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By Kassandra Soria As the 2024 year starts, the Red Hawks continue competing with winter sports in the crazy Redding weather. The real issue, how are these teams competing in weather hazards and why. Unfortunately, some sports teams are struggling with practicing and playing their scheduled games which has been causing some issues for these athletes because of the weather. Not only does this take away reps. But, all these athletes want to do is play the sport they love. I was able to talk to some student athletes, to see how they react to these conditions. Track and Field/Cross Country answered some questions having to do with their sport and if there are any challenges, this is what they said. “I like running early in the mornings so I have the rest of the day free for school and work. It only really sucks when we run in the pouring rain,” Jewels Zaragoza said, “But there really isn’t a place for us to run inside when it is raining....it’s usually on a treadmill and I get worse shin splints, so it makes no sense for me to run on a treadmill. The only thing that sucks is when it rains and we run 5 miles in it”. “I wish we had our own track so that we didn’t have to worry about driving to places to run,” Abigal Kang said. After hearing both responses it is clear all sport teams are determined to compete. Athletes of both winter and spring sports share this challenge. Another example of getting work done is both basketball teams staying over their winter breaks and only going home for a couple of days. Both Baseball and Softball have started to practice and play with weather hazards. This has made it difficult as well but, both teams both find ways to get work done this upcoming season.

By Ruby Churchill Image courtesy of USA Today In the vast, poetic universe, one name shines brighter than a supernova—Brandon Leake. Leake has a charming stage presence and a knack for weaving words into magical tapestries. He has been capturing audiences worldwide with his poetry, even gracing the stage of America’s Got Talent. On March 4, 2024, he visited Simpson University—treating everyone to a short film. Leake's journey started in Stockton, California. Born on May 24, 1992, Leake fell head over heels for the spoken word while attending college. Poetry became his trusty steed for navigating the roller coaster of life. His childhood trials and tribulations were like fertilizer for his poetic garden. “When I seriously started taking poetry for myself was freshman year. My best friend drowned in a levee running away from a rival gang while I was here…and I said, what better way can I honor my friend than by writing about him. So I wrote a poem, and I came up and shared it. And that was the first inkling I had to dive back into writing,” Leake said. Leake crashed into the limelight like a poetic wrecking ball when he made history as the first spoken word artist on America's Got Talent in 2020. His audition piece was more than just a poem—it was an incredible moment addressing the social issues gripping the United States. Leake’s authenticity set him apart from the beginning. Howie Mandel couldn't resist hitting the Golden Buzzer. After winning America’s Got Talent, Leake continued his creative career. He has used his platform to fight for social justice and mental health awareness. Leake is not just a poet; he's a force of nature wrapped in human form. From his humble beginnings to the America's Got Talent stage, he has proven that words are not just ink on paper—they are dynamite sticks waiting to explode minds. Leake answered questions in the Student Union before introducing his short film to Simpson University students. One student asked about the transition from playing basketball to doing poetry. “It was super difficult...what you will find is that any athlete—especially the higher you go, the more difficult the fall after it’s done. When you see professional athletes who are drugged out, who are struggling trying to figure out life after sports when they’re retired at 33, and they still have the rest of their lives ahead of them, it's because they never established any identity outside of what they did on that field. And that was me…” Leake said Leake also empasized the importance of faith in his journey. He explained that he tried out for America’s Got Talent in 2017 but was turned down, only for God to lead him back to the stage in 2019. “How did my faith play a role in my success? It’s solely responsible for it…Before I was on America’s Got Talent, I did 4 hours a day of rehearsal. From 9 pm to 1 in the morning, just running poems…But I did that before I committed to Jesus like for real, and didn’t get the same results. And it was my faith that met me, because I was doing poetry in 2017 when I tried out for America’s Got Talent the first time, and got told no…The distinct difference isn’t just my work ethic. The distinct difference is that God is here with me because you can show up to the right destination at the wrong time, which was me in 2017,” Leake said. His short film Complexity detailed the relationship between a young teenager and the police officer who killed his father. It showed themes of faith, forgiveness, and struggle. Many students expressed the emotions it made them feel—sadness, loss, hope. As he continues to paint his masterpiece on the canvas of life, Brandon Leake reminds us of the magic that happens when art and storytelling collide. Visit Leake’s website for information about his upcoming projects.

