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Features

New Year’s resolutions: The lie we keep telling ourselves

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Many make New Year’s resolutions but are unable to keep them.

Working out, eating healthier, reading more. But how are some able to complete their resolutions and even make them into a habit?

I asked two current and one former NECC student about this to try to examine what factors made their resolutions stick.

Former student Karen Smith made a resolution in 2020, to eat healthier; two years later she has kept that resolution and has lost almost 40 pounds!

I sat down with her to ask what steps she took to be successful.

She told me, “Honestly, what made it the easiest for me to keep up with it was meal prepping. With my meals already made, I was less tempted to eat something else because I had something already prepared and did not want it to go bad!”

For Smith, her kids were also a spark of inspiration to keep her going. “I wanted to be healthier for my kids so I can live longer and overall just feel better about myself.”

Olivia Hansen’s goal was to read more books.

On average in 2020 she read about 12 books. Now in 2022 she is reading almost 50 books a year.

“Really, what it did for me was making the time to go and read. When I found myself on my phone for a little too long, I would instead go and pick up a book. The more and more I did that it became easier for me to choose my book instead of my phone. Then it became a game to see how many books I could read.”

Hansen’s tip for those trying to read more: pick an interesting and fast paced book, if you keep reading engaging books you’ll find yourself always wanting to read more.

For Avery Hochheiser, her goal was to work out more.

She told me it was hard at first but once it became routine, she found herself enjoying when it was time to go workout. “Kickboxing is what made it fun for me. I don’t think if I did any other type of exercise I would have been able to keep at it.”

Finding what was enjoyable was key for Hochheiser keeping her resolution.

Slider, Sports

NECC Knights are your Region 21 champions

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On Mother’s Day May 8, the NECC Knights faced Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Knights  in the championship game for the Region 21 tournament in  Fraser Field in Lynn.

The NECC Knights defeated CCRI 13-1 to become Region 21 champions.

Todd Tringale of Saugus was on the mound for the NECC Knights and for the CCRI Knights it was Jacob Sanantonio of Carston R.I.

First pitch was at 12:04 p.m. Tringale walked the leadoff hitter Dylan Barlow of Warwick, R.I. but Tringale settled himself by striking out the next three hitters.

The CCRI first baseman Rafael Rodriguez of Providence, R.I. got injured when Richie Williams stepped on him. Carlos Molines Berrocal  of Montreal Canada came in the game to play left field as Marcus Bothelo moved from left field to first base.

The Knights had Williams on first when Jarred Coppola of Lynn hit an RBI triple that scored the first run of the game that followed with Richard Matos de la Cruz’s RBI single.

The Knights were up 2-0 when Clay Campbell of Goffstown N.H., struck out swinging and both runner moved up as the Knights double steal. Lucas Berube of Dighton  ground out to the shortstop as the Knights left runners on second and third as they were trying to break the game open early on.

Tringale strike out two of the three batters that he faced in the second inning.

In the bottom of the second  Kyle Hsu of Brookline N.H.,  lead it off with an infield single. Kameron Levesque of Hooksett N.H.,  was at the plate when Hsu was between first and second. The  catcher threw the ball to the first baseman and Hsu went to second and advance to third on a low throw by the second baseman. Levesque walked as the Knights of Northern Essex had runner in the corner with no one out when Richie Williams was at the plate when Levesque stole second. Williams walked and it was a wild pitch that allowed Hsu to score to make it 3-0 The Knights Bear ground out to a double play that scored the fourth run of the game. White hit a triple. He was left stranded at third as Coppola ground out to short to end the inning.

Tringale struck out two of the three batters that he faced as Tringale worked himself a 1,2,3 inning.

Berube connected a double to left field with two outs in the inning. Hsu hit a line drive to the first baseman and jumped in mid air and almost caught the ball. Instead the runners were in the corners for Levesque as Hsu stole second. Levesque walked as the Knights have the bases loaded for Williams. Sanantonio threw a wild pitch that scored the fifth run of the game. Bothoth runners moved up 90 feet. Williams flied out to right field to end the inning.

In the top of the third Tringale pitched a 1,2,3 inning.

