SPORTS COUGAR FOOTBALL SAFETY TALIUAKI SULIAFU PASSIONATELY LEADS TEAM ON DEFENSE 11

FEATURE

LIFESTYLE APU STUDENTS WRITE, PRODUCE AND DIRECT AUTISM-FOCUSED DRAMA FILM 4

Sophomore cross
country runner
Elise Larson finds
motivation and
competitive edge
through faith 12

OPINION APU ALUMNA TO PREMIERE NETFLIX SERIES AS ALTER EGO MIRANDA SINGS 9

Clause

student voice of azusa pacific university since 1965

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12, 2016

VOL. 53, NO. 3

WWW.THECLAUSE.ORG

SPORTS INFORMATION PHOTO

OFFICE OF WOMENS DEVELOPMENT COURTESY

Womens Resource Center renames and rebrands School of

Shift to Office
Business
of Womens
hosts
Development
better reflects
career fair
mission

Gina Ender
editor-in-chief

In hopes of emphasizing its

desire to support and equip women,
the Womens Resource Center
changed its name to the Office of
Womens Development (OWD) at
the beginning of the semester.
The familiar purple-clad office
still serves to invite women to
spend time and share their stories,
host events and bring awareness to
womens issues, but is also focusing
on a core set of projects and programs
in hopes of developing them and the
women involved.
OWD
Director
Elaine
Richardson, Psy.D. said she believes
the new name is more reflective of
what the office does, and though
the old name held years of meaning
and history, the office has become
more focused on development than
programming.
We are still able to do the same
resourcing, but what we were doing
more was developing the women
on the campus by providing a
place for leadership, for them to be
educated about how to think and feel
about themselves, their life on this
campus and all of the possibilities,
Richardson said. I wanted a name
that would shift the mission to
better reflect the changes that have

anonymous questions answered by a

panel of married couples, singles and
pastors.
OWD Program Coordinator
Madeline Ho said the name change
took some getting used to, but she
believes it makes more sense in
regards to their services and mission.
I think when we were called the
Womens Resource Center, women
felt like they had to have reason to
come here, Ho said. We have always
stressed that you dont have to have a
reason, you can just come and hang
out, and the new name fits that more.
Cynthia
Arroyo,
OWD
undergraduate intern and junior
English and journalism major, said
she wants students to know how
purposeful the office is in uplifting
and educating women.

TYLER SMITH PHOTO

Tyler Smith
staff writer

The Latin American Student

Association (LASA) hosted its first
event of the semester, Under the
Same Son, in UTCC on Friday,
Oct. 7. LASA represents the
Latino and multi-ethnic community
by celebrating and expressing their
cultures while connecting cultural
gaps at APU. LASA is one of six
ethnic organizations on campus and
is not exclusive to Latinos, but is
diverse in the ethnic backgrounds
of its group members. LASA is
proactively dedicated to expressing
the ethnic and cultural tradition of
the Latino community.
The purpose of the event was
to invite and educate students and

Children dressed in traditional clothing perform a folk dance at

LASAs Under the Same Son event on Friday, Oct. 7 in UTCC.
parents about their cultures. Under
the Same Son provided food and
performances that gave a taste of the
Latino culture.
The event was organized by
junior biology major and LASA vice
president Kelly Valenzuela, and was
hosted by Luiz Figueroa. Valenzuela
was originally introduced to LASA
by her best friend and roommate who

is a multi-ethnic leadership scholar.

[I] instantly fell in love with the
club, Valenzuela said.
Valenzuela then became involved
with the club and events, eventually
leading up to last years president of
LASA recommending Valenzuela to
take the vice president position. In
regard to the event, Valenzuela said
she believes it helped to familiarize

news editor

students on campus with LASA.

Looking at this event and how
united our group is should welcome
more people into joining the club,
Valenzuela said.
Sophia Kitabijan, sophomore
business marketing major and
Armenian Student Association
member, said she felt the event was
well organized and loved the energy.
I really thought the dances and
performance from the kids were great
because it brought different people
to represent their culture, Kitabijan
continued. The children performing
and celebrating with their dancing
made me excited to learn more
about LASA here at Azusa Pacific
University. It gave a young and
modern perspective on the Latin
American culture.
LASA president and junior
applied exercise science major Kassy
Gomez became involved with LASA
during her senior year of high school
when she served at the Latinos
Serving Latinos conference. She said
the mentors she met helped influence
her choice to go to APU, and she
knew she was going to be a part of
LASA when she became a student.

see LASA EVENT 5

see CAREER FAIR 2

We are advocates for women on

campus, Arroyo said. We recognize
what youre going through and are
not only here to be a support, but
your leader and voice.
Arroyo said her heart for the
office is for women to feel well
known, empowered and equipped to
be the hands and feet of Jesus, which
she said is crucial for a Christian
campus and the Church to function
effectively.
We are vital for the overall health
of this campus, she said. There
need to be women who are lifted up.
If half of the body of Christ is not
supported, and at APU its more than
half, they are not working to their
fullest capacity.

see WOMENS OFFICE 3

LASA hosts first fall event with cultural festivities

Under the Same
Son brings
multi-ethnic
community
together through
music, food and
performances

Erika Hunter
Once a semester, APUs School
of Business hosts a career fair in
partnership with the Center for
Career and Calling. On Wednesday,
Oct. 5, students from a variety of
majors gathered in Wilden Hall
to speak to representatives of 14
different companies.
The Center for Career and
Calling is a resource for students
researching job opportunities, major
and career exploration, graduate
school or vocational ministry. The
center decided to host the event
alongside the School of Business
to help students gain networking
experience
with
professional
connections.
[For example], if you come to an
event and youre interested in Teach
for America, you have made a contact
with a recruiter, so you can say, Hey,
I really want a job for Teach for
America, do you mind just reviewing
my application before I send in
the final one? said Noel Tran, the
Associate Director of Employer and
Alumni Connections.
Dressed to impress, students
were given the opportunity to
connect with representatives of
the entities that interested them.
Representatives at each booth talked
with students about their company,
handed out pivotal information
about their application process and
even looked over rsums to suggest
how students could stand out to
future employers.
After companies introduced
themselves to students, they broke off
into separate sessions that targeted
a specific focus. For instance, Bay
Alarm Company taught students
how to construct their 30-second
elevator pitch, while Target discussed
how to create a professional rsum
and cover letter and how to properly
fill out an application. Each session
allowed students to ask any questions
they might not have had a chance to
ask at the booths.
Although
students
werent
hired on the spot, the career fair was
designed to help them build contact
and connections with those who can
assist them in getting their foot in the
door.
Im not a business major, but I
found it useful to talk to many of the
representatives there, senior physical
education major Malik Bray said.

Director Elaine Richardson, Psy.D, Administrative Assistant Courtney Frybarger (back) and Undergraduate
Interns Cynthia Arroyo and Jessica Beeler (front) sit in front of their newly renamed office.
transpired.
The office had over 20 programs
last year, and Richardson said that
with the shift of the name came a shift
in prioritizing quality over quantity.
The OWD now focuses on
Womens Night of Worship in both
fall and spring; the Clothesline
Project, which seeks to support
victims of domestic violence and
facilitate conversation; One Smart
Cookie, a weekly Tuesday meeting
from 12 to 1 p.m. that hosts speakers
and provides cookies; Stand Up for
Your Sister, a three-day event that
allows women to anonymously share
their experiences and have other
women and men symbolically and
literally stand up for them; and Sex
and Chocolate, a spring event where
guests enjoy treats and have their

Students build
connections with
recruiters from
several different
companies

2 WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12, 2016 Clause

campus
safety
Wednesday, October 12
Study Away Fair
report
The Center for Global Learning and Engagement is hosting a study

Referred to Victorville Azusa

Police Department.

