Volume 76, Issue 2 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 www.liupostpioneer.com Students Comment On Subway’s Tuna Lawsuit Fine Arts Center Construction Disrupts Classes

Two people from Alameda County in the Bay Area of Califor- nia, Karen Dhanowa and Nilima Amin, made a complaint via a law- suit about Subway’s tuna, stating that the contents are more than just tuna. pg 4 Young People Leave New The Fine Arts Center building. DYLAN VALIC York in Droves Amidst CO- VID-19 Pandemic BY DYLAN VALIC hosted a majority of the music edu- “I had music classes in a ran- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF cation major classes, and housed dom classroom down in Kahn that several practice rooms for students was moved multiple times and it The Fine Arts Center (FAC) to use. didn’t have a piano in the begin- has been undergoing construction Junior music education major ning at all,” she said. “It didn’t since the beginning of the spring Julia Bremer found out that her have anything suitable for a music As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to semester, resulting in classes being classes would be moved from the class and it was ridiculous.” wreak havoc across America, states like moved from the building with no building one day before the start of Classes previously hosted in New York and California have seen a prior warning, according to several the semester by one of her profes- the building have been moved to massive outflow of individuals affected students. sors, leaving her confused about several different locations around pg 6 The FAC building previously the status of her classes. continued on page 2

ESTA Holds First Virtual Craft Fair New York Repeals “Walking While Trans” Law

BY CALEB PALMER STAFF WRITER New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo repealed a 1976 New York State law known as the “walking while trans” law on Feb. 2. The law was Fashion trends come and go rap- an anti-loitering policy that was idly. With every new day, a new one put in place to reduce prostitution, seems to emerge. but was often used to harass and pg 7 arrest transgender people. “To have a law be named some- COURTESY OF AP PHOTOS Men’s Soccer Returns thing that isn’t even that name New York community leader urges lawmakers to repeal the “walking while trans” law With High Expectations of the law is already the start of a pretty telling scenario,” senior way to crack down on the commu- the street. Arrests were most com- game design major and president nity is pretty unfair.” mon in lower-income communi- of the rainbow alliance Nicholas The “walking while trans’’ law ties. These neighborhoods mainly Frank, said. “The very loophole- gained its name from the mass ar- housed people of color, and 91 per- ish extent of this and being able to rests of trangender individuals that cent of arrests under this law were When the 2020 fall sports season got discriminate against people who would occur because law enforce- of Black and Latinx people and canceled, athletes and coaches alike weren’t doing what the authorities ment assumed they were prosti- 80 percent of the people arrested did not know what the future held believed they were doing just as a tutes as they walked down identified as women, pg 11 continued on page 4 2 NEWS The Pioneer Fine Arts Center Construction Disrupts Classes

