9-13-17 Davidsonian

the davidsonian

September 13, 2017 Vol. 113 ISSue 2

The Independent Student Newspaper of Davidson College since 1914

Inside NEWS Jane Campbell's non-profit news source soon to go live 2 Profiles on this year's nominees for Homecoming King and Queen 3 LIVING DAVIDSON Davidson art majors, Rebecca Pempek '20 and Maura Tangum '20, share their thoughts on artistic expression 4

Senior apartment Armfield remains the hub for student party scene on campus. Photo by Erin Gross

After weekend nights spent at Armfield, litter and drinking paraphernalia left by students. Photo by Erin Gross

Initiatives by SGA and PCC address drinking culture "down the hill" ETHAN EHRENHAFT Senior Staff Writer

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ess than a month into the school year, changes big and small are coming to Davidson’s senior apartments, which are frequently used as party venues. Students making the trek “down the hill” will notice water coolers in place outside every base level apartment that is hosting, starting this weekend.

The water coolers, which will be manned by the apartment owners, were paid for jointly by the Patterson Court Council (PCC) and the Student Government Association (SGA). They are intended to help students engage in healthier drinking habits while in these party spaces. If the initiative goes well, Student Activities and the Dean of Students Office will reimburse PCC and SGA. The coolers were the brainchild of SGA President and Vice President Alex Soltany ‘18 and Malia Dickson ‘18, respectively. On August 30th, the two student body leaders met with all PCC presidents in response to issues resulting from excessive drinking during the first week of the

school year.

Starting the Wednesday before classes began and lasting through the add-drop period, five students were transported to the hospital as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. To put this number in context, there were no student transports through the first five weeks of the 20162017 school year. There were 33 transports in total last year, up from 29 in 2015-2016. Despite the upward trend, both administrators and students alike cautioned the effects of concentrating attention on transports to solve problems.

“I feel like focusing on the number of transports for some people can feel like a call to action, but for others it can feel like a red herring. It can focus attention to the wrong place,” said Dean of Students Byron P. McCrae, who is entering his first year in the position.

Director of Student Life and Associate Dean of Students Jason Shaffer added: “Alcohol transports are only one indicator of what is a high-risk behavior and what is going on.”

Individuals also warned of the negative effects of stigmatizing transports, as well. PCC President Emily Yates stated, “I think that looking at transports as the marker of how bad our drink-

ing culture is also irresponsible.” Health Educator Georgia Ringle echoed her sentiment, stating, “We don’t want to ever scare people from calling an ambulance.”

While the number transports does not reflect the health of the school’s entire drinking problem, some believe it is more indicative of deep underlying issues in the drinking culture. According to Dean Shaffer, “There has been an increase of warning signs that make me worried that the permissibility of high risk behaviors is going up and that students seem to be more accepting of things and reinforcing within a culture of things that will allow high-risk to get deeper and deeper and more entrenched.”

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as “a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL.” To achieve this level, it usually takes about five drinks for a man and four drinks for a woman, over a span of two hours, according to the NIAAA website.

PERSPECTIVES Itziri Gonzalez-Barcenas '19 describes DACA's impact on her future 5 Nicholas Lobo '20 urges students to de-emphasize productivity 5

YOWL Guest speaker encourages student outcry 6 Current first-years exhibit overwhelming signs of masochism 6

SPORTS Football looks for best season in Nichols's tenure 7 Captain Matt Reinikka leads men's soccer to strong start 7

See DAVIDSON Page 2

Lula Bell Houston's legacy lives on as new campus resource center

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MAYA TETALI Staff Writer

ula Bell’s, which previously housed the Sustainability Office and Davidson’s Laundry Services and is located near Belk Hall and Cannon Hall, has been reimagined and revitalized as the new campus resource center. This new program and facility has been in the works since August 2016.

The generous support of Sherry and Decker Anstrom in memory of their son, Tom Anstrom ‘04, made the initiative possible. Lula Bell’s seeks to fill in gaps of available campus resources, create a platform that brings together the administration and students, and educate students on various topics from climate change to credit scores.

Lula Bell’s namesake stems from the original use of the building. Lula Bell Houston was a staple on the Davidson campus for sixty years. She dedicated her life to serving students through diligent work at the Davidson’s Laundry Services.

For many decades, she greeted students with a smile and took care of their laundry needs. In her

spirit of camaraderie and helping others, the new facility will continue to bear her name.

The gaps in Davidson’s available campus resources were identified, as early as August 2016, by a committee of administrators, professors, and students, and confirmed by the student body as a whole through a campus-wide survey in December of the same year. From there, the team was formed to flesh out the necessary logistics for the space.

“Lula Bell’s is set up like a house with a very open air concept. There is the study space/living room area with couches and tables to accommodate different set-ups. Then there is the closet, which is set-up like a store where students can sign out different types of business attire for interviews. We have all different sizes for both clothes and shoes to fit most student’s need.”

“Finally, we have the kitchen area where we stock the food that any student has access too.

We also keep cooking and cleaning supplies that are welcome to be borrowed and returned by any student interested,” explained Taylor Brendle ’17, who currently serves as the Civic Engagement Fellow in charge of running Lula Bell’s.

In addition to the ability to borrow businesscasual clothes or cleaning supplies, students also have access to a number of textbooks that are used in Davidson classes. The system mirrors that of a library, in which the borrowed item is required to be returned within a set period of time.

Lula Bell’s also plans to take advantage of its dynamic facility and host various seminars, including cooking classes and instructive lessons on how to take care of a car or how to manage a credit score.

The program also plans to diversify its reach by inviting various administrative offices, such as Business Services, to take temporary residence in the space for “office hours.” This is to give students an opportunity to connect with necessary administrators and ask questions in a multifaceted space. Additionally, plans exist to open the space for clubs to use in the future, but that is not scheduled until after its inaugural semester.

When given information about this new, oncampus resource, most students responded with enthusiasm. “I am not only excited about the opportunity to borrow the cooking supplies, but I really look forward to their informative seminars.

I think many of us students struggle to grasp real world concepts of maintaining good credit and how to manage car insurance,” remarked Cora Martin ‘21.

“The great thing about the space is that the benefactors and the administration have allowed for it to be very open-ended, and it is designed to meet the needs of students as those needs evolve.

If need were to change in the future, we have the freedom to identify that need,” added Brendle.

The center’s hours are 12pm to 8pm Monday through Thursday, and 12pm to 5pm on Friday.

Students can help run the center by applying for volunteer positions or leadership positions through WildCat Sync.

An open house is scheduled for Thursday, September 14, from 11am to 5pm. Students will be able to take part in self-guided tours to familiarize themselves with the space and to gain a better understanding of the available resources.

