The University of Mary Washington’s Independent Student Newspaper Serving the community since 1922
The
Ringer
Weekly
VOLUME 97 | ISSUE 1
September 7, 2023
UMW NAACP chapter marches on Washington for 60th anniversary of M.L.K. Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech harriet king Staff Writer On Saturday, Aug. 26, members of the NAACP chapter at UMW traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. Despite it being UMW’s move-in day, many club leaders and members joined thousands of others to gather around the Lincoln Memorial to celebrate and reflect upon the 60 years that have passed since the original address was given in 1963. “The general atmosphere was one of revival—it was hundreds of groups bringing positive, nationwide energy and hope,” said junior Kaylah Lightfoot, a political science major and secretary of NAACP at UMW. According to the NAACP, who organized the event, the march was intended to be an extension of the original speech. Tens of thousands of people gathered for the march that featured a diverse, high-profile group of speakers that included many women, which was a stark contrast to the original march where only one woman spoke. An official statement on the NAACP website said, “Our march will be a continuation, not commemoration, of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s work, the event will bring together global civil rights leaders and partner
Thousands gathered around the National Mall to celebrate 60 years since M.L.K. Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech.
organizations from across the country to evaluate the progress made to achieve Dr. King’s dream while continuing to highlight the work still needed to bring about peace, justice, and equity in the world.”
“The general atmosphere was one of revival—it was hundreds of groups bringing positive, nationwide energy and hope.” -Kaylah Lightfoot
Attendees gather on National Mall.
At the march, a variety of individuals spoke on topics that reflected their numerous experiences and opinions that fell in line with Dr. King’s speech. House Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) advocated for federal voting protections, David Hogg, a Parkland school shooting survivor, called for younger individuals to run for office to fight gun violence and comedian and actor Sacha Baron Cohen called for an end to antisemitism. Photo courtesy of Kaylah Lightfoot
|2 INSIDE News SCOTUS
THE
RINGER
decision to overturn affirmative action
Opinion | 3 Staff Editorial: Out with the old, embracing the new
Photo courtesy of Kaylah Lightfoot
Among those who spoke was Andrew Young Jr., one of the last living attendees of the original march and a civil rights pioneer. He reflected on the progress made since 1963, and he encouraged people to pay attention to the progress that has been made over the years rather than focus on all of the wrongs in the past. NAACP at UMW Club President Diana Guzman shared similar sentiments while making note of the progress that is still to be made. “There is just so much hate in the Supreme Court. The main focus of our organization is to be focused on antihate outreach; we have retired veterans that are partnered with the NAACP. Let’s not forget the overall message of ‘I Have a Dream,’” she said. The NAACP chapter at UMW aims to spread awareness for the same social justice issues that Dr. King first discussed 60 years ago, and they’re driven by the primary goal of spreading love. “It’s not as much about pushing any political agenda, it’s more just a radical movement against all the hate that’s happening out there in the world today,” said Khadija Kamrah, a junior nursing major and member of NAACP at UMW.
Life | 5
A senior’s guide to surviving your first year
Sports | 8 UMW Cross Country competes in Richmond
News
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Page 2
Weekly Ringer Supreme Court overturns affirmative The
Editorial Staff
Editor-in-Chief Norah Walsh weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com
action, redefines college admissions
Associate Editors Callie Harkins Emma Brennan weeklyringer.associate@gmail.com News Editor Ky Huynh weeklyringer.news@gmail.com Opinion Editor Margaret Jackson weeklyringer.opinion@gmail.com Life Editor Charlie Li weeklyringer.life@gmail.com Sports Editor Artemis Tompkins weeklyringer.sports@gmail.com Online Editor Davy Washington weeklyringer.online@gmail.com Photography Editor Abbey Magnet weeklyringer.photos@gmail.com Art Editor Nellie Bittenbender weeklyringer.art@gmail.com Faculty Advisor Lindley Estes lestes@umw.edu
Advertisement Please direct all advertising inquiries to Norah Walsh at weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com.