continued from page 1 for the remainder of the semester. Students are not allowed to enter the other floors of the campus. building, according to Greenstein, despite the Students from the department have at- basement not having any bathrooms. tempted to find out information about the Students, such as freshman music educa- renovations to no avail. The university has not tion major Ally Perticone, have described feel- made any statements about the purpose of the ing disrespected by the lack of communication construction, or when it is planned to be fin- from the university. ished. “They try to represent LIU’s music depart- “They haven’t told us what the construction ment and all of our accomplishments as this is, why they started it the first day of classes, great big thing, which it is, but then they say or how we can be accommodated to take that but they don’t show us the appreciation our classes and use the facilities that we pay that they represent to everybody else,” Perti- $55,000 a year for,” senior music education cone said. “It just makes me feel disrespected major Ally Greenstein said. and not cared about.” Students have also said that faculty mem- Greenstein agrees with Perticone. bers from the department were uninformed “It makes me feel hurt, solely for the fact about the situation, and have been trying their that my senior year is being ruined by lack of best to accommodate students to the best of communication and no proper space for us their abilities. to use,” Greenstein said. “Being a senior I’m “The poor facility and the students are hav- student teaching, I’m working on a recital, I’m ing nothing communicated to them,” Bremer putting together portfolios, I need to practice said. “Are buildings literally just being taken and have my one on one lessons and there’s away from us and we’re just expected to be nowhere for me to do it besides my dorm, and okay with it.” that’s also inconveniencing everyone else who A petition started by students in the depart- lives in this building.” ment for administration to set up an alternative The Pioneer reached out to the administra- building for the students to use has garnered tion on Sunday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 15, over one thousand signatures. and received a response on Tuesday, Feb. 16 Shortly after the petition was started the that they will be responding with a statement. students were told they would be able to use the This story is ongoing. COURTESY OF SARAH KADTKE practice rooms located in the basement of FAC Music equipment being stored in the Fine Arts Center building. LETTER Letter from a Concerned Student place of stability has been ripped away from us. I do not know if the FAC The Fine Arts Center has been the main center for the Department is going to house a different Department, or else the newly announced of Music for over 50 years; every inch of its three floors is utilized, with Society of Presidential Descendants. But I would just like to remind classrooms, rehearsal spaces, recording studios, offices, music closets, those involved in the decision to tear the Fine Arts Center away from practice rooms, and more. It is so filled with sound and life that it feels the Music Department of what former President Gerald Ford had to say: like returning to an old friend’s house, even on the most stressful of “Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into days. the world around them – a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, The vast majority of our Department spend hours upon hours every and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing week inside of it. Put simply, if the Music Department is the soul, the our children with a complete education that includes music.” FAC is the body. It’s instrumental in how we as a Department oper- ate. To come onto campus and learn that not only were we, as an entire Sincerely, Department on all levels, uninformed about construction and renova- Sarah Kadtke tion; to be told that we were entirely shut out and unable to access the Senior music education major facilities that we, as students, pay for with our extensive tuition; to tell our faculty that they have to clear out the offices they have been using for half a century; to have any and all information withheld; to be carelessly shoehorned into disparate rooms inside the Kahn building as an obvious afterthought; to be kept in the dark about the future of the building and who it’s going to instead of us; and finally, to not be given any hint of an idea as to where we are going to be housed next – not only is it hateful, it is a stab in the back from the administration. How are we, as students, supposed to feel when all this is happening and then be told that our De- partment is valued and cared for? How are we supposed to feel anything but anger, fear, and betrayal? We, as students of the Department of Music, are still being kept in the dark after being evicted. In a pandemic that has thoroughly dis- rupted our rehearsals, performances, even our main courses, our final February 17, 2021 BOARD OF EDITORS 3 Dylan Valic Events this Week Editor-In-Chief Wednesday, Feb. 17 Features Editor Circulation Manager • Getting Involved: Why It Can Help Your Resume Co-Layout Editor Stand Out | 12:30 p.m. Students can join Promise for a resume building Emma Robinson workshop. News Editor Photo editor • Black Buisness Panel | 12:30 p.m. Promotions Manager The Black Student Union hosts a panel about Black buisnesses in the United States. Jillian Mehta Arts & Entertainment Editor • Second Annual African American Read-In | 6:30 Managing Editor p.m. Co-Layout Editor Students are invited to read their favorite works Promotions Manager from Black authors and lisiten to their peers. Andrew Scarpaci • Spa Night with Delta Zeta | 7 p.m. Sports Editor Students are invited to spend time with the sis- Online Editor ters of Delta Zeta Zach Taber Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor Thursday, Feb. 18 Jane Montalto • Black Buisness Panel | 12:30 p.m. Illustrator The Black Student Union hosts a panel about Black buisnesses in the United States. Zaina Arafat Faculty Adviser • Cover Letter Workshop| 6:30 p.m. Promise hosts a cover letter workshop. Staff Writers Griffin Albrecht, Steven Argenzio, Ga- briella Cavaleri, Shelley Dean, Crystal Monday, Feb. 22 Dean, Derrick Edafe, Jada Harrison, Theresa Morrissey, Caleb Palmer, • Bible Study| 6 p.m. Nicholas Rosa, Christopher Trick Students can join the Newman Club for a bible study.

