11 4 2015 the davidsonian

the davidsonian

NOVEMBER 4, 2015 VOL. 108 ISSUE 8

The Independent Student Newspaper of Davidson College since 1914

Queen City Conundrum

Students seek more ways to visit Davidson’s urban neighbor

D

67())$1(< :22' Senior Staff Writer

avidsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus is only 19 miles away from uptown Charlotte, providing students with access to the largest city in North Carolina and one of the largest in the southeastern United States. Yet students find they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to take advantage of it as much as they would like.

According to a survey administered to the student body by the Davidsonian last week, many students make a trip to Charlotte one to three times per semester, but a large majority wish they went more frequently. Barriers to visiting Charlotte include lack of transportation, cost, time to travel there, and lack of awareness about events and activities.

According to the survey, which received 406 anonymous responses, most students go into Charlotte for dining purposes, a concert, or sporting event, with over 80% doing so using a personal car. Many students claimed that the amount of school work, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Davidson pressure to always be working,â&#x20AC;? and rigorous academic environment leaves them with minimal time to plan a trip to Charlotte. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go into Charlotte because we have 48 hours of work to do each week. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a general lack of awareness of attractions in Charlotte, but I would consider going if I had a car or a date,â&#x20AC;? said Benson Klingler `18.

Respondents to the survey explained that transportation difficulties hold them back from visiting Charlotte more often. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would be nice if Davidson had more economical ways or opportunities to go into Charlotte moreâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zipcar is too expensiveâ&#x20AC;? were two responses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If there was a commuter rail I would go more often, but also there is nothing to do in Charlotte.

It is a lame and desolate city. In the downtown area there are no storefronts and hardly any restaurants or bars. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from New York, and honestly I think Charlotte is pathetic,â&#x20AC;? answered another student.

Others expressed the difficulty of finding convenient modes of transportation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like I have so much to do here on campus that it is hard to set aside time to take an outing to Charlotte.

Also, now that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m 21 and can drink, it is a hassle to either find a [designated driver] or pay for an Uber,â&#x20AC;? said one respondent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I could definitely use the bus,â&#x20AC;? explained another. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, I really need to get to Charlotte on the weekends from time to time, but the I-77 bus route is closed on the weekends. Thus, I have

Inside NEWS Watson Fellowship nominees talk research proposals 2 Eating house self-selection celebration rescheduled and reformatted 2 LIVING DAVIDSON PAGE Â 8 Jacob Hege gives glowing review of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bridge of Spiesâ&#x20AC;? 4 PERSPECTIVES Shane Gilbert urges peers to Ă&#x20AC;QG IXOĂ&#x20AC;OOPHQW DW 'DYLGVRQ 5 Sustainability argue for inclusion of environmental literacy in early education 5 YOWL Student neglects to hit Chambers door-hold button for peers 6 SPORTS KiShawn Pritchett out injured IRU KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW VHDVRQ VWLOO KRSHV WR make impact off the court 7 &URVV FRXQWU\ Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHV VWURQJ DW conference championship 8

Graphic by Sophia Smith.

to rely on others to take me there, and that is not always a possibility depending on their schedule.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have car or a driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license. Hopefully, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license next semester, but I still would not have car, so transportation will still be a problem regardless.â&#x20AC;?

Students are interested in having greater access to Charlotte, with roughly 70% of survey respondents wishing they went more often. One student commented, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d totally go on some day

trips to Charlotte if the [Union Board] offered them!â&#x20AC;?

Jack Owens â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;18 expressed a similar opinion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because I would prefer to go to a concert in downtown Charlotte or try out a new restaurant, I hope the college will provide additional aware-

See LACK OF ACCESS on page 3

Thank you for reading the Davidsonian

Davidson Outdoors trip fosters conversation about race 6,'1(< )2; Staff Writer

D

uring the weekend of Oct. 23, seven students went on a Davidson Outdoors trip that focused on engaging in a dialogue about race in America and at Davidson. The three leaders and four participants backpacked and camped in the mountains of western North Carolina. They structured their conversations on a Intergroup Dialogue Model.

Brian Parker â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15, the Davidson Outdoors Intern this semester, had the original idea to add an extra element to a Davidson Outdoors weekend trip. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was interested in the idea of taking what I love about outdoor trips in general and adding this activist element to it,â&#x20AC;? Parker explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And this made sense because the climate around race on college campuses in America so often feels stifled and compressed, sometimes it helps to first get people out of their routines and comfort zones.â&#x20AC;?

As a student at Davidson, Parker was a founding member of the student initiate for academic diversity and was involved with Davidson Outdoors.

The group is quick to express its gratitude for the help they received from the Multicultural Affairs Office, who made the trip possible. Dr. Tae-Sun Kim, Director of Multicultural Affairs, provided resources to prepare for the dialogue. The trip is one of several collaborative projects that have occurred between Davidson Outdoors and her office this semester.

Parker, Aly Dove â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16 and Meron Fessehaye â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16, the trip leaders, all agreed that this trip accomplished a lot of what they had hoped. Fessehaye described some of the achieved goals as, â&#x20AC;&#x153;bridging the gap in finding the space for real and deep dialogue on race. Also making room for the people of color in the very white space that is not necessarily just Davidson

See DAVIDSON OUTDOORS on page 2

Three leaders and four participants backpacked and camped in the North Carolina mountains. Photo by Aly Dove.

News

Page 2 November 4, 2015

Four Watson Fellowship nominees share project proposals ast week, the college announced four Watson Fellowship nominees. Seniors Xzavier Killings, Alec Rotunda, Isabel McLain and Elizabeth Welliver are among a group of potential Watson Fellows from forty private colleges and universities throughout the United States.

The Watson Fellowship awards its recipients $30,000 each for a year of international travel to pursue a self-designed research project. The Davidson nominees’ projects represent a wide variety of interests and potential destinations.

Killings proposes a project to study integrated healthcare in a variety of countries. “I plan to travel the world to different places, like Ghana, Zambia, India, Belize, to study what different organizations and structures are in place to help patients reach what I call ultimate healing,” says Killings. Ultimate healing, Killings explains, is “healing that transcends typical doctor-patient interaction out into the

community.” By exploring the health practices of other countries, Killings hopes his project would assist his journey to become a family physician with a focus on ultimate healing, as well as be a personally challenging experience. “The Watson will really test my confidence, test my cultural exploration, test my ability to form meaningful relationships,” he said.

Rotunda’s proposed project focuses on the impact of soccer abroad. “I plan to go to four different [soccer] clubs, or academies depending on what country I’m in, and fit into what they’re doing,” Rotunda said. He would travel to Germany, Ghana, India, and South Africa to step in as a coach or other role, acting as a mentor and involving himself in the soccer communities. He is passionate about the potential for character development that soccer offers young players. “As much as education is about learning and soccer is about playing and having fun, it can be so much more.”

Rotunda’s year with the Watson Fellowship would be his first taste of international travel.

“I myself have never been abroad. I’ve been playing soccer here for four years, “ he said.

Xzavier Killings

Isabel McLain

6<'1(< 0$&.

Staff Writer

L

“With that, I’ve developed a hunger for international experience and what that brings.” He hopes that through the Watson he will be immersed in environments working to develop young people through soccer and education, which he says could inform a potential career of a coach or teacher.

