Mind You Matter; only three words, but so much meaning behind them.

Angelique Inchierca / Photo Editor

For Morgan Kathan, “Mind You Matter” is much more than just a phrase, it’s very much a legacy and foundation for a vital cause.

Kathan, a senior at Keene State College as well as a member of the women’s soccer team, has created a fundraiser for The Jed Foundation.

The Jed Foundation primarily focuses on helping provide support for individuals, as well as promotes positive mental health.

Jed helps evaluate and strengthen schools in fields such as mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention.

They also offer numerous support systems and encourage individuals to reach out (jedfoundation.org).

Kathan has created a personal way to fund-raise money for the foundation, creating the “Mind You Matter” phrase on her own.

Her slogan portrays the message that your mind can be your biggest enemy, but it is vital be able to look past everything else and remember that you truly matter.

She is creating her own bracelets and selling them for six dollars a piece, keeping one dollar herself in order to be able to buy more materials each week.

Each bracelet has four strands of string. Green: From the Earth we grow, Blue: With the sky as our limit, Yellow: Our souls shine bright, and Red:  Here’s to life. To love and to live it.

For Kathan, this cause truly hits home.

“I deal with mental illness on my own. I know a lot of people who have personally struggled. I’ve lost a couple of friends as well, and so it just felt right to support such an amazing cause,” said Kathan.

Kathan has faced numerous struggles in her own life.

She is a strong individual, but she wasn’t always that way.

Her struggle with mental illness started in high school when she started losing confidence.

Kathan’s journey through her struggles has lasted for around six years.

In that time, she had sought out help for borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, manic depression and anxiety.

“It’s a hard topic. So finding this foundation and doing something like this not only means a lot to me, but it’s really just a step forward in the right direction,” said Kathan.

Kathan’s cause has already connected with so many people, her earnings being at $1,000 and increasing.

Kathan’s friend senior Mikaela Lonigro believes that the bracelet really hits home and supports a great cause.

“I saw her video on Facebook and it really touched me because a lot of kids feel like they don’t matter and don’t have someone to talk to. People are taking their own lives when they shouldn’t be,” said Lonigro.

Lonigro, having suffered from depression herself, knows how important it is to have support and access to help.

“It’s important to know that your mind does matter because it can truly take over at times. This video really helps spread awareness,” added Lonigro.

Junior Panthavy Pradachith also saw Kathan’s fundraiser as a great way to raise money for a vital cause.

But he praised Kathan’s creativity and personal touch even more so.

“It represents her and her personal experience. For her to come out and do that is great, not a lot of people could do that on their own,” said Pradachith.

For Kathan, this fundraiser has in many ways created a movement at KSC.

Her bracelets have brought people together and shed light on an issue that many often overlook.

With so much darkness in the world, it is nice to see such a bright flame in the Owl Nation.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The Little East Conference (LEC) Cross Country Championship  started off on a sunny day, with Keene State College hosting the Conference for the second year.

With runners from seven teams participating and the KSC women’s cross country team competing for their 18 consecutive LEC title, the energy was high as the first race began.

The conference took place on Saturday, Oct. 28, on Keene State’s very own course.

Brendan Jones / Equinox Staff

The Keene State women’s cross country team has 16 runners, while the men’s cross country team has 15 runners.

Beforehand, sophomore and member of the KSC women’s cross country team Lynne Hebert expressed her hopes for her team’s ability to reach their goal of winning the LEC title once again.

Hebert said that her team has done a lot of workouts on the course and has become familiar with the footing and the turns, which will help them perform at their highest level.

However, even though the women’s team is fairly young and familiar with the course, it is still a great deal of pressure to be competing for an 18 consecutive LEC title.

Hebert said that even though there is pressure, that exact pressure will push her team to do even better.

“We have a shot but it will be interesting to watch. It will be probably closer than years past have been.”

The women’s race heard the gun at exactly 11:00 a.m.. As the teams took off through the course, the KSC fans looked on with high hopes of success.

The women’s cross country worked hard, but unfortunately came in sixth out of seven teams. First-year Christina Martin, was the first Owl to finish, placing in 11th out of 72 runners.

