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Serving Montgomery County Community College and the Surrounding Community
December 2018
Issue 76
Students of the
Spanish Department,
Tanisha Martinez
(left) and Isabella
Santangelo (right),
bring traditional
Day of the Dead
characters to life as
La Catrina (Martinez)
and La Llorona
(Santangelo).
Read more on Page 4.
Photo by Bridget Depew
You’ve Seen It on
“Ellen”!
Autism advocate
realizes a dream.
Page 12.
The Secret to Student
Success.
U.S. and Japanese
teachers unlock it.
Page 9.
Good Always Overcomes
Evil.
Keeping the faith in aftermath
of tragedy.
Page 3.
Page 2 December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
So, we continue into the
holiday season! I hope we’ve
worked o the extra weight from
Thanksgiving. I hope we’ve also
enjoyed quality time with family
and friends. If we’re particularly
ambitious, we’ve begun our
holiday shopping. But even though
the Thanksgiving holiday has
passed, it (hopefully) didn’t take
with it the two elements that will
carry us throughout the remainder
of this year—and of our lives:
giving and giving thanks.
How often do we say,
“Thank you”? I don’t mean in
response to being given a gift. I
mean a general “thank you” for
life—for health, for freedom, for
safety. It is true that we could all
stand to have a little more money
in the bank. But in our daily
eorts to chase the almighty
dollar, we often lose perspective
and fail to remember how truly
blessed we are. We forget to
simply slow down and exhale a
“thank you.” A healthy spirit of
gratitude can do wonders for a
cloudy perspective. Not just on a
holiday, but every day.
To say this is a busy time of
year is an understatement. Class
deadlines loom, exams taunt us,
and sleep is evasive. It is crucial
that we take care of ourselves
and remain focused as we wrap
up these last few weeks of the
semester. It is equally important
that we take care of others.
Not everyone is looking
forward to the holidays. For
some, it is a time of pain, of
remembering the loss of loved
ones. For some, it is a lonely
time—family and friends may
live out of state; relationships
may have ended. Regardless of
the reason, for some the holidays
can be a source of sadness that
is almost palpable, leaving them
feeling hopeless.
Some of us, however, may
have a surplus of happiness.
Family and friends are good.
The job is good. Life is good.
For those of you who fall
into that category, this year I
challenge you to step outside
your comfort zone and reach
out to someone in need. I’m
not necessarily speaking of
monetary need. I’m referring to
emotional need. I challenge you
give of yourself.
All too often, when we ask
someone how they’re doing, we
expect the stock responses, “I’m
ne. Doin’ okay.” We may even
hope for it, because we are in a
hurry. No one can really blame
us. Life slows down for no one.
Might I encourage you, though,
to slow it down yourself? Might
I encourage you to take pause,
look someone directly in the eye,
and with all sincerity ask, “How
are you really doing?”
You may catch them o
guard. The truth is, they may
not be prepared to dig deep
and engage in a vulnerable
conversation. That’s okay. They
don’t have to. What does the
spirit good is simply knowing
someone cares enough to take a
moment—and give a moment.
Students, sta and faculty
of Montgomery County
Community College, I truly hope
all of you enjoy this holiday
season. Don’t forget to say
“Thank you!” And don’t forget
to give from one of your most
precious commodities—your
time. Happy holidays!
About The Montgazette
The Montgazette is published twice a semester from
October to May by the students and advisory sta of
Montgomery County Community College.
Printed by Journal Register in Exton, PA.
The Montgazette is printed on recycled paper.
Bridget Depew
Editor–in–Chief
Ashley Bauer
Thomas M. Boccuto
Maxwell Danoff
Loue Repsik
Rahul Thevar
Joshua Young
December Contributors
Robin Bonner
Lauren Keatley
Susan Masciantonio
Advisors
Joshua Woodroffe
Design & Layout
The Staff
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All clubs chartered through the Student Life oce may
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Bridget Depew
The Montgazette Editor–in–Chief
Be the Gift That Keeps On Giving
Page 3December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
I awoke on October 27
to the horric news a man
opened re in a Pittsburgh
synagogue, killing 11
congregants and wounding
six others. The report was
unconscionable: A man
entered a place of worship
and shot defenseless, innocent
people. They were celebrating
the Hebrew naming of a baby
at Tree of Life synagogue.
The next day I prayed with
others at my synagogue for
the victims and their families.
This evil act brought
me back to the tragedy of
September 11, 2001, and a
pivotal moment in my life.
