Vol. 121, No. 16 Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021

SPRING 2021 HOUSING EDITION

Graphic by Kaleigh Quinnan Page A2 | Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 housing The Inn continues as dorm By Paul Sabini the hotel as a residence hall THE DAILY COLLEGIAN seemed to be a sensible deci- sion given the uncertainty of the Penn State’s historic Nittany Lion Inn, which has housed alum- pandemic and its ramifications. ni, visitors and students alike As far as pricing goes, living since 1931, will continue to serve in the Nittany Lion Inn is not as as a residence hall for a second expensive as on-campus apart- academic year, disappointing pro- ments, but is still priced higher spective visitors. than regular residential halls, With the coronavirus pandemic limiting travel, the Nittany Lion Neely said. Inn restructured its operations, This is mainly due to the lack serving as a residence hall and of a food service, according to classroom space during the 2020- Neely. However, the location does 21 academic year. It will continue provide added benefit, Neely said, to serve the same purpose for the 2021-22 academic year. since many engineering build- Director of Housing Operations ings are on west campus near the at Penn State Conal Carr said the Inn. Additionally, the Pattee and hotel was able to give students Paterno Library is a short walk a good place to be during an un- away. usual year. “The Inn provided an opportu- Each room that houses a stu- nity to provide students with an Josie Chen/Collegian file photo dent will remain quite similar to amazing residence hall experi- The Nittany Lion Inn has been a staple of Penn State’s campus for almost 100 years. the layout of the old guestrooms, ence,” Carr said. a residence hall. Quarantine for Despite living close to Penn Yin (sophomore-chemical en- Neely said, leaving all of the exist- Current and future residents of students is located in Eastview State, she said she made the gineering) is doing a co-op next ing furniture such as desks, clos- the Nittany Lion Inn experience Terrace residence halls. journey with her son, Dean, and spring semester, and living on ets and chairs. the same hotel that former first For the next academic year, the enjoyed the amenities the Inn will campus in the Inn presents “an lady Eleanor Roosevelt, former “One of the nice things for the move to continue using the Nit- now only provide to students for easier housing contract to cancel, President Dwight D. Eisenhower students residing here is the tany Lion Inn as a residence hall the next year. rather than an off campus apart- and famed actor Danny Devito choices they have,” Neely said, was dictated by feedback from To Keller, the “location of the ment.” She will live in the Inn dur- all stayed in during the hotel’s 90 the residents themselves. Nittany Lion Inn can’t be beat.” ing next fall semester and bow specifically in the choice of room years of existence. Keller said while there are other in the Nittany Lion Inn. All rooms at the Nittany Lion “People have really enjoyed the out of her contract for the spring. Inn are single occupancy — fea- space — it’s a great location, a lot hotels in nearby areas, such as “The environment is some- While the future of the Nittany turing full beds, individual bath- of classes are there,” Carr said. the Days Inn by Wyndham Penn thing I am looking forward to,” Lion Inn functioning as a hotel or rooms and cable television, in ad- So, at least for the next year, State or The Penn Stater Hotel, Yin said. “[The Nittany Lion Inn residence hall is yet to be decided, the Nittany Lion Inn will host 208 the Nittany Lion Inn is close to ev- is] very well taken care of, com- dition to the other amenities that should the Nittany Lion Inn de- upper-class students, according erything one could need around pared to the run-down residence regular residence halls provide. cide to opt with the former, Penn Furthermore, according to to Penn State’s housing website. the Penn State campus. halls.” State alumni and businesses will Carr, the Inn has proved suitable But even if it’s just for a year, Keller’s experience is not As the Nittany Lion Inn pre- for holding classes in its ball- many visitors said they will miss unique — many other parents pares to welcome students back have the option to return to State rooms, which are large enough the experience that came with and students come to enjoy the for the spring semester, much College for game days and corpo- to enforce social distancing mea- staying in the Nittany Lion Inn. Inn for its history, comfort and thought has been given to the lo- rate events, according to Neely. service, which can make people sures. Teresa Keller, parent of a stu- gistics of converting a space from After all, “The Nittany Lion Inn Originally, the rooms at the dent in the class of 2024, recount- feel as if they’re a member of the a hotel to a dorm — and whether is the Penn State experience,” he Nittany Lion Inn were going to ed the only time she stayed in the Penn State community. each room will undergo a trans- be used as quarantine locations. Inn. Joyce Yin, a student at Penn formation, according to Thomas said. However, Carr said they discov- “It lived up to what [I had heard State, said she had never stayed Neely, general manager of the ered students would be displaced, so much about], and it felt like in the Nittany Lion Inn, but she Nittany Lion Inn. To email reporter: [email protected]. so they chose to use the hotel as home,” she said. will for the first time in the fall. Neely said continuing to use Follow him on Twitter at @PaulSabini1. How do students afford rent?

By: Olivia Estright nal bathroom made a world of a nia, she will be living in The Leg- THE DAILY COLLEGIAN difference,” Dunshee said. acy at State College next year. Ashley Buch lives off campus Gayoso (sophomore-mechan- As college students on bud- in the RISE at State College. Like ical and aerospace engineering) gets, many Penn State students Dunshee, she said she took out a said she’s living with three others attempt to find off-campus living student loan to pay for her rent, next year, which helped lower the options that will not break their and she has a job in State College. cost. bank accounts. “There’s definitely different op- “There’s a lot of different State College provides a vari- tions for rent. I personally chose options downtown, so if you have ety of apartment complexes in- to live here because I knew I could a roommate, it will make it a lot tended for students. Depending take out a loan and afford it,” cheaper,” Gayoso said. “Also, on the location, amenities and Buch (senior-communications) look for scholarships, especially number of people living together, said. “There are more affordable ones from your hometown. A lot Josie Chen/Collegian file photo the rent varies by each complex. places to live downtown.” of times, people don’t know about After moving in a month later than planned, some freshmen are worried about be- Figuring out how to afford rent Buch said the rent increases them, and you can get thousands ing sent home before the end of the semester due to increases in coronavirus cases. may be a new experience for with each additional roommate at of dollars from them.” some students, but Olivia Dun- the RISE. Michael Assouline said he shee said she advises her peers “It just depends on your fi- thinks rent is “overpriced” in not to hesitate in asking ques- nancial circumstances and how downtown State College. Freshmen make early tions from those with more expe- much you’re willing to work to be “The real estate just doesn’t go rience. able to live where you want de- for the location and what there is “Don’t be afraid to ask people. pending on the price,” Buch said. to offer,” Assouline (sophomore- departure predictions Trying to figure it all out by your- Some students’ parents offer kinesiology) said. “It’s just the self can get scary and confusing to pay for their rent. After his realtors taking advantage of stu- students would be sent home if sometimes,” Dunshee (sopho- dad refused to let him pay, Nick dents.” By Oliver Ferguson THE DAILY COLLEGIAN there were no more Eastview more-veterinary and biomedi- Hagan said he “cut a deal” with Assouline said he has two Terrace isolation rooms. cal science) said. “The minute I his dad. sources of income, including a While on-campus students “If that capacity is filled and spoke up and asked about certain “My dad said he would pay, job at Panera and an investment have waited for the chance to all their options are taken out, things, I was like ‘Oh, OK, that because he didn’t want me work- project he started in high school. come back to Penn State, some that’s when I think you could see makes sense.’” ing so I could focus on classes,” However, he said he’s trying to wonder if there is the possibility some issues,” Waldman (fresh- Dunshee lives off campus in Hagan (junior-economics) said. focus on his school work first for of being sent home should coro- man-mechanical engineering) The Loft Apartments with two “The deal was I focus on my right now. navirus cases rise in the area. said. other roommates. She said she schoolwork [while] he pays the Assouline said he pays for his Penn State began the on- Waldman spent the fall semes- pays for rent with a combination rent.” own rent, but his parents are campus move-in process for the ter at home taking classes on- of student loans and her own However, Hagan said he works willing to help. He said he found spring semester on Feb. 9 for the line. For the spring, he decided money. in