With winter break now over, the Keene State College campus returns to the bustle of regular day life. However, the hard work seen through the KSC sports teams continued through break and gave way to great success.

Photos Contributed by KSC Dance Team

The KSC Dance team ventured to Florida on Jan. 10 to participate in the Disney Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Championship. The team stayed in Florida for a span of five days, performing Friday through Sunday at the championship. Not only did the KSC dance team show remarkable skill, but they also became national finalists in the UDA championship, breaking KSC history. With an amazing performance, the team finished on a high in the championships, placing eighth out of the entire nation.

KSC dance team captain and senior Jessica Leone described being eighth in the nation as “a great feeling.” Leone went on to say that it was amazing to know  they competed against 22 teams, 11 of them making it to the finals, and that they came out as eighth. “We made Keene State history, placing higher than we ever have and also getting the highest score we have ever received,” added Leone. With so much work and dedication seen throughout the season and especially winter break, Leone said the feeling of success was “indescribable.” As captain, Leone especially focuses on the well-being of the team and works to make sure everyone is working their hardest. “A lot of work went into getting us not only to the nationals itself, but also accomplishing eighth. This year though we had by far one of the best group of girls I have ever been on the team with,” Leone said.

Photos Contributed by KSC Dance Team

Co-captain and junior Lauren Carney said that placing eighth in nation was the best feeling in the world. “Being the only team at the competition without a coach and being completely student-run makes it even that much more of an honor that we not only place at finals, but that we got eighth in the nation,” said Carney. She added that the feeling she had when they announced their name was simply indescribable. Carney admitted that the road to Florida was nothing but hard work, time and a lot of energy. Having to do numerous fundraisers to earn the money the team needed, as well as pay out of pocket for costumes and other expenses, Carney said it was a lot of hard work but worth it. “We care so much and would do anything to go to this competition and represent our school in a positive light, which is exactly what we did,” added Carney. All that hard work has really created a true bond within the team  Carney said., “Dancing together allows us to have a place to feel loved and included and we are constantly growing as dancers and women.”

Photos Contributed by KSC Dance Team

Secretary and junior Kelsey Walsh agreed with her fellow teammates, saying it is an amazing feeling to place eighth in the nation. “To outsiders, it’s hard to see the difficulty that went into not only performing the dance, but also getting the team to the competition,” said Walsh. “With money problems and other things throughout this past semester, it made it almost impossible for us to reach the team goal of competing,” said Walsh, but with the help of the amazing team and amazing e-board, the dance team pulled it off. On top of all the hard work, Walsh praised her team for the incredible support system they are. “We cheer each other on in practice, as well as attend each other’s events outside of dance throughout the year,” said Walsh.

First-year Ashley Chopelas said that it feels amazing to be a part of such a strong and hard working team, especially in her first year of college. “I’ve known about the Keene State Dance team since middle school and I’ve wanted to be on it since then. Now being on it and being so successful and accomplished is just indescribable,” said Chopelas. Chopelas said that the captain, co-captain, secretary and manager all worked so hard; and thankfully it all worked out in their favor. “The dance team can only go up from here. We hope to get more recognition and support from the school in the year to come,”Chopelas said.

Photos Contributed by KSC Dance Team

However with great success came hard work and dedication. With the dance teams funds cut in half and with no fundraising help from the college, the team set out to fundraise for their Disney trip, raising $10,000 dollars all by themselves. “We made Keene history by fundraising $10,000 dollars ourselves, which is just another huge accomplishment in our book,” said Chopelas. Captain Leone said, “Since we are considered a club and not a sport like most college dance teams going to this competition, we had to raise all the money ourselves. We raised $10,000 on our own, which is the highest we have ever raised and the most raised by a KSC club.” Walsh said. “The team is an incredible support system. We practiced for four days a week, as well as came back a week before leaving for nationals. We practice early morning to late at night. Each team member knew how difficult it was for us to reach our goal of attending nationals.”

With such perseverance, the KSC dance team came out on top, placing eighth in the nation out of 22 elite teams. With hopes for the near future, the team looks to keep growing and to receive more support from the KSC community. “We work really hard and are so successful and it’d be nice for people to recognize that,” Chopelas said.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

With the winter season around the corner, the opportunities for local skiing, snowboarding and family fun are becoming even more important.

Luke Sweeney / Equinox Staff

As the snow slowly makes its descent, the importance of affordability in the skiing and snowboarding community is becoming even more illusive.

However, local Keene business and Ski/Snowboard/Tubing mountain, Granite Gorge, is looking to draw in the younger generations and snow lovers with improved prices, family activities, good food, and the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of the mountain.

