ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
SINCE 1916
1844 RESTURANT NOW
OPEN PG. 3
WOMEN’S SCOCCER
KICKS OFF PG. 10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11,
2018
OPINION: Dorms too hot to
handle PG. 5
ENTERTAINMENT: Dance
crew stands tall PG. 7
LIFE : Excersice around
campus without hitting the
gym PG. 8
UPD
POLICE: No Arrest for
Colonial Sexual Assault
By JOE HOFFMAN
A reported sexual assault
on Colonial Quad grew more
complicated Friday when
police reported making no
arrests after meeting with both
suspect and victim.
The alleged incident report-
edly took place Thursday night
at 11:20 p.m., according to an
email alert sent out to the cam-
pus community early Friday
morning.
In response to emailed ques-
tions from the Albany Student
Press, Assistant Chief of
Police Aran Mull provided an
official statement assuring that
the campus was safe.
“The University Police
Department has identified and
spoken to all parties involved
in the reported sexual assault
on Colonial Quad Thursday
night and is confident that
there is no ongoing danger to
the campus community,” read
the statement. “The University
has connected the reporting
individual to support services,
and the police investigation is
ongoing. No arrest has been
made at this time.”
Staff, faculty, and students
at the University at Albany
first learned of the reported
assault in a mass email from
UPD 3:36 a.m. Friday.
The email described the in-
cident as an invitation to study
which led to a sexual assault.
‘The suspect reportedly used a
social media platform to invite
the victim to his dorm room.
“Once in his room he
engaged in sexual contact
without consent and against
FILE / ASP
No arrest has been made in the recent sexual assault that occurred on Colonial Quad on Sept. 6, according to Assistant Chief of Police Aran Mull
the expressed wishes of the
victim,” read the notification.
UPD did not respond im-
mediately to questions about
what police did between 12:51
a.m., when crime logs indicate
an assault was reported at
Herkimer Hall, and 3:38 a.m.
when the campus was notified.
The university has come
under fire in recent years over
its compliance with clauses in
The Clery Act, a federal law
which requires universities to
issue timely notifications of
crimes which could threaten
See ASSAULT page 3
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Indian
Residents
Search for
Space
By PHILLIP DOWNES
As many freshmen Great Danes begin their
fall semester classes, some first-year students
in Indian Quad are feeling extra pressure
from their crowded living arrangements.
Several students and university represen-
tatives have reported that the University at
Albany’s Department of Residential Life has
temporarily assigned students to “increased
housing locations.” This decision comes as
an effort “to ensure there was an adequate
amount of housing for freshmen living on
campus,” said Mike Nolan, UAlbany’s Se-
nior Communications Specialist.
The class of 2022 is rather large, consist-
ing of about 2,750 total students. Nolan
said the Department of Residential Life is
currently working towards a solution to this
problem, agreeing that is a priority to the
department.
The temporary assignments are desig-
nated areas in larger double rooms that are
then converted into triples. Nolan noted.
“We know from previous years that new and
returning students will change their living
arrangements during the fall semester. The
Department of Residential Life is already
in the process of identifying open spaces to
decrease the number of tripled rooms.”
This is not the first occurrence of over-
crowded living arrangements for UAlbany
students. This is an issue that does occur
frequently during fall semesters for incoming
freshmen classes, and it is not uncommon
f UAlbany’s size.
id this year there were a total of
153 increased rooms, which is down by eight
See INDIAN page 2
ENVIRONMENT
Energy Campaign Seeks to Reduce
Carbon Dixoide Usage on Campus
By JANE LEONHARDT
on reducing electricity and carbon dioxide usage. While
The Office of Environmental Sustainability kicks off
their 12th annual Energy Campaign this year with a focus
on water conservation.
The Energy Campaign is a 10-week competition between
residential and academic buildings to see who can reduce
energy usage the most. In past years, the campaign focused
this year’s campaign will include those aspects, water is the
new focus.
‘The campaign is aimed at making modifications to ev-
eryday habits that will create change on a on a larger scale.
“Ifyou see a leaky faucet or a running toilet, report it,”
said Cassidy Drasser, assistant director of sustainability.
“Apartments on campus that have dishwashers, you know,
wait until you fill the entire load before you wash it. Same
thing when doing laundry: cold water, full loads.”
These behaviors will be tracked by the new water meters
on campus. Previously, there has been a single water meter
that has been monitored to track water usage on campus.
This year, there are two meters, one for the living areas and
one for the kitchens and dining halls.
See ENERGY page 3
FITNESS
Quad Fitness Centers Adjust Hours
By STANLEY ALBERT JR.
This school year, both the Indian and Colonial Fitness Centers’
hours have been shifted earlier in response to the feedback Campus
Recreation was able to obtain from students.
There are four fitness centers on the University at Albany’s main
campus: one by the SEFCU Arena, one on Empire Commons, one at
Indian Quad, and the last in the basement of Colonial Quad.
Historically, the SEFCU Fitness Center has been open earlier than
the two Quad gyms.
The gyms at Indian and Colonial were open from 11 a.m. to 11
p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays; and
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends,
The new hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday
and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. The weekend schedule remains the
same.
See HOURS page 2
PRINTED BY THE TIMES UNION, ALBANY,
ms
JOE HOFFMAN / ASP
Hours for the fitness centers located in Colonial and Indian were adjusted this year based on usage data.
NEW YORK — A HEARST CORPORATION NEWSPAPER
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
NEWS
EDITORS: POSITIONS AVAILABLE
THEASPNEWS@GMAIL.COM
2
FACILITIES
Burst Pipe Rankles Colonial Residents,
Sign of Decades Old Infrastructure
By JOE HOFFMAN
The pipe burst that shut off water on
Colonial Quad for several hours earlier this
month was another symptom of a gradually
aging campus with infrastructure dating
back to the 1960s.
Though Facilities Management i
scratching their heads over the que:
why the 8-inch potable water pipe s
cracked open, they maintained that this type
of occasional problem is simply something
the school must deal with now and again.
“Water lines, whether potable water or
irrigation, have broken in the past, but we
don’t keep a centralized record of them,”
said John Giarrusso, vice president of
finance and administration for Facilities
Management.
knowledgeable staff who can respond to
these types of urgent repairs. A campus of
our size and age has to be able to deal with
these kinds of things.”
Giarrusso said he was unsure exactly
how much water had seeped out of the
underground pipe before the university
noticed pooling near the corner of Colonial
Quad the morning of Sept. 2.
