Volume 100, Issue 16 March 26, 2019 West Haven, Conn. CHARGER

THE BULLETIN The student news source of the . SPORTS EDITION

Q&A With Chris Palmer, Game Reviews, and More The Charger Bulletin @ChargerBulletin @ChargerBulletin @ChargerBulletin March 26, 2019 Page 2 SPORTS EDITION

Bulletin Briefs Page 4

University’s New Minor Page 7

Athlete Reflection March 26, 2019 Page 3 SPORTS EDITION Q &A with Athletic Director, Chris Palmer

BY CHRIS DIGERONIMO Q: Where do you see University of New Haven SPORTS EDITOR Athletics within the next 3-5 years? A: “I think it’ll be pretty much where it is right now. I think we have to improve our facilities over here, if you go around and look at the facilities of people in our conference we would not rank in hris Palmer officially the top of the heap. The main part of campus has done a tremendous becameC the director of athletics job, our facilities on the main part are as good as any school and we and recreation on Jan. 16, 2019. have to do that over here in our locker rooms, on our playing fields, He is the sixth person to hold in our gymnasium, we have to improve those areas. When a student this title, coming to the univer- athlete looks at our facility, we want them to say these are top notch sity with 25 years experience in facilities, I can get a great education and I can complete on the DII the , level and I can be happy and challenged from that standpoint. Three including a 2008 Super Bowl to five years from now when we have the facilities where we think Championship with the New they should be, we’ll continue to evaluate where we should be. The York Giants. He comes back to landscape of college athletics is changing every year, some people the university after previously are going Division I, some are dropping down, people are dropping leading the university’s football Chris Palmer speaks at the 2018 Athletics & Senior sports. I think things will continue to evolve at the Division II level team from 1986-1987. Awards Banquet. Photo Courtesy of Charger Athletics and we will do the same”. Q: You hired two new head coaches in Brian Quinn and Christa Cooper. What made them the best candidates to lead their respective programs? A: “Well our soccer program attracted over 128 applicants which to me was a large number of can- didates that applied. I would like to return soccer to what I remembered it as when Joe Machnik was here running the soccer program. I like to see us be successful and competitive in the soccer program. I think that’s doable. We have some other teams in our conference that have more scholarships than us and one of the things I am trying to do is raise more money to attract the best DII players that we can, and we are trying to do that in women’s soccer as well. The program is an attractive program, there have only been two coaches in Debbie Chin and Robin Salters and both of them were highly successful coaches. Christa (Cooper) came in and did a great job. In both coaching searches we interviewed young, up and coming coaches along with coaches with head coaching experience. Each program was different and at the end of the search we sat down and said ‘okay, what does this program need?’ In the volleyball situation Christa’s strengths fit what the program needed at that particular time and for the soccer program we thought that Brian’s (Quinn) strength fit what the program needed at that time. Brian’s taking over a program that has been down for a little bit and we’re hoping that he gets it turned around really quick. Christa is inheriting a program that’s strong, each one of them has different pressures but they are both very good coaches.

Photo Courtesy of Charger Athletics Q: What are some of the biggest improvements you’ve seen so far in your first full year as Athletic Director? A: “The year and two months have gone by very quickly we’ve been very busy trying to improve things on the north campus. I think the athletes are the ones that we are trying to serve and we are trying to make this a better place for them. We are working on having the concession stand and restrooms finished by the and football field, that’s almost complete and it should be completed within the next two weeks. We have gotten sweat suits for all of our athletes that they proudly wear around campus, I think its good advertisement for the university, I think they’re classy and they get to wear them on trips and things like that. Our football team had a good season, our volleyball team had a good season, both our men’s and women’s teams had good seasons. Our indoor track and field team scored 40 points more than they did a year ago and they are only losing three seniors, so I am excited about that. Women’s is off to a strong start, I’m excited for our baseball teams season to unfold. On May 2, we are going to replace the turf on Kathy Zolad Stadium. That turf has outlived its use by far. On April 29 We are also going to replace the gym floor with new bleachers. I think our athletes will say that things are happening fast on our north campus. We are putting in a new batting cage for both baseball and to use. We are also putting smaller scoreboards on both the baseball and softball fields so that students and fans can see the scores wherever they are sitting around the ballpark. So, from that standpoint I’m ex- cited and we’re anxious to continue to raise money for different things we are trying to do within the north campus. President Kaplan has been very supportive in our efforts”. March 26, 2019 Page 4 SPORTS EDITION Sport Management Department to Introduce eSports Minor