Jewish culture and values
have always been integral
parts of my upbringing. My
earliest memories are steeped
with Jewish customs and
traditions: lighting menorah
candles and making latkes
to celebrate Hanukah. My
parents instilled in me the
value and appreciation of
my Jewish heritage. What’s
more, I have always had a
strong interest in Israel.
My parents belonged to
Har Zion synagogue when
was born. I began my Jewish
education there when I was
nine. My sister and I were
fortunate to be called to read
the Torah together, a double
blessing during our B’nai
Mitzvah. Jewish law allowed
us to celebrate jointly because
we are close in age.
Our religious event was
scheduled for September
13, 2001. Two days earlier,
planes hit the World Trade
Center and the Pentagon. My
parents and extended family
were devastated. It seemed
unfathomable to celebrate our
B’nai Mitzvah in light of this
tragedy. We contemplated
canceling the event. Friends and
family could not travel by plane
since airports were closed. My
parent’s decision to proceed
with the B’nai Mitzvah,
however, speaks volumes about
our Jewish faith.
Our B’nai Mitzvah was
more poignant than we could
have imagined. Pennsylvania
dignitaries, family and
friends lled the auditorium.
Tears owed as my sister and
I read from the Torah, and
the Rabbi gave his sermon.
This signicant moment
in time harkened back to
my Jewish values. The
Jewish people have always
overcome tragedy, bloodshed
and setbacks by their
determination and positivity.
Our B’nai Mitzvah occurred
at such a pivotal moment that
it changed my life forever.
It was an awakening in
my Jewish life and ingrained
Jewish teachings in my soul.
My faith teaches respect and
love for others, charitable
giving and tenacity in
overcoming obstacles. These
ideals are my blueprint for
situations in daily life.
I am fortunate that I will
connect with my Jewish roots
on a 10-day trip to Israel in
January 2019. I look forward
to experiencing the Holy
Land and my faith rsthand.
I also experienced
my faith rsthand in my
synagogue as we prayed
as a community for the
community grieving at the
Tree of Life synagogue.
Through the ages, the
tenacity of Jewish people has
always overcome tragedies
and setbacks throughout
biblical times, Auschwitz (the
Holocaust), September 11th
and the Pittsburgh shootings.
My Jewish experience has
taught me that good always
overcomes evil.
Max Dano is a Liberal
Studies major who lives in
Bryn Mawr.
My Jewish Life:
Reection on Pittsburgh Killings
Maxwell Dano
The Montgazette Contributor
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Page 4 December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
ON CAMPUS
On Oct. 31, the Spanish
department hosted a “Day of
the Dead” event in Parkhouse
Hall at Montgomery County
Community College. The
“Day of the Dead,” or “Dia
de los Muertos”, traditionally
celebrated on November 1,
All Saints Day, is the day the
Hispanic culture celebrates the
passing of their loved ones, as
opposed to mourning them.
They view death as merely
another part of life. Tanisha
Martinez, a Liberal Arts major
and co-host of the event, says,
“[Death] is just another passage
… and it’s something to be
celebrated. Just because that
person is dead, doesn’t mean
we have to forget them.”
On the Day of the Dead,
Hispanics traditionally make
altars that display a photo of
their loved one who has passed,
surrounded by items of special
signicance.
Continued on page 5
Montgomery County Community College
Celebrates Dia de los Muertos
Bridget Depew
The Montgazette Editor–in–Chief
Dr. Copel, dressed as La Llorona, happily
serving pastries to students in attendance.
Photograph by Bridget Depew
Tanisha Martinez, Professor Elortegui and Professor Gamauf of
the Spanish department
Photograph by Bridget Depew
Page 5December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
WANTED!
Student Journalists
Report on a wide range of content:
• news
• sports
• arts
• entertainment
• music
• community events
• ...and more!
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The Montgazette is looking for Central & West Campus writers.
For more information, email Amanda Dioszeghy at [email protected]
For more information, email: [email protected]
Students get into character with Day of the Dead costume paraphernalia.
Photograph by Bridget Depew
Tanisha Martinez, a Liberal Arts major in the Spanish department,
dressed as La Catrina, displays a replica of an altar that would be
erected in honor of loved ones who have passed away.
