, the first Black woman and first overwhelming and scary. the president’s right-hand woman is priority,” to get vaccines. Some notable Cabinet members of Asian American to be picked as a vice The Capitol Hill riot happened on Jan. the easiest way to get a feel for what her Further, a slip-up for Harris was President Joe Biden are Pete Buttigieg as Even though I was presidential running mate. 6, just two weeks before inauguration, position will hold. noticed by Sen. Joe Manchin from Secretary of Transportation, who is the It excites me to see a person with such and left many people feeling anxious. Harris has commented on the locked away in my West Virginia after Harris had given first openly LGBTQ+ Cabinet secretary, When the ceremony ended, I let out a importance of showing the nation that an exclusive interview to WSAZ, a West a diverse ethnic background take office and Deb Haaland as Secretary of the dorm room, it still felt sigh of relief when both Biden and Harris this administration will work together Virginia television station, where she in a historically white male job. History Interior, who is the first Native American exited safely. It’s tragic that my brain which alone is a very practical mindset keeps changing before our to serve as a Cabinet secretary. like I was able to share pushed for COVID-19 relief. thought the worst could’ve happened to eyes and its important to note that every leader should have, or at I think it’s kind of weird that the two As it has only been a few months of the changes like this. them, but there are reasons why. east those working in close proximity. post to social media platforms, but then the moment with the new administration, it is clear things have Harris has been a public figure for The Biden-Harris administration ABC News reiterates the importance I remember that the generation that rest of the nation. been done and will continue to get done. some time now, which makes many has been in office for just about three of Biden’s success to Harris. Biden says voted them into office thrives off of social “ Harris has spent her time as a public curious to see what she will do as months now, but they have already that Harris is his “last voice in the room,” media, so it makes sense. figure in the United States government vice president. The excitement that Harris gotten hard to work. and always tells him the truth, challenge At the end of Harris’s first week, As it is still early in the administration, system, but she has now turned a new had, reflected onto many viewers. On Feb. 6, an NPR article described assumptions and ask questions. she took to her Instagram, @vp, saying, Harris’s specific issues have yet to be leaf on the American political norm. From the moment she walked onto Harris as taking a traditional approach They also report that the two spend “One week on the job: we took action on focused on. But, it is noticed that she has Being the first woman in office is the inauguration stage, it was clear she to her vice presidency, in comparison several hours in the Oval Office each day COVID, the economy, the climate crisis, been a major advocate for Black Americans something that’ll continually inspire came to get the job done. to those before her. It also explains why reviewing the President’s Daily racial injustice - and more.” to get their COVID-19 vaccine. women around the world. n KEY

28 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 29

PETRA INDROVA CONTINUES TO THRIVE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY By Drew Terhall | Sports Reporter

etra Indrova was destined to “He pushed me hard in conditioning, BGSU Head Coach Danijela Tomic first pursue the path of athletics. and it started showing that I was better at heard about Indrova through a European During her childhood in volleyball because of it,” Indrova said. recruiting service. “ We felt that we didn’t Jihlava, Czech Republic, sports It paid off. Indrova was picked for the Tomic, who was born and raised in Bosnia have anybody at that time Psurrounded Indrova. She played tennis junior national team. and Herzegovina, is known to recruit in the gym with that type with her dad and watched her older The junior national team is made up of volleyball players from around the world. brother play hockey and volleyball. the top volleyball players in the Czech “Her video caught our eye,” Tomic said. We of power when it comes “I was a dancer when I was little and Republic. She said that during her time thought she had a good arm; We look for to hitting. then I started playing volleyball when I with the national team, she figured out that in outside hitters.” ” was seven,” the sophomore volleyball that she wanted to continue her volleyball Despite not seeing her play in person, — Danijela Tomic player said. career after high school. Tomic knew she was recruiting a high- Volleyball Head Coach Indrova also went to musical school and The opportunity would come when level player. played guitar for seven years. BGSU recruited her. After talking with the family and seeing As Indrova got older, she followed in more film of