Brendan Jones / Equinox Staff

Martin finished with a time of 20:22 for the 5k. The next Keene State runner to come in was junior Brittany Gravallese, who finished in 18th with a time of 20:40. The third Owl to ring in was junior Alana Olendorf, who placed in 21st with a finishing time of 20:56.

Ultimately the Owls placed sixth in the championship, but are still proud about time improvements said Hebert.

The Keene State men’s cross country team kicked off their race after the women’s race, setting a fast pace.

Beforehand senior Matt Dudley said that his team is hoping to get back into the top spot and redeem themselves from the year before. It’s important that everyone is focused and ready to work their hardest added Dudley.

“It’s going to be tough this year, but I like our chances. We know what to expect from everyone at this point,” said Dudley.

Junior Tyler DeChane was also hopeful for his teams success in the championship. DeChane admitted that the men’s team had been dwindling in numbers, but still believed that this race can be the men’s stand out race.

“I’m hoping this is really the race that gets us back into the groove of things before regionals,” said DeChane.

The KSC men’s cross country team was able to place second out of seven teams, two of their runners placing in the top ten runners. Junior Iid Sheikh-Yusuf finished in fourth place out of 58 runners, his finishing time being 25:53 for the 8k.

Senior Phil Parent came in next for the Owls, finishing in ninth place with a time of 26:12. The third place KSC runner was first-year Cameron Giordano who finished came in 12th place with a time of 26:26.

Although Keene State did not finish in first, the dedication that each KSC athlete has in their sport shows the true value in the race.

Dudley said, “Yes cross country is more of an individual sport, but I think a lot of people don’t realize how much of a team sport it also is. We all build each other up, we all contribute to each other’s success.”

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The women’s volleyball team ended their regular season on a high note, as they took a 3-1 win against Plymouth State University (PSU), gaining them the Little East Conference (LEC) regular season title. This put them in the number two seed for ranking for this weeks conference tournament in Springfield, Massachusetts.

For senior Rachel Lamica, finally accomplishing the goal of gaining the LEC title is something to be proud of.

Jake Paquin / Equinox Staff

Lamica said beforehand that it has been her team’s goal to win and achieve the LEC title, as well as perform at their highest level. As a senior, Lamica knew this was the last time she would ever be able to compete at this level, so having a team that is so willing to work is one of the many “perks” Lamica said.

Earning a LEC award is only won by hardworking teams, and KSC’s women’s volleyball has definitely risen to that standard this year.

They started the season off with a 15-0 winning streak, changing history for Keene State and setting a record for women’s volleyball.

Even after a few losses, they still finished out their regular season with 22-4 record, placing them in the number two seed position for their next conference.

This record also helped guide them to their success of winning the LEC title, however the team members say that winning had everything to do with each other.

Bailey Wilson who is a first-year that came to Keene State from California knows just how important communication and a close connection with teammates is.

Especially in volleyball, everyone needs to be communicating and ready to pick it up in positions, said Wilson.

Without every member being willing to face the team dynamics and not working hard, there wouldn’t be as much success added Wilson.

“I couldn’t have it and we couldn’t have it if everyone else wasn’t doing their jobs.”

Jennifer Severino, who is a sophomore on the women’s volleyball team agrees with her teammate Wilson.

Communication is key, as is hard work.

Both of those factors play a huge part in winning as a team said Severino.

Severino shared the same goal with all of her teammates, that being to win the LEC title and in a sense redeem themselves, and what a season to do so added Severino.

“We had to make sure we were talking and that everyone was on the same page, but winning is always the upside,” said Severino.

Cydnee Morgan, a first-year at Keene State praises her team for being able to work so well together and having no drama.

“We knew what we needed to do and got it done,” said Morgan.

Morgan said her team is very close and wants to be their, wants to work hard and especially wanted to win the LEC title award for regular season.

“It feels great to achieve it just by working hard and wanting it,” said Morgan.

Reflecting back on the regular season Morgan, Wilson and Severino all agree that even though taking some losses was not ideal, that those losses helped them stay level headed and keep their eye of their goals.

