The Miami Student | November 3, 2020

ESTABLISHED 1826 — OLDEST COLLEGE NEWSPAPER WEST OF THE ALLEGHENIES

Volume 149 No. 7

Miami university — Oxford, Ohio

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

DESIGN EDITOR OWEN BERG

Students talk fears, hopes and concerns for 2020 election COSETTE GUNTER SOMNIA KEESEY MATTHEW RUBENSTEIN THE MIAMI STUDENT With Election Day comes nationwide bated breath.

In unprecedented times like these — in the midst of a pandemic and social unrest — eligible voters carry the responsibility of the country’s future in their ballot.

With results of the presidential election just days away from being revealed, The Miami Student asked students in Armstrong Student Cen-

ter — a random cross-section of the Miami populace — about their fears, hopes and concerns surrounding the results of the historic election. Here’s what’s on their minds.

Sean Chen – senior, biomedical engineering “I am concerned with how some things are going right now. If you look in the news, there’s some decisions being made about how to count votes that I think is a change from what has been happening, and I’m the future of the election.”

Alexis Riske – chanical engineering “I’m not really big into all the politics and everything. [Voting] just wasn’t on my mind.”

Riske did not vote in this election cycle and is not registered.

Kendall Armstrong – senior, psychology “I kind of hope [the election] doesn’t happen like it happened last country is going to be a mess no matter what happens. I’m worried about what the results are going to mean,

because I think either way people are going to be very upset.”

Erin Schmitz – dle school education “I’m concerned about the handling of the pandemic. I’m concerned that whoever loses isn’t going to accept that they lost. If it’s a transition, it won’t be an easy transition.”

Kalee Gannon – senior, psy chology and social work “I think a lot of people have [voted], which is great, so I’m not that worried about the election on Tuesday, but I am a lot more nervous CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Oxford celebrates Halloween: SHR-HUA MOORE THE MIAMI STUDENT Halloween is many things — tricks, treats, parties and costumes — but music is also an essential part of the holiday. As I experienced Halloween in Oxford this year, Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D minor” is one example that was on my mind.

It’s a famous 18th century piece that has been used prominently in music can sound dark and foreboding even when it was composed hundreds of years ago. It’s composed of three movements: a toccata, a fugue and a coda.

In the spirit of Halloween and in keeping with Bach’s spooky season staple, here’s the story of a 2020 Halloween in Oxford, as told in three parts.

Toccata: (a free form opening to the piece; an extended theme of foreboding) “It sucks.”

The student was wearing a onesie acter from the children’s show “Care Bears.” He was talking about the Halloween for Miami students.

His friend, dressed similarly in a bald eagle onesie, concurred.

“It’s not the same Oxford that we knew,” he said.

Due to the coronavirus, they were going to hang out with friends at houses, as opposed to actively participating in the mobs that were quickly forming around Fiesta Charra, Skipper’s Pub and Brick Street.

Marginalized groups voice fears over Supreme Court nomination HENRI ROBBINS THE MIAMI STUDENT In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade. In 2015, it ruled on Obergefell v. Hodges.

These two landmark cases ruled that women had the right to have an abortion, and same-sex couples had the right to marriage. With the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, many marginalized students at Miami University CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

A narrative

They were not alone in their decision. As day turned into dusk, one could see many small groups of stuseparate ways in order to enjoy Halloween on a smaller and safer scale.

Another pair of students preparing to leave uptown expressed simicoronavirus on Halloween.

“It’s kind of a bummer, but I don’t mind,” said one of the pair, a girl dressed as Tony the Tiger from the Frosted Flakes commercials. “We’re just going to play cornhole and watch some movies tonight.”

The theme of eventually spending the majority of the night with a limited number of friends as opposed to big groups was a common one among students that were interviewed.

“I normally go to parties, but tonight I’m going to friends’ houses,” one said. “This year, I’m sticking to the people I know.” added a macabre tone to the holiday this year, there were many that seemed to be willing to take the risk and have a good time despite the danger of getting sick.

For every student that was walking away from uptown to party in a more isolated environment, there were 10 who were standing in groups, getting food, chatting with friends and not practicing social distancing.

The rate of masked partygoers to unmasked ones was incredibly low, giving a whole new meaning to a frightening uptown Halloween experience.

Despite these issues, the festivities went on and led to a scene that was unforgettable to many, especially me

had never experienced a college Halloween before.)

Fugue: (composed entirely of 16th notes; a sense of urgency and excitement) The streets were lined with cars on every side. The cool fall air served as the perfect environment for Halloween — not too hot for people wearing onesies and comfortable enough for

CULTURE

FOOD

This might be the one time a year you have permission to skip class

The best of Oxford's Asian food scene

END. THE MIAMI STUDENT SHR-HUA MOORE

the scantily-clad angels and devils that took over uptown in throngs of Moving toward Brick Street, albrim with boisterous students, the street where many more were congregated in clusters, having a good time and enjoying the atmosphere.

with students talking animatedly among themselves amid a sea of people, food and spirits.