Corrections Please report any corrections to Norah Walsh at weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com or Lindley Estes at lestes@umw.edu
Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22
The June 29 ruling Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College
Emerson Gutierrez Staff Writer On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, put an end to affirmative action, which means that colleges and universities across the country are no longer allowed to take race into consideration in their admission processes. The case that did so was Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, which went to the Supreme Court after the lower courts sided with the universities rather than with SFFA. In October of 2022, the case was brought to the Supreme Court to be reconsidered, as SFFA believed that the original decision was not constitutional. In 2014, the nonprofit organization Students for Fair Admission filed two separate suits against Harvard College and the University of North Carolina on the grounds that their practice of affirmative action violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as the 14th Amendment as it relates to the Equal Protection Clause. In this case, both Harvard College and the University of North Carolina were scrutinized for their practices of affirmative action in college admissions. The former university was indicated to use race as a determining factor for African American and Hispanic students’ admissions, while UNC’s admissions decisions “may also consider the applicant’s race.” The case that overturned affirmative action was decided as an attempt to eliminate racial discrimination for good. While it allows an applicant to talk about how race has affected their life, an institution is no longer allowed to pay explicit attention
to the race of the applicant in its admission process. One of the cases that the decision reversed was Grutter v. Bollinger, which ruled that higher education institutions must diversify themselves. This ruling upheld affirmative action, permitting the use of racial preference in student admissions to promote campus diversity. In the case, it was stated that affirmative action is not just all about race; in fact, there are other contributing factors that are considered, such as geographical diversity and socioeconomic status. Affirmative action is intended to alleviate under-representation and to promote the opportunities of defined minority groups within a society to give them equal access to that of the majority population.
“Affirmative action is not the idea that its intention is to create more opportunity minority groups,” -Owen Chong
“Affirmative action is not the idea that its intention is to create more opportunity minority groups, nor does it mean it’s less opportunity for American people. Nor does taking it away automatically reduce opportunities,” said Owen Chong, a junior computer science major. “Take for example UC Berkeley, there were a lot fewer enrollments. What that shows is that people in underrepresented groups want to be in a place where there are more people from the same background.” Colleges and universities across the country are in the process of making sig-
Adam Michael Szuscik / Unsplash
nificant changes to the ways in which they conduct their admissions processes. Some expressed fear of a less diverse student population as a result of the Court’s decision. “It does worry me that there will be a less diverse student body due to the decision made, but universities are pretty craft in their programs to increase their enrollments,” said Chong. “This case will just make it tremendously hard for them to do so, because no institution wants a lawsuit.” Luis Machuca, a senior international business major, believes factors such as race should not be a major factor in the admissions process. “Race shouldn’t be used as a big part; it should be more merit. Everyone is to be given the same opportunities, with fairness and equality. No unfair disadvantages,” said Machuca. UMW has yet to make an official statement regarding the overturning of affirmative action. Other Virginia institutions of higher education, such as the University of Virginia, George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University, among others, published statements shortly following the court’s decision. UMW, however, still highlights affirmative action as a principle still practiced by the University on their official website. ”Although I’m on my final semester, it is rather concerning. I don’t worry for myself, but more so for my siblings and the future generations to come,” said Mohammed Hassan, a senior marketing major. “UMW has been great to me, so I know my siblings would fit in just right here as well. The elimination of affirmative action would make it difficult to get into prestigious institutions.”