In the bottom of the third inning Bear reached on base on an error on the shortstop which brought White to the plate that he already had two triples heading into his third at bat of the game. White hit an opposite field double to the left field wall that scored the sixth run of the game. Coppola reached on a the ball that landed between center and right field. Matos De la Cruz knocked home the 7th run of the game on a sacrifice fly. Campbell double over the head of the left field the Knights had the runner in second and third when the pitcher throw a wild pitch that allowed the 8 run of the game.

CCRI Knights change their pitcher they bring in to pitch Matt Winn of Cranston, R.I., to Berube the first pitch that he saw he hit a fly ball to left field that knocked home the 9 run of the game.

On top of the 4th inning Santonio reached on a error on Hsu that couldn’t came up with the scoop cleanly with one out in the inning. Charos Pena of Providence R.I. ground out to a double play to end the inning.

In bottom of the fourth with two outs in the inning, Bear walked, which brought White at the plate where he was he is already 3 for 3 with three extra base hit. White reached on first on the shortstop he bobbled it and couldn’t came up cleanly. Coppola walked. The Knights had the bases loaded with 2 outs when Matos de la Cruz struck out  swinging to end the inning.

In the top of the 5th inning after Tringale quickly got the first two out. He walked he walked Dylan Barlow and he struck out Caleb Harri, he made him to chase on a high pitch to end the top of fifth.

NECC Knights baseball player Luis Colon and Nicholas White holding Region 21 Championship trophy
NECC Knights baseball player Luis Colon and Most Outstanding Player Nicholas White holding Region 21 Championship trophy Photo by Editor-in-Chief/Sports Editor Jose Rodriguez

CCRI Knights brought Nate Campbell of Johnston, R.I., to pitch the bottom of the fifth. Campbell got things going for the Knights with a base hit and Berube walked and the Knights got two runners on with nobody out. Luis Colon of Lawrence came to pinch hit for Leveque. He e hit a sacrifice fly that scored the 10th run of the game and the Knights were up 10-0. Williams single to extend the Knights lead 11-0 Kevin Rodriguez of Manchester N.H., came and pinch hit for Bear as he hit a fly ball to short to end the inning.

Jack Swarbrick of Haverhill came in the ball game to replace Tringale. Joseph Settle of Melbourn FL.,  came to replace Levesque on right field and Nick Panzini of Methun came and replace Berube behind the plate.

After Swarbrick got the first out of the inning on a strike out he walked the next two batters that he faced. The pitching coach Evan Glew came and Swarbrick got his rhythm back striking out Molines Berrocal on a 1-2 pitch. Swarbrick hit Pena while Bothelo was batting Swarbrick allowed a wild pitch that scored the first run of the game for CCRI. On a 3-2 pitch Bothelo strikeout on a high pitch that would’ve been ball 4.

CCRI brought Dlyan Barlow  of Warwick R.I. to pitch in the 7th inning. The Knights went quickly as they did not score.

On top of the inning the eighth Knights  brought Thomas Catteneo of  Guilford, CT to pitch. He pitched a 1,2,3 inning and a great catch by Hsu in first robbed a base hit to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 8th inning Nick Panzini of Methuen doubled then Hsu hit a double as the Knights went back to back double to drive home the 12th run of the game. Two outs in the game Williams walked the Knights had two runners on for Rodriguez he scored the 13th run of the game on a fly ball error that the third baseman dropped the ball. White hit a fly ball to right fielder and made the sliding catch to end the inning.

Catteneo just gave up a hit to the lead off batter then he retired the next three batters that he faced with a line out and two ground out as the Knights defeated CCRI to win the Region 21 championship.

After the game Coach Mejia told me “it was great. It was a good feeling, the boys worked really hard for that. You know the players are the ones who won championship this team is a tight team, they finished a complete season undefeated in New England…” he also mentioned “I just told them to enjoy it. This his school has been playing baseball since the early 80s and it’s only the ninth time in school that we were able to win a regional championship…” Mejia said.

Nick White was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Region 21 Tournament.

“I was definitely surprised I didn’t play on Thursday I was out with a little shoulder issue I came back and continue doing what I am doing. I am happy to have it, very blessed,” White said.

Features

Life vs. travel

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With all of the factors at play in your everyday life, it is hard to just pick up your bags and travel.