By Elizabeth Aleo Photo by Jacob Greene Women’s Basketball gets into a groove for the postseason. The team is currently in 4th place in the California Pacific Conference. With a record of 9 wins and 3 losses in the conference. Makenzee Moretto, a junior that plays the 2 or 3 guard position here expressed how the team is looking. “I think the team is looking good so far. Yes, we have our ups and downs, but we have grown a lot through it,” Moretto said via text. Hannah Parsons is also a junior that plays shooting guard and power forward on the team. She also expressed how the team is looking this season. “The team is looking good right now and a lot different than last year, which has its pros and cons. I feel like we have gotten into a good rhythm with each and have worked hard to develop good chemistry,” Parsons said via text. Moretto also is looking forward to the team growing. “I’m looking forward to see the team continue to grow and continue to get better every day,” Moretto said via text. Parsons indicated what she is looking forward to. “I’m looking forward to finishing out conference and getting to playoffs,” Parsons said via text. The team is on the road on the 22nd and 24th before the Cal Pac tournament.

By Jacob Greene The swim team for Simpson University competed in the Logger Invitational at the University of Pudget Sound from Dec. 1-3. The team had a successful meet. Four swimmers set multiple PRs (personal records). Junior, Liam Schroeder had a huge meet. He set 2 personal records with 4 season bests. In the 200-yard fly, Schroeder’s time was 2:11.80 (in prelims). In the finals, it was 2:11.68. Which improved his previous time by 6.98 seconds. “I feel like everyone did really well. Everyone was rested. Everyone was suited up. Everyone put their best in it,” Schroeder said. A big part of the team's success is Coach Logan Friesen. “With the change in coach over the past year, it really showed how well his coaching style works for us–it’s great,” Schroeder said. Sophomore, Alannah Lucin set a new personal record in 4 events. Her biggest time difference was in the 100-yard fly, beating her time by 3.48. Lucin’s second-biggest improvement was in the 50-yard fly with a 2.5-second difference. Freshman, Teo Barthelemy set 4 personal records. His biggest time difference was in the 100-yard breaststroke with a 1.69-second improvement. One of his other personal records was in the 50-yard breaststroke with a final time of 27.44 seconds–improving his time by 1.48 seconds. Cloe Barthelemy broke two school records in the women's 100 butterfly (101.87) and backstroke event (1:04.37). She made the National provisional cut in the women's 100 freestyle. She is ranked 61st in the nation in the 100 butterfly, 42nd  in the nation in the 100 freestyle, and 35th for the 50 freestyle (All according to the SU Athletic page). On Dec. 8–less than a week later–Simpson had their first “home meet” ever.  The meet was vs. Shasta Community College at Shasta’s Redding campus. It was a scrimmage, not an official meet. Head coach Logan Friesen offered his thoughts on the scrimmage. “It just kinda gauges what we can work on for February,” Friesen said. There is a lot to look forward to going into the second half of the season. “We had a great midseason meet. It was good to see where everybody is at going into the second half of the semester. We got a couple of weeks coming up, just some rest before we get back into some hard training in January. Then we’ll be back on the grind,” Friesen said. There were positive takeaways from the scrimmage. “I think everyone did pretty well. Doing every single event took a toll. But you know, it was fun, a lot of fast swims. Just an all-around good time,” Schroeder said. The whole team did well, given the circumstances. “Even though we’re all tired and finals is like taking a massive mental toll getting in the water, swimming is always fun to do–just to relax and take like a mental break from school,” Schroeder said, “[And] just to see where you’re at post-midseason.” The team’s next meet is Jan. 6 in Santa Barbara at Westmont College.