McLain plans to explore how different communities around the world use art to enact change. McLain defines “community art” as “art that is used for economic empowerment, conflict resolution, and rehabilitation after crises.” She specifically plans to examine art in Northern Ireland, South Africa, Ethiopia and Cambodia. As a member of a mixed race family--two of her brothers were adopted from Ethiopia--art has been a tool for McLain in sharing her own story and life experiences.

This inspiration allows her to see art as means of connection.

Even as an artist, McLain does not know what to expect from her project. “I’m excited [about the Watson] because I don’t actually know what people do with art. I’m going in with a really open mind. I don’t know what to expect,” she said.

Elizabeth Welliver applied to the Watson after dreaming about it since freshman year.

She wants to look “at women’s participation in food rituals in India, Indonesia, Bolivia, and Thailand” as a way of learning about the relationship between women, food and faith.

Growing up in an Italian household, food and cooking has always been a means of connection for Welliver.

“I’m relentlessly passionate about the opportunity to spend time with women in dialogue,” she added.

To combine these two passions, Welliver hopes to place herself in the middle of many groups of women and spend time eating, cooking and farming with them, embedding herself in the life of a community.

The next steps for the nominees are interviews with the Watson Foundation in January, and the final recipients will be announced in March. Welliver says she tries to focus on her personal enrichment rather than simply the outcome. “Through the application process, I’d learn valuable information about myself whether or not I progressed,” she said.

Alec Rotunda

Elizabeth Welliver

Eating house self-selection rescheduled for Saturday this spring 9,7$ '$'22 /20(/, Staff Writer

S

elf-Selection Day is one of the most widely anticipated events in the spring semester at Davidson. A tradition that has spanned several decades, Self-Selection Day celebrates the induction of new members into the four Eating Houses on campus: Rusk, Turner, Connor, and Warner Hall. In the past, Self-Selection Day festivities have taken place on a Friday and consisted of two major activities: a morning reveal of one’s Eating House followed by induction ceremonies, all which take place during the night. Self-Selection Day is preceded by several recruitment events, which include a service event in the fall, an education event in the spring, and a series of sisterhoods catered to prospective members of Eating Houses. Currently, around 63% of the female student body is enrolled in an Eating House.

This year, however, Patterson Court Council revealed that Self-Selection Day would be

held on a Saturday January 30, due to a conflict with the athletic calendar. The initial date for self-selection falls on the same night as men’s basketball’s nationally televised game against VCU. Since the athletic calendar was released, Cristi Hovet ’16, Eating House Ambassador, has worked closely with Erica Urban, Patterson Court Council Advisor, and self -selection chairs in each house to plan for Self-Selection Day and the events leading up to it. “We met with house Presidents and Deans to try to fix a new date for self-selection,” Hovet explained.

“We thought about splitting self selection day between Friday and Saturday, or even moving it up one week, but that would severely shorten the recruitment process.” With that in mind, Hovet and her peers set a new date and a new schedule for Self-Selection Day. In the new Self-Selection Day schedule, morning activities will be conducted an hour later and evening activities an hour earlier.

Additionally, this year’s self selection day is introducing a partnership with Dining Services in Vail Commons. “Commons was really excited about self-selection and reached out to

us and asked us what time should they open… they were really enthusiastic about self selection and wanted to see how they could be a part of it,” Hovet explained.

The change in the date for Self-Selection Day resonates with changes in the recruitment process that are being orchestrated by Self Selection Chairs. These changes aim to demystify the interactions between Eating Houses and blur the differences between them. For instance, self-selection chairs are hosting a panel to provide prospective Eating House members with information about each house. This informative panel is taking place instead of the Eating House Walk-Around: an open-house event hosted in previous years for freshmen to visit and interact with members of different Eating Houses. “We felt as if the walk through was an ineffective way to introduce freshmen to Eating Houses,” Claire Kane ’18, self-selection chair for Turner House mentioned. “The goal for us this year us to eliminate the stereotypes associated with each house.”

Although the change in date for Self-Selection Day sprung from a scheduling conflict,

self-selection chairs agree that having self-selection span an entire day can change the dynamic between Eating Houses and their newest members. “The Saturday aspect will give people who didn’t get into their first choice a chance to bond with all the girls in their house and know that regardless of the house they’re in, they’ll be surrounded by a great group of people,” Olivia Strader ’18, self-selection chair for Connor House commented. Specific plans for Self-Selection Day – other than the traditional events – are still in the works. However, as the date approaches, self-selection chairs are mindful about retaining and expanding the traditions associated with this event.

The Eating Houses pride themselves on being open and inclusive. Self-selection chairs, as well the female Paterson Court organizations, continue to encourage the growth of the system and provide a positive social experience for its members. “We’re trying to move past the stereotypes. At the end of the day we want to make girls feel that regardless of which Eating House they join, or which they’re placed in, they’re going to have a great time,” Strader ’18 concluded.

Davidson Outdoors launches trip focused on racial dialogue Continued from page 1 Outdoors but the experience of experiencing the outdoors.”

When planning this trip, group leaders decided to use an intergroup model. The model “brings people into the room with different lived experiences and tries to foreground our personal experiences and identities as part of the process,” according to Parker. Fessehaye added that in this model, “there is no room for people to be silent.” This approach allowed for the participants to be more equally involved than in a different approach that they might have chosen.

As a result of using this model, Parker-

said, “It really got me thinking more about the importance of dialogue spaces in order to bring people together in a more sustained and meaningful way.” He also added that this approach includes “a whole other element of mutual trust.”

Fessehaye explained that the trip “allowed me an air of optimism that I think as a senior I’ve kind of lost. I’ve always taken pride in the fact that Davidson is on the right side of change and there are avenues and platforms to have really tough conversations, but sometimes I do not see those happen as much as I’d like, particularly with white students getting outside of their comfort zone. We made an active effort to make sure white students

were not remaining silent as a form of nonengagement.”

Dove and Fessehaye will both be graduating in the spring, and Parker will finish his internship this semester. In the hope for future trips, Dove mentioned that there are underclassmen trip leaders that have expressed interest in leading a similar Davidson Outdoors weekend.

Davidson Outdoors received feedback from the weekend as to how it can improve if this kind of trip is organized again. According to Dove, the feedback includes “incorporating more skills driven training. Davidson Outdoors historically has been, and is currently, a space coded in whiteness. Many of our par-

ticipants of color wanted more outdoor skills instruction, which makes me wonder why DO has remained a predominately white space, and begs the question of how we can begin to cultivate a space for students of color interested in participating in, and learning about, outdoor recreation. This trip serves as a first step in creating such a space, but, more importantly, it calls attention to the need for more trips like these in the future.”

“It was a pilot program,” Fesseyhaye said of the trip. “It was successful in the fact that we did accomplish our main goal of breaking the ice and bridging those two goals I mentioned earlier.” Participants hope for future Davidson Outdoors trips to provide an environment to

News

Page 3

Davidsonian.com

crime log Time Reported

Description / Location

10/26/15 at 0805 hrs

Injurty to Real Property (Tires) at Armfield.

Further Investigation.

10/28/15 at 1620 hrs

Rape 2nd Degree at 126 Patterson Court Circle.

Prosecution Declined.

10/29/15 at 0903 hrs

Injury to Personal Property (Utility Cart) at Warner.

Inactive.

10/31/15 at 1504 hrs

Vandalism (Car Window) at Laundry.

Further Investigation.

10/31/15 at 0125 hrs

Underage Consumption at Armfield.

Dean Referral.

11/01/15 at 0125 hrs

Underage Consumption at Chidsey.

