Brandywine Softball: 2016 Preview

Brian Bosco, Lions Eye Editor, bwb5310@psu.edu

The Penn State Brandywine softball team is returning to defend its championship title in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC).

In just their second season as a varsity program, head coach Mark Caserta led Brandywine to a 23-12 record and its first PSUAC championship.  The Brandywine Lady Lions won all 18 of their games against league competition, while outscoring opponents 220-51 during those contests.  The women are eager to show the league they can do it again.

This season there will be six returning players, two of whom were named All-Americans as freshman.  The All-American duo of Katie DeStefano and Katy Steffen helped lead the team to the championship last season, and they look to forward to everyone gunning for them as Caserta said.

DeStefano was also PSUAC Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year for 2015, with seven starts against league competition, and posted a perfect 7-0 record with a 1.02 earned run average and 54 strikeouts in 41.0 innings.  On the offensive side of the All-American duo is Steffen.  The first baseman registered a team best eight home runs, 51 RBI, and had a batting average of .377 with 24 extra-base hits.  The two have been working hard to be even better this year, and will help elevate their overall team play.

Entering the 2016 season, the Lady Lions are down seven players from 2015.  Last year’s starting shortstop and centerfielder, players named USCAA All-Americans, did not return to the team this year because of personal issues.  This has created some question marks in the lineup.

However, the Lady Lions welcomed seven new players, including two pitchers who are dedicated to help out DeStefano.  Having multiple pitchers with different strengths is another asset this team has lacked in years past.  Each of the seven players brought in are hoping to make a positive impact on the starting lineup.

“One of the strengths of this year’s team is going to be how versatile each player is,” Caserta said.  “There will be lots of options for me as each position will be interchangeable.”

Key matchups for the Lady Lions include conference games against Hazelton and Schuylkill.  Penn State Hazleton won the championship in 2014 and gave Brandywine a run for its money in the playoffs last season.  Penn State Schuylkill will also be a matchup that will be tough as they qualified for the national United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) tournament last season.
Caserta had some interesting insight as to how a softball season can go.

“Every year could be different, one year a team could be bad, but the next they could have a pitcher that could turn the whole team around,” Caserta said.

All-in-all, the 2016 Brandywine softball team will be a force to be reckoned with.  Having a great core of upperclassman leadership, along with adding dedicated freshman, will help this team have the depth they need to go all the way.  These women are seeking a championship from pitch number one.

Speed Networking with Alumni

By: Sharifa Small, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sns161@psu.edu

One way for college students to learn about what the real world has to offer is to network and connect with alumni.

Penn State Brandywine’s Career Services collaborated with the Student Government Association, Blue and White Society and University Relations to host the annual Speed Networking with Alumni event on February 24.

The purpose of the event was for students to get a better understanding of and experience with networking. By practicing networking, students may feel more comfortable when engaging in two-way dialogue.

Olivia Shiner, a junior business management major and the President of S.G.A., was one of the many people who made the event a success.

“This event offers an excellent opportunity to make contact with people from Penn State and within the local area,” Shiner said. “Because of the past speed networking events, I have met many alumni. Plus, I know at least three people and myself who have worked with alumni after the event.”

Shiner believes networking is essential and once students start talking to people, they will realize what they have in common and how others can help in a job search.

How it worked

The networking event took place in the Tomezsko Lounge during common hour.  The lounge was staged as a coffee house; refreshments, lunch and music were available. There were 27 students and 14 alumni in attendance. Each alum was assigned to a numbered table and each student received a number upon arrival, which placed them as a group.

The group consisted of one alumni and two to three students. For the first half of the event, and at the sound of a bell, participants were able to take turns asking questions and delivering their elevator pitches. Each session was timed, so students rotated to the a new alum’s table every four minutes.

Photo by: Sharifa Small
Photo by: Sharifa Small

Observing the success of the event, and one of the many people in charge was Christine Allen, the Career Services Coordinator.

“Feedback from both students and alumni was very positive,” Allen said.  “Students were primarily from two Internship Prep classes, (BA 420 and CNED 280) but student leaders opened the event to all students. Many connections were made for potential opportunities and students are better prepared and more confident as they prepare for Career Days on March 1st and March 24th.”

Denita Wright Watson, Penn State Great Valley’s Academic Program Manager, said she loves participating and been to several of these events.

“I think it was a great event,” Watson said.  “The students were very well prepared, and they asked thoughtful and insightful questions and were very receptive to receiving advice. One thing that stood out to me was the way in which the students traveled in pairs to each station. I think it allowed them to offer support to each other. What I noticed in some of the groupings is that one person might have been nervous. However, the person they were paired with was very reassuring in making the person feel more comfortable by nodding and smiling.”