Tuesday, Feb. 23

• Diversity and Golf | 6 p.m. Promise hosts a panel about diversity in golf. STAY CONNECTED

thepioneernews The Pioneer Subscribe to our newsletter. Get the news delivered to @liu_postpioneer LIU Post Pioneer your inbox before it hits the stands! Submit your emails to @liupostpioneer liupostpioneer.com [email protected] Send your feedback to: [email protected] DISCLAIMER: The Pioneer ISSN 2471-4909 (print) is published weekly during the fall and spring academic semesters. All students are invited to join. Staff meetings are on Mondays at 12:30p.m. Contact The Pioneer at: The Pioneer, Hillwood Commons, 2nd floor, Long Island University, LIU Post Campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, New York,11548; [email protected]. Diverse views are presented in The Pioneer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or official policies of the university. Copyright © 2020 The Pioneer, All Rights Reserved. All materials in The Pioneer are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without prior written permission of The Pioneer. 4 NEWS The Pioneer New York Repeals “Walking While Trans” Law

continued from page 1 according to Assemblymember Amy Paulin and the repeal of this law. should be put into other places,” Frank said. “I state Sen. Brad Hoylman, who sponsored the “When news came out about it I was very believe a standpoint of education should be a repeal of the law. According to an article from excited,” Frank said “I hope that more people requirement of understanding that people can NBC News, officers were mainly called to look start to see the joy that comes from not having be who you aren’t and still be completely valid out for women with “adam’s apples, big hands to be afraid of going places, it’s something that in who they are.” and big feet.” a lot of people take for granted.” “Not only is this so obviously discrimina- Frank believes that the education system in tory but in ways that just perpetuates an anti- America should incorporate more requirements trans culture in people,” Frank said. “To look at for learning about the LGBTQ+ community to certain people and immediately make certain help expand the protections of members of the assessments and judgements is something that community. needs to be left in the past.” “When it comes to legal action in the states, Students at Post were happy to hear about I believe a lot of the laws New York City has Students Comment On Subway’s Tuna Lawsuit

DYLAN VALIC The Subway location in Hillwood Commons

BY NICHOLAS ROSA lab. Many believe that Subway is doing this for STAFF WRITER This would contradict what Subway adver- the sole purpose of saving money. In an article tises as their “classic tuna sandwich,” which is published in the Washington Post, reporter Many people go to Subway for a healthier claimed to be “100 percent wild caught tuna Tim Carman said “in suburban Washington, for alternative when looking for a quick meal to blended with creamy mayo.” example, the price of a foot-long tuna sandwich eat, rather than going to a traditional fast food Subway’s detailed nutritional informa- at a Subway outlet costs $7.39. The same size establishment. tion ca be found on their website. Their tuna cold-cut combo sandwich, by contrast, runs Two people from Alameda County in the salad ingredients are “flaked tuna in brine $6.19.” Bay Area of California, Karen Dhanowa and (tuna, water, salt) and mayonnaise (soybean “I go to Subway once in a while,” freshman Nilima Amin, made a complaint via a lawsuit oil, eggs, water, distilled vinegar, contains less business major Mark Tedoro said. “I’ve actu- about Subway’s tuna, stating that the contents than 2 percent of salt, sugar, spice, lemon juice ally had their tuna. I thought it tasted fine, but are more than just tuna. concentrate, calcium disodium EDTA added to after finding this out I’m not going to order it The lawsuit claims that the tuna from Sub- protect flavor).” again. I would much rather pay the extra $1.20, way is “a mixture of various concoctions that Junior journalism major Jackie and actually get tuna, when I ordered a tuna do not constitute tuna, yet have been blended Schober,who goes to Subway frequently, is sandwich. I wonder how much money Subway together by defendants to imitate the appear- now concerned that they are not being truthful is saving by doing this.” ance of tuna.” about other ingredients in their food. Subway continues to claim that their tuna is Samples were brought to an indepen- “I’ve never had their tuna, but this makes actually tuna. In a statement to The Washing- dent lab to see the ingredients of Subway’s me question what is actually in the rest of their ton Post, senior director for global food safety tuna. In an email to The Washington Post, food. I usually get a veggie sub or a meatball and quality at Subway, Katia Noll said, “Our attorney Shalini Dogra said “we found that the marinara sub,” Schober said. “If one day, it restaurants receive pure tuna, mix it with may- ingredients were not tuna and not fish.” How- comes out that their meatballs aren’t complete- onnaise and serve on a freshly made sandwich ever, Dogra did not disclose the actual ingredi- ly made of beef, I would be really mad. I would to our guests.” ents that were found in the samples from the probably stop going to Subway.” February 17, 2021 FEATURES 5 The Thirst Project Joins Campus

