Blog

By: Hanna Young

When did booing, trash talking, and fighting become normal for high school sports? These disgusting behaviors are happening between not only the teams that are competing, but also from the parents, coaches, and fans that are in attendance at these events. Several people are reporting that sportsmanship is not practiced to the degree that it used to be. This is leaving room for egregious behaviors as well as terrible exchanges during sporting events. The behavior seems to be sucking the fun out of these competitions.

Over the last 10 years I have attended hundreds of sporting events between covering games for the newspaper, coaching youth sports, and just going to enjoy the game. The behaviors that I have seen continue to deteriorate each and every year. I have witnessed student athletes ghastly exchanges not only with other teams, but within their own organization as well. One of the years I was coaching a third through sixth grade girls basketball team I had one of my third graders call me a horrific name. I have heard parents yelling terrible things onto the playing field including derogatory statements as well as cuss words. I have even watched parents and officials get into squabbles about calls. One of the games that I was in attendance at, an official told one of the athletes asking about a call to “shut up” before ignoring the questions being asked. This made me wonder if there were other people that noticed the things I was seeing at these sporting events.

It turns out I am not the only one that has been noticing these changes surrounding high school sports. An article published by the azcentral stated that “Since the 2017-18 school year began, there have been more than 800 athlete ejections in all of the fall and winter sports” (Obert). This comes after the Arizona Interscholastic Association tightens some of the regulations around sportsmanship and the expectations surrounding sporting events. The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) conducted a survey about high school athletics and the positive environments including sportsmanship. The survey found “. . . 68 percent of the respondents said sportsmanship is getting worse – six years earlier in a similar survey 57 percent indicated behavior was getting worse. And 72 percent of the officials indicated they are treated unfairly by coaches” (Niehoff). This is a direct indicator that high school sports are not moving in a promising direction. Sportsmanship has been thrown out the window and bad behaviors are unfortunately starting to become more prominent. 

While cheering or even grumbling about a call an official makes is acceptable, high school sports are starting to take the leap into the next level. There are too many things being swept under the rug involving behaviors of the athletes, parents, coaches, fans, and officials. These events are becoming hostile and they are not environments that high school students should be competing in. At the end of the day these events are meant to teach students life lessons, develop their social lives, as well as provide an outlet for these athletes. Something needs to change to preserve all the good things about high school athletics. 

Works Cited

Niehoff, Karissa. “Unacceptable Behavior at High School Sporting Events – It’s Still Happening.” NFHS, 8 May 2024, www.nfhs.org/articles/unacceptable-behavior-at-high-school-sporting-events-it-s-still-happening/

Obert, Richard. “High School Sports Gone Wild: What Has Happened to Sportsmanship?” The Arizona Republic, The Republic | azcentral.com, 9 Feb. 2018, www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2018/02/08/high-school-sports-gone-wild-what-has-happened-sportsmanship/320823002/. 

By: Dayona Allen

Overcoming academic challenges can be daunting, and it’s easy to feel like giving up. However, as John Wooden wisely said, “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” I’ve faced my own struggles in school, but I found that the challenges I encountered in college were never as overwhelming as I had anticipated. Embracing this mindset has helped me navigate obstacles and focus on my strengths.

Last semester, I encountered several struggles with my morning routine, particularly when it came to getting up for my 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. classes. Despite setting multiple alarms and trying various strategies to wake up on time, I often found myself overwhelmed by fatigue. This persistent struggle ultimately led to my failing both classes, which was a significant setback for me academically and resulted in my being placed on academic probation.

The impact of this failure was profound. It made me feel sad and disheartened, especially because I had to step back from playing sports, an activity that I was passionate about and that provided a crucial outlet for my stress. Being sidelined from sports not only affected my physical health but also created a sense of isolation. I felt like I was missing out on bonding experiences with my friends and teammates, who were able to continue their athletic pursuits without interruption. This separation made me feel at a disadvantage both academically and socially, deepening my sense of loneliness.

As the semester progressed, I found myself increasingly unmotivated and uncertain about my future. The mental toll of failing my classes and the pressure of academic probation weighed heavily on me. I began to question whether I wanted to continue my education at all. The thought of enduring another semester filled with stress and potential failure was daunting, and I struggled to find the motivation to push through. It was a challenging time, and I often felt lost, grappling with the decision of whether to take a break from school or to seek help in finding a way to turn things around.