Virginia Harrison, Penn State Brandywine Assistant Director of Development and Blue and White Society Adviser, said she enjoyed seeing Penn Staters connect.

“The Speed Networking event at Brandywine was an excellent opportunity for alumni to be mentors,” Harrison said.  “It also gave them a chance to come back to campus and remember their time here.

Career Day will be held March 1 and 24; March Madness/Resumania will be held on March 21 and 22 to help students prepare. For more information or a list of all the events, visit www.bw.psu.edu/acs-events-fairs, or stop by Career Services located in 104 Main Building.

Men’s Basketball Outhustled by Penn State York

By: Erin Dolan, Lion’s Eye Writer, evd5158@psu.edu

The Penn State York men’s basketball team defeated Penn State Brandywine 91-69 on January 30.

From tip-off, Penn State York’s momentum and speed outhustled was evident.  In the first half, Brandywine shot 20 percent from the field verses York’s 62.1 percent.  Missing shots and being outrebounded impacted the team mentally.

Omar Richburg, Brandywine men’s basketball coach, explained what went wrong.

“It appeared there was a lack of energy and passion,” Richburg said.

In addition, within the first ten minutes of the game, both teams were in foul trouble. York racked up 12 fouls, but shot 11 for 13 from the line, while Brandywine racked up ten fouls and went 9 for 17 from the line.

By the end of the first half, York led 53-24. In the second half, Terrance Quinn, Brandywine’s guard, came out strong shooting two 3-pointers. The team’s momentum picked up, but could not be sustained. With five minutes remaining, York had its largest lead — 32 points.

York’s freshman duo of Trent Thomas and Mike Coleman led their team in points; Thomas contributed 28.

Fan Margo Gargus claimed, “Thomas was unstoppable.”

Brandywine’s forward, Marcus Turner, lead the team with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists.

“Turner played phenomenally,” Richburg said.  “The game is his first game back from an ankle injury, so he is trying to get his flow and repetition back.”

Turner’s high energy assisted in closing York’s lead. Brandywine forward Cyrie Spencer grabbed eight rebounds for Brandywine.

Brandywine’s victory against Penn State Hazleton the night before, 73-59, couldn’t offer any added momentum in this game.

“Back-to-back games were challenging because the team didn’t get home until late last night after beating Penn State Hazleton,” Richburg said. “But it’s not an excuse.”

With a 3-6 conference record, the team hopes to make a run for the playoffs as they approach their final seven games.

Richburg talked about his strategy going into a game against Penn State Mont Alto.

“We will go back to the drawing board and take a few days off to focus on the game ahead,” Richburg said.

Winning four games this season, Penn State Brandywine men’s basketball players look to improve their record by playing with more passion.

Imprint Left on Lady Lions’ Legacy

By Symantha Marrero, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sjm5946@psu.edu

Over the last four years, the Lady Lions have found success on the basketball court due in part to four particular women.

Jessy Gledhill, Jilly Gledhill, Lauren Munro and Cashae Hinton are all seniors at Penn State Brandywine. In their four year careers at Brandywine, each senior has contributed to the legacy of the Lady Lions, and each in her own way.

First, these ladies built a foundation of trust.

“On this team I have met an outstanding group of girls whom I have become close with and consider my sisters,” Hinton said. “I will truly miss being a part of the sisterhood when I am gone.”

Jilly concurred with Hinton’s emotional statement.

“I met my closest friends (Lauren and Cashae) playing here,” Jilly said. “I’ve enjoyed every second of my career at Brandywine.”

The Gledhill twins are known not only for their similar faces, but also their similar jumpers. With a combined total of 1,231 points, these sisters know not only how to score, but also how to push one another.

“It’s been a lot of fun playing with my sister,” Jessy said. “We didn’t plan on going to college together. I remember Jilly saying, ‘I’ll go if you go.’”

Although they’re both known for their clutch shots, each sister has other attributes to their game that truly stand out. Jilly arguably sacrificed her body the most out of anybody; she is believed to have taken the most offensive charges in Brandywine history, while Jessy was the one to go to when Brandywine needed to shut down an opponent defensively.

The other two seniors, Munro and Hinton, each surpassed 1,000 points this season.

Despite the fact that her quick moves to the basket and powerful rebounds are what will be remembered most from her game, Munro led the PSUAC in field goal percentage this season at 53.4 percent. She also ranked fourth in steals in the same conference.

For the second straight season and third time overall during her career, Hinton claimed All-Conference honors after leading the PSUAC in assists per game (4.7) and steals per game (3.8). Hinton also has a PSUAC Championship under her belt.