the summer and recommends that a lot of apartment complexes start of in-person classes on Feb. he would live on campus. “I work at the [Penn State] other students do the same in or- drop their unit prices to be much 15. “I’m personally a rather social Bookstore in the HUB, and when der to afford rent and amenities cheaper later in the school year. From Aug. 7 to Dec. 18, there person,” Waldman said. “I re- I’m home, I pretty much work all during the school year. “Don’t be pressured into ev- were a total of 5,052 positive coro- ally wanted to be [on campus] the time,” Dunshee said. “It’s just “Try to work as much as you eryone saying you have to sign navirus tests in the fall semester to have that social interaction, so I can have that extra money to can during the summertime so your leases in the beginning of at University Park, according to which is one of the reasons I pay off my loan when needed, and that you have a safety net when October,” Assouline said. “There Penn State’s coronavirus dash- came to Penn State in the first so I can have spending money to fall comes around,” Hagan said. will always be more apartments. board. However, Penn State nev- place.” pay for food.” “Summer jobs will definitely be They won’t magically disappear. er suspended in-person classes Waldman, a member of the Dunshee said it’s the little the best way to rack up money Be patient with it.” or sent all on-campus students things about having an apart- quickly.” UPUA freshman council, said home in the fall. the UPUA meeting to discuss ment that make it worth it. Izzy Gayoso is funding her rent To email reporter: [email protected]. Despite the possibility of be- sending students home early in “The first time I took a shower with scholarships. Although she Follow her on Twitter at ing sent home early, several stu- the fall was one of the most at- without having to go in a commu- is currently studying in Califor- @OliviaEstright. dents are still living on campus tended meetings of the semes- this spring. One of these stu- ter. He said he felt the university dents is Maggie Whalen. made the right decision in not Whalen (freshman-actuarial sending students home during science) said she wanted to live the spike in cases because it on campus this semester to get could impact students’ mental the “college experience” even if health. it isn’t a typical year. Another Penn State student “I still wanted to at least try to living on campus this spring is have that experience,” Whalen Samantha Zanine. said. “My parents are paying for Zanine (freshman-mechanical it, so why not?” engineering) said she decided Whalen doesn’t think the uni- to live on campus, because she versity would send students wanted to meet new people and home early, especially after thought it would be difficult to do Penn State decided to bring stu- that in a virtual setting. She also dents back to campus late. In lived on campus during the fall December 2020, the university semester. postponed the start of in-person “It was nice to have a room- classes and on-campus move-in mate and someone to be with until Feb. 15. all the time who wasn’t family,” If any issues with the corona- Zanine said. virus were to arise, Whalen said Zanine added that she feels she believes only students who the university won’t send stu- were disobeying the safety regu- dents home early. She said if an lations would be sent home. outbreak were to occur at Penn Whalen said, however, she State, sending students home thought all on-campus students would just increase cases else- would be sent home if the quar- where. antine space in Eastview Ter- While she feels it isn’t likely, race filled up. Zanine said she believes the pos- Andrew Waldman, another sibility of sending students home Penn State student living on- early still exists. Jonah Rosen/Collegian file photo campus this semester, said Visit collegian.psu.edu to The HERE in downtown State College opened prior to the fall 2020 semester. he also believes on-campus read the full story. The Daily Collegian housing Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 | Page A3 How to decorate on a budget By Victoria Gough expensive, but you don’t have to The Daily Collegian drop a couple hundred dollars on a rug. While Amazon and Target Your first college dorm room both offer classic rugs for afford- or apartment is likely the first able prices, I am partial to Soci- chance you’ll ever get to have a ety6, which features original art- space that’s entirely your own. ist-designed accent rugs for less However, the cinder block than $50. walls, cement flooring and blocky In dorms or apartments with wooden furniture of student hous- unsightly cement or vinyl floor- ing often leave a lot to be desired. ing, the best thing you can do is What makes decorating even buy a rug. This is one of the easi- more difficult is that Pinterest est ways to add a pop of color and and Instagram users seem to some individuality to a room. And, have it easy, with a seemingly un- more importantly, it’s much nicer limited budget to spend on their to step onto a fluffy rug on a cold college dorms. winter morning. Not all of us have money to burn on a dorm or apartment, Style your shelves sure — but not to fear. It’s easy to The way live plants brighten up create a Pinterest-worthy room a room is unbelievable. Person- without breaking the bank. ally, I am a fan of keeping flowers in my room. Freshen up your floors Cheap bouquets of flowers One of my biggest regrets of from Trader Joe’s might look my freshman dorm was neglect- plain next to their more expen- ing to buy a rug for my dorm be- sive counterparts, but they can cause I thought it would be too look absolutely beautiful in a ma- expensive. son jar on your desk. Every morning in the winter, I If flowers aren’t your thing, the Courtesy of Ellie Dunleavy was forced to step onto the cold, weekly farmers market in State Posters are a great way for students to personalize a wall and fill blank space. Students can find posters at unforgiving flooring of an unreno- College has plenty of affordable Uncle Eli’s on Beaver Avenue. vated dorm in East Halls while live plants. During the winter my roommate enjoyed a plush months, the farmers market is are a great choice for people who fragrance, Bath and Body Works Even better: Prices start at just a rug beneath her feet. open on Fridays in the State Col- might not have a green thumb. has an array of beautiful-smelling few dollars. As someone shopping on a bud- lege Borough Municipal Building. Succulents require little wa- candles. However, you can just as To display, place the record get, you might also think rugs are It also offers succulents, which ter and minimal care, meaning easily get a $5 candle from Target sleeve inside an 8-by-8 picture you can completely ignore them that smells equally as lovely for frame from the dollar store and for weeks on end. As long as you less than half the cost. hang it on the wall with a com- have a sunny window, you can mand hook. keep your windowsill full of happy Work your walls You may roll your eyes at the succulents and cacti. Posters are a staple of college suggestion of string lights, but A bonus: Terra cotta pots are dorms and apartments for a rea- there are more options out there cheap and easy to paint yourself son: They’re quite possibly the than you could ever imagine. if you want to show off your DIY single easiest way to fill up large String lights have the potential skills. amounts of wall space while also to fit any aesthetic and provide Books are another great way to showing off your personality. some lighting that’s a little more liven up sad, empty shelves and Uncle Eli’s on Beaver Avenue relaxing and easy on the eyes make your apartment or dorm has a wide variety of posters for than the fluorescent lights you’ll more cozy. any budget. My favorites are the find in unrenovated dorms. Webster’s Bookstore Cafe on vintage-looking Cavallini brand You could always go for classic Beaver Avenue has thousands posters, which run less than $15 fairy lights or Christmas lights, of new and used books for any and feature art of anything you but there are also string lights aesthetic. The used books start can imagine, including plants, with a variety of bulbs and even at $3.98, so it’s possible to get a animals and vintage maps. some that look like vines, flowers stack of books for less than $20. If you think posters are too cli- or lanterns. String lights range Personally, I’m a fan of the col- ché, framing records and hanging from $10 to $20 on Amazon and or-coded bookshelf trend. A row them on the wall can fill up wall can brighten up an entire wall. of books in your favorite hues and space while also showing off your Making your dorm beautiful shades will easily add a pop of col- music taste. on a budget might seem like a or to an otherwise boring shelf. State College stores such as daunting task at first, but with a If you live in an apartment that Music Underground (located little creativity, you can create the allows them, candles are another inside Chronic Town) or Stax of room of your dreams! Lily LaRegina/Collegian wonderful way to transform the Trax Records (inside Webster’s) Students can buy affordable, live plants to decorate their rooms at the atmosphere of your living space. both offer vinyl records for even To email reporter: [email protected]. weekly farmers market in State College. If you’re looking to splurge on the most obscure music tastes. Follow her on Twitter at @victoriaxgough. New roommates adjust during the coronavirus that could put them at risk. By Imani Williams “She