Last October, a hot-water pipe in the tun-
nels near the Performing Arts Center leaked
nearly 20 gallons of water through a tiny
hole before it was repaired. That proce:
the University back $13,500, part of whi
was spent contracting a company to safely
cut through asbestos insulation in the pipe.
Facilities couldn’t estimate on Thursday
how much the Colonial repair cost, but
their message was clear — these occ
et
daunting idea of digging up and replacing
all of the 1960s-era pipe on the 500-acre
uptown campus.
Maintenance crew worked overtime, dig-
ging through concrete to fix the pipe before
making the area walkable again.
“The water lines are buried under the
frost lines, remain pressurized, and were
originally installed with care and proper
engineering,” said Giarusso. “They have a
very long lifespan.”
Replacing entire sets of pipes under-
ground is not commonly done unless the
surrounding ground needs to be broken up,
like excavation for a new building, accord-
ing to Giarrusso.
Esther Kim lives in the only hall on
Colonial that was not affected by the break,
Hamilton Hall. She commended the mainte-
tf :: Cis
aS
; he
“They’re trying their best, considering
the campus was basically built 50 years ago
at one point altogether,” said Kim.
In every other residence on Colonial,
students woke up to find unflushed toilets,
unworkable faucets, and an email from
Colonial’s Assistant Director Markus Ricks
informing them of the break.
Alex Walshaw said he simply went out of
the dorm for the day; when came back that
night, water was back.
“They stay on top of it. In terms of when
something goes wrong they tend to fix it
within a day or two,” said Walshaw, who
studies business, Japanese and English.
“L’ve never really had too many problems in
the time I’ve been here.”
“We are lucky to have terrific skilled and expens
re dwarfed compared to the
nance crews for their efforts.
INDIAN
Continued from Page 1.
from last fall semester. Nolan also confirmed that these
arrangements are not necessarily permanent, and that the
affected students “will be offered a new housing assignment
prior to the end of this semester.” However, Nolan adds, af-
fected students who are satisfied with their living situations
can choose to continue with their current arrangement until
the end of the Spring 2019 semester.
Maxim Voler, a freshman in Indian Quad who served in
the United States Army, was shocked by the conditions he
moved into.
“It’s honestly insane that they put us in these living con-
ditions... at basic training we had air-conditioning and heat,
and much better bathrooms,” said Voler.
Several residents of Indian Quad have shared similar ac-
counts of their time in their forced triple arrangements, and
most of them agreed that it heightened tensions between
their roommates. One resident, who requested anonym-
ity, claimed that the intense heat, the packed desks/beds,
and the bathroom situation, “prevented [him] from feeling
comfortable around [his] room-mates.”
“The university should have expected the size of the
freshmen class. If the quads can only hold a certain amount
of students, the school should have reduced their amount of
accepted students,” he added, in response to Mike Nolan’s
statement mentioned earlier.
These circumstances are not exclusive to the freshman
residents in Indian Quad. There are several “forced-triple”
housing situations in State Quad, including several in East-
man Tower.
An Eastman Tower resident, who requested to remain
anonymous to preserve relationships with roommates,
expressed her discontent about her living space.
“I would rather lose my desk to create more space than
live in my room now,” she
Living on the top bunk, she has to climb first to her
chair, then her desk, then finally the bed in a low-ceilinged
room.
“I often feel uncomfortable changing in front of [my
roommates] with such little space,” she said.
Almost all the students affected by the increased housing
situation found out about their dorm details with the rest of
the freshman this summer in July, but many believe they
didn’t understand how difficult it might be in their rooms
with an additional person and no additional room.
HOURS
Continued from Page 1.
Sarah Wolanit istant director of facility operations at
Campus Recreation, the schedule makeover was based
off usage data from the past two years as well as student
feedback in wanting the quad fitness centers to open earlier
than 11 a.m.
She believes the change will balance out the schedule
for all the facilities to accommodate as many students as
possible.
When asked about how closing earlier would affect the
students who get out of class later in the day, Wolanin
referred back to the usage data.
“We attempt to take all data into account but our 2016-17
and 2017-18 usage data revealed that more students attend
the facilities during opening hours as opposed to closing
hours,” said Wolanin, “Also, a larger demand was shown by
students to open up earlier rather than closing later.”
Students who have night classes would benefit from the
shift according to Wolanin, who said that they could now
work out earlier or go to the SEFCU gym for later hours.
Several weeks into the new schedule, students have dif-
fering views on its convenience.
Keshawn Clarke, a junior, explained that opening at 10
a.m. helps him because now he does not have to rush out
the gym to get ready for class.
“My class starts at 2 o’clock and my workouts are usually
two hours so now I have an hour gap from when I leave the
gym to when class starts, so now I can shower thoroughly
and prepare what I need for my next lecture,” he said.
Some students, like Gabriel Ramos, are unaffected by the
change since their usual workouts are in the middle of the
day.
Meanwhile, Joshua Spaulding, a senior, may have to cut
his workout short.
“L usually workout around 9 o’clock because I ended
class late and spend usually an hour and a half in the gym so
hopefully I can still get a good workout in before they close
but let’s see how it goes,” he said.
This schedule is permanent for the 2018-19 school year,
but the 2019-20 schedule will be based off what Campus
Recreation finds in their usage data this year.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
WE WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGIZE TO ELLA COSTA AND ELIJAH CASPER WHO DID NOT
RECIEVE PROPER CREDIT FOR “IS THERE REALLY ‘NOTHING TO DO IN ALBANY?’” AND
“GREAT DANES NO MATCH FOR ACC” RESPECTIVELY IN LAST WEEK’S ISSUE.
FOR 103 YEARS, THE ALBANY STUDENT PRESS HAS PRIDED ITSELF ON ITS ACCURATE AND
FAIR REPORTING. IN THE EVENT THAT A MISTAKE DOES OCCUR, PLEASE LET US KNOW
BY EMAILING OUR EDITOR. THOUGH WE HOLD THOSE IN POWER ACCOUNTABLE, IT IS
IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE HELD TO THE SAME STANDARD.
OUR APOLOGIES ONCE AGAIN TO ELLA COSTA AND ELIJAH CASPER.
theasp.eic@ gmail.com
HAVE A NEWS TIP? EMAIL US AT THEASP.EIC@GMAIL.COM
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
NEWS
EDITOR: CHAD ARNOLD
THEASP.EIC@GMAIL.COM
3
RESTAURANT
1844 Restaurant Opens to
Students
By CHRISTOPHER PAYNE
The former Patroon Room is now offering student
discounts after undergoing renovations this past summer
which transformed the space in a buffet style restaurant.