Dean Referral.

Charlotte’s urban setting struggles to attract students. Photo by Scott Cunningham.

Lack of access keeps students from Charlotte attractions Continued from page 1 ness of events and also inexpensive means to get into Charlotte that meet student interest and demand,” he said.

However, Tom Shandley, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student life, said, “I don’t think students have ever gone into Charlotte very much. I don’t imagine that’s going to change dramatically when there’s so much that students tend to do on campus. The whole purpose in getting the Zipcars is to provide an opportunity to students who don’t have a car to go into Charlotte or other places if they choose to. The students that I know that go into Charlotte do so for very specific reasons, but it’s not a routine journey.”

Shandley also discussed the general difficulty of accessing Charlotte, including the lack of public transportation and traffic on I-77 as barriers.

He senses, moreover, that students prefer a Davidson Outdoors experience, rather than a trip to Charlotte, to get off campus.

This year, Zipcar took the place of Enterprise as the on-campus car rental service. Students and faculty can reserve a car for an hourly or daily rate by going online or through the mobile app.

The on-campus rate is less expensive by a dollar for the hourly rate and by eight dollars for the daily rate, as compared to typical Zipcar prices, the former $7.50 per hour and the latter $69 per day. The college made the switch because Zipcar claims to have a simpler rental process, be more economical, and reduces carbon footprint.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) conducts a bus service for Mecklenburg County, in addition to a light rail — called LYNX — and streetcar in the city itself. Though no plans have come to fruition, a proposal was put forth for a North Corridor Commuter Rail Line, known as the LYNX Red Line. If put into action, the commuter rail would extend to Mooresville, with a stop in Davidson. In 2010, the Metropolitan Transit Commission created the Red Line Task Force to find other resources and funding for the generation of this commuter rail.

The college sponsors trips to events in the city via the Union Board’s CATS Excursions committee, which often provides free transportation and tickets. CATS Excursions is the newest committee within the Union Board, having formed three years ago “to provide a bridge and opportunity for Davidson students to explore the social and cultural offerings of the Charlotte community,” according to the Union Board’s website. The committee’s events have gradually increased in popularity and funding, its annual budget increasing from $2,500 to over $12,000. This semester, it has sponsored a trip to SCarowinds and the Of Monsters and Men concert at the Uptown Amphitheatre, both in Charlotte.

Lauren Schassberger `16, President of the Union Board, oversees the CATS Excursions committee and works with the Union Board to get students into Charlotte. “Recently, [trips sponsored by the Union Board to go into Charlotte] have been really popular,” she said.

“I definitely think [not going into Charlotte

frequently] is part of the culture at Davidson in that there is this fear of missing things that are going on on-campus if you happen to leave for a few hours,” Schassberger continued. “I’ve definitely felt that, and in retrospect it seems a little silly because I can’t say that anything spectacular has happened while I’m gone. At the same time, there are so many things to do at Davidson and around Davidson, such as being with your friends, that you don’t necessarily want to leave.”

Mackenzie Nolan `17, head of the CATS Excursions committee, explained that she and her committee gather to find events in and around Charlotte, then work to gauge student interest. “I went on a bunch of CATS Excursions my freshman and sophomore year. Otherwise, I rarely go into Charlotte unless my parents are visiting,” Nolan explained. “CATS Excursions does a great thing in providing transportation to these events because people don’t have to own cars or have friends with cars to be able to go into Charlotte.”

Students can access areas around Davidson through the Safe Ride Van, commonly known as the ‘Vamonos Van,’ sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) and Department of Public Safety. It runs to and from the Walmart located in Mooresville on days deemed “Walmart Wednesdays.” On Thursdays to Saturdays, it runs on demand from different points within the town of Davidson and places on campus.

The Safe Ride Van originally shuttled students between Interstate 77 exits 25 and 36. Pablo Zevallos `16, SGA President, explained that for it to revert to this purpose would require a clear student demand and an increase in funding. As of now, the van maintains “good demand,” meaning that the bus regularly carries up to 15 people. Extending the van’s services to Charlotte would require a significant increase in resources, meaning it would likely not run as an on-demand service.

“I am invested personally in students breaking the Davidson bubble and students getting off campus,” Zevallos said. “In a more cosmopolitan area, it forces us to interact with a variety of forces and cultures, and going into Charlotte is a great way to do that and to break the mold of suburbia.”

A popular alternative to visiting Charlotte continues to be Davidson Outdoors, which organizes include student-run trips that often involve whitewater kayaking and canoeing, backpacking, rock and mountain climbing and caving. Opportunities to go on such trips come as early as the summer prior to a student’s freshman year with the Backcountry Odyssey Program. However, an equivalent program for exploring the greater Charlotte area does not exist.

Nick Elder `18, Davidson Outdoors executive board member and trip leader, said, “From what I can tell, Charlotte isn’t really a destination. It’s more of a place where we end up when what what we want isn’t at one of the closer exits. I prefer [DO] trips to escape Davidson because it’s pretty much impossible to do homework on the trip, and I’ve found that I end up forgetting about my responsibilities entirely. Instead I get to focus on getting to know this new group of people that I’m with.”

Davidson students adapt to jobs at Kindred on Main Street 0$5< 3257(5 Staff Writer

M

ain Street is peppered with an eclectic array of fine dining restaurants, casual lunch spots, and soda and ice cream parlors. Carrburritos, Kindred, Millstone Bake House, Toast and The Pickled Peach rank among the top most popular with Davidson students and professors. Two students work at these local favorites.

Gage Holloway ‘16 is currently a waiter a Kindred, one of Davidson’s newest additions, which specializes in new Southern cuisine— perhaps most significantly, however, “Bon Appétit Magazine” ranked it as the seventh-best new restaurant in the nation in its annual “Hot 10” list. Holloway has worked for Kindred for nearly a month with previous experience at Il Bosco, a rustic Italian eatery, and Millstone Bake House, a pastry shop with its restaurant spin-off, Upper Crust, on the second level.

Holloway has utilized his adeptness with the restaurant industry as a means of supporting himself throughout his time at Davidson.

Although juggling a forty-hour work week is no easy feat, Holloway believes that as long as he “[organizes] his time properly…[he] easily [makes] it through the week just like any other student.” He expressed that his job has helped him develop into as a more responsible, organized adult. Although working in a costumer service job has been unsavory at times, Holloway attests that “it can be a lot of fun,” and that he has forged relationships with

“great people at work and in the community.”

Julia Vining ‘18 also works at Kindred as a hostess. She chose to work at Kindred over other restaurants because she was “drawn to its cool, New York vibe…[which reminds her] of home.”

“It definitely feels like a family,” Vining added. It’s a relationship that she continues to build upon during her three weeknights there.

Vining admits that it can be challenging to balance her workload, extracurricular interests, and social life while working 10 hours per week; however, the weekly escape “from the Davidson bubble” has helped alleviate stress, rather than added to it. Furthermore, she believes her time at Kindred has “helped [her] to feel more like a part of the surrounding Davidson community” as well as allowed her to feel “more independent.” Vining noted that overall, she “[loves] working there…[and] really [enjoys] the contrast to the typical Davidson scene.”

The high volume of diners that Kindred serves each week requires that Holloway and Vining be alert on the job. Holloway noted that Kindred serves “‘about 75 [to] 100 people on the books [in addition to] walk-ins ”’ during the week, and that it is not uncommon to serve over 250 people on the weekend. On Family Weekend, he added, Kindred served their busiest crowd ever — an estimated 322 people.