Thursday, September 7, 2022
Opinion
Page 3
Staff Editorial: Out with the old, embracing the new with The Weekly Ringer The Weekly Ringer Staff Editorial Board As the editorial staff of The Weekly Ringer resumes publication for another academic year, we extend a warm welcome to new and returning editors, writers and photographers alike. All of these positions are essential to the function of our paper, as we need writers to produce articles about the happenings on campus, photos that give readers visually appealing articles in our layout and editors who edit articles and put together the newspaper for publication. To stick with our weekly publication schedule, The Weekly Ringer is led by a staff of editors who
are elected every spring for the following academic year. The last issue of the spring semester is considered to be the staff transition point during which new editors take over emailing writers and editing articles. Every Wednesday, editors format the paper’s layout on InDesign in an upstairs office of the UMW Creative Writing House, which we informally refer to as “the mansion.” The following fall brings in a new academic year where readers can expect 12 issues each semester in which we will do our best to cover the events, opinions and experiences on Mary Washington’s campus. Many of our writers come from JOUR 380: Practicum Journalism, which is taught by interim faculty advisor and UMW professor Lindley Estes, who is also an active journalist. She is standing in for Sushma Subramanian, who has taught the class and given great insight into the paper for years. In the class, writers are assigned to write five times throughout the semester: once for the Life, Opinion and The Weekly Ringer Editorial Board poses for a staff photo in the “mansion” located on College Avenue. Sports sections and Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
twice for the News section. Students in this class can also work as staff photographers to provide photos for the newspaper. Furthermore, starting Sept. 15, we will be distributing The Weekly Ringer on Fridays rather than Thursdays, which was determined by our publisher, Narrow Passage Press, due to rising gas and labor costs. Though there are several changes underfoot with the newspaper, one aspect that will never change about us is that we are an independent student newspaper that serves our community with accuracy, care, passion and commitment. We look forward to another 24 issues of The Weekly Ringer over the course of the 2023-2024 academic year, so pick up a paper, give it a read and spread the word. This staff editorial was led by Norah Walsh.
Op-Ed: Simpson Library’s young adult section provides an expansion of literature on campus TERRA DICKINSON Contributing Writer
Looking for something to read that’s not your textbook for class? Come check out Simpson’s new and improved Young Adult section located on the first floor behind the stairwell, between the microfiche and periodicals. Look for books with a yellow sticker on the spine that says YOUNG ADULT. Over the summer break, what was originally the Juvenile and Young Adult section were split and became the Juvenile section and the Young Adult section. Now it’s easier than ever for anyone to differentiate between the two reading levels! Please stop by to look at the novels and comic books in this section. Education majors may also find the juvenile books and games useful for assignments and practicum.
Photo of new book selection at Simpson Library. Photo courtesy of Terra Dickinson
P.S. Please check out our popular reading section near access services. Be sure to come by at least once a semester to check out what we offer, as they are not a part of our permanent collection. If they do circulate well, we move them to our permanent collection to keep Bookshelves display the new young adult section now available at forever, but if not, we send them back! the Simpson Library. Photo courtesy of Terra Dickinson
Thursday, Sepetember 7, 2023
Life
A senior’s guide to surviving your first year
Page 4
eTHAN ROPP Staff Writer For a first-time college student, living away from home—as exciting as it may seem—can also be a difficult and sometimes scary experience. From finding friends to doing well in classes, there is so much to learn and adjust to. However, there are many resources, clubs and organizations on campus that aim to help students through this transition so they can find their second home at Mary Washington. When it comes to academics, which are undoubtedly the main aspect of university life to prioritize, Mary Washington offers a number of academic services, such as the Speaking and Writing Center, peer tutors, academic advisors, the Office of Disability Resources and the Digital Knowledge Center. “There are so many amazing resources at your disposal with many kind folk ready to help you at a moment’s notice,” said Killian Petty, a sophomore majoring in business administration. “For any digital projects you may be having trouble with, there is the Digital Knowledge Center, also known as the DKC.” Balancing time to study and socialize is one of the toughest aspects of college life to adjust to and is even something that “There are so many upper-classmen amazing resources at your struggle with in their later years. disposal with many kind The Harvard Division folk ready to help you at a of Continumoment’s notice. For any ing Education digital projects you may be suggests that students crehaving trouble with, there ate a calendar is the Digital Knowledge and keep it in a visible place to Center, also known as the be reminded of what each day DKC.” entails. Keeping an organized schedule can -Killian Petty help students in their academic and social lives, which is one of the many important skills college students come to acquire through living independently. The University of Mary Washington offers over 140
Students on the pathway between Virginia Hall and Ball Circle.