“Stop by on Thursday to see what it’s all about and enjoy some refreshments in the new space!” encouraged Brendle.

news

Page 2 September 13, 2017

Davidson alumna creates non-profit Davidson news organization

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JACK DOWELL Staff Writer

he Davidsonian’s tenure as the town of Davidson’s only local newspaper is coming to a close as NewsofDavidson.org, a media source founded by Jane Campbell ‘87, launches in the near future. A registered 501(c) (3), or non-profit organization, the website will cover Davidson’s local news, as well as hosting several weekly columns, a news aggregator for local non-profits’ press releases, and a calendar for local events.

Campbell is a significant figure to have behind an endeavor of any nature. A twenty-six year veteran of the Navy, she is known as one of Davidson College’s Game Changers and remains one of the institution’s most accomplished graduates.

After a false start in the Navy during which Campbell discovered a medical condition would keep her from achieving her dreams of being a pilot, she returned two years later. In the military, she became a trailblazer who, according to a Davidson online profile of her, “was among the first women assigned to a combatant vessel” and “became one of the first openly gay high-ranking military officers.” She ran for the North Carolina State Legislature in 2016 in response to H.B. 2 (commonly known as the “Bathroom Bill”) and has since dedicated herself to News of Davidson.

Campbell was inspired to start work on NewsofDavidson.org by the now defunct website DavidsonNews.net, which was run by local WFAE reporter David Boraks. According to Campbell, the website “wound up being a number of people’s primary resource. It was the first place they went in the morning to figure out what was going on in Davidson.”

DavidsonNews.net, a for-profit operation with paid staff, closed down due to financial insolvency in 2015. Boraks’s farewell statement

cited an issue getting people to pay for ads, claim- Davidson students are more than welcome to ing that “Alas, in the Lake Norman area, most lo- participate. NewsofDavidson.org hosted a table cal ad dollars still go to print publications,” and at the college’s recent Community Involvement an issue of reader support since “just 2 percent Fair, and there will be volunteer positions open of readers – only a few hundred – actually make to students. those voluntary subscription payments.”

One position in particular involves mainCampbell, however, hopes to avoid these taining the calendar, which Campbell is “probpitfalls. So far, ably going to need NewsofDavida lot of help with.” son.org has had She described the few difficulposition as “one of ties attracting the things that, as donors, with a student, if you're “more than willing to donate $5,000 dolan hour a week, and lars on faith” your hour a week is due to “word between 2-3 in the of mouth that's morning...we can gotten that out,” use your help; we according to can use your talent.”

Campbell.

She also sugThe news gested direct colwebsite has laboration with The a staff made Davidsonian, sugup entirely of gesting that authors volunteers, would be asked, “Is that something that which will reyou'd maybe be duce costs. As interested in puba solely digital lishing dually? And source, hosted Affairs and Outreach for the U.S. Fleet Forces Command [we’d] say this is an on NewsofDa- Jane Campbell '87 will launch Davison news website this exclusive from The vidson.org, they fall. Photo courtesy of gamechangers.davidson.edu Davidsonian.”

According to will avoid most Campbell, “One material costs, but will have to pay for web hosting, as well as of the things that makes Davidson absolutely is the number of non-profits that are website maintenance. They also seek to incentiv- unique based in Davidson.” As a result of this, a main ize donations and sponsorships by allowing early focus of NewsofDavidson.org will be highlightdonors to have a “founding donor” position, a ing local non-profits. As it is now, “These folks status symbol that will be listed on all future ad- all typically sort of have someone who's writing a press release. But without a town newspaper, it vertisements that they buy on the website.

Campbell primarily sees this as a commu- pretty much resides on their website.”

To address this problem, the nonprofit secnity project, and as members of the community,

THE SWEDISH PROGRAM DAVIDSON 5" X 7.5"

tion of the website will be dedicated to aggregating various press releases. Ideally, the section will help “a student who wants to say 'hey I wanna get off of campus this weekend; what can I go do [find out]; what do these organizations do,’…so on each page, it'll provide a summary of what the organization does, a link to their actual website, and then a link on how to contact them.”

Of course, Campbell has always been a figure with high ambitions and strong opinions, as demonstrated by her campaign for the state legislature in 2016 and current status as a candidate for Davidson Town Board. Despite this, she doesn’t see NewsofDavidson.org as a continuation of that political ambition.

Campbell has a long history of being associated with the press, having worked for both Quips and Cranks at Davidson, and then as a Navy public affairs officer for over two decades. According to Campbell, “Communicating has really been at the heart of what I've done as a career.”

The website will, at least at first, be politically neutral, just covering the happenings in Davidson. The reasons for this are twofold. First, the website is in what has been described as a “crawl to walk stage,” and the board is concerned that to do otherwise might result in the website “potentially [getting] bogged down in allegations that we've got a website taking sides.”

Second, a large part of the paper’s structure is centered on its 501(c)(3) status, meaning that it has “to maintain the very rigorous restrictions that come along with a 501(c)(3). For that reason the board...made the decision, let's not touch it this time around.” According to the IRS, a 501(c) (3) organization can’t dedicate itself to political advocacy without risking its status.

NewsofDavidson.org is expected to go live on September 15, 2017, or this Friday. Its founders hope it will become a town institution and facilitate involvement with other Davidson nonprofits.

STUDY ABROAD IN ENGLISH

Economics Campus-wide efforts to confrontSociology student alcohol consumption • Psychology Continued from Page 1 Public Policy Film • Gender Studies Creative Writing History • Art History Literature Political Science/Politics The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that “heavy alcohol use” is defined by engaging in binge drinking “five or more days in the past month.” College administrators cited NIAAA as a good source for looking at and defining high-risk drinking behaviors.

The Core Survey, which has been administered by Georgia Ringle to Davidson students every two to three years since 1996, looks at the drinking habits and patterns within the student body. The survey can help address troubling trends, as well as misconceptions held by students about their peer’s drinking habits.

Last year’s survey indicated that 58% of Davidson students used alcohol one to three times per week within the last year. “The perception versus the reality is stunning,” said Ringle. “The people that are drinking way over that tend to see that and start to slowly adjust down and the people that are in that range feel reaffirmed that they’re in the majority, that it’s okay to be this moderate drinker.”

“I would say that the drinking culture at Davidson is bifurcated,” says Dean Shaffer. “There is a substantial population of students who are making low-risk choices most of the time, and there is a small but impactful population of students who are making high-risk or very high-risk choices.” Shaffer said the school must correct the misperceptions and curb high-risk drinking behavior before it becomes ingrained in students’ mindsets.

The language and stigma surrounding blackouts in particular has some individuals worried.

“The more [blackouts] become celebrated, the more they become institutionalized within the culture as acceptable, sought after behavior,” said Shaffer.