TUESDAY, OCT. 4
DOMESTIC OR DATING
VIOLENCE
UNIVERSITY PARK
APARTMENTS
Referred to Student Life.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5
PETTY THEFT
NO CRIMES REPORTED
THURSDAY, OCT. 6
PETTY THEFT
NO CRIMES REPORTED
FRIDAY, OCT. 7
NO CRIMES REPORTED

Referred to
Department.

Azusa

Wednesday, October 12

JPL Information Session and Panel Discussion

The Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory will meet in Wilden Hall from
5-7 p.m. to provide career information to students and answer any
questions that they may have from a panel of employers.

Wednesday, October 12

Graduate School Workshops

This workshop will be held in the LAPC room from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and
will be geared towards seniors interested in grad school to give them
all of the basics they need to know.

Saturday, October 15

Football Game

The APU football team will be playing against Humboldt State at

Citrus Stadium from 6:30-10 p.m.

Above: Three APU students pose on the OAT lawn while at

the APU Two event, recognizing the sophomore class. Below:
Students stand in line to receive their APU Two shirts.

Monday, October 17

Brown Bag Lunch Talks

The dean of CLAS, Dr. Jennifer Walsh, presents the second session
of the Brown Bag Lunch Talk about California Propositions in Wilden
Hall, Room 105 from 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Tuesday, October 18

Student Online Q&A Hour

The Center for Career and Calling are answering any questions that
students may have in regards to resumes, interview prep, LinkedIn,
internship/job search, career direction, major exploration and grad
school through a one-on-one chat with a career consultant.

Wednesday, October 19

Presidential Debate: Viewing and Discussion

Police

MONDAY, OCT. 9
VANDALISM
PARKING LOT A

Referred to Azusa Police

Department.

CAMPUS
SAFETY
REMINDERS
1. If you see something, say
something.
2. Safety is everyones business.
3. Dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
4. Non-emergencies: Call
Campus Saftety at (626) 8153898.
5. Lock all doors and windows to your dorm, apartment and vehicle.
6. Keep all valuables secured
and out of plain view.
7. At night, keep to well-lit
areas.
8. Always be aware of your
surroundings.
9. Utilize the trolleys, safety
escorts or walk groups.
10. Avoid places where you
are vulnerable and there are
no exits.
11. Avoid texting or talking
on the phone while walking
as you may be distracted.
12. Avoid walking and jogging alone.
13. Secure your bike with a
recommended Kryptonite
U-lock.

Participate in a viewing and discussion lead by professors Erin Brooks

and Laura Brantly about the presidential debate in the Cougar Dome
from 6-8 p.m.

Students take advantage of networking

opportunities at campus career fair
CAREER FAIR, P. 1

I was able to walk away with a

great deal of knowledge about how
I can be useful to these companies,
even as someone who takes up
other interests than just physical
education. I even exchanged
contacts with a few people that
I anticipate contacting upon
graduating.
The companies present provided
lists of job openings and internships,
but some students felt that the
companies were looking for specific
majors to fill those positions.
I find career day [to be] useful if
you have the right major, because
some of their openings are very
specific to either business or to
psychology or to other majors,

Students gather in Wilden Hall to speak to representatives from a

number of different companies.
senior sociology major John Centeno
said.
Though the companies may not
have catered to all the majors who
attended, Tran encouraged all
students to take advantage of the
networking opportunities at these
fairs.

Clause
NEWS STAFF
editor-in-chief gina ender
news editor erika hunter
lifestyle editor jamie roebuck-joseph
opinion editor hankyul sharon lee
sports editor brandon rodriguez
photo/design editor rachel wathne
copy editors meghan hui, tyler wilborn
business manager lorraine tan
staff writers alyssa burlingame, walter
cortez, nathan foster, shepherd newcomb,
tyler smith
faculty advisers jessica sherer, kent walls

ERIKA HUNTER PHOTO

SUNDAY, OCT. 8
PETTY THEFT
UNIVERSITY VILLAGE
EXTERIOR

away fair for students to learn about the various semester and
short-term study away opportunities on Cougar Walk.

GINA ENDER PHOTO

MONDAY, OCT. 3
PETTY THEFT
HIGH DESERT REGIONAL
CAMPUS

compiled by erika hunter

GINA ENDER PHOTO

The following are selected

incidents as reported from
the Daily Media Log from Oct.
3 through Oct. 9 courtesy of
Campus Safety.

THECLAUSE.ORG/NEWS

If you were a different major, like

English or IT, and you came to this
career fair and introduced yourself
and your major that they werent
recruiting for, you actually may stand
out more than if you were coming to
a career fair just for you, Tran said.
Although non-psychology or

business majors may stand out to

employers, Centeno said he hopes
future career fairs will nevertheless
draw companies interested in hiring
a variety of majors.
It would be helpful if they would
have more openings for a diverse
field instead of having specifics,
Centeno said. Its just good in
general to help people with their
rsums and to know that our money
is actually helping us to find a job
after college.
The Center for Career and Calling
welcomes students to come into
the office to ask any questions they
may have about their rsum and/or
cover letter.
The Center for Career and Calling
is located across from the OAT lawn
and is open Monday though Friday
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

mailing address p.o. box 9521-5165, azusa, ca 91702

phone 626-815-6000, ext. 3514
website www.theclause.org email editorinchief@theclause.org
The Clause is a student newspaper
dedicated to providing a realistic, journalistic
educational experience for students of
Azusa Pacific University; to seeking truth
and reporting it boldly, fairly and accurately;
to enhancing the university community by
providing a student voice imbued with truth,
responsibility and accountability.
The newspaper is published weekly,
except during examinations and vacation
periods, by the students of the Department
of Communication Studies at Azusa Pacific
University. The newsroom is located on
Cougar Walk in between the Cougars Den
and Paws N Go. The views expressed in all
letters to the editor and opinion articles are
those of their authors, not staff or university.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Please include a phone number for verification
of all letters to the editor. Anonymous and
unverified letters to the editor will not be
printed. The Clause reserves the right to edit
the letters for length and journalistic style.
The opinions expressed in this newspaper
do not necessarily reflect the views of the
faculty, staff or administration of Azusa
Pacific University.
FOLLOW US!
Our Facebook page: facebook.com/apuclause
Our Twitter handle: @apuclause
ADVERTISE WITH US!
Contact Lorraine Tan at
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THECLAUSE.ORG/NEWS

Clause

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12, 2016

Walter Cortez
staff writer

On Tuesday, Oct. 4. faculty,

staff and students viewed the vice
presidential debate in the Cougar
Dome. After discussing the debate,
some of those in attendance felt
unsure of who to vote for, or if they
should vote at all.
The vice presidential candidates,
Sen. Tim Kaine and Sen. Mike
Pence, discussed a wide range of
American issues, including police
shootings, institutional racism,
job creation, budget spending and
national debt.
A few students were at a
crossroads about who to vote for.
Senior philosophy major Cameron
Bugno said that he believes Sen. Tim
Kaine presented a stronger case for

of the emotional
appeal angle,
which is really
time-tested
within American
politics.

Hillary Clinton in the debate. Bugno

stated that he still finds it difficult to
choose one candidate over the other
and is considering a third-party vote.
I dont like either candidate,
Bugno said. Neither candidate has
made me reconsider my appraisal of
them. Id either vote third-party or
not vote at all anyway. I dont want
to feed into either party machine by

CREATIVE COMMONS COURTESY

Sen. Tim
Kaine was much
Kaine and Sen.
more in the
Mike Pences
attack mode [by]
debate inspires
conversation
rattling off facts,
about upcoming
whereas Mike
and past
Pence tried more
elections

CREATIVE COMMONS COURTESY

Students and faculty discuss vice presidential debate

Left: Mike Pence, Donald Trumps running mate. Right: Tim Kaine, Hillary
Clintons running mate.
voting for Hillary or Trump. I guess
you could say this debate helped me
solidify my decision to vote for Gary
Johnson, the third-party candidate.
The vice presidential nominees
also spoke on international affairs,
such as North Koreas nuclear
advances, Russias aggressive push
outside its borders, the refugee crisis
in Syria and the presence of ISIS in

the Middle East.