student-run clubs and organizations that pertain to sports, academics, the arts and more. Furthermore, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, the Office of Student Activities and Engagement held Club Carnival, which is one of the biggest events on campus. There, students had the opportunity to meet club leaders and members, as well as sign up for organizations that piqued their interest. While it can present new opportunities for first-year and returning students, Club Carnival can also be overwhelming with the sheer amount of options. “There’s going to be a lot of activities on campus and people who will try to pull you into participating in their club/program,” said Christian Lyman, a senior majoring in psychology. “It’s going to feel overwhelming and that’s okay. Don’t feel like you have to take part in every single thing.” Even with the help of Club Carnival to make connections and meet new people, being away from home can evoke feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially in addition to getting used to college-level classes. To help process this life change and find mechanisms to work through their feelings, the University offers an array of resources for students of all years to utilize, many of which are free. For example, the Talley Center for Counseling
Skylar Joseph / The Weekly Ringer
Services, located on the first floor of Lee Hall and also in Tyler House, offers complimentary one-on-one sessions and group sessions with licensed professionals for all registered students. In addition to caring for their social life and mental health, learning how to eat healthily is also another facet that comes with living independently. For first-year students, the University requires the Eagle Unlimited Plan, which provides an unlimited amount of swipes across campus dining venues. The plan also includes $200 in flex that may be spent at the other retail dining options on campus, such as Katora Café and Vocelli’s Pizza. Amidst the bustling environment of the dining hall, it can be tempting to eat what is the tastiest or frequent the same places in the dining hall just because they’re familiar. Eating healthily doesn’t mean you have to give up the dining hall’s ice cream cones, but being cognizant of what you’re fueling your body with is a life skill that students can start developing now in order to have a smoother transition into post-grad life.
“There’s going to be a lot of activities on campus and people who will try to pull you into participating in their club/program. It’s going to feel overwhelming and that’s okay. Don’t feel like you have to take part in every single thing.” -Christian Lyman
An empty Campus Walk in the scorching heat this week. Temperatures throughout the week are reaching a high of 97 degress. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Adjusting to life at Mary Washington can be a difficult journey, but there are plenty of faculty and staff members and students who are here to help you make Mary Wash your second home. Moving out of your comfort zone and trying new things is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. So, join a new club, partake in school traditions—like swimming in the Monroe fountain—and try your best to get to know your professors. Utilize the resources provided by the University to help both yourself and others. The Mary Washington community is a welcoming one, and we want you to be here.
Thursday, Sepetember 7, 2023
Life
Page 5
UMW Spirit Rock advertises a rock-hard welcome at the beginning of the fall semester
tyrese wheaton Staff Writer The first week of the semester offers a renewed, populated campus that drips with the hanging sense of anticipation for the upcoming challenges and fun that await. The pathways are buzzing with energy as students are excited to be back, and others look forward to their first year at Mary Washington. The Cedric Rucker University Center is an active hub on campus where students meet new friends and reunite with old ones over Panera coffee and bagels or peruse the many options at the Top of the CRUC. The Monroe Fountain spews nonstop and creates a relaxing walk through campus when passing by, and many students have already swum in the fountain per Mary Wash tradition. UMW’s spirit rock, which was painted a bold blue with “Welcome home eagles” written in white letters in celebration of the semester’s commencement, looks over Campus Walk from a small hill between Willard Hall and Pollard Hall. This past Wednesday, though, the rock featured another message painted overtop: “CALL ME I’M HORNY” followed by a phone number that was later painted over to obscure it. This addition was far from ide-
“I feel like the rock is informative, but sometimes I feel like there are pointless messages that need to eb filtered out or painted over .” - Kaitlyn Venzen
al, especially considering that students were greeted with this vulgar message during their first week of classes. The message remained on the rock for more than 48 hours until it was repainted to announce the Campus Programming Board’s First Friday event on Jefferson Square. “I was shocked because I normally see messages about
A night photo of the spirit rock taken on Wednesday night after the welcoming message was painted over.