Despite the additional strain of working at such a popular restaurant, Vining and Holloway indicate that they are adapting readily.

Correction: An article printed on Oct. 28, “Phelps Sprinke ‘93 shares advise for life of successful leadership.” featured photos incorrectly attributed to Scott Cunningham. The photos were taken by Tommy Rhodes.

Please subscribe at www.davidsonian.com.

Follow the Davidsonian on Twitter and Instagram @The_Davidsonian.

living davidson

Page 4

November 4, 2015

Newest Spielberg film tackles challenging questions “Bridge of Spies” brings star power to the screen and interrogates cultural biases JACOB HEGE STAFF WRITER It’s not every day you find yourself rooting for a Soviet spy, but that’s exactly what Steven Spielberg’s most recent film, “Bridge of Spies,” will have you doing. The movie follows James Donovan (Tom Hanks), a New York insurance lawyer entrusted with the task of defending captured Russian spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) and eventually negotiating a swap for captured American spy Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) during the Cold War. Spielberg takes on the challenge of making an American audience

recognize a Russian spy as a national hero, and is successful through and through. While Tom Hanks’ performance is in no way lacking, it is Rylance’s performance as Abel that steals the show.

Rylance’s performance as the calm, arts-loving Abel shows audiences just how normal a character he is, no matter what his occupation may be. Through Abel’s grandfather-like qualities and endearing, if repetitive lines, the audience finds itself caring for him and fighting for his right to a fair trial along with Donovan. This is where the film infuses most of its tension, as the protagonist fights for the rights of a man who the entire country hates and who is mistreated because of his enemy status.

To counterbalance Abel’s situation, the audience is also shown a small group of American soldiers trained to spy on the Soviet Union. The American spies are told to (and given the means

to) kill themselves before they are ever caught by the Soviets. The film follows the destruction of Francis Powers’s plane and his subsequent capture by the Soviet Union. Instinctively, an American audience would want the American spy to survive and be brought home. The juxtaposition of the two spies raises two big questions. First, how can we vilify our enemies for spying on us when we are employing the same strategies and resources? And, second, how is what these two spies are doing any different than any other job?

Are they not simply following their boss’ orders?

We also see a theme of class privilege and special treatment of those valued in society. In Abel’s initial trial, Donovan discovers that all of the evidence used against Abel was collected without a search warrant. The judge is flabbergasted when Donovan points this out and his appeal is overruled, leaving Abel to be tried without basic rights. Similarly, in one scene in

Berlin, Donovan is riding a train from one side of the recently-constructed Berlin Wall to the other. Outside of the train a group of teenagers is seen attempting to climb over the wall, and German soldiers gun down the teens. These examples raise the question of why are some people’s actions are criminalized when other people do the same things with no repercussions?

Spielberg’s most recent film tackles these questions and more. It was hands down one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. If you have any free time, be sure to go see “Bridge of Spies.” It’s brilliantly deep, insightful, relevant to today’s world and surprisingly humorous as well. 10/10.

“Bridge of Spies” is now playing in theaters everywhere.

Photos of the Week: Ghosts of Halloweens Past

Photo Courtesy of Zach Blount

Photo Courtesy of Brooke Brazer Photo Courtesy of Sharon Byrd

Photo Courtesy of Sharon Byrd

Photo Courtesy of Sharon Byrd

Photo Courtesy of Sharon Byrd

Photo Courtesy of Sharon Byrd

perspectives

Page 5

November 4, 2015

Integrating environmental education into classroom instruction RHIANNE COFER & ALEXANDER NICHOLS

R

emember being a joyful, over energetic youngster in kindergarten having your teacher discuss things ranging from the alphabet to simple addition and subtraction? If yes, you should also probably remember your teacher promoting recycling and the disposing of trash properly, right? This type of moral education related to eco-friendly habits is often neglected in most comprehensive schools’ curricula. However, this type of instruction is crucial in promoting pro-environmental behavior.

Unfortunately though, many people in the United States are severely undereducated when it comes to basic environmental principles. According to the Campaign for Environmental Literacy, “two-thirds of the public fail even a basic environmental quiz and a whopping 88% of the public fail a basic energy quiz.” Because of this lack of environmental literacy, much of the public is very uninformed during elections or campaigns that have to deal with nationwide environmental policy. If, as a whole, we don’t know enough about the environment and sustainable practices to begin with, how can we even hope to enact meaningful legislation that

could change the way our country deals with the environment?

A novel and innovative approach is required in order to prevent the spread of this national crisis of environmental illiteracy in the public sector. Referencing antebellum and twentieth-century educational philosophers and theorists like Johann Pestalozzi and Charlotte Hawkins Brown, respectively, they felt agricultural education should be in schools’ curriculum and that there should be a plethora of field trips to the outdoors in order to foster a sense of connectedness to nature in all students before they become (hopefully) affluent members of society. Too many schools have forgotten these educational foundations, and the ones that still incorporate these practices are few and far between.

The education of being eco- friendly and sustainable is essential in any functioning society and needs to start from a young age, then fostered and enforced through the student’s continuation of schooling.

“

Elementary schools should introduce the ideas in a fun and constructive manner as not to lose the child’s attention and curiosity about the subject. The utilization of Froebel’s play method and gifts would be a great approach in helping students learn about being environmentally sustainable without making it look like formal instruction through active, participationbased projects and recreation (e.g. nature walks, recycling activities, and maintaining a garden).

Middle schools are to continue this in a more formal manner with direct implications as to why pro- environmental behavior is important through guided assignments and prescribed readings. High schools take another method and allow students to practice these developed habits through organizations and clubs like the Environmental Team or Gardening Club. And finally, higher education is simply meant to reinforce the principle ideas taught from earlier schooling with guest lectures and research funding opportunities.

By forming healthy and sustainable habits in little kids and getting them interested in caring more about the planet, we can encourage them to take this passion with them into the world.

So, how does Davidson compare to the rest of the country? The college offers students an Environmental Studies major, along with many different classes pertaining to environmental sciences. Yet something worth mentioning is the fact that many habits are formed long before we even reach college. By the time students get out of high school and into college, they have already divided themselves into groups of recyclers and non-recyclers, Prius drivers and Hummer drivers, composters and food-wasters. That is precisely why environmental education at a young age is so terribly important.

By forming healthy and sustainable habits in little kids and getting them interested in caring more about the planet, we can encourage them to take this passion with them into the world. Because of this, Davidson’s major environmental mission should be to focus on honing the knowledge and awareness of its students so they can take these habits and actions into their own hands. We should then take it upon ourselves to teach and encourage younger generations to do the same.

Rhianne Cofer `19 is a Biology and Environmental Studies double major from Norfolk, VA. Contact her at rhcofer@davidson.edu Alexander Nichols `19 is an Education Policy Studies major and Ethnic Studies minor from Lithia Springs, GA. Contact him at alnichols@davidson.edu

The Davidson experience is not one size fits all

D

SHANE GILBERT

avidson is an amazing place, and I will always cherish my experience here, but the emotional and mental health of our student body concerns me. For example, how many times a week does a simple “how’s it going” instigate a recitation of agendas? Maybe Davidson should publish everyone’s calendars so we can put this facade of a social interaction to rest. While some people gripe more than others, the main culprit in this story is the academic environment in which we reside. In a sense, many students vent their frustrations often because of the ridiculous course load that we are expected to carry.