never brought back COVID,” Da- The Daily Collegian vanzo said. “She was always safe.” Furthermore, Shubh Javia said he and Living with someone who has a different his two roommates have been friends lifestyle can be hard — but it can be even since their freshman year. harder during the coronavirus pandemic. Javia (junior-applied data sciences) said Some Penn State students have made adjusting to living together was initially adjustments and set rules to making shar- difficult because they were just getting ing a living space less stressful amid the to know each other’s lifestyles during the coronavirus. coronavirus. Natia Frisby, who lived in Ritner Hall “There was a lot of wearing masks in the during the fall 2020 semester, said she ini- beginning,” Javia said. tially was not used to sharing space. Eventually, he said he got comfortable Frisby (freshman-public relations) said with his roommates, and they started do- she and her former roommate had to set ing almost everything together. Now, Javia rules to ensure neither of them would con- said college during the coronavirus is “a tract the coronavirus. lot less lonely.” “She tended to go out a lot more and to He said there are no major differences a lot more parties,” Frisby said. “I didn’t in how each of them spends their time want to go to any parties because I didn’t outside of their apartment, so it was not want to take any chances.” hard to adjust. They also share the same Frisby said her roommate’s decisions friends. made her uncomfortable, but she did not Aamir Siddiqui said he and his room- know how to deal with it. mate live in a studio downtown, so they “I never brought it up because I didn’t are in each other’s space most of the time. want to make her feel like I’m imposing on Siddiqui (senior-biology neuroscience) her,” Frisby said. said it is hard living so close to someone She said it was hard to adjust to her other than family, so this was a learning roommate’s lifestyle. But, she decided to experience. He said his roommate is al- switch dorms and is looking forward to liv- ways home, so he tries to go to campus or ing with her new roommate. take walks downtown so he can have some “She’s a lot more relaxed,” Frisby said. time to himself. “We have a lot more in common.” “With him always being home, it feels Serena Davanzo said throughout col- like I can’t be there,” Siddiqui said. “I kind lege, she has not had the best luck with of just take myself out of the situation.” roommates. Siddiqui said his roommate occasionally Davanzo (junior-theater studies and brings guests over without his permission. broadcast journalism) said her first room- He said he would not mind if it were not mate was messy and another one was during a pandemic. quiet. Now, Siddiqui said the guests make him “I think we said a total of 100 words,” uncomfortable. He said he doesn’t know Davanzo said. if they have been exposed to the corona- For fall 2020, Davanzo was matched virus. with a roommate she felt comfortable liv- However, after communicating and cre- ing with. She said they would occasionally ating rules, Siddiqui said he and his room- go for bike rides together, and they were mate have found common grounds that always on the same page. made it easier for him to adjust. Davanzo said they both hung out with their separate friend groups, but she didn't To email reporter: [email protected]. worry about her roommate doing anything Follow her on Twitter at @psuimani.

Graphic by Olivia Bernoudy Page A4 | Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 housing The Daily Collegian ‘RAs are students first’ Penn State Residence Life holds mandatory RA training on first university-wide wellness day By Megan Swift “I don’t think [Residence Life] the daily collegian should advertise themselves as a department prioritizing stu- Editor’s note: The names of dents first and then [take] away all individuals interviewed for so much intentional time for this story have been changed in students to take care of them- order to protect their identities. selves,” Steve said. “RAs are The Daily Collegian has veri- students first, but taking away fied through fact-checking that designated students’ time for all the individuals interviewed wellbeing to do this training is for this story are RAs. going against that.” As of Tuesday morning, Resi- On Oct. 29, Penn State an- dence Life did not respond for nounced that three university- comment in this article. wide wellness days on Feb. 9, Penn State Residence Life at March 11 and April 7 would University Park is holding man- be intended to replace spring datory resident assistant train- break due to the coronavirus ing during the first intended pandemic. university-wide wellness day on In a semester devoid of the Tuesday, Feb. 9, eliciting mixed coronavirus, Steve said RAs reactions from RAs themselves. would come back five to seven Steve, an RA in Pollock Halls days prior to students before who wished to remain anony- the semester, and have “full mous, said his training goes training” each of those days. from 1-8 p.m. on Tuesday. Steve said he believes it James Riccardo/Collegian file photo This training will follow a pe- would have been “smarter” to Penn State’s first university-wide wellness day occurred Feb. 9. The second and third wellness days will be riod of time on the schedule des- have RAs return Feb. 6 and hold held March 11 and April 7. ignated for engaging “in well- training Feb. 7, because then ness activities” and relaxation Residence Life “wouldn’t be tak- said. “I mean, they tried. Trying in this article but asked that her having a spring break, and Penn from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., according ing away time set aside for stu- is always going to be better than name be removed from the story State allotted three days [for to Pollock’s training schedule. dents to recover” on Tuesday’s after it was published out of fear wellness]. Spring break is kind The timing of RA training on wellness day. nothing. It’s just kind of crappy.” for losing her job — has been an of like a reset, [and Penn State] Tuesday differs depending on “That day should be ours — it Zoey — who initially agreed RA in East Halls for the past two didn’t even give seven wellness housing area. was ours to begin with,” Steve to have her full name included years, and agreed that the train- ing on Tuesday could have been days. moved or executed differently. Emma, another RA at Penn Her training lasts from 12:45-8 State who wished to remain p.m. on the wellness day. anonymous, works in North “I think it’s pretty ironic that Halls and is “not that person- we’re learning and training ally bothered” by the training on about self-care on a day we were Tuesday’s wellness day. supposed to be taking [off for] Her training takes place from self-care,” Zoey said. “It’s just 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, and really upsetting that this train- ing had to be done. I believe the she and other RAs in her “su- training could have easily been pergroup” raised concerns to done in an email or another their coordinator. weekend date, but they chose to “I recognize that training is do it on the one day we had off — something that needs to hap- and it’s mandatory, so your job pen; I don’t feel like my whole depends on it.” day is taken up by it,” Emma Zoey said RAs will “probably” said. “Even though we are sac- have to wake up early on Tues- day to experience any sort of rificing some of our day off — it self-care. can be frustrating — this year “Most of us… are going to is so different, so I think we all kind of have to be flexible.” Samantha Wilson/Collegian file photo sleep in [until 10 a.m. at the lat- est], giving you only three hours Penn State’s Housing and Residence Life office is located in Johnston Commons in East Halls. RAs in East left to yourself to do what you To email reporter: [email protected]. Halls had training on the university’s first wellness day from 12:45-8 p.m. need,” Zoey said. “We aren’t Follow her on Twittter at @mgswift7. Vol. 121, No. 16 Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021

Photos by Natalie Runnerstrom and Cameron Hart/Collegian file photos Graphic by Carson Schultz Penn State leans on tradition, history in pursuit of national championship

