The Wooster Voice

The hottest scene: party on the green

Morgan Hunter, Contributing Writer

The results are in: the boogie was back on campus and a bit more metal this year. Another semester means another opportunity for our campus community to attend an outdoor concert put on by the one and only Wooster Activities Crew (WAC). With fun and entertainment for every type of person, Party on the Green 2022 was most certainly the biggest party of the season. For anyone who may want the down-low on this high-profile event, here’s what you need to know.

Festivities kicked off last Saturday on the Residential Quad at 6 p.m., although many people arrived early in anticipation. Participants could find many booths and stations that had a selection of carnival-esque food, the biggest hits being pretzels and snow cones. WAC members could be found at stations with all sorts of prizes to help folks get into the concert spirit. With a long line well into the night, the henna station proved to be a crowd favorite. For anyone who wanted more physical fun out of their Party on the Green experience, there were plenty of inflatables to enjoy, manned by dedicated WAC members and volunteers alike.

As the music started around 7 p.m., attendees flocked to the stage to see the highly-anticipated student opener: Tonal Whiplash. The band is a College of Wooster staple, made up of guitarist and vocalist Shane Byrne ’23 and drummer Artemis Swanson ’23. The two are known for both their innovative covers of alternative and rock songs and their intense and spirited originals that can be felt in the soul. One fan, Peter Barker ’23, described this act as the most fun they have had at a music event. “I especially liked the tie-ins that are specific to Wooster,” they explained. “Those especially made it feel special.”

The second act was Cleveland rapper Kipp Stone. His lyrics were well received and hard hitting, a pleasant surprise for those disappointed by the rapper who came last year. He performed his hits alongside his DJ, who was making his performance debut and even surprised the audience with a live freestyle rap. Towards the end of his set, Stone shared that Wooster was “probably [his] favorite place to perform” before introducing a new song that will be released in the near future.

Finally, it was time for the main event: the headlining band Pom Pom Squad. The band, started by lead vocalist and guitarist Mia Berrin, was highly anticipated, especially due to their unique combination of intense sound and passionate lyrics. Their wide variety of influences and dedication to being the representation they hoped to see in the music industry made them a perfect fit for Wooster’s community.

As the sun sets on another successful WAC event, many recount that it is disappointing that more students didn’t make the effort to come out and enjoy the festivities. One student in attendance, Ben Read ’23, mentioned that “The only thing is there’s not enough people, that’s the only issue.”

The members of WAC work tirelessly leading up to and throughout the day of events such as these, yet many are unphased by these numbers. “In terms of turn-out, it was about what I expected it to be,” WAC member Willow Thomas ’25 explained.

“I’d approximate attendance was around six hundred plus students,” commented Sarah Toby, assistant director of student engagement and advisor of WAC. “This was probably one of our best turnouts in attendance since pre-pandemic.”

While it’s very unfortunate that so many Wooster students missed out on an event as memorable and successful as Party on the Green, never fear! It is only more of a reason to keep an eye out for whatever excitement WAC is planning next.

Wooster Golf Sets Records and Receives Multiple Accolades

Miles Rochester, Sports Editor

A picture of the 18th hole at the Pine Hills Golf Club, where the Wooster men’s golf team competed in the Baldwin Wallace Invitational. *Image Courtesy of Sam Norris ’25.*

The women and men belonging to the College of Wooster’s golf program took to the road for a weekend invitational trip. The female Scots traveled to Lexington, Kentucky to participate in the Transylvania Fall Invitational, while their male counterparts stayed closer to home, commuting to Hinckley, Ohio to compete in the Baldwin Wallace Fall Invitational. Both teams, playing in their second event, looked to make a name for themselves and prepare for conference play.