By Ruby Churchill Financial aid plays a crucial role in your college journey. College is a thrilling period of self-discovery. It also involves navigating the complex world of student finances. Fortunately, higher education offers an exhilarating adventure in the form of financial aid. Like a treasure hunter, you will embark on a quest to uncover elusive grants and scholarships while staying vigilant to avoid potential scams. The first step in this journey is to engage in a patience-building exercise called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to providing financial information, you must submit essential documents like tax returns. There are online resources within the application to guide you through the process. According to savingforcollege.com, there are new changes coming to the FAFSA for the 2024-2025 school year. The form will have less questions. The date the application opens is also delayed. “The 2024-2025 FAFSA will become available in December 2023 instead of on October 1, 2023. The FAFSA is expected to return to an October 1 start date with the 2025-2026 FAFSA.” The FAFSA can seem like a large task to complete. However, Senior Michael Bray regards filling it out as a worthy undertaking. “The FAFSA process is done in a manner that makes it simplistic for almost any individual that wants to do that process. And it also works in the favor of individuals in any background or situation to give them the best access to as many benefits as possible,” Bray said. With the FAFSA successfully completed, it is time to embark on the legendary quest for scholarships and grants. Financial aid can be found for everyone from left-handed, red-haired, accordion players to those who have a passion for collecting gum wrappers. SU has several scholarships and grants available for students. Upon completing the FAFSA, you become eligible for grants like the Pell Grant. State Grants include the Cal Grant, which requires maintaining a minimum GPA. Another is the Chaffee Grant for individuals who have been in foster care. You can find information on these grants at the California Student Aid Commission website. Additionally, various private scholarships await. For instance, nitrocollege.com offers a variety of drawings that are simple to enter. Simpson University also has institutional scholarships like the NorCal Promise, Mosaic, Legacy Alliance Scholarship, as well as ones for sports or music. If none of these apply to you, fear not, for the treasure hunt is far from over. These grants are just a fraction of the vast resources available. For more information on financial aid, consider visiting Simpson University’s financial aid website. You can explore other scholarship opportunities at scholarships.com or fastweb.com. After you have hunted down scholarships, consider student loans—cautiously. While they promise knowledge and opportunity, they can lead to a lifetime of debt that rivals a Shakespearean tragedy. Ensure that you understand them clearly before taking them on. Another option for financial aid in college is the work-study program. Some fortunate individuals are able to have a part-time job, with earnings going toward tuition expenses. Remember, the financial aid office is available to help. Freshman Nathan Palacioz shared that the financial aid advisors provided necessary support. “They helped when we called, they helped us get through whatever it was that we needed help on. Everybody here is super friendly, super nice. They help you get through whatever your situation is,” Palacioz said. The world of college financial aid is much like a treasure hunt. It may require research, but it can be well worth the effort. Thus, don your adventurer's cap, sharpen your wit, and embrace the challenge. May the FAFSA forms be ever in your favor.

By Jewelia Zaragoza Football at Simpson University is in full motion. The newest sports team has added some new spunk to campus. They have competed in 2 scrimmages and a showcase. One against George Fox University and one against Pacific Northwest Christian College. Lebron Thomas is a freshman from Red Bluff, California. He has been playing football for 14 years. Thomas said being a part of the team is very fun. “I think the team is very family-like,” Thomas said. With Simpson being such a small school the team you are a part of becomes your family. “The atmosphere is very competitive. Everyone wants to play at any cost,” Thomas said. Head Coach, Shawn Daniel, put many hours into the recruiting process. He worked at finding some of the best athletes near and far. “The recruiting process was fun, I think. I was ready to ball out and play football. Coaches were very ecstatic.” Thomas expressed. These athletes are putting in their best efforts to play and to get that starting spot. “We’ve been in the lab,” Thomas said. Freshman from Tracy, California, Raymond Corral Jr. has been playing football for 14 years. Corral said that his experience with the whole team has been amazing. “We really became one, not just as a culture but as a unit. [They are a] Very supportive coaching staff and school, somewhat,” Corral Jr. said. The coaches want the best for their players. Simpson University professors, staff, and students want good things to come out of the football program. “[We] not only play but we all want to win,” Corral said. A culture change was bound to happen on campus. Over 60 football players came into the Fall 2023 semester. The culture is going to continue to change. It will grow as our football team and student body does. “[We] want to start something that is going to be here for a long time,” Corral said. The duo expounded on their eagerness to show the talent the team has. “We’re excited and ready to showcase what we’ve been practicing,” both Thomas and Corral said, “[The] team chemistry has been growing.”