The action didn’t stop at street level, however. Pedestrians going at the right time could witness spectacles CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

This Issue NEWS 1, 2, 3, 4.

How many COVID cases does Butler County have in store? page 5

page 6

OPINION

page 8

Football kicks Yager Stadium —

page 9

Finding catharsis in nostalgia

page 10

This Week

2 FYI

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

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Students talk fears, hopes and concerns for 2020 election

Fri 11/6

Sat 11/7

Libraries: Fall Friday Make Along 1:00 p.m. Virtual Event 4:00 p.m.

Libraries for its Fall Friday Make Alongs!

Avatar: the Last Airbender Trivia 8:00 p.m. Virtual Event 9:30 p.m.

Been binge-watching Avatar this semester?

Come test your knowledge with MAP!

Marginalized groups voice fears over Supreme Court nomination CONTINUED FROM FRONT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT about the results. To be frank, gets a second term. That puts my family’s life in danger as someone from a low [socio-economic status] home. No bueno.”

Dan Sedlacek – second-year graduate student, Institute for the Environment and Sustainability “I’m concerned about getting a istration is gutting the EPA, and I’m afraid I’ll graduate into a job market that doesn’t have a place for me.”

Anders Burck – sophomore, Computer Science “The polarization of America makes me think that regardless of who wins, there will be angry parit, and that’s something I’m worried about.”

C.J. Walker – senior, business economics “I think the biggest fear is the division of who wins the election.

As of now, I think both candidates are painting themselves as the one who can unite the country, and in all honesty – looking at the sphere of the political universe – for whoever wins there’s going to be one side that’s disunited [sic] and wants to rebel against. So I think that disunity [sic] of whoever’s going to win, there’ll be one side that’s upset.”

Grace Trippiedi – senior, engineering management and mechanical engineering “I have a hope that these four to an end. Unfortunately I don’t think it’s going to be as much of a landslide as anyone’s hoping for, and I’m hoping that we can be more united under Joe Biden.”

Claire Beran – senior, speech pathology and audiology “As a woman, knowing that there’s a possibility that my reproductive rights could be taken away, that’s very concerning.”

Aaron Davidson-Bey – senior, psychology “A fear is that people aren’t vot-

ing on the issue and they’re voting what’s popular. They’re voting for the hype of it. There’s a lot of fanand I think, if anything, my concern would be people are more concerned with that, everything being safe, and less concerned with the issues.”

Anna Jacobs – sophomore, kinesiology “I hope our country doesn’t go downhill.”

Amy Plocharczyk – junior, psychology “This upcoming election has been emotionally detrimental himself with a pedophile and was also included in Epstein’s black book. I fear that if he wins, we will civil rights that should not even be in question. This entire year has shown us how ignorant he is to social issues.”

David Gudin – sophomore, geology and environmental science forced back into the closet, lose my rights, and countless others will face similar and worse fates.”

Quinn Hutchison – junior, marketing “I guess I’m just really anxious surrounding the results of the election because I know it will create even more division between people no matter who wins, I think it could be a lose-lose situation.”

Emma Muhlenkamp – junior, supply chain & operations management “I’ve never been that involved with politics, but, like, as a cis[genelection where I feel like I will be election.”

Brady Stultz – sophomore, supply chain & operations management “I just hope that the person we pick is going to do good for us.” guntercr@miamioh.edu keeseysa@miamioh.edu reubensms@miamioh.edu

are now fearful that these decisions could be overturned. idential election, created a 6-3 majority of conservative justices on the court.

Madi McGirr, a member of Spectrum, one of Miami’s LGBTQ+ organizations, said she does not approve she isn’t surprised, either.

“I don’t necessarily believe in respectability politics anymore because the Republicans have never shed that kindness onto us,” McGirr said. “I was fully expecting this when RBG died because I know that this is just ocrats really care about being respectable, but the Republicans don’t, politically.”

Evan Gates, community outreach director for Feminists Working On “As a representative of py with the nomination,” Gates said. “We feel that the judiciary process was rushed in the context of the legal precedents that were already set in 2016 through President Barack Obama’s previous appointment and how Senator McConnell treated that.”

In 2016, when Obama named Merrick Garland to

“Without the healthcare that they can get and without the support that they can get, this puts people’s lives directly at risk,” McGirr said. “It was only a few years ago that we were granted the ability to marry the people that we love, and it’s scary to think that it could be taken from us once again.”

In August, the Trump administration was blocked by a federal judge from passing a regulation that would roll back healthcare protections for transgender people, according to NBC and the Associated Press.

McGirr fears decisions like this could be passed by the Supreme Court in the future.

“When a transgender person has a life-threatening disease, what are they supposed to do? Apparently just

“Just for once in my life, I would love for someone to email the Spectrum email to talk about queer joy. Any time anyone wants to talk to us, it’s about

place on the Supreme Court, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to move forward with the nomination, stating “the American people should have a say in the court’s direction,” NPR reported in 2018.