The women performed exceptionally well over the course of their two-day tournament, resulting in broken records and a third place finish behind two nationally ranked teams. The Scot women’s players shined, with Melissa Burtscher ’24 and Ada Pan ’26 leading the pack with tying low scores of 72. Burtscher not only impressed her teammates and peers with her low score, but she also posted the second eagle in Wooster’s program history on the first hole of the course. Through the first day of the tournament, Wooster had tied its program low round record at 318. Phenomenal play on the second day led to this same record being broken by a whopping 11 strokes, finishing the day at an extremely impressive 307. When playing 36 holes in one day, the average human might ask how it is possible for a golfer to stay consistent. For Pan, a Division I transfer and NCAC Athlete of the Week (for the second straight week), this experience was just another day on the course. “I have played a lot of 36 holes in one day,” Pan admitted. “Additionally,” she continued, “our school provides a pretty great practice space for us, which has been a huge help in preparing for tournaments.” Pan, whose favorite hole on the course was the eighth, believes that this performance is only a glimpse of what the team can accomplish.

While the women triumphed in Kentucky, the men found their swing at Baldwin Wallace, also placing third place in a highly competitive field. A notable performance came from first-year NCAC Athlete of the Week Gabe Guthrie ’26, who shot an even par at the tournament. Guthrie, who sank two birdies this weekend, led the Scots’ “A” squad, as well as topping all other Division III athletes at the event. Another great round came from David Dennis ’24 who led the “B” squad with a score of 77.

Sam Norris ’25 shared his thoughts about the current squad and why this year is a special one for the Scots, claiming that “this group has some of the best team chemistry and also some really great depth.” Part of that chemistry could be credited to the fact that this is the first time during Norris’ time at Wooster that a team captain was named. “They’ve stepped up,” Sam said, praising the team’s leaders, “and it can only get better not having any seniors leaving us after this year.” The women will once again try to break records at the Heidelberg Fall Invitational on September 16-17, while the men will move forward from a positive weekend and strike again at the Mount Union Fall Invitational on Sept. 24-25. Go Scots!

Scotlight: Gabby Gajdos ’23

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi, my name is Gabby Gajdos. I use she/her pronouns, and I am a senior environmental studies major with a minor in music from Strongsville, Ohio.

What made you choose to major in environmental studies?

I’ve always struggled with figuring out what my passions were. There was always pressure on me to be passionate about music, but I was always very unmotivated to practice. Going forward with that, it’s very hard to find a career in music if you’re not practicing often — I just felt like that wasn’t the right fit for me. So, I figured out my major by just looking beyond that and seeing what else I was interested in. I really liked taking a biology class in high school that was about water conservation and different types of conservation so that kind of guided me to environmental studies.

Can I ask you about your IS, or are you still figuring it all out?

Yes, you can ask about my IS. I’m still sorting out the details but overall I am looking into songs about certain environmental topics and seeing what the most popular themes are within them.

What else are you involved with on campus?

I am involved in Wooster Activities Crew (WAC) — I’m on the exec board where I serve as the music director. I am also Vice President of the Goliard, part of the orchestra and I work at the UG.

Tell me a bit about your position in WAC as the music director.

With my position in WAC, I am the one who is behind the scenes, in charge of planning all of the big music concerts we have on campus, including Party on the Green and Springfest. A lot of people don’t realize that a lot of the planning we’re doing is three to six months in advance. So, I spent this past summer meeting with our advisor and figuring out what artists to bring to Wooster for Party on the Green, what other recreational activities would be fun for the event and potential themes. Once we figure that out, WAC comes together as a team to actually execute those logistics and it’s a really great feeling.

Who is your favorite artist you’ve helped bring to campus?

I found Wallice through a list of different up-and-coming artists online. I had never heard of that band beforehand, but I instantly fell in love with them. Then, to bring them to Wooster and see a bunch of my peers fall in love with the band was such a surreal experience. Since I also relate to a lot of their lyrics and they’re just a very fun personality set, I think that that was one of the best choices for Wooster.

What do you do as VP of the Goliard?

