By Nicole Plucinski

With each new school year, comes new opportunities.  One exciting new feature that’s set to begin as a new tradition this year is something called the Buffalo Cup.

Hilbert’s athletic director, John Czarnecki, came up with this idea to promote an extra layer of competition between the three Buffalo schools, Hilbert, D’Youville and Medaille.  “All three of these schools are considered the “Buffalo” schools in the AMCC Conference, and since there is already a friendly rivalry between the schools, this idea was created to up the ante for the various athletic competitions the three schools compete against each other in,” Czarnecki said.

Czarnecki had been in contact with D”youville and Medaille’s athletic directors to see if they were on board with promoting the existing rivalries with this added incentive, which was successful.  The name “Buffalo Cup” stems from Hilbert, Medaille and D’Youville being the only three Buffalo schools in Conference, so keeping it close to home with the name was only fitting.

How the Buffalo Cup works is through a points system.  A point is received for winning a conference game.  This point system will continue year round throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring athletic seasons, counting only for the athletic teams all three schools have in common.

Czarnecki created this in hopes to promote the rivalry in an exciting way as a new tradition for many years to come.  The winners of the Buffalo Cup, which is a trophy that will be allowed to be displayed at the winner’s school for the entire following school year, will be awarded at the conclusion of the Spring Athletic Season.

The winners of the cup will not only have their names engraved on a Buffalo Cup trophy that will be displayed at the winners’ school, but they will also earn their bragging rights until the next winner of the cup is announced for the following season.

By Brynn Bielsik

“Her favorite food is fish nuggets and tilapia,” Keith Gisser, the man who has 25 years of experience traveling around the country with various types of reptiles explained. He wasn’t talking about his wife or friend, he was speaking for Gator, a five-foot-long,  25-pound Asian water monitor, otherwise known as a giant lizard. Gisser was on campus Monday October 3^rd educating students and staff about the foundation called “Herps Alive Foundation,”one of the best reptile rescues in the country. It’s the 40^th anniversary of the program that has strived to educate people on reptiles. Though he is strictly a traveling educator, there is a more permanent place that people could go to look at about 225 reptiles that are also adoptable in South Euclid.

“They’re trained to eat frozen thawed food, rodents that are killed humanely, and it’s also better for the animals,” Gisser explained as he held the biggest snake at the display, an albino Burmese python named Silas that was about nine feet long. Along with snakes and lizards, there were also tortoises that munched on bananas and let anyone pick them up with graceful acceptance.

Later on, Mike Sheridan, llama owner, joined in on the fun by bringing his llamas Jack Daniels, 20 months old, and Silver Colossus, 13 months old. Jack Daniels was the more friendly of the brothers as he gave kisses and nuzzled a few people, while Silver Colossus looked like he just wanted to go home and take a nap. However, both were extremely cute and awkward looking and did not spit on anyone. If anyone ever had the hankering to go so the majesty of these fluffy creatures, they could always go to Hemstreet Farm Llamas that is known for more than 24 Championships for breeding brilliant llamas.

Since it is said that petting dogs can reduce stress, maybe petting a 9-foot-long snake has some good psychological effects, too. Either way, it was a unique experience that many captured with their phones because, really, who can say they’ve ever gotten to take a selfie with a llama?

Staff Writer Gabriel Esparza discusses the NFL and more in the debut of his “Running Wild” podcast.

By Brynn Biesik

Starting at a new college can be terrifying and exciting. Both transfers and freshmen alike have a lot to look forward to. This is the time for young adults to experience life to its fullest and discover what they want to do with their time on earth. Everyone has gone or will go through a transition in their life whether it be a big move, joining the military, or having a child. A big change is something every human can relate to. We’re all on the same page, so there’s no need to be scared.

Jackie Randall, sophomore transfer student majoring in human services, said, “The drive here is much longer, but they have a good human services program.” Though transfer students may be seasoned in the ins and outs of college life, entering a private school has its own way of doing things. Jackie goes on to explain that she loves the smaller community Hilbert has to offer and that she may even dorm at the college, something she hadn’t done previously. Since Hilbert is a private school, there’s a smaller community, with that means everyone eventually gets to know everyone. Meaning such a small population could show potential to become a tight knit group, which is what Jackie likes. “I might join a club, eventually, but I’m just focusing on getting my degree,” Jackie asserted.

I spoke to Brian Brennan, freshman from Cheektowaga majoring in cyber security, who choose this school based on its small student to teacher ratio. “I like it thus far,” the tall brunette nodded, and said he was excited to meet new people. Freshmen like Brian are just getting out of an establishment that required them to ask for permission to go to the bathroom and are now expected to pay taxes and vote. They can get tattoos without the need of a parent’s signature and can buy cigarettes. Essentially, they’re gaining their independence. Now that they’re going to college they can even choose the classes they want to take instead of having particular subjects shoved down their throat. “I look forward to going to the games,” Brian added. He’s, needless to say, excited to explore all that adulthood has to offer.