A self-proclaimed “constitutional originalist,” Barrett says she plans to interpret the Constitution the way it was written. McGirr fears originalist rulings could endanger LGBTQ+ people. Although the prospect of marriage inequality is scary, she said, her main fear is for transgender people losing their healthcare.

- Madi McGirr die, according to Trump,” McGirr said. “Trump has enacted a ton of policies that have been anti-gay, and he has appointed Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, who are both openly anti-gay.

They do not support the LGBTQ+ community.”

While Barrett has not directly commented on whether she will look to overturn Roe v. Wade, many fear that she will. Were that to happen, geting of Planned Parenthood would result in women losing access to other services as well.

“Planned Parenthood also helps

women who do intend to go through with their pregnancies and provides ultrasounds, [and] provides information on how it all will work,” Gates said. “Those services are also low-cost or no-cost, so working class people Both Gates and McGirr expressed concerns that the overturning of Roe v. Wade will not stop abortions, only keep them from being safe and legal.

“The whole idea of the clotheshanger abortion, those are real,” Gates said. “People will go to lengths, especially in the case of medical things, to get their hands on what they feel like they need to have.”

With constant changes in presidents and Supreme Court justices, McGirr and other LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe and uncertain about the future.

“It’s just a little bit ridiculous to have this back-andforth of ‘here’s your autonomy, here’s your protections,’ and then a couple years later when more people are conCourt, they can threaten to take it away again,” McGirr said. “Then you just have queer people living in fear once again. It’s scary.”

The toll this fear takes on LGBTQ+ people, McGirr said, is massive.

“Just for once in my life, I would love for someone to email the Spectrum email to talk about queer joy,” McGirr said. “Any time anyone wants all as a community feel this grief, this fear, this crippling anxiety around, ‘Holy shit, the people that I love could be in danger –I could be in danger.’

It proves that you aren’t safe in the country that you live, and when we have to open up and continually after interview after interview you have to open up about why we deserve rights, why we deserve to live, it takes a toll on you. It takes a toll on the community.” robbinha@miamioh.edu

NEWS 3

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

LUMPKIBM@MIAMIOH.EDU

Oxford celebrates a narrative CONTINUED FROM FRONT

MADELINE PHABY

about it.’”

ASST. NEWS EDITOR In an Oct. 25 letter addressed to the executive cabinet of Miami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG), Megan -

Student Center Board send out a survey at the beginning of each calendar year for stu-

and a gathering of students that had somehow gotten onto the roof of a building. around in the surrounding streets, I was treat-

ily circumstances” as the reason for her resignation. ue greater than the one I have,” Hess wrote, al life the necessary attention it currently needs.”

that this is an initiative that not only is imant.”

Dan Bosworth, secretary of the treasury,

-

changes all at once.

Miami uses.

According to the resolution, Miami ini-

the tune of an imaginary concert that only they

dents and administrators, and sometimes

-

Proctorio before using it in their classes

accounts.

-

demic, the training hasn’t been enforced.

behind closed doors and shuttered windows.

Coda (a short conclusion; a powerful free form closing) Best Costumes:

an endorsement of Proctorio.

and Payne had considered adding a clause similar to the amendment, but they decided ministration.

-

strong Student Center.

-

time frame from our long time frame,” Pal said, “to ensure our short-term issues are

-

Crawfords.

Best Quote Best Moment

students this semester.”

dents.

“Proctorio has allegedly threatened to bring forth legal action against students at

with 34 yeses, two nos and one abstention.

ASG will not meet Nov. 3 in recognition of Election Day and will instead hold its next

ing for more training with an organization of

phabymr@miamioh.edu

Canvas update allows students to specify preferred pronouns

-

-

resolution, realized that her country wasn’t eral African and Latin American countries.

angrily exclaiming that “We’re not the blue man

Spookiest Situation: deer that eerily stared at me without moving for three minutes straight while I was returning to my dorm was a close second. @hua_shr moorese6@miamioh.edu

Bring back the burritos:

Students start petition to reopen Bell

STAFF WRITER Commons.

Commons dining hall would be closed for at least

-

-

Bell, and said losing the convenience of having a eaten out more, because they don’t want to go to longer, he said, as a college student’s budget goes only so far. but feels as though it may have stalled, because his said.

-

DESIGNER SADIE VAN WIE

-

ANNALISE CHAPDELAINE THE MIAMI STUDENT -

-

“Bell is the only dining hall that has more than

nouns.”

-

located in the Settings tab of Canvas, was mented on a school-by-school basis across the country.

Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI), said several In order for the change to be made, there Miami faculty to disseminate information

too.

Online school has created a barrier of sorts -

McVety. email signatures — the change allows her to “You don’t have that community you nortions where that information is often shared,” McVety said.

And that information is vital to ensure students can focus in class.

