By Jacob Duran

Staff writer

On Sunday, the AFC and NFC Championship games will determine who is going to Super Bowl LIII.  The matchups will pit the New England Patriots against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC and the New Orleans Saints against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC.  Both matchups will showcase electric offenses as the four remaining teams had the top four highest scoring offenses in the regular season.

Both showdowns, depending on the outcome, could represent a changing of the guard in the NFL among the most dominant teams.  Both the Patriots and Saints have been perennial playoff teams and are once again on the doorsteps of the Super Bowl. The Patriots have won 5 Super Bowls over the past two decades and have become the team to beat.

The Saints, though only winning one Super Bowl, have achieved consistent regular season dominance and quarterback Drew Brees has numerous NFL records to his name and many more that he is close to obtaining.  If there is a season for Drew Brees to win another Super Bowl, this is the time to win one.

Brees has the record for most games with a touchdown pass thrown at 54 games. This season, he broke the record for accuracy in a season by completing 74.4 percent of his passes.  He also has the career records for most passes completed and career passing yards. With 520 touchdowns, Brees is close to breaking the 539 career touchdown pass record held by Peyton Manning.

The Patriots and Chiefs game is a rematch from an earlier contest in the regular season that the Patriots won 43-40.  This season, the Chiefs ended a two-decade long home playoff losing streak with a win against the Colts and will be looking to make their first Super Bowl appearance since 1969.  The Patriots are looking to get back to the Super Bowl after losing to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII.

This game, if the Chiefs can pull off a victory, could potentially dethrone Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the Patriots Dynasty.  Patrick Mahomes, the young Chiefs gunslinger, has emerged as one of the top up-and-coming quarterbacks in the NFL. He is a dual threat, who can hurt defenses with his unique arm and with his willingness to scramble.  

Mahomes passed for over 5,000 yards only in his second season and threw 50 touchdowns along with 272 rushing yards.  The odds for this game are the Chiefs, favored by 3 points according to Forbes.

In the NFC, the Rams are a team that has many young and upcoming stars like running back Todd Gurley and quarterback Jared Goff.  This team was the last remaining undefeated team during the regular season at 8-0 only to be bested by the Saints 45-35. However, the Rams finished strong and earned a first round bye.

This will be the Rams first NFC Championship appearance since the 2001 season.  For the Saints, this is their first NFC Championship game since their Super Bowl season in 2009.  The Saints are favored in the meeting by 3.5 points according to Forbes.

The Patriots and Saints may have beat their respective opponents in the regular season, but teams change throughout the season and rarely play the same during playoff rematches, especially in the playoffs.  

For example, after the New York Jets lost to the Patriots in the 2010 season, they ended up winning over the Patriots 28-21 in the divisional round.  Also, in 2007 the New York Giants beat the Dallas Cowboys in the postseason, despite losing to them them in their previous meetings that season.

The final four of this NFL season will definitely be memorable not only because of the teams, but because of what they could do for NFL history.  

By James Gavato

Staff writer

Although the women’s basketball team played a hard season on the court, the group remains familiar with struggles.

The Thunderwolves are currently 8-7 overall, and 6-3 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. The Pack are 3-3 on the road, and 5-4 at Massari Arena, including dropping both contests last weekend.

CSU-Pueblo is fourth overall in RMAC play, with their three conference losses coming to the three teams above them in the standings: Colorado Mesa, Westminster College and Western State Colorado University.

The Thunderwolves are three games behind Mesa and Westminster, who are both undefeated in conference play. CSU-Pueblo is in great position to make a run for an RMAC title, despite senior Lauren Heyn being sidelined since November with an injury.

“We’ve tried to figure out ways to adjust without her. She brings charges and we haven’t had a lot of charges,” sophomore Sydni Williams said.

Williams has been a key player filling in for Heyn, especially defensively, where Heyn really showed her talent. Williams is second on the team in rebounds, averaging 6.2 a game.

Another key player for the Thunderwolves this season is freshman point guard JaNaiya Davis from Waco, Texas. She leads the team with 32.9 minutes a game, and has 55 assists on the season.

“It’s a different type of basketball. I’ve really been learning the game from my teammates,” she said about her transition to playing college basketball.