With the LEC title in hand, the women’s volleyball team looked to take on their next conference as the number two seed in Springfield Massachusetts, coming out with a 3-0 win against Curry College.

With the momentum that the women’s volleyball team currently has, nothing will stop them in their journey to ultimate success.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com 

The Owls fought early on to stay ahead of Williams College, but ultimately lost 3-1. KSC goalie first-year Rachel Loseby made seven crucial saves that kept the Owls in the game. In the 11th minute of the first-half Loseby was challenged and saved back-to-back shots that were fired from

Jake Paquin / Equinox Staff

Williams offensive player Julia Cochran. Before the 20 minute mark, Williams College had another threatening opportunity when Libby Dolan fired a shot, but sophomore Ally McCall made a defensive save that kept that game at 0-0. At the 21:01, Williams offensive player Meredith Wright hit the ball in after a jumble at the front of the goal. But, the Owls didn’t back down and worked to create offensive opportunities, succeeding at the 35 minute mark. After being awarded a penalty corner just at the end of the first-half, Keene State first year Nina Bruno fired a shot into the net after receiving a back pass from junior Julia Babbitt. As the second-half of the game began, Keene State goalie worked to keep the Owls in the game by making consecutive saves in the first three minutes. But Williams broke through with a goal at the 53:53 mark and another goal at the 59:28 mark, sealing a 3-1 lead over Keene State. Overall, Keene goalie Rachel Loseby made 16 saves that kept the Owls in the game and Nina Bruno earned her 15th goal of the season.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The KSC men’s soccer team took a hard 3-0 loss against Tufts University in last Wednesday’s game, bumping their Little East Conference (LEC) record to 2-1-2.

Luke Stergiou / Senior Photographer

The Owls worked to create an opportunity at the 18:16 mark of the first-half when the ball landed at the feet of senior Riley Steele. However, the shot went just barely too high over the goal. With no luck scoring for either team in the first 40 minutes of the first-half, Tufts University found a break at the 40:57 mark when they were awarded a corner kick. Dexter Eichhorst was able to control a long pass aimed at the outer goal post and scored Tufts first goal, giving them a 1-0 lead over the Owls.

Within a 30 second gap,  Tufts opened up another successful scoring opportunity as Zachary Trevorrow received a short pass within the box and shot the ball into the right corner of the goal, giving Tufts a 2-0 advantage over the Owls going into halftime. The Owls came out of half-time ready to cut down their losses and achieve a goal. At the 61st minute mark of the second-half Riley Steele sent a pass into the middle after receiving a through ball. Sophomore Donovan Harris was able to touch on it as he entered the box, however Tufts defense quickly cleared it out before Harris had the opportunity to launch a shot. Tufts offense did not let up as they worked at scoring again in the 70th minute of the game.

Tufts offensive player Jared Glover broke through the Owls defense, setting himself up for a one-on-one scoring opportunity. However KSC goalie, senior Michael Sancomb made a tremendous save to keep the Tufts at 2-0. But as the clock wound down, Tufts sealed their victory at the 79:52 mark. Jarod Glover was able to head the ball over Sancomb after receiving a high cross from his fellow teammate, sealing their 3-0 lead. The Owls will face the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Saturday Oct. 28 on their home field. The game will begin at 2:00 p.m..

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

It was an excitement-filled morning as family members, students and friends gathered to create colorful posters at the L.P. Young Student Center.

Jake Paquin / Equinox Staff

Tables with shirts, poster materials, sunglasses, glitter and friendly faces lined the grass, the sun making it a warm and sunny fall day.

Last Saturday, Oct. 21, the Owl nation honored their female athletes in women’s soccer and women’s volleyball, holding a Hootie’s Superfan Hangout which allowed Keene State College students and family members to create posters to cheer on their senior players.

This event also had backyard games that families could participate in, as well as  caricature drawings and face painting.

First-year Sabrina Oakes attended the Hooties Superfan Hangout and made a colorful poster for the women’s soccer team.

Oakes said, “It’s a really cool way to support our teams locally. We get to use glitter, and markers, and really anything to make a sign and it’s cool to just do something together, but at the same time for others.”