For vice president of the Goliard…this is a very new position to me. The Goliard is still trying to figure out what the position entails and just how to be a club in general. A lot of clubs really struggled through COVID and now we have to re-figure out what the club is and what our goals are. So through that, I think I am helping with the event planning, just kind of applying what I know from WAC to the Goliard, and also making sure that all the things I love about the Goliard are still happening.

Do you have a favorite Wooster memory?

One of my favorite college memories is playing at the Breakup Covers in February last year. I loved the crowd and the energy in the room.

What’s something that has been bringing you joy recently?

Spending time in the campus garden. I am in Sustainable Agriculture and I have friends trying to put together the gardening club. It’s a very mindful activity and it’s just fun to be a part of nature.

Anything you want to promote?

Yes, the first Covers is Sept. 30 and you can grab the Goliard literary magazine when we’ll be tabling over the next few weeks. And keep an eye out for WAC events.

Here comes the sun(flower): students share their artistic perspectives on Wooster’s feline mascot

Organized by Ellen McAllister, Creative Editor

“A Sunflower in the breeze”

Sam Solowiej ’25

A sunflower in the breeze

Oh what joy a plant can bring

Through pollen and beauty the world sees

But our Sunflower has a distinctive ring

You hear not a ruffle but bells in the breeze

She scampers around like you and I

Getting attention and drawing an eye

For our sunflower purrs and licks

Much more than any flowers or sticks

“Slowly she strolls through the sunlit grove…”

Anna Puster ’25

Slowly she strolls through the sunlit grove

Under bushes and flowers and trees interwove

Never tires of meeting a friend, old and new

Following them home with a gentle “mew”

Loves to bask in the sun, her coat shining bright

Our colors upon it, black, gold and white

With a gentle ‘mew’, or a rumbling purr

Everyone she encounters adores her for sure

Radiant Sunflower, the heart of Wooster

-Anna Puster apuster25 @mrochester25

“A Sonnet for Sunflower”

Ursula Williams ’24, Contributing Writer

O’er verdant fields with white paws she lopes on

The clover and the crabgrass kiss her knees.

For one moment, she’s there and then she’s gone

To run off, chasing swift squirrels through the trees.

Her eyes of glass and velvet nose do warm

The hearts of all the sad and all the tired.

She takes her special place outside the dorm

Where she will find herself so admired.

She trots over the lady bugs and leaves

And finds a shaded bench to lie upon.

She curls up in my warm wool sweater sleeves

And out she breathes a gentle, smiling yawn.

She sings to me in her soft dulcet meows

And holding her, ev’rything’s fine for now.

sunflower haiku

Emma Downing ’24

gold, black, and white fur

stalking chipmunks through the brush

look! it’s sunflower!

“She stalks across Campus”

Grace Pryor ’26

She stalks across campus

Under the arch,

Next to Andrews (why is it always Andrews?),

Faithfully followed by her adoring fans.

Languidly, she stretches.

Out come the phone cameras. She will not deign to pose for a picture, but

We make do nevertheless.

Everyone knows – she is our

Real mascot.

Campus-Wide Mask Mandate Reinstated

Holly Shaum, Staff Writer

On the afternoon of Sept. 13, College of Wooster students, staff and faculty received an update regarding the campus’ COVID-19 policies. The latest policy change is a return to a campus-wide mask mandate for all indoor public spaces until Sept. 20, at which time health measures will be reassessed. This counters the previous strategy of the Community Health Taskforce, which had decided to instill a mask-optional policy starting on Sept. 7. The short timeframe between switching from mask-optional to mask-required policies may not bode well for the coming colder weeks and months.

The driving factor behind the Taskforce’s sudden decision is the COVID-19 community level transmission in Wayne County bumping back up to “high” towards the end of the day on Sept. 12. This classification takes into account infection rates and hospitalizations across the county. The Community Health Taskforce continues to make its decisions based on guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and collaboration with the Wayne County Health Department.