It wasn’t always about the on court success, however.

“I was also able to learn under a great group of coaches who taught me how to better myself both on and off the court,” Hinton said.

Munro couldn’t agree more.

“This establishment has provided me with so many amazing opportunities that have prepared me to take this next step in life,” Munro said. “I’m excited for what the future holds.”

The four seniors are finishing internships this semester, as they prepare to graduate in May. Graduate school could be next.

“After taking a year off, I will get my master’s in special education and hopefully become a Special Ed teacher,” Munro said.

If there’s one thing these four women absolutely agree on, it’s that their freshman year, the year they met one another and became friends, was their favorite.

Rebuilding Year for Brandywine Men’s Basketball 

Erin Dolan, Lion’s Eye Writer, evd5158@psu.edu

The Penn State Brandywine men’s basketball team is rebuilding its foundation for future basketball seasons.

The 2015-16 season has showed promise with a team record of 4-13 thus far, already exceeding the number of wins from last season’s 1-23 record. Head Coach Omar Richburg found his first year challenging. This season, he looks forward to blending the talents of veteran and rookie players. With eight conference games left, he’s pleased with the team’s 3-5 record. Richburg believes the young team shows potential, but needs to work on free throws and rebounds.

Starting center Cyrie Spencer has made a presence inside the paint. Spencer is a key returner and leads the team in rebounds (6.8) and points per game (12.9). Throughout the season, Spencer has sacrificed his position at center to work as a guard and forward. In previous games, opponents have attempted to shut down Spencer by double-teaming him.

With the previous year’s leading scorer ineligible, freshman Naifes Smalls has stepped up as starting guard. Smalls is not far behind Spencer in rebounds (4.4) and points per game (8.4). Smalls’ incomparable defensive skills have made him a crucial asset to the team.

Freshman Terrence Quinn has worked his way into a starting position after having a career high of 18 points against Valley Forge.  Quinn leads the team in free throws, shooting 75-percent from the foul line.

With three years left of eligibility, Richburg sees a bright future for Quinn.

“He has grown over past four or five games and is playing his role,” Richburg said.

The inexperience of the young team has equated to missed free throws and rebounds, and thus potential wins slipping away.  While fine-tuning their skills, the team remains focused on their main goal– the playoffs.

“Our main goal is getting to the playoffs, continuing to have a strong year, building the chemistry and culture of a winning program and staying focused and working hard,” Richburg said.

With many players returning including Spencer, Smalls and Quinn, the team has big plans for the 2016-2017 basketball season.

“Getting better, adding pieces to the puzzle, and increasing in size,” Richburg said.

Richburg remains committed to preparing the program by recruiting players who best represent Penn State Brandywine.

With the determination to excel on and off the court, the team anticipates giving Penn State Brandywine the recognition it deserves with a championship title.

Updated by the Lion’s Eye Web Staff

Involvement Fair Looks to Recruit New Students

By: Michael McCarrick, Lion’s Eye Writer, mqm5415@psu.edu

In contrast to its size, Penn State Brandywine has its fair share of clubs to interest any student; on January 19, Penn State Brandywine held its Student Involvement Fair in the gymnasium during common hour.

It is one thing to go to college and take classes, but it is better to be taking classes and participating in a club that matches a student’s interest and passion. Not only do students have the opportunity to get involved in clubs, but also they are also likely to make new friends with club members because of their shared interests.

There were nearly 20 different booths, along food and refreshments available while pop music was playing in the background at the fair. Attending the Student Involvement Fair, newcomers discovered the various clubs on campus while the others saw what new clubs were established this year.

Among the many booths were the club titans that have been a major part of Brandywine’s culture such as THON, Brandywine Events & Activities Service Team (B.E.A.S.T.), Student Government Association (S.G.A.) and Phi Beta Lambda. However, the lesser-known clubs were the ones that enrich the fair, such as Nittany Needles, Rainbow Alliance, A Capella and Anime Club.

Among the new clubs were the Badminton Club, the Musicians Collaboration Club and the Trapshooting Club. With all these new clubs arriving on campus, it should encourage students to create a club that fits their niche.

Stephanie Jones, the Associate Director of Student Affairs, was one of the coordinators for the event. Jones was everywhere trying to make everything coherent and appealing to the students.

The purpose of the fair was to, “Show students ways to engage in their campus community,” Jones said. “I hope they [the students] learned about ways to get involved and about student organizations on campus.”