sport, ethical issues in the indus- development of the industry. a critical business case for the storytelling, computer program- BY CHRIS DIGERONIMO try, the future of the industry, “So many people think of industry and help students learn ming, criminal justice, clay SPORTS EDITOR and potential career paths within eSports as games, baseball was some key skills needed for the animation, and numerous other the field. The second course, a game, and so were so many industry.” areas. There are several large eSports technology will discuss other sports that have grown The minor will also help inter- corporations in this space (such what goes into developing the into billion-dollar industries, ested students find and develop as Sony, Nintendo, Activision he wildly popular games that gamers know and eSports is the same way,” said different career paths that they Blizzard, etc…) that are hiring TeSports industry has taken over love. Students will gain a basic Fried. “The popularity of the could utilize in the future. all over the world. There are the world, and it has now made understanding of hardware and eSports industry is rapidly “Those already in sport man- also so many technology areas its way into academia. The software, streaming, and devel- expanding with new titles, new agement, hospitality, or music out there that will keep evolving University of New Haven sports oping matches. leagues, professional teams, industry already understand the (such as virtual reality and aug- management department is In eSports business, students talks about the Olympics, gam- value of event management, and mented reality) and there will proposing a new eSports minor will learn about the traditional bling totals exceed wagering on putting on eSports competitions be application of the gamifica- that would expose students to business practices that have NFL games, etc. Around all this is a major opportunity” said tion mindset to solve numerous the business side of the multibil- helped shape the industry are businesses and business best Fried. “There are also oppor- problems and help teach new lion-dollar industry. over the years. They will learn practices, and that is where the tunities for those with social topics.” The proposed minor would about the various people in the minor will provide students with media savvy, broadcast skills, consist of a required four course industry and the roles they play sequence, along with two elec- to keep the industry moving tives from the traditional sport towards the future. The final management palate of courses. class, sport technology and The required four classes entrepreneurship will discuss would include courses on various issues and trends in the eSports basics, eSports tech- industry, along with the process nology, eSports business, and of developing a business plan, sport technology and entrepre- funding, product development, neurship. The eSports basics and marketing. class explores the history of the Gil Fried, sport management industry, and how it has grown department chair, has been and expanded over the last half monitoring the industry over the century. The class will explore past few years and sees great the authenticity of eSports as a potential in the expansion and Graphic Illustration by Tyler C. Butler/The Charger Bulletin