“If someone is deadnamed (referred to as their birth name or a name they no longer use)

gender, nonbinary and genderqueer individu-

you’re being read as something that you’re not.” and avoid singling anyone out.

“So many trans folx have to share their

diversity and inclusion committee in Associated Student Government (ASG). “It eases the burden of guessing.” beginning of the school year.

information.

chapdeaj@miamioh.edu

Matthew Robinson.

best dining hall, and I can’t believe they’re closing it.” @hannahorsington horsinhp@miamioh.edu

4 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

CARLINTM@MIAMIOH.EDU

Miami University’s Institute for Food faces possible shutdown SEAN SCOTT THE MIAMI STUDENT I requested my absentee ballot on Sept. 29. I would’ve voted by mail regardless of the pandemic since I’m so far away from home.

My home state is Pennsylvania, and driving across the entire state of Ohio to get to Pittsburgh seems like a terribly inconvenient way to vote.

Four days earlier, my friend Ryan requested his ballot. He goes to Penn State, a three-hour drive from Pittsburgh. Two other friends from home, Grace and Nicole, requested their ballots on the same day as me. Five days later, my friend Regan requested hers. She’s taking classes remotely this semester but decided she wants to vote by mail anyway just to be safe. saying my ballot had been processed.

Three weeks out from Election Day, I wasn’t too concerned. It shouldn’t in post, I thought.

Five days later, my ballot was mailed out.

“Oh well,” I thought to myself.

“That still leaves two weeks to vote.”

I started looking into who’s on the ballot other than Biden and Trump. to be uninformed on who my local ofI wrote down my favorite candidates on a blue post-it note and stuck it on my laptop so it was impossible to lose.

A week went by, plenty of time for a package to make it 320 miles, I thought. When my parents sent a care package in September, it took three days to reach me. Apparently, it’s not enough time for a ballot, though.

On Oct. 28, Regan and Grace got their ballots. Grace goes to Miami, too. “That must mean my ballot is here, too,” I thought as I went to go check my mailbox yet again.

It wasn’t.

Nicole hadn’t received her ballot yet, either. Neither had Ryan, even though he requested his before the rest of us. At this point, I’d seen dozens of Instagram stories saying it’s too late to return mail-in ballots.

On Thursday, Oct. 29, on my way back to my dorm from lunch, I stopped at my mailbox. I turned the lock three times to the left, one and a half to the right, and once to the left again. Before the door even swung Nothing.

I texted Nicole and Ryan again to ask if either of them had their ballots.

They didn’t.

Nicole said her parents are picking her up Monday night so she can vote Tuesday morning. The drive for her is less than two hours since she goes to St. Vincent College in Latrobe,

AFTER DECEMBER 2021, FUNDING FOR MIAMI UNIVERSITY’S INSTITUTE FOR FOOD IS UP IN THE AIR. THE MIAMI STUDENT ZACH REICHMAN

TAJ SIMMONS STAFF WRITER If you’ve ever driven past the back entrance of Yager Stadium down Morning Sun Road, you may have noticed Miami University’s Institute for Food — but you probably have not.

“Very few students know about us,” said Stephanie Beckner, a farm and education assistant for the institute. “That’s been one of the main problems. We’ve been here since 2016, and just very few students know about us.”

While the group attempts to raise awareness through pamphlets on display around campus, Miami’s local farm is helping to supply food to the Talawanda Oxford Pantry & Social Services (TOPSS), the university’s dining services and more than 100 subscribers in their community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.

However, since the farm is entirely funded by Miami, the program

is facing the possibility of being completely defunded due to university budget crunches. Meaning the future of the farm and its employees could be shut down for good.

Although the farm faces a potential closure, Beckner believes the taining the program in the future.

“Growing locally produced food is healthier than what you are going to get in the grocery store, plus it cuts down on pollution, truck travel and shipping,” Beckner said. “We’re looking at least 100 pounds of food a week that we’re donating, as well as the CSA families we help feed.”

Ilaria Tabusso Marcyan, acting-coordinator for the Institute for Food, suggested some possible solutions to prevent a shutdown of the farm.

“Although we are working with dining services on providing fresh, local food, we are only being requested to send 12 pounds a week,” Marcyan said. “If we could get students to demand more fresh food, we can send more, which cuts through

spending and the carbon-footprint Miami contributes to.”

Beckner agreed.

“We’ve got to be able to incorpoor be able to have a salad bar with just our food in it so students can eat fresh and local produce everyday or even just a couple times a week,” Beckner said.

As far as potential uses for the farmland, Marcyan also had an idea.

“We are looking into potential internships we can develop utilizing our farm that range from subjects such as environmental science and biology to subjects such as business or even engineering that, hopefully, we could incorporate into the development of solar panels,” Marcyan said.

Although COVID-19 has minimized many organizations across the university, the Institute for Food has seen an increase in volunteers, like biology and geographic information science double major Alyssa Cassidy, who became inspired after reading Stephanie Anderson’s novel,

hour, 320 mile trip that she would make four times.