The new eatery, 1844 Restaurant, gets its name from the
year the University at Albany was founded, according to
Michael Christakis, vice president of student affairs. The
school was originally provided two-year training teachers
to help meet the demand for a growing population.
“Given the rehabbed space, additional forthcoming food
features (made to order) and that the university is celebrat-
ing 175 years this December ~ rebranding it with a greater
emphasis on the university’s history seemed timely,” said
Christakis of the decision to revamp the former Patroon
Room.
The Patroon Room allowed students to dine, however,
doing so was discouraged because meal plan options were
not offered.
“It has not been exclusively faculty and staff during my
time on campus,” said Stephen Pearse, executive director of
the University Auxiliary Services. “Although the clientele
in the past has been faculty and staff, more students have
been using and enjoying the space in the past couple of
years.”
The new restaurant is buffet styled. Students and faculty
can choose various items at the hot buffet, as well as a soup
and salad bar.
CHAD ARNOLD / ASP
The concept of the buffet themed restaurant fits all styles
of food for different ethnicities across campus.
Prices are comparable to other restaurants and gives stu-
dents with an ID card a 50 percent discount when they dine.
“There are two prices for our meals at the restaurant,”
said Anthony Bonilla, the supervisor for the 1844 Restau-
rant. “The full buffet c $13.50 with tax included and
the soup and salad bar costs $9.18 with tax included. Both
buffet costs include a beverage of your choice.”
The 1844 Restaurant is similar in price to its competitors
on campus such as Damien’s, where prices range from $4
to $11, and Fountain Grill, which has a menu ranging from
$3 to $8.
ENERGY
Continued from Page 1.
areas versus the kitchens. Now we
can see who’s really using a lot of
water,” said Drasser.
The meters will be especially
helpful when considering the
prizes at stake.
Ryan Knight, a representative
from the Office of Sustainability
said that the overall winner will
have the first chance at apply-
ing for the Sustainability Grant
through ResLife which will
provide funds for pizza parties and
other such events.
The competition will go
from Sept. 5 until Nov. 11,
monitored and announced
via email blast bi-weekly.
Last year, with the efforts
of students, faculty and staff, UAI-
bany reduced its overall electricity
usage by 5.3 percent, according
to the Office of Sustainability’s
website.
Keturah Vics, a student in her
sixth year dedicated herself whole-
heartedly to the cause from her first
day on campus and will continue
to her last.
“As a graduate student and a
graduate teaching assistant, I
saw more paper wasted in terms
of scantrons, test papers, review
sheets, ete,” said Vics. “I ap-
proached my professor about going
as paperless as possible — online
i syllabi, notes, homework
ions. My professor agreed
to do it””
In one semester, with the idea
of a single student, two of Vics’
courses recycled nearly 2,500
scantron sheets and saved paper by
switching to Blackboard for class-
work. This effort not only saved
thousands of sheets of paper but
also aided in electricity conserva-
tion by eliminating the need for
printing and copying.
When catering rm
eliminate individus’
Serve water ir
attendees bring or
and fill it up at thy
Take back the taps Fill up a Brit:
pitcher.
Soak pots and pans instead of
‘water run while your
scrape them clean.
Got coffee leftover in
Throw it in the refr
hing dishes. don't
fet the water run. Fill the basin
with water and rinse.
In the apartments, run 2 full
dishwasher load instead of
handwashing
Take shorter (less than 5 minutes)
‘cooler showers.
Wash dark clothes in cold water to|
JANE LEONHARDT / ASP
A poster with tips on reducing water usage found on the Academic Podium
CRIME BLOTTER
Escort
9/6/2018
Other - Off-Campus
Escort.
OPERATOR LEAVES SCENE
OF PROPERTY DAMAGE AC-
CIDENT
9/6/2018 5:23
Roadways - Dutch Rdwy
Report of property damage to a
vehicle by unknown subject.
Take a Criminal Report
9/5/2018
Podium - Campus Center
Report of fraudulent purchases
from bookstore.
HARASSMENT 1ST
9/5/2018
Colonial Quad - Livingston Tower
Report of a female student being
harassed.
CRIM POSS CONTRL SUBST
9/5/2018
Indian Quad - Oneida Hall
Report of a male student in pos-
session of a controlled substance.
An arrest was made.
Fire Alarm
9/5/2018
Podium - Social Science
Caused by construction dust.
CRIM MIS RCKLS PROP
DAM GREATER THAN $250
9/4/2018
Empire Commons - EC F Cluster
Report of damage to a door.
CRIM POSS CONTRL SUBST
9/4/2018
State Quad - SQ Grounds
Report of a female student and
a male subject in possession of
marihuana and a controlled sub-
stance. Arrests were made.
Welfare Check
9/4/2018
Colonial Quad - Livingston Tower
Welfare check on a female stu-
dent. Student found safe.
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF
MARIHUANA
9/1/2018
Dutch Quad - Van Rensselaer Hall
Report of four students in posses-
sion of marihuana and marihuana
paraphernalia. Referrals were
made for all.
ASSAULT
Continued from Page 1
the safety of a campus.
Leadership of the Police Be-
nevolent Association alleged last
year that the university violated
the act nine times by not issuing
notifications of dangers, or issu-
ing them many hours later.
The university responded with
a public statement in January
denying that any intentional
violation occurred.
“The law allows University
officials to weigh several factors
in deciding whether to issue a no-
tification — including the nature
of the crime reported to campus
authorities, the continuing danger
(if any) to the community, and
the risk that notification might
compromise an ongoing criminal
investigation,” read the state-
ment.
GENERAL INTEREST MEETING
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 12 @ 7 p.m.
WHERE: CAMPUS CENTER TRANSFER & COMMUTER LOUNGE
Come out and meet the editors and learn how you can get involved with the ASP.
HAVE A NEWS TIP? EMAIL US AT THEASP.EIC@GMAIL.COM
EDITOR: MATTHEW MIRRO
OPINIONS.ASP@GMAIL.COM
4
OPINIONS
SOCIALISM
Venezuela is Not an Indictment on
Democratic Socialism
By MATTHEW MIRRO
Venezuela is a state in the midst
of a total freefall. Before too long it
will be a failed state. Its government
re teetering on the
edge of revolt. Because of this,
conservative pundits have pounded
and held their breath
iting to bring up the South
was something almost completely
different from the ideas
congressional candidate Alexandria
Ocasio-Cortez. Their platforms
are based on programs that have
already been wildl ul in
Scandinavian, a system called “The
Nordic Model”.
However, Chavez created a
has produced fabulous results.