By Elizabeth Aleo The Simpson cheer program gets into a new rhythm under Coach Niki Burbank. The cheer team has a diverse group of athletes. Ranging from dance backgrounds to competitive cheer backgrounds. Elisa Heidebrecht is one of the cheerleaders with a competitive dance background. Coach Niki Burbank has many years of coaching experience under her belt. Coach Burbank has many years of cheer and coaching experience. “I started cheering in 5th grade and cheered off and on through high school. I danced before, during, and after my cheer years! I started coaching cheer in 2003 at Leland High School in San Jose, California,” said Burbank via text. Heidebrecht danced most of her life before cheering. “I come from a competitive dance background, which I have done most of my life, but did not actually become involved in cheer until I was recruited my senior year. I was recruited my senior year of high school because of my competitive dance background and started working on skills specific to cheer at that point,” Heidebrecht said via text. Trinity Brown and Valerie Negrete are two of many cheerleaders with competitive cheer backgrounds. Negrete has been involved in competitive cheer most of her life. “I started competitive cheer at 7 years old and have been doing it ever since. I picked this sport because I love the feeling of getting new skills and the adrenaline rush before competing,” Negrete said via text. This year's team is looking way different than last year’s team. Brown, who is a freshman, explains this year’s potential. “The team this year is looking good. It has a lot of potential, and I think we can progress to winning competitions because of the time and hard work we’re giving,” Brown said via text. Heidebrecht compared last year’s team to this year’s team. “We had a challenging start last year for several reasons, but I feel that going through these situations helped bond those of us who returned and created a solid foundation for this year’s team. We definitely have a lot of potential and as we keep working together, I see us constantly growing and becoming stronger,” Heidebrecht said via text. She also expressed how this year’s team is looking. “This year’s team is very special. The dynamic is one that cannot be found on every team, and I think we have a foundation that can take us far,” Heidebrecht said via text. Coach Burbank has some exciting things for the team to look forward to. “I’m looking forward to taking the team to compete for the first time! We’re working hard to make a name for ourselves in the NAIA cheer world. We get to take the competition mat in February for the first time in Simpson history,” Coach Burbank said via text. The cheer schedule is looking busy so far. “We’re cheering for men’s and women’s basketball while preparing to compete. We will also cheer for men’s volleyball which will be new for us this year!” Coach Burbank said via text.

By Bobby Rutledge The Simpson Scholar program is a new program only open to new students who excelled in academics and have a desire to grow in discussion. This program is spearheaded by Dr. Timothy Orr. It was released alongside the football program. The program became balanced in some ways to increase athletics and academics. This program hopes to increase professional discussion. The group also hopes to grow Simpson University leaders who would develop the school environment. Only 12 incoming students were allowed to join this program to maintain an efficient environment this beginning year. As this program grows, the desire is also to provide limited internships for companies who desire a refined candidate. They are also researching “The Six Conversations” by Heather Hollemn in this class. This book discusses different ways to engage in conversations and discussions meaningfully. This program is fresh, it is difficult to determine how this new scholar program will go in the long term. Nevertheless, Simpson Scholars has a promising hope to ignite a set of engagements on campus to grow. These students have an opportunity to grow in conversational skills while interacting with essential Simpson and community members. This group hopes to engage to not just talk about change but actualize change for Simpson. Michael Lee, a Simpson Scholar Student who wanted to speak on how the program has been proceeding. “This program teaches us to think critically, and prepare us for extensive discussion,” Lee said. Freshman Jonas Bramwell, another Simpson Scholar student, highlighted the individual growth of the program. “I think the Simpson Scholars program is a great tool for academically minded individuals who have a desire to better not only themselves but the community and environment they are a part of,” Bramwell said. The Simpson Scholar program is new. It is still working out everything. With this new program, we must wait to see how this new program will progress.