Driving across the entire state of Ohio to get to Pittsburgh seems like a terribly inconvenient way to vote, but apparently this is the world we live in.

At 7:30 p.m. Friday, I got back to my dorm after dinner. Out of instinct, I checked my mailbox one last time. I turned the lock three times to the left, one-and-a-half to the right and once to the left again.

My ballot was sitting there. scottsr2@miamioh.edu

@simmons_taj simmontp@miamioh.edu

Greek life recruitment goes virtual for whether students will want to be involved this year.

“I know that everyone is able to participate, even if they are fully remote,” Sarah McGuire, a sophomore in Phi Mu, said. “But I worry if that will stop them.”

McGuire is concerned the lack of social events due to the pandemic will play a role in deterring potential new members from rushing.

“A lot of people dropped their sorority this year due to not having

“Driving across the entire state of Ohio to get to Pittsburgh seems like a terribly inconvenient way to vote, but apparently this is the world we live in.” but it’s still longer than it should be to vote. Ryan says he and his sister are going to drive home from college together to vote in person.

I’m farther from home than either of them, but at this point, I was running out of options. The Supreme Court ruled that Pennsylvania ballots will be counted up to three days after Election Day, but even if my ballot miraculously showed up, I didn’t want to risk it.

At 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, I called home. I still didn’t have my ballot, but this election is too important not to vote.

My mom agreed to pick me up Sunday morning and bring me back

“One Size Fits None.”

“That book inspired me to want to know where my food is from, because you can tell that some of the produce and meat at Kroger or in the dining halls suck,” Cassidy said.

“It made me want to go learn more about it.”

Marcyan said the farm is guaranteed to stay open until December 2021. However, after that, the future is up to students like Cassidy to appreciate the potential of the farm and take action.

“The students have the power.

If they can realize the value in the Institute for Food, we can save the farm,” Marcyan said. “Plus, our food is really good.”

Interested students and faculty members can help the Institute for Food by volunteering to help the farm, visiting their webpage or signing up for the CSA program.

DESIGN EDITOR OWEN BERG

HAILEY QUALLS THE MIAMI STUDENT With more than 30% of Miami University students involved in Sorority Life website, the spring recruitment process is a busy and important time for those members and prospective new members. But COVID-19 pandemic.

Usually, buildings around camtheir organization’s name and frayear boys awaiting a new group of brothers. This year, with the state’s restrictions in place, formal recruitment for both fraternity and sorority life will be moved online. recruitment will be digital in the 175 years that Greek Life has been on

Miami’s campus, according to the new members and active members alike are somewhat in the dark about how this new recruitment process will pan out.

“I haven’t heard anything other than it is online; we have no idea how it will work,” said Lily Clouser, a sophomore in Gamma Phi Beta.

Although the campus is preparing for a virtual recruitment, there is still hope of Preference Round and Bid Day to be in person, said Kimberly Vance, director of fraternity and sorority life.

“Our director of technology is communicating with other university chapters all over the country that have already done fall virtual recruitment for insight,” Vance said. “We’re creating Canvas courses to guide those through the process, and we round of Panhellenic recruitment,

indicating they may not switch back over after the pandemic, as video allows for a more focused and relaxed experience.”

Vance is hopeful that, by late January, there will be enough training and insight to create a positive experience but admits she still is worried about the new process. there are so many pieces we are doing in the spring that we have not done before,” Vance said. released, but ideas are circling about how to make the process work as smoothly as possible.

“I know it’s going to be online, but nothing else,” James Ford, a senior in Theta Chi, said. “I am hoping those in the process will be able to online.”

As current members share their confusion, some are worried about

years] still rush, even if it is online. I am worried that some may want to wait till next year or not do it at all.

It also sucks for those of us who were excited to be on the other side of the process.”

Current members are also worried the possibility of decreased nizations’ cost in the future.

“If we do not get enough members, I am worried our dues will go up,” Clouser said. “We have to have a certain amount of money to have events, and if we do not have enough people to pay for it, I don’t know what will happen.”

Not only are current members worried about this new process, but so are the prospective members.

“I am even more nervous now to talk to people on Zoom; it will be harder to get to know people,” said ning on rushing next semester. “I had sisters and friends who rushed, and they had told me what to expect.

I had been watching YouTube videos on how it works, but now it is all gonotes to remember the girls’ energy over Zoom.”

Although this is not the process Levy had in mind, she is being optiright group of girls for her.

“I am sure it will be a challenge,” that will last forever.”

The deadline to register for formal recruitment is Jan. 5, and the process is scheduled to begin Jan. 21. quallshn@miamioh.edu

NEWS 5

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

LUMPKIBM@MIAMIOH.EDU

‘It just feels really unfair’:

Root Yoga closes its doors amid pandemic

HANNAH HORSINGTON STAFF WRITER in Root Yoga studio packing up her business and sorting through items to sell, a former customer walked in. The woman had come to pick up her things she had left behind before learning the studio would be closing. much the studio had meant to her.

