Category: 2023-24

By Hanna Young

The Defiance College Yellow Jacket football team traveled to Hanover on Saturday to open conference play. The Yellow Jackets struck first scoring a Zeke Sanchez field goal giving them an early 3-0 lead. Nearing the end of the first quarter Sanchez was called on again to send a ball sailing through the goalposts earning Defiance a 6-0 lead. Hanover, however, scored midway through the second quarter and after a successful Point-After-Attempt the score was 6-7 in favor of the Panthers. Shortly after the Panthers tacked on another touchdown and Point-After-Attempt to extend their lead to 6-13. The Yellow Jackets were not going to go down without a fight, though. With less than a minute left Tyshaun Freeman ran the ball into the endzone putting Defiance within one after a successful Point-After-Attempt, 13-14. 

When the half restarted Hanover was the first to strike, scoring on a 35 yard run to earn them a lead of 13-21. Defiance answered this nearing the end of the third quarter when Tyshaun Freeman found his way into the endzone yet again. Following a successful two-point conversion the Yellow Jackets found themselves in a tie. The fourth quarter remained silent until there was under a minute left. With 51 seconds left Jordan Ambrose found Jalen Warren who ran the ball into the endzone putting the Yellow Jackets 27-21. This is where the score would remain for the rest of the game. 

Jordan Ambrose led the Yellow Jackets throwing 228 yards in his 12 completed passes. Tyshaun Freeman led the Yellow Jackets in rushing yards with 90 on his 16 attempts. On the  receiving end Jalen Warren led Defiance recording 120 yards and one touchdown, he was followed by Tawann Rome who recorded 52 yards in the contest. Zeke Sanchez sent two field goals through the uprights as well as one Point-After-Attempt earning himself 7 points. Matthew Bolanos punted for 312 yards on Saturday. 

On the Defensive side Jaylen Redd and Daniel Budwah each recorded 7 solo tackles. They were both followed closely by Thomas Coltrain and Richad Pope IV who both had 6. Richard Pope IV also recorded 3 sacks. Daniel Budwah also recorded an interception for Defiance. The Yellow Jacket defense recorded 51 tackles as a team. The Defiance College Football team will be back home at Justin F. Coressel Stadium on Saturday, October 7th at 1:30pm.

By: Jessica Reynolds

I would like to introduce you to Kris Knight. He is the Assistant Dean of Campus Wellness as well as the Director of Counseling and Accessibility Services. Kris started teaching at Defiance College in 2013 as an adjunct. He then became a full time staff member in 2015 in the counseling department. When he got the call to teach as an adjunct, he stated that it was out of the blue and unexpected. Prior to working at the college, he worked at a private practice in Toledo. His favorite part about working at DC is the students. He stated that “I love seeing the students grow and see the people that they become over the four years they are at Defiance College.”

Kris obtained his Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Bowling Green State University. He then received his Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Supervisor (LPCC-S). Something that he wished he had known prior to starting in his profession is the importance of professional networking. He noted that students can start developing their professional network in college. Something that Kris stated that motivates him in his profession is it is “not about me, it is about the students.” He wants to see all students succeed. One statement that stuck out to me was “If I am not working hard, I am not doing my job for the students.” This statement made by Kris stuck out to me because it really shows how much he cares about his job. 

Kris Knight’s favorite color is green and his biggest fear is snakes. His favorite childhood memory is of camping; he stated during the interview that his family took lots of camping trips when he was younger. Kris’s advice to first year college students is “Use all the resources that are available” and “Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.”

Kris Knight’s office can be located in Defiance 201B.

By Caia Bevins

A lot of things happened in men’s sports this week on the field, so let’s talk about it.

Men’s Soccer played at Manchester on Wednesday. The Spartans scored their first goal of the game in the first half, but it was quickly tied by #11 Riley Hensley a few minutes later. They were tied going into the second half when #3 Quinn Holtzapple scored his first goal of the season. In the final minutes of the game, Manchester scored to tie the game, and the Jackets were unable to score again. The final score was 2-2, and the Yellow Jackets ended with 9 shots on goal.

