Blog

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.

By Hannah Feldman

College athletes often face an incredibly demanding schedule, juggling rigorous training sessions, intense competitions, and the academic responsibilities of their coursework. Balancing these demands can be stressful, both physically and mentally. Relaxation, however, is essential for optimal performance and overall well-being. Here, we explore practical ways for college athletes to relax and recharge.

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a powerful technique to calm the mind and reduce stress. Engaging in regular meditation sessions can help athletes develop greater focus and emotional stability. Whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing or a guided meditation app, integrating mindfulness into a daily routine can provide significant benefits.

2. Physical Activity Beyond Sports: Engaging in activities outside their sport can be an excellent way for college athletes to relax. Hiking, cycling, yoga, or simply going for a walk can help athletes unwind and reduce physical tension. These activities provide a break from the intensity of their sport while maintaining an active lifestyle.

3. Massage and Recovery Techniques: Athletes often experience muscle tension and fatigue. Regular massages or foam rolling sessions can help release tension and promote muscle recovery. Incorporating these practices into their routine can prevent injuries and provide relaxation.

4. Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for recovery and maintaining physical and mental health. College athletes should prioritize a consistent sleep schedule, create a comfortable environment, and get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

5. Social Connection: Spending time with friends and loved ones can provide emotional support and relaxation. Engaging in social activities, sharing experiences, and enjoying a laugh can be a welcome break from the demands of sports and academics.

6. Creative Outlets: Exploring creative hobbies or artistic outlets can be an excellent way for athletes to relax and unwind. Painting, writing, playing music, or even cooking can provide a sense of achievement and escape from the daily grind.

7. Time Management: Effective time management is critical to reducing stress. Athletes can benefit from creating structured schedules that allocate time for training, academics, and relaxation. Setting clear boundaries helps prevent burnout.

8. Nature and the Outdoors: Spending time in nature is a powerful, relaxing way. Whether it’s a visit to a nearby park, a hike in the woods, or a day at the beach, connecting with nature can have a calming effect and improve mental well-being.

9. Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help athletes manage anxiety and stress. Simple techniques like the 4-7-8 method or diaphragmatic breathing can be done anywhere and provide quick relaxation.

In conclusion, relaxation is an essential component of a college athlete’s life, promoting physical recovery, mental well-being, and improved performance. By incorporating these relaxation strategies into their routine, athletes can balance the demands of their sport and their overall health and happiness. Remember, relaxation is not a luxury; it’s a crucial part of the athlete’s journey to success.

By Hanna Young

Dirt Creek, by Australian author Hayley Scivenor left me guessing until the very end. This book was set in a small, rural town in Australia called Dirt Creek. This is the kind of town where everyone seems to know everyone and that is the perfect scene for what is about to shock the town. Not only does everyone in Dirt Creek know each other, but everyone is hiding something. 

When little Esther Bianchi goes missing from the small town of Dirt Creek there are several different clues that need to fall in place to find out what happened to her. Her best friend Veronica or Ronnie for short is a little spitfire that is trying to do everything she can to help find out what happened to Esther even if it involves getting herself into trouble. Lewis knows something, but can’t tell anyone because it will divulge one of his own secrets. Constance is in a place where she doesn’t know what to believe because her only daughter is missing and the one person that is really close to her is being suspected of the disappearance. And lastly, Sarah the detective that is on the case has her own demons to fight off. Someone has to know what happened to Ester and there are so many secrets that need to be uncovered. 

This book has so many things that stick out as odd. Just as soon as you think that you have something figured out another secret is revealed and you are left picking up the pieces of the conclusions that you had drawn. There are a whirlwind of secrets and characters that are overlapping that make the ending unpredictable. The characters are lovable as well, which really adds to the book. 

Overall, I give this book a 5/5. There was no way that I saw the ending coming. Each page revealed something new and by the end I was reeling because of who was really behind the disappearance. 

By: David Heidelburg

When it comes to the holidays, it can be a fun and exciting time. Family and friends come around and bring endless laughs, good times and memories. If I were to ask the question, ‘what is your favorite holiday?’, some may say Christmas, whether the reason is presents, snow, or movies. If I were to ask another person what their favorite holiday is, they might say Halloween, because of the candy or costumes. 