By Seth Engle “We were drawing 3,000 peo- regular season championships by Keenan prior to the 2019 sea- “Obviously I would have loved THE DAILY COLLEGIAN ple to Jeffrey Field on Thursday and made the NCAA Tournament son, believes wearing the number to win a national championship,” nights,” Mauti said. “Part of it Final Four in three of his last four has completely changed his life- Ament said. “But you have to re- The term “brotherhood” is of- was the draw because four or five seasons with the program (2007, style off the field and his mental- alize, it’s really hard to get the Fi- ten thrown around like a lacrosse of us were playing football, but 2009 and 2010), even advancing it ity on it. nal Four, and we did that for the ball is thrown around the perim- it really gave us the recognition to the National Championship in “I can tell you as soon as I got first time in 107 years.” eter. that the lacrosse team had never 2009. that number and that jersey, a If 2019 meant anything to Penn While many sports programs had.” So, it came as much of a sur- lot of things changed for me as a State, it was the first year things and franchises throughout his- While the increase in crowd prise to the lacrosse world when player and a person,” Sabia said. really fell into place for the pro- tory have been able to create a numbers was one positive to Tambroni decided to pack his “It’s the coolest sports tradition gram. true brotherhood, many others having football players on the la- bags and head to Happy Valley, that I’ve ever been a part of.” “That year we realized we could have failed. crosse team, the other came on where the Nittany Lions were Another tradition revolving really be great,” Ament said. “But For Penn State men’s lacrosse, the field. coming off their worst season in around numbers — specifically creating a family atmosphere for The team was actually good. program history. the No. 16 — is one that takes it wasn’t going to happen unless a group of competitors who hold “When you win, it can be One thing that didn’t come as a place at the annual lacrosse ban- we were locked in everyday on a themselves and their teammates the greatest thing since sliced surprise was Penn State’s imme- quet at the end of every season. consistent basis.” accountable at all times — what bread,” Mauti said. “People want- diate improvement under Tam- In this tradition, started by At the end of the day, a national former Penn State All-American ed to be associated with winners, broni’s reign. Tambroni a few years ago, every championship was not won, and it defenseman Chris Sabia calls a and we were winning.” Only three years after a disas- player is called on by number or- was time for Ament and the rest brotherhood — took nearly 100 With linebackers, offensive trous inaugural season in the der and every alumnus who wore of the team to get back to work. years. linemen and wide receivers play- CAA when the Nittany Lions went the number before stands with “We were the team of firsts in Before Jeff Tambroni was ing a game not meant to be nearly 2-11, Tambroni led the blue and them. a lot of ways in State College,” hired as head coach, before win- as physical as football, of course white to its second conference When Tambroni gets to the Ament said. “We wanted to make ning a Big Ten Championship this new look Penn State lacrosse championship win in program No. 16, the crowd breaks into ap- sure that we left our stamp in and before becoming a national team was going to perform differ- history and only its third NCAA plause and emotions take over. State College, but truthfully my powerhouse in college lacrosse, ently than other squads. Tournament berth. “It brings tears to my eyes ev- mentality was always to take the Penn State men’s lacrosse was Naturally, this Nittany Lion Immediately after the end of ery time,” Bill Darcey said. “It’s next step.” one of the smallest programs the team played a much rougher the 2013 season, Penn State an- truly incredible.” But for a 2020 squad looking to university had — one that didn’t sport of lacrosse than the rest of nounced it would be playing one take the next step, the Nittany Li- qualify for the NCAA Tournament its competition. final season in the CAA before *** ons only got in seven games be- in the first 32 years What made joining the newly established Big The season after Connor’s fore the season was cut short by this team unique Ten conference for the 2015 sea- death, Penn State’s second in the of the event. the coronavirus pandemic. Understanding “I can tell you as was that it could son. Big Ten, the team immediately And just like that, Ament’s col- where Penn State have a nearly started to improve. soon as I got that lege career was over. men’s lacrosse be- 360-pound goalie *** Much of this improvement can gan is essential to number and that in Rich Caravel- After the death of their son, be attributed to the presence of “We gave everything we had,” fully comprehend jersey, a lot of la, an All-Ameri- Connor, who was a goalkeeper attackman Grant Ament, who led Ament said. “And I was okay with its rise to promi- can in lacrosse, at Penn State until his fatal car the team in points in his first sea- that. I was okay with hanging up nence. things changed for run out of the accident in 2015, Bill and Penny son in Happy Valley. the helmet.” Originally a ju- me as a player and goal and deck Darcey were most worried about But while the team was win- Through big wins, injuries and nior varsity sport someone at mid- keeping his legacy alive for years ning more games than the season disappointing finishes, Ament at Penn State until a person.” field. to come. prior, Ament wasn’t necessarily embodied Nittany Lion lacrosse. it’s eighth season “Those were Connor was a one-year starter satisfied with the culture and fo- By the end of his college career, Chris Sabia as a program in the kind of rough in net for Tambroni’s program cus of his teammates. he was a three-time All-Amer- 1921, the Nittany Former defenseman and tough things and earned an All-Big Ten Tour- “In terms of culture, we had a ican, sixth in career assists in Lions were listed we could take nament Team nod in the 2015 lot of guys who really seemed to NCAA history and first in points as independent from the football season. care,” Ament told the Collegian. in Big Ten and program history. until joining the Eastern College field and bring to the lacrosse But his legacy goes much be- “But I don’t think we were all uni- “Comparing our freshman year Athletic Conference in 2000. field,” Mauti said. “They were yond the crease. fied.” to our senior year — the way For years, the blue and white things we could do back then, but “I think when you lose some- The next season, the team was practice was, the way the weight was barely recognized across the [they] have since changed the one so young like Connor, your much better than any in distant room was, the way we conducted University Park campus, as foot- rules.” biggest worry is that you know he memory. ourselves on campus — it was ball reigned supreme. Of course having a number of didn’t finish his life and that peo- With the additions of Mac just so different,” Ament said. football players on the lacrosse ple won’t know him,” Penny said. O’Keefe, Colby Kneese and Nick That is, until a group of five “There’s a saying in the locker football players picked up some team was very unique for the Nit- So when Tambroni made it his Cardile, the 2017 squad was room, ‘leave it better than you sticks in the 1970s. tany Lions on the field. But the priority to implement Connor’s bound to make a huge jump. found it,’ and that’s something I With around two scholarships connections made off of the field No. 16 into the program as much “That year was a really big to give out among ten guys, Penn were the biggest difference-mak- as he could, obviously Connor’s stepping stone for us because think we all took personally.” State’s lacrosse program strug- er of all — the first documented parents were thrilled. we knew we had the potential to While his playing career may gled to bring in recruits. signs of true brotherhood in the “To end every workout, we did be great,” Ament said. “We just be over, Ament is surely not fin- However, with a few football Penn State men’s lacrosse pro- 16 push-ups,” Sabia said. “We didn’t know how to channel that ished with Penn State lacrosse players already on scholarship gram. would do 16 chants at the end of energy.” — as with any- — team captain Buddy Tesner, “In football, a team can have practice.” The next season, one who goes future NFL linebacker Jim Rose- 120 guys, but in lacrosse there are But what has been the most the blue and white “I’d be willing to go through the crans and offensive lineman Rich groups of 10 to 15 people who just long standing No. 16 tradition of hoped to continue program. Caravella — then-head coach bond,” Mauti said. “We did every- all is one that Sabia — along with its development. to bat for just about “What I think Dick Pencek was given a few sig- thing together. We helped each Matt Sexton, Ryan Keenan and But with an in- anybody on that is the coolest nificant consolation prizes with- other on and off the field, even Nick Cardile — have all been hon- jured foot sidelining part of being a out having to give up any scholar- academically.” ored to participate in: the wear- him for the entirety team, I need to stay lacrosse mem- ships. “That’s the number one key to ing of the No. 16 jersey, which is of the 2018 season, involved with the ber is once you When Rich Mauti, a wide re- success as a team,” Mauti said. passed down to one senior every Ament would have team because it is hang up the jer- ceiver and midfielder from East “You’ve got to be on the same season. to wait another year sey, your time Meadow, New York, joined Penn page, you’ve got to have the trust If the No. 16 jersey tradition to take the Nittany one large family.” is not over,” State’s football team in 1975, and faith in your teammates that does anything, it has kept Con- Lions to the next Ament said. Grant Ament he heard of his teammates who they’re going to be there for you nor’s legacy alive within the pro- level: winning a Big “Being a part of gram and beyond. played both football and lacrosse and you’re going to be there for Ten Championship Former attackman the Penn State and sought permission to do the them.” “I always hear stories of little and making a run at program is for same. But when these football/la- kids who wear No. 16,” Penny a national title. life.” “I loved lacrosse way more crosse players graduated, the Darcey said. “A boy from Little And that they did. The program, the coaches and than football,” Mauti, who spent program’s popularity quickly fad- Rock, Arkansas, wears No. 16 With a brand new Panzer Sta- seven years in the NFL, told The ed and wouldn’t pick back up until when he plays sports, and in his dium, Ament, Sabia and