With each new wave of students that passes through Hilbert’s halls, there is the next bestselling author, the next sports star, maybe even the next president. Students go to college in spite of the crippling debt and the possible distance from the familiar because these college days of McGivering pens to be chop sticks and scrapping money from couch cushions will be some of the best times that person will ever have. Their future husband or wife could be roaming the halls. The two types of sleepless nights from either cramming for an exam or drinking until they forget their names await them. The friendships that’ll last a life time are going to be made. New doesn’t necessarily mean good or bad, it’s up to the individual to find out.

By Breyana Laury

It is that time of year again. Summer vacation has come to an end and new college students proudly claim their spots on campus all over the country. The kids who were once cool in high school and the ones who were witty, arrogant, over-achievers, and class clowns are now the ones shaking in their boots as they start a new chapter as college freshman or fresh meat as they will soon be called once they are gracefully on the campus of their respective colleges with their campus maps turned upside down and trying not to pee their pants. For some of you, this may have been you! It is an exciting time, full of newfound independence for many. It is thrilling to watch campus fill up with young people on the cusp of discovering themselves as adults. The first few days and weeks are an exciting time of transition between high school and college, and truthfully, one for which so many are unprepared. It is also that time of year where I share “words of wisdom” to all the college newbie’s and try to prepare you with the things that we wish someone would have told us. To all of you incoming students, I challenge you to own it. Embrace both the freedom and responsibility that comes with attending college. You are in charge of your academic future, your involvement on campus, and your wellbeing; DO NOT SIT PASSIVELY FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS! So without further ado here are my tops tips for college freshman survival and I hope these tips will help you get ready for some of the best years of your life.

Enjoy every moment of your college experience. There will be a time when you are ready to graduate and kiss college goodbye. Make the most out of this experience. You are one of the thousands of privileged individuals who have been blessed to call yourself a college student and later a college graduate. So go on, what are you waiting for? Fully immerse yourself in all things college, enjoy the ride, and please remember my words one more time. Pay attention, be curious, and remember life has a way of working itself out.

BRYNN BIESIK

True Blue week is a period of time to foster camaraderie and school spirit; one night in particular was Hilbert Paint Night. On Saturday September 24 from 7-10 pm everyone from staff, to students, to family members were encouraged to go to the Campus Center to explore their creative side. Brushes, paint, canvases, and fun were provided.

“Since there was such a good response last time, we decided to bring it back,” said Jacob Peters, assistant director of residence life and the one leading the activity. The experience was interactive and flexible, even though Peters was directing everyone on how to paint a sunset with a sailboat, he encouraged people to exercise their creativity. “We chose it because students talked about it a lot last time and it’s geared [mostly] towards them.” Peters added.

Thirty-four people showed up to the event; both staff and students alike. The room was filled with chatter and laughter. “I heard about it [Paint Night] through the flyers,” Colby Jones, sophomore forensics major, stated. “I would love to do it again.” While most participants aimed to make a look alike that Peters was instructing how to make, some took artistic liberty to cultivate their own image.

“I got a little bit of confidence out of it,” Hallie Seamen, sophomore representative and forensics major, asserted. The point, as Peters made sure to drive home, of Paint Night was to allow people to think outside the box, without restrictions or pressure. Art is a form of self-expression that is completely subjective and can be experienced in any way without that experience ever being wrong. Not only did participants get a fun evening night with friends and fellow students, but a new wall decoration, or at the very least some wood for the fire place for the upcoming snowy months.

By Angella Rocklein

On Wednesday the 21st you may have spotted two beautiful hawks being displayed in Bogel Hall. The hawks were brought to campus by Matt Zymanek. He has been training and taking care of birds of prey for over 20 years at the Hawk Creek Wildlife Center in East Aurora.

The visit to campus was organized as part of Hilbert’s True Blue Week.
Chase is a male Harris hawk from St. Louis. The bird seemed calm, and was defined by red streaks in his wings and white tipped feathers on his tail.
The other bird was Blaze,  a female Peregrine falcon.  Blaze has an injured wing, but a healthy Peregrine is one of the fastest animals in nature, with the ability to travel more than 200 mph while swooping in on prey.
Zymanek said the wildlife center is in need. Over the past few years winter has worn down the Wildlife Center.  The roofs are starting to cave in, and cages have also been destroyed. Everything has been repaired to the best of its ability. The “Snowvember” storm is mostly to blame for the damage, but cold temperatures also contribute. Donations can be made at www.hawkcreek.org.

Hawk Creek has been seen on Rachel Ray, Steve Harvey, The Today Show, PBS, & Nat Geo. This center has award winning programs, they even have it so you can walk with eagles. You even have the opportunity to “Adopt” an animal. Hawk Creek has more than just birds, other animals include reptiles, wild cats and mammals (fox, horse, skunk, opossum, otter, and porcupine).