Coming up on the mountain’s 14th year of re-opening, Granite Gorge hopes to catch the attention of avid skiers and snowboarders who want a low price and a short drive to the mountain.

Located only 15 minutes away from Keene State College, Granite Gorge offers a $99 season pass to college students, with discounts on rentals.

For just $199, you can add unlimited tubing to that, making Granite Gorge the most affordable mountain in New Hampshire. There are 22 trails that skiers and snowboarders can explore on, the mountain containing natural beauty and being shielded from the harsher winds.

Adam Kaufman, the general manager at Granite Gorge Ski Area said he really hopes to draw more people in.

“We’ve been working on grooming the trails and getting the place ready. We just really want to draw in more people and Keene State students,” said Kaufman.

In anticipation for the season, Kaufman said they have a lot of cool things going on right now, that including the making of snow and maintenance of the lifts and equipment.

“We hope that this year more people come to Granite Gorge and see all the potential that this mountain has. It’s a great family area and we love to share it with families and local skiers and snowboarders,” said Kaufman.

Co-Owner of Granite Gorge Ski Area Fred Baybutt also believes in the mountains potential.

Baybutt said that this year they’re really trying to draw in more younger skiers/snowboarders and hoping to get new faces on the mountain.

Baybutt added that this year Granite Gorge is working to plan tubing events and create more apparel to advertise the mountain.

“Our prices are down 35 percent and just unbeatable. We really try to draw in families and local people who are looking for a affordable and fun way to enjoy the end of their day,” said Baybutt.

“There’s nothing like going up the lift and going down the mountain. The freedom you have (while skiing/snowboarding) is unbelievable,” added Baybutt.

Chris Fosher, a first-year at Keene State College and a snowboarder, thinks the opportunity to teach younger people, as well as get a free season pass is definitely a good deal and worth saving the money.

Fosher added the closeness of the mountain is also a huge perk.

For this winter season Granite Gorge is really trying to put the afford-ability and fun back into skiing and snowboarding.

“I see less and less younger people coming skiing. It costs $33 to ski or snowboard for a day, $18 per person to go tubing for two hours, and our food and drinks are cheap. I hope to see people taking more advantage of these deals this coming season and to get out and enjoy the mountain,” said Baybutt.

If you are interested in becoming an instructor at Granite Gorge for the winter season, e-mail snowsportsschool@granitegorge.com in order to apply.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

Going into week 13, the New England Patriots ran through the Buffalo Bills with a 23-3 victory.

Entering this week, the Patriots had a seven game winning streak and held tight to that streak as they tore down the Bills to turn that streak into an eight game winning streak.

In the opening minutes of the game the Bills pushed and created their second longest drive of the season, but ultimately this seemingly promising start led to no points and a brutal interception which was throw by quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

This interception set the tone for the afternoon and led the Bills to a quick downfall.

The downfall proceeded for the Bills as Taylor suffered a knee injury in the Bills first drive of the game.

After the injury Taylor tried to play through, but it was apparent that he was in pain as seen through grimaces after plays and hesitation to take or run.

Taylor was pulled from the game in the third quarter after only throwing for 65 yards and rushing for 32 yards.

After Taylor was put out of the game, LeSean McCoy stepped up and gained 93 yards on 15 carries.

Although the Patriots defensive players Trey Flowers and Trevor Reilly were sidelined and Kevin Van Noy had limitations due to a injury.

However numerous other Patriots players, such as Eric Lee (who was signed off the Bills practice squad last week) stepped up and finished the game with 1.5 sacks, two passes defended, one tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits.

Along with defense, the Patriots running game had a outstanding day.

Buffalo had no answer for the Patriots on the ground and failed to perform in offensive and defensive areas.

Dion Lewis was the cowbell again, rushing for 92 yards on 15 carries.

Rex Burkhead also had a good game, rushing for 78 yards on 12 carries.

Rob Gronkowski also dominated, catching nine passes for 127 yards.

Tom Brady was able to relax and had his quietest game of the season, completing 21-of-30 passes for 258 yards and one interception.

The Patriots did what they had to do to come out with a 23-3 victory, making it their eighth consecutive win in a row.

Hopefully they can turn that streak into nine as they head into  week 14 of the season.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The KSC men’s basketball team took on Lasell College on Tuesday, Nov. 28, coming out with a 73-62 victory over the Boomers. The KSC team had an early surge and two leaders (junior Ty Nichols and first-year James Anozie) that ultimately helped lead them to success.