They played again on Saturday against Hanover. # 11 Riley Hensley scored within the first ten minutes, putting the Jackets at a 1-0 lead. A few minutes later, #6 Jack Stanoikovich scored, increasing their lead. Towards the end of the first half, Hanover scored, putting the score at 2-1. In the second half, Hanover scored again to tie the game, but the Jackets responded by scoring a goal of their own. The goal was scored by #24 Joshua Maurer in the final minutes of the game, which resulted in a 3-2 victory for DC. There were 5 shots on goal, and 10 saves were made by #1 Orry Killam. Men’s Soccer will play again at Rose-Hulman at 3:30 p.m.

The Football team played at Hanover this weekend, where they started the game strong with two field goals made by #10 Zeke Sanchez. The Panthers made a touchdown, but #9 Daniel Budwah quickly intercepted the ball. #0 Tyshaun Freeman scored another touchdown before the end of the first quarter. Going into the third quarter, the Jackets were down 21-13, but the Jackets scored to tie Hanover going into the fourth quarter. The final touchdown was scored by #8 Jalen Warren with 51 seconds on the clock, putting the Jackets in the lead. This was their first win against Hanover since 2015. The football team will play again next Saturday for Homecoming against Mount Saint Joseph at 1:30 p.m.

Defiance College Athletics. (n.d.-a). Defiance College. https://www.defianceathletics.com/landing/index

By: Hanna Young

Sharp Objects, by New York Times Best Selling Author, Gillian Flynn left me with questions about why I even finished the book. This book was set in Windgap, Missouri, a small town. The small-town effect was needed to portray the horrible things that happened in the town.

Camille Preaker is a reporter and writer for the Chicago Daily Post and she is sent to write a story about two murdered girls from her hometown of Windgap. Camille left her hometown after a stay in a psych hospital. She goes and stays at her mother’s house which is the house she grew up in. The only thing is, she is staying with not only her mother who enjoys taking care of her kids, but she is also staying with her half-sister that she barely knows. What Camille doesn’t realize is that her past will tell her even more about what is happening now than what she could ever imagine.

This book seemed to drag on even though it is the shortest book that I have read in years. There was nothing that made me want to finish it, I started out reading from the book but then I had to find the audiobook so that I could finish it because I couldn’t read it anymore. Looking back there was so much potential for the storyline, but I was so confused until the very end. The only other problem was that the ending seemed like such a stretch. In my opinion, the book should have ended with Chapter 16. Chapter 17 and the Epilogue seemed like such a reach.

Overall, I gave this book a 1/5. This was largely because of how long the book seemed as well as the ending.

By: Kaiya Albert

What does it mean to be a student? Being a student consists of many things. It takes hard work, ambition, persistence and discipline. As school has been in session for a little over a month now, students and staff have begun to find a rhythm. Classes are picking up and athletics have already taken off. While being a student is not easy, staying organized and maintaining a routine are two key ways to being successful. 

A good way to stay organized is to keep track of homework and any assignments in a planner. Tracking your daily schedule in a calendar also ensures that you don’t miss any important events like clubs or practices for those who compete in athletics. Nowadays, with technology being at the forefront, there is a calendar app that allows you to do this. Google calendar even allows you to compile all of your schedules into one to make it easier and have a better visual for what’s planned. At the end of the day, we all make mistakes. We are only human, which means that we tend to forget things. However, being a proactive student and staying organized can alleviate that pressure of feeling the need to be perfect. 

Maintaining a routine is very helpful and beneficial for students. Not only maintaining a routine, but an effective one. In a report by Northwestern Medicine, it was concluded that maintaining an effective routine helps relieve stress and anxiety, allowing for more time to relax and leading to better mental health. Mental health is a huge concept in today’s social climate, especially in education. If students can do the small things to reduce that stress, it makes it easier to exceed in the classroom. 

What does it mean to be a student at Defiance? Defiance College is a small 4-year university that is all about service. Being a student means so much more than going to class. It means to get involved in as many ways as you can, lending a helping hand and being active members in the community. In a report conducted by Western Connecticut State University, the following consists of the beneficial gain that one can acquire from service: 

“Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity.” 

This week, what ways can you contribute to your fellow classmates and/or the community? 

Sources: 

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/health-benefits-of-having-a-routine#:~:text=An%20e ffective%20routine%20can%20help,emotional%20well%2Dbeing%20and%20energy. https://www.wcsu.edu/community-engagement/benefits-of-volunteering/#:~:text=Volunteering% 20can%20provide%20a%20healthy,sense%20of%20pride%20and%20identity.