By Jacob Greene Simpson University football is here. Non-athlete, female-only flag football, too. Mark Endraske was appointed the head coach of one team. Athletic Director Rob Harley was the coach for the opposing team. The first practice for Endraske’s team took place on Oct. 17 inside Humphries-Collard at the whiteboard with an overview of the basic rules of football. Next, Endraske explained an 8-man formation on offense, with a 3-man line. Blocking strategies were discussed. “[It’s] Getting in their way not physically moving them,” Endraske said. After, the team did an overview of defense they headed outside. “I want to get a sense of our team,” Endraske said as he assigned positions in formation. He had plays drawn up already. But they were not printed before the practice. Endraske got them into their offense formation. He told each player what to do. As he explained each play–walking through it with each player–the whole team started to find a role that fit them well. After practice ended Morgan Wilson was named tailback, Jewelia Zaragoza was named the starting quarterback. Endraske said both were easy position choices as Zaragoza showed off a strong, accurate arm. Wilson displayed fast acceleration with an ability to get around the offensive line and outrun the defense. Endraske offered his thoughts after the first practice. “I feel like we have the best powderpuff team ever. Jewelia and Morgan are like Allen and Diggs,” Endraske said referring to the duo's chemistry after the first practice. The quarterback offered her thoughts on the team. “It’s pretty cool, all that time with my brothers playing football really paid off,” Zaragoza said. The next 3 days the team repeated most of what they did in their first practice. Endraske slowly added more elements to prepare his team for Friday’s game. He had drawn up several trick plays including a bubble screen, flea flicker, and multiple versions of a reverse. On Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. the first ever Simpson powderpuff football game began. Rob Harley’s team was referred to as the yellow team. Endraske’s team was referred to as the red team. It was a defensive game after yellow’s opening drive. Red would score only once. Zaragoza threw a perfect pass to her younger sister–Jessie Zaragoza–who broke the plane after her reception. The yellow team got another touchdown in the second half—on yet another rushing play. A strategy the red team could not stop consistently. The turning point in the game was an interception by Isabella Balsano in the last 3 minutes of the game. A one-touchdown difference was enough for Harley’s team to win the first inaugural powderpuff football game.

By Jacob Greene The marching band began. Cheers erupted as Simpson University football players were introduced for the first time. As each name was announced, the players waved to the crowd. Smiles all around. Football is finally here. As the marching band picked up the tempo, the public address announcer tried to reach the helicopter pilot. Radio static. Then the crowd heard the incoming chopper. The whirring of the blades became louder as it circled around–dropping in altitude. “Dominique Ruff, will you please make your way to mid-field,” the PA announcer said. A ball is dropped from the helicopter. Ruff caught it–the first reception outside of practice on campus. The wind from the helicopter was as strong and exciting as the crowd present. The Star-Spangled Banner is sung. The crowd erupted again. Unity is present–unwavering. Students, alumni, family, and friends come together for football. A 7 on 7 showcase for the ages. Music played, “Centerfield” by John Fogerty. “Put me in coach I’m ready to play.” The first play was called from the sideline. Perfect pass–reception. Next play. Not so perfect this time, incomplete. The ball snapped again. Post route. Caught. Touchdown–the first one at Simpson University. Horns blew. Signs waved. There was no contact–yet. Long passes. Fast plays. “30-yard line left hash. Inside rush,” Coach Shawn Daniel said. Light contact was now allowed. Even with light contact, there was comradery between the scrimmaging sides. Another play was called. “Ace left ugly.” This play was not up the middle–it’s a quarterback-keeper. “No way you kept it, Dev,” the defense chirped from the sideline. After about 30 plays on the afternoon, the defense came through with an interception. Bring on the cheer squad–it’s halftime. The crowd cheered with every move of the stunt routines. Second half. Full contact. First down drill now. But where are the chains? Horns continued to blow. Coach Daniel kept calling plays. A rushing touchdown for Romeo Clark. Handoff–another rushing play, a huge truck by the tight end. The whole defense piled on top of Julian Nessi and tried to tackle him. The whistle blew. Red zone drill. Coach Daniel shouted above the noise. “Hurry!” As the receiver ran his route, he caught the ball in stride. He was quickly tackled by the 5 players on the defense–a shoe flew off. A helmet came off. The pylon was knocked over. Touchdown. Now the 2-minute drill–the offense with one timeout remaining. They decided not to use it. Move the chains. No huddle. A “hurry-up offense.” An audible was called by the quarterback, Devin Anderson. From the 3-yard line, the last play of the afternoon. The clock was ticking down. “4, 3, 2…,” Coach Daniel says. The ball was snapped–passed. Touchdown, Red Hawks. Friends and family in attendance embraced the players after the game ended. The crowd intermixed with the players as more pictures were taken. Smiles were on everyone’s faces. Chatter increased. Families took pictures with their player as the crowd slowly dispersed.