Wooster’s students, staff and faculty were also given updates on access to the bivalent vaccine. The Taskforce met with the Wayne County Health Commissioner Nick Cascarelli and Director of Nursing Patricia Reining to review campus health and safety protocols, as well as further plans to distribute bivalent COVID-19 boosters in the near future. Anyone who wishes to receive the latest COVID-19 booster should keep an eye out for more information to come about free on-campus vaccination clinics for all students, staff and faculty.

Wooster students have become accustomed to ever-changing protocols by the College to control the spread of COVID-19 on campus. When asked about her opinion on the new regulations, Abby Thomson ’24 said, “Obviously it’s disappointing to have to be wearing masks again. However, it’s a small concession to protect people’s health, which is the most important thing. I think the administration’s response to the rise in cases is appropriately measured, and fairly consistent with the precedents set under President Bolton.”

According to the campus Community Health Dashboard, 49 Wooster students were in isolation as of Sept. 11, and there were 59 positive cases on campus as of Sept. 10. Students, staff and faculty can pick up masks or rapid tests at the Lowry Center Information Desk, Andrews Library Circulation Desk, Wellness Center Doors A and D and Ruth Williams Hall Stockroom. For now, it seems like the Wooster community should get comfortable with wearing masks on campus for the foreseeable future.

Queen Elizabeth II and The College of Wooster

Staff Report

On Sept. 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor II passed away at the age of 96, surrounded by the Royal Family. To reflect on her legacy, the Voice looked through the archives to uncover past articles and stories regarding Her Majesty.

Voice Archives Dec. 12, 1952

Al Smith receives a letter back from the Queen’s personal secretary after being named King of Dogpatch, a title given out at the Sadie Hawkins dance.

“Dear King Al..”

Al Swift, Wooster’s King of Dogpatch for 1952, undertook as part of his coronation ceremonies to send a “royal” greeting to Her Britannic Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England. A formal acknowledgment of his note was received by the young king a week or so later, addressed to Livingstone Palace, and sent by the Queen’s personal secretary. While the Queen herself had not signed the reply, it was sent on the royal notepaper, suitably embossed, and will provide a happy reminder to Swifty of his temporary elevation to “King for a day.”

April 16, 1953

Dr. J.H. Cockburn Chaplain to Queen in Chapel

Dr. James H. Cockburn, former Moderator of the Church of Scotland and Director of the Department of Reconstruction and InterChurch Aid of the World Council of Churches, will speak in Chapel on Thursday, April 16.

Dr. Cockburn is also a Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and has frequently represented his church at international and ecumenical meetings. During his many visits to the United States, he has lectured throughout the country. At present, he is finishing a tour which took him throughout the South, the Mid-West, and the Eastern Seaboard.

In 1948 he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Yale University. He has also received the degree of Doctor of Theology from Prague University and is an Honorary Professor at the University of Budapest, Hungary.

Oct. 18, 1957

Wooster student, Eleanor Elson, plans a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a mass where Queen Elizabeth II will also be in attendance.

Off-Center Kauke

Sophomore Eleanor Elson has a big weekend ahead of her. She will be going home to Washington, D.C., where her father is pastor of National Presbyterian Church, which is President Eisenhower’s place of worship.

Sunday morning a special guest at the church will be Queen Elizabeth II, who will attend with the Eisenhowers. Eleanor will sit in the pew with the first family and the royal entourage. She also plans to attend several embassy parties in honor of the young monarch.

Eleanor is no stranger to such events, for she has seen dignitaries come and go many times. But this is something special, for how often does the English Queen go to the Scotch church?

Voice archives Oct. 25, 1957

Eleanor Elson had the opportunity to attend Washington’s National Presbyterian Church where President Eisenhower goes with the visiting Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

Dignitaries Converge in Washington; Eleanor Elson Hobnobs With Royalty

“On the Occasion of the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as guests of the President of the United States and Mrs. Eisenhower.”

Such was the heading on the church bulletin at Washington’s National Presbyterian Church last Sunday, where Wooster sophomore Eleanor Elson was attending the service in the company of British and American dignitaries. Her father, Dr. Edward Elson, is pastor of the famed church where President Eisenhower worships.