By: Hanna Young

Defiance College Mens’ Soccer team traveled to Adrain College on Thursday night to take on the Bulldogs in a non conference matchup. Defiance’s Riley Hensley found the back of the net for the lone goal for the Yellow Jackets early in the first half. Hensley was assisted on the goal by Forward Griffin Meyer. Defiance attempted four shots in the first half, while Adrian attempted eight. The half ended with Defiance having a 1-0 advantage.

The second half saw no scoring from either team until the 66th minute when Adrian’s Brady Musser knocked the ball into the net. This tied the game at 1, which is where the score remained for the rest of the game. 

The Yellow Jackets recorded nine shot attempts in the second half for a game total of 13, seven of which were on goal. Defiance’s goalkeeper, Orry Killam recorded five saves. While Riley Hensley led the team with shots on goal, recording three in the contest. Hensley also recorded the lone goal. Griffin Meyer landed the single assist in the game as well. 

Docking Stadium had 148 spectators in attendance and the game lasted one hour and fifty-four minutes. 

The Men’s Soccer team will be back in action again on Wednesday, September 27th at Manchester University with a 7:30pm start.

By Caia Bevins

A lot of things happened this week both on the field and the court, so let’s recap. Ladies first:

Women’s soccer played three games last week: one against Blackburn (on 9/17), another against Great Lakes Christian (on 9/20), and the third against Muskingum at Muskingum (on 9/23). The Blackburn game ended in a draw after #6 Hallie Webb scored with less than 6 minutes on the clock, ending with a score of 1-1. The second and third games ended with DC scoreless and Great Lakes Christian and Muskingum scoring 1 and 3, respectively. They will play again on Wednesday at Manchester at 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball had one game this week against Kalamazoo and, despite a herculean effort by all the players, lost 3-0. The scores were 17-25, 25-27, and 23-25 respectively. However, they will have another game on Saturday when they play Hanover at 5 p.m.

Men’s Soccer played well this week against Hiram (on 9/19), Adrian (on 9/21), and Baldwin Wallace (on 9/23). The first game was a victory, with a goal scored by #19 Zac Klopfenstein and another three by #11 Riley Hensley for a final score of 4-2. The game at Adrian ended in a draw after #11 Riley Hensley scored in the first half for a final score of 1-1. The game against Baldwin Wallace resulted in a loss after a penalty kick in the second half by the other team, putting the score at 1-0. Men’s soccer will play again at Manchester on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

This was a by-week for DC Football, but they will play at Hanover on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

From “Defiance College Athletics.” Defiance College, www.defianceathletics.com/landing/index.

By Hannah Feldman

Caffeine is a part of every dining hall, every vending machine, every on-campus restaurant, and a complimentary feature of almost every university event. Around our campus, you find events like “Coffee with a Cop” serving coffee to students, local businesses offering discounts on coffee, and between every class, you see students stopping at the Hive to get some liquid energy. 

Modern universities run on caffeine: 92% of college students consume caffeinated beverages, with many opting for gourmet café beverages or ready-to-go canned beverages for most of their caffeine intake (American Dining Creations). Stop into any college coffee shop, and you will probably see a line around the store of students preparing to order their ultra-customized daily treats: iced coffees with cold foam, hot teas with peach syrup, frappuccinos with extra espresso shots.

Some college students may consume excessive amounts of coffee, driven by academic pressures, late-night study sessions, or irregular sleep patterns. While moderate coffee consumption can have some benefits, such as increased alertness and improved cognitive function, excessive coffee intake can have negative consequences.

Drinking too many caffeinated beverages can result in hospitalization. As people consume more and more energy drinks, the number of energy drink-related ER visits has skyrocketed. The recommended dose of caffeine is under 400 mg, or about two Celsius energy drinks or four cups of black coffee. Yet, amid academic pressure and busy schedules, many students drink above the recommended intake to fuel themselves through long study sessions.

Which begs the question: should we reevaluate our relationship with caffeine culture? Is caffeine the only solution to increase our productivity, or are we just funneling money into an industry that has convinced us we need its products to survive?