BY TYLER C. BUTLER CHARGER COMICS GRAPHICS EDITOR March 26, 2019 Page 5 SPORTS EDITION Elm City Rivalry Favors Chargers Southern soccer owns an impressive 69-6 all- they also got swept in 2017-18 defeated Southern Connecticut BY CHRIS DIGERONIMO programs own a collective 48- time record against the Owls. but turned the tide in 2018-19, 22-6, for their 13th consecutive SPORTS EDITOR 17-8 all time record against the Women’s field hockey got in on collecting three wins against win against the Owls. Women’s Chargers. Since then it has been the action on Oct. 9 when they the Owls. The two teams met lacrosse holds a 16-2 all-time straight dominance by the Char- defeated Southern Connecticut on Nov. 28, Feb. 6, and Mar. 6. record against the Owls. Soft- gers in all other categories. 2-1. This win was historic for The Chargers defeated the Owls ball swept a doubleheader on here is nothing better Chargers’ football defeated the young program as it was the in the NE-10 Semifinal 87-66 the road against the Owls on inT sports than a good cross- the Owls 37-18 on Sept. 15, team’s second win in program to advance to the NE-10 Final. Mar. 20. The Chargers took both town rivalry. For Elm City, that making 10 consecutive wins history, and it was the program’s This was the second postseason games in convincing fashion 5-2 rivalry belongs to the University against Southern Connecticut. first ever home win at Dellaca- meeting between the rivals. and 7-2 for their first sweep of of and The Chargers hold a 23-6-1 mera Stadium. The first came in 2013 when the season. The Chargers and the Southern Connecticut State all-time record against the Owls, After being swept by the Owls Southern Connecticut defeated Owls will meet again on Mar. Owls. For decades, these two with their first meeting coming in 2017-18, women’s basketball New Haven to capture the NE- 26 for a doubleheader at New schools have been battling it out in 1981. The Chargers are 10-1 returned the favor by sweeping 10 Championship. The Chargers Haven. Baseball will get their on the field for bragging rights since they reinstated the football Southern Connecticut in 2018- hold a 47-44 all-time record turn against Southern Con- and, more recently, dominance program in 2009. 19. The wins came on Nov. 28 against Southern Connecticut necticut State later this spring. in the NE-10 Conference. Chargers women’s volleyball and Feb. 6 with the latter snap- with their first meeting coming Baseball comes into the 2019 The New Haven Chargers are has also been very dominant as ping a five-game losing streak, in the 1965-66 season. season with a 73-30-1 all-time currently 11-2 overall against they defeated the Owls three giving the Chargers momentum Spring sports have just gotten record against the Owls. the Owls in the 2018-19 aca- sets to one on Sept. 18, making for NE-10 Tournament seeding. underway, but women’s lacrosse The Chargers have dominated demic year. The two wins for five consecutive wins against Women’s basketball holds a 44- and softball continued the tradi- this rivalry in recent months, but the Owls came early in the fall the Owls, including two post- 29 all-time record against their tion of the season. The Chargers history proves this rivalry to be when their men’s and women’s season meetings in the NE-10 crosstown rivals. and Owls women’s lacrosse strong. As long as both schools soccer teams swept the season Final and East Region Semifinal Men’s basketball suffered teams met on Kathy Zolad Sta- remain conference rivals, there series against the Chargers. The in 2017. Chargers volleyball the same fate as the women as dium on Mar. 12. New Haven should be more battles to come. Women’s Lacrosse To Take on Le Moyne The Chargers have also been nior Kendra Nolan has been the BY CHRIS DIGERONIMO SPORTS EDITOR sharing the wealth as they are Chargers’ second-leading scorer ranked fifth in assists, with 42. with 15 goals on the season. In This high-powered New the win against the Warriors, Haven offense is led by senior Nolan scored two goals on four fter defeating no. 16 Mackenzie Reh, who has been shots. She also has three games AMerrimack 20-15 on Saturday, dominant to start the season. this season where she has scored Mar. 23, women’s lacrosse is She leads all NE-10 goal scorers three or more goals. set to take on the undefeated with 41 and in points with 53. The Chargers’ defense has at Kathy She has accumulated 55 shots also been a contributing factor Zolad Stadium on Wednesday, on goal and 12 free position to their early success. Goal- Mar. 27. goals which also lead the NE- keeper Gianna Guerra currently The New Haven offense 10. ranks third in the NE-10 with 69 comes into the matchup ranked In their win against Merri- saves on the season. Guerra also number one in the NE-10 in mack Saturday, Reh tied her ranks second in the conference goals scored, with 111 this career-high and program record in save percentage, saving 57 season. They also rank first in with nine goals. She also con- percent of shots faced. She is shooting percentage, as they are tributed two assists, for a total also ranked in the top 10 in shooting 52.1 percent, and sec- of 11 points, tying the program goals against average, allowing ond in shots on goal, with 179. record for points in a game. Ju- Read more on pg. 7.. March 26, 2019 Page 6 SPORTS EDITION Kane, Chargers Suffer Heartbreak at the Buzzer