O’Keefe the teammates are family for Daily Collegian. “Lacrosse was nearly 40 years later. art class he made a coaster out of — who led the NCAA in goals Ament and always will be. much more fun.” trivet with the No. 16, Connor and that season with 78, including “I’d be willing to go to bat for So, with Mauti granted permis- *** an American flag.” a game winner in overtime of just about anybody on that team,” sion to play both sports by Joe By 2011, Jeff Tambroni was one With the No. 16 tradition hav- the Big Ten championship — Ament said. “I need to stay in- Paterno — along with a number of the best coaches in the sport. ing such an influential effect on would lead Penn State to a pro- volved with the team because it of other football players — people In 10 years at Cornell, Tambroni younger generations, one can gram best 16-2 record and a run is one large family, and I can still started to pay attention to Penn had turned the Big Red into a le- only imagine how it feels for the at national championship that make an impact as an alumnus.” State’s lacrosse team for the first gitimate powerhouse. players, like Sabia, who are be- ended in heartbreaking fashion time since its founding as a var- Under Tambroni, Cornell stowed the number. against No. 5-ranked Yale in the To email reporter: [email protected]. sity sport 54 years prior. won eight straight Ivy League Sabia, who was given the honor semifinal. Follow him on Twitter at: @bigsengtweets. Page B2 | Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 local The Daily Collegian The historic impact of Alpha Phi Alpha

By Nick Stonesifer Penn State student Jaylen The Daily Collegian Carr, fundraising chair of Alpha Phi Alpha, said to follow in those “First of all, Servants of all, We footsteps is an “honor.” shall transcend all.” “It’s an honor and it’s motiva- This motto is meant to convey tional,” Carr (junior-civil engi- the commitment to the commu- neering) said. “You have fellow nity for members of Penn State’s brothers who have done so much Alpha Phi Alpha — the first of to shift the lives of not only Afri- the Divine Nine fraternities and can Americans, but the culture in sororities founded in the United America. States. “Just seeing the impact that The Divine Nine consists of they’re able to have, you can only nine fraternities and sororities hope that you can have an impact that make up the National Pan- close to what they’ve had.” Hellenic Council, a group of his- Carr said he believes the ex- torically African American greek ample former members have set life organizations, founded in the leaves no room for excuses as to 20th century. why he can’t serve the Penn State Formed in 1906 at Cornell Uni- community through Alpha Phi versity, seven Black men — or Alpha. the fraternity’s “jewels” — came “If they could have done it when together and formed a study times were even insurmountably group to help minorities escape harder than what they are now,” segregation at the university. Carr said, “there’s no excuse for The study group eventually me not to be able to give back to Courtesy of Daniel Gizaza blossomed into my community.” Members of Penn State’s Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity believe following in the footsteps of figures like W.E.B. the Alpha Phi One way Dubois and Martin Luther King Jr. is “an honor and motivational.” Alpha fraternity, “If you ask any Alpha Phi Alpha which aims to Alpha today, no is giving back is and just look at the smaller “I feel as though it has made a no matter how far members get “promote broth- through its pro- picture at times and just do really big impact, especially for from college, they’ll be a member erhood and aca- matter how old they gram, “Brother’s your part in the local commu- [the] Black community, and it’s of the fraternity. demic excellence, are… they will still Keeper,” which nity — with the hopes that it can given us a network and people to “I think what sets Alpha apart while providing strives to im- snowball into something bigger,” look up to,” Gizaza (senior-mar- is that you’re always an Alpha, service and ad- say they are Al- prove the lives of Alexis (sophomore-mechanical keting) said. “It’s a lot of people which is something that prior to vocacy for [its] former members engineering) said. “I always say, that decided to join the organi- [my] joining, I didn’t really get the communities,” phas.” and their families, concept. I always heard people ‘Don’t try to be great’ because zation because they wanted to according to its whether it be as- say that they were in a fraternity TaiRe Daniel you don’t actually have to be do better for themselves and for website. sisting in upkeep while they were in college,” Dan- Since its con- of a member’s great within your four years in their community.” iel (junior-mechanical engineer- ception, civil rights icons such as home or providing companion- college… it’s a lifetime commit- TaiRe Daniel, a member of ing) said, “but if you ask any Al- W.E.B. Du Bois, Thurgood Mar- ship. ment.” Alpha Phi Alpha, said he went pha today, no matter how old they shall and Martin Luther King Jr. Zack Alexis, historian of Alpha Daniel Gizaza, president of into the fraternity believing it are… they will still say they are have passed through the organi- Phi Alpha, believes that to make Alpha Phi Alpha, said he believes was only something he would be Alphas.” zation and left their mark on soci- an impact within the community, the fraternity has made a positive a part of during his college years, ety — leaving big shoes to fill for one needs to take small steps. impact on the Black community but later learned it reaches be- To contact reporter: [email protected]. current members. “You have to take a step back at Penn State. yond college. He said he believes Follow him on Twitter at @StonesiferNick. Borough council preps for return of students

By Brendan Morgan in the fall semester. However, he The Daily Collegian said he hopes there will be an im- provement this semester. As Penn State students re- “I think it’s feasible now to do turn to campus for the spring more testing of a higher volume semester, the State College Bor- of folks,” Barlow said. “This is ough Council has taken steps to something that they’ve got to do prepare for a possible increase until vaccinations [are available], of coronavirus cases. and students — unless they have One of the main steps taken significant health conditions — was to extend the masking and are likely to be among the last social distancing ordinance un- people vaccinated.” til May, which, according to the Barlow said Penn State de- State College Borough Council serves credit overall for how it President Jesse Barlow, was was able to contain the spread in successful in keeping cases the community and ensure infec- down. tions didn’t get to more Lindsey Toomer/Collegian “Until this first wave of stu- vulnerable populations. Throughout Penn State’s history, the Nittany Lion has adjusted to the changing times since its beginning. In dents got back to town, Belle- “I’m encouraged by the fact fonte was the epicenter of the challenging times at the university, the mascot has served as an image of light and hope. that [Penn State] did do that well, coronavirus in Centre County,” and they seem to be tightening Barlow said. “Centre County their precautions,” Barlow said. was actually doing better than Despite his encouragement, every surrounding county, and a Barlow said he wishes Penn State lot of that is because it’s not just had stayed remote for the semes- The Nittany Lion’s changing role the borough, but College Town- ter rather than ship and Fergu- attempting to son — we’re all “We have to stay have in-person By Courtney Benedetto While Cornali faced some phys- thing about being the mascot passing mask- strong and stay pa- classes and stu- The Daily Collegian ical challenges during games, the was always that you are the rep- ing ordinances dents in dorms. mascot from 2011-2013, Rob Nel- resentative of Penn State when to help keep the tient and then stay “Significantly, Throughout Penn State’s lis, faced more challenges with you’re in the costume,” he said. spread down.” caring about one history, the Nittany Lion has preserving school spirit. Nel- “You literally are the university, According to they still had one served as a beacon of school spir- lis graduated in 2013 with a de- and all of your actions have to borough council another.” of the highest it, hope and optimism. gree in mechanical and nuclear reflect that.” member Deanna rates of any cam- Deanna M Behring pus in the coun- From becoming the spokesper- engineering. While this year’s lion has M. Behring, there State College Borough Council son of social distancing to tweet- During Nellis’ first football sea- made less in-person appearanc- was an initial try in spite of our ing support for Penn State sports, son as the Nittany Lion, the Jerry es, Indeglio said he recognizes spike of cases at member ordinance and the Nittany Lion mascot has kept Sandusky sex abuse case sur- the extra work newer mascots the beginning of everything that busy even during the coronavirus faced, and was fired. do to promote school spirit on the fall semes- they supported,” pandemic. “It was a pretty rough time for social media. ter, but the cases were kept at a Barlow said. In recognizing the potential most Penn Staters,” Nellis said. “I’ve noticed the Nittany Lion manageable number and hospi- Barlow said he also acknowl- hardships placed on this year’s “I just wanted to make sure to mascots really embracing social talizations were low. edged that