Particularly in the early years, Davidson makes too many people chase perfection.

Impressive courses, the GPA to flaunt it, and extracurricular superstardom. Make sure you spend 48 hours a week on classes, but you better be prepared to drop another dozen or two on other activities if you want that cush job.

A good night’s sleep? A regular workout? Or, dare I say it, a day off ? Not if you want to ex-

cel at the Davidson game; forget your mortality and get back to work, dammit. In this light, it is obvious why so many Davidson students (including yours truly) utilize our counseling resources. If you have a concern that preoccupies you emotionally, then you can forget about fulfilling these expectations.

The fact that we are too bogged down is a depressing one because it makes us tend toward hypercritical and negative thinking. This instinct is especially problematic because we miss the big picture realization that we have it oh so good. We have the ability to be full-time college students surrounded by engaging, brilliant, and kind peers. Davidson affords us the absurdly unique opportunity to study what it is that lights our academic fire.

More importantly, we are developing, maturing, and finding ourselves in ways that we never thought possible back in the days of secondary education. And the

“

Ask yourself: what is it that you want to get out of this experience, and what is the daily life that you want to have here?

the davidsonian staff editors-in-chief news editors living davidson editor

:LOO 0F'XIÀH Michelle Wan Mary Click Kate McNaughton Sophia Guevara

perspectives editor

Will Weisgerber

yowl editor

Sophie McHugh

sports editors

Ethan Faust Jason Feldman

photo editors

Scott Cunningham Shea Parikh

web editors

graphic design editor

college helps us with every step along the way.

No matter where you come from in life, things could have gone worse; this is a fact for no other reason than you are here. However, we fail to appreciate fully our good fortune because of our constant stress.

But, you might reasonably retort, what can we do about it? Well, there are many international, domestic, and administrative factors at play. Something needs to change, and it will take time to fix. In the meantime, however, you can change your perspective of your Davidson experience.

Maybe you fit the workaholic mold and are content with the grind. But if not, it is okay to put your computer down and relax. Apart from professional development, college is about finding a balance in your life between academic, social, and personal needs. In addition to future security, you can seek immediate happiness. If you live the Davidson experience

Sabrina Cheema Emily Kent Bridget Lavender Sophia Smith

that fulfills you, it could mean you do not do as well academically or that you have fewer shining stars on your resume, but you will be happier and still prepared for a meaningful life.

And when you are less stressed, you appreciate more the incredible hand that you have been dealt. Sounds like a good trade-off to me.

By now, you have probably realized that, along with the pleasures of incense, yoga, and kale, I acquired a mindset from my hippie dad.

While my view of this academic environment might lean on the free-spirited side, it at least begs the question of how we should address this issue. It is okay to not work all of the time.

If anything, it shows that you are human. Ask yourself: what is it that you want to get out of this experience, and what is the daily life that you want to have here? It does not matter if your answer is not the mainstream one; it matters only that it is genuine and makes you feel alive.

Shane Gilbert `16 is a Political Science major from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Contact him at shgilbert@davidson.edu

THE TISSUE ISSUE Board of Nutrition Declares Guacamole a Fruit Salad To Satiate Chipotle

Page 6

Exclusive: Meet the Tequila Shot That Changed One Freshman’s Night For The Better

Page 5

Devastating: Insolent Sophomore Lets Five CVS Extrabucks Expire And Feels No Shame

Page 4

Reports Roll In That Neighborhood Cats Wore Sexy Human Costumes Halloween Night

Page 3

Webtree Secretly Wishes It Were A Real Tree; Preferably A Magnolia

Thanksgiving Now Only Holiday Nation Must Pretend To Care About Before Christmas Arrives Halloween is finally over, and critical reviews have indicated that it was a relative success this year. Children and adults alike were reported to have mustered up just enough excitement to actually make the holiday slightly enjoyable. Of course, as is expected, it shies in comparison to the elated anticipation that is already building up toward the popular favorite, Christmas. Local Yowl correspondent and third grade student Toby Hunter reports: “Halloween is cool. I get candy, which is sort of like a present. But my mom doesn’t even let me eat it all, and I had to be a penguin again because she thinks it’s cute. I wanted to be an explosion.”

His older brother, Aaron, chimed in: “We’re just ready to get to Christmas. Except first Mom says we have to do

Page 2

iOS Satiates Need For New Emojis, Including Sorrow Face, Moldy Bagel, And Satisfied Rosie O’Donnell

Page 1

Sales Skyrocket Due To Summit’s Decision To Replace Coffee Stirrers With Those Adorable Tiny Paper Umbrellas Page Blast Off!

The Yowl’s Recommended Reading: How To Read A Book For Dummies!

The Babysitters Club Series Hercules in New York The Back Of The Fruity Pebbles Box MBB’s Latest Facebook Post The Yowl

Your Davidson Honor Section

Editor: Sophie “Rainbow” McHugh Writers: Patrick “Shamrock” McMars Rachel “Pot-O-Gold“ McKay Finn “Leprechaun” McOwen Note: The Yowl is a satirical supplement to The Davidsonian. Hence, nothing in it should be taken as truth. Though really, what is truth but a concept created by humans to cope with the reality of lies?

THE DAVIDSONIAN

This Issue Brought to You By: Your Auntie Ellen (She Misses You)

“I love Thanksgiving. I can’t wait to stuff my face, spend time with family, and drop mega-hints about what I want for Christmas!”

Thanksgiving, which basically just means that our weird Auntie Ellen kisses us on the lips and then we watch TV in the back room for a few hours. I love Christmas.

I love presents. And Jesus too, I guess.”

The Hunter brothers aren’t the only ones ready to barrel through the hurdle that is Thanksgiving. According to an anonymous survey, 68% of Americans thinks that the occasion is “a little dull,” while another 21% simply deems it “one giant turkey standing between me and Santa.” However, a small percentage expresses a confusing and misguided excitement for the holiday.

“I love Thanksgiving.” gushed Monica Oxford ‘18, “I can’t wait to stuff my face with great food, spend some quality time with family, and drop mega-hints about what I want for Christmas!”

When we reached out for a comment, the man with a belly like a bowl full of jelly himself had a fair bit to say on the subject.

“Funny you should mention that. Thanksgiving is actually something I cooked up myself, to take the pressure off me during November.” As it turns out, Santa requested that the holiday be instated to keep the focus off of Christmas for a bit.

His plan backfired, analysis suggests due to the holiday’s uncharismatic mascot and the lack of a present-giving ritual.

One thing’s for sure, the nation as a whole seems quite prepared to rush anxiously through Thanksgiving, have a ball at Christmas, and spend New Year’s Eve pretending not to feel horribly sad and empty. *Note from the editor: Our correspondent Aaron Hunter requested we notify our readers that although he is excited for Christmas, he is not excited to go to church.

This Just In: Breaking Campus News To Keep You In The Know Student Neglecting to Hit Chambers Handicap Button Confirms Hatred of Movie “Pay it Forward” CHAMBERS—A third-year student neglected to hit the Chambers handicap button to keep the doors open for those entering the building behind him on Friday. In unrelated news, that same student recently confirmed his hatred of the classic movie “Pay It Forward.”

“I’m not sure why,” he stated in the comments box of a movie selection survey for Davidson’s Popcorn movie database. “I just really hate that movie.”