Kane got his hand on the ball as it seemed he was the one that Chargers were able to buckle tinue to make history.” BY CHRIS DIGERONIMO SPORTS EDITOR but was not able to get the shot quieted the crowd with a bucket down on defense and get to the The Chargers finished the sea- off as the buzzer sounded. There after every St. Anselm run. The foul line to help stop the clock son with a 21-10 overall record was some contact on the play, Chargers were able to slow the and put points on the board. and a 13-7 record in the NE-10. but no whistles were blown. game down, run the shot clock They outscored the Hawks New Haven’s 21 wins were the Kane Jr. led the Chargers with down and get a high percentage 38-35 in the second half. They most since the 2013-14 season en’s basketball’s 28 points, nine rebounds, and shot. The Hawks tried to pick also made seven of eight free where they went 21-9 and 14-6 NationalM Championship hopes three steals. Junior Elijah Bailey up the pace in an effort to get throws at the line. Kane Jr. and in the NE-10. This was also the came to an end Mar. 17 as they was the team’s second leading their three-point shooters the Bailey stepped up offensively first time they have been to the lost to top-seeded St. Anselm scorer with 21 points. ball. Each philosophy worked in the second half scoring 15 NCAA DII tournament since 70-69 in the NCAA DII East The matchup was tightly con- at times, but neither was able to and 13 respectively to lead all that same season. Region Semifinal. The Chargers tested throughout the first and gain a distinct advantage. second half scorers. In the end, New Haven will look to build had three attempts to take the second halves. St. Anselm shot The Hawks’ biggest lead of the Chargers’ resilient efforts on that success as they will be lead with 13 seconds left, but 63 percent from the field and 46 the game came with 9:15 left weren’t enough as they were returning their starting five next couldn’t complete the upset. The percent from behind the arc in in the first half as they forced unable to capitalize on the final season. Kane, Bailey, Lane, ju- final attempt for the Chargers the first half, but the New Haven the Chargers into an 11-point play down the stretch. nior Kessly Felizor, and redshirt came on a controversial inbound defense weathered the storm deficit. The battle-tested Char- “It was a great season and I sophomore Derrick Rowland play with two seconds left. and had answers of their own. gers did not shy away from the am proud of everybody on the will all be coming back for Freshman Quashawn Lane Every time momentum shifted challenge as they fought back to team,” said Bailey. “We had a another shot at a NE-10 title and threw the ball up to junior Roy in the Hawks’ favor the Char- make it a 35-31 deficit at half- historic season and I’m excited another bid into the NCAA DII Kane Jr. who was met by a gers took it right back. Kane Jr. time. The second half was much to keep building on it in my Tournament. crowd of St. Anselm defenders. was in charge of crowd control of the same, but this time the senior year. I hope we can con-