Health Education Office Fellow Morgan McGrath '17 agreed: “We want the culture change to be in the conversations that glorify unhealthy alcohol drinking that happened maybe the previous weekend.”

In the Core Survey, 53.5% of all students reported having at least one instance of memory loss stemming from alcohol consumption over

the past year. 5.9% reported having it “10 or more times.”

“I can’t believe that if we look at the brain chemistry behind blacking out, people wouldn’t want to step back from that with all the workload and memorization we need to do,” said Ringle.

First-years in particular inherit a sense of what the drinking culture should look like from older students around them, according to interviewees. McGrath said, “The younger students are so impressionable when they come to Davidson. A lot of them did not drink when they came here and then you have upperclassmen who have so much social power.”

“As a freshman I looked up to senior guys and girls and saw the ways that they drank,” said Dickson. Soltany agreed, adding,“[Change] starts from the upperclassmen being role models.”

Soltany and Dickson saw a need to tackle high-risk drinking head-on at the start of this year. The August meeting with PCC presidents that produced the water cooler idea also lead to the adoption of several other unofficial measures regarding parties, all formulated and enforced by the students in an effort to curb problematic drinking. Additional measures included 1) a ban on hard liquor at the senior apartments during parties, 2) no punch, 3) apartment bartenders, and 4) water pong in the place of beer pong. In the period following the August 30th meeting, there has not been an additional transport.

“Some of the solutions they’ve come up with, I honestly would have never thought of. Again, it’s a student experience and they’re thinking about how can we take responsibility for this in a really productive proactive [...] I admire the energy they’re bringing and how quickly they’ve organized,” said Dean McCrae. “Nobody asked them to do that.”

Soltany agreed, “It’s really important to allow students to solve their own problems, or give them a chance to solve their own problems, before the administration can come in and lay down the hammer.”

There is ongoing conversation about how big a role “down the hill” drinking plays in the overall alcohol consumption of students. Dean Shaffer believes, “while pre-gaming is part of the equation, I think that being in places where students are able to get a large amount of it is a big part of

it. I think that the larger gatherings where everyone shows up is a big part of the equation.”

Contrastingly, Soltany contends that students “are not coming down the hill sober. They’re definitely pregaming. To put the blame fully on Armfield apartments for transports and the alcohol issues we’ve had is unfounded.”

Yates said that adults on campus “don’t see it. They see everybody down at F and they see everybody at court parties. They don’t see what happens in people’s rooms.”

“It’s not just from one place,” stated Yates with regards to where students are doing the majority of their drinking. “If we had a giant bar on campus and that’s where everybody got trashed, that’s easy. But it’s because students are going six different places before they go to the hospital.”

Jerry Chang ‘18 expressed his concern over the hard liquor ban at senior apartments: “What I think could be a potential result of this new rule that is bad is that people then aggressively pregame where there is liquor. That is probably a lot harder to enforce. I like the idea of having water at F; I like the idea of having a responsible bartender.”

In addition to the work undertaken by the SGA leaders and PCC presidents, Dean Shaffer is putting together an advisory committee on alcohol policy that he hopes will “try and imagine what changes would make a difference to reduce high-risk drinking PM behavior.” The committee, which will meet about three to four times between now and early October, will be composed of four students, four staff members, and one faculty member.

The students selected so far are Jack Owens '18, Cole Riggan '18, and Emily Yates '18. Dean Shaffer will select the fourth. Dean Jeffries, Georgia Ringle, Chief Todd Sigler, and Erica Urban will make up the faculty portion of the committee.

After their meetings, the advisory committee will come forward with recommendations. Based on those recommendations, they will either convene additional meetings or possibly hold large student forums and discussion groups. Dean Shaffer hopes the committee will “have robust conversations about the nature of the problem and brainstorm what kinds of changes to enforce or policy changes would really reduce high risk

drinking and high-risk behavior, primarily targeting access to alcohol.” SGA is also forming a subcommittee to assist in making recommendations pertaining to alcohol policy.

Additionally, two days ago, the school welcomed Joanna Karibian, who will serve as Davidson’s substance abuse counselor, the first person to hold the position in 15 years. Karibian will be available for individual meetings or group sessions depending on the need. She comes to Davidson with a master's in social work and experience in the New York City Department of Education.

“There’s been a lot of energy around this happening and it finally made it into the budget.

We’re thrilled,” says Ringle, adding, “I credit a lot of the student emphasis behind this.”

Jack Robinson ‘20, the co-president of Changing Minds, a student club dedicated to tackling mental health issues on campus, states that the addition of Karibian is “a great thing to have on campus, so long as people are aware of this and take advantage of this and the other resources on campus. Davidson is a place where students don’t learn or use the tools they have, in regard to mental health, until they are in desperate need.”

The student body will ultimately have a large influence on any impending policy changes pertaining to alcohol consumption on campus.

Soltany stated the deans have indicated that “based on how the behavior down the hill goes in the next few weeks, the severity of the changes that will be implemented by the committee will change.”

Dean Shaffer contends, “to focus on how this year started off is to miss the bigger picture of all the things that lead up to getting to this place already.” According to the administration, decreasing the number of transports must be accompanied by long lasting cultural changes in terms of how students handle and perceive alcohol. Ringle believes that “if [change] comes from the students there’s a lot more buy-in.”

Soltany wishes to emphasize to the student body: “You are arbiters of change.”

Go Somewhere Different!

INFORMATIONAL TABLE

Thursday, September 14 9–2

Chambers Flagpole

info@swedishprogram.org

www.swedishprogram.org

news Meet Davidson's 2017-2018 Homecoming Court Name: Sophie Rae McHugh Hometown: Tucker, GA Major: Communication Studies Favorite Spot on Campus: B204 Room A; I have a killer mattress pad Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: All five flavors of Miss Vickie's Potato Chips in Davis Cafe is my favorite, well-balanced meal

Name: Shauna Pointer Hometown: Portland, OR & Durham, NC Major: Sociology (Communication Studies minor) Favorite Spot on Campus: My friends' rooms Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Joining an eating house (Rusk) was the best thing I could have done as far as meal plan goes!