while Penn State and mascot, a few former mascots come back to the roots and be media and using Twitter to con- Behring said she attributes the borough can make policies to shared their own obstacles as the like, ‘Alright, what is the lion’s role nect with the audience in ways the management of cases not combat the spread of the corona- Nittany Lion. in this?’” that you couldn’t do before,” In- only to the enforcement of the virus, a large part of keeping the According to Nick Indeglio, Nellis said he thought of the deglio said. “While there are not ordinance, but also to effective numbers down is the personal mascot from 1996-1998, a difficult Nittany Lion as a symbol of “posi- traditional types of appearanc- implementation of mitigation responsibility of residents and part about being the Nittany Lion tivity, responsibility and respect,” es, at least there’s still an outlet techniques. students. is balancing schoolwork and the so he made sure to attend every to be an ambassador.” Penn State has also taken Behring said she believes peo- required appearances as the lion. event he could to promote school Zach Sowa, who served as the steps to slow the spread of the ple should still be careful despite Indeglio graduated in 1998 with a spirit. lion from 2017-2020, said he was virus, including testing stu- some pandemic fatigue. degree in elementary education. In the midst of the “collegiate fortunate the pandemic did not dents, enforcing a similar policy “People are getting really tired “The other piece that over time scandal,” Nellis said he “wanted interfere with his position, but to the State College ordinance of this lifestyle that we’re leading became difficult was just keeping to shine some light on any and he understands the difficulties that promotes social distancing with people’s dreams on hold and the energy level high,” Indeglio every student organization [and] the lion is facing this year. Sowa and mask-wearing on campus ways of doing things significantly graduated in 2020 with a degree said. “Even though I was doing community organization that was and pushing back the start of changing,” Behring said. “The in cybersecurity, analytics and a lot of appearances, I still had doing something positive.” in-person classes. lack of human contact that we operations. to make time to work out for the Bringing positivity to alumni Nick Jones, executive vice really depend on for our mental With his last performance as cardiovascular piece of being the also became a focus of Nel- president and provost at Penn health — it’s really challenging the lion being at THON 2020, mascot, and I would frequently lis’ work as the lion during the State, said during a borough — but it’s not the time to let our Sowa said it was the best way to run out of hours in a day.” Sandusky case. council meeting Feb. 8 that guard down.” end his career. Brad Cornali, the mascot from “[For the] people who didn’t pushing back start of in-person Some members of the council However, the circumstanc- classes and on-campus move-in said they’re unsure about how 1995-96, said his grades senior have the benefit of being near es of the world today and the year definitely reflected the time campus or having a support sys- to was “the most prudent thing great the spike of cases may be in “tough period” following his to do given our primary focus commitment of being the Nittany tem, I wanted to bring a little bit graduation present unique chal- the spring, but despite that, Beh- Lion. Cornali graduated in 1996 of joy into their lives as well,” Nel- on the health and wellbeing of ring said it’s important to stay lenges that new lions must face, our community,” which includes with a degree in secondary lis said. “There are so many dif- according to Sowa. strong and patient. education. ferent reasons why people go to both the student community at Behring said ‘how big will the “To go out of your way and Penn State and the “broader” “I would do it forever if they Penn State and so many reasons think more creatively about increase of cases be’ is the “mil- let me because it was so fun, but why people’s Penn State experi- State College community. lion-dollar question.” how the lion can bring that en- “We were very concerned I don’t know how guys do it for ence is so meaningful, and part ergy now is going to be difficult,” “I’m very optimistic, and I’m three years,” Cornali said. of being the lion was honoring all back in December based on all really grateful to all of those stu- Sowa said. of the projections that we were He also said he ran into of those and adding legitimacy to dents and community members However, he thinks the lion seeing with the holidays im- difficulties while traveling with their experience.” who have complied with the ordi- will always continue to uplift the pending that there would be big the football team for away games. Nellis said he believes the cur- nance,” Behring said. “My mes- Penn State community. increases in case counts across Once, Cornali said a group of for- rent mascot knows to avoid the sage is to stay strong — good “The Nittany Lion is part of the nation and certainly in Penn- mer Purdue Pete mascots want- negativity and divisiveness. things are around the corner. We me and will forever be in my sylvania and Centre County,” ed to mess with the lion during “The lion is not a politician,” heart,” Sowa said. “As the lion Jones said. have to stay strong and stay pa- Purdue’s homecoming game. Nellis said. “It is a symbol of does, I’m sure it will come back Barlow said there were some tient and then stay caring about “They ended up jumping me decency and respect.” bigger and better than ever.” complaints from students about one another.” from behind, and I ended up Indeglio reflected on the mas- the amount of testing Penn punching one of them just to try cot’s role this year and also the To email reporter: [email protected]. State was doing and that they To email reporter: [email protected]. to survive,” Cornali said. “It end- lion’s past and future. Follow her on Twitter at should’ve been able to do more Follow him on Twitter at @BrendanMor- ed up on ESPN.” “I think the most important @courtbenedetto. gan9. OPINIONMaddie Aiken David Tilli Sarah Andriano Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 Editor in Chief Opinion Page Editor Business Manager Page B3 Penn State must lead the charge in sustainability

his past January prioritizes sustainability Tbrought cheerful news ends up prioritizing human- to the Penn State communi- OUR VIEW ity. ty, with the Association for As for students, we the Advancement of Sus- Penn State should aim to increase the appeal should put in the extra effort tainability in Higher Educa- to avoid waste on all fronts. tion extolling the universi- Gone are the days of extra- ty’s efforts to create a more and ease of sustainable living. gevent showers or throwing sustainable campus. away that fifth slice of pizza In fact, Penn State scored strive only for Cs, despite tion typically afforded to inaction. Our collective call- whose final destination was first out of all Big Ten uni- them being the bare mini- high-end research universi- ing is instead toward a never going to be your stom- versities in this ranking, mum to earn degrees. Penn ties. It is not and never has brighter world de-smeared. ach. We should also take receiving a score of 74.49 State expects higher of us been a rinky-dink operation, Concerning what the uni- time and solve the puzzle of overall. While such an than the bare minimum, and it should put away versity proper should strive choosing the correct bin for achievement should not be and we should likewise rinky-dink ambitions. Rath- for, it is nothing less than your recycling/trash in the overlooked, it must also be expect higher of them. er, its solid foundation on serving as the gold stan- HUB. placed into context. On the 2017 version of the sustainability must be dard for sustainable prac- Pope Paul VI once wrote: And the context is that sustainability assessment, expanded and improved tices worldwide. Through “Due to an ill-considered Penn State as a large insti- the university ended up upon. rigorous research, the uni- exploitation of nature, tution could and should do with a score of 67.88. In And the student body has versity could innovate and humanity runs the risk of better in fulfilling its com- other words, a timespan of an equally important role in introduce ideas that trickle destroying it and becoming mitments to the common three years brought with it sustaining this culture of down to both smaller insti- in turn a victim of this deg- good. Mediocrity has no an improved score of seven improvement. Students and tutions and individuals. radation.” home here and must be as points. faculty, presidents and pro- Every Penn State It’s not too late to reverse swiftly expunged as hate. Such blooming is abso- vosts, trustees and trust- campus should collaborate this degradation. The Penn While there’s no great lutely radiant in a world as fund babies alike all have a evermore closely with their State community not only shame in a C, there’s also gloomy and climate-strick- duty to build upon the foun- surrounding community and has an outsized role in lead- very little honor. The uni- en as ours. dation. Nobody enrolled or aim to increase the appeal ing such reversal, but also versity certainly does not Still, Penn State is privy employed at Penn State has and ease of sustainable an outsized capacity to meet encourage students to to all the power and reputa- a calling toward apathy or living. An environment that the challenge.

