The Defiance College men’s track & field team traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, Friday afternoon for the Firebird Finale at Carthage College. Eighteen schools competed in the Firebird Finale, including Carthage College, North Central College, Harper College, Wisconsin-Parkside University, North Park University, Whittier College, Fontboone University, Southwest College, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Concordia University, Greenville University, Wisconsin-Whitewater University, The University of Chicago, Washington University, Elmhurst University, Carroll University, and Millikin University. Freshman Marlon Brown won the 400-meter dash with a time of 51.10 seconds, while senior Ja’Qway Janvier finished sixth in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.77 seconds.
3/4: Polar Bear Final Qualifier (Ada. Ohio)
The Yellow Jackets men’s track & field team traveled to Ada, Ohio, Saturday afternoon for the Polar Bear Final Qualifier at Ohio Northern University. Fifty-four schools competed in the Polar Bear Final Qualifier, including Ohio Northern University, Capital University, Marietta College, Allegheny College, Franciscan University, Mount Union University, Alma College, Transylvania University, Findlay University, Waynesburg University, Hartwick College, Baldwin Wallace University, Williams College, Wheaton College, Franklin College, Cedarville University, Washington & Jefferson College, Otterbein University, John Carroll University, Olivet College, Trine University, Wooster College, Case Western Reserve University, Wittenberg University, DePauw University, Piedmont University, Manchester University, Adrian College, Ohio Wesleyan University, Wilmington College, Denison University, Anderson University, Albion College, Oberlin College University, Bridgewater College, Brandeis University, Kenyon College, Hanover College, West Liberty University, Wabash College, Centre College, Heidelberg University, Miami University, Bluffton University, Buffalo State University, Mount St. Joseph University, Wisconsin-LaCrosse University, State University of New York at Fredonia, Wisconsin-Oshkosh University, Ohio Dominican University, Dickinson College, Keene State College, and Rowan College. Freshman Marlon Brown won the 400-meter dash with a time of 50.64 seconds. In the 60-meter dash, sophomore Gavin Maratea finished in 16th place with a time of 7.38 seconds, while junior Daniel Budwah finished 20th with a time of 7.58 seconds. Maratea and Budwah also ran in the 200-meter dash, where Maratea finished in 7th place with a time of 24.16, while Budwah finished in 10th with a time of 25.04.
Women’s Track & Field: Fri. Mar. 3 and Sat. Mar. 4
3/3: Firebird Finale (Kenosha, Wisconsin)
The Defiance College women’s track & field team traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, Friday afternoon for the Firebird Finale at Carthage College. Eighteen schools competed in the Firebird Finale, including Carthage College, North Central College, Harper College, Wisconsin-Parkside University, North Park University, Whittier College, Fontboone University, Southwest College, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Concordia University, Greenville University, Wisconsin-Whitewater University, The University of Chicago, Washington University, Elmhurst University, Carroll University, and Millikin University. Senior Lisa-Maria Markau was the lone runner for the Yellow Jackets. Markau finished in 6th place in both the 55-meter dash and the 200-meter dash. She completed the 55-meter in 7.56 seconds and the 200-meter in 26.73 seconds.
3/4: Polar Bear Final Qualifier (Ada. Ohio)
The Yellow Jackets women’s track & field team traveled to Ada, Ohio, Saturday afternoon for the Polar Bear Final Qualifier at Ohio Northern University. Fifty-four schools competed in the Polar Bear Final Qualifier, including Ohio Northern University, Capital University, Marietta College, Allegheny College, Franciscan University, Mount Union University, Alma College, Transylvania University, Findlay University, Waynesburg University, Hartwick College, Baldwin Wallace University, Williams College, Wheaton College, Franklin College, Cedarville University, Washington & Jefferson College, Otterbein University, John Carroll University, Olivet College, Trine University, Wooster College, Case Western Reserve University, Wittenberg University, DePauw University, Piedmont University, Manchester University, Adrian College, Ohio Wesleyan University, Wilmington College, Denison University, Anderson University, Albion College, Oberlin College University, Bridgewater College, Brandeis University, Kenyon College, Hanover College, West Liberty University, Wabash College, Centre College, Heidelberg University, Miami University, Bluffton University, Buffalo State University, Mount St. Joseph University, Wisconsin-LaCrosse University, State University of New York at Fredonia, Wisconsin-Oshkosh University, Ohio Dominican University, Dickinson College, Keene State College, and Rowan College. In the 400-meter dash, freshman Shyla Pemberton finished in 8th place with a time of 1:04:55, while senior Lisa-Maria Markau finished in 9th with a time of 1:05:21. Pemberton also ran in the 200-meter dash, where she finished in 3rd place with a time of 28.20. Senior Brianna Snider finished in 10th place in the 800-meter run, as she finished with a time of 3:31:67.