Freshman Quashawn Lane, Junior Elijah Bailey, and redshirt Sophomore Derrick Rowland. Photo Courtesy of Charger Athletics March 26, 2019 Page 7 SPORTS EDITION Athlete Reflection: “My Time as a Charger” ticed that everyone on campus steel. school of my dreams. It will be “How lucky am I to have had BY MICHAEL KANDOLIN was friendly. From professors I think I can speak for all a sad moment for me when I something that makes saying MENS TRACK AND FIELD to students, if you need some- single sport coaches when I say walk across that stage and say goodbye so hard.” thing everyone seemed like they it is not building the physi- goodbye to the place that has Thank you New Haven, it’s would drop everything to help cal ability of someone that is been so good to me. But to para- been one heck of a ride. hen I was ap- a fellow human out. It felt like challenging. It is building the phrase Winnie the Pooh: Wproached to write about my they actually cared about one unshakeable confidence that four years as a student-athlete another, something that is sadly presents the biggest challenges. here at the University of New uncommon in today’s society. This type of coaching takes a Haven I was both surprised and The family-like atmosphere lot of patience and love for your at a loss for words. The task to here for me has been one of the athletes. The first year I was a me was monumental. I had to largest reasons I believe I have timid kid with low self-confi- figure out how to put the best been able to make the most out dence and Coach Givan built four years of my life, so far, into of these past couple of years. At me into a man that believes words. A challenge that I was the University of New Haven, I there is no ceiling for what I happy to accept. So here is my have felt like a person and not can accomplish. She took a kid best attempt at trying to give just another student. My profes- with little talent but a burning respect to the years that have sors have opened my mind to fire to improve and made him a shaped me tremendously. ideas and thoughts which would champion. Both in the circle and Four years ago I was invited have never occurred if I had in my mind. Something I never on a recruiting trip down to not been pushed to think deeper thought was possible. For this, New Haven. I was sitting in my about issues and expand my I will forever be grateful. I can English class telling my teacher worldview. Conversations with only hope to impact the lives how I didn’t think I even wanted professors that begin with “How of others the way my Coaches to take it. After not getting into are you doing?” rather than have impacted mine. my dream school I had come “How can I help you?” are a tes- Take away everything, grades, to peace with going to a sister tament to the type of people that championships, and any ac- campus for a year and trying to teach here. This subtle differ- complishment. The life lessons transfer to the larger campus the ence is why I have loved school that my professors and coaches next. Her words were so much. This care has been the have taught me will stay with “Michael, you don’t know if driving force behind the strong me forever. They say it takes a you will like it or not. Worse relationships I have been able to village to raise a child and every case, you get to go on an official build with them, to me they are member of my New Haven visit.” not just my professors, they are family has impacted me in little So I took the visit. In hind- mentors. ways. They have empowered Women’s Lacrosse sight, it was one of the best When it comes to athletics, me to take on all life has in store formidable offense as they are decisions I have made over the track and field is an interesting for me with confidence and a Continued from pg. 5 also ranked in the top 10 in the course of my short 21 years. sport because it is all on you. smile. I can’t take credit for any eight goals per game. NE-10 in goals, assists, goals Campus, in the beginning, There is no one to blame for of my accomplishments, they Le Moyne comes to West Ha- per game, shots on goal, and was in my eyes huge. To think I underperformance other than are merely the product of having ven on a seven-game winning shooting percentage. thought walking from Westside yourself. For someone who faith and trust in all of the great streak and looking for their fifth Le Moyne’s goalkeeper to Bartels was a hike makes has come from a multi-sport things New Haven was willing consecutive win against the Hannah George has been ex- me laugh today. The freshman background, with an emphasis to offer me. Chargers. New Haven has never ceptional between the pipes as version of myself was an over- on team sports, competing on a The biggest blessing in my life defeated Le Moyne at Kathy she ranks in the top five in the whelmed kid who had never high level, let alone successfully was not getting into my “dream” Zolad Stadium and has only NE-10 in goals against and save been away from home for any perform, in a single person sport school. It was heartbreaking beaten the Dolphins once in percentage. long period of time so coming was a large