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Students at Defiance College are presented with a wide variety of student organizations,
 clubs, and extracurriculars whether it be chess club, Habitat for Humanity or even a sport, but
 Defiance also has its very own Community Orchestra for students to partake in. The Defiance
 College Community Orchestra is among one of the several music programs offered and is
 currently composed of twenty-one musicians who play wind, string, and percussion instruments.

What sets the DC Community Orchestra apart from other extracurriculars is the fact that

it is not limited to college students. Faculty, local high school students, as well as community

members of all ages participate in the orchestra as well. Rehearsals are held once a week on

Monday’s from 6:30-8:00 p.m in Schauffler Hall 117. At these rehearsals, the ensemble

practices a variety of popular tunes from genres ranging from classical to pop, including marches

and contemporary pieces, which they perform at a concert once every semester.

The DC Community Orchestra will be having their spring concert in the Stroede Center

located in downtown Defiance on Tuesday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m. The orchestra is under the

direction of Ms. Cassidy Nalepa who stated, “We strive to make great music, but also have a lot

of fun in rehearsal. For me, the ensemble promotes lifelong music-making no matter your age or

experience!”

Participation in the orchestra not only allows for the pursuing of music, but also for the

chance to create valuable networking between DC students and community members within the

area. Amber, a sophomore clarinet player said, “I love how it not only gives me an opportunity

to be involved with the college, but also the community. Cassidy is an awesome director and she

makes being in the orchestra so enjoyable.” The orchestra is one of the many aspects that

strengthens the tight-knit community feel at DC. There is no audition required to become a part

of the Defiance Community Orchestra and those wishing to join can be of any skill level.

Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Ms. Nalepa (cnalepa@defiance.edu) or attend a

rehearsal for more information.

The Defiance College Wrestling team concluded their 2019-2020 season this weekend by competing at the NCAA DIII Central Regional Tournament. The Regional Tournament was held at Adrian College (Adrian, MI). A total of 18 Division III schools from the Central Region competed within the tournament. The Yellow Jackets placed 15th out of 18 teams overall during the weekend.

Representing the Yellow Jackets at the NCAA Division III Central Regional Tournament was juniors, Rosendo Beltran and Alex Smith, sophomores, Cortez Bradley, Mason Morris, Rigo Villa, and Hunter McNutt. Rounding out the competitors for the Yellow Jackets are freshmen, Cameron Pollard and Seth Majewski. 

Beltran was the highest competitor for the Yellow Jackets. The junior competed in the 125lb weight class against opponents from Otterbein University (Westerville, OH)  and Alma College (Alma, MI). Beltran ended his season with a 3-3 record, placing 6th place for the 125lb weight class overall. The junior picked up a win over his opponent from Otterbein University (Westerville, OH) with a decision score of 9-3 in the consolation bracket. Beltran lost his final match of the day to his opponent from Alma College (Alma, MI) by a 2-1 decision loss.

Junior, Alex Smith competed for the Yellow Jackets in the 144lb weight class. In his opening match, Smith competed and fell to two-time, All-American, Brendan Ladd of Alma College (Alma, MI). The junior picked up one win for the Yellow Jackets for the weekend against a competitor from Wabash College (Crawfordsville, IN). 

Sophomore, Cortez Bradley represented the Yellow Jackets in the 149lb weight class. Bradley went 1-2 for the Yellow Jackets, picking up his win on the weekend with a 16-14 decision win in his consolation match.

Sophomore, Hunter McNutt, represented the Yellow Jackets in the 197lb weight class and finished his season with a 17-6 decision win over an opponent from Olivet College (Olivet, MI).

Freshmen, Seth Majewski competed for the Yellow Jackets in the 133lb weight class facing a competitor from John Carrol University (University Heights, OH). The freshmen picked up a win over this opponent for the Yellow Jackets.

Freshman, Cameron Pollard competed in the 157lb weight class. Pollard finished the weekend for the Yellow Jackets with a 1-2 record picking up a win over a competitor from Muskingum University (New Concord, OH).

Congratulations to the Yellow Jacket Wrestling Team on a great 2019-2020 season! 

Written by: Hailey Krawczyk

Defiance College is putting on The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] this semester.

With the direction of Dr. Steven Engel, Assistant Professor of English and Director of Composition, and Ryan Mays, Audio Visual & Academic Technology Coordinator, it will be the first play to be produced in several years at Defiance College.

The performance will take place at Schomburg Auditorium in Dana Hall. There is not an official date for the performance, but there is a chance it will be on April 23, Shakespeare’s birthday.

A Defiance College student said, “This sounds awesome. I would buy tickets.”

According to Engel they are in need of “actors, techies, front of house folks, etc.” Anybody is welcome to participate, even people who have not had an experience with theater before.