BY LILA NOLAN STAFF WRITER

A new club called The Thirst Project has made their debut on campus this semester. This eco-friendly club has been established with the goal of making the Post community, and the world, a better place to live through environmental care. The Thirst Project meets every other Wed. during common hour via Zoom. The Thirst Projects President and business administration freshman, Matthew Cairo, came to Post this school year in hopes of making it a greener campus. Cairo was a member of The Thirst Project at his high school, and wanted to bring the clubs eco-friendly initiatives to cam- locating funds to assist the larger global scale of intrigued by their campus debut and initiative pus. This was the spark that ignited The Thirst the project as well. of a cleaner, more eco-friendly world to follow Project club. This semester, The Thirst Project hopes to them on Instagram at @liuthirst. Students with “When you help The Thirst Project, you’re spread the word of their positive initiative by questions about getting involved can direct not only giving people the human right of clean installing more recycling bins on campus. They message the account to get in touch with active and safe water, but an overall better life,” Cairo also plan to host and co-host many fundraising club members. said. events for charities. The Thirst Project is the largest youth water The Thirst Project is here to include the organization with an overall mission to end the campus community in making a global dif- water crisis affecting millions of people across ference by giving millions of people the basic the globe. From a global standpoint, they set human right of clean water. This club objective out to help the 663 million people who don’t goes hand in hand with The Thirst Projects have access to safe and clean drinking water. powerful slogan “give water, give life”. On a local scale, the club’s initiative is to make The Thirst Project encourages all who are the campus community a recycling one all while

ADVERTISEMENT 6 FEATURES The Pioneer Young People Leave New York in Droves Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

BY CHRISTOPHER TRICK STAFF WRITER

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across America, states like New York and California have seen a massive out- flow of individuals, with residents citing lack of opportunity for jobs, high cost of living, govern- ment overreach, and social climate as reasons for leaving. According to an article in USA Today, New York lost 126,355 residents between July 2019 and July 2020, more than any other state in the nation. College graduates find themselves entering Courtesy of Zippia the job market in a sluggish economy, making it “I was always planning on leaving New York at St. Joseph’s College said. “I feel like a pris- harder for them to start their lives in an already after college,” James Greenburg, a senior busi- oner in my own home. I can’t do anything, and hyper-competitive job market. ness major said. “COVID-19 was just the nail in I’m increasingly losing my mind. It’s not good “It’s really tough out there for young people the coffin. I’m happy to be leaving.” for my health.” right now,” Tara Smith, a senior public rela- Some students cite the exorbitant cost Aside from high living costs and excessive tions major at Hofstra University said. “All in- of living as a reason to explore other places government control, students also cite a desire ternships were cancelled for the summer, leav- throughout the country. to seek a slower, quieter, and less crowded way ing a gap in my resume, and lots of my friends “It’s insanely expensive to live on Long of life as a reason for leaving the Empire State. are struggling to find a job after graduation.” Island,” Caitlin Ferarra, a senior journalism “People are very loud, rude, and aggres- Some that can find jobs, however, are being major at Touro College said. “Forget about sive here,” Jamie Williams, a senior chemistry forced to relocate, much to their irritation. raising a family here. Unless you’re very well major at Adelphi University said. “There’s tons “I’m lucky to have found a job, but it’s in off, it’s hard to do that here.” of traffic, houses are on top of each other, and Nashville,” Joseph Ryan, a senior marketing According to an article in Newsday, everywhere you go is crowded. I don’t enjoy liv- major at Fordham University said. “I’ve never the average price of a home on Long Island is ing here anymore.” been there, and I was planning on staying in $480,000 in Nassau County and $365,000 in Despite all of the chaos unleashed by CO- New York after graduation. All my friends and Suffolk County. Long Island’s average property VID-19, some students still express a desire to family are here, and I don’t want to move.” tax is $11,232 in Nassau and $9,333 in Suffolk. stay in New York. Though some mourn leaving their home- Other students say they are fed up with “I was born here, and all my friends and towns behind, other soon-to-be graduates say what they perceive to be an aggressive over- family are here,” Michael Barrymore, a senior they’re happy to be leaving New York, some- reach on the part of the state government. accounting major at New York University said. thing which they have been planning to do for a “I’ve had enough of these lockdowns, mask “I’ve got an awesome job lined up at PWC after long time. mandates, and increasingly high taxes,” Chris- graduation, and I don’t want to leave. Hopefully topher Cook, a senior engineering major things will get better soon.”