stuff going on campus, but I was more shocked when I saw it still up the next day,” said Adonai Soleto, a sophomore majoring in business administration. There are very few rules for the spirit rock that are displayed on the UMW SGA website; these include firstly being a student attending the university to be able to paint the rock. Second is using only latex paint on the rock to help prevent damage to vegetation around the rock. It also states to be courteous and allow a 24-hour time period to pass before painting over someone else’s message, and that anything painted on the rock cannot be in violation of the University’s policies. The rock follows the First Amendment, however, and allows clubs of different beliefs to paint the rock with messages they see fit. UMW campus police didn’t consider the additional message to be defacement because the person who wrote the message didn’t violate any of UMW’s policies. Furthermore, this wasn’t the first time that the rock has caused a few double takes. At the beginning of the fall semester in 2022, persistent and passionate eagles used the rock to bring attention to Residence Life hiring an RA with Title IX reports against him. The year before, a message questioned Presi-
Willard Hall, a first-year dorm, is close to the spirit rock along Campus Walk. It is in close proximity to Virginia Hall and the CRUC. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Charlie Li / The Weekly Ringer
dent Paino’s ability to stop sexual harassment on campus. And, in 2018, the rock stirred mixed emotions on campus when the UMW Firearms Club promoted a firearm safety and concealed carry permit course, which was repainted over hastily by an anonymous individual after the Parkland shooting in Florida. The spirit rock was donated to UMW 2001 by a quarry in Culpeper, Va. The rock’s inclusion on campus was inspired from other universities’ locations to show student expression. It is located to the right side of Willard Hall, a freshman dorm, and is situated along Campus Walk near the Monroe Fountain. Ever since it was placed on campus, it has been a way for UMW students to advertise their respective messages, no matter how big or small. Hundreds of students pass the rock during the day, whether that’s to grab food at different dining locations on campus, visit a friend staying in another dorm or while going to class. Because of this, it’s an effective way to advertise events because it ensures an audience. There are many students who are appreciative of the rock’s announcements. “The rock tells me things that I can do when I’m bored, or even tells me about clubs that I didn’t even know existed!” said Carl Horkan, a senior majoring in geography. Kaitlyn Venzen, a sophomore majoring in computer science said, “I feel like the rock is informative, but sometimes I feel like there are pointless messages that need to be filtered out or painted over.”
“I was shocked because I normally see messages about stuff going on campus, but I was more shocked when I saw it still up the next day.” - Adonai Soleto
Thursday, Sepetember 7, 2023
Page 6
News
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Page 7
Virginia TikTok ban forces students to adapt to new law over concerns of user security and in-app privacy
Tanner Glascock Staff Writer On July 1, a statewide ban on the usage of TikTok by state-affiliated entities went into effect. The ban was passed by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in April. The University of Mary Washington, being a public university, is subject to this law and now required to block applications run by China-based companies ByteDance Ltd. or Tencent Holdings Ltd., such as TikTok and WeChat on University networks and devices.
“Because it’s happening in America or It’s a United States made company it is not being treated the same way as foreign made company.” -Suzanna Mayer Despite the campus-wide ban, students have already begun finding ways around the firewall, and they have noticed that APOGEE, the residential Wi-Fi network used in on-campus housing, does not block access to the apps subject to the ban, such as TikTok. “Well, on APOGEE it still lets me go on it,” said Suzanna Mayer, a senior education major. “But I have also been going on my data, using my LTE.”
