Category: 2023-24

By Caia Bevins

This wasn’t a busy week for men’s sports, so let’s talk football.

The football team faced off against Rose-Holman, which had a 6-2 record prior to the game. The Yellow Jackets were the first to score a touchdown and put seven points on the board, but the Engineers quickly responded with a touchdown of their own. Towards the end of the first quarter, Rose-Holman got the ball and was able to score another touchdown. However, they missed the extra point, making the score 13-7. The Jackets scored another touchdown, and the Engineers scored a touchdown and made a two-point play, putting the score at 22-13 going into the second quarter.

Both teams played hard in the second quarter, and Rose-Holman struggled for the majority of the quarter before scoring and the Jackets responded quickly by scoring a touchdown of their own. The Engineers scored again, and the score was 36-20 going into halftime. The third quarter saw a comeback for the Jackets as they scored another touchdown and held back Rose-Holman’s offense, making the score 36-27. 

In the final quarter, the Jackets and Engineers went back and forth scoring touchdowns, and the game ended with a score of 78-54. Despite their loss, the Yellow Jackets played well, and our offense scored more touchdowns than any other team this year. #9 Jordan Ambrose set a career record with seven touchdowns in one game. He threw for 280 yards and made 127 rushing yards, setting a school record. #2 Thomas Coltrain led with nineteen tackles, a career-high, and #4 Jaylen Redd made sixteen. In just a few short days, the Jackets will finish up the season against Bluffton, so make sure you come out and support them against our rival on Saturday 11th.

By: Hanna Young

The Perfect Marriage, by USA Today’s Best Selling Author, Jeneva Rose left me wondering what the heck just happened. This book is set in Washington D.C. where Sarah Morgan lives with her husband Adam Morgan. The book also has scenes set in Prince William County where the pair has a vacation home on a lake. 

Sarah Morgan is one of the best defense attorneys in Washington D.C. and that is not an understatement, she is already a partner at her law firm. Adam Morgan is a writer who started off his career with a debut best seller, but the ship that brought him fame has come and gone. With his writer career struggling and Sarah’s career striving she spends more time at her office than at home. This causes Adam to get bored of their marriage and find someone else, a breath of fresh air. Adam meets Kelly Summers at the coffee shop she waitressed at and they hit it off, both of them being married already and wanting something on the side. The pair start rendezvousing at the lake house. One morning after Adam and Kelly had met at the lake house Adam was arrested for Kelly’s murder. The evidence seems stacked against Adam and as one of the best defense attorneys in town Sarah is Adam’s only hope of getting out of this mess. 

I have a love-hate relationship with this book. On one hand the ending had me completely thrown for a loop, it was something that I was not expecting. On the other hand though, I was left a little annoyed with how much of the book was set up giving background information versus how much was used explaining the court case and verdict as well as explaining the person that committed the crime and why. This was a really good book, it just had a lot of stuff that seemed like filler and a really fast resolution to the book. 

Overall, I gave this book a 3/5. This is because of the proportions of the book. I was really taken aback by the ending, but I just can’t get past the amount of the book that was used just for filler information.

By: Hannah Feldman

The debate over when to put up your Christmas tree is a perennial holiday conundrum that divides households and sparks passionate discussions among friends and families. While some people eagerly embrace transforming their homes into winter wonderlands as early as November, others staunchly believe that Christmas decorations should remain in storage until December. So, when is it too early to put up your Christmas tree?

Traditionally, many people wait until after Thanksgiving to set up their Christmas trees. This practice allows Thanksgiving to be in the spotlight before the holiday season transitions to full-fledged Christmas mode. However, in recent years, the trend of decorating earlier has gained momentum.

The argument for early Christmas tree decoration often revolves around the idea of spreading joy and creating a longer-lasting festive atmosphere. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and stressful, the sight of twinkling lights and festive ornaments can provide a much-needed emotional boost. However, it’s hard to deny the excitement of seeing children’s faces light up as they help decorate the tree or the joy of hosting early holiday gatherings with friends and family.

On the other hand, those who prefer to wait until December to put up their Christmas trees argue that doing so too early can lead to holiday burnout. By pacing the festivities and decorations, you can maintain a sense of anticipation and keep the holiday spirit fresh. Additionally, putting up a Christmas tree in November detracts from the significance of other important holidays, like Thanksgiving, which deserves its own time in the spotlight.