The next Student Involvement Fair will take place in September and will likely be outside, making it impossible to miss. In addition, it is not too late to join a club. For more information on joining a club, contact the club leader or go to the website brandywine.psu.edu/student-clubs-and-organizations.

 

Updated by the Lion’s Eye Web Staff

Pre-Season Thoughts on Brandywine Baseball

Brian Bosco,  Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, bwb5310@psu.edu

As spring approaches, the warmer weather shines light on the coaches and players on the Brandywine Baseball team.

After a disappointing end to the 2015 season, the Lions look forward to a fresh start as they have a new mentality and are preparing for the road to a championship.  The new year has meant new players along with a pitching coach who is ready to push these players to their limits.

Head coach Bill Haines along with assistant coach Toby MacCart plan to lead the team to success, and this year they have new strategies that will help accomplish their goals. The Brandywine baseball team lost in the semi-finals of the 2015 playoffs to Penn State Beaver.  Key changes for the 2016 season were made after that loss.

“Personally, my goal is for my team to buy into the new culture and way of coaching I have developed through some minor changes,” Haines said.  “They may not even notice some of the small changes but hopefully will see the big impacts.  My goal is to always have my team come together and play together for one another.  One of my big motto’s for this year’s team is ‘STRONGER TOGETHER.’”

Improvement comes by players working together.

“If we establish a culture from the beginning with the thought of doing everything we can to be successful and play as hard as we can for every one of our teammates then we will be very successful and win a lot of games.” Haines said.

Coach MacCart is the new pitching coach for the team, and is a crucial part of this reconstruction process.

“Self-belief is the most important factor,” MacCart said.  “If a player believes he can have success, then that will provide all of the motivation to continue to improve.  If the team struggles, so will player attitudes and that will affect how we finish the season.  If we believe in ourselves and in each other we will find success on and off the field.”

It is clear that the coaching staff is dedicated to this team, however it will be up to the individual players to work on their own aspects of the game, and better the team as a whole.  With a team of mostly underclassman, it will be up to the seniors to help instill this new culture into the younger players, and ensure the Brandywine Baseball program is headed in the right direction for years to come.

 

 

From Blocking Shots to Saving Lives

By: Symantha Marrero, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sjm5946@psu.edu

It’s almost every kid’s dream to become a college athlete or a police officer. One woman in particular has a shot to fulfill both of those dreams.

Melanie Kempf, a 20-­year-­old student at Penn State Brandywine, is your average girl. She loves to listen to music, spend time with friends and family and to be active. There’s a catch—she’s a 6-­foot center who’s on the path to becoming a state trooper.

A college athlete typically plays for the duration of their time at school, which four years. Kempf’s time on the basketball court, as well as in the classroom, has been cut two years short because of her upcoming task.

The process to become a Pennsylvania State Trooper is rigorous and exhausting. Not only do physical demands need to be met, but also written exams and polygraphs are expected to be passed as well. Once these expectations are completed, the final stage is the academy, where cadets partake in hardcore physical training, in addition to police training for six months.

The physical training includes an intense amount of running, pull­-ups, push-­ups, lifting and even swimming. The police training, which will likely be Kempf’s favorite part of the time spent at the academy, includes how and when to use a firearm, how to drive a police vehicle properly, how to “cuff” people, as well as self­defense.

Perhaps the best part of the entire process is graduating from the academy and starting the first “assignment,” wherever that may be. Finishing this semester at Brandywine brings Kempf that much closer to her goal.

Kempf reminisced about leaving the game of basketball behind.

“Since I was able to walk, I always had a basketball with me,” Kempf said. “Now, it’s like I’m losing a piece of me that had always been there.”

Kempf starts for the Lady Lions and averages just under 18 minutes a game. She’s a huge factor in the team’s success. Basketball isn’t her only talent, however. She also played on the women’s volleyball and soccer teams at Brandywine.

“Mel has the biggest heart I know,” former teammate Colleen Kennedy said. “She gives her all at anything she sets her mind to. I think she’s going to make the perfect police officer.”

Ride-alongs are what sealed the deal for Kempf. After researching and being inspired by family members in the force, Kempf began going on ride-alongs and quickly learned just what it takes to be a police officer.

“Going on these ride-alongs have assured me this is what I’m supposed to do,” Kempf said contently.

From gruesome scenes of suicides to speeding over 85 MPH to chase down a wanted man, Kempf wants it all.

“This is what I’m supposed to do, protect and serve my community, family, friends, everyone,” Kempf said. “I see myself being a police officer within the next two years, ideally a PA state trooper. As long as I’m a police officer, I’ll be happy!”

Until then, she’ll settle with making baskets on the hardwood.