Jake Paquin / Equinox Staff

Oakes added,

“It’s also parent weekend so the families can really get involved with the students. All the families are talking and the little kids are having fun and it really just shows what a great environment Keene is. I think this hangout is definitely centered around honoring the athletes, but it accomplishes a sense of community and unity.”

Although the Hootie’s Hangout served as great event to rally the community together, the meaning of Saturday’s event resonated deep in the athletes who would be stepping on their field and court for their last home game as an Owl.

Rachel Lamica, a senior and women’s volleyball player, said she is taking it day by day and cherishing the moments as they come.

“It’s nice to know what’s coming. It for sure is bittersweet. I hate to leave because this is the last sport that I’m going to be able to play. It’s super weird though. Ever year I’m always like this is super sad and now it’s me, so I’m like wow. It went by so fast.”

The women’s volleyball team has a total of two seniors who have been playing all four years as Owls.

Jake Paquin / Equinox Staff

The bittersweet reality of the situation was very much real for the women’s soccer team as well, as the 11 seniors looked back on their journey throughout their four years of being an Owl.

Senior Morgan Kathan said she loves her team and that it’s going to be a challenge to part once the season is over, but that she is ready for what the future has to offer her.

“It’s really weird, it definitely feels super short. I’m ready to get going and get out of college but it’s been quick, a little too quick unfortunately, but it’s very exciting,” said Kathan.

Kathan added,

“This season went by in the shortest amount of time, it doesn’t feel like it’s been two months. So knowing this is the last time that we’re going to play at home with all of the fans and everyone all together, it’s pretty scary. But it’s definitely really exciting.”

Fellow teammates senior Marianna Porcello, Gretchen Greene and Taylor Farland shared the same thoughts about their season winding down, as well as how it felt to finally be facing their senior game.

Porcello thought about her experiences in the women’s soccer team and is finally coming to terms with the season coming to an end.

Jake Paquin / Equinox Staff

“It’s crazy. It’s overwhelming and it’s relieving at the same time. It’s scary to think that Saturday is our last regular season game on our home field, I’ve already been emotional about it. But it’s really cool to see how far we’ve come and how far we’ve progressed. People always ask me what’s coming next and I try not to think about that because I just want to cherish what’s happening right now.”

Greene shared similar thoughts and said, “It’s bittersweet, it’s scary.  Honestly it flew by. Everyone always tells you that senior year goes by the quickest and you don’t really think about it until the end. It doesn’t really feel like it’s almost over, it’s weird.”

Farland said that it felt surreal to finally be at this point of the season. “It’s scary. It hits you really out of nowhere, you don’t expect it to come as quickly as everybody says it will, your four years really do fly by. It’s weird to think about going into the real world, but it’s cool to be in this position,” said Farland.

Farland added, “It’s upsetting, there’s going to be a lot of tears for sure. There are 11 of us so it’s going to be interesting.”

Not only did the Hootie’s Superfan Hangout bring together the community, but it was also able to show the athletes that they have so much support and so much to look forward to as they take their next steps in life.

Although coming to the end of a sports career can be bittersweet and sad, that feeling is slightly dulled after knowing those four years were spent being an Owl.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The KSC men’s soccer team went up against Plymouth State University this past Saturday, Oct. 7.

Although the Owls put up a hard fight, they lost 2-1, suffering their first Little East Conference (LEC) loss.

During the first half of the game, Plymouth State was able to take the lead at the 10:55 mark.

Luke Stergiou / Senior Photographer

Plymouth offensive player Nick Rutherford received the ball at the top of the box and landed a shot in the high right corner, creating a 1-0 lead against Keene State. However, the Owls fought back and evened out the score in the 30th minute of the game, when senior and exercise science major William Salta landed a goal for the Owls.

Salta was able to dribble past multiple Plymouth defenders and land a goal in a one-on-one situation with the opposing goalie, tying up the score 1-1.

As the second half began and progressed, the Owls had some trouble in the 57th minute, fouling against Plymouth in the box and earning them a penalty kick. Fortunately, senior Keene State goalie Jason Smith prevented Plymouth from jumping ahead after a huge save.