According to the 2018 World
Happiness Report, Finland is the
happiest country on the planet,
followed by their neighbe
Norway and Denmark. According
to the World Bank, Finland (27.1),
Norway (27.5) and Denmark (28.2)
all score well on the GINI Index
which measures wealth inequality
ona scale of zero to 100 with zero
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
who talks to birds. In fact,
the United States ranks as a
“flawed democracy” on the
Economist’s Democracy
Index whereas every
country in Scandinavia
meets the requirements
for “full democracy.”
Comparatively, Venezuela
has descended into a state
of total authoritarianism in
system centered on himself and being perfect equality and 100 being recent years. This appears
‘SMITH
in nation whenever any
progressive brings up the idea
of socialism in America. Thi:
however, is foolish.
fall should in no
indictment on the ideas promoted by
young liberals in America.
During the four
presidential terms (1999-2013) of
the now deceased Hugo Chavez,
Venezuela saw the rise of what the
president termed “Sos n in the
21st Century”. Cha
putting a premium on his own
personal gain and image. His
death created a power vacuum that
was filled by another despot in
Maduro. Since
the beginning of his administration,
President Nicol
Venezuela’s economy has
disintegrated due to further
to actually work.
The Nordic Model, however,
total inequality. In contrast, the
United States (41.5) ranks near the
bottom, scoring close to Venezuela
(46.9) and worse than Ru:
Furthermore, the United Stat
is still the only developed nation
that does not offer its citizens with
affordable state sponsored health
corruption and the continuation of ce
policy that required a dead dictator
are.
But you don’t
breaking out into m
and expel an authoritarian oligarch
Scandinavia
it to thi
protest to try
to indicate that it
economic policies that have brought
point.
The situation in Venezuela is bad,
almost impossibly bad. So desperate
are their people that the New York
Times reports of a secret meeting
between President Donald Trump
and Venezuela official:
to overthrow Maduro through a
military coup. But regardless of
how much America’s old guard
s not Venezuela’s
wishes to use it to condemn the
younger generation’s new ideas,
such associations revolve around
ignorance and fear, not evidence.
Venezuela’s collapse i ad
yet another warning about what
happens when one man can gain
too much power, and how greed
and corruption can send an entire
country to the brink of madness.
Maybe we should listen.
eking
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SPICE. KITCHEN
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OPINIONS
EDITOR: MATTHEW MIRRO
OPINIONS.ASP@GMAIL.COM
AIR CONDITIONING
Too Hot
to Function:
Dorms Need
A/C or Other
Solutions
By DIVYA PITAMBER
Living in a dorm ona college campus
is an experience many students look
forward to having. They see it as a
way to have freedom and experience
living without their parents. One thing
most students do not look forward to,
however, is coming back from a day of
classes to a dorm that feels like a sauna
due to no air conditioning.
For incoming freshmen and even the
upperclassmen, comfort in dorms should
be a top factor that the university focuses
on. The dorms are a student’s home
away from home and without basic
comfort, academic performance could
suffer.
For these reasons, the University
at Albany needs to consider either
providing air conditioners in dorms,
funding central air, or allowing students
to bring their own air conditioners to
the dorms in order for students to feel
at home and comfortable in their dorms
without feeling like they are in a sauna.
When it is cold, you can bundle up,
wear socks, or wrap yourself up ina
blanket. When it is hot, unless you have
cold air, there is no escaping the heat.
Students cannot be expected to study
or sleep in hot, arid rooms. Heat makes
it hard to concentrate o1 ool work,
which can affect academic performance.
Heat can also make it hard to sleep when
it is uncomfortably hot, causing students
to be tired, which affects their ability to
function during the day and concentrate
in lectures.
There are only a few months
throughout the year in which air
conditioners would be needed as most
students do not stay on campus during
the summers. The lecture center and
other buildings are typically freezing
during the hotter months, so why
shouldn’t the dorms be the same when
students are expected to live in them?
During my lectures, I have heard
several students say that they find it hard
to study in their dorms throughout the
day as they cannot stand being in the
heat. They have no escape from the heat
as the temperature is so high both inside
and outside their dorms. Additionally,
many students have said that fans just
are not enough to provide cool relief
from the hot, sunny days. A few students
mentioned being tired as they toss and
turn every night due to the hot dorms.
Students should not have to live in
ffect their academic
ability as well as affects their standard
of living. Parents should not be expected
to send their students away from home
to a place that cannot provide them with
adequate living conditions, such as air
conditioners during the hotter times of
the year. The time has long passed to fix
this issue.
RESOURCES
SA Should Provide More
Resources for Student Groups
By LIAM SMITH
ith the Student
Association (SA) Block Party
behind us, I thought it was
salient to dis some of
the less glamorous problems
facing clubs. The
younger clubs are struggling
to reinvent the wheel, get basic
things done the correct way,
and understand the SA and
University at Alban
of operating. This has led to a
lot of new clubs being led by
a single passionate president,
and then falling apart after
they leave. The tools for
handing over and managing
aclub are lacking, I should
know, since I help run one of
them.
This is leading to a number
of clubs becoming chapters
of a national organization.
At first, I didn’t understand
why a club would want
to be a chapter of a larger
organization if it ended up
costing their members so
much, until I sat on an Eboard
and got a pitch myself. As
aclub leader, their pitch is
very appealing, they offer
dedicated “soft” resources like
their name, premade posters/
fliers, ideas for events, but also
“hard” resources like access
to a documentation platform,
a member management
software, online training
videos, sponsors, and guest
speakers. No
longer would we
need to have an
ugly spreadsheet
of members, nor
planning for past
events be in a million
different places, and
most importantly
we could create a
generic document
of who we were,
and they would send
it to sponsors. We
could do so much
more as a club if all
that overhead was
simplified.
Those resources.
came at a cost
however. One
organization that made
an offer to my student
group, (which | will not name
specifically), would give some
resources at a cost of $25 per
student, per year, before dues
for T-shirts. While this may
seem cheap to many, when
compared to some that ask
for over $100, but asking any
amount of money can be a
hardship for some students.
We don’t want our clubs to
become pay to join.
With over 100 clubs on
campus, I don’t see any reason
SMITH
why SA couldn’t begin to
act like some of these parent
organizations. Something
as simple as negotiating a
cheaper rate for an enterprise
level productivity suite
would go a long way for
clubs. As a president, anda
technology nerd, I can say that
most of them are awesome,
and well worth the cost.
These bundles like GSuite,
Atlassian, worklogiceps,
would fill in a lot of the gaps
that MyInvolvment has,
such as task management,
documentation, and sponsor
management.