By Elizabeth Aleo Simpson Graduates find their why working in Student Development. Noah Bryerton said that he is a Graduate student director of events who loves God, people, and Simpson. Kia Flack said that she is the event coordinator who loves people, creativity, hospitality, and nature. David Miller said that he is a Graduate student director of housing and commuters. He also said that he is compassionate and understanding. Bryerton said what his big "why" was. “Good question! I am still figuring this out, but I will say ‘Making Christ known through my actions by being a blessing to other people,” Bryerton said. Miller’s why is centered around making people known at Simpson. “My ‘Why’ is because there are students old and new here at Simpson that feel lost, and I have an opportunity to make their experience here at Simpson a good one no matter how small it may feel some days,” Miller said. Flack has a big why that is centered around loving people and making a better world. “My big ‘why’ would probably be to see and love people for who they are and, to collaborate with each other to make this world a better place,” Flack said. They were then asked why they chose this position and why here at Simpson. “The chance to plan events and create spaces where people can connect and enjoy themselves doing crazy stuff, they wouldn't do anywhere else,” Bryerton said. He fell in love with the campus when he visited 4 years ago. “I had people who I knew would be willing to invest in me and my potential as a person and a leader. We are in a gorgeous part of the U.S. and serve a school that wants to make Jesus known across the world. Sounds pretty dreamy to me,” Bryerton said. Miller, who is familiar with the campus and student life, wants to help students adjust here at Simpson. “I chose to be a grad assistant in student development because I knew that I could help new students adjust to Simpson as I did here. I am very familiar with the campus and area as well as the student life” Miller said. Flack, who has been a part of student leadership, helps find opportunities for connection and growth for students at Simpson. “I chose this position because I loved the team I was joining, and I was excited to help provide fun opportunities for connection and growth for our students. I love Simpson because the staff and faculty are incredibly invested in being a part of students' lives. I was excited to continue to be a part of this culture of investment and care. I have greatly enjoyed working with the CAB team and being a part of their lives as we also put on events for the rest of the student body.” Flack said. Different advice was given to students here at Simpson. “I would encourage students to bring their teammates and classmates to events and get to know different groups. It’s so fun when we are all interconnected and are able to journey the college experience together,” Flack said. Miller had different advice for students. “Get out of your room and explore the campus and area around. If you do not get involved, you will have a hard time growing and experiencing all that Simpson and the world has to offer,” Miller said. Bryerton expressed how important it is to find someone to look up to. “Find someone who is more mature than you or that you look up to and ask them to mentor/disciple you through your time here. This has been so transformational for me!” Bryerton said. Bryerton, who is very well-known on campus, has encouraged students to show up to different events. “I would say choose to just show up at things on campus. Just showing up gives you the opportunity to meet new people (possibly life-long friends or future spouse) while making amazing memories. Once you start showing up to things, you will know more people and feel more known at Simpson,” Bryerton said.

Picture from: https://www.photowall.com/sg/new-york-wall-street-wallpaper, edited by Jacob Greene By Jacob Greene Grand Central Station. The gymnasium is filled with people, tables, and items to sell. The people are all different ages, sizes, and faces. Grab a sucker–saunter around. Healthcare, insurance, military–capitalism. The driving force of the American economic system–the working class. All the voices are layered, similar to the inside of Grand Central Station. Downtown Manhattan, the financial district–Wall Street. That is what it all sounds like. All the voices are different volumes, pitches, and timbre. One voice echoes above the rest as I walk by. “You need to find the right job.” Is that the American Dream? Handshakes, introductions, sales pitches–the sounds of relationships being built. Introductions and product placement. Bright colors. They are contrasted like the ages and faces of hunters and sellers. Organized chaos. Papers and names getting swapped. Business cards galore. Wheels to spin. Prizes to win. Free knickknacks for anyone who signs up. Microphones attempt to amplify the more important overload of information. The job fair reflects the American job industry. To obtain something–spend something. Spend your time, give your name, share your story, and listen to someone else’s. Handshake. A firm handshake. Communication–constantly at a maximum.