“It was so thrilling,” says Eleanor of her weekend at home. She had opportunities to see the Queen at the church service and at a football game Saturday, observing especially the beauty of the young monarch.

She sat two rows behind the Queen and Philip at the church service, amidst such dignitaries as Chief Justice Warren, two other supreme court justices, John Foster Dulles and five other cabinet members, and numerous diplomats, including the Pakistani Ambassador, who came with his Washington wife.

In the church announcements Dr. Elson paid tribute to the special guests, remarking that “in Scotland, they are considered Presbyterians.” The service featured English hymns and, on special request of Ike, the choir sang “God Save the Queen.” The sermon centered on a theme of world peace, and the Duke nodded his head when Dr. Elson once quoted an Archbishop of Canterbury.

“It was exciting to see Dad getting ready,” says Eleanor, who mentioned that Washington was in rare form for the state visit. She said the city was alive with large, expectant crowds anxious for a glimpse of the popular young monarch. “It was a fairy tale atmosphere,” notes the blonde sophomore, who has seen many a notable visitor to the capital city.

At the Maryland Duke football game Saturday, Eleanor saw the Queen from a distance. She noted that Maryland Gov. Theodore McKeldin was very excited when his team made gains, but the observing Queen (it was her first view of football) remained calm. “She is the epitome of dignity,’ says Eleanor, “and the Duke is more casual and relaxed.” McKeldin later claimed that the monarchs were happy about the upset Maryland victory.

At the game a man presented the Queen with a $15,000 mink coat and she also received a full carload of other gifts. She stopped at a supermarket on the return to the city, surprising late shoppers.

A State Department protocol sheet is one of Eleanor’s souvenirs of the weekend. It contains such pertinent information as correct titles, appropriate place cards, smoking rules, anthems, ladies’ gloves, dress, and flag display. The circular, which was sent to all entertaining Washington matrons, notes, “The Queen likes Rhine wine, sherry, and Canada Dry ginger ale. Prince Philip may ask for Scotch whiskey and soda water or Gin and tonic water.” Also, Queen. Elizabeth and Prince Philip prefer short, simple meals.”

Black and Gold Weekend and local events guide for The College of Wooster community

Ethan Sieber, News Editor, and Colin Tobin, Managing Editor

Photo Courtesy: Photos by Matt Dilyard, Anna Russell ’23, Megan Tuennerman ’22, Ryan Seaton-Evans ’23, and Zion Vital ’24, The College of Wooster

On The College of Wooster’s campus, the temperature is cooling down, the leaves are starting to turn and students are back to immersing themselves into their studies, which can only mean that Black and Gold weekend is right around the corner. The College’s annual alumni and family weekend is a Wooster staple that allows past, present and future generations of the campus community to come together. If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend with friends and family, here are some of the biggest events to look forward to:

All Weekend:

From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., check out the exhibit titled “Contained: The Art of Holding It Together” at the Ebert Art Center, which portrays 3000 years of containers created and used by humans.

On Friday:

Go see the Wooster Chorus perform a concert under Dr. Lisa Wong at 4:30 p.m. in McGaw Chapel.

A special Black and Gold Happy Hour at the UG will be open to students, alumni and family (over 21) from 7-9:30 p.m.

On Saturday:

Alumni, current students and families are invited to a Tailgate Lunch in the newly renovated Lowry Center.

Cheer on the Fighting Scots football team as they take on the Wabash College Little Giants at 2 p.m. in Papp Stadium.

On Sunday:

Due to inclement weather , March Through the Arch, the tradition of Wooster first-years walking through the Arch at Kauke Hall, was delayed for the Class of 2026 and will now be held Sunday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m.