Let me be clear, tl
hardly the most pressing
question that SA faces, but
providing these resources to
student groups is very much
achievable. If SA doesn’t
want to invest in a new
platform, adding some Wiki/
documentation functionality
to MyInvolvment would
goa long way in keeping
institutional knowledge with
aclub. (Or at least clubs
motivated enough to keep
good notes). And it’s hard to
think that companies wouldn’t
jump at the chance to have
their logo on the back of
student organization’s T-shirts,
especially if they could be
working with SA, instead of
100 individual clubs.
It is very hard for small
and/or new clubs to “get
themselves out there,” but I
think that SA is in the perfect
position to help them.
SMOKING BAN
Complete Tobacco Ban Best Option
By RAYMOND E. STRAWN III
The University at Albany
will have a complete ban on
smoking starting next year.
The biggest backlash to this
ban appears to be regarding
smokers battling with
addiction. I would suggest
resources and counseling
to be in place to help those
struggling with addiction. But
when it comes to smoking
on campus, I fully support a
complete ban.
Addiction is a real concern.
Tacknowledge that. At the
same time, if I’m addicted
to alcohol, am I going to be
allowed to drink on campus?
No. Sure, if I was a resident,
there are limits to how much
Ican drink. But I can’t hold
a bottle of vodka outside the
library. And yes, I’m at legal
drinking age.
Drinking does not affect
bystanders like second-hand
smoke does. I do not give
consent to being poisoned.
Shouldn’t my right to breathe
clean air and not be exposed
to cancer-causing chemicals
matter? I’m also allergic to
cigarette smoke and can’t
breathe around it. How about
those concerns? How about
my children, whom I bring
to events and expose them to
higher education for positive
exposure? Should they be
exposed to cancer-causing
chemicals because of your
addiction?
Speaking of higher
education, most of us are here
to better ourselves and achieve
employment, hopefully, related
to our degree. We are here
to prepare ourselves for the
workforce. Learning valuable
skills, building networks, and
making connections for our
careers. Not all workplaces
will allow you to smoke, drink,
or even do drugs at work.
Addiction or not. Wouldn’t
you agree it would be more
beneficial to prepare you for
the workforce by guiding you
to counseling and resources
to break your addiction, not
enable you?
One idea that has been
mentioned is setting up
a designated zone for
smokers, away from the
other students. One problem
with this idea is, it is still
enabling the addiction. The
second problem is ensuring
smokers only smoke in the
Walk by the library if you
don’t believe me. You will
see smokers standing next
to non-smoking signs. Setting
up designated zones for
smokers will not help the issue.
A complete ban is the best
option because it will be easier
to enforce. Stop the enabling
and protect all students from
the health risks of secondhand
smoke.
I sympathize with those
struggling with addiction. I
hope those who are addicted
STRAWN
can find the help to battle and
win against their addiction.
But I don’t want cancer. I
don’t want my children to have
cancer. I want to be able to
breathe as I leave the library.
Eventually, many smokers are
going to have to deal with their
addiction when they start their
careers. Might as well start
now.
The Times Union packaging department is looking for qualified part-time employees to work day or eve-
ning shifts. This is the perfect job for a college student looking to work one of more four- to seven-hour
shifts each week to make some extra money. Candidates must be able to stand throughout the shift to
lift and load stacks of inserts into packaging machine feeders. Exposure to some paper dust and machine
noise is expected. Ideal candidates possess a high school diploma or GED, have reliable transportation
and are able to read and follow written and verbal instructions. These are part-time, union positions of
up to 28 hours per week. Pay starts at $13.75 per hour and progresses up to $18.50 per hour with train-
ing and experience. Benefits include health insurance, paid vacation and a 401K plan. You must list your
job history in your application, or attach a resume, in order to be considered. The link to apply is: https://
hearst.referrals .selectminds.com/hearst-capital-region/jobs/mailer-trainee-25 13
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
EDITOR: POSITION AVAILABLE
LIFEANDENT.ASP@GMAIL.COM
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
SOCIAL MEDIA
Librarians Savvy on Social Media
By ARIAH MATIAS
With a wide range of different
social medias - yes! even a Spotify
account - the University Libraries
are trying to entice students to
take advantage of the di
resources they have to offer.
Run by a social media
committee, the library’s
Instagram, Twitter, Buzzfeed,
Pint wcebook, Snapchat,
Youtube, and Spotify accounts
are designed to stay a fun and
safe space for students to stay
informed with events and changes
happening in the library, or school
in general.
The entire social media team
is guided by Amanda Low
outreach and marketing librarian.
She says the team keeps in mind
any occurring issue they feel the
students should know right away,
or plan in advanced th
posts by researching past events,
or library activities.
Lowe.
of input from all of the differ nt
librarians, sites such a:
ind on campus
keep our social media accounts
running smoothly.”
eam tries to connect more
to the students through the Twitter
account, where they usually
answer any questions students
“quote or tweet” them on, usually
followed by a “funny (Harry
Potter related) meme” to let the
student know it's a safe space for
to theme our weeks; if
omething big happening
one week, we try to have our posts
connected to it,” said Lowe.
Sometimes, they come up with
their own themed week, such
search” week, where they
promote research help, and how-
to’s for such arches.
“We try to make our posts fun.”
On the library’s Twitter page it
“scholarly, not
s well as have the a
student centric as pos
because they want the students
to follow and be familiar with all
the different kinds of help and
workshops being provided
Lowe says they want to make
the students comfortable and the
while
ject to an academic
jia environment.
“We try to stay fun by posting
memes, responding back to you
guys when you tweet, and staying
open to any social media you guys
start getting used to,” said Lowe.
With over 20 p s, the
library’s Spotify page features a
librarian every month by having
them pick 20 songs that “defines
playlists,
and the
ary of Harry Potter’s
welcome back playlist
: than libvaties
t: UAlbanyLibs
ualbanylibs
Youtube: ualbanylibrary
Facebook: University at Albany
Libraries
Buzzfeed: buzzfeed.com:
ualbanylibraries
Pinterest: University at Albany
Libraries
UAlbany Libraries
ba @P You have questions, we have answers! Ask us in- person, over the phone, or via
chat at the #UAlbanyLibs --> bit.ly/2eJBhhj
) Py
£2 t the reference desks at ail three of our libraries
{$0} Visit the reterence desks at all ree of our ibraries.
&5}) scneaue «PAWS apponiment fr one-on-one assistance,
UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
LEFT: The
UAlbany Libraries
uses social
media to ensure
students are aware
of resources
availble to them.