Name: Houston Downes Hometown: Little Rock, AR Major: Economics & Political Science Favorite Spot on Campus: Hobart Park Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Commons Thanksgiving lunch

Name: Romel Garcia Hometown: Durham, NC Major: Biology Favorite Spot on Campus: Commons Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Commons banana pudding

Name: Claire Kane Hometown: Little Rock, AR Major: Interdisciplinary major entitled "Social Justice and Social Change" Favorite Spot on Campus: The couch in my apartment at B Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Union sweet potatoes (I'd like to take this opportunity to propose a petition to have them served on weekend; stay tuned for details) Name: Brendan Simpkins Hometown: Crofton, MD Major: Economics Favorite Spot on Campus: Hance Auditorium Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Commons Vail Dog House

Name: Ava Pomerantz Hometown: Santa Monica, CA Major: Religious Studies Favorite Spot on Campus: The couch on the second floor of Sloan - it had the best view and lighting Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Commons oatmeal with a little of the granola, peanut butter, and banana Name: Connor Murphy Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ Major: Political Science Favorite Spot on Campus: Nummit Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Oreo pancakes at Nummit

Name: Nathan Ekwu Hometown: Enugu, Nigeria Major: Political Science Favorite Spot on Campus: My room is my favorite spot (lol) Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Late night swipes in the Union

Name: Davis Temple Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC Major: Biology Favorite Spot on Campus: The cross country trails Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Commons waffles and peanut butter (BYO Jif Extra Crunchy)

Name: Shassata "Shazzy" Fahim Hometown: Rajshahi, Bangladesh & Charlottesville, VA Major: Africana Studies & Sociology Favorite Spot on Campus: The couch in my apartment (lol but forreal) Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Going to meetings to get free food because you're on the 75 block

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Davidsonian.com

crime log Time Reported

Description / Location

09/5/17 at 1330 hrs

Traffic Signal Offense at N. Main St Prosecution Declined

09/5/17 at 1600 hrs

Poss. of Controlled Substance/Poss. of Controlled Substance Misdemeanor/ Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia at Sentelle Further Investigation

09/6/17 at 1600 hrs

Injury to Personal Property (Moped) at Vail Commons Further Investigation

09/8/17 at 1200 hrs

Larceny Misdemeanor (iPod Nano) at Vail Commons Further Investigation

09/10/17 at 0955 hrs

Miscellaneous Suspicious Vehicle at Cross Country Trail Inactive

09/9/17 at 0001 hrs

Underage Possession at Belk Dean Referral

Name: Alex Soltany Hometown: McLean, VA Major: Middle Eastern Studies (Pre-Med Track) Favorite Spot on Campus: The courtyard behind Wall Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: The Wildcat Den has some ~dope~ yogurt parfaits that are now on meal plan. They usually put you a few cents over when you also order your sandwich, but the staff always lets it slide.

Name: Helen Webster Hometown: Chevy Chase, MD Major: Biology Favorite Spot on Campus: New Martin Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Anything at the Wildcat Den!

Name: Patrick Morris Hometown: Frederick, MD Major: Economics & Political Science Favorite Spot on Campus: Fish bowl Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Davidson Special @ Tenders

Name: Kiambra "Kiki" Griffin Hometown: East Harlem, NY Major: Africana Studies Favorite Spot on Campus: Davidson Women's Basketball locker room/practice gym Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Union bacon cheeseburger with cheddar cheese and fries and a Spite (if I'm feeling fancy, then I'll put some pickles on it)

Name: Malia Dickson Hometown: Lancaster, PA Major: English & Gender & Sexuality Studies Favorite Spot on Campus: The benches out on Chambers Lawn at nighttime Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Commons Brunch - specifically the potato coins

Name: Eliza Calkins Hometown: Baltimore, MD Major: Biology Favorite Spot on Campus: The libs!

Favorite Davidson meal plan hack: Microwaved Commons cookies :)

living davidson

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September 13, 2017

Davidson art majors talk process, inspiration, and campus culture LUCAS WEALS LIVING DAVIDSON EDITOR

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his week I sat down with two art majors, Maura Tangum ‘20 and Rebecca Pempek ‘20, to talk about their influences, their creative processes, and the role that art plays in their lives here at Davidson.

Their responses, printed below, are lightly edited for length and clarity.

Maura Tangum Q. Would you say you have a primary medium? What do you think attracted you to the kind of art you’re making now?

A. My primary medium has shifted a lot over the last couple of years, from graphite to plaster to paper. I have always been most drawn to fabric, or any flexible material which I can manipulate to form a “fabric.”

This is because I’ve always been interested in fashion design, which I am pursuing right now through sculpture. Whenever I find a flexible material—whether it be a leaf, a piece of netting, an orange peel, or a swatch of literal fabric—I have a habit of holding it up to my own body, to visualize how I could make it wearable.

Recently, I’ve become interested in found fabrics with a tangible history—such an old lace tablecloths, bedsheets, mattress covers, and quilts. I’m interested in how fabrics like this can be reimagined and repurposed while visibly maintaining their unique histories. I spent this past June cutting up literally all the old pillowcases and linens I could find my house. I was drawn to their histories—many of them were worn and tattered in places and looked ancient and well-loved.

I didn’t like the fact that they had been sitting in the linen closet, collecting dust for years, so I created some patterns and made them into clothes. It was pretty much that scene in The Sound of Music when Julie Andrews tears apart a bunch of curtains to make outfits for all the Von Trapp kids. The things I made were kind of odd—though original —and for the first time ever I had total creative freedom over what I was wearing and

what I could create for myself. It was really exciting.

Q. What would you describe as the biggest non-artistic influences on your art?

A. One huge non-artistic influence for me has always been the fashions of old films, particularly costumes designed by Edith Head during the 40’s and 50’s and costumes featured in Alfred Hitchcock films. When watching any film I’m prone to spending more time analyzing what the extras are wearing than actually following the film’s plot. I grew up primarily watching films from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, and the costumes featured in these films have always stuck with me—I try to make much of the fashion-related sculpture I create harken back to times when people “dressed up” more regularly and donned more dramatic silhouettes. I’m also very inspired by antiques and anything possessing a history or interesting past life. I love looking for odd materials in unusual places. I’m also inspired by clothing worn by my favorite musicians, especially the clothing worn by the members of the contemporary girl-band HAIM. One of the HAIM members went out wearing a literal shag carpet once—it was made into a jacket. I thought that was so weird but cool. This inspired me to make a tank top out of this old woven, Aztec-pattern placemat I found in a thrift store this summer. I wore it to my first concert!

Q. I’m interested in your artistic trajectory—how you place your work in context of your past projects and your hopes for the future. Could you elaborate on that?

A. I’m always having this tug-of-war between pure fashion and sculpture, so I think my future work will fall somewhere in between those two concepts. I want to make more wearable pieces from recycled fabrics as well. I think there’s a huge market for sustainable fashion right now, which I would be so down to pursue in the future. Last year, I got really involved in process—i.e. how materials are manipulated to produce a desired effect. I started experimenting a lot without really thinking things through beforehand and I loved the results.This kind of

experimentation isn’t something I (and other students) get to do as much in other academic contexts here at Davidson. Because of this, I find it really refreshing.

It’s therapy.

Rebecca Pempek Q. I understand you have a show coming up. What are some influences on the new work? How do you feel it differs from your previous projects?

A. The show is called A Disfigure Study, and it will run from November 1st through Mid-December, Opening November 3rd, at P.S. Art / Silver Circle Gallery in Putnam, Connecticut.