The typical job would not help you have any available time to actually go on this trip, especially if you are trying to actually experience the location of interest.

If you are a student and also working then this available time is dramatically decreased. Although there are plenty of options to go abroad within some colleges, it isn’t always possible with rent that needs to be paid, family that needs to be taken care of, as well as many other more extreme factors like an older family member who is not at the peak of their health.

A graduate of UMass Amherst named David Rouleau is playing his bass guitar as he stops after being questioned on the matter at hand and says, “I just got my passport for the first time a few days ago and have no trip in mind, but I have never been outside of the country and only been off of the east coast twice. I have felt the need to see the world my whole life, but never had the opportunity. Now with my passport I feel like it will be much easier to be spontaneous.”

Getting ready to go even with no trip in mind plays a huge role in giving yourself opportunity, but god knows how annoying it is to get this passport. Fear leads people to be nervous before being spontaneous.

This is not always the case because circumstances can help people get up and go.

A man named Jack Dalton finds his way into his garage and opens the door as he explains his traveling experience, “I was lucky that I grew up with my dad having been born in Ireland and always wanting to go back to be with our family. My grandmother is at an age now where he feels the need to be with her as much as possible and having her come here is no longer an option. I honestly can’t even count how many times I have been overseas now and I cannot wait to go again.”

Dalton’s point of view is not the average as he has been to Europe over 6 times, but also said that he had a lot of gratitude for the position that he has been given.

A graduate of Northeastern, Nicole St. Germain has also gone overseas plenty of times while also working a fulltime job at a few different fortune 500 companies over the years.

She took her life by the wheel and worked very hard to be where she is today. St. Germain sits at the dining table awaiting the food to be ready and says, “Everywhere I have been was unique and holds very important memories that I would not give up for anything. I feel that it was hard for me to make time for those trips, but that is a huge part of what I work for.”

She did not have as many opportunities to do what other people can with a lot of money so she set goals for herself and reached them.

Everybody wants to travel and it is almost a necessity as it could change your perspective for the better no matter where you go.

Not everybody may be naturally spontaneous, but there could be missed memories and regrets by not trying to be.

Nobody will regret what they did not buy in life, they will regret where they have not gone.

Home Page News Bytes, News

Why students continue to take online classes

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COVID-19 has altered the ways that individuals approach education.

One of these things that have changed is the prominence of online classes. Even now, when in-person courses are up and running, many people still opt to take their classes virtually.

One of these students is Avery Hochheiser, an early college student at Northern Essex Community College (NECC).

Hochheiser is taking Journalism I and Honors Seminar online this spring. She has been working towards an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts Writing for the past two years, exclusively taking classes online.

As a high school student, if she had to take courses in person, they may conflict with her high school schedule and prevent her from finishing her degree. In addition, she didn’t have her driver’s license last year, so she would have had to be dependent on her parents to take her to these classes.

Overall, without online courses, Hochheiser would not have been able to make it as far as she has in her degree and most likely would not have the opportunity to complete it.

Cassidy Smith, an Early College student at NECC, is taking classes so she will be able to transfer them to the college she goes to in the future.

Since Smith’s schedule is packed with her high school classes like AP US History and AP Language, she doesn’t have the time to drive to NECC to take courses during the school day.

She is also frequently swamped after school with extracurriculars and work, which would complicate taking nighttime classes. She expressed that Hansen 2 she was very grateful for online courses since they allowed her to further her education without it complicating her life too much.

Gianna McKeown is another early college student at NECC. She is currently taking English Composition II and Accounting. Her experience with online classes has been a positive one.

Though she says she misses seeing her teachers in person, she is grateful for how involved and willing to communicate most of her online teachers have been.

She also noted that the discussion posts that are a part of most of her classes have allowed her to stay connected with her fellow classmates and feel like a part of the community.

If students are interested in taking classes online, they can go to the course search tool on the NECC website and add a filter for 100% online classes.

Registration for summer classes is still open, and classes start on May 16 and run until June 24.

Slider, Sports

Knights moving on to the Region 21 Championship

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On Saturday May 7th the number 1 seed NECC Knights faced the number 2 seed Massasoit Community College in Frasier  Field in Lynn, Massachusetts. The winner of this game would advance to the NJCAA Region 21 championship game on May 8th.