mountain to climb. at the time but now, sitting their 11 matchups, in 2014 when First draw for the Chargers to college was a big step. The Coach Givan was the perfect here four years later, If I could they defeated Le Moyne 11-10 and Dolphins is set for 4 p.m. on culture of the school helped me person to come into my life and go back I would not change a in Syracuse, NY. Mar. 27 at Kathy Zolad get settled quickly. I always no- made a razor-sharp sword out single thing. the University of of an ugly and stubborn slab of New Haven is and has been the Le Moyne comes in with a Stadium. March 26, 2019 Page 8 SPORTS EDITION Softball Off to a Good Start Hype-Up Songs strikeouts per full game, despite years. The senior leadership BY KENNY SORRENTINO only pitching 31.1 innings. has translated to the growth of BY NICOLE MANALL Follow the Charger BUSINESS MANAGER Offensively for the blue and young players like Fitzmaurice, OPINION EDITOR Bulletin on Spotify! gold, sophomore Melissa Bike Iodice, Bike, and Case. leads the team and is top 20 in The Chargers have just started the NE-10 in batting average in-conference play and are he 2019 New Haven (.340), followed closely by aware of the challenges upcom- TChargers’ softball campaign freshman Mya Case (.340), ing with the competition in the has been both hot and cold. and seniors Taylor Luzzi (.333) NE-10. After winning three out of five Maddy Derosia (.238) and Sier- “We have been playing and at Myrtle Beach’s Snowbird ra Whitlock (.263). competing with good softball Freeze Out, including a 14-1 In terms of offensive efficien- teams,” said Derosia. “The victory over Slippery Rock, cy, the Chargers are tops in the challenge now becomes beating the team put up a 1-4 record to conference. Scoring 79 runs off those good teams.” stand at 4-6. The Chargers have of 178 total bases, New Haven Fellow senior Whitlock ere are some great pump-up songs to get that adrenaline now won six consecutive games Hrush for any athlete or fan before or during the big game. scores on 45.95 percent of each agrees, there are some challeng- to put them at 10-6 and in first base they take, closely followed es ahead but the team has to place in the NE-10 Southwest by Assumption’s 45.90 percent. stick together, We Will Rock You – Queen Division. They also lead the NE-10 in “We have to learn from our Almost 40 years later, Queen knows how to get anyone’s blood The highlight of the season pumping with just a simple stomp of their feet and a clap of their runs per game at 5.1. Despite first 10 games. Some games hands. thus far has been the pitching this, the Chargers have left we have the offense, others the of Ava Fitzmaurice and Mia Welcome To The Jungle – Guns N’ Roses 6.2 runners on base per game defense. We just have to put the The opening guitar riff is enough to get any athlete or fan excited Iodice. Both first-year players through 10 games, something pieces together” said Whitlock. for the big game ahead of them. have started eight and six games to keep an eye on as the season New Haven will take the field respectively, and Fitzmaurice Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes progresses. again on Tuesday Mar. 26 when This song is usually played at the beginning of sporting events to has been in 15 out of the 16. The team currently has six they take on crosstown rival get the crowd standing and jumping out of their seats. Fitzmaurice is tied for first in seniors, which is the most on a Southern Connecticut State in Eye of the Tiger – Survivor wins in NE-10 play and holds Jen Starek-coached team in the a doubleheader. First pitch for Every athlete or fan has had their ‘Rocky’ moment, and this song seven complete games pitched, last 10 seasons. The most prior both games is set for 2 p.m. and makes you want to run up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Muse- um. both best in the conference. to this season was four which 4 p.m. Iodice averages above four they had in eight of the last 10 Lose Yourself – Eminem This is the perfect song to play when your favorite team only has one shot left to win the whole game. Thunderstruck – AC/DC The beginning of this song is enough to get everyone riled up for the game. Power – Kanye West Another song to get fans on their feet during an intense game, and can have them participating while cheering on their favorite team. All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled feat. Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross & T-Pain As said in the title, this is a perfect song to play right after a big victory. I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas In a bit of pre-game cockiness, this song lets the other team know that “tonight’s gonna be a good night.” Remember The Name – Fort Minor This is the perfect song to motivate athletes to have fans remember their name for all the right reasons.

Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond Freshman Ava Fitzmaurice helps lead the Chargers to a 3-5 record in Myrtle This track is often played during baseball games to keep the crowd Beach. Photo Courtesy of Charger Athletics on their toes and dancing.