According to Biography Online, Shakespeare wrote 38 plays and 154 sonnets. He would also even act in some of his own plays.

Dr. Engel and Mr. Mays are very excited to be doing this event.

There has already been an informative meeting, but it’s okay if you have missed it. You can still join. Auditions for people who want to act will be Thursday, February 27 at 2 pm in Schomburg Auditorium. Engel said in an email, “you do not need to prepare anything for this audition. The good news is that we will cast anyone who is interested in the show—so there will be no cuts. At the audition, you will participate in some improv games, move around a little on stage, and read a short passage from the play out loud.”

For more information contact Steven Engel at sengel@defiance.edu or Ryan Mays at rmays@defiance.edu.

Written by: Amber Baldwin

Do you like to write? Draw? Take photos? Create exciting works of art? Progeny is the place to have it published. There is still time to submit your work!

Progeny is Defiance College’s literary and art magazine. It has been published annually or bi-annually since 1961. According to Camrin Santchi, Progeny co-editor, “Progeny is a spiritual sister to The Defender, a Defiance College publishing that focuses on the creative works rather than journalism”.

The magazine publishes poetry, prose, art, and photography. Write, create, and go here to Progeny’s website, fill out a form, and enter your work.

You may also email Dr. Steven Engel at sengel@defiance.edu. He is the new advisor this year. Or Camrin Santchi, at csantchi001@defiance.edu or Samantha Haas at shaas002@defiance.edu. The duo will be co-editing the magazine this year.

Dr. Engel states, “Submission can be made by students, faculty, staff, and alums of Defiance College.”

“Anything from short stories to poetry of any kind, even photographs and other art. When it comes to visual art, though, submitters need to keep in mind that Progeny no doubt will be printed in black and white, and thus images that rely on color may not work as well” claims Santchi.

There are plans to create a new layout and look for the magazine that is more consistent with the Defiance College brand. Dr. Engel comments that Michaela Hunt is designing a new logo for the magazine.

When asked, some students were unaware of the magazine or were not planning to submit.

“I was not planning on submitting anything, but it does sound interesting and will check it out,” said one student.

Morgan B said she “knows nothing about it.”

When talking to Jess L., she was not planning on submitting anything.

The magazine is expected sometime near the end of the semester.

According to their website, for published submissions, “Progeny takes only first rights and asks to be acknowledged in any re-publication of a work.”

Written by: AD Johnson

Many of the twelve months of the year are designated to serve as observances for the diverse heritages and cultures prevalent in the United States of America. There is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month in June, and this month, specifically, is African American History Month, also known as Black History Month.

It is celebrated not only all across the U.S but at Defiance College as well. To acknowledge black history month, a showing of the movie “Harriet” was played in Schomburg Auditorium at DC for students on campus. Next Thursday, February 26, Just Mercy will be played in the auditorium as well.  

According to their website, CNN stresses the importance of the month of February by stating that Black History Month is a “nationwide celebration that calls on all Americans to reflect on the significant roles that African-Americans have played in shaping US history.” 

Colleen, a freshman stated, “I think that recognizing black history month here on campus is super important considering our diverse student body.”

However, what most are unaware of is the reasoning behind why Black History Month occurs in February. This national celebration was strategically placed during this month, as it is the birth month of two of U.S history’s most renowned abolitionist figures—Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas.   

The idea for a black history holiday was first put forth by a man named Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Due to the accomplishments of Carter G. Woodson, light has rightfully been shed on the progressive work of African Americans.  From being the child of two slaves to later earning a doctorate from Harvard, he “took on the challenge of writing black Americans into the nation’s history.”

Woodson is referred to as “The Father of Black History.”  It later became a month-long observance in 1976 and has been celebrated annually since.  

Because of the devotion of Carter G. Woodson and hundreds of others like him, Black History Month serves as one of the many observances of African American history and culture. It is celebrated throughout America, especially among the student body at Defiance College.  

Written by: Trisha Baldwin

If there are a few things we expect of February, it’s that it’s the shortest month with varied days of 28 or 29, Valentine’s day is celebrated, and that it’s time for the country to honor Black History Month.

The Office of Intercultural Relations here at Defiance College holds many events that celebrate Black History Month. The office is offering two movies showcasing African American’s who fight for what is right and just with the film Harriet and Just Mercy.

Katelyn Hartzell, a student at Defiance College, said, “I think these events are awesome.  Everyone can learn about different cultures and appreciate everything and everyone.”

One event that is being put on this month is two movie nights.  On Thursday, February 13, at 7:30 pm, Harriet was played at Schomburg Auditorium.  An anonymous student from Defiance College who was at the showing of Harriet last Thursday said, “It was such a good movie.  Everyone should see it.”