Home
Monday, Mar. 6
Softball (0-4) vs Hope College (1-2)
Location: Defiance High School
(3:00 pm)
Softball (0-4) vs Hope College (1-2)
Location: Defiance High School
(5:00 pm)
Away
Friday, Mar. 10
Women’s Track & Field at NCAA Division III Nationals (Birmingham, Alabama)
(TBA)
Men’s Track & Field at NCAA Division III Nationals (Birmingham, Alabama)
(TBA)
Women’s Golf at Idle Creek Golf Course (The Woods Invite)
(TBD)
Saturday, Mar. 11
Women’s Track & Field at NCAA Division III Nationals (Birmingham, Alabama)
(TBA)
Men’s Track & Field at NCAA Division III Nationals (Birmingham, Alabama)
(TBA)
Women’s Golf at Idle Creek Golf Course (The Woods Invite)
According to “14 Facts About The Month of March,” states that “March was actually named for the Latin Martius– aka Mars, the Roman god of war and a mythical ancestor of the Roman people via his wolf-suckling sons, Romulus and Remus.”
March is known as the third month of the year and includes thirty-one days. Some important holidays in March include National Pig Day, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday, International Women’s Day, Pi Day, Ides of March, St. Patrick’s Day, National Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, and National Crayon Day. People that are born in March have a birth flower of the daffodil, which signifies regard or unrequited love.
On the other hand, people born in March have a birthstone of aquamarine. This gem is a type of beryl and has a color variation of pale to dark blue, greenish-blue, or blue-green. March has zodiac signs of Pisces which is from February 20 to March 20, and Aries, which is from March 21 to April 20.
Another interesting fact about March is that every year March and June finish on the same day of the week. After a long winter, March is also the time of year when animals start waking up from their hibernation. The popular social media site, Twitter, was first launched on March 21, 2006, with the first tweet going out that same day.
According to “20 Marvelous Facts About March” states, “It was posted by the founder, Jack Dorsey, which read, “just setting up my twitter.” March was also known as the month when military campaigns would resume that had previously been put on hold for winter. In conclusion, March is an interesting month with lots of history to it.
Her Last Breath, by famous mystery author Dan Padavona, gives just enough suspense in each chapter to keep the reader coming back for more. This story is set in the small village of Wolf Lake. This book’s continuous cliffhangers at the end of many chapters left the readers coming back for more.
Detective Thomas Shepherd comes back to his hometown of Wolf Lake and accepts a position as a deputy in the Wolf County Sheriff’s Department. He comes back to try and make things right with his family, he moves into his uncle’s old house on the lake. This is where he meets Naomi and her young daughter Scout, who also happens to be an online crime investigator, as he moves into the house next door to them. Not long after moving in there was a murder where his path crosses an old love interest. Detective Shepherd must change the Sheriff’s mind about who the killer really is because he does not believe that a teenager committed the crime. There are so many unknowns in this book with page after page of cliffhangers.
Scout being a crime enthusiast really seems to peak my attention and keep me wanting to read. This was one of my favorite parts of the book because the aspect of a child being able to help with a murder investigation is crazy to me. The rest of the book was really good as well. The relationship that Detective Shepherd builds with not only Naomi and Scout but with the other detectives and the connection that he makes again with people from his childhood is important and adds a personal aspect to the story.
Overall, I would give this book a 4/5. I really liked this book, and the suspense kept me coming back for more.