Colton mccracken / equinox staff

Although the team trailed in the opening minutes, they quickly shook that off and 16-1 burst to take control after the first seven minutes of the game. Nichols played a strong game for the Owls, scoring the game high of 23 points, rebounding five times, with six assists and five steals. Anozie took the game by storm as his fire came off the bench, leading him to 19 points, four rebounds, and a block. Senior Dizel Wright and  first-year Miguel Prieto each also scored ten points for the Owls. Nichols continued to work, making a lay-up and a three-point play in consecutive possessions for an 11-4 KSC advantage. Nichols also got a steal which quickly led to a dunk that put the Owls in a double digit lead. First-year Jake Dunkley drained a three, putting Keene State up 18-5 with 13:05 remaining in the half. However after this initial burst, the Owls faced minor stunts in offense and went on to score only four out of the 15 point made, giving Lasell 11 points on the board. Ending the first half, KSC player and first-year Jordan Haywood was fouled in the final seconds and made both of his free throws. Right after the Lasers threw away the ball, giving Wright an opportunity. He swiftly sank a lay-up at the buzzer for a 38-30 lead. In the second half both teams made runs and the Boomers worked to overcome, at one point being only one possession away (50-47). However the Owls quickly create the deficit again, leading 62-51 at the 5:33 mark in the fourth quarter. KSC kept cruising from their, giving them a 73-62 home court victory after traveling for the past four games. The Owls next home game will be Saturday, Dec. 9 at home court. They will take on the University of Southern Maine.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

With winter break only two weeks away, the Keene State College Club Hockey team is coming up on their 16th game of the season. With nine wins and five losses, the Owls hope to win their final three games before break officially begins.

Luke Stergiou / Senior Photographer

The Owls started off well, winning three games in a row with more than a three point lead. For their opening game to the season, KSC faced the University of Vermont, blowing them out of the water with a 6-1 ending score. KSC then faced the University of New Hampshire and beat them 4-0.

Moving on to their fourth game, the Owls faced their first loss of the season to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, losing 1-4. The Owls went on to lose two more games against Florida Gulf Coast University (6-4) and Williams Paterson University (7-3). Afterwards they went on to win three more games against the College of the Holy Cross (5-2), the University of Delaware (5-4), and Sacred Heart University (6-3), lose two against Boston University and Siena College, and then win four more against the University of Vermont (8-2), Marist College (3-3), William Paterson University (7-3), and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (5-3). Before break the Owls will face the University of Connecticut on Dec. 8 away and Eastern Connecticut College on Dec. 9 at home. Come support your KSC Club Hockey before winter break begins!

Even though soccer season has come to an end, the women’s soccer team is still having success, as senior Taylor Farland was chosen for the New England Women’s Intercollegiate Soccer Association (NEWISA) Senior Bowl on Dec. 2. The NEWISA Senior Bowl consists of every Division III college in New England placing their seniors names within the bowl and look to see who is chosen. NEWISA looks to have other coaches and teams collaborate together, as well as recognize soccer athletes for their hard work.

Jake Paquin / Equinox Staff

Farland said it was exciting and an accomplishment in itself. She admitted it was nice to see that among all the coaches in Division III soccer, that they still thought that she was a strong enough player to compete with some of the higher division athletes. “It was cool to see all the different schools that were put into it. There’s [Massachusetts Institute of Technology], there’s Springfield [College], all these other programs that are strong, so it was really cool to see that among those coaches they thought I was a strong enough player,” said Farland.

Farland admitted with humor that she found out about getting picked for the NEWISA Senior Bowl through a previous KSC women’s soccer athlete who now coaches at Springfield College and afterwards heard from her KSC coach, but that all in all it was exciting news to hear. “It was a rewarding accomplishment , definitely not expected, but all the more rewarding,” said Farland.

Farland was not the only one excited, soon after being congratulated by her teammates, friends, family, and coaches. Farland said her friends all congratulated her accomplishment and celebrated the fact that a KSC athlete was chosen for the NEWISA Senior Bowl.

Her fellow seniors, including Kali Santino, Gretchen Greene, Julia Pearson, Marianna Porcello, Katie Silegy and Morgan Kathan, congratulated her on her hard work and effort.

Each senior said that they were very happy for Farland and excited for her to have such an amazing opportunity connecting to soccer.

Apart from her teammates, Farland’s parents are very excited and happy for her and plan to make the drive up to see her play in her final collegiate soccer game.

Farland also said that a lot of her lacrosse friends noticed she had been chosen and congratulated her.

“It’s cool to see that other people are paying attention as well and that it’s not just my soccer friends who noticed it,” said Farland.