The choice and reasons for why we choose what type of holiday is our favorite are endless with different types of answers, as well as adding in some holidays that weren’t mentioned. On the other hand, if you were to ask me what my favorite holiday is, I will tell you all of them. The reason why I chose all of the holidays to be my favorite is simple. In my opinion, I believe that when it comes to the holidays, they all play a special part in my heart based on childhood memories from each holiday, whether it is Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Halloween, they all play a big role in my heart.

For example, I love Halloween because it reminds me of the times when I was a kid and used to go trick or treating with my mom and sister. I also remember watching all of the classic movies that premiered during those times, like for example, Hocus Pocus. When it comes to Thanksgiving, I love it because I remember being around my family and going shopping with my mom and sister and we would tell her what we wanted for Christmas while she took pictures of us. And last but not least, Christmas, I love Christmas because of the memories of spending time with my family, decorating the house and setting up the Christmas tree while listening to music was one of my favorite memories.

Saying all that, we are all different and have our own likes about things especially when it comes to the holidays. Some like Christmas whereas others may prefer Halloween or Thanksgiving. Also we have our own reasonings of why we choose which one, but for me all holidays that I celebrate are fun filled with great memories.

By Caia Bevins

This week was a busy week for women’s sports, so let’s talk about it.

Women’s soccer played their final game on Wednesday last week against Mount Saint Joseph. The Jackets went into the game with a few injuries, which certainly made the game an uphill battle. In the first half, the Lions scored five goals, making the score 5-0. DC rallied in the second half and were able to slow the Lions down. They scored a few more goals against the Jackets, and the game ended with a score of 8-0. #99 Sarah O’Shea led the team with 25 saves, a game-high. She made 194 saves this season and 433 during the three years she played at DC. The Jackets ended their season 2-12-2 and 0-9 in conference games.

The volleyball team played at home last Wednesday against Anderson. They played three sets with scores of 21-25, 23-25, and 18-25 respectively. In the first match, the Jackets started off strong and were the first to put points on the board, but the Ravens retaliated and won the match. Anderson dominated the second match and the third, winning the game 3-0. #2 Jamia Murray, #10 Jaelyn Tomoletz, and #12 Shelby Clements led the team with kills, #10 Jaelyn Tomoletz led with three blocks, #5 Emma Chaffins led with 24 digs, and #25 Hope Yost led with three saves. Overall, the Jackets ended with six blocks, six blocks, and three aces.

The volleyball team played again on Saturday against Franklin. They played five sets with scores of 10-25, 26-24, 24-26, 25-23, and 13-15, respectively. The Jackets won the second and fourth sets and came close to winning the fifth but were denied victory. #2 Jamia Murray and #12 Shelby Clements led in kills, #10 Jaelyn Tomoletz led in blocks, #5 Emma Chaffins led in digs, and #4 Kayla Boettger led in saves. The team as a whole ended with six blocks, 75 digs, and 16 aces.

By: Jessica Reynolds

I would like to introduce you to Lisa Beringer. She is the Assistant Professor of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She is in her second year of teaching at Defiance College, she started in the fall of 2022. She previously worked in a community college environment, but when she was presented with an opportunity to switch to DC she chose to make the switch because she wanted to be actively involved in equity, diversity, and inclusion within a college. Dr. Beringer’s favorite part about working at DC is the students. She states that she loves “the commitment that the college has for building an inclusive environment.” Prior to working at Defiance College, Dr. Beringer worked full time at Ivy Tech for 16 years. 

Dr. Beringer went to St. Norbert College in Wisconsin for her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. She then went on and got her Master’s Degree in American Studies from Penn State University. Lastly, she attended Purdue University for her PhD in American Studies. Ultimately her favorite class to teach is multiculturalism. She has taught this class at another college, but is going to teach multiculturalism this coming spring at Defiance. When asked the question if she is more of a dog or a cat person, she responded with “I don’t own any pets, but would pick dogs.” Her first job was working at a car wash in Wausau, Wisconsin. When in high school, she competed on her basketball and swim team. If she could have one superpower, she would choose to snap and instantly have a cappuccino in front of her. When in high school she kicked off the very first Wisconsin Badger state games by singing the national anthem and after the governor said, “Great job Linda.”

Dr. Beringer’s office can be located in Dana 13.