The Brandywine Women’s Volleyball team beat PS Fayette at University Park yesterday to capture their first PSUAC Championship in program history. They have dominated the league going undefeated, and until yesterday, had never lost a game in conference play. They beat Fayette in 4 games taking game 1, 3 and 4. This win gives the team an automatic bid to the USCAA National Championship being held 11-4 through 11-7 at SUNY Canton in Canton, NY.
Month: October 2015
Kicking off the women’s soccer team
This year, Penn State Brandywine has its very first women’s soccer team, and playing the position of right back is junior Jennifer Lindauer.
It may surprise some to know that Lindauer came to Brandywine with no experience as a soccer player.
“I’ve played a couple of other sports, but my main one was lacrosse,” Lindauer said. “I played for school and travel. I actually missed playing lacrosse a lot, so that’s part of the reason why I joined the soccer team.”
After hearing other students discussing the upcoming team, Lindauer was interested. Soon she spoke to Bobbi Caprice, who works in many areas of our school’s athletic department, and made the decision to join the team.
“Bobbi had a lot of great reasons why it would be a good idea to play, as well as the head coach,“ Lindauer said. “I also figured it’d be an exciting way to get back in shape.”
Since then, Lindauer has had a lot of fun on and off the field with her team. She said the girls have become one big family, and it helps them to play better.
“I’ve played on a lot of teams where everyone didn’t clique together, and you can see it on the field,” Lindauer said. “Becoming so close so fast, in my opinion, gives us a slight advantage over other teams.”
Even with all of the fun they are having, Lindauer says there is some pressure since it is the school’s first year with a team. Their effective combination of teamwork and practice seem to be paying off, though, as they currently have a record of 3-2.
As for the rest of the season, Lindauer hopes to go to University Park for the championships and also improve on her own personal skills as a player.
“My goal for the season is to learn how to hit a long ball correctly,” Lindauer said. “Everyone makes it look so easy, but I rarely can get the ball off the ground unless I toe it.”
The Lion’s Eye will continue to follow the progress of the team.
Lion’s Eye Staff Writer
Brooke Byrne, bzb5183@psu.edu
Penn State Issues Statement about Vague Threats
An email was sent to Penn State Brandywine students Sunday about vague threats to a Philadelphia-area University.
The message stated:
Penn State, along with other universities that have a presence in the Philadelphia region, has learned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that there have been vague threats of violence at “a Philadelphia area University.” The FBI indicated that similarly vague threats have been made on social media across the country in the last several days. While law enforcement is not aware of any specific threat, Penn State University Police and Public Safety is closely monitoring the situation and police at Penn State’s Abington, Brandywine and Great Valley campuses will be operating with heightened awareness and diligence. Operations will continue as normal on Monday.
Students, faculty and staff at Abington, Brandywine and Great Valley should report any concerns or suspicious activity to police, either by dialing 911 or by calling one of the following numbers:
Abington: 215-881-7575
Brandywine: 610-892-1496
Great Valley: 610-648-3203
The FBI released the following statement over the weekend:
Out of an abundance of caution, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office notified local colleges and universities of a social media posting which threatened violence at a Philadelphia-area college or university for Monday, October 5. No specific college or university was identified in the posting. We encourage students, faculty, and employees at area colleges and universities to follow the guidance of their campus security officials. The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate threats of violence, and, as always, we ask the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The threat was posted on 4chan, a message board where everyone is anonymous, last Friday, the day after the shooting in Oregon. It praises the gunman as a fellow member of the “Beta Rebellion.”
Brandywine campus abounds with new construction
As Penn State Brandywine began a new fall semester, students were greeted with new construction throughout the campus.
The construction can be seen all throughout the campus, most noticeably in front of the Commons building, where right now most of the patio is a dirt patch, but will, soon enough, be a water fountain.
Other locations of construction around campus are in the walkways where the school is adding more lamp posts. Another addition to the campus is right around Vairo Library and the tennis courts. Probably not many students noticed the few stones that made up a small short cut from the walkway that passes the tennis courts and connects to the walkway that passes the library. Those few stones are now newly built steps.
Many students and faculty are excited to see what the campus has in store for the new plans. Other students are excited but also feel inconvenienced by the schools construction.
“I think the construction outside of Commons is an inconvenience because it cuts off several pathways that lead to the entrance, but overall I think the construction will do the campus good,” one senior student who wishes to remain anonymous said.