Upcoming Events in Wooster, Ohio:

Downtown Wooster Farmers’ Market – Sept. 8 to Oct. 8
- Held every Saturday in the Historic Downtown Wooster Square
- Local produce, honey, tea, dog treats, flower bouquets, plants and more available
- Live music
Woosterfest – Sept. 30 to Oct. 1
- Annual Oktoberfest-style festival
- Organized by the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
- Held in downtown Wooster
Fall Shop Hop – Oct. 18 to Oct. 31
- Passports can be completed and returned for the chance to win up to $100 in Downtown Dollars
- Oct. 23 – Participating businesses will offer Fall-themed specials and features
- Oct. 23 – Live performances
  - 1-1:45 p.m. – Cedar Valley Cloggers
  - 3-5 p.m. – Rare Vintage
Window Wonderland – Nov. 19
- Window decorations in downtown Wooster
- Voting on best display between Nov. 19 to Nov. 20

Fighting Scots Crush Gators in Second Straight Win

Langston Hood – Senior Sports Writer

The Fighting Scots women’s soccer team took the field on Sunday, Sept. 4, eager to pick up
where they left off in their second half comeback against Marietta College. Wooster’s midweek fixture resulted in a tie after the Scots managed to come back when trailing by two goals in the second half against a talented Marietta squad. However, Wooster did not intend on showing the same mercy to the Allegheny College team that rolled onto Cindy Barr Field on Sunday afternoon. Nothing could have prepared Allegheny for the destruction that would meet them. Senior Teddi Farson ’23 scored first in the 14th minute, notching what would be the game winner and the first of many goals for the Fighting Scots. The Gators could not muster an answer to the Wooster onslaught as they managed a mere four shots in the first half, while the Scots bombarded the Allegheny goal with 16 shots. A second shot attempt from the Scots found the back of the net in the 25th minute, as Naomi Mann ’24 joined Farson in opening her goal scoring account for the new season. Mann had the following to say about the game, “I am super proud of the team’s performance this past Sunday! Last year when we played Allegheny, it was
very neck and neck the whole game, but we ended up winning due to a penalty kick opportunity at the very end. However, this year was a very different story as we dominated the entire time. The offense, midfield, and defense all did their respective part which allowed us to score a lot of goals and get the first shut-out of the season! I can’t wait for more games, and Roll Scots!” Before the Allegheny Gators could regain their senses, Farson registered her brace in the 27th minute as the Scots ran away with the game. Meanwhile Allegheny continued to flounder as the Scots would see the first half come to close with a three goal advantage. Dominance is one word that could be used to describe the thrashing that Wooster handed Allegheny in the first half and they would emerge from the locker room eager to pick up where they left off. Wooster would find their fourth goal by way of Hallie Krzys ’25 in the 60th minute to give the Scots a four goal advantage and further dampen the spirits of an already wounded Allegheny side. Despite the four goal advantage, Wooster remained solid in all aspects of the game. The defense continued to keep Allegheny at bay, as the Gators’ offense only managed two shots and neither threatened the Wooster goal. First-year Kameryn Nelson ’26 recorded her first clean sheet, stifling all three Allegheny shots on goal in the first half and commanding the defense that
refused to let Allegheny manage a clear cut chance in the second half. Additionally, Wooster managed to improve on their fouls committed as they played a much cleaner second half. 17 minutes after Krzys’ goal, Emma Jaros ’25 added another goal to continue the thrashing of Allegheny, but the Scots would not stop there as they continued to put the Gators under siege. Julia Struck ’26 put the final nail in the Allegheny coffin, finding the sixth goal of the afternoon in the 80th minute thanks to some pandemonium in the box. Struck reflected positively on her experience saying, “it feels amazing to be a part of such a positive and supportive team! Coming in as a first year is intimidating, but the uplifting team culture allows for success on the field. Sunday’s game proves how the team atmosphere is going to set us up to win this season! There is nothing better than scoring my first collegiate goal surrounded by the most incredible and determined teammates! Roll Scots!” Luckily for the long-defeated Gators of Allegheny, the game would come to a close before Wooster could score again. The high octane offense seemed to take a break, managing just two additional shots on goal after Struck’s finish. Farson commented on the weekend saying, “the win this weekend was more than the big score. It was awesome to see so many different players put the ball in the net and to see a few players get their first collegiate goal and our first year goalie get her first shutout.” Wooster looks poised to fight for the NCAC crown once again, which they have become accustomed to in the Geordie Brown era. With the usual suspects Farson, Krzys and co. supplying goals and a strong class of first-years ready to join the fight, the ceiling for the Scots
is sky high.