I have spent years trying to perfect the human form. Sketch after sketch rendering a slightly more perfect, more sharp figure, leaving each preceding notion of the form shrouded in the light of a new one. Unsatisfied with the quest for perfection and hungry for a new practice, I began to embrace the distortions. In the distance between internalizing an image and putting it onto canvas, there are different points of distortion, yielding a greater distance from the truth. As an image filters from the brain, to the hand, and onto the canvas, it undergoes a series of alterations, ultimately generating a sort of distinct beauty. If the opposite of destruction is creation, and destruction is a form of creation, and the opposite of distortion is perfection, then distortion must be a form of perfection.

This show features five (maybe six or seven if I finish in time) of my paintings, as well as a collection of sketchbook print-collages. This was the first time I worked with oil paints and the first time working on such large surfaces (6’ x 5’). In grappling with this new medium, I attempted to make same rigid and intricate marks found in my sketchbook. I was frustrated with this practice and soon discovered the potential for layering, scraping, and playing with paint thinness/ thickness. These works are all based on the stream-of-consciousness, meaning that I paint as I go, layering marks that represent

thoughts onto the canvas.

Q. Coming from a more literary background, I love the idea of steam-of-consciousness in painting. Would you cite any particular literary influences on your work?

A. I read Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man back in high school. The kunstlerroman details the qualms of Stephen Daedalus (thought to be a projection of Joyce himself) as he pursues a life of art.

Stephen’s character resonated with me so much, especially at such an impressionable age. The thought of pursuing art as a career rather than an activity was and is actually quite terrifying, and the novel details that fear in its entirety.

Aside from Joyce, I’d mention [American artist] Kent Williams, [poet and critic] T.S. Elliot, and [Austrian painter] Egon Schiele.

Q. Davidson is definitely known more for its academics than for its art. Do you find your art nourished by the atmosphere and people here, or is it more like a haven or escape?

A. The atmosphere and people at Davidson most definitely influence my work. If you see me sitting around campus with my sketchbook, I am most likely creating collages inspired by the people walking by and the energy in particular environments. That said, I turn to the painting studio to escape when particular atmospheres or interactions become too overwhelming.

Q. How about the influence of other academics on your art? Do you find yourself working out problems or interests from other disciplines in your work?

A. Regardless of what course of study I pursue, I continuously seek connections to the art world. I cannot create without challenging myself in other subjects. After struggling to wrap my head around conceptions of self, or certain biological or statistical analysis, I will turn to either my sketchbook or a canvas to sort out my thoughts. I have always taken inspiration from other areas of study, as my first solo show, Order in Disorder, looked at biological concepts through art. Art has been and continues to be a way for me to conceptualize the everyday.

From bottom left to top right: A Giant Torn in Clouds and No Applause by Rebecca Pempek ‘20, Paper and Plaster by Maura Tangum ‘20. Photographs courtesy of the artists.

perspectives

page 5 September 13, 2017

Deferring My Dreams: How the DACA Repeal Affects Me ITZIRI GONZALEZ-BARCENAS

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magine this: At just five years old, your parents bring you to a country you weren’t born into. You grow up in this new country and have little to no memories of your “home” country. After all, this is the only place you really know. You learn English and quickly become well-versed in the American way of life.

Flash forward to 15 or 16 years old. All of your friends are getting permits, driver’s licenses, and jobs. You wish to be able to do the same, but legally cannot. Why? Because you are an “undocumented immigrant.”

Then, after 16 long years of living in constant fear of deportation and feeling like an outsider in this country, you are given a ray of hope. Your life changes. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is implemented in 2012 and, as a result, you can now work legally, obtain a driver’s license, and gain temporary protection from deportation. You gain a sense of normalcy for the first time in your life. Things are finally looking up.

At 18, you have to go through what feels like a million hoops to make one of your childhood dreams become a reality: going to college. It seemed so impossible, but now it’s finally happening. Now, you are in college furthering your education with the hopes of

making a difference in the country that you consider your “home.”

But wait, is this country actually your home? On September 5th, 2017, General Jeff Sessions officially announced the administration’s decision to repeal DACA within six months. It feels like the world is crashing down on you. Once more, you have to go back to living a life full of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Sad thing is, this is my reality. Not only that, it’s also the reality of about 800,000 other young, hard-working individuals like me.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy takes no sides, produces profits not costs, and creates some piece of mind for hundreds of thousands of individuals that have lived most of their lives in this country. DACA is a program that offered the opportunity for undocumented individuals in the U.S. to apply, provide information, go through a vetting process, and pay about five hundred dollars for the chance at being deferred from the removal processes, and possibly employment authorization.

This does not constitute an actual legal status, nor does it provide any individual with government aid for school, employment, or childcare. This program does not offer anyone any benefits of citizenship including but not limited to the ability to vote or receive a passport, and because the program can authorize employment for some, they must pay taxes.* None of these taxes and earnings will be

going to a retirement or social security fund for the immigrants. Each application must be renewed every two years, and every two years applicants must once again pay hundreds of dollars, undergo vetting, and await the government’s reply.** At no point does DACA provide a path for citizenship, nor make anyone a citizen, but rather it provides the children of undocumented immigrants with the opportunity to further their education, join the workforce, and find a way to contribute to the country in which they have lived in for a majority of their lives.

The results of the termination of the DACA program are immense. For starters, once the current issued permits expire we, DACA recipients, will no longer be able to work legally. Second, we will no longer be able to have a valid driver’s license. Third, we will no longer have temporary protection from deportation. Finally, and most importantly, we will lose the little bit of peace of mind that we once had as a result of DACA. The deadline Trump set for Congress to create a permanent bill ends on March 5th, 2018***. That gives us six months to reach out to any person whom you know to be DACA-mented, let them know you are there to help them and can be counted on to be an ally.

Be vocal, although congress seems deaf, they will respond to any strong pushes from their constituents (they have to be re-elected!). But most importantly, do not let it lose steam. On campus, we can be notorious about jumping

from issue to issue without truly following through with many of them. We cannot do that with this. 800,000 futures are at stake. *https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/8/31/16226934/daca-trump-dreamers-immigration **https://undocu.berkeley.edu/legal-support-overview/what-is-daca/ ***https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/05/ us/politics/trump-daca-dreamers-immigration.html?mcubz=0

This piece was written in collaboration with Marcos Balsera.

Marcos Balsera '19 is a Political Science major and Economics minor from Miami, Florida. Contact him at mabalsera@davidson.edu Itziri Gonzalez-Barcenas '19 is an Africana Studies and Political Science double major from Sanford, North Carolina. Contact her at itgonzalezbarcenas@ davidson.edu.