Indrova, Tomic decided to her brother’s footsteps and focused on make Indrova an offer. volleyball only. “We felt that we didn’t have anybody at During her sophomore year of high that time in the gym with that type of “The fact that she (Tomic) is European her family. It was hard to talk with them During her lockdown, she was able to school, a new coach helped her become power when it comes to hitting,” Tomic said. gave me the confidence that she would often due to the five hour time difference stay fit for the upcoming season. Indrova a better player. Indrova accepted the offer even though it understand me a little more because the between here and Jihlava. said she and her family would play sports meant leaving her family and moving to a cultures are very different. And I knew Despite the challenges, Indrova said she together all the time. She also worked out different country. there were a lot of international players on enjoyed her freshman year. with her neighbor who is a hockey player. the team as well,” she said. As Indrova was enjoying the offseason, the Once things began to open a bit, Indrova Indrova said she knew she made the right pandemic began to hit the world. Once competed in beach volleyball. decision when the whole team texted her BGSU decided to shut down for the rest Despite enjoying the time with her family following her commitment to BGSU. of the spring semester, Indrova and her and friends, Indrova said she was excited “ I was really shy, so I didn’t speak a lot. While she was confident in her decision family took swift action to be together. to get the news that she could return to But everyone on the team helped me to come to BGSU, the transition to a new “When we found out that the school is Bowling Green. with English and with my classes at country was still tough. shutting down, we booked a flight from “When I found out that I could finally “I was really shy, so I didn’t speak a lot. one day to another and I was home in 24 come back after five or six months, I was the beginning. It made it easier. But everyone on the team helped me hours,” Indrova said. happy that I could spend time with my ” with English and with my classes at the When the pandemic first hit, Indrova said teammates and get here and work hard,” beginning. It made it easier,” she said. she was worried about her family as it she said. Junior teammate Hanna Laube said, hit Europe hard. The pandemic affected Following 14 days of quarantine upon “She’s very joyful. She brings that energy Europe before it reached the U.S. arrival, Indrova was back to practice to everyone around her. She was also With every tragic event, there is a silver-lining. with the team. a little bit shy, but then she opened up For Indrova, she got to spend time with Indrova said she worked hard in the throughout her freshman year.” her family after being away from them. offseason on her mentality during a game. The transition did become harder after She got to spend time with her brother, “I don’t want to have regrets, after a Indrova was injured during conference who she hadn’t seen in a while since he practice or after a game, that I didn’t give play and missed nine games. She said had been away playing volleyball. my best,” Indrova said. n KEY it was a lonely time since she missed

30 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 31 STACY KOSCIAK MACY SPIELMAN: JOURNEY OF A PROFESSIONAL FRIEND By Steven Iwanek ATHLETICS But life for Spielman and her four “With what happened with her mom and her By Wesley Woods siblings has been difficult. After a 12 year family, she has been able to talk about her battle with breast cancer, Spielman’s mom very proudly and very freely. It’s not only mother, Stefanie, died on Nov. 19, 2009. motivating for her, but also for the team.” “Stacy is someone who your application and I ended up with the At the time of her death, Spielman was Spielman’s teammate Olivia Trice said has talent, experience job.” Kosciak said. 8 years old. Spielman’s biggest attribute is her heart. At 25 years old Kosciak was head Spielman, however, never denies the “She is the ultimate teammate,” Trice along with a skillset that f you asked people in central Ohio volleyball coach, a position she held for opportunity to talk about her mom and said. “She is the ultimate competitor, what they think of when they hear has helped our program five years. She quickly felt that her dream what she meant to her. always will hold you accountable, and is an the name Spielman, most would job was not quite what she imagined. She “She was always passionately on a amazing encourager for us no matter what, continue to move forward think of a great football player. But was able to fulfill her goal of moving the mission,” Spielman said. “Whether it was both on and off the court.” Ifor Macy Spielman, her last name does during these tough times. ” program forward, but felt it was time to being a mom, beating cancer, or even just But Spielman wants the people to know that not just tell her dad’s legacy, but also the hand over the reins to someone else. helping other people, it was such