Kaine was much more in the
attack mode [by] rattling off facts,
whereas Mike Pence tried more of
the emotional appeal angle, which is
really time-tested within American
politics, Ethan Schrum, Ph.D. and
professor in APUs Department
of History and Political Science
said. Some of the most successful

communicators in the 20th century

American presidency, [like] Franklin
Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, used
that strategy.
Schrum led a Q&A session after
the debate ended where students
were able to weigh in on their
observations. Some students noted
the differences between the two
senators approaches to the issues and
talking points. Those in Schrums
U.S. History Since 1877 class also
commented on how contemporary
debate tactics compare to some of the
most historic American expositions
in presidential debates from the past.
Questions were posed to the students
as well, particularly regarding the
policies and potential direction each
candidate revealed in their campaign.
Bugno said this debate had a
different tone from its presidential
counterpart.
I think this one was more oriented
around discussing political issues,
whereas the presidential debate was
Clinton and Trump trading verbal
blows with each other, Bugno said.
While the verbal boxing still went on
in the second debate, I would say it
was more toned down. I think I was
able to actually get a grasp on what
the platform for each campaign was
during the vice presidential debate.
Students can view the next
presidential debate on Oct. 19 in the
Cougar Dome from 6-8 p.m.

As the OWD has begun observing monthly themes, October

recognizes Hang it Up in honor of
airing your dirty laundry through
the Clothesline Project. November
will observe Girlfriendsgiving and
December will celebrate Presence.
Arroyo has also started the offices first-ever monthly newsletter,
which describes the offices monthly
theme, highlights upcoming events
and celebrates a woman on campus
whom the OWD has selected as
Woman of the Month. Octobers recognized woman is Jessica Yeargin,
Bachelor of Social Work administrative assistant and OWD Black Hair
Forum speaker.
The OWD will be hosting the
Clothesline Project in observance
of Domestic Violence Awareness
Month in Seven Palms on Oct. 1013 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 14
from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The office is located by the OAT
lawn behind the Cougar Dome and
is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. To learn more about the OWD,
their resources, programs and events,
visit apu.edu/womens-development.

Top left: Jessica Beeler, undergraduate intern; Courtney Frybarger, administrative assistant; Cynthia Arroyo, undergraduate intern. Top right: The
Office of Womens Development bench sits outside of their office on the OAT lawn in their familiar purple hue. Bottom: Beeler, Frybarger and Arroyo
pictured with Elaine Richardson, the director of the Office of Womens Development.

OFFICE OF WOMENS DEVELOPMENT COURTESY

WOMENS OFFICE, P. 1

RACHEL WATHNE PHOTO

OFFICE OF WOMENS DEVELOPMENT COURTESY

OWD creates a safe place for all women to come in

Lifestyle

Department of
Theater Arts
opens its first
play of the
semester
Shepherd Newcomb
staff writer

APUs
theater
department
started
their
season
with
Shakespeares As You Like It on
Thursday, Oct. 6. After months
of rehearsing, decorated director
Eric Scott Gould and the cast were
prepared for their rendition of the
play.
A day before the plays opening,
senior acting major Savannah Shaffer,
who plays the lead role of Rosalind,
spoke about her anticipation for
opening night.
Im very excited for opening
night, I think as we all are, Shaffer
said. I love this cast, we make a
wonderful ensemble and I think that
we have that raw energy coming in.
We really have made great strides
forward, so I think its going to be a
great opening night.
The production used a minimalist
approach to the props in the play.
With the minimal set, it allows
the story to be told by the actors who
are on the stage and not necessarily
the things that inhabit the stage,
Shaffer said.
Rather than elaborate sets
and backdrops as seen in some

productions, As You Like It takes

place on a plain wooden stage with a
wooden backdrop.
You see us use a lot of boxes
that we move around and create to
be bushels of hay or stones, and the
actors are in charge of making that
come to life themselves, Shaffer said.
It gives the actors a challenge to truly
live in that environment of a minimal
set, which then just encourages us to
become real life people on the set and
hopefully to empower the audience to
believe that as well.
Rosalinds counterpart, Orlando,
is played by senior acting major
Owen Smith.

With the minimal set,

it allows the story to
be told by the actors
who are on the stage
and not necessarily the
things that inhabit the
stage.
-Savannah Shaffer
Shakespeare, what a wonderful
opportunity, Smith said. To have
the opportunity to work with Eric
Scott Gould, and my cast members
as a team and to go out there and kick
butt and have Shakespeares words
be our words, and give it our all
and make it redeem the audience
thats an absolute gift and Im totally
grateful to God for that.
Smith explained what its like the
moment before stepping out on stage

as Orlando.
I have to give it to God. What I
think mentally and physically: where
am I? My moment before: what does
this character want and what am I
going to do about it? And I do it with
urgency and I make it life and death,
and I give it all I got, physical and
vocal energy, to get what I want, he
said.
With Goulds directing style,
the creation of this production gave
the actors a lot of freedom in the
direction of the play.
A lot of times directors will come
in with an idea of what they want
the show to look like blocking-wise,
but [Gould] came in and essentially
told us whatever impulse you have
and wherever you feel this character
is going to be on stage, just do that
and then well see what it looks like,
Shaffer said.
Shaffer said Gould allows the
cast to have creative liberty while still
ensuring the play flows well.
Hes there to give us as much
freedom as artists as possible,
Shaffer said.
Gould has acted in numerous TV
shows, films and theatre productions
in addition to his several director
roles.
I think they have all grown
over the course of this process
tremendously, Gould said. That
is really tremendous to see, when
you have young artists and youre
watching them come into their own
and really take leaps forward and
thats what its all about; it really
doesnt get any better than that.
Gould said the work the students

SHEPHERD NEWCOMB COURTESY

Shakespeares As You Like It brought to life in the Warehouse Theater

The APU Theater cast from As You Like It rehersing the day before
opening night utilizing their wooden props.
do in college will lend itself to their
future careers.
I want them to be fierce, I want
them to be forces of nature, Gould
said. If they can do this and master
this stuff, showing up for a sitcom

audition is going to be a piece of

cake.
APUs production of As You
Like It will be showing from Oct.
6-15. Tickets can be purchased online
at apu.edu/theater.