To any Cincinnati Reds fans reading, I’m sorry for what you’ve been through in the last ten years. It’s truly sad that the oldest professional baseball team, an organization with such a storied history, has fallen on such hard times. Especially because those hard times have been largely brought about by an owner unwilling to spend, even to keep his own homegrown talent around, but don’t stop reading! I’m going to try to mix some hope in with the doom and gloom. The Cincinnati Reds finished the 2022 season tied for the third-worst record in Major League Baseball. Cincinnati was number 23 in MLB for runs scored with 648 and had the 27th-best team ERA at 4.86. So, all in all, a pretty awful season. It’s been a string of awful seasons for Cincinnati. But here are five reasons to be hopeful in 2023 and beyond!
Reason #1: Hunter Greene
The biggest reason to be excited about the 2023 Reds is indisputably Greene.
One of baseball’s most electrifying young pitchers had an impressive rookie campaign in 2022, striking out 10.6 batters per nine innings and walking just 3.1. If he can get the home run ball in check (1.4 homers per nine in 2022), he looks like he could be one of the best pitchers in baseball for years to come. He throws his fastball at an average of 99 miles per hour, which is really just ridiculous for a starter. In his rookie season, he was in the 88th percentile among MLB pitchers for whiff rate.
Reason #2: Alexis Diaz is actually nasty
Alexis Diaz finished 11th among qualified NL relievers last year in ERA. According to baseballsavant.com, Diaz has some of the most unhittable stuff in the league. His fastball spin rate is 100th percentile among MLB pitchers. Expected slugging on balls batted against him is 96th percentile. His whiff rate is 97th percentile.
Reason #3: Spencer Steer
Steer didn’t do much in 108 plate appearances with Cincinnati in 2022, but the 24-year-old tore through the minor leagues the last two seasons. He started 2021 in High-A and in 216 minor league games over the next two seasons, hit 47 home runs, and got on base over 35 percent of the time. He cut his strikeouts and raised his average, on-base percentage, and slugging while playing against better competition. Steer is considered the Red’s no. 2 prospect right now by Fangraphs, and he is projected to start at second or third base for the Reds this season. He could be one of their best hitters as a rookie.
Reason #4: The farm
The Reds have the 13th-best farm system in MLB, according to The Athletic. The crown jewel of the system is Dominican shortstop Elly De La Cruz, whom veteran MLB prospect correspondent Keith Law says has the highest ceiling in the minors. De La Cruz is projected as an above-average hitter and fielder with a plus arm and power. He’s a plus-plus runner. He tore up Double-A in 2022, hitting 28 homers and swiping 47 bags as a 20-year-old. Noelvi Marte, another shortstop acquired from the Mariners in the Luis Castillo trade last July, has some of the best raw power in the minor leagues. He got on base 37% of the time last season and hit 19 homers in High-A as a 20-year-old. Edwin Arroyo, their third-best prospect, according to MLB.com, is projected to be a plus fielder at shortstop, and he hit nearly .300 last season across two levels, spending most of the season as an 18-year-old. Cam Collier, a third baseman and the 2022 no. 18 overall pick, is projected as a plus hitter and will make his full-season pro debut in 2023. The Red’s infield looks like it could be set for years to come.
Reason #5: It’s a fresh start
The Reds won 83 games in 2021. Then they were gutted in the 2021-2022 offseason. After this season, the Reds are finally off the hook for Joey Votto’s contract. They have no guaranteed money on the books for 2024. But with an impressive crop of infield prospects on the way and a decently deep stash of arms on the farm, the Reds will be well positioned to spend in one of these upcoming offseasons to supplement their homegrown talent. The Reds open the regular season on March 30 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. It’s almost certainly going to be a long season for fans of professional baseball’s oldest team, but hey, there could be some bright spots.
I would like to introduce you to Dr. Caldwell. She is the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs. She has been at Defiance College for five years but has been a faculty member for 27 years. She decided to come to Defiance College because she knew the President of the college from other areas, and she happened to bump into her at a conference. She also loved Defiance College and its story. Her favorite thing about Defiance College is the students.
Dr. Caldwell grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended the University of Toledo for her undergraduate in international relations and political science. She also attended the University of Toledo for her master’s in psychology.
