Temple Owls Square off against Temple Alumni in Lacrosse Exhibition

For the first time, the score did not matter to the Temple women’s lacrosse team, not even for head coach Bonnie Rosen and her staff.

On Sept. 23, 2017, nobody recorded how many goals the Temple women scored or how many saves their goalkeepers made. Instead, they looked around the field and realized that playing an exhibition with alumni was more significant than winning the game.

Not all the alumni players were recent graduates. Some went as far back as 1998 like graduate Erin Campbell Curtis. Other alumni players included Jen Jefferson Cudzillo (2002), Alayna Tyson Russell (2004) and Erin Malany Gustafson (2005).

Recent 2017 graduates Rachel Barile, Carly Demato, Brooke Williams and Krissy Gallivan joined them.

“We love having this alumni game because it reconnects the past with the present,” Rosen said. “It’s a great day for our current players to get a chance to see the players who’ve come before them.”

Former Owl and 2013 graduate Meghan Clothier knew a lot about the current Owls lineup because she was Monmouth’s assistant coach when they played against Temple in their inaugural game at Howarth Field last February. Those two teams never before squared off against each other.

Temple won, 18 – 16.

“I was playing against Temple players whom I coached and scouted against,” Clothier said. “I also knew Temple’s tendencies from being a member of the team for many years.”

“It’s so different being in the cage defending the goals than being on the sidelines calling the shots (as a coach),” Clothier added.

Temple senior co-captain and attacker Kira Gensler found the alumni game to be both fun and competitive.

“It definitely creates an atmosphere where there’s a lot less stress and a lot more fun to see if they still have their game and to put my best game forward,” Gensler said.

One minor problem Gensler had in the stress-free alumni game was that the alumni players knew how she played.

“They had that extra inside scoop from being an opponent after being a teammate,” Gensler said.

For example, they knew that while on the attack, she would frequently switch her stick from her left hand to her right, so they tried to prevent that.

“Whenever they stopped me, I’d just do another move,” Gensler said. “They know that I can be a real pest.”

Gensler is looking forward to captaining the team this spring.

“It’s rewarding to be able to serve the team and to be that kind of liaison between the coaches and the team and do what I can to be a leader,” Gensler said.

Last year, Gensler scored 14 goals, including her first career hat trick when the Owls beat Butler 19-7 last April.

The Owls went 13-5 last season. Lambeth, Barretta, and Gensler will be three returning Owls to watch for this lacrosse season.

Story by: David Block

Photos by: Xinyi Huang

November 9, 2017 0

Temple students tell us their Game Day rituals

Football game day is an important part of students’ lives at Temple University. Game day typically includes tailgates, food, cherry and white clothing all over the Lincoln Financial Field, and of course―Temple football!

Students love Game Day because they get to celebrate with their fellow classmates and watch their Temple Owls fight for a win.

Some students, alumni, and players have certain “game day rituals” that they do before every game that they believe brings the team good luck.

If you are a part of the recruiting team for Temple football, like sophomore sports and recreation management major, Jimmy Delgatto, Richie’s might be a part of your routine on game day.

“My game day ritual is always starting off game day with a breakfast sandwich from Richie’s. I get it for free because I work for football,” Delgatto said.

Other students, such as sophomore accounting and finance major, Katie Riesberg, use social media in order to get in the game day spirit.

“Before game day, I like to get ready for the tailgate and then send a good morning snapchat that says, ‘It’s game day!’ to all my streaks. This gets me in the game day spirit because it shows people that I bleed Cherry and White,” Riesberg said.

Even though she is only a freshman, Brittany Grant, a theater major at Temple, already has a game day ritual that she believes will always lead to a victory for the Owls.

“Every Temple game day I put on my Temple gear, head over to the stadium, and right before I go into the stadium, I kiss my ticket for good luck! It’s worked for every home game that I’ve gone to so far and it’s going to keep working!” Grant said.

Members of the Cherry Crusade are passionate fans of the football team, and some take game day very seriously. Carli Showmaker, a junior who double majors in media studies and production and advertising, has her own set of game day rituals.

“Since my freshman year, I have been taking my GoPro to every Temple Athletics event! It all started at the Bowl Game when Temple Athletics offered students with Wild Cherry Passes an amazing deal to travel to the bowl game down in Florida! While down there, I met the Cherry Crusade. I made a video of our trip with my GoPro footage and it gained so much attention! My friend Jeremy and I even have signature face paints that we do at every football game, and we have been put in many different newspaper articles and have appeared on ESPN multiple times because of it!” Showmaker said.