ADVERTISEMENT February 17, 2021 FEATURES 7 Upcoming Fashion Trends: Will You Guess Correctly?

Photo Courtesy of Jordan Horne Shelley Dean Horne and Gonzales show off their black corset. Samant shows off her fashionable outfit.

BY SHELLEY DEAN going to be so excited to show off their outfits, everyone loved that, maybe color jackets based STAFF WRITER once everyone is vaccinated. I think lounge is on that will be a trend,” Ducknowski said. the mood of 2020 and we’re ready for some Unlike Duchnowski and Gonzales, senior Fashion trends come and go rapidly. With club fits.” Gonzales said. broadcasting major Samantha Samant does every new day, a new one seems to emerge. Like many others, Gonzales is excited for a not follow fashion trends and prefers her own Some students keep up with what is popular, world where more than just her acting class can personal style. changing their wardrobe along with the rotat- see her outfits. “I don’t partake in fashion trends so I ing trends, while others stick with their own Hailey Duchnowski, a junior public rela- cannot say exactly what the next one will be,” personal style. tions major has an interest in fashion for a few Samant said. “My personal style right now is “Sweater Vests and Corsets are very in right reasons. mostly comfort and quick. Not too much, just now, and a shift away from mom jeans into a “It’s always changing. There’s a new trend relaxed.” Samant said. high rise straight leg,” Liv Gonzales, a sopho- if not every day, every other day. Every week or Though she doesn’t follow trends, Samant more acting major said. Gonzales remembers month. Something that was popular 10 or 12 loves fashion. She is a model that gets the certain trends that emerged during the pan- years ago can come back anytime, Duchnowski chance to wear all different types of clothes. demic, naming sweater vests and corsets as said. Her appreciation for fashion runs wide. ones that particularly stood out. “I think it’s going to be a color, like brown “I love all patterns and colors, I also love Today, Gonzales describes her fashion is in right now, a lot of neutral colors,” Duch- the movement and personality of each fabric in sense as alternative girl boss. However when nowski said. She is excited about this and a garment, some fabrics have a little more sass she was younger, her fashion was inspired by points out that she’s already taking part in this in their movement while others flow elegantly,” Disney Princesses, she said she even wore prin- soon-to-be trend, by wearing a flannel brown Samant said. cess costumes to school. shirt. Even though Samant doesn’t jump at “As I got older I used social media to figure Duchnowski’s personal fashion inspiration what’s trending, she is able to appreciate fash- out what was on-trend,” Gonzales said. is Hailey Bieber. “She can pull off absolutely ion on her own time, and in her own personal Looking forward to the next fashion anything, she can take streetwear and dress it way. trend, Gonzales imagines there will be a cir- up or down, she can take a plain white t-shirt All three students have an idea of how fash- cling back to styles from the past. “I think we and match it with anything,” Duchnowski said. ion trends are decided, whether it’s through can continue to watch stuff from the 2000s Just like Hailey Bieber inspires many social media, celebrities, or just deciding what come back into style, we will get that 20-year people’s wardrobes, Duchnowski remembers it’s going to be for yourself. No one truly knows overlap,” Gonzales said. how Kamala Harris’ Inauguration outfit has what the next great fashion trend will be, but to “I also think that party clothes will be in been making waves. these three, that’s the most exciting part. in the next couple of years because people are “Her jacket was a huge staple piece and 8 ADVERTISEMENT The Pioneer Sudoku #12519 February 17, 2021 FUN AND GAMES 9 Sudoku Word Search