The next part of my interview with Dr. Caldwell was focused more personally. When asked what her favorite animal was and why she stated, “panda bears because they are just so cute.” Her favorite genre of music is rock. One thing that is currently on her bucket list is to go to Egypt and see the pyramids. If Dr. Caldwell could only eat one food for the rest of her life, she would eat nachos.
2/25: Carroll University 3 (1-0), Defiance 0 (0-1) (Fontbonne Tournament)
Final
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Runs
Hits
Errors
Defiance
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
Carroll
0
2
0
0
0
1
X
3
8
3
The Defiance College softball team traveled to Edwardsville, Illinois, Saturday afternoon to take on the Carroll Pios as a part of the opening day of the Fontbonne Tournament. Two of the three runs for the Pios came in the 2nd inning as junior Reagan Goluch advanced from the second base via an error, which also set up senior Abby Wimmer into scoring position at third base. The very next batter, sophomore Kaitlyn Reed singled to left field, which allowed Wimmer to score. The third run for Carroll came in the 6th inning as sophomore Antoinette Napoli singled through the right field to allow junior Sydney Raddeman to score from third base. Junior Savannah McCoy pitched all six innings in this contest for Defiance, in which she threw 88 pitches, including 62 strikes. Senior Josilyn Guzman recorded the lone hit for the Yellow Jackets.
2/25: Millikin University 6 (1-0), Defiance 1 (0-2) (Fontbonne Tournament)
***Statistical information is not available at this time for this matchup. Keep an eye on the Defiance College Athletics website in the coming days for more detailed information.***
When senior Marissa Roberts was asked by The Defender about her thoughts following the opening day of the Fontboone Tournament, she expressed, “I think it’s going to be a great season! We have a great connection, but we definitely have some little things we can fine tune. Overall, I’m excited to see the growth of this team this season.“
2/26: Monmouth College 6 (1-2), Defiance 5 (0-3) (Fontbonne Tournament)
***Statistical information is not available at this time for this matchup. Keep an eye on the Defiance College Athletics website in the coming days for more detailed information.***
2/26: Illinois College 2 (1-1), Defiance 1 (0-4) (Fontbonne Tournament)
Final
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Runs
Hits
Errors
Illinois Col.
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
7
0
Defiance
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
5
0
The Yellow Jackets softball team finished up their trip to the Fontbonne Tournament with a matchup against the Illinois Lady Blues. The Lady Blues scored the first points of this contest in the 2nd inning, as freshman Brooke Loveall doubled to center field, which allowed sophomore Kayla Serpa to score from second base. Defiance would tie the game at one in the bottom of the 3rd inning, after junior Brooke Silcox singled to let senior Marissa Roberts tag home plate. At the top of the 5th inning, with bases loaded, Yellow Jackets’ pitcher (junior) Savannah McCoy walked junior Calynn Gicante, which allowed freshman Brooke Loveall to advance home (2-1). Both teams would struggle to find opportunities to score in the remaining two and a half innings, so the Lady Blues escaped with a 2-1 victory. Junior Savannah McCoy pitched all seven innings in this contest for Defiance, in which she threw 96 pitches, including 53 strikes. In the 5 hits for the Yellow Jackets, senior Marissa Roberts and junior Brooke Silcox each recorded two hits, while sophomore Destiny Coil had one.