Student-led film about a childs tragedy sheds light on autism

APU students
start production
on a film
encompassing
family drama
Alyssa Burlingame
Keegan the Alien tells the story
ofa 15-year-old boy with autism whose
father just passed. In the midst of
processing his fathers death, Keegan
finds his dads half-built teleportation
device. The boy starts to believe that
his father went to space when he died
and wants Keegan to finish the device
and meet him there.
One thing I would love to come
out of this film is to raise awareness
for autism, said Rachel David,
junior BFA film major and director
of Keegan the Alien. I want people
to understand that those with autism
are real people and deal with the
same struggles we do. Keegan is
dealing with a lot of real life stuff, he
just happens to also be autistic.
David said the casting procedure
is important in the process of making
a film, and emphasized the variety of
steps and technical work involved.
You dont realize how many
things you have to take into
consideration when it comes to
casting because there are so many
extra steps that need to be taken
with someone who is a minor, or
people who are portraying a disorder
that theyre not used to, David said.
Finding male actors is much harder
than you think it would be, especially

Left: Director of Keegan the Alien, Rachel David, looks over the script on set. Right: The cast of the the film hold up the Star Trek sign.
male actors who are under the age of
18.
Local 16-year-old Luke Darga
is playing the role of Keegan in the
film. He has researched and worked
carefully to correctly portray a young
boy with autism. To prepare for the
role, Darga watched movies such
as Rain Man, and Whats Eating
Gilbert Grape, and has been working
closely alongside the director.
One of my major concerns when
I was preparing for the character was
to make it realistic, but not offensive,
Darga said. Its really been an
interesting experience because before
I didnt really know a whole lot about
how people with autism acted, or
what the symptoms were, and now
I do.
Leslie Darga, Lukes mother,

said she has enjoyed being part of

the process of Keegan the Alien, as
well as being able to assist Luke in
developing his character.
I have a special education
background;
Im
a
speech
pathologist by my schooling, Leslie
Darga said. I worked in special
education departments, so this is
interesting to lend him some of my
knowledge, to help him navigate
and become a person that he doesnt
quite understand the ins and outs of.
The student-led film is currently
in production, and the team is
working with a budget of $5,050.
Each student in the film class was
required to pay $250 at the start of
the production, and APU matched
their pricethus giving them their
full movie budget.

In regards to budgeting, senior

film major and Keegan the Alien
co-producer Cassondra Barnes said
there is an element of complexity.
Im handling a lot of other
peoples money, and money that the
university has entrusted me with,
Barnes said. I want to make the best
film possible, so trying to figure out
how to place that money and trying
to figure out who I have to say no to
is hard. If we run out of money, were
out of money.
There are 10 students in the core
crew, all of whom were hand picked
by David. As co-producer, Barnes
has a variety of responsibilities,
including scheduling, budgeting
and paperwork prior to production.
On set, she ensures everything runs
smoothly and assists her co-producer.

CASSONDRA BARNES COURTESY

staff writer

We have all gotten so close,

especially since were working
together all the time, Barnes said.
The film is shot exclusively on
the weekends, and two of three
regular filming weekends have been
shot thus far. After, there will be a
break and a pick up weekend that
will include re-filming any mistakes
that were made during the core
production process.
Keegan the Alien is set to have a
casual viewing in December, while
the central premiere will be in April
2017 in Beverly Hills. Tickets will
be available for the premiere next
semester.
To see updates and behind the
scenes on Keegan the Alien, follow
@keeganthealien on Instagram,
Facebook and Snapchat.

5 WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12, 2016

Clause

THECLAUSE.ORG/LIFESTYLE

lifestyle editor

With 78 Goodwill Stores and

three outlet centers in California,
Goodwill Southern Californias
(GSC)
BOO-Tiques
receive
attention from local media outlets
every year for their affordable and
wide selection of seasonal costumes.
One of the outlets at GSCs most
popular BOO-Tique is located in
Fletcher Square on San Fernando
Road. KTLA morning news reporter
Gayle Anderson annually reports a
feature segment on the BOO-Tiques
Halloween special at this LA County
location.
Perfect for students, new parents
and avid thrift shoppers, GSC
opens their Halloween pop-up
boutique with items sold as low as
two dollars throughout the month of
October. Their objective is to create
a fun and friendly environment where
consumers can buy the costumes and
accessories they want at a low cost.
Shopping at any of Goodwill
Southern Californias retail stores
is always a great decision for any
student on a tight budget, Ray
Tellez, the vice president of Retail
Operations for GSC said. Not only
are our selections wide and our staff
accommodating, but with every
purchase a life is positively impacted
and this makes shopping with us a
definite win-win situation.
Tellez explained that Halloween
is the busiest time of the year at
Goodwill stores. He said the staff
enjoys helping their customers
find the best costumes at the most
reasonable rates.
GSC is about changing lives
through the power of work, so we
welcome customers to Do Goodwill
with every purchase during the
Halloween season, Tellez said.
Pauline Starr, the manager of
the Goodwill at Fletcher Square,
explained that Goodwill is where

A Goodwill employee models one of the superhero costumes

available at the BOO-Tique in Fletcher Square.

Workers Aracely Chavez, Jasmine Villatan and Aneht Castoreno

pose in featured Halloween costumes sold at the BOO-Tique.

Aisles of costumes upon entrance to the Fletcher Square Goodwill.

People in each area donate stuff,

so [each location is] different. Starr
said. Its pretty unique.
Among
other
Goodwill
locations, Starr explained why she
thinks the Goodwill at Fletcher
square stands out.
I think that we are really
organized, she said. We save items
half the year for Halloween, and
its just eclectic stuff. Every store
is different, but also we do specific
purchasing like the masks.
The masks at the Fletcher
Square BOO-Tique start at two
dollars and ninety-nine cents and go
up to 17 dollars and 96 cents. A local
company also hand paints Day of the
Dead masks that are sold inside the
BOO-Tique.
We promote local business,
and they price it to sell because they
realize people are going to come in
and they dont have a lot of funds,
Starr said.

The prices are so

low that it keeps
people coming back.
-Pauline Starr
JAMIE ROEBUCK-JOSEPH COURTESY

Jamie Roebuck-Joseph

Halloween happens.
The Fletcher Square BOOTique has a wide variety of costumes
ranging from superheroes, Mardi
Gras masks and accessories to kids
costumes, television characters and
more.
People choose to shop at
Goodwill especially during the
Halloween season to find that
missing addition to their outfits.
Instead of buying the costume that
runs for $30 at a traditional retail
store, consumers will seek to buy
the same costume at Goodwill for a
substantially lower price.
Starr explained that people are
surprised to find brands such as
LuLu Lemon and H&M because
of their misconceptions toward thrift
shopping.
The prices are so low that it
keeps people coming back, Starr
said.
Starr explained that even aside
from Halloween thrift shopping,
Goodwills selection of vintage
clothing is popular among classical
shoppers who like affordable vintage
fashion.
All donations and purchases
within Goodwill go toward their
mission of transforming lives through
the power of work.
Goodwill seeks to aid youths at
risk, people living with disabilities,
homeless people, military persons
and veterans who struggle to get
back into the workplace by helping
them create rsums along with
interview and job training.
At the Fletcher Square location,
attached to the Goodwill store is a
resource helping center where people
can go to receive the help they need to
be able to support themselves.
I am so proud to work for
Goodwill, because it is inspiring.
Starr said. There are people that
no one would give an opportunity
to, and Goodwill has given them a
chance.
Starr said corporate America
wouldnt traditionally hire those
without work experience, but by
gaining experience through working
for Goodwill, people are able to move
on and work in other industries.
Since one of the outlet centers
is located in the same building as
the Goodwill in Fletcher Square,
all items that do not get purchased
is transferred to an outlet center or
auctioned off.
Goodwill is a green company, so
they really try to sell [items] in every
way possible, according to Starr.
Since there are 78 BOO-Tiques
spanning across the Southern
California region, every location
has different items based on the
demographic of donators.

JAMIE ROEBUCK-JOSEPH COURTESY

Perfect for
the average
college student,
the non-profit
organization
seeks to provide
affordable
seasonal
costumes
throughout
October

JAMIE ROEBUCK-JOSEPH COURTESY

Goodwills annual BOO-Tique sparks regional attention

Starr said she believes what

separates Goodwill from other
businesses is that its not greedy,
because they realize that they are
doing a service for the community.
People come in and theyre our
customers and we treat them with
respect and want them to come back,
Starr said. Were customer service.
Starr loves the company,
because [Goodwill] gives people
opportunity.
Starr said after she had shut
down a business after 16 years and
applied to work in other areas, no
one would give her an opportunity to
work for a year.
Goodwill
gave
me
an
opportunity, Starr said. My life was
changed through the power of work,
and I see it happening to people all
the time.
Starr said her favorite thing about
Goodwill is that they give people
chances where they wouldnt receive
one anywhere else, from people with
serious disabilities, to people in the
military [that may be struggling] and
to women with children.
Similar to APUs community,
students who are looking for jobs
may consider applying to work at
Goodwill.
For APU students that want to
find affordable Halloween costumes
at the nearest Goodwill, the West
Covina BOO-Tique is accessible
through Oct. 31.