Don’t Be Lethargic, Get Involved

By: Sharifa Small, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sns161@psu.edu

Penn State Brandywine’s Office of Student Affair hosted its annual Student Involvement Fair on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, in the gymnasium to start the fall semester.

This event was an opportunity to showcase the organizations on campus. It was also an opportunity to meet and talk with members of the student organizations and for students to learn about the many opportunities to get involved.

All clubs, organizations, committees, teams and groups were invited to attend. This year, organizers said was a great turnout with over more than 30 student organizations represented.

The person in charge, making each involvement fair possible, is Stephanie Jones, the Associate Director of Student Affairs.

“My goal with the Involvement Fair was to give students the opportunity to learn ways to get involved in student organizations here at Brandywine,” Jones said. “My hope is that students will find something here that they can connect to that will enhance their college experience.”

One organization’s adviser believes there was something for everyone.

“I enjoy seeing all the diverse student groups on campus,” Virginia Harrison, Assistant Director of Development and the Blue and White Society adviser, said. “This is my first year as the adviser to the Blue & White Society, so when I attended the Summer Involvement Fair I was trying to get the word out about the club.  This semester, I was thrilled to see students coming up to our table to learn more about our group because they had heard about the Blue & White Society. I was also glad to have our president and vice president there with me!”

The Student Involvement Fair is a great place for students to join an organization or create their own that interests them because being a part of something on or off campus gives students a feeling of satisfaction. For more information about the Student Involvement Fair or ways to get involved, drop by the Office of Student Affairs located in the Commons building.

Doctor Who Series 9 Review

By: Michael McCarrick; Lion’s Eye Writer, mqm5415@psu.edu (updated by the Lion’s Eye Web Staff)

Whovians unite! The continuing adventures of the twelfth Doctor are shown in the ninth season of the BBC’s most popular show: Doctor Who.

While it’s the ninth season, it’s actually a continuation of the original show that began on November 23, 1963 and lasted until 1987. The show was then resurrected in 2005 and in 2010 finally spread popularly from England to America.

Those who have never watched Doctor Who but are interested in watching don’t have to go all the way back to its very first episode in 1963. Instead they can either start with the first season of the reboot in 2005 or skip to the beginning of Season 5 on Netflix or BBC OnDemand.

The fascinating thing about the show is that while it’s always centered on the main character who calls himself The Doctor, the show constantly changes stories and actors to refresh the series. The actor playing The Doctor can change because of the character’s ability to regenerate and look like a different person with a different personality.

The Doctor is played by Scottish actor Peter Capaldi who is entering his second season as the rouge Time Lord. Traditionally, The Doctor has a human companion who goes on adventures with him, and in this season it is Clara Oswald (played by British actress Jenna Coleman) who is in her final season of the show. This thirteen-episode-season will undoubtedly feature strange locations and creatures with heavy themes of science, philosophy and emotions. Admittedly, some premises will likely be brilliant hits and a few will be off-putting misses as has sometimes been the case, but fans of the show will adore them anyway.

The season begins with a ten minute prequel clip showing The Doctor in a medieval castle trying to meditate, but he’s procrastinating by forcing his friends to dig for water outside. It ends “teasing” about a battle in which he took part that made him feel ashamed.

With the season premiere it is revealed that he had saved a little boy from a battlefield of creatures who pulled their victims underground to kill. That little boy he saved grew up to be Davros, the creator of the most evil species in the universe known as The Daleks, the same race which killed The Doctor’s people — The Time Lords.

Now Davros is dying and summoning The Doctor, Clara, and Missy. Missy, previously known as The Master, is a former friend turned archrival of The Doctor who has battled for centuries over the fate of the civilizations, a villain in the same vein as The Joker, Moriarty, and Lex Luthor.

In discussions with fellow Whovians, they all agreed that Michelle Gomez, the actress playing Missy, is absolutely fantastic in the role as a psychotic and intelligent Time Lord (now Time Lady). Giving the best performance in the show, she will undoubtedly inspire thousands of Cosplay outfits at Comic Cons around the country.

After two gripping episodes of The Doctor’s struggles to save his friends and defeat The Daleks, the next adventure is another two-part story taking place in an underwater station. Here they join a group of soldiers who are being haunted by mysterious ghosts, and it’s unlikely that all of them will make it out alive. The Doctor will do all that he can to keep that from happening.

The endless saga of Doctor Who will also feature a guest appearance by British actress Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark on Game of Thrones. The series is bound to unveil unique creatures and complex characters all leading up to another wild, crazy, and emotional finale. New Episodes of Doctor Who air on BBC America on Saturday nights at 9:00 p.m.