The Thuderwolves head coach Curtis Loyd has been very impressed with his team as the season now begins to wind down.

“We’re emphasizing being on the same page at the same time. With a young team, we’re playing really well.”

For the first time in school history, CSU-Pueblo was crowned RMAC Regular Season and Tournament Champions in Loyd’s first season.

Loyd also mentioned improvements that he hopes the Thunderwolves will achieve, and lead them back to that dominant 2017-18 season.

“We need to talk more. I would like to see our stats and everything we do on defense go up into the one, two or three in the conference. So that way we know that we are playing defense consistently.”

While the Pack have played very well defensively, it’s no question that Heyn could provide a huge spark for the Thunderwolves defense.

In her absence, fellow senior Jennah Knafelc has been the leader for CSU-Pueblo. She leads the team in 3-point shooting (39.6 percent), free throws made (81.4 percent), points per game (14.3) and steals (29).

Sophomore Khiya Adams has also stepped up this year for the Pack, leading the team in field goals made (54.4 percent), and rebounds per game (7.4).

The Thunderwolves will look to move up in the RMAC standings this weekend as they head up north.

On Friday, the Pack will face Metro State University Denver, who are 11^th in the RMAC standings with a 4-5 conference play record. On Saturday, CSU-Pueblo will battle Chadron State, who are 14^th in the conference with a 2-7 RMAC record.

Both games are scheduled to tipoff at 5:30 p.m.

The Thunderwolves will face these two teams again at Massari Arena Feb. 22 and 23.

A complete schedule of upcoming games can be found on www.gothunderwolves.com/landing/index

Looking for something new to put out on the table for an upcoming holiday dinner? All this week, the staff of the Today at Colorado State University-Pueblo are sharing their favorite recipes for meals and desserts to try out for the holiday season!

Note: Fall Break will be from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 this semester.

From – Melanie Mau, Staff writer

Skip the line: Not Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

With a prep time of 10 minutes and baking time of 20, this side dip will please restaurant appetizer lovers in a matter of 30 minutes. It can be made either in a slow cooker or in the oven.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
• cayenne or hot sauce to taste (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine the cheeses.Set half of the cheese mixture aside to use later.  Combine everything else (including the other half of the cheese mixture) in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
3. Place mixture in a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Remove aluminum foil, top with remaining ½ cup shredded cheese, and bake for 10-15 more minutes, or until the sides are bubbling and the cheese has melted and turned golden brown on top.
5. Serve with tortilla chips.

Slow Cooker (crockpot) option

Mix everything, place it in the slow cooker and cook until the cheese is nice and melted about 1-2 hours on high or 2-4 hours on low.

Looking for something new to put out on the table for an upcoming holiday dinner? All this week, the staff of the Today at Colorado State University-Pueblo are sharing their favorite recipes for meals and desserts to try out for the holiday season!

Note: Fall Break will be from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 this semester.

From – Melanie Mau, Staff writer

A microwave-friendly food staple: “Easy-Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole”

Courtesy of Bob Manasco at allrecipes.com

Don’t have an oven to cook a favorite side dish for your holiday dinner? Stuck on campus with a dearly beloved microwave? Bob Manasco has the solution for that: a classic casserole dish with the ability to be cooked right in the microwave for those without kitchen appliances or in a hurry. With a preparation time at 10 minutes and cooking time at 15 minutes, this dish can be made in under a half hour.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (8 ounce) package processed cheese, cubed

  

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 dash hot sauce
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (2.8 ounce) can French-fried onions

DIRECTIONS

1. Place cheese in a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish; cook in microwave until mostly melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in chicken soup, wild rice, broccoli, chopped onion, celery, hot sauce, and black pepper.
2. Microwave until fully cooked and bubbling, 12 to 14 minutes, rotating halfway through cooking.

Optional:  Sprinkle French-fried onions over casserole; cook for 1 more minute.

Looking for something new to put out on the table for an upcoming holiday dinner? All this week, the staff of the Today at Colorado State University-Pueblo are sharing their favorite recipes for meals and desserts to try out for the holiday season!

Note: Fall Break will be from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 this semester.