Knights defeated Massasoit 6 to 1 to advance to the Region 21 championship game.

NECC Knights warmed up doing their pre-game routine before the game taking ground balls and hitting in the cage.

The Knights had Jayden Volker of Coventry, R.I., on the mound. Volker struck out t the side in the first inning.

Massasoit had Josh Perez of Fall River on the mound with 2 outs in the inning. Nicholas White from Townsend walked, which brought Jarred Coppola of Lynn to the plate. White stole second on the very next pitch Coppola hit a single up the middle to score the first run of the game. On a 3-0 count Richard Matos de la Cruz of Boston hit base hit through shortstop. Clay Campbell of Goffstown, NH was at the plate when the Knights completed a double steal. They had runner on second and third, a chance for Campbell to score two more runs but instead Campbell struck out looking to end the inning.

Volker had Massasoit in check striking out 2 of the 3 batter and retiring the first 6 batters that he faced so far including striking out five batters already. This is confusing

The Knights had runners on first and second with two outs when Chris Bear struck out swinging to end the second inning and the Knights did not scored.

Volker with one out in in the third inning hit Kyle Cummings of South Easton following a walk to Franciso Navarro of Chirique, Panama. Max Kelly ground out to a fielders choice with two outs in the inning .Matt Kelly flied out to the center fielder as Volker escaped in and out of trouble as Massasoit did not score.

On a 2-0 pitch Nicholas White got hit by pitch in the leg. White remained in the game after Coach Jeff Mejia and the trainer came and checked on him. Coppola was at the plate when White advanced to second on a wild pitch. Coppola walked.

NECC warming up before the semi finals vs Massasoit
NECC warming up before the semi finals vs Massasoit Photo by Editor-in-Chief/Sports Editor Jose Rodriguez

The Knights was set up first and second nobody out with one of their best hitters Richard Matos de la Cruz swung and missed a ball in the dirt, a good block by the catcher but it was enough for both runners to move up 90 feet. Matos de la Cruz brought home the second run of the game on a sac fly to center. Campbell walked Joseph  Settle  of Melbourne, FL on a 1-2 pitch he flied out to center field. It was enough for Coppola to advance to third.

Perez threw the ball to first to try to pick off Campbell from first, instead Perez threw the ball away which Campbell advanced to second and third on the same pitch. Berube walked and the Knights had runners in the corners with two outs. That would will be it for Perez allowing 3 runs, runners in base is his responsibility.

PJ Moniz of Berkley came to pitch when Levesque was at the plate when the Knights scored the fourth run of the game on a double steal. The catcher threw the to third and the third baseman threw the ball back to home as White was safe. Levesque fly ball to second to end the inning.

On the top of the fourth inning with two outs in the inning Berube throw out the runner trying to steal second to finish the top of the 4th inning.

With one out in the bottom of the 4th inning Bear reached on base on a throwing error by the shortstop. White was batting when Bear stole second. The Knights had runners in scoring position with one out. White struck out swinging on a curve ball. Bear advanced to third on a wild pitch when Coppola was batting. He e struck out looking on a curve ball that clipped the inside corner of the plate.

Volker struck out the side in the 5th inning. Massasoit brought a new pitcher in the fifth inning, it was David Lawrence of New Bedford.

In the bottom of the fifth inning Campbell walked and he got thrown out at second trying to steal for second out of the inning. Settle ground out to the third baseman to end the inning.

Volker was on the mound to begin the 6th as he has been brilliant all game long. He gave up a base hit to Nick Thineault of Bridgewater to lead off the bottom of the six Matt Kelly ground out to a double play a nice sliding catch of Settle to end the top of the 6 inning.

In the bottom of the 6th inning the Knights went quietly.

On top of the 7th inning the Knights brought a new pitcher, it was Alex Sweeney of Raymond, NH. He came and did the job, retiring the three batters that he faced during the inning.

On the bottom of the 7th inning with one out White hit a double between center and right. Coppola followed with a 2 run home run through left field. Matos de la Cruz got hit by pitch. Kevin Rodriguez of Manchester, N.H. came and pinch run. Rodriguez got caught stealing trying to advance to second.Campbell walked. Kyle Hsu of Brookline N.H., came and pinch hit for Settle.