A Critique of Indiscriminate Pragmatism NICHOLAS LOBO

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n a typical day at Davidson, responsibilities fill my time with astonishing speed. Between allotting large chunks of the day to academic pursuits, attending various club meetings, and making time to socialize, I often feel that I’m without agency. Controlled by my Outlook calendar, I systematically rotate between class and study time, from meeting to meal. When free time does present itself, I’m usually torn: do I savor this moment of rest--recognizing that I’m a human who needs breaks and whose worth is independent of his productivity--or do I chastise myself for not having filled this particular moment, for not jumping into the next day’s reading or beginning an essay? For better or (more likely) for worse, I usually tend toward the latter, and I suspect I am not alone in this habit.

Davidson has a way of causing us to feel constantly behind, whether in the academic sphere or on the path to employment. Through no fault of our own, we tend to respond to this anxiety-inducing feeling by trying our hardest to present a “put-together” image—simultaneously appearing enthralled by intellectual interests, a vibrant social

calendar, and certainty of our direction in life. Surrounded by people similarly afflicted—by friends and classmates all trying to put their best foot forward— these anxieties deepen and grow, and we view ourselves as increasingly inadequate. So the cycle continues.

In private, we feel comfortable revealing to close friends that we are woefully unsure of our futures and, indeed, ourselves at times. And though there is immense value in commiseration and judgment-free conversation with those we trust, it is often only a matter of time before these negative feelings return. All the while, we must continue to juggle our commitments and keep up with class work—in short, life must go on in spite of what we feel.

Despite the stress it all too often induces, I am incredibly grateful for Davidson’s academic rigor and for the genuine passion for learning it can foster in us. Though Davidson is not unique in this regard, I do have friends at other institutions who feel unstimulated by both their classes and their course of study in general; their education and the degree it will grant often seem like simply a means by which to obtain employment.

Thankfully, throughout the high and low points, Davidson manages to keep my mind active and my interest piqued.

When we must apply our minds to class participation, readings, problem sets and essays for a large portion of

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our waking hours here, an intellectual exhaustion can set in. It can, at times, make any nonessential task that requires the use of mental energy seem superfluous and entirely unappealing. This, I believe, is the biggest casualty of Davidson’s rigor: we are forced to be so pragmatic with our use of time that we can forget the value of learning for the sake of learning.

It’s not that learning becomes unenjoyable in general—I continue to enjoy my classes and the intellectual effort they ask of me—but that I find myself less willing to make time to read for fun, to research a topic that has interested me, to attend a lecture not more than tangentially related to my field. I ask myself, “Why do these things when I have a mountain of homework to get done?” On the other hand, if I’ve just finished a long week, the question might become, “why would I want to do more work now?” On a pragmatic level, we question the value of exerting ourselves intellectually outside of the context of responsibility because we simply only have so much mental energy to expend before doing so becomes challenging.

Though it can seem counterintuitive at first, I have learned that doing just this—pressing on and challenging myself to learn something new, even when doing so won’t check off an item on my to-do list—can be immensely beneficial.

The best way I can explain this effect

is through an example. Last semester, I organized bi-monthly “Tea Times” on behalf of the Dean Rusk program. These informal conversations about international affairs, held in Dr. Alexander’s living room, are open to anyone who is interested, regardless of expertise, major, or any other sort of qualification; I myself generally knew very little about the issue we would discuss prior to choosing a topic. Though I invested time researching the topics and gave up a portion of my Friday afternoon every two weeks, I always walked home feeling satisfied.

Even though spending a Friday afternoon chatting with other students about the Turkish presidency neither lessened my workload that weekend nor somehow advanced my career prospects, it seemed ridiculous to even think that way—to apply such brute pragmatism to what was simply a chance to learn from others. Pragmatism undoubtedly has its merits and its place in our lives, but we must be willing to suspend our jadedness from time to time to truly embrace the virtues Davidson seeks to impart on us all.

Nicholas Lobo '20 is an undeclared student from Hixson, Tennessee. Contact him at nilobo@davidson.edu.

The homecoming issue Friday Marks 3 Year Anniversary of Being Left On read by Freshman Year DFMO

Page ...

Freshman Hunts Down Former Tour Guide, Whose Lies about Campus Food Have Been Officially Confirmed

Page 2021

Entertainment Agents Lurking Davidson FB Group for Promising Comedy Acts, Apparently

Page Relax

Man From PostApocalyptic Future Mistakes Nummit for ‘Resistance Hideout’

Page 2074

Noise Complaints Skyrocket after Speaker Encourages Student Body to Let All Voices Be Heard

Overwhelming Demographic of Davidson Students Are Masochists, Claims Recent Admissions Statistics

Todd Sigler, Davidson Police Chief and international man of mystery, officially confirmed to The Yowl that recent noise complaints resulting in multiple shutdowns of the Armfield Apartments were in fact direct results of behavior encouraged by Davidson’s most recent high-profile guest speaker. The scores of Davidson students in attendance at last Thursday’s Q&A with conservative thinker Jonah Goldberg were apparently emboldened by his message about the importance of open and free speech, prompting an uptick in the number of formerly “oppressed” voices now audibly present on campus.

According to one resident of Armfield who was caught by surprise last Friday when the music abruptly stopped in the middle of Roscoe’s verse in ‘No Hands’, the shutdown was foreshadowed by a palpable difference in the number of voices present in his apartment.

In a recent survey released by the Admissions office, statistics show that over 76.8% of the incoming freshman class admitted to being hardcore masochists.

With the Common App’s “Sexual Fetish” section now instituted nationwide, new statistics point to Davidson students as being overwhelmingly submissive masochists. The survey revealed that Davidson students enjoy “demeaning acts and verbiage.

Often involving belittling their sense of self-worth and identity.”

“Frankly I’m not surprised.

You’d have to be into some hardcore nipple-twisting, testicle punching pain to come here,” Denny Arsendorf ‘18 claimed.

“I always did get the vibe that they were using Base Libs as some kind of sex dungeon.

Explains all the used-up condoms and chains in the GSS section.” Arsendorf continued.

When asked what these statistics could potentially mean for the student body, Dean McCrae was quoted as saying “well at least they aren’t a “I was in between Amherst bunch of furries or whatever the and Davidson and honestly f*ck you kids are into these days.”

President Quillen commented I just wanted the school that on the statistic as well saying, “You would f*ck me over the most know, part of a really thorough edemotionally, ucation involves submitting your- academically, self to new ideas. Pain and pleasure and financially.” go hand in hand in that process.

We, as an inclusive community, do not condone kink shaming. We welcome all kinks and fetishes with open arms.

Except for furries. They can go f*ck themselves, seriously. I mean have you seen some of their Reddit blogs? F*cking disgusting.”