The Owls worked to get in a second goal with multiple attempts by first-year Samuel Binogono, senior Promise Kpee and senior Riley Steele, but to no avail.

Each team worked to get the upper hand, but the defense on each team shut down each opportunity, sending them into overtime. As overtime began, the Owls created two opportunities to score, but with no success, the game continued on.

With just two minutes remaining, Plymouth State was able collect a rebound and land a goal from the goal line in the midst of scramble for the ball.

The Owls took a 2-1 loss, as well as suffered their first LEC loss. Their next home game will be Wednesday, Oct. 18 against Tufts University. The game will commence at 7:00 p.m..

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The Keene State Owls faced Salem State University in last Wednesday’s game. The Owls found instant momentum, scoring within 21 seconds of the first half. Sophomore Jensyn-Marie Dandeneau worked her way past Salem defenders and netted a goal after going one-on-one with Salem’s goalie.

Jake Paquin / Photo editor

Dandeneau was able to pick up her second goal of the game at the 7:03 mark of the first half. Junior Julia Babbitt was able to angle a pass that crossed the frame of the goal, at which Dandeneau positioned herself and tapped it in.

But Dandeneau was not done yet. Within 90 seconds of her second goal, Dandeneau put her third goal in after receiving an assist from senior Kendal Brown, completing her hat trick within the first half of the game. Dandeneau is one of two players on her team who have achieved a hat trick during a game.

The Owls kept finding the back of the net, scoring four more goals just in the first half.

Babbitt scored at the 10:34 mark, sophomore Ally McCall at the 14:29 mark, first-year Kayla Klein at the 19:06 mark and junior Mia Brickley scored the last goal of the first half for Keene State.

Salem was able to put in one goal in during the last five minutes of the first half, but the Owls went into halftime with a 7-1 lead.

Babbitt picked up her second goal in the second half. Two of her fellow teammates, sophomore Erica Chareth and first-year Nina Bruno, were also able to pick up their first goals of the game in the second half.

The three Keene State goalies received time in the net. First-year Rachel Loseby started in goal and switched out with first-year Paige Noble at the 14:29 mark. Noble switched out of net after 31:27 of playing. Sophomore Jordan LaRaus finished out the game for the Owls.

Keene State came out on top with a 10-1 win against Salem State. The Owls’ next home game will be Thursday, Oct. 12 against Castleton University.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The Athletics Hall of Fame banquet held their ceremony in the Mabel Brown Room last Friday, Sept. 29.

Jake Paquin / Photo Editor

There were four honorable inductees that earned their place with the many other alumni Owls who strived at Keene State College.

As the ceremony began, familiar faces reminisced with one another and laughter rang throughout the room.

The first inductee to be honored was Brent Elwell, who was inducted by former Keene State men’s soccer coach, Dr. Ron Butcher.

Brent was a videographer and beloved manager at Keene State College, helping with the Owls’ soccer and basketball programs, as well as in the Sports Information Department.

He received the Keene State Outstanding Service Award from the KSC alumni association in 2010.

However, his life ended short, at just the age of 33. Brent died at his home from health issues he had been battling his entire life.

“He had this way of motivating you, he had this way of getting you to listen…Little did I know that he would take our college by storm in many different ways. His love of the games, his love of the student athletes, his love of traveling with the teams, sitting with them, eating with them…was something special to see. Every student athlete that came in touch with Brent became a fan of his and he became a fan of them,” said Dr. Ron Butcher.

Jake Paquin / Photo Editor

The many personal stories told of how Brent was able to touch the lives of those around him, impacting them in positive ways.

He represented Keene State College like the ultimate Owl and dedicated his time and life to making others lives better.

Ned and Marylou Elwell, Brent’s parents, also spoke in his honor. “He did everything…I’ve said it years ago, the Celtics have their leprechaun, the Owls have Brent,” said Ned.

The next inductee was former women’s field hockey player Erin Dallas, who was inducted by Head Coach Amy Watson.