By Amber Coyle

This past weekend we capped off True Blue Week, where we celebrated a new year at Hilbert College.  True Blue Weekend was filled with events for students, staff, alumni, family and friends to join in and have fun. Throughout the weekend there were events such as a chicken barbeque, Fall Fest, murder mystery dinner, paint night and a few sporting events.

The Fall Fest had tables set up for anyone to get a personalized phone case or key chain.  Another table had road signs that you could personalize with whatever you wanted.  Music played in the main quad and people ran  through the boot camp blow up obstacle course. You could also get something to eat at the barbeque and get a cotton candy snack.

At the murder mystery dinner, actors came to all the tables and talked to everyone and introduced themselves before the show started.  Once the show started you had to listen for hints and clues about who was the real killer.  It was similar to a real life game of Clue.  The actors told amusing jokes and everyone seemed to be having a good time.  During the show we had a three course meal, which was delicious.

After the dinner was over there was paint night with Jake Peters, who offered tips to those new at painting. Throughout the lesson you could hear people saying how they thought they were doing a bad job or that they messed up, but Peters was encouraging.

According to Tommy Vane, Director of Student Activities, this was the 3^rd annual True Blue Week.  Organizers included Institutional Advancement, Communications, Dean of Students, Student Activities, Residence Life, and Athletics. The purpose of True Blue Week is to celebrate Hilbert as a community, alumni and current students and staff.  Also we welcome friends and family of students and staff to come out and take part in the Hilbert community and show the Hilbert Hawks pride by wearing blue, white and black. True Blue Week lets Hilbert College to stop and come together as a community.

By Kylie Wooliver

Transfer students make up 30% of our incoming class this school year. This semester, roughly 80 students transferred from other colleges like ECC and NCCC. The graduating class includes 33% of transfer students. So, why did these students relocate to Hilbert College?

Nicole Plucinski, a Marilla native and a junior, attended ECC South before transferring to Hilbert this year. She studied Liberal Arts and Humanities, so the Digital Media and Communication major caught her eye. Plucinski said  she enjoys the small, personable campus community. She also said Hilbert was the best choice for her financially. The transfer was made easier given that Hilbert has a soccer team. Nicole is a member of the Women’s soccer team, as well as a member in the Honors program. Her previous soccer coach at ECC knew of Hilbert’s coach. Plucinski competes on the soccer team while still maintaining Honor status. She said that through sports, she has been able to bond with her team, which has made the process of starting at a new school easier.

Jenah Schwabel, also a transfer from Erie Community College, said that “stopping  my college experience where be foolish.” After finishing her two-year degree in General Studies at ECC, Schwabel decided to keep going with her education. “Sometimes you believe you are making the right decision at that particular moment in time, but when it’s said and done, something feels like its missing,” she said. “Some people believe ‘transfer’ means failure—that they were wrong in their first choice, while others believe that it’s a race to improve yourself.” Jenah said she heard a lot of good things about Hilbert, such as the small class size, and she liked how close it was to her home in Eden. Schwabel appreciates how Hilbert’s programs allow students a lot of hands on experience. Overall, she saw Hilbert as a new opportunity to achieve a degree in something she was passionate about.

Kathleen Wengrzycki, Hilbert Admissions, said that students transfer from many different colleges, and that their attitudes are positive. New students seem excited to begin their careers at their school! Kathleen adds that Admissions work well on an individual basis, which in turn, shows that they care.

By Stephen Szynmura

In recent weeks there has been some NFL players who had started to kneel for the National Anthem. It all started with the quarterback from San Francisco named Colin Keapernick. After Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem there was a reaction from both sides. Fans were burning his jerseys others were buying his jerseys in support of him. To my surprise, other NFL players and even athletes in other sports have joined the protest.

Now you may ask yourself why are some players kneeling during the National Anthem? Isn’t that disrespectful to the flag and the whole country? The answer is yes, it is disrespectful, but on the other hand people can do such things because the United States citizens have the freedom of speech.

How can football players speak for the people who are actually having troubles with the police? Football players make millions of dollars each year and couldn’t care less what the little guy has to say.

Taking a knee during the National Anthem is just something that should not be done. It is very disrespectful to many people that love this country. I love this country and I show it differently that Kaepernick does. I find it hard to believe that Kaepernick loves this great country when he kneels for the National Anthem. I do realize that there are people who are in the military that have backed Colin Kaepernick and kneeling, but I have yet to see Kaepernick do anything with his money like make a donation to a cause that speaks to the issues he’s protesting. It seems like he is doing this to create a distraction.

Some athletes are doing a type of protest which I can get behind. They are linking arms together to show that they are one. Some are also sticking their one arm in the air which is also acceptable in my eyes. If a team links arms or puts an arm up I am OK with it. It shows respect to the National Anthem and a person or team can still protest so it is like the best of both worlds right there.

People are free to do as they will. A person has the freedom to protest, but there are certain kinds of protests that just are not the right kinds for football players to perform while they are playing a game. There are better ways to protest so why do a protest that would cause an uproar that could possible get you cut from your team. Then again, you can’t control what a person dose because you would be controlling their freedom which is something that should never happen.