Freshman David Applebee claimed that Davidson’s sadistic side was a major draw for him in his decision to attend. “I was in between Amherst and Davidson and honestly I just wanted the school that would f*ck me over the most academically, emotionally, and financially. That and the fall here is just so beautiful. So it was an easy choice.” Applebee claimed, rubbing his chafed wrists together.

Others were shocked by the study.

“I just thought everyone here was so vanilla, you know? I guess it’s always the repressed, quiet people who are into the really kinky sh*t.” Junior B.J Nicholson said, “Is anyone really surprised that we all like getting f*cked over? Have you taken a physics class here?”

Freshman Boy Loses Left Nipple In Horrific Toga Party Accident Page

Incumbent Homecoming Court Still Unsure if Modern-Day Joust on Football Field To the Death or Not Page 56

Yowl Editor Joins YAF After Being Censored For Publishing ‘F*ck YAF’

Page l*ve YAF

The Yowl Officially Endorses EJ Kelley for for Homecoming Dude See Candidate Statement Below: I’d like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly It’s hard to say that I’d rather stay awake when I’m asleep ‘Cause everything is never as it seems ‘Cause I’d get a thousand hugs From ten thousand lightning bugs As they tried to teach me how to dance A foxtrot above my head A sock hop beneath my bed A disco ball is just hanging by a thread (thread, thread) I’d like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly It’s hard to say that I’d rather stay awake when I’m asleep ‘Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep) Leave my door open just a crack Please take me away from here ‘Cause I feel like such an insomniac Please take me away from here Why do I tire of counting sheep Please take me away from here When I’m far too tired to fall asleep

Your Davidson Honor Section

Editors: Sophie “@stingraerae” McHugh EJ “Venmo still open” Kelley Writers: Saint Katie Walsh Observant John Zhou Captain Giberga Mr. William Jones We Love You Greg M. LeBroad Unnamed Davidson Wrestler Note: The Yowl is a satirical supplement to The Davidsonian.

Hence, nothing in it should be taken as truth. We don’t make the news, we fake the news™.

The DaviDsonian

This Issue Brought to You By: The Glory Days

“I’m ALL about embracing dialogue and listening to both sides. But what’s more important, a campus where we can have vibrant cross-party discussions or a space where we can shotgun and take bathroom selfies on weekends?”

“I could definitely tell something was different that night. So many voices. I’d never seen F like that before”, recalled Marshal Mosbey ’18.

The Yowl interviewed tenured professor of mathematics Hammond Druthers, who explained the phenomenon in empirical terms.

“I’ve noticed a direct proportionality between the quantity of open dialogue present on campus and the decibel level of Armfield on weekend nights. So if the cops are saying there’s an exponential rise in noise complaints, then I think we’ve found our stimulus”, Druthers noted.

Numerous students had strong opinions on what has recently come to light regarding the mandated F closures.

“I’m ALL about embracing dialogue and listening to both sides”, opined sophomore Ted Stinson, despite having previously authored numerous tweets to the contrary. Stinson continued: “But I meannnn we gotta ask ourselves… at what cost? Is hearty political debate that provides a platform for all voices really worth getting F shut down? What’s more important, a campus where we can have vibrant cross-party discussions or a space where we can shotgun and take bathroom selfies on weekends? I personally think the choice is clear.”

At press time, representatives from PCC and SGA were seen scurrying into a dimly lit Morcott Room, where at least one member of this clandestine deep state was seen holding an agenda entitled “Diabolical Plan to Silence Voices and Save F.”

Sports Teammates Find True Bond in Matching Blue Powerade Bottles Taking a long draft of fluorescent green Powerade, Division 1 ostrich racer Megan Reed confirmed that the blue Powerade bottle she carries with her at all times is the secret to her close bond with her teammates and her performance on the field.

“It just gives us a real sense of community, ya know? Like whenever I see a fellow athlete carrying it around and our eyes meet, it’s like we’ve known each other for our whole lives - we just instantly get each other,” she confided.

“Some people find common ground through shared life experiences, matching interests and goals, or similar cultural backgrounds, but all we really need are our bottles to identify with one another,” explained Reed, “A picture might be worth a thousand words, but a blue Powerade bottle speaks for a lifetime.”

She briefly acknowledged that shedding blood, sweat, and tears with her teammates might have deepened their bond, but maintained, “Those bottles really give us an identity, you know? Like ordinary students can go to the gym, or join a club

“Ordinary students can go to the gym, or join a club sport, but they’ll never be able to leave their blue Powerade bottles all over the tables at Commons or the library.”

sport, but they’ll never be able to leave their blue Powerade bottles all over the tables at the library.

Not only does it help all of us athletes bond, but it also helps us perform better,” Reed acknowledged, adding that being able to squirt water straight into her mouth instead of having to unscrew the lid like those f*cking plebs across the field was a significant advantage in literally any sport.

“See how it’s black and blue? That’s what the other team’s gonna look like after the game,” said Megan, explaining the significance of the symbolic message contained in the color scheme.

“The same goes for any non-athlete who tries to snag one of these babies.”

At press time, the D1 varsity athletes had reportedly taken possession of the area south of Chambers, marking their territory with the scent of lime Powerade.

sports

Page 7 September 13, 2017

Rewriting the Davidson Football Narrative JACOB MARGOLIS

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Staff Writer

aul Nichols took over as Davidson Head Football Coach in December 2012. Since then, he has coached four full seasons and is in the midst of his fifth, compiling a 5-40 record. Yes you read it right; Davidson has compiled 5 wins and 40 losses in the last 4 seasons (1 win and 31 losses in conference play). If you include this season so far that record inches forward to 6 wins and 41 losses; every little bit counts, right? The past doesn’t matter at the moment though, the season has started and history is just that, history.

For all the rumors surrounding the team and whatever anyone thinks the state of the program is, Paul Nichols has a chance to rewrite the narrative if he can guide the Wildcats to a successful season.

Coach Nichols for his part seems confident that his current group can and will win games.

When asked about the expectations for the year

he confidently stated, “we are expecting to have a great season. I am excited about the senior class and the leadership they have demonstrated through the early part of this season.” Coach Nichols wasn’t alone in his optimism. Starting Quarterback Stockton McGuire stated “expectations this year [are] to win every game. We have great athletes, coaches, and people in our program, there is no reason we can’t.” The sophomore continued to say “[the] offense and defense look great, preseason was extremely competitive between the two and with the new coaches we have improved from last year on both sides of the ball. Why is everyone around the program so optimistic? Well, the team has some important strengths.

According to Freshman Wide Receiver Pat Tabor “the strengths of the team are the senior leadership and camaraderie we have as a team.