BELOW: Amanda
Lowe, outreach and
marketing librarian,
runs the libraries’
various accounts.
ARIAH MATIAS
7 ASP
UALBANY ID GARD OFFICE
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TUESDAY, SEPTERMBER 11, 2018
ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
DANCE
Stilettos Stand Taller Than the Rest
By HENRY BURKERT
The University at Albany’s newest dance
crew stands above the rest.
Established last fall, Stilettos takes the art
to new heights, dancing in high heels rather
than flats or sneakers.
“We're excited, we’re a fresh slate, we’re
very different from other dance teams,”
said Sophia Guillen, Stilettos’ president. “If
you have the attitude and the sass, we want
you.”
The group’s practice routine highlights
the talent of the more than 20 person roster,
which typically practices in flats before
working their way up to heels.
“T think it takes twice as long to learn
choreography,” said Guillen. “Once we
put the heels on, it’s a completely different
ballgame.”
Mirrors also play a role in Stilettos’
success.
“They definitely help clean up the
choreography a lot quicker,” sai
Moloney, the group’s vice pres
“When you see [yourself] it’
correct your face and thing
be able to see otherwis:
looking at your feet.”
The idea to perform in heels came to
Guillen last summer. She decided to pursue
it in the spring where it quickly caught on.
“T didn’t think this was gonna be as
popular as it was,” said Guillen. “We had
a lot of girls try out for our first semester
... and we have people already asking us
when’s tryouts.”
How did the club catch on so quick?
Diversity, according to Guillen and
Moloney.
“It’s not just one genre of music,” said
Moloney of the Stilettos’ routines. “The
other dance teams might focus in on a
specific style of dance, we're very open to
all types of dances.”
Last year, Stilettos collaborated with the
Fuerza Latina Club and Serendipity among
others.
“This semester is a lot about building us
up.” said Guillen who hopes to establish
several events for the club in the near
future.
In the upcoming year, Stilettos hopes
to collaborate with more clubs
up their reputation on camp
hopes to add a few men to its ranks as well.
“We only have girls on the team at the
moment, we would love to have some guys
that are ready to dance,” said Moloney.
The Stilettos value culture and
personality just as much as choreography.
SOURCE: STILETTOS
“That’s definitely a lot of what we look
aid Guillen. “You’re wearing heels,
not just a regular average dancer,
you're on top. So you’ve gotta have the
personality.”
COFFEE FIX
Starbucks: Long Lines and Solutions
By KATE WEST
“Last year was not nearly as bad as it has been this
The Campus Center West Addition added 76,000 square
feet of brand-new space for student resources, lounging,
and dining. Of the many new and delicious locations was
Starbucks.
The new retail location has everything that your regular
functioning Starbucks would have. This new option gave
students a single location to grab their coffee or drink of
choice, maybe a light breakfast, and make it to their class in
an easy breeze.
However, the convenient Starbucks that students enjoyed
in the past has been recently clouded by one huge issue:
ridiculously long lines. This brings many to think, you
could get that Venti Iced Caramel Macchiato, but it will
cost you 30 minutes of your time, not to mention some of
your sanity in the process.
semester,” said Zahra Hashimee, a student and avid
Starbucks customer. “Sometimes I’m even late to class
because I don’t anticipate it taking so long to get a drink.”
What’s the reason behind this sudden influx in Starbucks
customers? Perhaps working out some beginning of the
semester kinks? Or simply that there is now a higher
volume of people on campus?
“In the beginning of the semester, many students dining
accounts are refilled with money, so they’re generally more
willing to spend,” said Addison P., Starbucks supervisor,
who believes seasonal options the company offers, such
as the cooling Refreshers that people have been enjoying
during the recent heatwave, may be a factor.
To combat the crowding, the prompt addition of a "We
Proudly Serve Starbucks” location in the East end of the
Campus Center has replaced what used to be known as
Jazzman’s. While many are sad to see Jazzman’s go, the
hope is to give the original Starbucks some much needed
relief from the traffic it has been facing.
The new East Café offers the Starbu:
cold brew coffee and Teavana iced teas,
coffees and espresso drinks. This option is certainly worth
checking out if you go for a simpler drink and wish to avoid
the wait times.
At the end of the day, Starbucks is providing us with
what seems like our life line somedays as college students:
our caffeine fix. So the demand for a cup of joe isn’t going
anywhere anytime soon. Hopefully with the addition of
the second Starbucks location, keeping up with our coffee
cravings will become more convenient again.
The New East Café is across from Fountain Grill and
next to The bookstore.
KATE WEST / ASP
The New East Cafe serves Starbucks products such as cold brew coffee and Teavana iced teas and is located across from Fountain Grill near the bookstore.
GENERAL INTEREST MEETING
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 12 @ 7 P.M.
WHERE: CAMPUS CENTER TRANSFER & COMMUTER LOUNGE
Come out and meet the editors and learn how you can contribute to the Albany Student Press
EDITOR: POSITION AVAILABLE
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LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
ALBANY STUDENT PRESS.
EXERCISE
Forget Excuses: Exercise on Campus
By JACKIE LABOUNTY
schedule, they can sign up for physical
education classes for credit to keep
Exercising in your door room or on
campus is a lot easier than most of us
think. Instead of going to a crowded gym
and feeling uncomfortable, there are many
ways we can stay fit and healthy without
having to go out of our way.
‘asy ways to exercise would be
utilizing the campus. Instead of taking the
elevators, try using the stairs. In between
classes or during a break, try going up a
few flights to get some cardio in for the
day. Even for students who don’t live on
campus, they can park farther away than
they normally would. That way they are
still getting in those steps in.
The University at Albany is a large
campus and it has a lot to offer. It has a
track and tennis courts for our use to get
a little exercise in. Even running around
the perimeter of the campus gree
idea. The campus has about a three mil
perimeter. Students who decide this is the
exercise alternative for them are getting
in a great cardio workout for themselv
Then just pop in some headphones, play
your favorite song, and get to work.
Other things UAlbany offers are clubs
like the runner’s club. Don’t forget
UAlbany’s Division | sports teams. All
these teams and clubs are designed to
keep their students active and healthy.
For students that know they have terrible
follow through with their exercising
themselves fit. This way they have to go
exercise but they are also earning credits
for their degrees -- a win-win.
As students, we learn to solve issues
with what we have. What we have is a
huge campus, so to stay fit, let’s use it.
Take advantage of all the beautiful, gr
space UAlbany has to offer and do some
yoga outside. Who cares if people are
staring at you doing your warrior pose.