There are several ways to boost your energy levels without relying on coffee or excessive caffeine intake. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours daily to help your body recharge.
2. Regular Exercise: Physical activity can increase your overall energy levels. 
3. Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, a glass of water can do more for your energy levels than a cup of coffee.
4. Healthy Diet: Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, which can lead to energy crashes.
5. Regular Meals: Skipping meals can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to fatigue. 
6. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness to help manage stress levels.
7. Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. 
8. Power Naps: A short nap (around 20-30 minutes) can provide a quick energy boost without interfering with nighttime sleep. Avoid longer naps, which can lead to grogginess.
9. Supplements: Consult with a healthcare professional before using supplements, but some people find that vitamins like B-complex or iron can help if they have specific deficiencies.

Remember that everyone’s energy needs and responses differ, so it may take some experimentation to find what works best for you. 

Works Cited

Developer, Webfx. “How Coffee & Caffeine Impacts Student Performance.” American Dining Creations, 26 Apr. 2022, adc-us.com/blog/how-coffee-impacts-student-performance/. 

By: Alexandra Bevins

Dr. Anita Foeman, an alumna of Defiance College, presented a lecture considering “Identity in the Age of Ancestral DNA” on Thursday, September 21st in the Schomburg Auditorium. The event was well attended by Defiance College students and members of the community. President Mankey and Mayor McCann introduced the speaker. While at Defiance College, Dr. Foeman was a member of the debate team and studied communications, graduating in 1976. Dr. Foeman provided insight into the evolution of the field of genetics and considered how the mass production of DNA testing has affected personal and familial identity narratives. She noted that she was interested in combining the emerging field of genetic research with research ideas regarding identity construction. 

Dr. Foeman chronicled the evolution of DNA testing from its inception to modern practices. She noted that when she began, few labs conducted genetic testing, and results indicated a person’s ancestral origins broadly, whereas today, millions of individuals participate in personalized testing through private companies such as Ancestry and receive precise information regarding their ancestors’ geographic and ethnic origins. She noted that technology advances personal understandings of identity as individuals can better understand their family stories after genetic testing. She described how our modern genetic pool is more diverse due to advancements in transportation as people groups are less confined by space and travel more than previous generations. Dr. Foeman recounted several cases where individuals were surprised that they had different genetic makeup than they initially thought. However, they often embraced these stories as elements of a rich and complex family history. Dr. Foeman closed by noting that “we have more than one identity” and genetic research is one way of exploring and conveying unique personal and familial histories. 

By: Jessica Reynolds

I would like to introduce you to Dr. Bowers. This is her first year at Defiance College, she started as the Assistant Professor of English in the fall of 2023. She also assumed the position of the advisor of The Defender. She is originally from Defiance. It has been a dream of hers to work at a small liberal arts college, which is why she decided to accept the position here at DC. Prior to working at Defiance College, she worked at Kent State as the Associate Professor of English. Dr. Bowers is most excited about working with the students. She stated that “the students are enthusiastic and are involved in many things on campus.” 

Dr. Bowers got both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English at Bowling Green State University. Then she went on with her education and got her PhD in English from Texas A&M University. Her favorite class to teach at Defiance College is American Literature, but her favorite area to teach in is Literature Theory and Criticism. 

Dr. Bowers mentioned during the interview that her mother and grandfather made the most impact on her growing up. Her mother was a single mother that raised both her and her brother. Dr. Bowers stated that her mother “showed her women can be on their own and can do anything.” She also stated that her grandfather is “the best person she has even known and he is a survivor.” Some best pieces of advice that Dr. Bowers has received is “It costs nothing to be kind” and “The universe gives us answers to questions we don’t know we asked.”

Dr. Bowers favorite superhero is the winter soldier and her favorite season is autumn. When Dr. Bowers was asked the question on her favorite place she has been on vacation, she stated “anyplace I go with my best friend. My best friend lives in Houston and it is always a good time when we are together.” Something cool that Dr. Bowers did over the summer was she moved to Defiance and bought a house. She was very proud to state that she helped build her fence in her backyard by hand and also built a deck. Dr. Bowers was also eager to state that Styx and Oxbow, her two dogs, are the two most important things to her. 

Dr. Bowers office can be located in Shauffler 122.