In a campus-wide email sent out on June 20, Executive Director of University Communications Amy Jessee released a statement written by UMW Chief Information Officer Hall Cheshire that established the guidelines for UMW entities that previously utilized TikTok as a marketing tool. While some students have been able to effectively avoid the ban, UMW clubs and organizations are now required under law to cease the usage of their TikTok accounts. “UMW sponsored TikTok accounts may not be used in any manner after July 1, 2023,” the statement said. “Social media managers are advised not to delete accounts, but simply to stop using them – this will protect the accounts from being spoofed in the future.” UMW-affiliated TikTok accounts that were required to go offline include the Women’s Lacrosse team, Women’s Soccer team, Campus Recreation and the official University account. Prior to the law officially going into effect, the Speaking and Writing Center—another campus entity impacted by the ban—posted the following statement to their TikTok page: “As of July 1, due to a new Virginia law, we will no longer be active on TikTok. Please continue to follow us on Instagram @umwspeak_write and on Facebook at UMW Speaking and Writing Center.” Some students have expressed skepticism of the ban and the reasoning behind it.
APOGEE still allows access to TikTok.
“I think this country prides itself on freedom of speech and our news/ media being for the people.” -Cailyn Tripp
TikTok “For You” page is personalized based on recent viewings.
Crime Column Ky Huynh News Editor
Solen Feyissa / Unsplash
“I think legislation like this being passed could definitely lead to more restrictions being placed on the media in the future. I think this country prides itself on freedom of speech and our news/media being for the people, and I think restricting access to apps, websites, etc. is contradictory,” said Cailyn Tripp, a senior communication and digital studies major. “I also think at the end of the day if people want to find a way, they will—especially with how much technology has evolved in the past 20 years—that if people are desperate to get on TikTok, they will.” The Virginia law cites security concerns as reasoning for the ban. User safety regarding TikTok has been a subject of dis-
Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
course throughout recent years due to the app’s advanced algorithm and data-gathering methods used to generate each individual user’s “For You” page. The “For You” page on TikTok provides a personalized feed of content to each user based on their viewing habits. Prior to the enactment of the Virginia law, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing in which members questioned the CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, on consumer safety within the app. The hearing, which took place in March, brought to light the increasing tensions between lawmakers and the China-based company that owns TikTok. “I do think it is very interesting that Facebook has been proven to be taking our data, and there is a lawsuit going on, but because it’s happening in America or it’s a United States made company it is not being treated the same way as foreign made company,” said Mayer. “It’s definitely a big push for the threat to be scarier in the eyes of the government, and that’s probably why it’s being publicized more.”
Larceny from Auto On August 30th at 7:00 p.m. there was a case of Larceny from Auto at UMW Apartments. This case is pending.
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Sports
UMW Cross Country team competes in Richmond Eliana ramirez Staff Writer It was chilly and still dark outside the morning of Saturday, Sept. 2, when the UMW cross country team assembled at the campus track and boarded the bus headed to Richmond, VA. The team competed in the season’s first race at Pole Green Park, and this meet served as an initial goal-setter for the runners to help determine where they stand individually and as a team for future races. The bus ride to the state’s capital was relatively short and easy. “It’s only an hour away, so we’ll be able to not have to worry about traveling a long distance. We can just wake up, get a good little shake out in, and then get ready to go to the meet. We’re on a flat course, so it should be pretty fast, so that will be a good way to test everyone’s flat speed right now,” said Coach Asia Hart, head cross country and track and field coach at UMW. “This meet will really help set the stage for our season.” The 2023 UMW cross country team consists of 27 members, including 12 new freshmen, which is the largest freshman class on the team in over 10 years. “It’s