Did you notice the upgraded lounge area in Viaro Library basement? Some of the furniture has been changed along with the outdated computers, which have been replaced with new Mac computers. Talks of adding a glass wall and entrance to the lounge have also been discussed.
Another reoccurring rumor around campus is when campus residence halls will be built. Well, rumor no more! The campus just received final township approval to construct the new student housing and student union projects. The school has plans to construct the residence halls right behind Vairo Library where the woods are currently located. The residence hall will be an L-shaped building able to house 250 students with a new dining hall.
“I am really excited that they will be adding dorms to the campus, it’s just a shame that I will be graduated by the time they are built, and I will not get to enjoy all of the new additions,” senior Anna Toshtzar said.
Some students would like to see other additions made to the campus in future years.
“I wish the school would build a better place for students to hang out,” senior Justin Gomez said. “I know that Commons is a place for students to hang out, but I wish that there was a place that had more chairs to relax in and more games for students to play such as a pool or foosball.”
Only the future will tell what advancements will be made on campus in the years to come. Penn State Brandywine is constantly updating in order to stay modern and competitive in the educational arena.
Lions Eye Staff Writer
Tom O’Donnell, two5047@psu.edu
updated by Lion’s Eye Web Staff
Campus celebrates Constitution Day
The Brandywine, PSU Civic and Community Engagement celebrated this year’s Constitution Day, on Thursday, September 17, 2015.
This date commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or, by naturalization, have become citizens. In Vairo’s open-air patio, DJ Rohit Goswamy, kept the event lively with popular tunes and Karaoke. Students from the CIVCM 211 class, Adnaan Lambe, Brandi James, Brandi Johnson and CIVCM intern Yanira Rodriguez assisted with the festivities, which included a patriotic bandana decorating contest and Bill of Rights trivia game show. The main event was a “kick-off” for the campus voter registration drive, spear headed by Schreyer’s Honors student, Haleigh Swansen’s “Uncle Sam” squad. At this event, 25 students registered to vote. On-site voter registration will continue in the Vairo first floor lounge. Exercise your Right!
Lynn C. Hartle, Ph.D., Professor of Education, Coordinator, Civic and Community Engagement Laboratory
updated by Lion’s Eye Web Staff
Students react to “The Walking Dead” spin-off
When the AMC TV network and Walking Dead creators announced there would be a spin-off series to coincide with the critically acclaimed series The Walking Dead, fans were very excited yet curious as to what this series would be all about. Well on Aug. 23, fans got their first look at the spin-off titled Fear the Walking Dead.
The series is set in Los Angles and, instead of the apocalypse already being well under way like in the main series, starts at the very beginning of the outbreak in a much more populated area than the original show’s location of Georgia. The following for this show encompasses many people who have been fans of The Walking Dead since the very beginning.
“I have been watching the Walking Dead since it began in 2010,” senior Abby Wilt said. “It took me a while to get into the whole “zombie craze” but after the first three episodes, I was hooked.”
Because of the die-hard fans of the mainstream show, expectations have been high and the spinoff has its hands full trying to fill such big shoes.
“My expectations with this show will always be high, especially because I am comparing it to The Walking Dead,” senior Emily Battista said. “I am looking forward to seeing what they have in store.”
Some fans are also fully aware that like with any other show, the opening few episodes may be slow, but for good reason.
“It was as I expected,” senior Kevin Cardella said. “The episodes were kind of slow, but you can clearly see them building into large significant events. It’s also nice to see a different take to the show other than the original show.”
This show, however, takes a very different approach to the zombie apocalypse scenario. Instead of the seasoned veterans who know how to survive against the “walkers” (what this shows call zombies) in the main show, the characters of “Fear” have no idea how to handle this outbreak, or even what is going on. That, and the fact that there aren’t nearly as many walkers roaming around yet because the outbreak had just started, give it a unique twist.
“I expected the character to be naïve about what to do when approached by a walker,” Wilt said. “The thing that makes this show great is that it shows you what happened before the first episode of The Walking Dead.”
Kevin Cardella had a very similar opinion on the general population:
“In this new series they are living with the mind-set that these are just sick people who need help,” Cardella said. “By trying to help them and failing to see the danger of the walkers, people are getting infected more easily.”