Traditional Hispanic dancers performUnder the Same Son

LASA EVENT, P. 1

Being president is an honor and

privilege, Gomez said. Without my
incredible team, I wouldnt be able to
do it on my own.
LASAs next event is the Latinos
Serving Latinos conference on Nov.
17 and 19.
Students interested in getting
involved with LASA can attend biweekly meetings on Tuesdays at 7:30
p.m. in Multi Media Room 1. Follow
LASA on Instagram and Facebook
at APULASA.

Young dancers perform on stage in UTCC in front of the Under the Same Son backdrop to a traditional Hispanic dance.

TYLER SMITH COURTESY

LASA performers
dance to a variety of
traditional styles

THECLAUSE.ORG/LIFESTYLE

Clause

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12, 2016

Overheard @ APU

ES

LAUREN MEYERING

In chapel:
Everyone hold hands, lets pray.
Half of chapel: awkwardly linking arms because they took the metaphor too seriously.
OMAR RIVERA

Overheard at my job
Me: So at my Alma Mater there was this culture of ring by spring. So you would have to get engaged by Spring.
Coworker: Ring by Spring? How about Gone by Fall?
MADISON LAYNE BEAL

Dearest members of the village: someone stole our pumpkins and we want them back. They look like pumpkins and if you
took them then they look like the ones that you took. You can return them or buy us new ones. Please dont steal anymore
though because that is not a treat and we did not ask for tricks.
Thanks,
P255
JENNA MOYNIER

Is Wilden the one with the zebra in front of it?

MORGAN LAWRENCE

Overheard in UP:
(Lawnmowers going off outside)
Someone screams out the window: Cant you see Im watching Greys in here?!
Smh. So inconsiderate
EVANGELINE PRIOR

Overheard in UV:
Roommate 1: Oh my gosh. There are ants everywhere. They were in my honey jar. So I put it in the fridge to kill them all!
Roommate 2: Um. You put the ants in the fridge?
1: Yeah!
2: The fridge wont kill them. The freezer would. You just offered them free reign of our food.
1: Oh. I didnt think of that.

#CLAUSTAGRAM
#IHEARTAPU

AS YOU LIKE IT ACTRESS

Name: Savannah Shaffer
Instagram Name: @savannahsh

LIFES BETTER WITH FRIENDS

Name: Nathan Press
Instagram Name: @nathanpressplay

MYKAL WALKER #9
Name: Giovanny Panginda
Instagram Name: @gogiogo

Twitter
@SARAIGARNICA

I love that its fall and gets cold. Weather goes from 105 to
102! Woohoo sweater weather -chapel speaker #iheartapu
-chapel speaker
#iheartapu
@ALARABOWSHER

cant wait to visit my dream college this week!!! #gocougars

#apu @AzusaPacificUC #iheartAPU
@EVBOMBHUMPHREY

Things heard on the trolley part 1: You look like a Lego

#IheartAPU

Opinion
Dear Starbucks lovers and consumers everywhere
CREATIVE COMMONS COURTESY

How my act of
socially profiling a
homeless man led
me to fight on his
behalf
Ashley Gonzales
guest writer

This morning, like many others,

I was enjoying my iced vanilla latte
when a man sat down next to me.
He sipped his Starbucks beverage as
he placed his two backpacks down
beside me. I could smell the cigarette
smoke on him. And I ashamedly
judged him because of it.
He wore a plain baggy jacket and
some ripped jeans that were a few
sizes too big. He hadnt cut his hair or
trimmed his beard in a long time. As
I got up to use the restroom, I asked
my roommate to watch my stuff. And
now, Im ashamed of that. Because
this seemingly homeless man was
next to me, I felt insecure leaving my
things out in the open as a result of
the way society has formed my view
of homeless individuals.
Society stereotypes homelessness
as a broken condition, as incomplete
people who come from a place
of deficiency. Because of this, I,

Starbucks, a calming sanctuary for the coffee inclined, has not been
foreign to controversy similar to this in the past.
alongside many others, have been
brainwashed into thinking that
homeless people are in a different
category than me. Although I have
always had a heart for the homeless,
I have kept my concern at a safe
distance.
As I got a refill of my drink, the
Starbucks manager approached
the man. While standing in line, I
realized that the manager was asking
him to leave the premises.
Afterward, I approached the
man and asked if there was anything
I could do for him. At this point, I
assumed that the manager had asked

him to leave because he had not

bought a drink in a while.
The man told me that the
manager had asked him to remove
himself from inside the store because
he had two backpacks.
Immediately, I was appalled that
a manager would kick someone out
for something so arbitrary.
Although I could not put a word
to the injustice, I knew I was called
to speak for this man whose voice
society had stolen.
The manager called over a
security guard and began speaking to
him about my newly made friend.

Once I joined the manager, the

security guard and my new friend, I
listened as the manager asked him to
leave the premises. The only thing is,
this man was like any other paying
customer: quietly listening to the
Starbucks background music while
sipping a hot beverage.
So I questioned the managers
reasoning, stating that my two
roommates who were with me
each carried two backpacks as well.
Should we leave? The manager
claimed that the man was more likely
to be concealing a weapon or carrying
roaches in his bags. In my opinion,
the managers response poorly
covered her obvious bias against the
homeless.
Once the man had gone back
to pick up his backpacks and buy
yet another drink with his gold
card (Yes, he even had a Starbucks
membership.), I asked the manager
to explain the reasoning behind
kicking him out.
Trying to keep my calm, I asked
her what the difference was between
myself and my friend.
I asked her why she deemed him
dirty enough to sit outside rather
than inside the Starbucks; was
this not an act of blatant profiling?
She proceeded to say that it was
important for her customers to feel
safe.
Apparently, only middle and

upper class customers were worthy

enough to sit inside of this Starbucks
location because only they were
deemed clean, unsuspicious and
safe.

Society stereotypes
homelessness as a
broken condition, as
incomplete people who
come from a place of
deficiency.
This morning that I personally
profiled a man sitting next to me,
only to later empathize with and
take action on his behalf, was an
eye-opening and heartbreaking
experience for me.
Society has encouraged us to be
individualistic, to focus on our own
comfort and use our own privilege
to be ignorant of problems in our
communities.
Social profiling is embedded
within us, almost as a natural
instinct. Its important to realize the
instincts and natural biases that we
possess and confront them.
Next time I see a social injustice,
I will be sure to stand up for the
person whose voice has been stolen
by oppressive and exclusive systems,
and I encourage you to do the same.

Alicia Samuel
guest writer

On the way to orientation for

this semesters Los Angeles term,
I had what Id like to call a mental
breakdown, but what my mom would
probably call a full blown tantrum.
I dont want to be here. Why
I am doing this? Why I am even a
global studies major?
I literally screamed these at full
volume in the car (Sorry, Mom,
youre a trooper). Regardless of the
emotions I was feeling, my attitude
was ugly, much like my view of Los
Angeles before I arrived here.
As a global studies major, I am
required to study away twice. The
first study away opportunity is here
in Los Angeles, and the second
will be at one of four locations:
Uganda, Colombia, Guatemala or
the Philippines.. Dont ask me where
Im going; I dont know yet. But I
dreaded the inevitable semester I
would be spending in Los Angeles
from the beginning.
Ive never liked the big city
because I grew up in small suburbias
my whole life, anywhere from Orange
County to a small town in the Inland
Empire. Im comfortable being close
to the city, but not too close.
If Im going to be honest, I still

view Los Angeles as ugly in more

ways than one. Today I saw a young
girl peeing on the sidewalk in broad
daylight while her mother watched.
I saw a man lick his cigarette lighter
in what I think was an attempt to get
high on the bus.
Honestly, I feel disgust for Los
Angeles when I witness things like
this. Yet, here I am faced with these
daily realities and I know deep down
that they exist everywhere. What am
I supposed to do about them? What
will really help these people?
As I continue wrestling with
these questions every day, my view
of Los Angeles is starting to take a
different shape than I would have
expected.