a blessing her personality is heavily inspired by her mom. — Jason Knavel legacy of her mom’s. Associate AD After she resigned as head coach of to grow up watching her and living that.” “A lot of people will come up to me and Spielman, a redshirt freshman on Strategic Communications the volleyball team her athletic director To commemorate her mother’s memory, recognize me as Chris Spielman’s daughter, BGSU’s women’s basketball team, is the was adamant she remained on the staff in Ohio State University funded the opening which is awesome, nothing against my dad ,” daughter of Ohio State football legend After she graduated college in the an executive role with the program. She of the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Spielman said. “But my mom has made and former NFL player Chris Spielman. Greensboro area Kosciak initially got became the special assistant to the athletic Breast Center in Columbus, Ohio. such an impact on my heart and I want Despite his incredible career and involved with personal training. She was director and started off working on special And it is the passion that her mom lived people to know that. People sometimes numerous accolades, for Macy, she only still able to work with athletes, which was a projects for the organization. This involved by that drives Spielman to be not only the forget to include my mom in the story By Wesley Woods knows him as one person– dad. major component of her dream to be in the anything to do with alumni relations, best possible athlete, but also person. when she is the story.” “For me, my dad is just my dad,” coaching field someday. fundraising, and researching to create a “I see it as a challenge to resemble who Spielman, a native of Upper Arlington, huge aspect that we go Spielman said. “I think he has always “I was responsible for leagues so I put 3,000-person database through yearbooks she was,” Spielman said. “If I turn out to be Ohio, is working on a degree in human through countless times in made it important to be a father and to together basketball leagues, volleyball in the library. even half the woman she was, then I am set. development and family studies, with a minor life is change. Change can be also be humble. He has never let any of the leagues, racquetball leagues, any league Kosciak spent over 20 years at So, I use my mom as motivation and as an in nonprofit administration. She hopes one good or bad, but one thing is accolades or accomplishments get to him, you could think of. But I was also doing Greensboro, but said she needed to get a forA certain most of the time change can example in everything, every day.” day she can help with ministry in Africa. and he has made our lives as normal as personal training on the side. I was change of scenery. The athletic director Head coach Robyn Fralick clearly sees But for now, Spielman tries to be what be challenging and for Senior Associates possible for us.” working with special populations mostly brought her a job description for associate Athletic Director Stacy Kosciak that was Spielman’s motivation. her mom was to many. older individuals who were dealing with athletic director at BGSU, and things the only way to describe her move from “She can circle back to the big picture of “I like to tell people who ask that I am health issues,” said Kosciak. “But I also started clicking. She had a conversation UNC Greensboro to BGSU. I use my mom as motivation what she has gone through,” Fralick said. majoring in learning how to become a worked with student athletes as well so I over the phone with Athletic Director Bob “ A unique experience Kosciak has had is professional friend,” Spielman said. n KEY was able to get that little bit of a fix.” Moosbrugger, which she said she enjoyed but and as an example in making this transition during a pandemic. Kosciak worked in the private sector did not completely sell her on the position. She has not been able to personally meet everything, every day. for three years before landing an assistant Kosciak came to visit with her husband ” all the staff except via Zoom. This has made — Macy Spielman coaching position at her alma mater. Little on a Saturday where she attended men’s the learning curve more challenging due did she know six months later she would and women’s basketball games, along with to the lack of face-to-face interaction, but find herself at the head coaching position. a hockey game. She loved the atmosphere she still feels the decision was the right one The organization was doing a search for and saw many pathways to growth for not and has taken the challenges in stride. a new head coach after the previous one’s just herself, but everyone involved; thus, At a young age our journey in life begins contract had not been renewed. began her career at BG. with dreams and aspirations to make an “Initially I had no intention of applying Associate AD for Strategic impact in a field we grow to love. For Stacy for the head coaching position. The Communications Jason Knavel said, “Stacy Kosciak that dream was to coach volleyball, athletic director came to me and said he is someone who has talent, experience a sport she loved, so she could help mentor noticed I did not submit an application. along with a skillset that has helped our young women. She did this and a whole lot I laughed and said I didn’t want to waste program continue to move forward during more on her journey to BGSU. your time or my time, he said I want to see these tough times.” n KEY