From – Katryna Pona, Staff writer

Cheesy Classic: Patti Labelle’s Over the Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese

Courtesy of myhoustonmajic.com

Pattie Labelle’s Macaroni and Cheese recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it is for Thanksgiving dinner, or Christmas Day, it is a perfect side dish for any meal no matter what season it is.

This simple and delicious dish only takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes to prep and cook and serves up to 8 people.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 stick butter, cubed, plus more for greasing
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound elbow noodles
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs, whisked
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 cup shredded mild Cheddar
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup shredded muenster cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone
• 1/2 cup processed cheese product, such as Velveeta, cubed
• 1 cup cream

DIRECTIONS

1. First you will want to preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with butter.
2. Next you will want to bring a large stockpot of water to a boil with the sea salt and oil. Add the noodles and cook for 7 minutes. Drain and cool the pasta.
3. After that, place the cooked noodles in a large bowl. Pour the melted butter over the pasta. Add 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of the seasoned salt and mix well, then add the eggs. Add the mild Cheddar, sharp cheddar, monterey jack, mozzarella, muenster, pepper jack and provolone, and mix thoroughly. Make sure the cheese is evenly mixed into the noodles. Transfer the noodles to the prepared casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle the dish with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt, and top it off with the processed cheese product. Pour the cream over the top. Bake the mac and cheese until it starts to bubble around the edges for 35 minutes. And finally serve it hot to your friends and family. Enjoy and Happy holidays.

Follow along on video with Patti Labelle and Oprah Winfrey and learn how the originator bakes hers to perfection.

Looking for something new to put out on the table for an upcoming holiday dinner? All this week, the staff of the Today at Colorado State University-Pueblo are sharing their favorite recipes for meals and desserts to try out for the holiday season!

Note: Fall Break will be from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 this semester.

From – Chris Churilla, Staff writer

Sweet and savory Pumpkin Spice Fudge for flavor lovers

Courtesy of shugarysweets.com

If you’re looking to add a new dessert to the arrays of pie and cakes to the holiday feast, the answer may be closer than before. With kosher salt, gingersnap crumbles and white chocolate morsels, this fudge will delight a modern and classic palette.

INGREDIENTS

• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 11 oz. pkg. white chocolate morsels
• 3.4 oz. box pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
• 7 oz. marshmallow crème
• 2 tbsp. caramel sauce
• 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
• 3 gingersnap cookies, crushed

DIRECTIONS

Line 13” x 9” baking dish with parchment paper.

In large heavy saucepan, heat butter, cream, sugar and salt on medium high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. When it begins to boil, set timer for five minutes.

Continue stirring while mixture is at a roiling boil.

Remove from heat. Quickly whisk in white chocolate, pudding mix and marshmallow crème. Whisk until fully blended (one to two minutes). Pour into baking dish. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Remove from pan, remove parchment paper and place on large cutting board. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

In small bowl, whisk caramel sauce and powdered sugar together. Drizzle over cut pieces of fudge and immediately sprinkle with crushed cookies. Store in covered container in refrigerator.

Looking for something new to put out on the table for an upcoming holiday dinner? All during break, the staff of the Today at Colorado State University-Pueblo are sharing their favorite recipes for meals and desserts to try out for the holiday season!

Note: Fall Break will be from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 this semester.

From – Alexis Smith, Staff writer

A Mouthwatering, Vegetarian Thanksgiving: Greek Stuffed Acorn Squash

Courtesy of somethewiser.danoah.com

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family, friends and eat oneself into a food coma.

For those who are beginning to stray away from the traditional Thanksgiving main course of turkey or ham, vegetarians looking for a new recipe or those just looking for a unique recipe, this dish is sure to steal the show from even the most devout carnivores.

Setting out to find the most delicious and healthy food for this vegetarian twist on the upcoming holiday was a small feat after finding Some the Wiser. The website features: Greek Stuffed Acorn Squash that has “Vibrant Greek flavors, hearty quinoa, beans, and greens, with a crispy bread crumb topping and cheesy goodness to finish it all off.” The dish only takes 10 minutes to prepare and an hour to bake.