There is something
so distinctly
beautiful about the
Angeleno soul.

Author Ray Bakke in A Theology as Big as the City refers to Rome

when he says: It was called Caput Mundithe head of the world
and if all roads went there, so did all the sewers as well. As time
has passed, Los Angeles, the modern capital of the world, can now
be held to a similar description. Over the course of the semester,
APU students on Los Angeles term will reveal their insights into the
heights and pitfalls of the inner city. Junior global studies major Alicia
Samuel addresses her hatred turned love for the city.

As Ive stayed in the city, I have

desperately asked Jesus to pour out
His love on me so that I can give it
out and clearly see Him in others.
I have learned over and over that
I cannot love on my own will power.
I am seeing that all people are truly
precious souls for whom Christ died,
and it surprises me how often I have
to remind myself of that.
Leaning on my stereotypical and
sheltered white-privileged middle
class views of Los Angeles, such as
my view of the city as a dangerous
and dirty place I should be afraid of, I
was slow to think I would encounter
the love of God here.
Not only was I mistaken in this
thinking, but I was selfish. I was the

Los Angeles term students are required to take public transportation,

where they may have many interactions with native Angelenos.

CREATIVE COMMONS COURTESY

My powerful
experience
of raw and
unabashed love
in the face of
imperfection

RACHEL WATHNE GRAPHIC

On loving the inner city of Los Angeles, ugly and all

ugly one, filled with cringe-worthy

attitude.
I was surprised in finding this
out, because I have had several crosscultural experiences.
However, I am learning this
semester bias and ugly behavior goes
way deeper than one may expect, and
though I may not be experiencing
much beauty in the traditional sense
in the inner city, I am experiencing
the love of God, raw and unabashed.
Im experiencing the love of God
in the eyes of the homeless man who
smiled at me on the street and prayed
a blessing on my life for giving him a
dollar.
Im seeing passion through the
many people whose organizations are
on the front lines clashing with the
biggest issues plaguing the city.
Im inspired by my own cohort
who selflessly give of their shoes and
time to a woman in the Metro station
so she wont have to walk around
Skid Row barefoot anymore and take
some comfort in knowing that we
care about her plight.
There is so something distinctly
beautiful about the Angeleno soul,
and I know my Los Angeles term
cohort and I are learning that. I see
in countless Angelenos the desire and
courage to connect with strangers
like I have never seen in a place
before.
There may be hardships in the
city, but the love of God is everywhere
and overwhelming.
The love of God doesnt diminish
for anyone, and it certainly does not
fade in the face of the ugly.
Through Los Angeles term, I am
learning how love shows up in the
darkest of predicaments and how to
love the city I once thought I hated,
ugly parts and all.

Clause

THECLAUSE.ORG/OPINION

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12, 2016

Miranda Sings for Netflix this fall

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS COURTESY

Famous YouTube
character Miranda
Sings crosses
platforms to take
over Netflix on
Oct. 14

Caroline Connolly
guest writer

In 2008, comedienne Colleen

Ballinger made her first YouTube
debut as Miranda Sings. Within the
same year, Ballinger also graduated
from APU as a vocal performance
major.
Miranda Sings, Ballingers alter
ego character, is a confident girl who
believes she was born famous as a
naturally talented dancer and singer.
In reality, she remains blissfully
unaware of her shortcomings as an
artist, while her zany personality leads
her to voice coach famous singers like
Tori Kelly and Fifth Harmony.
Sings often wears smudgy red
lipstick, strange outfits and has taken
several national tours where she
performs for the masses.
I like that Colleen shows her real
self and real person on her channel,
and that she never breaks character
in her Miranda videos, said Olivia
Connolly, a junior narrative studies
major at the University of Southern
California (USC).
With over 6 million YouTube
subscribers, Ballinger has reached
significant Internet fame, yet Oct.
14 will mark a historic day: Miranda
Sings will star in her own Netflix
show named after her personal
motto: Haters Back Off.
Haters Back Off stars Ballinger
as Sings, Angela Kinsey (who
previously starred in The Office) as

Dinner Conversations as a weekly column seeks to bring politics back

into our daily conversations on campus to foster sincere dialogue
between diverse people and perspectives in an attempt to understand
each other.
Sings mother, Steven Little as Sings
uncle and Erik Stocklin as Sings best
friend.
The comedy will focus on Sings
odd family life and the fact that she
believes she was born famous but no
one knows it yet.
Ballinger produced and cowrote the show with her brother,
Christopher Ballinger.
Other famous YouTubers are
scheduled to guest star throughout
the season.
Many loyal fans are eagerly
anticipating the series release and the
new antics Ballinger is sure to bring
to her role as Sings.
I love that Ballinger gets creative
with Miranda Sings as a character,
always creating new plot lines and
silly things for viewers to discover
about Miranda, APU senior liberal
arts major Selena Latzke said.
Though fans of Sings are excited
for the new show, some remain
skeptical of whether Haters Back
Off will live up to the reputation
of Ballingers wildly successful
YouTube videos.
I will probably watch at least the
first episode, as Im expecting it to not
be as good as her YouTube channel,

because its scripted and there are

other actors in it, said Nicole Tobias,
a University of Redlands alumna
who has been a fan of Sings for eight
years. However, I know that Colleen
Ballinger, who plays Miranda, had a
huge hand in writing the show, so Im
sure she made it good. Im interested
in seeing the characters Miranda
always talks about but are never seen
on video, for example, her mother
and her uncle.
There are also those who believe
that Ballingers fame has gotten to
her head.
I used to be a fan of Miranda
Sings when I was younger, but now
I think Ballinger has gotten snobby,
senior public relations major Annie
Syfert said.
No matter your views or opinion
on Ballinger in her role as Sings,
it is nonetheless momentous for
a YouTuber to move from online
videos to an international video
streaming platform like Netflix.
Such an accomplishment is a
testament to self-made YouTubers
like Ballinger who are truly making
a name for themselves in this
generation of social media and
television streaming.

Do you have a motto that you

aspire to live your life by?
Hankyul Sharon Lee
opinion editor

Literate when inspired.

Anna Ruth Ramos
Senior
Journalism

Fortune favors
the brave.
Maggie Mefford
Senior
Social Work

Regardless of current rhetoric

Hankyul Sharon Lee
opinion editor

Under the main stage spotlight

at Washington University, a single
voter closed the contentious second
presidential debate with a final
request.
Regardless of the current
rhetoric, would either of you name
one positive thing that you respect in
one another? Karl Becker asked of
both nominees.
Beckers
petition
couldnt
have come at a better time, as this
presidential season more than most
has been plagued by insensitive and
mud-slinging dialogue between the
nominees vying for the Oval Office
seat in just two short months.
This turbulent election climate
is not completely misplaced. It
actually serves as an appropriate
reflection of our current divisive state
as a nation, one that has pitted blue
lives against black lives, white collar
against blue collar and conservatives
against liberals. In the face of brutal
police shootings, destructive weather
storms, a refugee displacement crisis
and domestic economic turmoil, the
resulting confusion, helplessness and
anger has stirred voters across the
nation like never before.
Enter Donald Trump, a political
outsider with the resources and
speech to give voice to those feeling

Be nice to people.