In the top of the eight inning Sweeny came on to pitch for his second inning of work. He pitched a 1,2,3 inning.

In the bottom of the eighth inning Jomar Angel Cruz of North Easton came to pitch for Massasoit. The Knights went quickly as they did not score.

Tyler McDonald of Haverhill came to relieve e in the 9th with two outs. He gave a single to Matt Kelly and Evans connect with a RBI double to make it 6-1 ball game as Jadon Ricci of South Easton ground out the second baseman for a 6-1 Knights win.

I asked Coppola after that game if he ever played in a Region 21 game.

“ I’ve never played in a Region 21 game just because of COVID I feel like every year we definitely would but it never happened because of COVID and we are excited to get through tomorrow,” Coppola said.

Arts and Entertainment, Slider

“Lighten Up” performance

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The NECC spring theater production, “Lighten Up” recently played to sold out audiences on May 5, 6, 7 and 8. Directed by Theater Program Coordinator Brianne Beatrice, the play, by New York City based comic Peter Zachari, featured professional actor and NECC alumni Michael Zuccola in a series of seven comedic vignettes set in the 1980s. Also in the cast were Nicole Affannato, Olivia Barberian, Joanne Callahan, Gwynnethe Glickman, Alyssa Fluet, Jessica Newey and Brayden Toth. The play was performed outside in the Quad.

“The cast of "Lighten Up”, after the Sunday Performance. The Cast was Nicole Affannato, Olivia Barberian, Joanne Callahan, Gwynnethe Glickman, Alyssa Fluet, Jessica Newey and Brayden Toth featuring Michael Zuccola. Directed by theater professor Brianne Beatrice.
“The cast of “Lighten Up”, after the Sunday Performance. The Cast was Nicole Affannato, Olivia Barberian, Joanne Callahan, Gwynnethe Glickman, Alyssa Fluet, Jessica Newey and Brayden Toth featuring Michael Zuccola. Directed by theater professor Brianne Beatrice. Photo by Faculty Adviser Mary Jo Shafer

It happened outside of B and E Building.

People were having a good time over all They laughed and most importantly they enjoyed every second of it.

They also had 1980s theme that will be funny for older people that lived through that time unlike the younger people that will find it confusing and not understand.

The play was 90 minutes nonstop comedy.

Those cast never disappointed the audience. Some how some way they always made the audience entertained, which is the most important thing.

 

Sports

NECC Knights moving on to semi-finals

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On May 5, the NECC Knights faced the Community College of Rhode Island  (CCRI) Knights  at Trinity Stadium in Haverhill, Mass.,for the first round playoff. CCRI Knights arrived at 6:35 just 25 minutes before first pitch as they were stuck in traffic.

The Knights defeated CCRI 12 to 1 in five innings and the Knights moved on to the semifinals of the Region 21 tournament, picking up their 29th straight win.

NECC Knights warming up before the game against CCRI Knights
NECC Knights warming up before the game against CCRI Knights. Photo by Editor-in-Chief/ Sports Editor Jose Rodriguez

Richard Matos de la Cruz of Boston give an early lead, a 2 run home run in the first inning and the NECC Knights never fell behind behind ever since. The Knights exploded with a 6 run third inning.

Jarred Coppola of Lynn, Richie Williams of Georgetown, and Clay Campbell of Goffstown, N.H. all tripled for the Knights, not to mentioned also Kyle Hsu of Brookline, N.H., also hit a home run.

Dallas Vaughan pitched a complete game, 5 innings, allowing a run and 4 hits.

Sports

Back-to-back dominant pitching performances From NECC Right-hander

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A flamethrowing right-handed pitcher, Todd Tringale of Saugus at Northern Essex community college tossed two consecutive no-hitters for the Knights. Tringale, a sophomore at NECC, is pitching in his second season for the Knights.

His first no-hitter occurred March 27, against Eastern Conn. State (JV). He threw 104 pitches and struck out 13 batters and issued three walks over seven innings.

What better way to follow up a no-hitter? Another no-hitter.

April 2 Tringale took the mound against Quinsigamond Community College. He threw 88 pitches, striking out nine and walking three over a run rule shortened five inning game.