We are a young team with a lot of freshman and sophomores but I feel like we have come together very well. We have a great skill position [players] that can do a lot with the ball in their

Head Coach Paul Nichols is in his 5th season at the helm, looking to change the precedent that has encompassed the team’s last four tumultuous seasons. Photo by Davidson Athletics

hands.”

Stockton McGuire thinks a lot of credit is due to scheme adjustment. When asked what the team had done to build on last season he proclaimed, “Offensively we have simplified our scheme, getting everyone on the same page creating more structure than last year. We also had most [of the] guys stay over the summer lifting and running than we ever had which has not only helped in strength but also camaraderie.”

To build on a constant theme Coach Nichols added, “the best part of our team is our players. We have outstanding student-athletes who represent the best about Davidson College athletics.”

Everything isn’t perfect however, as few things ever are. There are still evident improvements needed for this year’s team to be successful. Coach Nichols thinks a major key is “our ability [as a team] to maintain focus during a long season is critical. We must work to improve daily.” What does he think needs to be improved? “Each area of our program needs improvement and we work daily to make this happen.” Every team in the nation is a work in progress at this point (yes, even Alabama) in the season and Davidson is clearly no different. As the starting quarterback, Stockton McGuire has a special insight into what the keys and needed improvements are. He noted, “We [as a team] still need to lock in on the little details that makes us great at every position, that will take us from good to great. The keys to a great year for us is consistency and keeping guys healthy.”

Pat Tabor added his insight that “the key to continuing our success is to build on what we’ve already done. In order to progress you have to be really good at what you’ve already done and I believe that if we can accomplish all the small things then we can start to make strides forward as a football team.”

How will this season play out? Will it unfold similar to Davidson’s first game where they dominated all facets of the game and easily handled Brevard 30 to 7? Or will the remainder of the season be closer in nature to the lopsided 63 to 17 loss to Western Carolina? It is important

to note that Stockton McGuire did not play in this game.

Optimism around the program seems higher than in previous years so one can hope. Paul Nichols believes that this team has a special desire and remarked “this [team] yearns to be great.” For the best interest of the program and the sake of those involved it would be best if the team accomplishes what it yearns, greatness.

For many however, some wins would suffice as well; no one likes losing.

The Cats next face Guilford College at home this Saturday, hoping to rebound after their defeat at the hands of Western Carolina.

Stockton Mcguire ‘21 is looking to improve upon a strong freshman season. Photo by Davidson Athletics

Athlete Profile: Senior Captain Matt Reinikka DREW EASTLAND

S

Staff Writer

enior soccer team captain Matt Reinikka is a man of style. In his time as a Davidson student, Matt has been both clean-shaven and bearded, and had both long and short haircuts. In an act of flamboyance, Reinikka cuts the feet off his team socks and wears them as shin sleeves. So far the style is working as the soccer team has jumped out to a 4-0 start.

[Reinikka has] “an occupation of his look” Davidson soccer coach Matt Spear said, “he’s always changing his style.”

Reinikka’s main inspiration comes from his father who played college hockey at Alaska Fairbanks. Reinikka says his father’s example taught him about working hard and dedication.

“He encouraged me to go outside and work on my game, but never forced me to do anything” Reinikka said, “seeing him work hard encouraged me.”

Reinikka is a team player through and through. When asked about individual goals Reinikka mentioned making the A-10 tournament, and having the entire senior class enjoy their final season on the team. Reinikka’s commitment to his team makes him a great leader, and this commitment stems from his experiences prior to Davidson.

“Our eight seniors just try to recognize this as our last chance to play soccer on the team” Reinikka said, “We’re just trying to take in every moment.”

“When I recruited Matt…he was playing center back furthest from the goal and [his team] scored a goal and he sprinted seventy yards to be the first one to celebrate with that teammate” Spear said, “that’s a guy you want because he’s just going to blossom and make people around him better.”

“He really is a great teammate because he

will do whatever it takes if it’s good for the team” Reinikka’s teammate Hunter Howard said, “He’s not afraid to get after somebody and he’s not afraid to take criticism.”

Before coming to Davidson, Reinikka played for a variety of elite club programs including the Seattle Sounders reserve and club teams. Reinikka is a four-year starter at Davidson College, and team captain this season. Despite all of the accolades, Reinikka’s favorite moment was the day he committed to Davidson College.

“I remember it clearly I called coach Spear at six in the morning, and I committed” said Reinikka, “That was always a goal I had set with my family just to play division one soccer.”

Reinikka’s success goes beyond just the soccer field. In November of 2015, Reinikka and nine of his teammates decided to shave their heads to combat cancer. The idea for the event came to Reinikka while sitting in his dorm room. Long-haired at the time, Reinikka suggested to teammates that they should all do a St. Baldrick head-shaving. Reinikka organized the head shaving event which netted 6,000 dollars for pediatric cancer research.

“It was a pretty special [event] for the cause” Reinikka said, the St. Baldrick’s event was a “culmination of what Davidson soccer is.”

“Matt [has] a huge heart” Spear said, “we want our guys to be more than NCAA division one athletes…we support their wishes and aims to do things beyond just being a normal student and a normal athlete.”

Like any player Reinikka has dealt with adversity. Over four years at Davidson, Reinikka has mastered controlling his emotions and playing with maturity. Davidson soccer was highly successful in Reinikka’s freshman year, losing only two games and beating Virginia 2-1 on the road.

Contrastingly, during his sophomore and junior seasons the team struggled winning only nine contests.

“Freshman year I was an immature player, I let my emotions take over a lot” Reinikka said, “In my development as a player from freshman to senior year my biggest [change] was managing my emotions on the field.”

“We’ve been down a little bit in terms of wins and losses” Spear said “Now we are peaking again…it’s been a trial for [Reinikka]…to watch him deal with that adversity has been tough, but I think he’s is better because of it.”

Reinikka’s future is still up in the air. He is looking to continue playing, but much of his future is dependent upon his and his team’s performance. Even if Reinikka does not play professionally he still may stay involved in the game in some regard.

“He’s definitely good enough to play after college” Howard said, “he’s a very good player

with a great work ethic so I could definitely see him playing.”

Coach Spear followed up, saying, “He has set himself up to be a pro” Spear said, “I wouldn’t be surprised for him to stay in the game in some shape or form even if he doesn’t turn pro.”

“I’d like to focus on this season” Reinikka said, “[The team] doing well this season would help so I’m just trying to focus on that.”

Matt Reinikka and the Cats next take on Wofford in a home contest on Friday. They remained undefeated with a 1-1 tie against High Point yesterday.

Senior Captains Cort Coxhead ‘18 and Reinikka ‘18 lead the Cats’ defense this season and are off to a great start. Photo by Davidson Athletics

THE DAVIDSONIAN

Artwork and photograph by Maura Tangum ‘20 Living Davidson, Page 4

September 13, 2017