RACHEL WATHNE GRAPHIC

The need for unity

in the land of the
divisive

Cejae Kendrick
Senior
Allied Health

Dinner Conversations as a weekly column seeks to bring politics

back into our daily conversations on campus to foster sincere
dialogue between diverse people and perspectives in an attempt to
understand each other.
disgruntled and unheard. However,
according to CNN commentator
Mel Robbins, the reason behind
loyalty of Trump supporters may
have nothing to do with Trump
himself.
The election isnt about
greatness, the future, or even Donald
Trump. Its about defiance, Robbins
wrote in an CNN article published
on Oct. 9.
Everything that Trump says and
does qualifies as unfit presidential
conduct, which is exactly his allure.
To his supporters, a vote for
Trump is a way to flip the middle
finger to the system, the media, the
elite, the liberals, the know-it-alls and
the people who pretend theyre better
than us, Robbins continued.
If we want even a semblance of
a unified nation, we must vote, not
out of spite but for a system that has
kept us together as one country for
centuries.
In the moments after the
question, as the laughter waned in
the presidential debate auditorium,

Clinton pointed to Trumps positive

parenting ability as something that
she respected about him.
I respect his children. His
children are incredibly able and
devoted, and I think that says a
lot about Donald, Clinton said of
her opponent. I dont agree with
nearly anything else he says or does,
but I do respect that, and I think
that is something as a mother and
a grandmother is very important to
me.
Trump gave a similarly sincere
compliment.
I will say this about Hillary, she
doesnt quit, she doesnt give up. I
respect that. Shes a fighter, Trump
responded.
Perhaps
Both
nominees,
although they display the worst of
America as a land of heckling and
divisiveness, also demonstrate the
best of America, as a place where we
are still able to end heated debates
with a civilized handshake. That is
the ultimate thing missing in politics
as of late: respect.

Work your brave.

Pearly Shell Aranda
Senior
Sociology

Everyones always
wrong about something.
No one has all the
answers.
Lee Vaughn
Sophomore
Communication/Humanities

Sports
APU wins three
straight sets to
conquer rival Point
Loma Nazarene
University

Nathan Foster
staff writer

The volleyball team has struggled

to close out games this season. That
changed Wednesday night when the
Cougars came back from a first set
loss to defeat Point Loma Nazarene
University for the first time in three
years, snapping a seven game losing
streak to the Sea Lions.
We played well. Weve been
practicing a lot the last two weeks
focusing on our side of the net -- more
the intangibles, not necessarily even
volleyball, just more camaraderie
and better emotions on the court. The
girls did a very nice job today, head
coach Chris Keife said.
The Cougars dropped the first
set 23-25, but came back to win the
next three 25-16, 25-23 and 25-16.
Keife acknowledged the struggles the
team has had finishing sets as well as
strategies for future improvement.
With five freshmen and one
sophomore on the court, were still
learning, Keife said, Thats one of
the things we just need to get better
at: focusing in on the moments we
need to make a play and finish the
set off. We need to do that. Its still a
work in progress.
The Cougars were led by
freshmen Madison Ogas and Julianne
Miller, netting 13 and 11 kills,
respectively. Sophomores Alyssa
Tavera and Danika Young led the
team with 22 and 18 assists, and
freshman Bailey Hennington had the

most digs with 27. Miller also led the

team with two solo blocks.
I think I struggled in the
beginning, but its a learning process,
and I came out later in the game.
We came out with what we wanted,
which was unity, togetherness and
teamwork, Miller said.
Miller currently leads the
Cougars this season with 150 kills
and 11 solo blocks. She also noted the
importance of a comeback from the
first set and closing out games.
We dont want to be down a set
like that, but it gives us the drive to
push harder the next game, Miller
said. Were learning from our past
games and our practices, from each
other. Were playing with more heart
now.
Ogas has also been a team leader
with the third most kills, 131, and the
second most digs and aces, 160 and
14, respectively.
I feel like I was very consistent
for my team and thats something
Ive been working on getting better
at, Ogas said. I feel like Ive come
a long way from the first few games
when my team couldnt rely on me,
but now they can.
Ogas noted the Cougars
struggles in keeping leads and
closing games. Last week, the team
led Concordia by two sets, only to
lose the last three. APU also had
a 22-18 lead over Chaminade last
week, but they couldnt hold it and
were forced to a set point. The same
story happened against Hawaii Hilo
when the Cougars dropped a set after
leading 24-22.
We have a hard time keeping
the lead, but tonight we kept our lead
and we beat them, Ogas said. Our
team is becoming more aware of
how important it is to finish games.
We play with everything we have to
finish out the game.
After a loss to Dixie State on Oct.

Freshmen athletes Julianne Miller (17) and Madison Ogas (12) jump to block a pass against Concordia.
8, the Cougars are now 7-10 overall
and 3-5 in PacWest conference play.
They split their first home stand 2-2
and will face another game on the
road before they return home.
Were a good team and have
good players, Keife said. Theyve
got to know that and have the
confidence at every point. We keep
getting better.
The young volleyball team
is growing better together as the

freshmen majority of the team get

experience with every game.
I think weve come a long way.
I think were bringing what we learn
in practice into games pretty well,
Miller said. Im looking forward to
coming out to that same passion we
had in the fourth set, and bringing it
in the beginning.
The Cougars will play their next
game at Cal Baptist on Wednesday,
Oct. 12.

SPORTS INFORMATION PHOTO

Cougars come back to beat rival Sea Lions

AROUND THE DEN

Cross Country
Last meet: Stanford Invitational
Upcoming: @ PacWest
Conference Championships on
Saturday, Oct. 22
Football (5-1)
Last game: L, 23-27 vs.
Colorado School of Mines
Upcoming: vs. Humboldt St.**
at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.
15
Mens Soccer (4-4-2)
Last game: W, 6-0 vs. Academy
of Art*
Upcoming: vs. Fresno Pacific*
at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13
Swim & Dive (0-0)
Last meet: PCSC Relays and
Pentathlon
Upcoming: @ Malibu
Invitational at 10 a.m. on
Saturday, Oct. 15

SPORTS INFORMATION PHOTO

Volleyball (7-10)
Last match: L, 0-3 vs. Dixie
State*
Upcoming: @ Cal Baptist at 7
p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12

Freshman Julianne Miller (17) and sophomore Danika Young (13) look to make a play against Concordia. The Cougars are currently 7-10 this season.

Womens Soccer (6-3-2)

Last game: W, 2-0 vs. Academy
of Art*
Upcoming: vs. Fresno Pacific*
at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct.
13
**Denotes GNAC Game
*Denotes PacWest Match

THECLAUSE.ORG/SPORTS

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WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12, 2016

11

Junior strong safety leads defense by example

Taliuaki Suliafu
uses leadership
and mature
presence to help
lead Cougars
secondary
Brandon Rodriguez

Junior strong safety Taliuaki Suliafu leads the Cougars defense in leadership and maturity, which has contributed to APUs success on the field.

That hair that he has

- its as if he lights it
on fire, and he runs
with an amazing
passion. He was born
to do this.