Even alumni, such as Brett Kratchman, a 1983 FOX School of Business graduate, still partake in game day rituals. When asked what these rituals include, Kratchman said,

“I look at my father’s letterman’s jacket from 1959. Then put on my lucky jersey or sweater depending on if they won the last time I had it on.”

Whether you have any rituals or not, game day at Temple is always full of fun and high energy!

There are plenty of opportunities to attend a Temple football game at the Lincoln Financial Field, and it should be on every Temple students’ bucket list to experience game day at least once.

If you have a strong passion for sports, the Cherry Crusade could be a great place for you to celebrate all the different sports teams here at Temple.

Whether you are a part of the team or a part of the crowd, this is the perfect time to show your cherry and white pride! Let’s go Owls!

Story by: Lisa Cunningham

Photos by: Travis Sherel

November 7, 2017 0

Commuters Get Involved

Temple commuter students talk about the clubs they participate in on campus

There are a variety of clubs on Temple’s campus that one can get involved with. The hundreds of clubs and organizations on Temple’s campus give students a diverse set of options. Additionally, if a student lives on-campus, club meetings are usually only a short walk away.

For commuter students, it can be harder to stay involved on campus. It can be difficult to attend club meetings and events because of the distance that has to be traveled.

Dez Johnson, a freshman at Temple, is involved in the Badminton Club on campus. She says that being a commuter and while being involved in a club can get tricky.

“I don’t drive yet so when I take public transportation late at night I have to be cautious. It also takes forever to get from point A to point B when I still have homework to do,” Johnson said. “I still go to this club because I really like the sport and the people there. So I try to work it out anyway.”

Although there are some drawbacks with commuting and being in a club, she does believe that the experience overall is rewarding.

“Since I’m a pretty shy person it helped me make my first few friends at school and since I’m a freshman the other club members even helped me get used to school,” Johnson said. “They [shared] some good places to eat or what teachers are cool to have and stuff like that.”

Jenna Lee, a freshman, is a member of Temple’s Asian Student Association (ASA). She joined during her first semester and has loved it ever since. She is also a member of ASA’s dance team. She finds it difficult at times to be a commuter student and also be in a club on campus, but like Johnson, she loves the organization she is a part of.

“I kind of can’t see my life right now and not be in ASA. Sometimes it can get really difficult juggling everything, but ASA is a home away from home for me and a place where I can really be myself. I also love all the people I’ve met,” Lee said.

Written by Brittney Coleman

May 3, 2017 0

Philadelphia Favorites

Temple students discuss the best places to go in Philadelphia

Temple University’s location in the city of Philadelphia means that there is often plenty to do outside of Temple’s main campus. Areas off of Temple’s campus are often accessible by subway or walking.

On a diverse campus of more than 30,000 students, students have a variety of different places that they call their favorite Philadelphia locations.

Lila Finley, a freshman biology student at Temple, likes using the ride service Uber to get around Philadelphia.

She enjoys going into the city to go to her favorite store, Forever 21.

“Forever 21 has some of the cheapest prices and the clothes are actually cute. The sales rack is awesome and I actually found a pair of jeans there the other day for just $8,” Finley said.

Josh Block, a freshman engineering student, says his favorite city spot is Rittenhouse Square. He likes going there on warm sunny days and appreciates the fact that it is only a few subway stops away.

“I like people-watching there and a lot of people bring their dogs out. So if you love petting dogs, that’s the best place to go. The scenery is really nice and it’s a chill hangout spot,” Block said.

Tiffany Phan, a freshman marketing student, enjoys going into Chinatown for rolled ice cream. Rolled ice cream is typically made in front of the customer. The end result is ice cream that is rolled up and then served.

“I go to Teassert Bar to get rolled ice cream and it’s always good. It’s like $7, but it’s a large portion of ice cream and you can get as many toppings as you want. The cookies and cream rolled ice cream is definitely my favorite. It honestly makes my day,” Phan said.

Written and photographed by Brittney Coleman

May 3, 2017 0

Temple Students Study Away in Arcosanti

Klein College of Media and Communication’s first ever Spring break study away program took place this semester in Arcosanti, Arizona.

Twenty-five students, both undergraduate and graduate, participated in the Klein College of Media and Communication’s Arcosanti program over spring break.

The program served to as a means in which students could analyze the relationship between technology and the environment.

From March 9th to the 19th, participants were able to gain three credits for a course titled Media, Ecology & Technology, taught by Temple’s very own Klein College professors Dr. Barry Vacker and Dr. Patrick Murphy.

Since this had been the first time the trip was offered, the group of students were not sure what to expect.