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This sudoku was generated free at PrintableSudoku.com 10 SPORTS The Pioneer Tom Brady Makes History with Seventh Super Bowl Championship

COURTESY OF DEPOSIT PHOTOS

BY THERESA MORRISSEY & ANDREW SCARPACI STAFF WRITER, SPORTS EDITOR Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan Rachel Jen- secured the conversation of the greatest from kins, a sophomore marketing major, is amazed Tom Brady. Super Bowl 55 was one for the ages as for with what Brady and Gronkowski were able to “This just proves Brady is his own fran- the first time ever, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers produce together at their age and with a new chise,” he said. “I think Brady will stay until he played a Superbowl in their own stadium, as franchise. hits 10 rings then retire.” they “hosted” the reigning champions, the Kan- “I thought it was incredible how Gronk Loughlin has no doubt Mahomes is an elite sas City Chiefs. and Brady were able to recreate what they did player at the quarterback position with much The game was highlighted by a competition in New England”, she said. “It was so weird more to prove. between two superstar quarterbacks. because I always rooted against the Patriots in “Mahomes will grind even harder for the Tom Brady, six time Superbowl champion past Super Bowls because of Tom Brady and future of his career and will be the top QB in with the New England Patriots, signed a two Rob Gronkowski but now I was cheering for the league when Brady’s time comes to an end,” year deal with the Buccaneers this past offsea- them since they’re with the Buccaneers.” he said. “I think Mahomes will excel in differ- son. Brady was looking to win his seventh title, Conner Lambert, a senior broadcasting ent stats then Brady and will be known for his which would officially give him more than any major, believes that this game solidified Brady’s flexibility in the pocket.” team in NFL history. legacy to the NFL Loughlin is impressed with Mahomes Patrick Mahomes, playing in his third NFL “This game is more of an impact on Tom performance and getting over 300 total yards season, and the youngest to ever win a cham- Brady’s career than anything else,” he said. despite the production from his offensive line. pionship, would look to lead his team to back- “It showed he was good enough to bring a 7-9 “The pressure on Mahomes all game was to-back rings, which has not been done since team last season to win a Super Bowl and all sad to watch. He was trying his best to avoid Brady and the Patriots did this in 2003-2004. during Covid.” sacks from 4 players at a time,” he said. “Ma- After the Chiefs took an early 3-0 lead, it Lambert was disappointed in the lack of homes is just that good even without an o-line would become a completely one sided game display shown by the Chiefs, and feels they he was able to evade and get passes off.” from there. The Buccaneers defense played an have Mahomes no help. Although the Super Bowl just ended and outstanding game, and kept the Chiefs from “A game hyped up around these two quar- he is set to undergo minor knee surgery, Tom scoring a single touchdown, for the first time in terbacks ended up being all about the Bucs Brady has already posted Instagram stories Patrick Mahomes’ career. and Brady,” he said. “Patrick Mahomes had no about practicing for the 2021 NFL season. Tom The Buccaneers would defeat the Chiefs chance with his offensive line not blocking and Brady becomes only the second quarterback 31-9. This is the Buccaneers second Super Bowl his receivers dropping so many passes.” after Peyton Manning, to win a Super Bowl title championship as a franchise. Lambert feels this does not negatively affect with multiple franchises. Rob Grownkowski played in his fifth super Mahomes long term, as he will have many more While the Buccaneers look to retain several bowl and was able make history by breaking chances to make his mark. key players in the offseason, they are already the record for Most Super Bowls with a Recep- “Mahomes still has a lot of career left to the early favorites to be the Super Bowl 56 tion with five. Gronkowski also joined Jerry define his legacy other than this one game,” he champions. For Buccaneers fans like Jenkins, Rice as the only players with at least five receiv- said. “Mahomes is a superstar and he’s just get- the current Super Bowl hasn’t set in yet. ing touchdowns in the Super Bowl. Gronkowski ting started.” “It still doesn’t feel real, we went from not was able to reach this goal after coming out of Johnny Loughlin, a sophomore account- making the playoffs to being Superbowl Cham- retirement thanks to quarterback Tom Brady. ing major, agrees with Conner that this game pions,” she said. February 17, 2021 ADVERTISEMENT 11 12 SPORTS The Pioneer Men’s Soccer Returns With High Expectations