The two women cried together, Root Yoga, a staple in Oxford for a career change following the birth teach yoga and started working as the manager of the studio.

About a year later, she bought the studio from its previous owners. new owner of Root Yoga and began to invest all of her energy into helping the business grow.

She was more than successful.

classes a week and employed more than 20 instructors.

“We were just doing really well, and I just thought this was going to And then, the pandemic hit.

Taking early precautions, Root Yoga closed March 14. Within a couple days, Gov. Mike DeWine made it mandatory for certain businesses to close, including yoga studios.

During the pandemic, Root through Facebook and Instagram livestreams. The studio also requested donations to help maintain

the business while it was unable to The studio remained shut down until early June. After it reopened, only two or three classes were offered a week, and attendance was extremely low. Root Yoga hosted a few free classes uptown and even partnered with a local lavender farm, Lavendel Hills, to hold a few events, but it wasn’t enough.

After months of being closed, about coming back to the studio even after it reopened. The studio wasn’t able to get up to the same capacity as before and had made no income since March. in sight for the pandemic, she felt as cial hole for herself.

Other factors also came into landlord had given her a 50% break on rent, but the remaining balance would all have to be paid eventually.

Or, in other words, now.

“My landlord basically has no sympathy for what’s going on,” losing anything out of this, and they also got a new tenant that they’ll have starting in November.” book page that because a new business has signed the lease, her landlord will be releasing her from the last 11 months of her contract. He also agreed to forgive $1,800 of her Local businesses have begun to cently had another child, attempting to raise money to help with her expenses.

Kathryn Marsman, the manager

ROOT YOGA, AN UPTOWN YOGA STUDIO, HAS CLOSED ITS DOORS PERMANENTLY DUE TO LOSS OF PROFITS. A STURGGLE FELT BY SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS THE NATION IN THE WAKE OF THE PANDEMIC. THE MIAMI STUDENT ZACH REICHMAN

ask if she could start a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised more than $3,000 as of Nov 2.

Mikah Pransky, an employee at Kofenya, was asked by Marsman to put together the GoFundMe. “Honestly, it was super successful in my opinion,” Pransky said.

“I didn’t know really what I was expecting from it, so I’m just really happy with how much money we’ve raised so far. Hopefully, there’s going to be more.”

Before the studio closed, Pransky attended classes at Root Yoga for years.

“Root has been kind of a home

What happens if Butler County goes to Level Four?

for me since I’ve been in Oxford, and I think that it represents a different part of Miami that a lot of people don’t see,” Pranksy said. “So I think that it’s really going to hurt the community.” grateful for all of the support she’s received but still upset she got into “It makes me angry that a local business has to do this for me,” that would be avoidable if people were just doing what they had to do to make things work right now … It just feels sad.”

CLAIRE LORDAN

SEAN SCOTT THE MIAMI STUDENT For weeks, Butler County has hovered on the edge of Level Four Purple, the highest risk level for COVID-19, according to the Ohio Public Health Adrecommends residents at this level leave their homes only for essential supplies and services.

Butler has been at Level Three Red since Oct. 15. While still below Level Four, the current level is indicative of “very high exposure and spread” of COVID-19 according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Despite the risk of moving to the highest level, Jayne Brownell, vice president for student life, said students shouldn’t expect too many changes on campus.

“Right now, we are not being told we need to change what we’re doing,” Brownell said. “As of right now, I believe we would continue [in-person classes] because we have seen absolutely no spread within the classrooms.”

Brownell said Ohio’s county levels are advisory, not compulsory. With only 16 new cases in the past week porting no new cases at all, Miami’s own four-level structure appears to be working.

The state of COVID-19 at Miami COVID-19 in Butler County. While

Miami makes up nearly a quarter of all cumulative cases in Butler, the university is responsible for less than 10% of active cases in the past two weeks.

Philip Smith, an assistant professor in the department of kinesiology and health, wrote in an email to The Miami Student that whether Butler County goes to Purple might directly relate to how students conducted themselves on Halloween.

“What we are seeing right now is a rise in cases throughout the county that is not attributable to cases at Miami University,” Smith wrote. “This could change — if Halloween weekend is a super spreader event and results in an outbreak on campus, we could be the factor that pushes Butler County into Purple.”

Experts in the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) use seven indicators to determine county levels. Butler is curcases per capita, non-congregate cases and outpatient visits. To be raised to in at least six indicators for two weeks or more.

Smith explained that not every indicator is directly applicable to Miami.

For example, students in residence halls who test positive for COVID-19 won’t add to the number of non-congregate cases since they live in group housing.

Three indicators Butler County has not met — ICU bed occupancy, hospital admissions and Emergency Department visits — are less likely to

be pushed up by Miami students who test positive since younger people are less likely to react severely to the virus.

Still, Smith wrote that it’s important for students to be cautious.