Junior journalism major Caitlyn Heter was hoping for the trip would bring specific outcomes.

“I was expecting an unconventional learning experience in a new place, which I hoped would give me ideas about how to incorporate ecological themes into my day-to-day life,” Heter said.

The concept of “arcology” was created by Paolo Soleri, architect and designer of the Arcosanti community. The idea fuses together concepts of architecture and ecology, allowing Arcosanti residents to make resourceful and mindful decisions regarding the architectural structure of the community as well as their lifestyle in the community.

Students were able to experience this philosophy first-hand in Arcosanti.

Katie Weaver, a freshman journalism and political science major, feels she gained a lot from the experience.

“The trip exceeded my expectations. I could not have imagined the incredible beauty and unique environment that I experienced in Arizona,” Weaver said. “I ended up becoming great friends with almost everyone on the trip; we all bonded and grew close over the course of ten days.”

Rachel DeCresci, a junior media studies and production major, is happy with all that the trip taught her.

“The main thing I gained from this trip was the simple, yet beautiful, Arcosanti way of life. They taught us to treat one another with respect, live simply, and to find beauty in everything,” DeCresci said.

“I would definitely recommend this trip,” said DeCresci. “It provided an eye-opening experience in how much of an impact humans actually have on the world.”

Written and Photographed by Greta Phillips

April 25, 2017 0

Making Change

Temple’s Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) chapter is working to bring awareness to health issues both locally and across the globe.

Over the past four years, Temple University’s Chapter of the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) has been raising funds and awareness for health issues in both local and international locations.

FIMRC focuses on bringing awareness to important public health issues as well as educating people about topics such as health education, nutrition and hand-washing. The organization collaborates with approximately 10 major clinics in several countries including India, the Dominican Republic and Uganda.

Haritha Reddy, a senior biology major and three-year President of Temple’s FIMRC chapter, says she feels fulfilled by the work FIMRC is involved in.

“When you go to these clinics and work there you are with kids who don’t wear shoes outside are surrounded broken alcohol bottles on the ground. They are so grateful for you to come and teach them a little bit about nutrition or for you to come and play with them,” Reddy said.

Temple’s FIMRC chapter provides their members with opportunities to travel abroad at any time during the year. If one prefers working locally, members are able to volunteer at Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia.

Recently, FIMRC planned an interactive event featuring cuisine from each country where FIMRC clinics are located. The event acted as a fundraiser and charged a $5 admission fee.

Teammates were blindfolded as they tasted different foods and attempted to determine the country to which they were from. FIMRC holds similar events regularly both members and non-members alike.

Shreya Inala, sophomore biology major and member of FIMRC, says that making a difference is her favorite part about FIMRC.

“Knowing that we are making a difference…it might change someone’s life drastically and we won’t know until we try,” Inala said. “If I had to describe FIMRC in one word, it would be ‘giving’.”

Written by Morgan Pivovarnik

Photo courtesy of fimrc.org

April 25, 2017 0

Reflecting on Freshman Year

Freshmen reflect as their first year at Temple University is coming to an end.

Michelle Mateta, an undeclared business major, says that the three words she’d use to describe her freshman year at Temple would be eye-opening, memorable and exciting.

Mateta believes her biggest accomplishment this year has been mastering time management, while the most challenging aspect of this year has been waking up for her 8 a.m. classes as well as dealing with her habit of procrastinating.

Looking back, Mateta wishes she would have focused more during her first semester, but looks forward to enlarging her professional network here at Temple.

Media studies and production major Maxwell Bass feels that the best parts of this year have been those spent doing extracurricular work. “The highlights of my freshman year consisted of being involved with various Temple University Television (TUTV) shows while also adjusting to a college campus,” Bass said.

As a freshman, Bass has already held multiple roles with TUTV. He has worked as a graphic designer for Temple Update and OwlSports Update as well as as producer and director for Update Now, Temple Update’s daily news brief. He feels this to be his biggest accomplishment thus far.

“The most challenging aspect of my freshman year was balancing my time. I was extremely involved with my extracurriculars, which forced me to budget my time wisely in order to complete tasks both in and out of the classroom,” Bass said. “My first year of college is better than I expected it to be. The amount of opportunities and experiences I’ve had will put me on a personal path to success.”

Tor Sante is a freshman social work major. She says that her freshman year at Temple brought her genuine happiness for the first time in a very long time.

Sante says the most challenging aspect of her first year at Temple was managing multiple responsibilities. “Maintaining good grades while working two jobs and still managing to have a social life and help others took effort,” Sante said. “I am looking forward to getting the chance to get involved on campus and in the community.”