Ultimately, the timing for putting up your Christmas tree is a matter of personal preference. There’s no strict rule that dictates the “right” time to decorate, so it comes down to what makes you and your family happiest. Consider factors like the climate in your region; if you live in a place with cold winters, the presence of a Christmas tree can bring a cozy and comforting ambiance.

The question of when it’s too early to put up your Christmas tree is subjective. Some choose to decorate in November to extend the holiday season and create a cheerful environment, while others wait until December to preserve the magic and prevent burnout. Whatever you decide, the key is to savor the moments and traditions that bring you the most joy during this special time of the year. After all, Christmas is a season of celebration and togetherness, and the timing of your tree’s debut should reflect the love and warmth you wish to share with your loved ones.

By: Jessica Reynolds

I would like to introduce you to Professor Salisbury. She is the Social Work Program Director and Assistant Professor of Social Work. She has been working at Defiance College for 10 years. Her favorite part about working at the college is “being able to watch students being successful.” She decided to work at DC because helping people has always been really important to her. She also stated that she works at the college because she is “able to reach more clients if she teaches younger professionals how to help others.” Prior to working at DC she worked in Columbus at the National Youth Advocate Program and she is currently working in a private practice here in Defiance as a therapist. Professor Salisbury attended Bluffton University for her Undergraduate Degree and got her License in Social Work (LSW). She then went on to The Ohio State University for her Master’s Degree and got her License Independent Social Worker (LISW). Professor Salisbury also has her Supervision, so she can supervise professionals that are trying to receive their hours for their own LISW. 

Something that really makes Professor Salisbury angry is when people are unkind to others. Her favorite holiday is Christmas. If she could choose to do anything for a day she would either “fly to Italy or attend a lot of concerts in one day.” When asked the question if she would rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job she said “win the lottery because she is already working at the perfect job.” Her favorite animal is dogs and she loves her own dogs, Titopop and Peekaboo Bumbkins Junior (PJ). Some other interesting facts about Professor Salisbury is she has a 3 year old daughter and is due to have another baby in March. She really loves concerts and Disney World. She used to be a Disney World travel agent and she knows how to play the piano.

Professor Salisbury’s office can be located in Shauffler 205. 

By: Hannah Feldman

As you walk around campus, almost anywhere you are, you will probably see or hear the name “Willy-G.” Will Garlock has become more than just a student in his three years at Defiance College. He has pushed himself to try new things, be kind to everyone, and grow from his time at DC. Getting to know Will is not a hard thing to do as he is extremely open and friendly to all. 

Will is in his senior year and is majoring in history with a minor in sports management. He is extremely involved on campus, as he is the 2023 Homecoming King, a part of the DC Choir, Men’s Choir, President of Catholics on Campus, Vice President of SAAC, CAB, Student Ambassador, Phi-Alpha-Theta, service leader, McMaster Scholar, Student Assistant Coach for Men’s Basketball and Football, part of the Men’s Golf and Cross Country Teams, and Co-President of FCA. With him being involved in so much, Will becomes a familiar face to almost all. 

“My favorite thing about DC is how accepting everyone is. I came in as a transfer, and I could do everything I wanted. No one told me not to try something new. I was able to do anything that I wanted to try, and no one stopped me. Everyone at DC allows for people to push themselves, allow us to do new things, and grow as people,” says Will. After graduating, Will wants to coach basketball at any level and teach. 

Leaving DC will be hard for Will as he has found a home here. He said that he will miss the genuine relationships he has with everyone here. For Will to pick a favorite memory was hard for him, but he said, “Seeing my parents be so proud and come to all my events. Being homecoming king and seeing how excited my mom and dad were for me. Seeing my parents come to just watch me film and support me 100%.” Will said that leaving DC will not be easy, but he knows that Defiance College will always be home. Will leaves us with two pieces of advice: “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” and “Know why you are here, and find your why.” 

Will will always be a major part of Defiance College, and his shoes will be hard to fill. Getting to know Will has been so great, and his last few months as a DC student will be full of more laughs and memories. As you see Will around campus, make sure to say Hi, as his impact on everyone is large!