With the show already renewed for another season before its first one is over, it will be interesting to see how these innocent people are forced to adapt. The spinoff series Fear The Walking Dead is on Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00 p.m. Season 6 of The Walking Dead begins Sunday, Oct. 11 at 9:00 p.m. on AMC as well.
Lions Eye Staff Editor,
Paul Alberici, paa5102@psu.edu
updated by Lion’s Eye Web Staff
Women’s Soccer Looks for Bright Beginning
As Brandywine’s fall sports’ seasons are well underway, new faces have the tough task of putting Brandywine’s women’s soccer on the map.
Penn State Brandywine has added women’s soccer to the mix. During the fall of 2014 the team played locally, but this year they have moved to an intercollegiate schedule. To accompany the new team, there are many newcomers on Brandywine’s campus and a new coach as well –Sharif Sabar.
Sabar, a Boyertown, PA native, worked as an assistant coach at Immaculata University and coached club soccer for 12 years. Sabar expects a lot this season.
“Our expectations are to have fun and build a culture around our team,” Sabar said.
Assistant Coach Takyiyah Thomas backed up Sabar’s idea.
“Our goal is to create a culture for this team and a foundation,” Thomas said.
With the season underway, Coach Sabar seems to be enjoying Brandywine thus far.
“I don’t like it, I love it, and it seems as if we’re one big family,” Sabar said. “The other coaches have been extremely helpful and supportive since my arrival.”
“I enjoy it here, and we have great facilities,” Thomas said.
While both coaches adapt to their new homes, the players embrace similar challenges. The players are looking forward to new challenges too. Freshman midfielder Ami Iannello, from Strath Haven High is excited about the team.
“So far I really like Brandywine, the teachers and students have been very supportive and welcoming,” Iannello said. “Our coaches are doing the best they can in developing the team, and it seems like we have really developed since the first day of preseason.”
This team has a lot of work to put in for the upcoming season and are hoping to improve skills and develop leadership among those who step up this year. It will be interesting to see the impact this team makes, not only on campus but also in the league as well. Developing chemistry throughout the new squad may be key to how they perform in the upcoming season. When the scrimmages come to a close, and the first games are played, Brandywine students and staff will have a better idea of how the new Nittany Lions look and what can be expected for the upcoming season.
Lion’s Eye Staff Writer
David Brown, dvb5451@psu.edu (updated by the Lion’s Eye web staff)
Brandywine Trap Club Takes Aim at New Year
Penn State Brandywine offers a diverse learning experience to all of its students. In keeping with its diversity, Brandywine also has a large number of clubs for students. One of these is the Brandywine Trap Shooting Club.
The Trap Shooting Club gives Penn State students the thrilling experience of learning about the game of trap shooting and master some key terms used within the sport such as pigeon, traphouse and no-bird.
Each new member is given special instructions on firearm safety and how to properly handle the firearm. Safety is a number one priority with the Trap Shooting Club, which is why they always have trained monitors standing by to assist members with questions or concerns.
The club welcomes members of all skill levels, from novice to expert and does not require that all of its members own a gun.
“It is beneficial if you have your own gun, however, we normally have extras on hand. The officers and sometimes other members allow those without their own gun to borrow theirs for a few rounds,” club president Carlie Swallow said.
Although trap club does not require members to own their own gun, there are only two types of guns allowed. The first is a 12-gauge shotgun and the second is a 20-gauge shotgun. The 12 and 20 represent the size of the shotgun shell; the higher the gauge the smaller the shell, and the smaller the gauge the larger the shell.
Currently, the club does not require members to pay a fee to shoot, but that may change. Members are required to wear eye and ear protection to ensure their safety. Other equipment that members may be interested in purchasing includes a shooting vest or shell bag.
In the past, the club has not competed against other schools. Given the number of members and strong interest, the club hopes that they will be able to compete soon.
There are a few mandatory meetings on campus for both officers and members to discuss upcoming shoots and address concerns. In addition to mandatory meetings, the club takes attendance one week prior to a shoot. The club uses the attendance records to estimate how many people will be there, how much ammo they will need to purchase before the shoot, and if they will need to borrow extra guns from Delaware County Sportsmen.
The trap club meets on the second, fourth and fifth Sunday of each month at noon at Delaware County Sportsmen—just 10 minutes from the Brandywine campus. To learn more or if you’re interested in joining the Trap Shooting Club, please feel free to email the club president Carlie Swallow at CAS6102@psu.edu or call 484-682-8372.