The student, who, on a separate note, has literally never touched the Chambers handicap button to keep the doors open for others, also expressed reservations towards nuanced, thought-provoking movies that provide opportunity for self-reflection such as “Forrest Gump,” “A Beautiful Mind,” and “Shawshank Redemption.” “But I don’t hate those ones,” the student clarified. “Only ‘Pay it Forward.’”

‘Out of Order’ Library Coffee Machine Affects Lives of None “It is unknown how LIBS—Three days have elapsed since a library-goer noticed an ‘out of order’ sign on many lives will be afthe library coffee machine. However, the pefected; however, early riod of time since the machine has actually stopped functioning remains a mystery. As estimates are as high as reports from the ground are just beginning none.” to come in, it is unknown how many lives will be affected; however, early estimates are as high as none.

President Quillen could not be reached for comment at the time of the press conference; however, she did release a statement, urging students, faculty, and staff to “maintain focus and keep to business as usual” throughout the lack of aftermath.

Physical Plant was available for comment, assuring, “We are working on getting it fixed. We understand the effect the situation is not having on the Davidson community.”

Student Writes Sociology Reading Down in Planner “Just For Kicks” UNION—Upon checking a current assignment on Moodle late Monday night, a student reported she wrote down her sociology reading in her planner “just for kicks.”

“I wasn’t gonna write it down at first, but then I did,” commented the student early Tuesday morning on her thought process leading up to the event. “I was planning on writing down my chem homework, but then I wrote down the soc assignment too. I don’t know what happened.”

Although the event has left many questioning the motives behind the writedown, it is likely that this will remain an isolated incident. “I think she can come back from this,” commented a fellow classmate. “We just have to maintain focus and remember what we are not here to do.”

News of the incident left more than one person thinking critically. “These things happen. It’s how you handle them that counts,” said the guy who sits diagonal from the student. “We just have to make sure we don’t start to see a pattern.”

All Pennies That Don’t Grant Wishes Declared Counterfeits By U.S. Mint Given that the Obama administration is coming up on its last year in power, some bold changes are being made in Washington D.C. Some, like the legalization of gay marriage and the protection of Net Neutrality, are a bit controversial.

However, one new change is being met with nothing but public approval.

It all started in August. U.S. National Treasurer Rosie Rios was commuting to the Mint when she crossed paths with a heads-up penny. She picked up the coin, blew on it three times, gave it a kiss, stuck it in her sock, and made a wish, as any professional well-versed in the subject of wishmaking would do.

“I followed all of the rules and stipulations associated with wishing,” explained Rios. “I waited the appropriate eight to nine business days for my wish to be granted. I did not wish for three more wishes. I did not tell anyone what I wished for. However, after a reasonable amount of time had passed, I still was not blessed with a hairless kitten that would love me unconditionally as if I were its mother.”

Rios was understandably outraged. Given her convenient position of power, she immediately took the matter up with Rhett Jepson, the director of the U.S. Mint. He issued the following statement: “We have been receiving numerous complaints lately about the magical wish-granting abilities of the pennies we

“At the Mint, heads-up pennies are lying around all over the place, yet my proposal to put the Sorouse twins on the two-dollar bill still hasn’t been approved.”

produce. We have hired an official government wizard with the hopes of remedying the situation as soon as possible. Until further notice, it should be assumed that all pennies that do not grant wishes, or at the very least bring general luck, are counterfeits and can be exchanged at the Mint for bona-fide enchanted coins.”

Jepson added later in an exclusive interview with The Yowl, “I’m so glad Rosie finally said something. I’ve been noticing this for months! At the Mint, heads-up pennies are lying around all over the place, yet though I’ve wished for it many times, my proposal to put the Sprouse twins on the two-dollar bill still hasn’t been approved.”

High-up government officials aren’t the only ones who have been dissatisfied with the product. Sir Elton John himself reported the following: “I’ve always been a big fan of magical American coins.

They’ve served me well thus far. Years ago, I wished to have the best name known to man. Granted. Then I wished to be a knight. Granted. But recently, I’ve been wishing to be cast as the next James Bond, and that’s obviously not happening. Yet.” Reports have yet to show whether throwing a defective penny in a fountain improves its quality at all, but for now the Mint simply recommends sticking with shooting stars for wish-granting purposes.

sports

Page 7 Davidsonian.com

Pritchett hopes to leave impact despite season-ending injury TAIT JENSEN

K

Senior Staff Writer

iShawn Pritchett ’19 may be a freshman, an animal lover, and self-described “daddy’s boy,” but don’t let that soft façade fool you. Davidson basketball’s newest combo guard loves to win.

“I want to win a lot of games,” he told me of his ambitions for his Davidson basketball career.

“I want to be considered a winner.”

In that case, he came to the right place.

Pritchett joined a Davidson basketball team that has won over 20 games in each of the past four seasons. And the Wildcats have the hardware to go with it. They have clinched at least the regular season conference title in each of those seasons, including a first-place finish in the team’s first season in the Atlantic 10 last year. That run of winning doesn’t look like slowing anytime soon, as the Wildcats return nine of their top 10 scorers from a year ago and get Jake Belford ’17 back from injury.

But that prospect of another winning season for the Wildcats is what made a preseason injury so devastating to Pritchett. He has experienced chronic knee problems since high school, and, after spending time on the court for parts of five practices this year, that knee began to swell up again.

“The MRI looked good, but it turned out to be the same problem I had before,” he said. Surgery became a necessity, which means Pritchett is out for the season. He and Dusan Kovacevic ’19, the other freshman on the team, who tore his ACL earlier this fall, will both miss the entire year with knee issues.

Unfortunately, that’s nothing new for the freshman guard. He twisted an ankle in his sophomore season at Lake Norman High School. The injury required surgery and he had to sit out his entire senior season with this same knee problem. That past experience with injuries and rehab means Pritchett has refined his approach to coming back from injury. “I look at it different now,” he said. “Rehab is tedious, but I enjoy the process now a little bit more and I’m more mindful of what I’m doing and how it will help me going forward.”

But just because Pritchett can’t play doesn’t mean he can’t win. The newcomer knows he can still contribute to the team’s success this season both off the court and on the bench. “I don’t mind being a cheerleader on the bench because I did that my whole senior year [of high school] so I’m used to it,” he explained. “I just want to help as much as I can. Whether that’s encouraging people or giving off energy, I’ll do whatever I can.”

Thinking positively, Pritchett will have had an entire season to watch and learn Coach Bob McKillop’s system. In that sense, he will have four years left to play but be one step ahead of the competition. “If I were to play this year, it would

have taken time to learn the system anyway,” he said. “Now I have an extra year to do that.”

And when he does come back stronger, Davidson will be getting a combo guard that starred in his limited time at Lake Norman. Pritchett was a 2014 All-State selection and Conference Player of the Year. He was twice named All-Region, All-County, All-Conference, and was selected County Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior.

Not everyone would have predicted that when they saw the gangly Pritchett walk onto the court as a 6’3”, 180 lb. high school freshman. He was forced to play center at Mooresville Christian Academy because he was the tallest guy on the team. But when he transferred to Lake Norman the next season, Pritchett discovered a sweet sight: two 6’9” big men.

He became a big guy with guard skills. “After struggling with learning my role as a sophomore, my role increased and I became a go-to-guy,

where I had to learn to be more of an all-around player,” Pritchett said of his high school development. “That’s my biggest strength right now,” Pritchett said, “versatility.”

Put a little less humbly, Pritchett is a basketball coach’s dream: a 6’6”, 220 lb. specimen who can also dribble, pass and shoot. He averaged 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals at Lake Norman. So how did Davidson land such a talented overall player?