Media studies and production major Erin Marie says that the highlight of her freshman year has been working as a social media coordinator and talent producer for TUTV’s entertainment talk show, Temple Talk.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to meet new people and serve in different positions in various clubs and organizations that I join” Marie said.

Written and Photographed by Greta Phillips

April 17, 2017 0

Experiencing Temple

Owl Ambassadors offer the inside scoop on Experience Temple Days

Temple University is becoming a more selective university each year. Submitting nearly 37,000 applications, the class of 2021 is maintaining Temple’s annual record-breaking number of applications.

Owl Ambassadors have a busy schedule ahead of them, showing themselves as the face of Temple University to prospective students and parents during Experience Temple Days.

Junior theater major Kristina Del Mar describes the responsibilities of being an Owl Ambassador as “the driving force behind the success of every Experience Temple Day.”

Del Mar believes that interacting with prospective students on Experience Temple Days is one of the most crucial moments throughout each of these days.

“Whether it is to ease someone’s anxiety about college life or sharing someone’s enthusiasm, each interaction is precious,” said Del Mar. “Certain things we say will really resonate with people, and I think that is the best part of my job.”

Del Mar feels students take these days seriously, as they’re looking for an answer to whether Temple is the right school for them.

Sophomore electrical engineering major Andrea Poosikian is a member of the Honors Ambassadors and Transitions Team. Her job involves working with prospective honors students on Experience Temple Days.

“There are a few different classifications of perspectives that we see throughout the day: the people who have essentially committed already but want to make sure that they are making the right decision, the people who are really conflicted and are looking for that “aha” moment, and the people who have just begun searching and a have no idea where they want to go,” Poosikian said.

“Throughout the day, the nervousness transforms into excitement,” Poosikian said. “They also become very eager to see the 1300 residence hall, which houses the honors living learning community.”

Junior media studies and production major and fellow Honors Ambassador Rebecca Rosenblatt says her favorite part is talking to families that aren’t yet fully convinced by Temple. “I love trying to win them over, either with safety facts, perks of the Honors program, or just expressing my love for Temple,” Rosenblatt said.

As these busy days come to an end, Del Mar feels that the spirit of Experience Temple Days is always reflected on campus. “Temple pride is strong, and campus certainly reflects that on Experience Temple Days. The true Temple spirit is being passed down to a new class of students, and being able to witness that firsthand is truly a rewarding and remarkable experience,” Del Mar said.

Written and Photographed by Greta Phillips

April 17, 2017 0

Temple’s Residence Hall Association

A deeper look into the group of students that represent Temple’s on-campus housing life.

The Residence Hall Association, commonly referred to as RHA, is an organization that represents the voices of students living on campus.

RHA is comprised of two main bodies- each residence hall consists of the Executive Board and Community Councils (Peabody, Johnson and Hardwick, 1300, 1940, Beech International, Temple-Sponsored Edge, White Hall, Temple Towers and Morgan North/South).

The Executive Body is responsible for overseeing and guiding the array of Community Councils and representing Temple’s RHA in regional conferences. Kelsey Mallon, a student at Temple University studying environmental science, is the current president of the Executive Board.

The duties of the president involve a variety of responsibilities.

“As president, I meet with different directors, including Residential Life and Maintenance, to discuss the desires of the on-campus student population. I also lead several different types of meetings that cover the agenda of RHA in order to accomplish the needs of the residents,” Mallon said.

Community Councils are comprised of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, RHA representative, public relations representative, advocacy representative, sustainability representative and community service representative. Each student role has specific responsibilities, but they all work together to represent the best interests of the students in their respective residence hall.

The Residence Hall Association is delegated a sum of money to use in event planning.

The money is split between the individual Community Councils and the Executive Board. The Executive Board plans large-scale events that includes the entire student body, while the Community Councils work closely and develop programs within their halls.

Alongside event planning, the group of students attend town hall forums hosted by a board consisting of Temple staff. At these events, the board members answer questions about housing and deliver future plans Temple hopes to achieve.

These students are passionate about helping the Temple community.

Isabelle Lawler, the treasurer of the RHA Executive Board, likes the idea that she is able to help others. “I am able to work as a team to help improve the lives of Temple’s on-campus community,” Lawler said.

Tyler Ressler, vice president of external affairs for the Executive Board, values the opportunities that being an executive board member provides.

“My favorite part of being an e-board member is that I get to interact with not only other incredible executive board members, but also a number of amazing students who live on-campus and wish to have a positive impact on community,” Ressler said.
By Lubin K. Park

April 4, 2017 0