Lions Eye Staff Writer
Tom O’Donnell, two5047@psu.edu
updated by Lion’s Eye Web Staff
Brandywine’s Men’s Soccer Full of Life After Much Needed First Win
David Brown, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, dvb5451@psu.edu
Starting the season 0-3, Brandywine’s Men’s Soccer looked to prove they still have winning expectations.
The first match playing Cabrini College was a close one, ending at a 3-1 win for Cabrini. After an early score, Cabrini put one in the back of the net for the lead. In the second half, Cabrini again scored, making it 2-0 with Brandywine on their heels. Answering back, #26, Nick Abhulimen scored in the box, cutting the lead 2-1. Only four minutes later Cabrini scored to advance their lead and eventually win 3-1.
Cabrini out-shot Brandywine 22-13, highlighting Brandywine goalkeeper, Pat O’Neill’s solid performance with five saves.
After that close match between Cabrini College and our Nittany Lions, the men’s team was defeated by both Washington Adventist University (0-3), and West Virginia Tech (0-9), getting out-scored 0-12, putting the struggling Lions in desperation for a win.
On the road, Penn State Brandywine would face the University of Valley Forge—looking to get their first win of the season.
The first twelve minutes of the match, Brandywine and Valley Forge came out hot, shooting six times with saves by both goalkeepers. Finally, in the thirteenth minute, #9, freshman Dan Tyler shot one past goalkeeper Alan Vera for his first goal as a Nittany Lion, and to take the lead 1-0 over Valley Forge.
Leaving the first half, Brandywine led 1-0 and looked to take more of a lead heading into the second half. Only two minutes into the second half, Valley Forge would draw the match at 1-1 for the time being.
With many shots from Brandywine’s #9 Dan Tyler and #14 Mannie Amine, they were able to assist #12 freshman Josh Burton to once again take the lead for the lions in the 55th minute.
After multiple substitutions and fouls by both teams, Brandywine and Valley Forge battled for 20 minutes until the final blow from #17 freshman Fornodson Pierre clinching the victory over Valley Forge 3-1 in favor of Brandywine.
Freshman Dan Tyler led the Nittany Lions with one goal and two assists, with Josh Burton and Fernodson Pierre with a goal each for their first collegiate goals for the Lions. Goalkeeper Pat O’Neill managed to stop both shots he faced early in the match, and freshman goalkeeper Joe Opdenaker was able to finish the match with four saves in the last 45 minutes.
This victory was much needed for the Lions and they hope to carry this new momentum into their upcoming matches.
Lion’s Eye Staff Writer
David Brown, dvb5451@psu.edu
Welcome Newcomers
Out with the old, in with the new.
Welcoming the freshman class of 2019, Brandywine was all about making them feel at home. Tons of festivities took place around campus, from reptile excursions to game shows. There was even a live reggae band sharing some of their traditional food and music with us.
The first year of college can be overwhelming to freshman because of the new curriculum they are about to experience. Brandywine put together a special week just for the freshman so they could feel at home.
On their first day of college, the freshman were excited for the delicious island food at the welcome back BBQ, where they caught a break from their classes. A long line of hungry students waited for the curry chicken and white rice, beef patties and jerk chicken. Many danced around to the reggae band, putting their own culture twist on the famous song, Earned It from the movie 50 Shades of Grey.
Looking around one could see everybody was in a good mood, catching up with friends, and some even making new ones. Even though it was uncomfortably hot outside, everyone was distracted by the fun they were having.
On Tuesday, August 25, the Think Fast game show took place in Commons. This was another campus activity that received a lot of freshman participation.
“I thought the game show we had here on campus was very entertaining and I learned a lot about different actors, music and even the world,” freshman accounting major Sabria Williams said.
There was a $200 cash prize for the winner at the end of the game.
“No I didn’t participate because of the prize, but knowing what the prize was made me more engaged in the game,” Williams said.
There were other students who looked like they still enjoyed the game even though they didn’t win the prize either.
By Friday afternoon, it was a beautiful day but campus was really quiet. Brandywine had a lot to offer for our incoming freshmen during welcome week.
Now that the fun is over, it’s time to get focused and worry about maintaining those “A” grades. Good luck!
Lion’s Eye Staff Writer
Deja Footes, dmf5475@psu.edu