“Tradition,” he told me. “Bob is a winner. He’s tough but I think he’s one of the best coaches in the country.”

But it’s not just the coaching that Pritchett has found special about the Davidson basketball program. The chemistry and basketball family that the Wildcats have built impacted him from the moment he set foot on campus. “One of the first weekends, I had some friends from home, and the guys kept calling me and wouldn’t leave me alone,” he recalled, laughing. “They said, ‘It’s okay

if you want to hang out with your friends, just do it with us.’

“Everything we do we all do together,” he explained. “The comradery is incredible. They are honestly my brothers. And I feel like our relationship really shows on the court when were looking out for each other. I can’t even sum it up.”

While he might struggle to put the welcoming and care he has received from his teammates as a freshman into words, Pritchett will aim to repay them by being a supportive teammate himself, even while going through his own adversity. “I want to be the best teammate I can be,” he said. “I want to be a part of a winning team, and I know we have a bunch of winners on our team.”

Though we’ll have to wait a full year to see him on the court, he might get what he’s asking for sooner than later. “I’m looking forward to just having fun, winning a lot, and just being with the guys and having fun on the court,” Pritchett said.

“I can’t wait.”

Although he will miss his freshman season due to yet another knee injury, KiShawn Pritchett ’19 is trying to help the Wildcats keep up their winning ways. The regular season begins November 14 at home against UCF. Photo by Diedra Laird/Charlotte Observer.

Framing in journalism: how facts can be like fiction STEPHEN PACHECO Staff Writer

T

he start of a fresh NBA season always seems to signal the beginning of a “new” set of rather predictable occurrences: Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith will make more false claims than 1930’s tobacco ads, Kobe’s shot-attempts-to-assists ratio will grow closer to that of a Davidson student’s average ACT score, Carlos Boozer and Lebron James’s hairlines will have more collective movement over the course of the season than Kendrick Perkins, and power couple Nick Young and Iggy Azalea will compete to see who can lose more credibility in the span of a year.

Unfortunately, yet another guarantee is that the NBA will have more scandals and drama than an episode of “Law & Order.” Already this offseason there have been a number of bizarre scandals, highlighted by Matt Barnes’s alleged affair with Rihanna followed by his 100-mile road trip to beat up New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher for dating his ex-wife. While it may seem okay to make fun of Barnes for his egregious mistakes that he knowingly made as a celebrity in the public eye, scandals can be more problematic when

they target and tarnish the reputation of a man struggling not only to maintain his own health and stability, but his overall sanity and grasp on life itself.

On October 13, headlines broke across the Internet that former NBA champion and Sixth Man of the Year Lamar Odom was found unconscious in an isolated Nevada brothel and subsequently placed on life support. For those who knew Odom as a man and a respected NBA veteran and superstar, this story was a tragedy. For those who knew Odom merely as a hollow plotline on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, this story was nothing more than a catchy headline.

Odom has dealt with depression, substance abuse, loss, and tragedy his entire life. Odom lost his mother at age 12, his grandmother at age 23, his six-month-old son at 26, and two of his closet friends to drug-related deaths just this past summer. He was a man in deep pain, struggling to find his place in the world, looking for peace. He was a father. He was a son. He was a 14-year NBA veteran. He was a two-time NBA champion. But headlines on the morning of his near-death experience portrayed him in a different light—“Kardashian Reality Star In a Coma,” “Khloe Kardashian Rushes To Dying Former Lover,” “Reality Star Found Unresponsive In Brothel.”

The problem with the media and specialized journalism is that stories are framed differently by different organizations for different audiences, subverting reality for generalizations and broad characterizations to fit people into descriptions tailored for specific media consumption. Entertainment organizations classify Lamar Odom as a reality star, while sports and news organizations describe him as an NBA champion. While these two categorizations are technically both true, they do not both present reality accurately.

Journalism is often able to lie with facts. As we have seen with the Lamar Odom scandal, facts cannot be equated with a truthful depiction of reality. Factual evidence can be used to undermine a person as well as – if not better than – lies can. Calling Lamar Odom a “Kardashian Reality Star” is as dehumanizing, misrepresentative, and inaccurate as any media-fabricated lie about him could be. When journalism becomes about satisfying a particular audience over accurately assessing a situation – when a man becomes nothing more than empty words for a catchy headline – the media has not only failed but cheated the consumer and the people depicted within the coverage.

Scott Van Pelt echoed these sentiments in a scathing indictment of the media coverage of La-

mar Odom from behind his desk at ESPN during the October 19 “SportsCenter” broadcast, taking a rare break from the swell of sports puns and Lebron coverage that makes up the majority of ESPN air time these days. “Lamar Odom, unlike those [reality stars] for whom fame is oxygen, whose fame comes in the absence of accomplishment – his fame was earned,” Van Pelt said. “‘Passed Out in a Brothel’ makes for a hell of a headline, and I’m sure quite a juicy episode of TV, but stripped to the foundation, it’s just incredibly sad. All of it. A man with so much loss, unable to find his way, whose unfortunate reality becomes a plotline in alleged reality…I understand not everyone watches sports, but ‘Kardashian reality star’? His name is Lamar Odom. And we knew it – long before he got married, on a TV show we don’t watch.”

Van Pelt realized that when journalists’ duty is lowered to the standard of the simple presentation of facts that act in accordance with the broad category of media a certain outlet caters to, reality is shattered as fast as journalistic integrity. When a man is condensed into an oversimplified and wholly inaccurate (even if entirely factual) headline, journalists strip real people of their humanity and dignity, capitalizing on tragedy to squeeze a juicy story out of a deeply saddening situation.

sports

Page 8

November 4, 2015

XC puts up strong display at A-10 Championships in Richmond more guys, and not getting caught.”

Brewster, a transfer from the University of Illinois, came into his first season at Davidson with the burden of expectation placed upon him. Evhe men’s cross country team battled to erybody knew he was a big-time runner capable a 3rd place finish at the A-10 Champiof breaking 25 minutes in a championship meet. onships on Saturday in Richmond, with But to this point, nobody had seen the full extent three runners earning all-conference honors. The of his ability. women’s team placed 8th and were led by the sen“After the race, I was pretty pumped,” added sational Caroline Yarbrough ’19, who took 3rd Brewster. “During the first few races, I certainly overall. wasn’t living up to the expectations that everyThe day began with the men’s 8K race. Bradone had for me coming in, so it was nice to filey Heuer of La Salle took the race out at a blisnally break through and run to my potential. But tering pace, running a 4:42 first mile, with a large mainly, I was stoked for my teammates. We had pack of runners aiming to keep pace. Among that a great day overall. Not many teams get to boast front group was Davidson’s veteran duo of Ryan three all-conference runners. I’m proud of the Phillips ’16 and Daniel Samet ’16, whose race way we fought.” plan was to stay with the lead group, keying off of Captain Walker Mogen ’17 was Davidson’s favorite George Mason’s top two runners. Using fourth across the line in 32nd place overall with each other as a barometer, they were able to keep a time of 25:19.2. Although foot injuries nagged pace as the race became more tactical. him all year, Mogen fought to run his best race of However, with George Mason having an off the year when it counted most. And just behind him was Dylan Carmack ’19, who continues to impress with his performances as a freshman.

Carmack finished 38th in 25:25.8, rounding out Davidson’s top-five on the day.