Baseball: Sat. Feb. 25 and Sun. Feb. 26
2/25: Muskingum University 7 (1-1), Defiance 4 (0-1) (Xavier University)
Final
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Runs
Hits
Errors
Defiance
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
4
10
0
Muskingum
1
0
2
0
0
0
3
1
X
7
13
3
On Saturday afternoon, the Defiance College baseball team kicked off their 2023 season with a non-conference matchup against the Muskingum Fighting Muskies. This double-header affair was played at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Yellow Jackets jumped on Muskies starting pitcher (junior) Jaxon Rinkes for two runs in the top of the first inning before he settled in to toss three scoreless frames. With two on and two out, sophomore Jacob Hild singled home fellow sophomore Gunner Gregg and created another run shortly after on a steal of second base to draw a throw, while junior Trent Murdock punched his way home. Defiance could not push another run across the plate until the 7th inning. In the 7th, senior Hunter Bostater ripped a double to left field, but Mudock was cut down at third base. Senior Austin Horning delivered the game-tying hit two batters later. Unfortunately, Horning was left on third when the inning ended. Muskingum answered back to load the bases on DC reliever (freshman) Ethan Jenkins and the Muskies took the lead back via a sacrifice fly for the first out. Junior Ryan Schwartz ripped a two-run double to center a little bit later in the bottom of the 7th to plate the next two runs (6-3). After a hit batter by Jenkins, junior Johnny Hammerstein entered to close out the seventh inning, and he did as he stranded the bases loaded. Hammerstein pitched the 8th inning as well, while the Muskies grabbed an extra run (7-4). Senior Cohen Nies pitched the first six innings for the Yellow Jackets, as he finished with six consecutive scoreless innings after Muskingum led 3-2 after three innings. Junior Ryan Schwartz went 3-5 with three RBIs and three extra-base hits, while sophomore Weston Melick went 4-4 for the Muskies with a double and a pair of RBIs. A three-run 7th inning by Muskingum ended up being the difference in this contest, as the Muskies took home the Game 1 victory 7-4. Neither team’s pitching staff recorded a clean inning, as both teams combined for 23 hits and 12 walks. In the ten hits for the Yellow Jackets, senior Hunter Bostater and sophomore Gunner Gregg each recorded two hits, while senior Alex Morr, senior Austin Horning, senior Dylan King, junior Trent Murdock, sophomore Jacob Hild, and sophomore Tyler Dehan each recorded one hit a piece.
2/25: Muskingum University 5 (2-1), Defiance 4 (0-2) (Xavier University)
Final
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Runs
Hits
Errors
Defiance
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
4
8
3
Muskingum
2
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
X
5
13
1
The Yellow Jackets baseball team wrapped up a doubleheader against the Muskingum Fighting Muskies on Saturday evening at Xavier University. Defiance punched in runs over four different innings in game two, including the top of the first and two home runs in the middle innings by junior Trent Murdock and sophomore Tyler Dehan. Sophomore Gunner Gregg set up the Yellow Jackets’ run in the first inning with a double and ended the third by giving Muskingum their lone error of the contest. Junior Trent Murdock flew out to center to bring Gregg in, which put Defiance ahead after a half-inning for the second game in a row (1-0). The Muskies put together three first-inning hits against Yellow Jacket starting pitcher sophomore Sam Thombs, including a two-run single by junior Ryan Schwartz to bring his RBI total to five on the day. Sophomore Tyler Dehan smacked a solo home run for Defiance with one out in the fifth inning, which cut the Yellow Jackets’ deficit to one (3-2). Muskingum would respond, though, as they posted a pair of two-out runs during the bottom of the fifth inning (5-2). Junior Quinten Collins connected on a two-out, bases-loaded single to plate two just before the final out of the inning was made at second base. The Yellow Jackets would add single runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Junior Trent Murdock bombed a solo home run in the sixth inning, while senior Josh Vischer signaled sophomore Tyler Dehan home after he doubled in the seventh. Defiance was able to leave Muskingum scoreless for the final three innings of the contest, but the two-run fifth inning ended up making the difference in the second game of the doubleheader, as the Muskies took the victory 5-4. In the 8 hits for the Yellow Jackets, sophomore Gunner Gregg recorded three hits, while sophomore Tyler Dehan had two. Senior Austin Horning, senior Josh Vischer, and junior Trent Murdock each recorded one hit a piece.