By: Hanna Young

The Defiance College Yellow Jackets took on the Rose-Hulman Fightin’ Engineers on Saturday in Defiance. The Yellow Jackets struck first in the beginning of the 1st quarter when Jordan Ambose found the end zone, which was followed by a Zeke Sanchez PAT for the extra point. This gave Defiance the early lead, however, Rose-Hulman scored the next two touchdowns of the game and then made one of their two PATs. Nearing the end of the first quarter Defiance’s Tawann Rome received a pass from Jordan Ambrose to tie the score at 13. Rose-Hulman had an extra point return for 2 points to regain the lead. Rose-Hulman scored the last touchdown of the quarter to make the score 22-13 going into the second quarter. 

Rose-Hulman started out the second quarter by scoring a touchdown to add to their lead. Defiance answered shortly after when Jordan Ambrose found the end zone on a 6-yard run which was followed by a good PAT by Zeke Sanchez. The Fightin’ Engineers ended the first half by adding yet another touchdown to the scoreboard. 

Defiance came out in the second and tallied the first touchdown of the half. Tyshaun Freeman went on a 46-yard run into the endzone, followed by a good PAT by Zeke Sanchez. Rose-Hulman answered this by adding another two touchdowns to the scoreboard. A 30-yard pass from Jordan Ambrose found Tawann Rome for a touchdown, followed by a good PAT by Zeke Sanchez. This leaves the Yellow Jackets within 17, making the score 57-40. The Fightin’ Engineers round out the third quarter by adding another touchdown.

The fourth quarter started with Rose-Hulman adding tacking on another touchdown. Defiance answered quickly when Dazzmon Garrett received a pass from Jordan Ambrose to try and diminish the lead that the Fightin’ Engineers had. Rose-Hulman scored their last touchdown of the game with under three minutes to go in the contest. However, it was Defiance who struck last when Jordan Ambrose took the ball himself to score the last touchdown of the game. 

The Yellow Jacket offense combined for a total of 500 yards, 280 coming from passing, while the other 220 came from rushing. Jordan Ambrose recorded all 280 passing yards for the Yellow Jackets. Jordan Ambrose also led in rushing yards earning 127, this was followed by Tyshaun Freeman who added 65, while Cooper Sloan added in 23. Dazzmon Garrett led the team in receiving yards with 114, he was closely followed by Tawann Rome who added in 112. Zeke Sanchez sent 4 of his 6 extra point attempts sailing through the uprights. Cole Recker punted 3 times for a total of 133 yards, while Mathew Bolanos punted 2 times earning himself a total of 69 yards. 

On the Defensive side of things the Yellow Jackets recorded 93 tackles, 56 of those being assisted tackles while 37 were solo tackles. Thomas Coltrain led the team in total tackles with 19, this was followed by Jaylen Redd who recorded 16 and Brayden Birkholz who added 10. Thomas Coltrain also led the team in assisted tackles with 12, this was followed by Jaylen Redd with 9 and Brayden Birkholz with 7. Jaylen Redd and Thomas Coltrain each recorded 7 solo tackles, Daniel Budwah added 4 solo tackles. Isiah Watts and Daniel Budwah are both credited with breaking up a pass. 

The Yellow Jacket will be back in action against Bluffton on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 1:30 pm. Come out and support the Seniors on their Senior Day!

By Hanna Young

Defiance struck first on Saturday afternoon, putting the first points on the board early in the first quarter. The Yellow Jackets scored less than two minutes into the game, Zeke Sanchez blasted a ball through the uplights from the 36-yard line for the early 3 point lead. Manchester quickly answered to that, scoring their first touchdown of the game less than five minutes later. The Yellow Jackets added a touchdown as well just minutes after Manchester. Tyshaun Freeman ran the ball into the endzone, followed by Zeke Sanchez’s PAT to add 7 more points to the scoreboard. Manchester struck twice more in the 1st quarter to give them the 11 point lead. After a quiet second quarter the Yellow Jackets were the only team to record points. Nearing the end of the quarter, Jordan Ambose found Cole Recker in the end zone with a little more than four minutes left in the quarter. After a PAT by Zeke Sanchez was deemed good the Yellow Jackets had cut down Manchester’s lead to four going into the half. 