32 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 33 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2019 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 33 And just like the rest of the world, BGSU sports were shut down in an instant. “ I was really For the entire sports world it started on March 11, 2020 after it became known sad, I did not right before the tip off of an Oklahoma City want to go Thunder and Utah Jazz game that star Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for home... I really the coronavirus. The game was postponed wanted to stay and later that night, the NBA postponed their season. and be with The beginning of the shutdown for the team. BGSU sports happened the day after on ” March 12, when BGSU men’s basketball – Kailee Perry was preparing to take on Toledo in the quarterfinals of the MAC tournament. Akron and Ohio were warming up for the first game when they were told to get off the floor and soon after the entire MAC tournament was cancelled. It was a shock to everyone, especially the players that had worked so hard to get to that point of the tournament. But it wasn’t just the men’s basketball team that got shut down. Hockey and baseball were notified on the next Friday that their seasons’ were over. Even sports like cross country were greatly affected. BGSU freshman cross country runner Kailee Perry knows this better than anyone. She was set to start her first season in the spring of 2020, before everything got taken away in a flash. he past year will be one that will go “I was really sad, I did not want to go SENIOR YEAR down in the history books. home or anything like that. I really wanted T The pandemic is something that to stay and be with the team. So when we PLAYS TO has affected just about everyone and were sent home it was kind of like leading everything in the world, and one of the into the blind because I didn’t know what immediate impacts was sports. to expect,” Perry said. Sports is an entertainment giant all That was the feeling of everyone in the that included terminating the baseball the student-athletes in the program over the world, both professional and world. No one knew what to expect and it program. have support during this challenging EMPTY college athletes are seen playing their sport went bigger than sports. No one knew at BGSU athletic director Bob time,” Moosbrugger said. by millions of people almost every day. that point how this virus would go on and Moosbrugger was a former baseball That announcement came And in almost an instant, that complete affect their lives. player at the university and the decision on May 15 and almost as soon as industry that makes billions of dollars was For BGSU athletics, things got worse to cut the program was a tough one for the baseball program was gone, it CROWDS shut down. before they got better. him at the time. returned thanks to a huge donation At Bowling Green State University, it After the cancellation of so many “This was a very difficult, but output from multiple alumni. By Shayne Nissen isn’t on as much of a big scale as that, but sports, the athletic department was facing necessary, decision. As a baseball With a commitment of $1.5 sports are still important to a lot of people, financial trouble and as a result put in a alumnus, my heart breaks for the families million dollars from alumni, the including the student-athletes on campus. plan to have a $2 million budget reduction affected by this decision. We will ensure program was reinstated just weeks

34 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 35 later on June 2. It was a bad then a good On July 15, the Mid-American For the players, that shock soon turned definitive answer. It was devastating when moment in a very short period of time for Conference decided that all Olympic to anger. they said that the season was cancelled. “ It’s hard now the program, but it was one that initially Fall sports would be postponed to the “It definitely struck a nerve and a lot I actually broke down and started crying because you don’t left a bad taste in the mouth of those close spring. Meaning that they had made a of us were angry just because we felt like in the meeting room when we found out to the program. decision to postpone every MAC fall we did so much and we felt like the MAC that we weren’t playing because just so really have a crowd “What they did, it’s shocking, to say sport except football. waited so long just to tell us that we weren’t much hard work has been put into this,” in here so you are the least, and I’m beyond disappointed,” But the decision on football soon going to have a season,” former BGSU McDonald said. 1973 BGSU grad Tim Pettorini said in an came, and it was more