When senior Alex Morr was asked by The Defender about his thoughts following the season opening doubleheader against Muskingum, he expressed, “While it wasn’t the outcome that we wanted, we did show a lot of fight and composure this afternoon. I thought we played hard and gave it our all in both games.“
2/26: Kalamazoo College 8 (1-0), Defiance 2 (0-3)
Final
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Runs
Hits
Errors
Kalamazoo
0
2
0
0
3
0
1
0
2
8
11
1
Defiance
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
2
5
3
The Defiance College baseball team hosted the Kalamazoo Hornets Sunday afternoon in non-conference action at Defiance High School. The Hornets were first to reach the scoreboard in the top of the 2nd inning, as freshman Daniel Beccari signaled to left field, which allowed sophomore Tanner Hawkins to score (1-0). Freshman Robert Newland pushed the Kalamazoo advantage to two, as he scored via an error moments later. At the bottom of the 4th inning, senior Hunter Bostater doubled to right center and this allowed junior Trent Mudrock to score for Defiance (2-1). The 5th inning saw three runs scored for the Hornets, as senior Harrison Poeszat, junior Lukas Bolton, and freshman Cam Kelly found their was to homeplate following a double, single, and a ground out. Sophomore Tyler Dehan scored the second run for the Yellow Jackets via a wild pitch. Junior Cooper Mills added to the Hornets lead in the 7th inning, as he scored following a double by senior Harrison Poeszat (6-2). Kalamazoo would tack on two more runs in the 9th inning, as freshman Liam Regan scored off a single by fellow freshman Cam Kelly and senior Harrison Poeszat stole home (8-2). Defiance pitchers junior Jeremy Russo, junior Johnny Hammerstein, freshman Joseph O’Neil, and freshman Ethan Jenkins all saw action this afternoon. In the 5 hits for the Yellow Jackets, senior Hunter Bostater, junior Trent Murdock, junior Mitchell Roever, sophomore Gunner Gregg, and sophomore Tyler Dehan each recorded one hit a piece.
Wrestling: Sat. Feb. 25 and Sun. Feb. 26
The Defiance College wrestling team traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, Saturday morning for the two-day NCAA Central Regionals Championship at Case Western Reserve University. Twenty schools competed in the NCAA Central Regionals Championship, including Case Western Reserve University, Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Baldwin Wallace University, Heidelberg University, Hiram College, John Carroll University, Manchester University, Mount St. Joseph University, Mount Union University, Muskingum University, Ohio Northern University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Olivet College, Otterbein University, Trine University, Wabash College, and Wilmington College. Defiance finished in 17th place as a team with a combined score of 10. In the 141 weight class, sophomore Kliever Joseph lost to Ohio Northern sophomore Jacob Reed in the opening-round matchup, which sent him to the loser’s side of the bracket. Joseph would pick up a consolation victory over Manchester freshman Landen Dilley, before he would lose in the second round of the consolation bracket to Case Western Reserve freshman Art Martinez. In the 149 weight class, junior Shamique Bryant lost to John Carroll sophomore Kale Buckiso, which sent him to the loser’s side of the bracket. Bryant lost the first round matchup against Manchester freshman Keagan Mabie to end his tournament run. In the 157 weight class, senior Alejandro Castro lost the opening round matchup to Ohio Northern sophomore Teagan Hendricks, to send Castro to the loser’s bracket. Castro would pick up three victories in the loser’s side of the bracket, before he lost to Case Western Reserve sophomore Calvin Cai. In the 165 weight class, senior Keringten Martin lost two straight matchups against Albion College freshman Brixton Bright and Case Western Reserve senior Mitchell Arch. In the 174 weight class, senior Jack Minner picked up the victory over Case Western Reserve freshman John Conover in the opening round matchup, before he went on to beat Mount St. Joseph freshman Noah Johnson in the second round. Minner would lose to Ohio Weselyan senior Jaret Lowry in the third round. Minner would also lose in the loser’s bracket to Olivet College senior Owen Guilford. In the 184 weight class, sophomore Joey Perez lost two straight matches to a Heidelberg and Trine wrestler. In the 197 weight class, freshman Kelvin Ruffin also lost two straight matches to a Trine and Mount Union wrestler. In the heavyweight (285), senior Rigo Villa lost to Olivet junior Donovan King in the opening round and then lost to Mushingum senior Noah DeHainaut in the loser’s bracket.
Women’s Track & Field: Sat. Feb. 25
The Yellow Jackets women’s track & field team traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, Saturday afternoon for the HCAC Conference Indoor Championships at Mount St. Joseph University. Ten schools competed in the HCAC Conference Indoor Championships, including Mount St. Joseph University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Manchester University, Earlham College, Hanover College, Franklin College, Transylvania University, Bluffton University, and Anderson University. Defiance finished in 7th place as a team. Senior Lisa-Maria Markau won the 400 meter dash with a time of 1:01.50. This effort was also a new personal best for Markau. Freshman Shyla Pemberton also competed in the 400 meter dash, where she finished in 7th place with a time of 1:04.20. Markau also finished in 2nd place in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.62.