The third quarter was dominated by Defiance, who scored four times and kept Manchester quiet. Jordan Ambrose found his way into the endzone shortly after the 3rd quarter started, followed by a good PAT by Zeke Sanchez to add 7 more points to Defiance’s total. After Defiance earned the lead there was no turning back for them. Tyshaun Freeman found the endzone again, which was followed by another Zeke Sanchez PAT to add 7 more tallies in favor of Defiance. Defiance continued adding to their lead when Jordan Ambrose connected with Jehlani Warren for the touchdown, this was again followed by a good PAT by Zeke Sanchez. Defiance rounded out the scoring in the 3rd quarter when Jordan Abrose found Shonjae Gibson who found the endzone, earning the Yellow Jackets another touchdown. Going into the fourth quarter the score was 44-21 in favor of Defiance. The Yellow Jackets continued their run into the 4th quarter scoring the first points of the quarter, however, this would be the last that Defiance scores. Tyshaun Freeman found his way into the endzone only a few minutes into the quarter to add to Defiance’s lead. The PAT by Zeke Sanchez was good which put the score at 51-21. This is where the score would remain until there was under a minute on the clock, Manchester struck one final time adding 6 points to their total. 

Defiance recorded 23 first downs, 291 yards passing, 199 yards rushing, as well as 61 return yards. Jordan Ambrose led in passing yards contributing 271, Jehlani Warren added in 20. Tyshuan Freeman led the team in rushing yards with 75 which was closely followed by Jordan Ambrose who contributed 73. Shonjae Gibson added in 79 receiving yards which was closely followed by Jalen Warren who recorded 78, Tawann Rome chipped in with 56. Zeke Sanchez led the team in PATs scoring six as well as one field goal to earn him 9 points in the contest. He also kicked off 8 times. Mathew Bolanos punted four times, recording 148 yards. 

On the Defensive end there are several stats that stick out as well, there were a total of 53 tackles, 45 of which were solo tackles, while the other 8 were assisted tackles. Thomas Coltrain led the team with total number of tackles recording 11, Richard Pope IV adding in 5, which was followed by Isiah Watts, Brian Murat, Malcolm McNeil, and Dominic Harris each with 4. Thomas Coltrain also led the team in solo tackles recording 10, Isiah Watts, Brain Murat, and Malcolm McNeil each added in 4. Richard Pope IV, Dominic Harris, and Davidson Leconte, Jr. all recorded 2 assisted tackles, while Thomas Coltrain and Kanye McKinley both added in 1. Isiah Watts, Malcolm McNeil, Andre Tibbs, Jaylen Redd, Tyquez Douglas, V’Sean Palmer, and Carlens Elisias were all credited with breaking up a pass. 

The Yellow Jackets will host Rose-Hulman on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at 1:30pm. 

By: Jessica Reynolds

I would like to introduce you to Dr. Barnes. She is the Associate Professor of Special Education and Director of the Hench Autism Studies Program. She has been at Defiance College for 11 years. Dr. Barnes’ favorite thing about working at Defiance College is the small class sizes as well as the small amount of advisees she has to work with. She stated that with the small numbers she can “work closely with students from beginning to end and watch their personal and professional growth.” When asked the question on why she wanted to work at DC, she responded with “the opportunities that she has to work with students directly and then the possibilities for creating partnerships in the community.” Prior to working at the college, Dr. Barnes worked at a boarding school for students with complex learning disabilities.

Dr. Barnes went to Western Michigan University for her Undergraduate degree in Psychology. She then attended Southern Illinois Carbondale for her Master’s degree in Behavioral Analysis and Therapy. Dr. Barnes then went on at Southern Illinois Carbondale for her PhD in Rehabilitation. Two words that Dr. Barnes would use to describe herself are introverted and focused. Since having children, Dr. Barnes sees herself more as an early bird. She stated that she “starts her day off an hour before everyone else in her house gets up, so she can drink her coffee and read.” She really likes both tea and coffee, but she mentioned she is more of a coffee drinker. When asked the question on who has inspired her to move forward with the career path she is in right now, she stated “her mom because she had a career in Special Education.” 

Dr. Barnes’ office can be located in Defiance 104C.