Photograph by Bridget Depew
Dia de los Muertos,
continued from p. 4
Some of the characters
represented on “Day of the Dead”
are La Catrina, typically shown as a
lavishly adorned skeleton and given
the title “the Grande Dame of Death,”
and La Llorona—a young Spanish
woman who killed her children after
she was scorned and abandoned
by her husband. According to
legend, remorse consumed her as
she wandered the streets, where she
lamented the loss of her children until
she died.
According to Martinez, on
Day of the Dead, “Our cemeteries,
especially in Mexico, are always
greatly adorned. In Mexico, it’s more
of a great honoring thing, so there
will be tons of owers and beautiful
candles to light up what most people
would see as a more somber [scene].
In preparation for the holiday, we put
[out] orange marigold petals and …
disperse them from the tombstone of
the family, and make a pathway to
[the family’s] door, leaving [the] door
open—to allow the entity of the spirit
to come in as it pleases.”
Page 6 December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-
PA) was on campus Oct. 24 to
show support for those who work in
the music industry during District
Advocate Day, sponsored nationwide
by the Recording Industry Association
of America and GRAMMY.
Montgomery County Community
College hosted a local observation in
the new analog studio on the Central
Campus. Just days earlier, Boyle
voted for the Music Modernization
Act, which will require fair payment
for songwriters and artists, and
copyright protections for producers
and engineers.
After the event, Boyle was
asked how he felt about the 13th
Congressional District, his district,
being redrawn. Currently, it includes
portions of Montgomery County.
Since 2015, Boyle has served residents
of the oddly shaped district that was
carved up in 2011 for political benet.
This process is called gerrymandering.
Borders of the district stretched from
Lansdale to Northeast Philadelphia
and from the Olney section of
Philadelphia to King of Prussia. After
a PA Supreme Court ruling in 2017,
maps of gerrymandered districts,
including the 13th, were redrawn. The
map redrawn in 2018 was approved
by Governor Wolf. Beginning in
January 2019, Boyle will serve the
2nd Congressional District, which
does not include Montgomery County.
Boyle said he had mixed feelings
about the redistricting. “I oppose
gerrymandering. I think that the
district should be drawn in a fair
way. I, as a state legislator (before
becoming a congressman), voted
against the congressional redistricting
in 2011 because I knew the map was
one of the most gerrymandered in the
country.” He said he was glad that the
state supreme court ruled against the
gerrymandered districts.
At the same time, Boyle said
he was “sad” about losing his
Montgomery County constituents.
“We have done an awful lot of work
in Montgomery County, representing
about 350,000 residents. On a
personal level, I am sad that I will no
longer represent them.”
For perspective, before the
ruling in 2017, Montgomery County
was represented in the 2nd, 6th, 7th,
8th, and 13th districts. Now, on the
new map, Montgomery County lies
completely within the 4th District.
The state supreme court’s
ruling that allowed Pennsylvania
lawmakers to redraw their
congressional map sparked action
across the country. Potentially
gerrymandered congressional maps
are now being challenged in courts
in Texas, North Carolina, Maryland,
and Wisconsin.
Democrats are ecstatic about
this development. Meanwhile,
Republicans are not. In fact, U.S.
House Representative Ryan Costello,
who used to represent the 6th District,
just retired because of this ruling.
Locate your U.S. congressional
district using the URL www.house.gov.
Where Has Your Congressional District Gone?
Thomas M. Boccuto
The Montgazette Contributor
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle supported local musicians during District
Advocate Day on Oct. 24. Montgomery County Community College was
a local host for the Recording Academy and GRAMMY organization’s
nationwide event. Days earlier, Boyle voted for the Music Modernization
Act, which requires fair payment for songwriters and artists, and
copyright protections for producers and engineers.
Photograph coutesy of the MCCC Communications Dept.
C
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Page 7December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
Students who push themselves to excel in their
education can see the payo in their grades, and even
in cold, hard cash. Montgomery County Community
College hosted the Phi Theta Kappa Induction
Ceremony at the Science Center Auditorium on
Central Campus on Oct. 11. There were 79 students
who met the eligibility requirements and were
invited to join the honor society.
Kat Araya, a Liberal Studies major from Ambler
and the president of Phi Theta Kappa, attributes
her motivation to get into the honor society to the
average scholarship of $2,500. Nearly 70 percent
of students inducted into the honor society in
Pennsylvania receive federal aid, according to Phi
Theta Kappa’s data on student success. Also, 94
percent of these students nished their associate
degree and transferred to a four-year institution. In
comparison, only 37 percent of other Pennsylvania
students completed their associate degree and
continued their education.