“In both the outings, the thought of a no-hitter was definitely in the back of my mind, but my main priority was going out there executing all my pitches and throwing up a zero and getting three more outs,said Tringale.

In 2021 he finished the season with a record of 4 and 1 with a 2.16 ERA in 10 appearances. Tringale struck out 78 and walked 25 batters over 50 innings of work.

His 2022 campaign has produced comparable results. He is 6 and 0 with a razor sharp 0.68 ERA over 39.2 total innings this season. In seven appearances he has struck out 70 batters and walked just 15.

April 7, 2021, Tringale received recognition by the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) as national pitcher of the week, one of only two pitchers from NECC to have ever received the award. The other was teammate, Levi Burrill of Amesbury, March 22, 2021.

Tringale describes his pregame warm up as “simple…its definitely long, but simple.” An hour before each start he spends 15 minutes moving around to get blood flowing then moves on to stretching his legs, arms and shoulders for another 15 minutes. Next, he moves on to throwing by playing a game of catch with one of the catchers on the field until the first pitch. Finally, Tringale grabs a drink of water, gets a bullpen session in, and takes the mound.

Tringale was first introduced to baseball at age five and has played every season since “Baseball was brought into my life when I was5-years-old. . I’ve been a part of a team every year since then. I really fell in love with the game when I was around 14 years old, and that is when I decided to pursue it for school,” Tringale said

Two pitchers Tringale will always have respect for are Hall of Fame pitchers, Randy Johnson and Nolan Ryan.

“Not only were they the two most dominant pitchers ever, but their mentality of pitching is what made me look up to them,”aid Tringale

He credits his coaching as the key to his success.

“I give all the credit to my coaches in the past. I had all the tools to be successful, but with the minds of all the great coaches I’ve had in my life we put it all together and let it lead (to) this journey. I couldn’t thank those coaches enough,” Tringale said

Head coach, Jeff Mejia spoke highly of him. “He’s been fantastic for us this season and has a very bright future ahead of him,”aid Mejia

Tringale previously attended University of Massachusetts Amherst, but the two were not a fit. Tringale found NECC as a draw because of the perennial success of the NECC baseball program.

“I decided to transfer out of Umass Amherst because I was getting a gut feeling that this wasn’t the place for me. Umass is an extremely large school and I felt like I was overwhelmed there. I chose to come to NECC because I wasn’t ready to give up baseball just yet, I knew about the outstanding program here and wanted to be a part of the winning atmosphere,”said Tringale

Tringale has participated in a summer collegiate league, playing for the North \Shore Navigators in Lynn.The Navigators belong in the NECBL (New England \Collegiate Baseball League).

“I love playing for the Navigators not only for the great competition but because it is close to home. This summer I will be going into my third summer playing for them, “Tringale said As a pitcher you are in control of the pace of the game, the ball is in your hands to be thrown initiating the action. This is the aspect of pitching Tringale enjoys the most.

“The pitcher controls the tempo of the game. I’m a player that likes the speed of the game to go a certain way, and when I’m on the mound I control that. Sure, I miss swinging the bat, but I wouldn’t give up pitching for the world,”“Tringale said

Tringale is the youngest in his family. He is the son of Joel and Karen Tringale and has a 24-year-old big brother named Jeremy. Jeremy graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2020 and is now an architect.

His father, Joel, is a very skilled carpenter. “I would say he is very talented at what he does.” Todd Tringale said

Todd’s mother, Karen, is a director for a childcare center. “I have never met someone who cares more about what she does than my mom. Even though she works crazy schedules, she has been by my side from day one,” Todd Tringale said.

Overall, Tringale is appreciative of the support from his family loving family. “I am extremely grateful for a supporting and caring family.” Todd said

Tringale will be graduating from NECC this spring. He plans on transferring to Dayton University in Dayton, Ohio to study criminal justice and play Division I baseball.

Sports

Knights finished the season undefeated in conference division play

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On Saturday April 30, NECC Knights faced Holyoke Community College. The Knights defeated Holyoke 6 to 4 in seven innings.

The Knights were down early 2-0 in the first inning as Alex Sweeney of Raymond, N.H., allowed a 2 run home run.