This hearty, healthy and delicious dish has the versatility to be either a main course or a side dish and will make a lasting impression in the stomachs of those who taste it.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium/large acorn squash, halved and seeded

  

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups chopped greens (spinach, chard leaves, kale)
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans, rinsed
• 1 cup cooked red quinoa
• ⅓ cup sliced kalamata olives
• ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon butter, melted
• ⅓ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the insides of each squash with 2 tablespoons softened butter, then sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Place squash in a roasting pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until squash is tender.
2. While the squash is cooking, add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add onion and saute for 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion begins to soften and turn golden. Add garlic and saute for an additional minute.
3. Add 2 tablespoons water, tomato paste, and remaining salt and pepper to the onion mixture, stirring to combine well. Stir in the greens and cover for about 5 minutes, or until the greens are tender. Stir in the cooked quinoa, beans, olives, and feta crumbles. Cook over low heat for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from heat.
4. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cheese, and remaining teaspoon of melted butter. Stuff each roasted squash half with the quinoa mixture and top with the breadcrumbs and cheese.
5. Position rack in center of oven and preheat broiler. Broil stuffed squash halves for 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and breadcrumbs are browned.

From CSU-Pueblo Officials

Colorado State University-Pueblo will host its annual Piano Monster Concert, featuring five grand pianos performing at once Nov. 3, at 7 p.m.

The Monster Concert is part of the Music Department’s ninth Pueblo Keyboard Arts Festival, Nov. 1-3, which features solo and ensemble concerts, master classes, and a young artist competition. Attendance at all festival events is free and open to the public in Hoag Recital Hall.

The musical lineup includes Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals for two pianos and orchestra, Flight of the Bumblebee, In the Hall of the Mountain King, The Great Gate of Kiev arranged for more pianos than necessary and more.

This musical event is particularly unique, as pianos are typically solitary instruments and not usually present in large scale collaborative settings. With a focus on community outreach, the event brings together pianists and those who aspire to learn the instrument.

Musicians will consist of faculty, current students, alumni, and special guests, including guest artists. Featured artists include Dr. Dror Biran – guest artist, Dr. Zahari Metchkov – CSUP faculty, the CSU-Pueblo Orchestra, CSU-Pueblo Students and Alumni, and Southern Colorado piano teachers and their students.

CSU-Pueblo Music Department alumni are invited to a free pre-concert reception beginning at 6 p.m., an hour before the Monster Concert commences. Non-music-alumni-guests will have a fee of $10 to attend. For more information, contact the music department at 719.549.2552.

Upcoming festival events include

• Masterclass for High and Middle School students with festival guest artist Dr. Dror Biran and Dr. Zahari Metchkov (Nov. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.)
• Young Artist Competition (Nov. 3, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
• Piano Monster Concert (Nov. 3, 7:00 p.m.)

From CSU-Pueblo Officials

Prominent and provocative author and activist Cornel West will return to Colorado State University-Pueblo Friday, Nov. 2 as part of the new University Lecture Series sponsored by the Office of the President and the Center for Teaching and Learning

West and CSU-Pueblo President, Timothy Mottet, will engage in a “conversation” about race relations, issues in higher education, and current events. The public event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom. Doors will open at 6pm. The event is free and open to the public, and seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

“CSU-Pueblo’s new vision is bold – to be the people’s university of the Southwest United States by 2028 – and to achieve this vision, we must offer world class speakers, professional development opportunities, and timely discussions for our students, our educators, and our community,” said Executive Director of Organizational Development, Dr. Donna Souder Hodge. “Our mission at CSU-Pueblo is steeped in student success and the ways CSU-Pueblo must help our students navigate work and family and their communities in a rapidly changing world; speakers like Dr. West are important to achieving these goals.”

Souder Hodge explained that West’s writing, teaching, and public advocacy focus on complex issues of race and class that are increasingly important to Pueblo, southern Colorado, and the nation. This will be the second time West has visited the Pueblo campus; he visited in 2016 and spoke to a crowd of more than 600.

“We’re excited to welcome Cornel West to our campus again. Dr. West was incredibly generous with his time and expertise in 2016, and I am thrilled that, this time, we will have the opportunity to hear Dr. West and President Mottet sit together and talk about the future of higher education,” she said.