“We can help you rene and achieve your goals
and give you leadership and travel experience and
a social outlet, but you need to utilize the honor
society to enjoy it fully,” said Catherine Parzynski,
adviser of Phi Theta Kappa. Parzynski explained
that to be invited into the honor society, students
must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5, have
completed at least 12 credits at the college, and
uphold the college’s code of conduct.
“Each chapter has a president, secretary,
treasurer, and four vice presidents who budget for
events and plan meetings, service projects, and
travel experiences,” said Parzynski. Students chosen
for leadership positions also keep minutes for their
meetings, which take place twice a month in the fall
and spring semesters. Parzynski added that students
enjoy travel opportunities to conventions regionally
and nationally, and they participate in service
projects every fall and spring.
“If you’re invited to join the honor society,
denitely go for it,” said Anna Frick, a Psychology
major from Harleysville. She said that being a part
of Phi Theta Kappa opens connections with other
four-year schools around the country and also looks
good on a resume. Emily McLaughlin, a Fine Arts
major from Lansdale, said that she plans to attend
Savannah College of Art and Design and will
receive a scholarship because of her involvement
in the honor society. “You must be a concrete and
sound person. Take your work seriously, follow up
on your word, and be reliable,” said McLaughlin.
To be invited into Phi Theta Kappa, students
need to keep their grades up, and Frick suggested
relying on friends for support and to create a study
group. “Talk to your professors, explain your
situation, go into the tutoring center and see if they
have any advice for you,” said Frick. Justin Ziegler,
a Business Administration major from Harleysville,
added that students must be driven academically and
be devoted to helping their community. “You will
hit hard times, so stay driven no matter what. You
don’t know what you’re capable of. Push yourself
to the edge and go above and beyond,” said Ziegler.
The students invited to join Phi Beta Kappa now
have new opportunities to develop their leadership
skills within a community of motivated students.
With Phi Theta Kappa’s purpose of encouraging
scholarship, fellowship, leadership and service,
there are many reasons for students to work hard to
be invited to join.
Loue Repsik
The Montgazette Contributor
Going Above and Beyond:
Phi Theta Kappa Inductees Explain Their Success
Visit us at:
Montgazette.wordpress.com
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Page 8 December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
Playful dogs are what the doctor ordered to relieve students’ stress on the West Campus of
Montgomery County Community College on Oct. 17. The therapy dogs, Tessa and Toby, were both
rescued at approximately six months of age. Students surrounded the dogs and sat on the oor, playing;
smiles lit up their faces. Carol and Pamela, the owners of the playful pups, who kindly brought them in,
are the real heroes of the story. The dogs wore service vests that made students a little hesitant to pet the
dogs, yet Carol and Pamela convinced them to go ahead. This is their third year bringing the dogs into
the school, and the students seemed to love it. Being able to take time away from the stress of a test, or
a long class, to relax and hang out with a couple of frisky pups can really turn a student’s day around.
Therapy Dogs on Campus:
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Ashley Bauer
The Montgazette Contributor
Page 9December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
In movies where a professor
speaks words of life to a student
body, encouraging them to press
on, that professor could be based on
Montgomery County Community
College’s Dr. Craig Smith. He has
put much thought into how to help
students succeed. It begins when they
rst arrive on campus.
New students can become
overwhelmed by new people,
surroundings and workloads. Smith, the
Director of Student Retention and
Success, developed the Theory of
First-Year Engagement, which focuses
on helping students stay in college and
graduate. The key is connection. When
new students interact with faculty
and sta members, they begin to
develop positive bonds in this new
stage of life.
Smith’s theory is gaining
attention. He spoke Nov. 27 at the 6th
Annual Conference on Management
and Social Science in Osaka, Japan,
about the importance of connection
for student retention.
Student retention is dened as the
percentage rate of the rst-time and
rst-year undergraduate students who
continue their education at the College
the following year. Smith says it is
crucially important, and that it does
not happen by accident. “You [have
to] make that connection and make
[the student] feel like they’re the only
one in the room. Talk to them. Engage
them. Hug them. Acknowledge them,”
he said.
Those personal touches are
what students here at Montgomery
County Community College
experience when they encounter
Smith. His open-door oce policy
welcomes students to sit down with
him and not only receive academic
advice but “life” advice as well. He
takes the time to really get to know
the students. “I’m good at helping
people and maximizing their
potential,” he said.