Cartoons by Kaleigh Quinnan

MY VIEW | Caitlyn Frolo If you can,you should go to

classes in person Scan the QR code to download Spotlight, the official Daily Collegian Penn State has decided to to finally return to two of chance for students to just app for smartphones. return to in-person instruc- my classes in person, I am “It is always so talk in a normal setting. tion this week after cam- excited to feel a little more much easier to Another way I feel in-per- paigning to normal for the remainder of visualize concepts son learning can be helpful ensure every the semester. this semester is in avoiding student return- While one of my profes- and understand Zoom fatigue. ing to campus sors gave us the option to terminology when I am also extremely Collegian Inc., 115 Carnegie Building, to live and avoid the in-person class if you are not excited to walk on campus University Park, PA. 16802 ©2021 Collegian Inc. work has we feel uncomfortable or distracted by the again and across Old Main received a are feeling sick (as it will be Lawn or even Pattee Mall coronavirus held on Zoom as well), I other tabs open on Board of Editors to my classes. Editor in Chief Frolo test. plan to disregard this your computer.” The fresh air and, quite Maddie Aiken Today notion as a way to break up Caitlyn Frolo frankly, the campus scenery Managing Editor marks my first the monotony of the day, will be much appreciated Lindsey Toomer mixed-mode instruction which is largely spent at my after spending most of my Digital Managing Editor class, meaning I will be desk. time in my apartment this Shane Connelly attending the class in per- This is why I am encour- class to ask a question and News Editor past month. son today and then virtually aging all students who are be recognized instantly, Jade Campos, Megan Swift Returning to class feels on Thursdays. willing and able to return to instead of using the little Sports Editor While this will definitely their in-person instruction hand in the right corner of like a great way to wrap up Andrew Destin take some adjusting and without a feeling of dread, your video on Zoom. my time as a Penn State Andrew Porterfield getting used to, I welcome but to embrace it as a It is always so much eas- student, and I hope other Lifestyle Editor the chance to return to the chance to learn in a tradi- ier to visualize concepts students take the opportu- Jeremiah Hassel classroom, because I tional classroom setting, and understand terminolo- nity to get back in the class- Becky Marcinko Opinion Editor haven’t really been on which is something we have gy when you are not dis- room and learn from the tracted by the other tabs professors who are so excit- David Tilli campus since before not done in months. Photo Editor open on your computer. ed to stand in front of the Thanksgiving break last fall. There are so many ways Lily LaRegina class once again. As a senior, this year was that attending a class in This is also a great way to Multimedia Editor definitely the furthest thing person can be largely bene- get some human interaction Jessica Cook, Ben McClary from normal I have ever ficial, especially when we that isn’t over a video Caitlyn Frolo is a senior major- experienced, and I feel as have been so accustomed to stream. While breakout ing in print and digital journalism To contact News Division: rooms and discussion and is a columnist for The Daily News, Opinions, Arts, Sports, Photo, Graphics, The disrupted as the class of learning over video this Daily Collegian Online and The Weekly Collegian 2020 seniors felt in the past year. boards are great for mea- Collegian. Email her at cmf5906@ Phone: 814-865-1828 | Fax: 814-863-1126 spring. For one thing, it is much suring understanding of psu.edu or follow her on Twitter at However, with a chance easier to raise your hand in concepts, there isn’t often a @caitlynfrolo. Board of Managers Business Manager Sarah Andriano We want to hear from you verification. Letters should be opinion is determined by its als. Penn State students write Vice President signed by no more than two peo- Board of Opinion, which is made and edit both papers and solicit Send us your comments on Lilly Forsyth ple. Members of organizations up of members of its Board of advertising for them. our coverage, editorial decisions Advertising Manager must include their titles if the Editors, with the editor in chief During the fall and spring and the Penn State community. Scott Witham topic they write about is connect- holding final responsibility for semesters as well as the second Creative Director editorinchief@ Email: ed with the aim of their groups. content. 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All The Daily Collegian and The Complaints Alex Baker include class year, major and letters become property of Colle- Weekly Collegian are published News and editorial complaints Jill Shuster campus. Letters from alumni gian Inc. by Collegian Inc., an indepen- should be presented to the edi- should include graduation year. dent, nonprofit corporation with tor. Business and advertising To contact Business Division: Advertising, circulation, accounting and classifieds All writers should provide their Who we are a board of directors composed of complaints should be presented Phone: 814-865-2531 | Fax: 814-865-3848 address and phone number for The Daily Collegian’s editorial students, faculty and profession- to the business manager. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 SPORTS Page B4 200 wins later Cael Sanderson weighs in on importance of dual meets to bigger picture By Jake Aferiat “One of the most fun times was The Daily Collegian going into Stillwater, or even go- ing into Norman back when Okla- Eleven years ago, Cael Sander- homa was pretty tough,” Reader son issued then-senior Dan Valli- told the Collegian. “Cael used to mont a challenge. have us go down there, we would He wanted Vallimont, who by do a weekend out of it, and our his own admis- teams were never outside of the WRESTLING sion wasn’t known top three, so we were bringing in for his prolific of- really good teams. fensive output, to “At the time, both of those score six takedowns in one min- teams were tough, so it was a re- ute and 15 seconds. ally hostile environment and was It was Jan. 3, 2010, and Sand- just a fun trip for us to head down erson, Vallimont and the rest of there, get a lot of team camarade- the Penn State squad made the rie and go in there and scrap.” roughly 40-mile trip to take on in- Reader also thoroughly en- state foe Lock Haven for a dual joyed the times when Iowa State meet. would take on longtime fierce ri- The blue and white was up 19-3 val Iowa, with the dual alternat- in the match by the time Valli- ing between Ames and Iowa City Eric Firestine/Collegian file photo every year. mont took the mat, and then as “We had 10,000-plus fans every it progressed, there was one mo- Cael Sanderson watches a bout during a match against Michigan at the on Friday, Feb. 1, single dual meet, that’s for sure,” ment where Vallimont and his op- 2019. Penn State won the match 25-11. Reader said. “It seemed like ev- ponent went out of bounds. In reaching the mark, Sander- ery year I was in college, it would It was at that point when Sand- that challenge, it in part helped Sanderson to reflect on the lon- son joined former coach Bill Koll go back and forth between we erson issued his challenge. propel Vallimont to new heights, gevity of his coaching career, he as the only two coaches to ever would host one year and the next “I was wrestling my match and as he finished second in the coun- readily admitted that he loves try at 165 pounds as a senior and lead Penn State’s program and and sees the value in dual meets. year it would be in Iowa, and I felt I was winning by a good amount, amass 200 career victories. like every single year, whatever and I was controlling my way picked up his second All-Ameri- “Dual meets are really impor- can honor. Sanderson, whose coaching ca- tant. I mean, I love dual meets location was hosting, they set through the match,” Vallimont reer started in 2006, went 44-10 in the attendance record, and that’s told The Daily Collegian. “There “Honestly, it was good. I need- — it’s just you’re not winning the ed it. He was pushing me out of three seasons at Iowa State and nationals in a dual meet,” Sand- the kind of environment we were was about 1:15 left when we went has gone 156-16-2 in his 12 years wrestling in.” out of bounds near our bench, and my comfort zone and preparing erson said. “But that’s where me to get ready for the NCAA since taking the reins at Penn most of your alumni and fans Besides wrestling in that atmo- Cael looked me in the face and sphere and the allure and fanfare Tournament and for the Big Ten State. are watching, at least in person. said ‘I need you to get six more He’s also the fourth active Big that came from the yearly tradi- Tournament,” Vallimont said. Plus it’s head-to-head with your takedowns’ — so I proceeded to Ten coach — along with Iowa’s tion, Reader said it’s also rein- “He knew that I had the ability rival schools in the conference or wrestle the hardest 1:15 that I’ve Tom Brands, Nebraska’s Mark forced something now that he’s to push myself a little bit further, around the country, so dual meets ever wrestled.” Manning and Ohio State’s Tom a coach — the importance of dual In what would normally seem rather than just kind of coasting Ryan — to reach the double cen- are really important.” meets. like a relatively routine bout in to a win and wanted me to maxi- tury mark. It’s a message and a sentiment “No doubt about it, fans, look a relatively routine dual meet, it mize my ability and push myself Even so, Sanderson was quick Sanderson expressed while lead- forward to those big dual meets actually served as a much needed out of my comfort zone.” to downplay the accomplishment. ing the Cyclones as well. and have a lot of loyalty to their source of inspiration and motiva- Again, in the larger pantheon “As far as the 200 dual meets, One of Sanderson’s former teams,” Reader said. tion for Vallimont. of Vallimont’s and Sanderson’s one of the wrestlers said ‘Hey, wrestlers at Iowa State is cur- “It’s on us as coaches to make The Lake Hopatcong, New Jer- respective careers, it’s a congrats coach’ after the match,” rent Wisconsin associate head sure those moments happen and sey, native had failed to place at relatively insignificant and the 15th-year head coach said. coach and former Big 12 and to put the best guys out there, the NCAA Tournament the year rather ordinary dual meet. “And to me, that just means NCAA champion Jon Reader, and to really grow the sport since before after finishing third and However, it’s one of 200 where you’ve been coaching a long time, who said some of his favorite fans want to see those big-time garnering All-American nods as a Sanderson has notched a victory, right, so anybody can do that if duals wrestling for Sanderson matches.” sophomore. reaching the milestone with an you coach long enough.” came when competing in “hostile Visit collegian.psu.edu to read But after Sanderson issued 18-13 win over Michigan. While the milestone allowed environments.” the full story.