Bring a friend and encourage others to join
and participate with you.
It’s always best to work out with a
friend. Especially if you are uncomfortable
around a lot of peopie. Your friends
will give you the confidence and
encouragement to better yourselves by
staying active. People tend to follow along
with others if they are in groups. Standing
alone is scary but with a friend, it’s not so
bad.
Students can even bike around the
school. Instead of driving, sitting, or
standing, take your bike out for a spin to
get a quick workout in. This gets you to
your classes faster and there’s no worrying
about parking or traffic.
Your dorm rooms have plenty of space
as well. A few push-ups and sit ups can
easily be done. Here you have the privacy
of your room and you're still staying
active.
Fitness apps can also be easily
downloaded on your phones. So, if you're
With so much open space, you can do yoga or other exercises all over campus.
ever unsure of what to do to keep yourself physical health as they are acquiring their
fit, use the apps as a guideline to keep
yourself moving.
There is no reason or excuse for any
student to give as to why they cannot
stay active. There are numerous ways
for college students to maintain their
Biking helps you move around campus faster while exercising your muscles.
education. So the last bit of advice is to
remember to have fun. We’re all here for
only a short time, so let’s make the most
of it.
JACKIE LABOUNTY / ASP JACKIE LABOUNTY / ASP
Even taking the stairs is one ‘step’ towards exercising more often.
VIDEO GAMES
Are Video Games Just Mindless Violence?
By ANDIE THOMPSON
When you think of video games,
a first-person shooter might come
to mind — something like Call of
Duty, Halo or more likely one of the
new popular battle royale games like
Fortnite. You might not immediately
think of a more story-driven game like
Life is Strange, What Remains of Edith
Finch, or the more well known Last of
Us.
There are many games with
incredible storylines and dialogue that
some people don’t even realize have
stories; they just write them off as
gruesome shooter games.
Take Red Dead Redemption. It has
the disadvantage of being similar to the
notoriously violent game series GTA
(which is a reasonable assumption
seeing as the game is by the same
developer, Rockstar games, and has a
similar platform).
Even with this disadvantage,
Gamesradar has ranked it as ninth
in their article “The 30 Best Video
Game Stories Ever.” The game takes
you back in time to the beginning
of the 20th century in the west. Our
protagonist, a retired bandit named
John Marston, just wants to settle down ff
into a comforting life with his wife and =
son but the law catches up to him and
he is forced to track down and kill the
remaining members of his old posse.
Now I’m not saying that next time
you’re desperate for a new series to
binge for the week you should insead
go drop money that we all know you
do not have (we’re all broke college
students) on an expensive game and
an even more expensive system, but
have you ever thought about watching
someone else play it?
If you're a fan of Fortnite then you
most likely know I’m talking about
streaming. But that type of streaming
is more like a sporting event. Here
I'm referring to a form of streaming
commonly referred to as “let’s plays.”
This addition of the “let’s player”
adds a third layer to gaming.
Usually it’s game to player content
consumption, but now there is a
third person: the spectator. In some
cases there is no player, just game
to spectator. In those cases it’s
usually just cutscenes no gameplay
or a “movie” cut of the game with no
player to voice their concerns about a
situation.
Next time you're looking for
something to hold you over until the
new season comes out of that show you
desperately love because of its loveable
characters and great settings, maybe
scoot over to Youtube or Twitch and
give 30 minutes to any of the titles
I’ve mentioned. If none of those sound
interesting here are some personal
favorites:
1) What Remains of Edith Finch.
It’s an almost coming of age story
about how people deal with death and
tragedy.
2) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Although it is the final in a three-part
series about a monster hunter more
formally known as a witcher, Geralt is
in search for his ward Ciri (I’m really
dumbing it down). it’s number four on
the top game list from Gamesradar I
referred to earlier.
3) Top on my li
three in Gamesradar’s “The 30 Best
Video Game Stories Ever” is the
Bioshock trilogy. Our protagonist is
in a plane crash somewhere over the
mid-Atlantic set in the 60’s. That’s all I
need to say. One should really go blind
into this series.
and number
Source: Flickr
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
ALBANY STUDENT PRESS SPORTS.ASP@GMAIL.COM
SPORTS
SPORTS EDITOR: ROBERT LEPELSTAT 9
FOOTBALL
Dev Holmes: Confident and
Ready to Prove his Worth
, . 1s
\
=
»
Source: Bill Ziskin / UAlbany Sports
By OMAR NOUJOUM
Dev Holmes made during the Danes’ sea-
against Pitt.
a freshman playing in his
a Great Dane, shredded a
talented Pittsburgh defense to the tune of
nine catches, 143 yards and a touchdown.
Holmes, who earned CAA Rookie of the
Week honors for his monster statline, was
the brightest spot for the Danes in their
33-7 season opening loss to Pitt at Heinz
Field.
The performance was the seventh-best
receiving day in Great Dane history.
y have kicked off his college
and fashion, but he’s adamant
that he didn’t need a confidence boost
“I’ve always had confidence in my:
even when I played Pop Warner. It’s just
who Iam. I play with a chip on my shoul-
der,” said Holmes after practice Thursday.
Despite playing his high school ball just
down the road in Troy, Holmes wasn’t al-
ways destined to be a Dane. Once commit-
ted to Villanova, he and the Philadelphia
powerhouse had a falling out during the
recruitment process.
Now a Dane, Holmes says that the way
Villanova treated him moti him, and
he’s chomping at the bit to get his first
shot to line up against them.
“It’s life. It happens. I’m just playing
and letting them think about me. I know
that they saw that game,” said Holmes of
Villanova.
In recruiting, every coach looks for win-
ners. They look for guys that have played
on the big stage and have excelled in that
spotlight.
In Holmes, head coach Greg Gattuso
found that guy. He and his Troy High
School teammat ptured two state titles
while he was thet with Holmes con-
tributing on offense, defense, and special
teams in both seasons.
That track record of winning may have
helped to silence those who doubted
Holmes due to his size. Listed at 5 foot,
8 inches, and weighing 153 pounds, he’s
never been a physically imposing wide
receiver.
getting a lot of interest from FCS
‘0 I knew who I had to prove
if to the FBS schools. After a while,
forgot about it and moved on, and
when I committed,
of his battle to prove that his s
wouldn’t hold him back.
Growing up with three brothers, Holmes
never had an issue channeling his com-
petitive side. His older brother spent time
in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers,
while his father chose to forgo Division I
football to focus on raising his first child.