Sweeney settled in as the game progressed and pitched 5 inning of work striking out 8 and allowing 2 earned run as he was the winning pitcher.

The Knights scored in every inning in the first game except the 6th inning.

Thomas Cattaneo of Guilford, Conn.,pitched two inning of work allowing two earned run and giving up three hits.

The Knights had 10 hits in the first game including a game tying 2 run triple of Kameron Levesque of Haverhill.

In the second game of the doubleheader  the Knights defeated Holyoke 9 to 1 and finished the season undefeated in division conference play.

Jagger Iovinelli of Huntington Beach, Calif., improved to 5-0 in the season as he pitched a complete game striking out 13 in seven inning of work.

The Knights combined for five runs in the first two inning of work.

NECC Baseball headcoach, coach Mejia talking to his player after the second game of the three game set
NECC Baseball head coach, coach Mejia talking to his player after the second game of the three game set Photo by Editor-in-Chief/ Sports Editor Jose Rodriguez

Kevin Rodriguez of Manchester N.H. and Nicholas White of Townsend both hit inside the park home runs in the first inning after Jarred Coppola of Lynn flied out. Richard Matos De La Cruz of Boston hit a home run over the left field fence.

I asked NECC Baseball head coach, Coach Jeff Mejia that if he thinks  Holyoke had  a different strategy heading into today game as two days prior the Knights won 24-4.

“I don’t know if they had different strategy but the had their top arm throwing today they were pretty good it took us a little while but even in that first game it was a close game we scored on every inning but one…” Coach Mejia said.

Kyle Hsu of Brookline, N.H., had three runs batting in. I asked him what does it mean being undefeated in conference division play. “It is huge that means we are winning baseball games that it really it is… we are trying to get out there, play our game and come with the win” Hsu said.

Features

The Perspectives of NECC professor and philosopher, Dermot Luddy

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In South Ireland, in the big city of Cork, Dermot Luddy grew up quite adventurously. He felt a sense of belonging in his historic, neighborly community. To Luddy, a prodigious music fan, the theaters excited him as well as Cork’s annual jazz music festival. He says “When I was old enough, I used to enjoy going to some of the sessions in hotels and pubs around the city. Once I saw Dave Brubeck perform. It was magical.” 

 Back in Ireland, Luddy attended Maynooth University where he received his under-grad and graduate degree in philosophy and theology. He then went on to receive a graduate diploma in applied computing and computer programming at the University of Limerick. And after careful consideration from one of his professors, Luddy decided to move to the states and undertake a doctoral program at Fordham University. 

Like many philosophers, Luddy has always enjoyed thinking about the large notions of life.

He says “When I was an undergrad I really liked metaphysics. I was intrigued by weird questions about how there was anything at all, and why, if there is a divine being…”.

Moving further in his academic career he became more interested in ethics and social justice issues.

He then goes on to say “Today, I think I’d say that ethics is the area that lights my fire most. It’s not quite that I enjoy ethics most, but I think that it is an area that many people can relate to and understand its implication in their own lives.”

Here at NECC, he is positioned as an academic counselor and one of the administrators of the SOAR Program, an empowering, communal program that helps students succeed in their academic career. He is also an adjunct professor in Philosophy and World Religion.

 Luddy has an inherent desire to help others as well as a knack for looking at where someone is, where they want to go and then knowing just how to get them there.

He is most proud of his family and raising healthy and happy children as well as the work he does with the SOAR Program. He strives to improve his teaching by creating an environment built on trust and connection in the classroom. 

Luddy is a natural teacher. He is driven by justice and an inspiration to see his students succeed and fulfill their passions. He says “I want to help them to navigate their studies as painlessly as possible. In particular, I want to ensure that those who were shut out of higher education when I was young are given a fair chance to succeed.”

 He often thinks about the well-being of his loved ones and chooses to focus on the things he is in control of, the things he can “do something about.”

 If there is any legacy Luddy would like to leave, it would be, naturally for him, to establish an organization of some sort that will help others and continue to have an impact.

He says “I think that sometimes we work hard for a future time when we might achieve a level of comfort and satisfaction with life. But, as I always tell my own kids and my students, it is important to acknowledge moments of joy every day. If not, we may not recognize what happiness looks like if it were to look back at us from a mirror.”