As of today, I feel much better about my situation and my decision to continue my education. I’ve stayed motivated by focusing on my academic and personal goals, reminding myself daily of my aspirations—whether it’s excelling in my studies, pursuing sports, or preparing for a successful career. This vision drives my determination to overcome challenges. I’m happy to report that my grades have significantly improved since last semester. I’ve developed better habits for getting up in the morning and attending classes regularly. This discipline has positively impacted my academic performance and created a greater sense of stability in my life, allowing me to feel more engaged and connected to the material!

By Dayona Allen

After spring break, school days start to go by even faster, and students begin to feel unmotivated, wishing for summer break. Staying motivated during the end of the school year can really be challenging. But, we must stay focused and keep pushing and going strong until the end of the year! Here are some ways to stay motivated.

A great way to stay motivated throughout the school year is by setting clear and defined goals. This means that you should think about what you want to achieve by the end of the school year and create specific goals that are realistic and attainable. To make these goals feel less overwhelming, you can break them down into smaller, more manageable milestones. These milestones act as stepping stones that allow you to track your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way. By setting these goals and milestones, you will find it easier to maintain your focus and motivation, as you will always have a clear sense of direction and purpose in your studies. This strategy can greatly enhance your ability to stay on track and work steadily towards accomplishing your overall objectives for the year.

Another effective way to stay focused during the school year is by staying organized and creating a study schedule. Keeping your materials and workspace tidy helps you feel better about yourself and boosts productivity, as you can easily find what you need without wasting time searching. In addition to keeping your space tidy, establishing a study schedule is an invaluable time management skill. A study schedule can help to allocate your time wisely among different subjects and tasks, ensuring that you stay on target with your academic goals. By setting specific times for studying, completing assignments, and reviewing materials, you create a routine that can significantly enhance your focus and productivity. This structured approach not only helps you stay committed to your studies but also empowers you to balance your academic responsibilities with other activities. Overall, organizing your environment and creating a study schedule are powerful strategies that can lead to a successful and fulfilling school year.

Lastly, your mental health should be valued as much as your physical health. During stressing times when it’s hard to stay motivated you should prioritize your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, healthy eating habits and adequate sleep can significantly enhance your focus and motivation. In addition to prioritizing your mental health, engage in positive self-talk. Encourage yourself with positive affirmations and reminders of past successes to boost your confidence!

By: Hanna Young

As we are starting the second half of the spring semester it is really starting to become real for all of those that are graduating in May. Over the last few weeks, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my experiences at Defiance College. While I didn’t have the stereotypical college experiences because I am a commuter student, there are still so many things that I have learned. 

During this time of reflection, I have realized that there are so many little things that have occurred during my time here that have helped to build me into the person that I am today. Looking back, all the classes that I have sat through and the conversations that I have been a part of have truly built so many memories for me. All of the late night study sessions I’ve had with friends, late night food runs, deep conversations, and the spirited events around campus will forever be held close to my heart. 

As we enter into the final few weeks of the semester, it is important to ensure that we balance the stress of classes, as well as  relationships and self care. It is so easy to get caught up in college and the grind of classes and extracurriculars, but it is also important to prioritize ourselves, as well as our friends and families.  Making time for the things that we  enjoy will be important to ensuring that we can absorb as many memories as possible in the coming weeks. 

To my fellow seniors, I hope that you can continue to enjoy the last several weeks of your last semester. While we are almost ready to cross the finish line, that line comes with our looming futures. These last few weeks will be spent with the stress of what we are going to do with our degrees, where we want to end up after graduation, and maybe even the prospect of more schooling. It feels as though we have just gotten into the groove of balancing college life from academics and clubs to athletics and jobs. The future seems to be knocking on the door and we are being threatened with the “real” world.

By: Dayona Allen

I had the chance to speak with three current Defiance College students in order to learn more about their individual experiences and opinions of the school. I was especially curious to know which professors had a big influence on them and why, as well as how their time at Defiance College had influenced their academic career and personal development. One student openly admitted that their first impression of Defiance College was rather uninteresting and unimpressive. However, their viewpoint drastically changed as they started making friends and interacting more with the campus community.

The relationships formed within DC changed perception, especially when this student spoke of Dr. Bare, their favorite professor. They stated that Dr. Bare is always ready to lend a hand and support his students, including by providing individualized feedback or having approachable office hours. The student commended Dr. Bare’s creative teaching strategies, describing how they accommodate various learning preferences and successfully involve students in the subject matter. This student’s academic achievement and overall Defiance College experience were greatly improved by the encouraging atmosphere Dr. Bare created.

Another student I had the pleasure of interviewing talked about her lively experience at Defiance College, largely attributing her happiness to the friendships she has made here. For this student, her social circle has helped to create interesting, joyful, and unforgettable. She did, however, also discuss her academic difficulties, admitting that she was performing poorly in a few of her classes. She was put on academic probation as a result of this circumstance, which had a negative impact on her mental health. The student openly talked about the internal struggles she had juggling her social life and her academic obligations.