my first ever collegiate meet, so I’m just excited to see how it goes,” said Eyaya Fletcher, a freshman majoring in international affairs, before her race. Her goals for the meet were “to finish off strong and have things I can improve on for the next meet.” Having a big cross country team this year helps upperclassmen get to know the first years, which fosters a strong sense of community and sportsmanship on the team. “I’m excited to have a bunch of new freshmen runners on the team; they bring a good energy to the team and motivate me to be my best, to set a good example for them. I remember the people I looked up to on the team when I started at UMW had a big impact on me and helped me learn to have confidence and believe in myself as a runner,” said Jessica Oberlies, a junior in her third year on the
Page 8
University of Mary Washington
Fall Sports Schedule
Women’s Volleyball
The UMW cross country men’s and women’s team heading to Richmond, Virgina for their first meet of the season. Photo courtesy of Coach Asia Hart
team, double majoring in environmental science and Spanish. By the time the UMW cross country team arrived at Pole Green Park, it was sunny with a gentle breeze, the temperature was in the low 70s, and there was no humidity, which
“Something my grandfather would always tell me before races that has stuck with me is to ‘run fast, run smart, and have fun.’” -Jessica Oberlies made for good running conditions for both the men’s 6K and women’s 4K events. This meet was a perfect opportunity for Coach Hart to see how the team would perform on this type of course and push themselves with
Pictured left to right: Edmund Garcia, Ashton Schultz, Jimmy Volk, Christopher Gordon, Michael Dye, Dylan Wright, Morgan Lehocky, Jacob Lohr, Aidan Kimener, Ben Arp, Luke Blair and Nicholas Smerlis. Photo courtesy of Eliana Ramirez
the energy they had stored up. “I am very excited; it’s been a long time coming. We’ve all worked very hard to get to this point from last year, so we want to see all of our hard work over the past year come to fruition this weekend.” Cross country runners compete individually and as a team. Going out knowing that you are in this just to run and do your best helps motivate runners to be the best they can be. “For me personally, when I am running with joy and with the purpose of helping my team, I do my best!” said Oberlies. “I felt pretty good in the first lap, and it definitely was a hot one; it was good just to get the first one in,” said Fletcher after her first race.“ I’m excited to see where the next one ends up and how it goes for the rest of the season and for the next three years.” The UMW cross country team was one of three Division III teams at this meet, while the other institutions were either Division I or II. Out of 17 teams, the men’s team placed 12th overall, and the women’s placed 14th. While each runner is trying to beat their personal time, the team gains points by runners placing high in their event. The runner coming in first place gets one point, second place gets two points, and so on. The team that receives the least amount of points after they are added up wins the meet. This meet was a great way to start the season. Coming up, the UMW cross country team will be competing at Longwood University in Farmville, VA, on Saturday, Sept. 16. In that meet, the men will be competing in an 8K event, while the women will be running a 5K. “Something my grandfather would always tell me before races that has stuck with me is to ‘run fast, run smart, and have fun,’” said Oberlies.
Sept. 1 vs. Marymount, Va. (3–0) Sept. 2 vs. Muhlenberg (3–0) Sept. 5 vs. East. Mennonite (3–0) Sept. 8 vs. DeSales @ Owings Mills, Md. Sept. 9 @ Stevenson University Sept. 9 vs. Scranton @ Owings Mills, Md. Sept. 12 @ Rowan
Field Hockey
Sept. 1 @ Roanoke (3–0) Sept. 3 vs. Widener (2–1) Sept. 6 @ Bridgewarter, Va. (0–0) Sept. 9 @ Bryn Mawr Sept. 13 @ Lynchburg
Men’s Soccer
Sept. 1 vs. Rensselaer (4–0) Sept. 3 vs. Johns Hopkins (4–0) Sept. 9 vs. Hobart @ Baltimore, Md. Sept. 10 vs. Lycoming @ Baltimore, Md. Sept. 15 vs. Hampden-Sydney @ Richmond, Va.
Women’s Soccer
Sept. 1 vs. Randolph-Macon (1–0) Sept. 6 @ Southern Virginia Sept. 10 vs. N.C. Wesleyan Sept. 13 @ Mt. Aloysius
Women’s Tennis (7–9)
Sept. 8 vs. Navy Invitational @ Annapolis, Md. Sept. 9 vs. Navy Invitational @ Annapolis, Md. Sept. 10 vs. Navy Invitational @ Annapolis, Md.
Men’s Tennis (7–7)
Sept. 9 vs. UMW Invitational Sept. 10 vs. UMW Invitational
Men’s Rugby (4–7)
Aug. 26 vs. James River Club Sept. 2 vs. Belmont Abbey (36–11)
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage. Full schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.