All in all, Farland finished her KSC career as a four time All-Little East Conference (LEC) athlete, scored 41 goals, and had 15 assists that contributed to 97 points.

Now Farland gets to lace up her cleats one more time, facing her last collegiate game in her jersey.

The pride that is seen in the KSC community will reflect on Farland as she represents KSC with pride.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

Transitioning into swim and dive as a first-year student in college can be nerve wracking, but the Keene State College swim and dive team has overlooked these potential struggles and taken the season head on.

First-years Caroline Morgan and Braeden Huot said they have transitioned into the swim and dive team smoothly, and claim the KSC team has been more than welcoming and helpful.

With a new environment and practice schedule, both athletes are working to perform at their highest levels this season, as well as recover from recent injuries.

Jake Paquin / Equinox Staff

Morgan said that the swim team has been extremely welcoming and supportive towards her, first-years, and simply everyone on the team.

Morgan added that the teams are very close and that she personally thought that both the women’s and men’s tea had done a great job taking the first-years under their wing and making sure they felt comfortable.

Morgan is still recovering from a recent knee injury, so having the team be there for her and be super supportive has been amazing, said Morgan.

“We’re all so close and supportive of one another in and out of the pool. It’s just really nice to be a part of that,” added Morgan.

Huot said he is really liking his transition into the team and the team is very close knit.

One of his favorite things about his new KSC team is that they spend time together in and out of a pool and really make an effort to bond and connect with one another.

Huot said that the team is very supportive and driven to get done what they need to get done, especially when it comes to balancing the efforts of academics and swim.

Like Morgan, Huot is also recovering from a past shoulder injury.

Huot said that he has been working with the coaches who have been making sure he is doing what he has to do in order to succeed and fully recover.

“I’m pretty much fully recovered from my injury and just hope to perform at the level I was performing at before. I’m just working to get faster and do better now,” said Huot.

Apart from the transition into the team and environment, both Morgan and Huot said that the coaching staff has been great.

“They give us advice and just really want us to succeed. They’re great,” said Morgan.

Likewise, Huot said, “The coaching staff has been great. They work with us one on one and aim to help us improve. They want us all to succeed.”

Both Morgan and Huot said that there has been a lot of hard work going in practice, especially when working on distance swims and that there have been some more mellow practices when focusing on sprints.

But all in all each and every athlete is putting in their work said Morgan and Huot.

Unfortunately Stormie Cuddihee and Patrick Doyle were unable to comment about their transition despite numerous attempts.

With the swim and dive season into the full swing, the KSC team has a lot to look forward to with so many excited first-years, as well as returning athletes.

Despite injuries, our new Owls have shown us that hard work and determination can lead to great things, which is more than the KSC way.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kssequinox.com

With swim and dive into full swing at Keene State College, the members of the team hope to achieve even more this winter season. Reflecting back on her own KSC swim career, senior Hope Walsh hopes to accomplish even more, setting out to break her previous records.

Walsh has not broken any records yet this year, but hopes to and even has some in mind. Last year was an especially explosive year for the now senior swimmer. Walsh was able to break the 500 freestyle, the 1,000 freestyle, and re-broke her own 1,650 record. “Since I came here it was my goal to get those records, so I was overjoyed when I did. I was on cloud nine because my hard work paid off,” said Walsh.

Walsh has always showed great strength in swimming, even as a first-year here at KSC. Walsh was the New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association (NEISDA) champion in the 800 relay race and broke records in the 800 free relay and the 200 backstroke.

In her 2015-2016 season Walsh accomplished even more. She was named Little Eastern Conference (LEC) Swimmer of the Year, became the NEISDA Champion in the 1,650 freestyle, broke the KSC record for the 1,650 freestyle, was the NEISDA runner up in the 1,000 freestyle and 800 free relay, placed third in the 500 freestyle, was the LEC Champion in the 1,650 freestyle, 500 freestyle and 200 back and broke the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Dartmouth pool record in the 1,650 freestyle.

Even with all this experience and individual success, Walsh still says her team is one of the most important factors in her training.

Walsh said that her team is a huge part because they push her in practice, but that seeing people cheering for her on the side of the pool while she is racing is a major encouragement. “They help you stay strong and push yourself, and they remind you that you can do it. They are the support,” said Walsh.

Walsh admits that although the support is encouraging, the practices are what truly brings her body to the level it needs to be at in order to succeed.

“I push myself in the water. Those practices that make you want to cry because you’re working so hard are the ones that really make a difference in a meet,” said Walsh.