Even though she enjoyed and bonded with her friends, she occasionally felt too much pressure to keep up with her schoolwork, which led to serious stress and uncertainty about her future. Dr. Bridgette Winslow, one of her professors, provided her with direction despite these challenges. Dr. Winslow’s compassion and kindness fostered a positive learning atmosphere, and she became “a home away from home.” Dr. Winslow was a nurturing mother figure who was always aware of her needs and worries. The student was grateful that Dr. Winslow took the time to comprehend her difficulties and provide insightful advice.

During my last interview, a junior talked about overwhelmingly positive experiences at Defiance College, emphasizing how exciting and new experiences are added every semester. For this student, Dr. Lisa Beringer has had a significant impact on her. The student praised Dr. Beringer for her integrity and kindness, pointing out that she always defends the moral high ground. With interactive discussions and real-world problems that make learning relevant, the student underlined that her classes are interesting and never dull. Dr. Beringer’s enthusiasm inspires students to participate actively and fosters a strong sense of community in the classroom. All things considered, the student’s respect for Dr. Beringer illustrates the enduring impact that committed teachers can have on their pupils’ lives.

By: Hanna Young

Recently we hit the five-year mark since COVID-19 became a concern in the United States, and it is time to reflect on that time period surrounding the lockdown, quarantine, masking, the impact all of this would have on so many people.  What started out as a two week hiatus from school or a work from home period quickly ballooned into an impact that can still be seen.  Prior to the start of the pandemic, when COVID was just a blip on the radar, there were so many people that were not concerned about the illness. This ended up being such a dark time for so many people there was a light that could be seen in all that darkness. 

The usage of technology and social media made a huge leap during this time because there was a large push to move to remote and/or virtual learning.  Most schools and businesses that could shifted to using Zoom or other online meetings/classes. This came with all assignments, projects, or tests being turned in or emailed to employers or teachers. While schools and business made the jump to remote, there was also a skyrocketing presence on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. Everyone was trying to find ways to connect to each other without being able to see them face to face. 

When you wanted to go out, this was met with mask mandates, as well as social distancing practices. The grocery stores, doctor offices, and other essential businesses were required to practice social distancing. These businesses put in sticker markers on the floors, along with plexiglass barriers, to force distancing practices. All public events were canceled, creating a dead time for anything that used to employ a communal setting, including  concerts, sporting events, birthday parties, graduations, and most non-necessity stores or business (bars, coffee shops, etc.). It was also impossible to visit any relatives that might have been in a nursing home, hospital, or similar facility because of the fear of causing outbreaks in a population that did not have the capability to fight off an illness of this degree. 

Not only were things canceled, but there were lots of things that became scarce during the lockdown. Hospitals treating COVID patients had a hard time getting in supplies to care for patients such as masks, gloves, and gowns. This transferred down to those that weren’t working in hospitals as well, finding masks, hand sanitizer, and even toilet paper became a challenge. 

There were also precautions put into place  once things started to work their way back to normal. There was contact tracing after being around someone that contracted COVID. Being in high school at the time, I remember that when one person tested positive, it almost always cut the class numbers in half. Not only did the person that ended up sick have to be quarantined, but so did the people that sat near them or came into contact with them for more than 15 minutes. The elementary classrooms at the school I graduated from put up plexiglass barriers on three of the four sides of the desks where the kids sat.  Then there was the fear that came around one of your classmates testing positive and trying to figure out if you were in contact with that person. Or the fear that comes with contaminating loved ones because you just happened to sit next to someone that tested positive. Thankfully, the COVID vaccine started being distributed to those that were over a certain age or at higher risk of complications if they contracted the illness.

Even though it has been five years since the world seemingly paused, we still see some of the impacts to this day. Most schools will move to remote learning when there is bad weather, even some businesses have adopted this policy as well. There are a lot more remote or hybrid positions available to those that are looking for jobs as well. COVID has also taught so many people resilience, connectedness, and that ability to adapt. While COVID was a detrimental part of US history, its impact goes way beyond the lockdown and announcement of the illness. 

After making our way through all the changes that COVID forced on us,  it is important to look back on the times before the illness shut down so many normal functions. I have added in an article that was published by The Defender prior to COVID gauging student worries and thoughts prior to the shut down. This is an interesting article to reflect on because it shows just how much opinions and ideas changed throughout the pandemic.

The Coronavirus has hit the united states but are DC students worried?