MY VIEW | ANDREW PORTERFIELD Hogan’s return huge for lacrosse A little over four years ago, stars of the sport. Instead, it’s New England Patriots wideout about advertising names that Chris Hogan made history in a casual sports fans are familiar pivotal AFC with. Championship Go to a random sports bar in matchup with Philadelphia and ask anyone the Pittsburgh there “Hey, did you watch the Steelers. PLL bubble last summer?” With 66,829 “What’s the PLL?” fans looking on But ask the same people within the con- about Chris Hogan, and they’ll fines of Gillette likely remember his days with Porterfield Stadium, the the Patriots or — at the very veteran receiv- least — recognize his name. er turned in a playoff fran- Hogan boasts around 406,000 chise record 180 receiving followers on Instagram, already yards to go along with two more than PLL founder and Courtesy of Michigan Athletics touchdown grabs. current Atlas LC midfielder Penn State redshirt freshman Carter Starocci (left) wrestles Michigan’s Logan Massa during Penn State’s His performance helped cat- Paul Rabil’s 383,000 and the apult Bill Belichick’s club to league’s account itself with dual meet against the Wolverines on Feb. 14 as Penn State won 18-13. another Super Bowl, and the 236,000. Penn State alum won his first In other words, his following championship ring a couple of is larger than any other player weeks after his historic outing against the Steelers. in the league — and he hasn’t Hogan officially reached the even taken the field yet. Starocci eager to cement top of the sporting world by Having that presence isn’t donning shoulder pads and only important for the PLL, but sticky gloves. also for Hogan himself. But now he’ll trade those Taking finances out of the out for a stick and a pair of picture, would you rather ride elbow pads in a startup the pine for a struggling NFL himself among sport’s best team, or become one of the lacrosse league. By Ben Serfass he works, but you still have to go though we’re not on the same Hogan announced Saturday largest — if not the largest — name in an up-and-coming The Daily Collegian out there and do it.” team anymore,” Starocci said. his intention to enter his name Starocci currently boasts a re- “He’s the guy that is always in into the Premier Lacrosse sport that continues to grow Penn State’s Carter Starocci cord of 4-1 with his lone loss com- my corner and I’m always in his League Entry Draft, a now each season? may have just defeated the No. 2 ing at the hands of Indiana’s Don- corner. 3-year-old league that is the The answer is simple for me, ranked wrestler in the nation at nell Washington in the first dual “I feel like that’s important to only outdoor professional and it seems as though it was the 174 lb. weight meet of his collegiate career. have.” lacrosse league in North also simple for the man who class, but the red- The Erie, Pennsylvania, native Starocci, who is always eager America. made that decision. WRESTLING shirt freshman has used that loss as a learning to compete on the mat, has wit- Even before the move was But let’s not pretend Hogan isn’t aiming for experience and has remained nessed several scheduled meets made public, Hogan’s foot is a savior for the PLL, because anything less than its top spot. confident throughout the unusual get postponed this season. Still, already seemed halfway out of it doesn’t need saving. After defeating then-No. 2 season. he understands the situation at the door in the NFL. The league’s viewership of the ranked Logan Massa of Michi- “I know I’m the best guy out hand and has made the most of In his injury-riddled 2020 2020 PLL Championship grew gan, Starocci was named the Big there, so I have to go out there it. campaign with the New York 23% from the same event just a Ten Wrestler of the Week and was and prove it,” Starocci said. “I From his point of view, the Jets, Hogan played in just five year prior, and its marketing ranked the No. 5 wrestler at 174 have to do my thing and have fun best alternative available is games and finished with just team continues to dominate Tuesday. with it.” within his own team. one performance of 50-plus social media on timelines of Starocci’s most recent win In addition to his own hard “I’m aware of the situation,” receiving yards. lacrosse fans and non-lacrosse served as a coming out party to work and confident mindset, Starocci said. “It’s nothing new Instead of calling it quits fans alike. the college wrestling world for the Starrocci has also since received honestly, because we go out altogether on athletic competi- Yet even if the league is in underclassman, but Cael Sander- advice from Mark Hall, a former there to compete against other tion, the former Penn State good shape without the former son was already more than aware teammate of his and one of the teams, but we have the best men’s lacrosse midfielder will NFL wide receiver, it makes of the talent that Starocci pos- more successful wrestlers the guys in our room. When I want now look to make a lasting total sense for both parties to sesses and saw that translate into blue and white has produced in to compete, I just go to practice impact in the upstart PLL. join together and give it a try. a win Sunday. recent years. and I compete there.” A three-year starter for the Who knows if it’ll actually “Carter wrestled great,” Sand- “He reached out to me and he Regardless of winning or los- blue and white’s lacrosse pro- work out, but being able to dras- erson said at his weekly media let me know that it’s all good,” ing though, Starocci’s focus lies gram from 2007-2010, Hogan tically widen your audience with availability. “He wrestled one of Starocci said. “It’s one match and entirely on perfecting his craft hasn’t played organized, com- the addition of one player has to the best kids in the country at not that doesn’t define who we are as and cementing himself as the petitive lacrosse in over a be encouraging for Rabil’s just the collegiate level, but the human beings.” top wrestler in the 174 lb. weight decade. league as it continues to find its senior level as well.” Although the pair are no longer class. But if we’re being honest, place in the realm of popular According to Sanderson, teammates, the younger Starocci “I’m never satisfied,” Starocci that doesn’t matter in the sports leagues. though, that victory should not has still leaned on the elder Hall said. “I’m not going after any- slightest. have come as a shock. for guidance as his season has body. Just line them up and I’ll For a young professional Andrew Porterfield is a sophomore “I don’t think anyone in our progressed. take them out.” league that’s competing with majoring in a digital and print journalism program was really surprised,” “I’m really close to Mark, we the likes of the NBA and NHL and is a sports editor for The Daily Colle- Sanderson said. “We know just got better every single day last To email reporter: [email protected]. postseasons, it isn’t always gian. His email is [email protected]. or how good Carter is and how hard year together, and we still do even Follow him on Twitter at @BenSerfass. about bringing in the young follow him on Twitter at @aporterfield7.