“Greater cases per capita due to greater testing or a younger population is important to monitor even without increases in hospitalizations, because high incidence in any population puts vulnerable community members at risk,” Smith wrote. “At the end of the day, all indicators work tocounties and the state.”

Brownell said the university has worked closely with Butler County Health to monitor spread in Oxford beyond the student population. Few residents have been hospitalized, but a potential rise in cases from Halloween could jeopardize the progress the university has seen in the past two weeks.

“One of the concerns was that students could spread to vulnerable citizens,” Brownell said. “There has not been much spread, but we are not seeing numbers that hospitals can’t handle.”

To move back down to Level Two Orange, Butler County needs to dip below 100 active cases per 100,000 residents in the past two weeks. According to the Ohio Health Department, the county currently has 306 active cases per 100,000, a long way scottsr2@miamioh.edu

how she feels about the situation in one word: wrong.

“That’s just kind of all there is to it,” she said. “It just feels unfair and wrong.” @hannahorsington horsinhp@miamioh.edu

College Democrats and College Republicans look toward post-election future THE MIAMI STUDENT

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

cards and messages from former customers telling her how much the studio meant to them. One even told her that the studio closing was like “grieving the loss of a person.”

As she and many Oxford residents are mourning the closure of the safe space and sense of community they

As the final stretch of the 2020 election season comes to a close, Democratic and Republican students alike are facing the same question: Who will be president after Nov. 3?

Though a number of current polls show President Trump losing to former Vice President Joe Biden, polls have been quite inaccurate in past elections and several states that are crucial to a presidential win remain tossups.

Within the Miami University student body, two prominent groups on campus have been watching the upcoming elections particularly closely: College Democrats (Dems) and College Republicans (CRs).

“I hope that, regardless of who wins, we’re going to keep doing a lot of the same things we’ve been doing,” said Caroline Roethlisberger, a senior journalism and political science student who serves as president of Dems.

“This last year, we’ve really tried to have a presence on campus that we haven’t had before and to keep people educated,” Roethlisberger said.

“Because whether or not it’s an election year these issues are still important.”

With nearly 400 students involved as members of Dems, enrollment within the group has seen a spike within the past few months.

“I just hope that we keep our members engaged and connected with one another,” Roethlisberger said.

“Our membership kind of tends to ebb and flow during election years, with this obviously being a very highly contested election.”

Looking at the future for a relationship between Dems and CRs following the election, Roethlisberger doesn’t expect much to change.

“College Dems and College Republicans have always had an antagonistic relationship, and I’m not really sure that’s changed because of this election,” Roethlisberger said. “But

I hope that we can foster a conversation in the future — that diversity of opinion on campus is really important.”

Both Dems and CRs, as well as Young Democratic Socialists of America (YSDA), recently participated in a virtual debate regarding their party’s presidential candidates.

Taylor Armstrong, a junior political science student who serves as chairman of CRs, thinks the organization will be fine regardless of who wins.

“A lot of questions are going to be answered [after Election Day] about what direction the party should go,” Armstrong said. “We’ve got factions within the club who think that Donald Trump is not the candidate we should be following, and some who think that we’re gonna be just fine with him.”

Similar to Dems, CRs have also seen an uptick in membership in the months prior to the 2020 election.

“I think the future looks very bright for us,” Armstrong said.

“But I hope that we can foster a conversation in the future – that diversity of opinion on campus is really important.”

- Caroline Roethlisberger “Every year, we’ve broken records in terms of freshman recruitment” Armstrong also hopes Miami students can continue to foster discussion around political issues, regardless of party affiliation.

“My personal philosophy has always been to be open to our peers, whether that means crossing the aisle or not,” Armstrong said. “At the end of the day, I’m willing to work with anybody who comes forward, and I hope we’ve made that very clear.” lordance@miamioh.edu

6 CULTURE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

HEADLEDD@MIAMIOH.EDU

The show must go on:

Theatre department overcoming COVID-19 obstacles

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CULTURE 7

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

KWIATKDM@MIAMIOH.EDU

A silver lining:

NOTES OF NOSTALGIA

Turning to chapter 20 over and ask a question, but virtually, you’re all resources given to you when you’re struggling and communicate problems before they really Many other students on the panel emphasized this importance of proactive communication, as well as how they have seen that action grow into one of their strengths over the summer.

Pohl also spoke on how important it was to have strong self-accountability and time management.

“You have to stay on track, even when no one is keeping an eye on you, and you don’t have Nicholas Gerard, a senior majoring in software engineering, also noted the importance of taking matters into your own hands, especially with technology.

“You have to know how to search for answers and solve your own problems because a lot of Gerard held a virtual internship with Progressive Insurance over the summer. Like many students across the country, he found the sudden spike in the usage of online classrooms and meeting spaces increased the amount of errors or bugs Gerard also stressed the idea of giving himself enough breaks. Because much of his internship was coding-based, it was easy to work through meals and get his work done as fast as possible.