Dr. Smith recognizes that
maximizing potential must begin
during the early days of students’
arrival. At Montgomery County
Community College, he created
Montco WOW (Weeks of Welcome)
for the college. He explained that
students enter the College, wander
around and leave with a lot of
debt, so it is important to engage
them early in their educational
endeavors. He also spearheaded
Dine & Dialogue—a sit-down
opportunity for students to engage
with the professors of the College.
He believes it is important to take
the knowledge out of the classroom
and bring it into a more intimate
setting, conversing with faculty
and having real-life discussion,
so that students may get an idea
of who their professors really are.
Craig states that it is an opportunity
to get a different perspective and
to get rid of the angst, fear and
intimidation new students can feel
upon entering college.
The college years can be an
anxious and unnerving time for
students. Smith has a way of calming
those nerves and teaching students
to redirect that anxious energy and
turn it into success. He does not do it
behind a podium in a classroom. He
does it from his oce—with one-on-
one encounters and a smile that says,
“I believe in you.”
Taking the Secret for Student Success to Japan
Bridget Depew
The Montgazette Editor–in–Chief
Page 10 December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
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Page 11December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
Lorie Finn said Montgomery
County Community College turned
her daughter’s life around, and she
wanted to ensure visitors at the West
Campus in Pottstown learned the
benets of attending. Finn greeted
prospective students and their parents
to the College’s Open House on
Saturday, Oct. 13.
Stationed at the door of North
Hall, Finn explained the perks of
attending the College. She made
students aware that the school
oers everything they need to learn
through online courses, which they
can attend without leaving the
comfort of their own home. She also
mentioned that the school is very
aordable for students throughout
the county.
Many families send all their
children to the College. During the
family-oriented event, the school
involves both students and parents
in its activities. A mother and her
two daughters—Julia, a prospective
psychology major and Alyse, a
hopeful realtor, were thrilled with the
information and options they received.
Brothers Matt and Daniel also
wandered through the open house and
had some interesting information to
share. Matt talked about the university
center, where four-year schools oer
classes through the College. Daniel
was interested in game design.
Dr. Melinda Copel and Dr.
Andrew Kosciesza, professors in the
Arts and Humanities Division, were
two helpful, friendly faces present at
the open house. Interested students do
not have to major in art or music to
take a course in that eld.
Montgomery County Community
College is full of opportunity for
absolutely everyone. A young woman
named Paige, a prospective music
major, had nothing but wonderful
things to say. She said that school
representatives made her aware that
they would go above and beyond to
help her in whatever way they could.
The music director told her if she had
any concerns, she could even contact
him directly. She was nothing but
thrilled when leaving the school.
Love the
ARTs?
Visit:
mc3.edu/livelyarts
Ashley Bauer
The Montgazette Contributor
West Campus Open House
Attracts New Students
Page 12 December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
Ben Hartranft, a friend to many
Montgomery County Community
College students and “Mayor of North
Penn (High School)” advocates for
autism awareness and raises money
to nd answers for the disorder. He
spread the word nationally on “The
Ellen DeGeneres Show” show Oct.
22, and, in return, received surprises
from her and the Philadelphia Eagles.
At age two, Hartranft was
diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD). He could speak only
20 words, according to Patch.com.
Now, he can’t stop talking.
The 20-year-old is also an
ambassador for the Eagles Autism
Challenge. He set a personal goal
of raising $10,000 for the cause by
working two jobs.
Meanwhile, for three years
Hartranft has dreamed of being on “The
Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Nearly 40
people lobbied for him to appear. They
sent messages and videos explaining
how Hartranft’s eorts align with
Ellen’s “One Million Acts of Good.”
Hartranft’s dream began to
come true when he was contacted
by a producer about appearing on
the show. Ben received a call to do a
Skype interview with a producer but
was not allowed to tell anyone about
it. Hartranft said, “It was hard to keep
it a secret.” Then the show contacted
him to come to Hollywood for an
Ellentube taping at the Warner Bros.
Studios on Oct. 22. Ellentube is the
“video destination” for Ellen. There,
fans can nd ocial clips from the
show, as well as viewer-submitted
videos, plus games and giveaways.
Hartranft said, “They told me I
would sit in the audience for a show
and would not get to meet Ellen. They
were tricking me.”