Fellow senior and teammate Rachel MacKinnon said that Walsh is overall a great athlete and swimmer.

Mackinnon said that Walsh is passionate and one great distance swimmer, displaying great performances and endurance.

MacKinnon, being a senior herself, said that without Walsh she doesn’t think she would be doing as well as she is.

“She makes me push myself. She is one of my best friends and to be able to grow with her on the team is a great feeling,” said MacKinnon.

Unfortunately fellow teammate and first-year Caroline Morgan was unable to respond for this article.

As the season progresses, Walsh does hope to make it to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), but more so hopes to just enjoy the time she has left to swim and be with her team.

Walsh added that every season there is always one meet where she gets in the water and knows she is going to succeed.

“This feeling happens maybe once or twice a season, and you work day in and day out for it all year long, so when you finally feel it, it’s euphoria,” said Walsh.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

With basketball off to a start, the Owl Nation faces even more success in winter sports, as Ty Nichols, junior and guard on the men’s basketball team, became the thirty-sixth 1,000 point scorer in the Keene State College program.

Sebastien Mehegan / Multimedia Director

Nichols scored 16 points against SUNY Plattsburgh and had six assists, five rebounds, and one block, ultimately walking away with a 73-66 victory and the 1,000 point accomplishment.

Nichols said that reaching 1000 points was something he knew he was going to push himself to accomplish, but that his true goal is the reach 2,000 points.

“It feels good, but I’m more worried about the success of the team this year,” added Nichols.

As a KSC athlete, Nichols believes that the success of an individual comes from the success of their team, and he makes sure to push his team to their true abilities.

Nichols said that he works to give each player the confidence they need to go out and do the right things on the court, to make plays, and most importantly to be themselves.

“I always tell them never to get caught up in the hype of the game and crowd. While off the court I tell them things that made my KSC career successful and things they need to do to become better people in society,” added Nichols.

However, Nichols is also influenced by the good of his team.

“My team has set me up with numerous opportunities to be successful, along with the coaching staff,” said Nichols.

He added that he team, as well as his coaches don’t set him up for failure and ask him to do things that they know he is capable of accomplishing.

Junior and teammate Kyle Santoro sees Nichols as a leader, dedicated, and an extreme threat on the court.

Santoro said that as an athlete Nichols is the most invested person on the basketball team, always working to improve his game.

Santoro added that Nichols has really grown a lot as a leader since last season and now being one of the older, more experienced players, Nichols is learning to fill that role quickly.

“He now leads by example and is more vocal and everyone listens to what he has to say,” said Santoro.

Apart from being a leader, Nichols is a highly competitive and devoted athlete said Santoro.

“He is dangerous from all aspects on the court. He can shoot, pass, get the ball easily and his defense is really good this year. He plays physical and works hard every single day,” added Santoro.

Unfortunately, fellow teammates Charles McClain and Dizel Wright were unable to comment on Nichols 1,000 point achievement after numerous attempts.

Nichols said that as the season goes on he looks forward to pushing his team and working hard, in hopes to reach success in the championship.

Nichols said that there is no better feeling that seeing all the hardwork you put in all year pay off in the end and that his main goal for his college career is to win a national championship.

“I feel as though this can be the year that we get it done,” said Nichols.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

Keene State College battled it out in field hockey last Wednesday against Plymouth State University (PSU).

The Owls came out with a 5-3 win, improving their record to 13-8. 

KSC first year Nina Bruno and sophomore Jensyn Dandeneau led the Owls in goals, each having two goals of their own in the game.

Bruno put away the Owls first goal in the first three minutes of the game (3.39 mark), scooping a ball off the board into the goal.

PSU’s offensive player Maddie Kabasakalian was able to tie up the game at the 9:32 mark.

However, the Owls quickly earned back their lead before the end of the first-half at the 22:45 mark when Dandeneau was able to beat PSU’s defense and put the ball past the goalie.

After half-time, Dandeneau put her second goal of the night into the net, curling a fastball into the net at the 35:55 mark.

Within five minutes, the Owls put in another goal after Bruno received a pass from Dandeneau, putting it past the goalie for her second goal of the game.

With KSC at a 4-2 advantage, PSU worked hard to find a scoring opportunity and was successful at the 53:23 mark.

The game went on with only a one goal difference, but the Owls pulled through and sealed their victory with three minutes left on the clock.

Senior Kendal Brown released a rocket of a shot that easily found its way into the net, giving the Owls the 5-3 win.

KSC went on to play in the finals of the Little East Conference (LEC) championship and snagged the title with a 9-0 win over Westfield, naming them the champions of the LEC.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com