Your Fighting Scots women’s soccer team will see the field next on Wednesday at Muskingum at 7 p.m.

Scots Volleyball Builds Teamwork, Even in Defeat

Miles Rochester – Sports Editor

The Scots fell in all three of their matches at the Mount Union Invitational and hope
to bounce back in the NCAC/MIAA Crossover Tournament Image courtesy of
Wooster Athletics.

This past weekend, the College of Wooster women’s volleyball team took to the road,
traveling to the University of Mount Union to participate in the highly competitive Mount Union Invitational. First game jitters circulated the Scots’ bus as they prepared to compete against the formidable hosts of the tournament.

A deciding factor of many volleyball games is a team’s ability to work as a group, but
unfortunately in the Scots’ first match, this sense of togetherness was nowhere to be found. Sydney Fitzcharles ’23 noted that “it was evident everyone on the court was not working as a cohesive unit, but rather six individuals.” Frustration bubbled over as the Scots lost in straight sets to begin their season with a loss, but with two more games to play the next day Having a short memory was crucial to moving on from this loss.

Despite the result of the first game, every single Scot had been in this situation before.
With no first years on the roster, Wooster possesses a uniquely experienced squad. This
comparatively small roster has its benefits and shortcomings. One member of the team
expressed their concern regarding the health and longevity of the team saying, “we do not have the depth in every single position that we did last year. That depth would be able to carry us through the conference tournament if one of our key players got hurt.” However, bringing in fresh faces to the roster introduces a new set of difficulties such as getting acclimated to new players, team building and the feeling of having to start from scratch. According to the players, Coach Sarah Davis consciously made this roster decision and displayed genuine excitement for the team being able to pick up where they left off after last year’s postseason success. The long season will prove to be challenging for the Scots but if they can make it through unscathed, the team will reap the benefits.

While the volleyball season can be long and taxing on the body, the length of the season
also allows teams ample time to figure out how to build chemistry and find their form. According to Fitzcharles, immense growth was noticeable during the second day of the tournament, in which Wooster first took on a 17th ranked Otterbein. In this match, multiple members of the team felt as if a deeper trust in each other was starting to bloom. Even with the improvements in teamwork, trust and communication, Wooster came up short, losing to their opponents 3-1. The second match of day two and the last match of the tournament against Alma College ended with the same result.

The losses on day two sparked dialogue amongst the athletes on the topic of complacency in the context of winning sets versus matches. Fitzcharles and Trinity Harmon ’24, summarized this conversation, saying that “we felt that winning the set during the Otterbein match made us content, even though there was a whole match to be played.” They also noted that “almost always, if you allow yourself to give in to that feeling, you’ll end up losing.” The team decided that none of them were content with the results of this weekend and moving forward they will strive to be more disciplined.

A defining characteristic of a successful team is their ability to weather unfavorable
results with a positive attitude and growth mindset. This mindset was certainly present in the Scots’ disappointing, but pivotal weekend away.

Members of the Wooster community will have the chance to see the Scot women’s response on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. when they face Capital University at home. Harmon declared that “we will come out at our first home game with a fire lit underneath us, and a chip on our shoulders. The Scots are hungry for a win!”

Football Comes Back to Win Opener against Geneva

Thomas Pitney – Sports Editor

On Saturday, Sept. 3, the Fighting Scots’ football team took a two-hour bus ride to Geneva
College to take on the Golden Hurricanes in their opening game of the season. Though they fell behind early, the Scots demonstrated their resilience, determination and grit to start their season in the win column with a 33-25 victory.