“It was always fun [growing up]. Me
and my brothers always talked trash to
each other. Then of course my older
the standard playing for the
‘0 that’s the goal,” said Holmes
of growing up in a football family.
Off the field, you can find Dev p.
in front of a TV with a controller in hi:
He considers himself an avid gam-
er, and although he likes his fair share of
new titles, the now extinct NCAA Football
franchise lingers in his heart.
“I still play NCAA Football ‘14 all the
t's gotta be one of the best football
r made. I’d do anything to have
that [series] come back man.”
ed
44 | am more
than an athlete.”
— LEBRON JAMES
This semester, connect with UAlbany
grads who once stood in your shoes
and get free career advice.
CAN
UALBANY CAREER ADVISORY NETWORK
Easy to Use.
Search by field or
Industry, degree
earned and
more.
Sign up now!
® /http://ualbany.firsthand.co
Get-access to 1,000+ successful Great Danes
who are ready to share their insights with you.
UCAN is sponsored by the «ty Alumni Association
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
SPORTS
SPORTS EDITOR: ROBERT LEPELSTAT
SPORTS.ASP@GMAIL.COM
10
SOCCER
Bright Future for Women’s Soccer
ASS
Ziskin / UAlbany Sports
Midfielder Gina Bracamonte scored two game-winning goals last year.
By ALEC AMBRUSO
The future is looking
bright for the University
at Albany’s women’s
soccer team. Following
a 2017 campaign that
introduced first-year
head coach Nick Bo-
chette, the team is led
by five seniors includ-
ing forward Mariah
Williams and defender
Caroline Kopp.
While the future is
bright, the Great Danes
of years’ past reigned at
the top of the America
East conference under
head coach Caitlin Cuc-
chiella, winning back to
back conference titles in
2015 and 2016.
Under Bochette
last season, Kopp was
selected to the United
Soccer Coaches All-
East Region Team, as
well as being named the
America East Defender
of the Year - a first in
program history. Both
Kopp and Bracamonte
were named to the All-
Conference First Team,
and Williams was
selected to the Second
Team.
This Great Danes
squad is looking to
return to champion-
ship form, and they’re
already off to a stronger
start than last year’s
team.
Their season began
on Aug. 17 against
the University of
Arizona—a team that’s
received votes for
national rankings—with
a 1-0 victory. Two days
later, they followed that
impressive win with a
convincing 3-1 victory
versus New Mexico
State.
While the Great
Danes have since
suffered tough losses
against opponents Bos-
ton College, Colgate,
and Buffalo, they re-
sponded with victories
against nearby rivals
Jona and Siena.
Siena was 3-1 head-
ing into last Thurs-
day’s matchup against
UAlbany, but the Great
Danes took that match
ina shutout, winning
3-0 on the road.
The goals were
divided between fresh-
men Jada Colbert and
Christina Cernuto, as
well as senior Mariah
leading scorer for the
Great Danes last season
with seven goals and 14
points to her name.
“We have been creat-
ing quality chances in
just about every game
we've played,” said
Bochette. “But it’s fan-
tastic for those chances
to culminate in three
goals.”
Not only was
Bochette pleased with
the scoring, but he was
particularly impressed
by the source of the
goals.
“[’m also happy to
see two of our freshmen
get on the score sheet
today. We have some
real quality and danger
in our youth, and we're
excited to see Jada
[Colbert] and Christina
[Cernuto] open their
scoring career here.”
Bochette is well
aware that more work
has to be done to get
back to the champion-
ship form of the past.
“We still have a lot
of progress to make in
order to be where we
want to at the end of the
year.”
Williams, who was the
VOLLEYBALL
Volleyba
By GABE FLATEN
ll Team Vies for
Through eight matches,
‘The overarching theme of the 2018
University at Albany women’s volleyball
team is redemption. After winning the
America East regular season title with an
impressive 11-1 conference record last
season, the Great Danes failed to finish the
job, falling to their rival Stony Brook in
straight sets in the conference tournament
semifinal
The loss extended UAlbany’s
championship drought, who have failed to
hoist up the trophy since 2011.
Fortunately for the Great Danes, long-
time head coach MJ Engstrom and her team
understand the value of a difficult non-
conference schedule.
‘As the path to the NCAA tournament
is predicated on an America East
championship, UAlbany has already
competed with what could be the toughest
opponents they see all season. Opening
their 2018 slate on an impressive tour,
the Great Danes have competed in areas
that could be deemed volleyball hotbeds,
like the coast of Florida and Ohio State
University, respectively.
In addition to a tough schedule,
Engstrom is welcoming back nearly all of
last year’s roster, losing just two players
to graduation. With that said, the Danes
are going to be an exciting watch in 2018.
Among the many familiar faces returning
in 2018 is senior superstar Nicole Otero,
who is a two-time AE defensive specialist
of the year and UAlbany’s fourth all-time
leader in digs with 1,536 and counting.
Otero the libero has
already sacrificed her
body to make 151 digs,
equivalent to 4.71 per set.
A year ago, she lit up the
court with unflappable
energy, making 4.82 digs
per set while leading the
Danes to an AE regular
season title.
Not only is UAlbany
sound on the back line,
but they have what
could arguably be the
best middle-blocker in
the conference as well.
At 6 feet, 2 inches tall,
Akuabata Okenwa is a
talented junior who is
coming off of a successful
sophomore campaign,
earning first-team all-
conference at outside
hitter and finishing the
season at third on the
AE leaderboards with
3.3 kills per set. This
will not be her first
season at middle blocker, however, having
excelled at the position as a freshman,
when she earned a spot on the AE all-
rookie team.
In addition returning of 11 players,
UAlbany is welcoming eight freshmen.
Several have already made their way into
the rotation, including outside hitter Grace
Cozad and defensive specialists, Charlotte
Redemption
Source: Bill Ziskin / UAlbany Sports
The team aims to overcome their loss in last year’s semifinals.
Macken and Anna Chalupa.
Cozad has excelled on the front lines
thus far, providing the Danes with two kills
per set which is second on the team behind
Okenwa. The emergence of Macken,
a Clifton Park native, has also been a
pleasant surprise for coach Engstrom.
Macken is second on the team in digs per
set with 2.56. Chalupa has rounded out
an impressive back line and an even more
impressive freshman class with 1.75 digs
per set.
The Great Danes are athletic, well-
coached, and they have strong leadership.
However, the most dangerous teams are
those who play for redemption, making this
year’s team possibly the best in recent time.
The team will host their first home
match against Capital Region rival Siena
College on Sept. 23 at 2 P.M.