By: Jack Brubaker-Flood

Defiance College can officially say that they have been changing people’s lives now for 175 years. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the college hosted a Gala to honor some of the most prestigious and important people that helped make the college the place we know and love. The event was held in the Geoge M. Smart Center and took place on March 22 , 2025. Fortunately, I was one of the lucky students chosen to be an ambassador, which means that I was given the amazing opportunity to have dinner with some of the brightest minds the campus has ever seen, as well as to be part of something truly special.

When I arrived, I was completely stunned. The Smart Center had officially gone from a fieldhouse to be an exquisite banquet room. As I checked in, I was told what table I would be sitting at for the event and about 20-30 minutes later of greeting people I went and sat down at my assigned table. After roughly 10 minutes of greeting everyone at my table, the Mistress of the Gala stepped onto the stage and welcomed us all to the 175 th Anniversary Gala. Once announcing the agenda for the night, she passed the stage to the President of Defiance College, President Mankey, for a nice message that welcomed all to the Gala. Once finished, Rev. Dr. David Long- Higgins stepped on stage to join us together and gave a great prayer before dinner was served. Once the prayer was said, each table was announced to the buffet to have dinner.

The buffet had a wide variety of fancy dishes ranging from shrimp, salmon, gnocchi, beef tenderloin, charcuterie board, and a variety of options. Once finished with dinner, if you managed to save some of your appetite, you were offered some amazing follow-up desserts as well. Once everyone was full, the speeches continued. First on the podium was none other then the former president of Defiance College and current president of San Diego University Dr. James T. Harris III. He delved into the beginnings of the McMaster School for Advancing Humanity and recollected on his term as the President. Once his speech concluded, it was followed up by a message from the board of trustee’s president Dr. Robert L. Head III. Next on the podium would be a message from the student body president Bretton Basford saying thank you everyone who came before us and for giving so much back to the College over the years. To conclude the gala was a closing champagne toast from President Mankey and a special announcement from her and Edward R. Bubl, establishing an endowment for insurance and risk management.

Once concluded, I was able to ask a close friend and fellow student ambassador of the event Zadria King on how she felt the event went. She said, “This event was a great experience to see how the past leaders of campus have influenced our stories of today. It was such an honor to connect with numerous alumni, faculty, and supporters of Defiance College and hear their memories and experiences. It is a cool full circle moment when you realize that they were once in your shoes, and one day, we will be filling theirs.” Overall, the gala was an amazing experience not only because of the fancy event, but because of the people who were at it.

Defiance College is such a special place because of the people who go and work here and without them this place would be nothing but empty buildings. To be around people who have been in my shoes and accomplished so much throughout their lives really was an incredible experience. I would like to thank Dr. Caldwell and Mrs. Winslow for the opportunity to be an ambassador at this event, it truly was a special opportunity. Last, but not least, Happy Birthday Defi!

By: Nevaeh Schiffhauer

Have you ever heard of the country Belize? If you have not, you should look into it, as well as the Program for Belize, offered to first-year students here at Defiance College. Belize is a beautiful country full of wildlife and exotic plants and animals that we do not have here in the U.S.. The Program for Belize that is offered to first-year students is an amazing program that not only allows students the opportunity to experience a different country and its cultures, but also gives back to the community and the wildlife of the Rio Bravo located in Belize. On September 24, Nicole Hoffman, the director of the Program for Belize, held an informational session explaining the program, as well as the benefits, opportunities and potential experiences the program has to offer.

During this session, Nicole Hoffman and Robin Otey shared their roles within the program and offered first-year students the opportunity to sign up for a potential spot on the trip. During this trip, it was mentioned that it is an amazing opportunity for students to gain knowledge about the country of Belize, its culture, everyday activities, and overall environment. It was also mentioned that the main goal of this trip is to work with a local school within the Orange Walk district of Belize and create projects that address specific concerns regarding the students. The trip to Belize takes place in the month of May and is an extended trip offered to gain the real experience of another country, much different than the one in which we live. Students that have previously been accepted into the Program for Belize were offered the
opportunity to join this session and share their favorite experiences from their trip to Belize.

Being one of the students that previously attended this trip, it is definitely a great opportunity to experience a different culture and every-day ways of life and to gain a better understanding of cultural differences and concerns. It is a highly recommended trip to first-year students, as it is an opportunity to not only expand knowledge of different areas of the world, but also to work with great teachers and students in making a difference within a community. For more information, Nicole Hoffman is available in Admissions to answer any questions or concerns about the trip to Belize and encourages students to broaden their knowledge and skills with working with people from a different country. Belize is a great environment that has much to offer. It is a safe and very well-planned trip that can be very beneficial to students here at Defiance College.