Harriet is a movie about the life and events of Harriet Tubman.  The film has been nominated for 34 different awards, including 2 Oscars and has won 18. It is available for rent on most streaming services.

If you did not make it out to that movie night, there is another chance to view a  movie on Wednesday, February 26, at 7:30 pm in Schomburg Auditorium.  This time Just Mercy will be playing. This particular movie is being “co-sponsored…with the Library and Student Academic Support Services.”

It is currently still in theaters and follows the life of a lawyer, played by Micheal B. Jordan. He uses his law degree in fighting to correct the cases of black citizens who have been unjustly convicted of crimes and sentenced to jail.

Both movies premiered in theaters in 2019.

There have been emails sent out to all students and staff about this event, but for even more information, check out this website:

http://www.defiance.edu/student-life/info/intercultural-relations.html

Here is the trailer for Harriet:   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4648786/

Here is the trailer for Just Mercy:  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4916630/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Written by: Amber Baldwin

This spring, Fort Defiance Players, a local community theatre, will be putting on The Sound of Music.  Performance dates are April 23-26 and will be taking place at the Defiance Community Auditorium located downtown at 629 Arabella St. Times on viewing the musical will be available at a  later date.

When asked if she would go and see this musical, Lynne Stuckey, a student at Defiance College, said, “yes, it’s a fun musical.”

Another student at DC responded, “I will definitely be watching this musical. We performed it in high school and would love to see it again.”

If acting is more your style, anyone that would like to audition can sign up for tryouts on February 16 and 17. According to the Fort Defiance Facebook page, to audition, come with a short musical piece to perform that shows off your music ability.  A piano accompanist will be there if needed.  There will also be a reading selection that will be handed out at the audition.

Since there are roles for both children and adults, there are multiple days for tryouts.  The child actors will be 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on the 16, followed by some adult auditions beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 6 p.m. There will also be additional spots to audition for adults on February 17 between 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

All auditions will take place at the Defiance Community Auditorium.

On being asked why college students should audition and be a part of the arts, a member of the Fort Defiance Players said, “it gives students a chance to perform and use their talents outside of college.  They meet new people and experience being part of a community activity.”

For more information, check their Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/fortdefianceplayers/or on their  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fortdefianceplayers/

Randy Schroeder is the Fort Defiance Players director for The Sound of Music.

Written by Amber Baldwin

As the regular season continues to wind down, opportunities to watch the Yellow Jackets play also decrease. The Yellow Jackets will play in five more regular-season games, two of which will take place in the Carl. H. Weaner Center. The Jackets will face Earlham College (Earlharm, IN) on Wednesday, February 12th. Tip-off begins at 7:30 pm. The Jackets will also face Rose Hulman Institute of Technology on Saturday, February 15th. Tip-off for this contest begins at 3:00 pm.

The Defiance College Men’s Basketball team has been off to a rather quick and action-packed Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) season. The Yellow Jackets are currently ranked eighth in the HCAC Men’s basketball standings with a conference record of 5-8 and an overall record of 10-10.

Leading the way in the HCAC standings is Hanover College (Hanover, IN), with a conference record of 9-4 and an overall record of 15-5. Yellow Jacket rival, Bluffton University (Bluffton, OH), is ranked fifth in HCAC standings with a conference record of 7-6 and an overall record of 11-9.

So far, during the season, the Yellow Jackets have racked up big wins over Concordia University (Ann Arbor, MI) with a final score of 79-78. The game-winning shot comes from sophomore, Tyler Andrew. Andrew hit a 3-pointer with 7 seconds left. The shot lifted the Yellow Jackets to the team’s first win of the season and an exhibition win.

Following the exciting road win, the Yellow Jackets traveled to Ball State University (Muncie, IN) to face off against the Cardinals in another exhibition match-up. This match-up was the season opener for the Cardinals. The Cardinals took their first victory over the Yellow Jackets with a final score of 87-43. The Yellow Jackets bounced back quickly by winning their next five non-conference games. The five-game win streak consisted of wins against Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA), Spalding University (Louisville, KY), Great Lakes Chrisitan College (Lansing, MI), University of Akron-Wayne College (Orrville, OH), and Kent State Tuscarawas (New Philadelphia, OH).

The Yellow Jackets started conference play with a big win over Rose Hulman Institute of Technology (Terre Haute, IN). Junior, Miciach Cox leads the Jackets with a total of 19 points, followed by two 17-point performances from Sophomore, Sean Tyson, and Tyler Andrew. The Yellow Jackets have since increased their HCAC Record with wins over Hanover College (Hanover, IN), Manchester University (Manchester, IN), Mount St. Joseph University (Cincinnati, OH), and an exciting triple-overtime win against Earlham College (Richmond, IN).

Don’t miss out on your chance to catch the Yellow Jackets live in action before the regular season ends!

 

Written by: Hailey Krawczyk