bad news as a result running back, Andrew Claire, said. The decision to bring back football trying to generate interview with the Toledo Blade on the of the pandemic. On August 8, the MAC Then on Sept. 25, the MAC reversed its marked the beginning of sports returning your own energy program being removed. postponed football to the spring. decision after most power five programs to BGSU and while the other fall sports that The decision shook the trust of some It was a decision that shook a young decided to play and announced a six-game were cancelled didn’t get a chance to play and the guys got close to the program. But the program football team, coming off a year in which conference only schedule to start on Nov. 4. in the fall. They are all currently playing in to get used to moved on and is currently playing their they showed some promise under first- The back and forth decision making the spring. 2021 season, only time will tell if that year head coach Scot Loeffler. definitely messed with the players But sports being back didn’t this environment decision will affect anything in the future. “It was really difficult standing up in emotions, but they were overall excited to mean there weren’t any changes to the because this is what Once that ordeal was closed, almost front of those guys, particularly the seniors, get the chance to play. atmosphere around them. it is going to be as soon as it opened, it was time for the knowing that it would be a totally different “It has definitely been a little bit of an As like the rest of the world at that athletic department to get back to dealing fall than what we expected. It was a lot of emotional roller coaster to say the least, period of time, people were slowly trying from here on out. with the ramifications of the pandemic and emotion, and I really felt bad for the players but it’s nice just hearing it out loud that we to get back to normal, but normal really – Michael Huger” whether fall sports could safely be played. and coaches,” Loeffler said. are playing for sure. It’s just nice having a deserved air quotes. mens’ basketball head coach Masks, contact tracing, testing, temperature checks and social But the ability to create their own distancing became commonplace all energy soon improved as seen a few over the world, and BGSU sports was weeks later when Huger commented no different. It changed everyone’s daily on the team’s play after a home win over lives including athletes. Purdue Northwest. “It has been crazy. We have had to watch “The guys did a really good job. The who we’re seeing where we are going. energy on the bench is really good. They “ It was really difficult Off the court it has been crazy because bring that energy and talk to each other. standing up in front of obviously it’s a pandemic,” BGSU women’s They are there for each other so that part basketball freshman Lexi Fleming said has been good. It is just that this is the those guys, particularly after the Falcon’s first home game. “On the norm. I think that they would rather play the seniors, knowing court we are all going through this together. with no crowd than not play at all,” Huger that it would be a Classes are online, we have to be sharp on said. time to practices because we can’t get in the As the season progressed a small totally different fall way of other practices.” number of fans were allowed at games. than what we expected. But maybe the biggest change for The Bleacher Creatures, who are a mainstay all sports was the absence of fans at of BGSU hockey games were allowed to It was a lot of emotion, games. For football in the fall, the athletic have limited fans there at Slater Family and I really felt bad department decided to only let family Ice Arena. members in. Things slowly came back to normal for the players and That trend continued to hockey and for BGSU sports but it still isn’t there yet. coaches. basketball. It messed with the psyche of Fall sports are currently playing out their – Scot” Loeffler everyone playing. As playing in front of season’s in the springs and still with very a home crowd was normally a sense of limited fans. head football coach energy and without the crowd, the players With COVID-19 vaccines being given had to find energy from other places. at an all-time high in the United States right “It’s hard now because you don’t really now, it seems that there may be rowdy Doyt have a crowd in here so you are trying to L. Perry again soon. generate your own energy and the guys got But even as the fans come back into to get used to this environment because the seats, that still doesn’t change the lost this is what it is going to be from here on experiences that athletes around BGSU out,” BGSU head coach Michael Huger said never got to experience. Experiences that after the Falcon’s first home game against were shaped and changed course by the South Carolina State in November. impact of the pandemic. n KEY

36 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 KEY MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 37 CLASS OF 2021

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