-Victor Santa Cruz
Defensively, the reason why
Im making big plays is because
everybody on defense is doing their
job. The 10 other guys on defense
are whats making me better every
day, Suliafu said. Its a team effort
when I make a big play, we all
make a big play. Thats how I see our
defense.
Interestingly, Suliafus often laidback and humble personality off the
field doesnt match his desire to lead
on the field.
Both coaches and teammates
believe that when Suliafu lets down
his hair and puts his helmet and
shoulder pads on, he becomes a
different person.
That hair that he has its as if
he lights it on fire, and he runs with
an amazing passion. He was born to
do this, Santa Cruz said. We see
a young man who his teammates
respect, and he loves his teammates.
Hes one of those guys who can really
carry a team when it comes to energy.
Now hes making big plays and hes

Suliafu (37) returns an interception against Simon Fraser, earning himself Division II National Player of the Week.
not backing away from the moment.
His instincts, great technique and
great discipline have come along
side, and now you see more of a
complete player.
Cougars defensive lineman Billy
Tanuvasa describes himself as one of
Suliafus best friends. He also admits
that Suliafu becomes a different
person when hes on the football
field.
You would never expect to see
that guy you see in the classroom
play the way he does on the field.
When he snaps on the helmet, hes a
different guy and he has a fire inside
of him, which a lot of us could really
use and a lot of us look to emulate,
Tanuvasa said.
Just like Santa Cruz, Tanuvasa
has seen the growth in maturity and
leadership from his teammate, and
he expects for those traits to continue

growing.
The biggest growth Ive seen
in him is his willingness to accept
his role as a leader and really accept
that fact that guys look up to him,
Tanuvasa said. I think hes really
embraced that, and Ive seen him get
on guys when he needs to and Ive
seen him own up to things when he
needs to. So Id say that hes grown
as a character, as a leader and he
continues to grow as a football
player.
Suliafu started playing football
in high school and has family who
influenced him and taught him about
the game.
Although he was small and
people doubted his abilities to play,
he became passionate about proving
them wrong.
All my cousins were playing
football. I was a skinny kid back

then, and I was told that I was going

to get hurt playing football and that
I should just stick to baseball or
basketball, but I wanted to prove
them wrong. Thats how I started
playing football, Suliafu said. Now
people are looking up to me, so I feel
very proud of that so far.
His motivations since then have
shifted to represent his teammates,
the university and God. However, he
still plays passionately, knowing that
there is more to prove on the field.
Were trying to prove that Azusa
Pacific is a powerhouse football team
in the nation. Since we are a D-2
school that came from the NAIA,
people probably thought that this
small Christian school cant compete
with them. Thats one motivation
right there, Suliafu said. Another
motivation is simply playing for God.
Our saying is God First, and thats

SPORTS INFORMATION PHOTO

The Cougars defense on the

football field has been dominant all
season long, holding their opponents
to an average of just 16 points per
game. Junior strong safety Taliuaki
Suliafu has been a major part of the
Cougars success on defense, leading
them both on and off the field.
Head coach Victor Santa Cruz
expressed that Suliafus leadership
and respect on the team is due to how
much he has matured in the past few
years.
Off the field, Ive seen a guy
whos gone from a squirrely high
school senior, to now a mature young
man. Hes got more to grow, but for
going into his redshirt junior year, as
a head football coach Im very proud
of the man that hes becoming, Santa
Cruz said.
Suliafu has had quite an impact
this year, racking up 18 solo tackles,
six tackles for loss, three and a half
sacks and two interceptions on the
season.
He has that leadership instinct
and he has the big-play ability. Hes
a guy who feels responsible for
everyone and understands that he
wants to be the tip of the spear and
give his teammates the very best
effort that he can give, Santa Cruz
said.
In the Cougars first game against
GNAC rival Humboldt State this
season, Suliafu sealed the victory for
APU by recording a pick-six late in
the fourth quarter.
On Sep. 24, Suliafu was named
National Player of the Week by
D2Football.com for his performance
against Simon Fraser. However,
Suliafu gives all the credit to his
defensive teammates.

SPORTS INFORMATION PHOTO

sports editor

a big factor right there.

Once again, the Cougars will be
looking to prove themselves to the
nation as the season goes on. The
team suffered their first loss of the
season 27-23 on Oct. 8 to Colorado
School of Mines.
The defense still held their own
against the high-powered Orediggers
offense, which averaged 42 points
per game this season.
The Cougars, now sitting at 5-1,
will look to rebound at home on Oct.
15 in a rematch against Humboldt
State. This will be APUs 500th
football game in school history.
APU is now ranked 19 in the
AFCA Division II Top-25 coaches
poll, dropping nine spots from last
week.
APU is still in first place in
the GNAC standings, remaining
undefeated in conference play.

12 WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12, 2016

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THECLAUSE.ORG/SPORTS

Cross country athlete finds motivation through faith

Elise Larson
discusses
managing
athletics, faith
and a hectic
academic life
Caitlin Slater

Sophomore cross country runner Elise Larson competes in the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship in 2015.
boxes and dont realize how much we
hold ourselves back.
It seems that nothing is holding
Larson back this year. In fact, she is
literally catching up to team captain
Stressling.
The team starts at 30 to 40 miles
a week and, normally, Stressling runs
up to 70 miles.
Shes almost there, Stressling
said about Larson. Shes adding on
higher mileage, so I have someone to
run with, which is super nice.
Not only will you see Larson
running around town, but shes very
involved on campus. She is a nursing
major and a member of the Honors
College.
The nursing-honors duo is a
one-two punch, Larson said. I told
myself Im going to make this my
best year yet and so far it has been,
but it has also been the most difficult
year yet.
Larsons positive spirit and strong
faith in God appears to be what helps
get her through the demanding life of
a student athlete.
I always say that I cant expect
perfection from myself. If I do make

a mistake, I have to forgive myself,

trust myself and know that Gods
grace will cover that, Larson said.
Perfection isnt the priority for
Larson, but she still strives to be the
best she can be. This summer, she
went back home to Missouri where
she put in extra effort trying to make
her strides count by improving her
personal record.
I put a lot in the off-season by
upping my mileage and training with
some excellent training partners back
in St. Louis, Larson said. I also
learned to become more competitiveminded. I learned to believe in
myself.
Larson tries to serve as an
example of how running by faith
moves her in the right direction,
allowing her to pursue all of her
aspirations. For the remainder of the
season, her goals are to qualify for
track nationals as an individual and
land in the top 35 runners to earn the
cross country All-American honors.
The Cougars are currently
preparing to compete in the PacWest
Conference
Championships
in
Hawaii on Oct. 22.

SPORTS INFORMATION PHOTO

Sophomore cross country athlete

Elise Larson has had an impressive
year so far. Larson recently finished
31st overall of 153 female runners
at the Stanford Invitational on Oct.
1, landing her second consecutive
sub-22:00 finish. Yet her motivation
is found in something bigger than
herself.
Do what stirs your heart towards
the Lord, Larson said.
This is a belief that Larson not
only lives by, but runs by.
Being out here with friends and
running with nature lifts off your
jaded eyes and the veil of stress from
the day, Larson said. You get to see
what life is like miles away from your
problems.
She means it quite literally when
saying miles away the womens
cross-country team runs an average
of 8 to 14 miles a day.
Since her freshman year, Larson
has improved her personal record by
45 seconds, running the 6K in 21:31.
Not only are her times improving,
but her coaches have seen a big
improvement in her work ethic and
determination compared to last year.
Shes a completely different
runner, head coach Preston Grey
said. Shes way more mature.
Having the opportunity to run
alongside junior All-American Eileen
Stressling has helped shape Larson
into a similar athlete.
Coming into college, Coach
Preston told us to model ourselves
after people who are excellent, and
for me, that was Eileen on the team,
Larson said. Ive always loved
running with her and hanging out
with her. She gives me pointers along
the way and ultimately shes shown
me what its like to be an excellent
runner and an excellent person.
Larson admitted that in the past
she has struggled with self-doubt.
This season she is working to replace
those doubts with a subtle, humble
confidence knowing the hard work
she has put into the sport.
Ive put so much into it that
doubting myself would be robbing
the experience, Larson said.
Sometimes we put ourselves in

SPORTS INFORMATION PHOTO

guest writer

Larson finishes 31st overall at the Stanford Invitational on Oct. 1.