A members of the mens soccer team playing a match. COURTESY OF ATHLETICS

BY ANDREW SCARPACI weather patterns the spring might hold as com- the NCAA.” SPORTS EDITOR pared to the fall. After having a great season last year split- “Soccer is played in all types of weather. ting time with senior goalkeeper Matias Pesal- When the 2020 fall sports season got Our young men will be ready to brave the ele- laccia, Skoumabkis looked to improve on canceled, athletes and coaches alike did not ments of adversity,” he said. himself and maximize his role this season. know what the future held. This all changed on Coach Mordocco has high expectations for “Although I am very pleased personally Feb.1, when the Northeast Conference(NEC) the team this spring. about last season, losing a final certainly hurts,” announced that fall & spring sports would be “We have one goal in mind, get back to the he said. This year I have been working to the competing at the same time during spring sea- NEC championship match,” he said. “In or- best of my ability to improve my weaknesses son play. der to do that we need to finish top two in the and my game, so I can be ready to fill in a big Every sport will be playing shortened sea- league.” role and surpass expectations.” sons, consisting of only Conference matchups. With a lot of key players from last year This is Mordocco’s third season coaching Men’s Soccer will all look to capitalize on this graduating, Mordocco is not concerned about at LIU and second under the Sharks Division I new format. the ability for first time starters and freshmen program. Last year they went 6-2-1 in Confer- After the long wait, LIU Sharks men’s to step up and make a play a big role. ence matchups, good for second in the confer- soccer competition will kick off on Monday, “We were grateful for our senior leadership ence. They would defeat Bryant 4-0 in the first March. 8. from last season, they will be sincerely missed, round of the NEC tournament, but fell short in With all the back and forth regarding their but we feel that our returning squad have the penalty kicks to Fairleigh Dickinson University fall season Men’s soccer head coach Michael same qualities and experience to take us for- in the Championship game. Mordocco is grateful to get back onto the field. ward,” he said. “We also feel that our 14 player This year, a short seven game season for “We are just thankful that we are able to recruiting class has a lot of talent to make a each team will determine the top two seeds that practice, compete and be around each other,” positive impact immediately. We look forward face off in the NEC championship on the week- he said. to integrating them into the group.” end of April 16. The winner will move on into Mordocco believes the schedule changes are Demetri Skoumbakis is the starting goal- the NCAA tournament. a better fit for his players’ health and condition- keeper for the Sharks. Similarly to coach Mor- ing. docco, Skoumbakis is just excited to be back “It actually enhances our approach given playing with his team. the month advance before our first match and “It feels great to be back on and off the field. gives us the opportunity to get our players fit My teammates and I are working extra hard without injury,” he said. “In the Normal fall to make this season our best since COVID has season we would get three or four days before certainly changed our mindset,” he said. “Now our first match.” it is our chance to prove that we are capable of Mordocco is not concerned about the not only winning the NEC, but also compete in