Instead, Hartranft sat on Ellen’s
white couch and chatted with the
Emmy-winning TV host as well as
with former Philadelphia Eagle,
Jon Dorenbos, a long snapper
from 2006-2017. During their
conversation Hartranft told them,
“Having autism is not a bad thing,
and it doesn’t characterize who we
are. We are unique and special, just
like a rainbow.”
According to Inspiremore.com,
during the show, Hartranft enjoyed
more surprises: tickets to Universal
Studios, Eagles gear – including a
helmet signed by the team - and a
$10,000 donation by Shuttery to
more than meet his Eagles Autism
Challenge goal.
“I cried because I was so blessed.
I am so happy that money is going
to research to make a dierence for
people with autism.”
Ben wasn’t the only one
overjoyed. Friend and Montgomery
County Community College
student Jared Pelleck said, “It was
amazing seeing Ben on ‘The Ellen
DeGeneres show’ and spending
time with Jon Dorenbos. Ben has a
great personality [and it was great
that $10,000 was donated] to Ben’s
Eagles Autism Challenge.”
Looking back on his dream
come true, Hartranft said, “I am
still pinching myself. I talk about it
[even] when no one else is around. It
was so exciting.”
He said it was “cool” to hang
out with Dorenbos. “He is kind and
funny and does so much for the City
of Philadelphia.”
Hartranft’s advice to Montgomery
County Community College students:
“Make sure you dream big, pursue
your dreams and never give up.” He
follows his own advice.
An article about Hartranft’s
appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres
Show” and video clips can be found
here: https://www.ellentube.com/
article/philadelphia-eagles-autism-
challenge-ambassador-ben-hartanft-
needs-your-help.html.
Autism Advocate Appears on
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
Rahul Thevar
The Montgazette Contributor
Page 13December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
HEY STUDENTS!
YOUR ARTICLE.
RIGHT HERE
EMAIL MONTGAZETTE@GMAIL.COM
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the events you’re interested in.
Page 14 December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
On a windy afternoon, under overcast
skies, the Montgomery County Community
College Mustangs Women’s Soccer season
came to an end with an 8-1 loss at the
hands of the Bucks County Community
College Centurions.
The game began well for the Mustangs,
as Emily Crosby-Piczek netted her seventh
goal of the season for an early 1-0 lead.
However, the Centurions tied the game less
than a minute later and scored the next seven
goals to rout the Mustangs.
The Centurions dominated from the
time of possession, keeping the Mustangs
wide, and not allowing their players to get to
the center of the eld for a clean shot. The
Centurions, who boast two players who have
50 points and 10 goals, used their acclaimed
oense to pull away in the second half.
Nevertheless, the Mustangs’ head coach,
John DiCriscio, believes that there are some
positives to be taken from this match.
First, DiCriscio pointed out that the
Mustangs’ roster is almost entirely made up
of freshmen. (The team has one sophomore.)
Regardless, the Mustangs were still able to
open scoring against the Centurions’ “A line-
up,” DiCriscio said.
“The match was Bucks’16th match of
the season, compared to our sixth. I would
consider this a positive step in the right
direction,” DiCriscio remarked. At the same
time, he cited defending set pieces as the area
most in need of improvement.
With the season over, players and coach
turned to reecting on the successes and
failures the team experienced throughout
the season.
DiCriscio said that the team’s
cohesiveness and willingness to display
sportsmanship throughout the season is what
he will remember most about this team.
Jess Tolkacz, a midelder and
goalkeeper for the Mustangs, agreed with
DiCriscio. Tolkacz said she will always
remember the team’s perseverance and
desire to help one another.
Tolkacz was also named Mustang “most
improved player” by DiCriscio. Tolkacz
stepped up to play goalkeeper due to an
injury to freshman Johnnie Keegan, and she
improved to league average statistics by the
end of the season.
Tolkacz said she was honored to be
named most improved player. “Being the
most improved means that the work I put in
during endless practices, and taking advice
the coaches oered, paid o,” Tolkacz said.
“This being my rst year playing soccer,
I was unsure of what to expect, but I was
determined to learn and work hard to build
my skill.”
Tolkacz also talked about the enjoyment
she got from being a part of the Mustangs.
“What I will remember most about this
team is how much fun we all had together
on bus rides and at practices and games, and
how well we worked together,” Tolkacz said.
“I couldn’t ask for a better team to play with.”
SPORTS
Mustangs Women’s Soccer Season Ends
with a Loss, but Positives Remain
Joshua Young
The Montgazette Contributor
Page 15December 2018
THE MONTGAZETTE
Page 16 December 2018
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