By Hannah Feldman

As the summer sun begins to wane and the crisp, cool air of autumn sets in, trees across the Northern Hemisphere put on a stunning display of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The annual transformation of leaves is a natural spectacle that has captivated poets, artists, and nature enthusiasts for centuries. But what exactly causes this kaleidoscope of colors? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind the mesmerizing phenomenon of leaves changing colors during the fall.

Chlorophyll: The Green Pigment of Summer: During the spring and summer, the green pigment chlorophyll is the star player in photosynthesis. Chlorophyll captures sunlight and converts it into energy for the tree, allowing it to grow and produce food. It’s the dominant pigment in leaves during these seasons, so they appear green.

Shorter Daylight and Cooler Temperatures: As autumn approaches, the days grow shorter, and temperatures drop. This shift signals to deciduous trees that it’s time to prepare for the harsh winter ahead. The tree begins to conserve energy, and the production of chlorophyll decreases.

Revealing the Hidden Colors: Beneath the green chlorophyll, other pigments have been present all along. Carotenoids, responsible for yellow and orange hues, and anthocyanins, responsible for red and purple hues, are typically masked by the dominant chlorophyll. As chlorophyll production slows, these pigments become more visible.

Yellow and Orange Pigments – Carotenoids: Carotenoids are present in the leaf year-round but are typically overshadowed by the green of chlorophyll. When chlorophyll breaks down and dissipates, the colors produced by carotenoids shine through, giving leaves their warm and golden hues.

Red and Purple Pigments – Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins, unlike carotenoids, are produced in response to certain environmental factors, such as cool temperatures and exposure to light. Trees like maples, oaks, and dogwoods have anthocyanins in abundance. The color intensity of anthocyanin-rich leaves is influenced by factors like the tree’s genetics and the pH levels in the leaf.

The Role of Weather: Weather conditions can significantly impact the brilliance of fall foliage. Warm, sunny days followed by cool, crisp nights produce the most vivid and striking colors. Adequate moisture is also essential for maintaining healthy leaves throughout the changing process.

The annual transformation of leaves from lush green to the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn is a testament to the intricate balance of nature. 

Understanding the science behind this breathtaking phenomenon only deepens our appreciation of the world around us. So, as you embark on your next autumn stroll through a forested trail or a tree-lined avenue, take a moment to admire the work of art that is nature’s canvas and the marvelous chemistry that orchestrates this enchanting spectacle each fall.

Work Cited 
“Why Do Leaves Change Color?” Why Do Leaves Change Color? | Rutgers University, www.rutgers.edu/news/why-do-leaves-change-color. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.

By Caia Bevins

This was a busy week for the men’s teams, so let’s recap.

Men’s soccer played Mount Saint Joseph last Wednesday in their last game of the season. The Jackets wasted no time, and #7 Adam Tobin scored the first goal of the game in the first five minutes. #11 Riley Hensley scored a few minutes later, and they kept up their momentum, scoring another seven goals in the first half, one by #23 Jeremy Fuller, two by  #24 Joshua Maurer, one by #4 Will Gehlhausen, and another by #X Jacob Saxby. In the second half, DC only scored one goal, which was made by #7 Adam Tobin. #24 Joshua Maurer and #7 Adam Tobin led the team in goals, #10 Armando Campos-Ortiz and #35 Griffin Meyer led with shots, and #1 Orry Killam led with four saves. Overall, the team attempted thirty-four shots, seventeen shots on goal, and five saves.

Men’s soccer played in the first round of the HCAC tournament last Saturday against Transylvania. Both teams were scoreless in the first half despite several attempts on both sides. In the second half, the Jackets made several more shots, but none of them found the back of the net. The clock ran down with both teams scoreless, so they went into overtime. There were six rounds of one-on-one shots. Each team made several good saves after six rounds; they were tied 3-3. They went into a sudden death round, and Transylvania made the shot, winning the game. #11 Riley Hensley and #7 Adam Tobin led with four shots each, and #1 Orry Killam led with saves. The team ended with fifteen shots, eight shots on goal, and four saves.

Football played against Manchester last weekend. In the first half, the Spartans made three touchdowns and made all three extra points, while the Jackets scored two touchdowns and a field goal, making the score 21-17 going into the second half. The Jackets dominated the second half and scored 34 points, and the game ended with a score of 51-27. The game ended with 291 passing yards, 199 rushing yards, and had a time of possession of 26:22.