Men’s Track & Field: Sat. Feb. 25
The Defiance College men’s track & field team traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, Saturday afternoon for the HCAC Conference Indoor Championships at Mount St. Joseph University. Ten schools competed in the HCAC Conference Indoor Championships, including Mount St. Joseph University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Manchester University, Earlham College, Hanover College, Franklin College, Transylvania University, Bluffton University, and Anderson University. Defiance finished in 10th place as a team. The 4×200 meter relay team of junior Daniel Budwah, sophomore Gavin Maratea, freshman Marlon Brown, and freshman Isaac Miler finished in 5th place with a time of 1:33.96. Freshman Marlon Brown finished in 4th place in the 400 meter dash with a time of 51.08, while sophomore Gavin Maratea recorded a time of 56.85 seconds, a new personal best. Senior Ja’Qway Janvier completed the 60 meter dash in 7.08 seconds, which was good for a 5th place finish. Freshman Landon Sensmeier set a new personal best in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.82 seconds.
Women’s Golf: Sat. Feb. 25 and Sun. Feb. 26
The Yellow Jackets women’s golf team traveled to Joelton, Tennessee, Saturday morning for the two-day Music City Shootout at Nashville National Golf Links. Nine schools competed in the Music City Shootout, including Mount St. Joseph University, Otterbein University, Ohio Northern University, St. Mary of the Woods College, Manchester University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Bluffton University, and Hanover College. Defiance finished in 7th place as a team with a combined score of 758. Otterbein University took home the team victory with a combined score of 626. Sophomore Isabelle Vance was the highest finishing golfer with a 28th place finish (186), while freshman Cassady Van Dyke finished in 32nd (188). Senior Mari Najar finished in 35th with a score of 190, while sophomore Winter Boroff finished in 38th with a score of 194. Junior Taylor Greilich was the fifth and final Yellow Jackets’ golfer, and she finished 47th with a score of 209.
Away
Friday, Mar. 3
Men’s Track & Field at Ohio Northern University (Polar Bear Final Qualifier)
(TBA)
Women’s Track & Field at Ohio Northern University (Polar Bear Final Qualifier)
(TBA)
Saturday, Mar. 4
Men’s Track & Field at Ohio Northern University (Polar Bear Final Qualifier)
(TBA)
Women’s Track & Field at Ohio Northern University (Polar Bear Final Qualifier)
I am excited and proud to introduce you to Marsha P. Johnson. Marsha was born on August 24, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Marsha was an African American transgender woman and revolutionary LGBTQ rights activist.
One of the main events that Marsha was known for was that she was credited for being an instigator in the Stonewall riots. Growing up as a child, Marsha dealt with many challenges due to her Christain upbringing. After graduating high school, Marsha moved to Greenwich Village in New York City. While she was in New York, she was homeless and prostituted herself to make ends meet. Throughout her struggles, she found joy as a drag queen amidst the nightlife of Christopher Street. In order to save money, Marsha made most of her costumes herself.
She quickly found success and was an influential and inspirational person in the LGBTQ community, where she served as a “drag mother” She helped the homeless and struggling LGBTQ youth and toured the world as a successful drag queen with the Hot Peaches. She was known for her outlandish hats and glamorous jewelry. She was also very fearless and bold. Despite her difficulties with mental illness and numerous police encounters, whenever she was asked what the “P” in her name stood for and when people pried about her gender or sexuality, she answered back with “pay it no mind.”
Sadly on July 6, 1992, at the age of 46, Marsha’s body was found in the Hudson River off the West Village Piers. The police ruled that she had committed suicide despite claims from her friends and other members of the local community that she was not suicidal.
However, twenty-five years later, Victoria Cruz, a crime victim advocate of the New York City Anti-Violence Project, reopened the case. Johnson’s story is featured in Pay It No Mind: Marsha P. Johnson (2012) and The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, and Happy Birthday Marsha (2017). In 2015, the Marsha P. Johnson institution was established. Its mission is to defend and protect the human rights of transgender and gender non-conforming communities. To finalize, Marsha is honored as a Stonewall instigator, a drag queen, an Andy Warhol model, an actress, and a revolutionary trans activist.