Cornel West is Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University and holds the title of Professor Emeritus at Princeton University. He has also taught at Union Theological Seminary, Yale, Harvard, and the University of Paris. Cornel West graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard in three years and obtained his M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy at Princeton.

West has a passion to communicate to a vast variety of publics in order to keep alive the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. – a legacy of telling the truth and bearing witness to love and justice. West is the author of 20 books, and he is best known for his classics, Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and for his memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud. His most recent book, Black Prophetic Fire, offers an unflinching look at 19th and 20th century African American leaders and their visionary legacies.

In his major bestseller, Race Matters, West burst onto the national scene with his searing analysis of the scars of racism in American democracy. Race Matters has become a contemporary classic, still in print after 10 years, having sold more than 400,000 copies.

West is a frequent guest on the Bill Maher Show, CNN, C-Span and Democracy Now. He made his film debut in the Matrix – and was the commentator (with Ken Wilbur) on the official trilogy released in 2004. He also has appeared in more than 25 documentaries and films including Examined Life, Call & Response, Sidewalk, and Stand.

He has produced three spoken word albums including Never Forget, collaborating with Prince, Jill Scott, Andre 3000, Talib Kweli, KRS-One and the late Gerald Levert. His spoken word interludes are featured on productions by Terence Blanchard, The Cornel West Theory, Raheem DeVaughn, and Bootsy Collins.

For media requests, please contact Greg Hoye, Executive Director, Marketing, Communication & Community Relations at 719-549-2810, or via email at greg.hoye@csupueblo.edu

By James Gavato 

Colorado State University-Pueblo’s men’s basketball team is looking to bounce back from last season’s heartbreak.  

A season ago, the Thunderwolves faced the Western State Mountaineers in their last regular season game, with the winner clinching a spot in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament.  In a turn of events, the Thunderwolves lost that game on their home court with a final score of 91-88, bringing their season to a bitter end. 

The team hopes to make a run for an RMAC title this upcoming season, and also be more consistent every game, which has been a struggle for them the last couple of years. While CSU-Pueblo graduated a couple of key players from last season, they will return a few starters, and even a few guys who gave quality minutes off the bench a season ago.  

The Thunderwolves have one red-shirt senior this season, guard Gavin Liggett, who brings experience for the team, and is a threat from 3-point range. He will also likely run the point for the Thunderwolves. 

Donovan Oldham and Jason Anderson, who are both red-shirt juniors, played a huge role in the Thunderwolves success last season, and look to build-off those successes this upcoming season. 

“I just want to be the best teammate, leader and captain I can be for my guys,” Oldham said about his personal goals for this season. “I want to improve every day and help us win as many games as possible. We want to win the RMAC, and make a run in the region. We have the talent and depth this year, so that’s kind of what we expect.” 

Anderson, who transferred from the Air Force Academy last season, had to sit out half of that season due to the transfer rule.  

“It’s my first full season in a couple years and I’m ready to have a good season and get used to playing with everybody on the team right from the beginning of the season,” Anderson said.  

He said that the RMAC will provide a lot of competition, and that the Thunderwolves would have key conference match-ups. “Either Regis University since they were the No. 1 team in the preseason poll or University of Colorado at Colorado Springs since it’s my hometown,” said Anderson. “I like to beat up on the.” 

CSU-Pueblo will open up RMAC play on the road against New Mexico Highlands on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. The Thunderwolves will face Regis on the road on Jan. 5 at 7 p.m, and will battle UCCS at Massari Arena on February 2 at 7:30pm.  

CSU-Pueblo also returns sophomore Corey Seng, and red-shirt sophomore BJ Hardy, who both provided great minutes for the Thunderwolves last year, and also look to be a part of bigger roles this season. 

On top of experienced players, the Thunderwolves head coach, Ralph Turner, is also back to coach for his eighth season.  

Men’s Basketball begins their season on the road in Wichita Falls, Texas, where they are set to battle Arkansas-Fort Smith Nov. 4 at 4 p.m., and Rodgers State on Nov. 5 at 5 p.m.  

The Thunderwolves will open play at home against Midwestern State and Wayland Baptist on Nov. 16 and 17. Both games are at 7 p.m., and are a part of the 35th Annual Al Kaly Shrine Classic.