Not only did Dallas overcome a life-threatening illness in order to return and play as an Owl, but she was also a three time All American field hockey player.

Dallas remained the only player in the history of the Little East Conference (LEC) to be named both offensive player of the year and defensive player of the year.

Dallas played three years at Keene State College and, with her team, earned a pair of LEC Tournament titles and one Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championship.

Dallas was able to finish her career as the Owls’ all-time and single-season leader in assists, while ranking in the top 10 for scoring and defensive saves.

Jake Paquin / Photo Editor

Dallas reflected on her accomplishment, as well as expressed her gratitude for all of the people that helped her through her journey.

“Thank you and congratulations to my fellow inductees. I am very honored that my play on the field was deemed commendable for this prestigious honor, but there is no doubt in my mind that I would be up here today if it hadn’t been for the support of my coaches, my friends, my family and all of my teammates. It was their kindness and patience that allowed me to grow and build myself as an athlete, as well as a parent, a friend, anyone on the side.”

The third member to be inducted was former Keene State basketball player Tyler Kathan, who was inducted by former men’s basketball coach Rob Colbert.

Kathan finished his career as Keene State’s third all-time leading scorer, having a total amount of 1,805 points during an All-American career.

Kathan’s name is among many in the Keene State record books now.

He finished in the top 10 for shots, three-pointers, free throws and rebounds, as well as set a record for starting more games in school history than any other player has.

Kathan was also the only player in the history of the LEC to be named the Rookie of the Year as a first-year and be named Player of the Year twice.

Kathan also signed professional contracts in England and Germany to play abroad after graduating from KSC.

Like Dallas, Kathan also took his award with extreme honor and pride.

“I’m just honored and so proud to be up here and part of the Keene State family. I want to say congratulations to everyone being inducted and, again, it’s just an honor. I want to say thanks to my family, my coaches…I can’t imagine being up here without them. It was a family away from family.”

The last group to be inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame was the 1999 women’s softball team, who were all inducted by former softball coach Charlie Beach.

The 1999 women’s softball team set the event and school record for Keene State College for most wins and won the program’s first LEC regular season and tournament championships, reaching the final of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Divisions III Northeast Regional.

This team was able to capture the first LEC regular season championship with a 13-1 mark in conference play. The Owls finished their season as the NCAA runner ups.

All 15 players rose as their former coach highlighted each one of their accomplishments, recognizing their hard work and dedication as athletes and as Owls.

Each speaker highlighted the attributes that each inductee obtained to deserve their title-a love for Keene State College, representing the true Owl way, and working hard. With four new members, Keene State honors their new members.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

The KSC women’s soccer team came out with a 3-1 win against Lasell College on Thursday, Sept. 7.

The team was able to put away three goals in the first half, ultimately leading to their success.

The first goal came from senior Katie Silegy, who was able to get a foot on a cross sent in by senior Julia Pearson.

Silegy fired a low shot in the 10th minute of the game, which led to the first goal.

Jake Paquin / Photo Editor

The Owls held their momentum, with their second goal coming only four minutes later.

Senior Taylor Farland, who is known for scoring, was able to fire a shot off within the box, landing the Owls their second goal in the lower right corner of the net.

With 30 seconds left in the first-half, junior Taylor Bisaillon was able to pick up Keene State’s third goal.

Bisaillon was able to rebound a shot sent off by senior Morgan Kathan and bobbled by the visiting team’s goalie.

Bisaillon found the back of the net, giving the Owls a 3-0 lead after the first half.

The Lasers worked to find open opportunities in the first-half, with junior Sabrina Morais collecting a loose ball within the box and firing a shot.

However, Keene State’s goalie Abbie Terrinca was able to position herself for the save, giving the Owls a shutout for the first-half.

In the second half, the Lasers were able to regain composure.

Lasell junior Carly Zdanek was able to carry the ball up the left side of the field and fire a shot into the left side of net in the 79th minute.

But the KSC women’s soccer team held their ground and composure, shutting down all other opportunities for the Lasers.

The Owls came out with a 3-1 win and will play the University of Massachusetts Boston Sept. 16 at 1:00 p.m..

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com