Everything, Everything, by #1 New York Times Bestselling author Nicola Loon is a dramatic love story. The story is set mostly in Madeline Whitter’s house. The love that Olly and Madeline want is one major thing that keeps readers coming back for more and, along with the major plot twist at the end keeps these readers on their toes.
Madeline Whitter has a disease, but this isn’t just any disease; it makes her allergic to the world. She is not allowed to leave her house because of this disease. The only person that she has contact with is her mom and her nurse, leaving her to spend a lot of time alone. The home next door to her house is for sale and was finally purchased by another family, and as the moving trucks start showing up, she sees a boy approximately her age. She watches him out the window, and once he notices they start messaging through an online chat room, and this is where the love story starts.
While the love that Olly and Madeline show for one another brings the readers back, there are a lot of things that also keep readers attention. This is a story that has such an interesting storyline with the main character not being able to leave her house, which is a huge obstacle that she has to work through. The ending is also something that leaves me thinking about it. This book has a lot of ups and downs, it definitely is a good read, though.
Overall, I give this book a 4/5. This was a very good read, and there are a lot of lessons that can be learned from this book.
First things first, if you’re not a fan of Paul Rudd, you need to leave. You can come back once you’ve come to your senses. Second thing second, don’t read anything Rotten Tomatoes has to say. Someone (unfortunately, not me) needs to go throw some rotten tomatoes at their reviewers. Now, back to business. OMG, I LOVED THIS MOVIE SO MUCH. LIKE AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Sorry, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I really did love this movie, though. From the first second, I was hooked. I love Paul Rudd, and I love the life he brings to Ant-Man. I love the chemistry he has with all the other characters. Speaking of other characters, I support the recasting of Cassie Lang. I’m sure the actress from Endgame could’ve been great, but Kathryn Newton is an excellent replacement. I loved their father/daughter’s relationship, and their bond was such a HUGE part of the film. (That was a joke. Please laugh. Please.)
The most bad-booty star of the film, however, was Michael Douglas’s Hank Pym. He was so freaking amazing that I can’t even put it into words. The best part of the film is when he appears at the end. If you know, you know. I know we all met Jonathon Major’s character Kang the Conqueror, during Loki, so we knew what to expect, but he was phenomenal. I am so glad he is the MCUs next big bad. I think he is going to do great things with all of his variants.
As with all other Marvel movies, make sure you stay until THE VERY END OF THE CREDITS. You will not be disappointed; I wasn’t. I jumped out of my seat and squealed like a 3-year-old toddler. My dates (still my younger brother and sister) were embarrassed to be near me during it. It was not a pretty sight. All in all, I loved this movie. I give it a 7/10; go watch it. Now.
The guy I like doesn’t like me back. I’m not even sure if he knows I exist. It makes me really upset, and I don’t know what to do. Please help me.
#Sadgirl
Dear #Sadgirl,
In the yellowjacket community, males die after we get busy with our queen. Luckily, I live on a college campus and have no queen. Due to this information (and my lack of love life) I’m going to pass this question over to a friend of mine. Her name is Adora, and she is a Lovebird all the way from Madagascar.
Buzz
Dear #Sadgirl
My dear, I am overjoyed Buzz reached out to me for love advice. I just love love. I have been with my partner, Romeo, for ten years, and we couldn’t be happier! However, we have had our ups and downs. When I first met my partner, he was in the middle of another courtship (she was soooo not the one), but that didn’t stop me from noticing Romeo. However, my sweet Romeo didn’t notice me. I knew I had to play the long game. I became his friend (everyone knows that starting out as friends make the best relationships), and once we started to hang out, our feelings grew like feathers. Sometimes, becoming friends with the person you like smushes those feelings, but other times it makes the feelings stronger. You need to become friends with the guy you like. If you’re already friends, then I recommend putting the moves out. In the aviary community, some people dance. I do not recommend dancing. Drop a cute line, flirt a little, and hang out alone. If these don’t work, then pull on your big girl pants, text him and tell him how you feel, and then pretend to sleep (aka panic) for the next eight hours. After you “wake up,” read his response and start the relationship or continue the friendship. Please, darling, let me know how it goes.