Saint Joseph’s took the team title, followed

by UMass. But this was a noteworthy performance by Davidson. Everybody stepped up in the big moment to earn a third-place finish just ahead of La Salle and Richmond.

“What impressed me most about our race was our ability to cut through the weight of pressure and expectation that always comes with a championship race and just do our job,” said Phillips. “Everyone executed their race plans pretty flawlessly and raced well when it Davidson toes the line at the start of the A-10 Championships. (From left: Will Brewster ‘17, Daniel Samet’16, Ryan Phillips ‘16, Ian Robertson ‘18, Dylan Carmack ‘19, Ramsay Ritchie ‘18 & Walker Mogen ‘17) Photo by Edward Kimball. counted.”

ETHAN FAUST

Co-Sports Edior

T

day, the Davidson duo had to change plans. Phillips, Samet and Will Brewster ’17 became separated. At the 5K mark, Steven Flynn of George Mason took command of the race, breaking away to eventually take first by over 20 seconds. Behind him, however, the race was wide open. The ‘Cats now had to rely on racing instincts and the training plan that had gotten them to this point.

Phillips and Samet raced to 11th and 13th place finishes in the end with times of 24:57.2 and 25:00.4 respectively. But it was the work of their teammate Brewster that caught the eye. Patiently buying his time, he made his move with 2K to go. Using all the energy he could muster, Brewster kicked his way over the last 600 meters to a 9th place finish, finishing in 24:54.2. The three of them earned all-conference honors for their top15 finishes.

“The final stretch of a cross-country race can be summed up with one word: pain,” said Brewster. “A lot can be decided in the final stretch, so I was completely zoned in on sucking it up, getting

The women’s race followed shortly after. From the gun, Yarbrough, who had piled up three Atlantic 10 weekly awards this season, raced to the front. There she stayed for the entire 5K. Her first mile was a 5:26.2 and she never fell off, finishing 17:20.9 and edging out a Richmond runner for third place in a photo finish.

“Going into the race, I was extremely nervous but I tried to not let the adrenaline get to me by staying in control the first mile and settling behind a pack of girls,” said Yarbrough. “Once I hit the second mile mark, I realized that my legs felt really good and I could start picking it up.“ “Throughout the race, I tried to stay focused on why I was running--for Davidson, for my team, for the seniors, for the hundreds of miles we’ve put in over the summer and fall to prepare for this race,” she continued. “Keeping this thought in my mind helped me to not want to give up and to put everything I had into the race.”

For her efforts, Yarbrough was named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year and earned all-conference honors. Her time was a new personal record by 23 seconds, wrapping up a remarkable freshman campaign that few saw coming. She herself says she did not expect this level of success in year one.

Without teammates nearby, Allison Cheeseman ’18 negotiated a tough racing situation to finish 28th in 18:07.4, beating her personal best time by one second. Behind her, Hayden Bates ’17 seemed to grow stronger as the race grew on, using a tremendous finish to earn 43rd place overall in 18:29.1, also a personal record.

Sarah Sears ’18 and Caroline Turner ’17 rounded out Davidson’s scoring with 52nd and 53rd place finishes in 18:38.2 and 18:38.4, resepectively, with Turner’s finish a personal best. Behind them, Olivia Menden ’16 returned from injury to post an impressive 65th place finish in her first race of the year.

With each of the top five finishers returning next season and tremendous depth behind them, the women’s team is set up for long-term success.

However, both the men’s and women’s teams are not done with their seasons quite yet. Regionals await in a week and a half. For the first time this year, the men’s team earned a top-15 team ranking in the recently released rankings for the notoriously competitive Southeast Region. But as expectations for the team and for individuals increase, the team has proven it is capable of stepping up.

Admissions for athletes: how should they be compared to other applicants?

JASON FELDMAN Co-Sports Edior

D

avidson is one of a kind. One would certainly be hard-pressed to find another school with a similar blend of athletics, academics and small size. As such, it leaves our athletic department in many unique situations where decisions have to be made without comparing our school to others.

Paramount among these issues is recruiting.

Competing in a conference like the Atlantic 10 and going up against schools with lower admissions standards and many more scholarships to offer, our coaches are left with a very tough task in finding athletes who can succeed not only on the field but also in the classroom.

As coaches are judged so heavily on the results they obtain on the field, it is normal for them to want to get the best athletes they can find. Inevitably, some of these athletes are not always going to have the best grades or standardized test scores from their high school years.

Ultimately, the admissions office is faced with many tough decisions about the status of these student-athletes. On the one hand, they face pressure from coaches to let prospective student-athletes in, but on the other hand, they know the tough Davidson academic culture might be too rigorous to handle for some of the students whose applications come across their desk.

By no means do I think that there aren’t student-athletes who could easily get into Davidson by their academic records alone. Many of them are some of the brightest students there are on this campus. At last month’s Fall Convocation, the two winners of the Alumni Association Award, given to the top performing students af-

ter their freshman year, were both Wildcat athletes. Considering the fact that every student-athlete has to handle the same workload as everyone else in addition to all the hours spent on practice and games, it is remarkable how so many of them are able to excel to such great lengths in the classroom.

Nonetheless, as admissions certainly receives applications from students who don’t have the normal credentials of an admit, there are athletes who fall into this category. However, sending a rejection letter is a lot harder when you know you also need to let a coach know that the roster slot they thought they had filled will have to be filled some other way.

Now, this begs the question, where should we draw the line on giving the benefit of the doubt to a prospective student-athlete’s application?

Personally, I think we need to give athletes the benefit of the doubt as long as we are not setting them up to fail.

One can’t look at this campus and not realize the value successful athletic programs bring to the campus community, whether it be the men’s basketball team bringing in huge revenues from making it to the NCAA tournament, or just the school pride teams can bring about with their success.

Just as the admissions office considers things like extracurricular activities alongside academics for every application, the potential to be a successful Division I athlete certainly needs to be considered as a key aspect of an application.

However, though the Stephen Currys of the world may not need their Davidson degree in life after college, almost all other Wildcat student-athletes will not make a living with their athletic abilities.

Because of this, we need to make sure that we are not admitting students who cannot handle the academic workload and complete their degree. If

we admit a student who ends up flunking out and not finishing his or her degree, not only do we have a student on campus that doesn’t really belong, but we could also be setting up this person to fail later on in life.

Inevitably, the admissions office receives more applications from students who can succeed on this campus than the number it can actually take.

In the case that a prospective student-athlete with coach support is on the border, I think they deserve some leniency. However, if it is clear that they will not be able to succeed academically, the tough decision to say no to a coach needs to be

made.

While I would certainly love to see our teams all on the top end of the Atlantic 10 standings, I hate to see student-athletes on campus who aren’t able to replicate their on-the-field success in the classroom. Not only are they taking away a spot from someone else who could make a great impact on campus, but also the school is not doing these students any favors. While we need to keep our unique, strong Division I athletic program, we need to tighten the strings a bit more on who we want to be the student-athletes representing the school.

Recent Scores Women’s Soccer 11/1 Davidson 1 Rhode Island 0

Volleyball 10/31 Davidson 0 VCU 3

Wrestling 11/1 West Liberty 9 Davidson 25

Field Hockey 10/31 UMass 2 Davidson 1

Football 10/31 Campbell 39 Davidson 9

Men’s Swimming 10/31 Old Dominion 190 Davidson 170

Women’s Swimming 10/31 Old Dominion 164 Davidson 197