During the first quarter and half of the second, it was the home team who dominated the game. Though the Golden Hurricanes stalled on the opening offensive drive, they quickly regained momentum by forcing and recovering a fumble from Wooster’s Captain quarterback Mateo Renteria ’23 at the Scots’ 31-yard line. Geneva’s offense barreled into the endzone four rushing plays later, but a missed extra point attempt only gave the Golden Hurricanes a 6-0 advantage. On the Scots’ next drive, Geneva intercepted Renteria, and the Golden Hurricanes’ ensuing 28-yard touchdown drive stretched the lead to 13-0. The beginning of the second quarter went no better for the Scots’ offense, as they were forced to punt at their own 42-yard line. The Golden Hurricanes capitalized on this opportunity, growing their lead to 19-0 after an 85-yard march to paydirt. Facing adversity with 6:43 remaining in the second quarter, Wooster dug deep and began to find its stride.

As tight end and Captain Cole Hissong ’23 put it, “there was definitely a lot of frustration after the first two drives, but I believe our ability to calm down and reset is due to the leadership and experience that we have on the offensive side of the ball.” Hissong helped lead the charge on the Scots’ next possession, catching passes for 23 and 28 yards during the Scots’ first touchdown drive of the season. Hissong’s number was called again, as he muscled his way into the endzone on a successful two-point conversion trick play to cut the Geneva lead to 19-8. When asked about the two-point conversion, Hissong noted that “the two-point play was something we’ve had in our back pocket for a few years and just haven’t had the opportunity to run in a game. We’ve repped it dozens of times in practice, so we were able to execute when the time came.” Wooster continued to build momentum when Kobe Nadu ’24 recovered a fumble in Geneva territory. Renteria then slung a 34-yard pass to Andrew Hammer ’25 on the next play for another Wooster touchdown. Head coach Frank Colaprete went back to his bag of tricks to convert another two-point attempt and cut the Geneva advantage to 19-16 by halftime. This time, wide receiver Troy Baughman ’23 completed a pass in the endzone for the conversion. The Scots’ offense got off to a fast start in the second half, seizing a 23-19 lead on a nine-play, 66-yard touchdown march, capped off with a 13-yard strike from Renteria to Baughman.

Though they were outscored 23-0 since the middle of the second quarter, the Golden Hurricanes rebounded on their first drive of the second half, as six running plays enabled them to find the pylon and retake the lead at 25-23. Unbeknownst to Geneva, this would be their last score of the game, as the Scots’ defense swarmed the Golden Hurricanes’ triple option rushing attack for the rest of the game. After a defensive stop and short Geneva punt gave the Scots excellent field position with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter, the offense continued to produce. On this drive, the Scots turned to running back Andrew Yanssens ’23 on six straight rushing plays for a combined 38 yards and finished the drive with a 5-yard Renteria rushing touchdown.

During the fourth quarter, the Scots’ defense continued to shut down Geneva, allowing
the Scots to tack on a field goal with 8:33 remaining to extend the lead to 33-25. A last gasp Hail Mary pass attempt by Geneva was extinguished when defensive end Brandon Holt ’23 had a game-ending sack. Hissong credited the Scots’ defense for their resiliency, saying that “it took longer than we would have liked, but we settled in and were able to execute down the stretch with the help of some big stops from the defense.”
Looking forward, Hissong is excited about building the on-field trust with his quarterback needed for the Scots to be an elite offense. “Playing with Mateo, who will soon be statistically the best quarterback in school history, has allowed both of us to gain a lot of confidence in each other. I have a lot of faith that he will get his eyes in the right place at the right times, and when the ball comes my way, I know he has the trust that I will make a play.

There’s a lot of room for growth for both of us and it’ll only get better from here on out.” If this senior leadership team continues to exhibit the grit that they showed in their opening match, then the Scots will be well on their way to a memorable season.

Wooster will once again hit the road to take on Hiram College on Saturday, Sept. 10 at
12:00 p.m. and try to improve their record to 2-0 on the season.