He realized this halfway through his internship and made adjustments to his schedule to include a healthy amount of breaks. At the same time, he began to take advantage of the opportunity he had to make connections, both with potential employers and his fellow interns. opportunities, though. The current circumstances have also placed into focus what matters most for many students: relationships. explained how the pandemic and quarantine encouraged her to continue cultivating relationships with those she loved. has made it a lot more important to keep in touch

DESPITE THE CONSTRAINTS OF QUARANTINE, SOME STUDENTS ARE TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARPEN THIER PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES. DESIGN EDITOR OWEN BERG

SARAH SNYDER THE MIAMI STUDENT “Kids these days don’t know how to do much It’s a common statement, and everyone has been a recipient of the phrase to some degree.

Whether they don’t know how to study, talk on the phone or have a professional conversation, the statement is a calling card of comparison between generations.

But the last nine months have drastically themselves. It’s quite possible that “kids these were previously thought to be lost to their generation.

Time in quarantine has created a completely new setting in which students are learning — and re-learning — practical skills.

Miami’s Center for Career Exploration and Success hosted a Zoom program titled “VirtuMonday, Oct. 26. During the program, the student speakers were asked about the skills they found to be invaluable during their virtual internships.

“I had to learn how to communicate more accountancy and business analytics major who interned virtually with Plante Moran’s audit practice in Denver. between normal and virtual internships.

“When you’re at location, it’s easy to lean

She arrived on campus with the knowledge that she would have to consistently reach out to her friends and family to keep in touch. This sort of virtual relationship requires intentional phone calls, messages and online get-togethers.

Krueger also notes how the circumstances of the pandemic have pushed her out of her comfort zone when it comes to meeting people.

“Since I came to campus, I’ve been forced to actively go out and introduce myself — while keeping social distance guidelines, of course — to This sort of intentional relationship-building has increased over the last semester as students in all grades have had to balance making friendships with health and safety guidelines.

From internships going virtual to making friends behind masks, the circumstances surrounding the pandemic have certainly negatively couraged us to implement practical skills, invest in our relationships and grow in ways we hadn’t ever thought of before. @Sarah_A_Snyder snyde104@miamioh.edu

Come one, come all to Oxford’s drive-thru circus MEGAN MCCONNELL THE MIAMI STUDENT Instead of performing in a traditional big top tent, circus performers took to the Tri Community Center parking lot for a drive-thru circus on Friday, Oct. 30.

Upon entering, drivers were greeted by a juggling stilt walker who waved at passersa handful of other attractions including an aerialist, a wheel aerialist, a wheel walker and a hula hooper. The event also included Oxford Parks and Recreation Department ford Community Foundation and the Oxford Service Department.

Instead of a traditional performance, the circus members performed at their own pace, many of their acts requiring large equipment.

Aerialists hung from a ring several feet above

the ground, walked atop the Wheel of Death — a giant metal frame with a wheel attached to either side — and swung on an attached residents watched and played.

The event was hosted by OPRD as a COVID-19-friendly alternative to their annual event, Trick or Treat OPRD Style. It was partially funded by a $2,500 grant from the Oxford Community Foundation and a $500 grant from the Oxford Lions Club. For some, or-treating during the pandemic — costumes were encouraged and complimentary bags of candy were passed out at the end of the circus.

“We still wanted to serve the community rather than just cancel our event, so we researched some options and the drive-thCasey Wooddell, director of OPRD. “It was

entertaining, socially distanced, free to the community and even provided candy to the The Oxford Police Department helped coordinate the event by directing the line of “[There were] estimated over 500 cars Wooddell said. “[There was] some minor credibly well by our outstanding Oxford PoBesides the wait, the event lasted approxas large or in-depth as an authentic big top performance, the drive-thru event ensured that, even during a pandemic, the circus was still able to come to town. @meggy_nicole mcconnmn@miamioh.edu

JENNA CALDERÓN ASST. CULTURE EDITOR “I can’t believe I’m going to be 20

Proud of me? For getting older?

I sat quietly for a moment, his words lingering in the air. he continued.

I looked at him, my eyebrows furrowed, and nodded. I guess he had a point.

But the truth is, the idea of turning 20 didn’t mean much of anything at all to me.

Nothing new comes with 20. On the 21st of November, I’ll still be in school, I’ll still be living with roommates, and I still won’t know how to pay taxes without asking my dad for help. It’s not a milestone like 16 or 18.

To me, 20 is a year to celebrate what is yet to come.

But later that night, I sat upright in bed, long after I’d crawled under my covers, simply because I could not stay lying down. I was troubled, my boyfriend’s words replaying over and over again in my mind, echoing as if trying to get some message across to me.

I thought about what I had to be proud of myself for, then let out a sharp exhale. It was meant to be a laugh but ended up being more of a scoff.

My mind was blank. In the midst of COVID-19, it’s been hard to be excited about much, let alone proud of much.

I’ve been feeling really beat down, unmotivated and overall crappy. I could not think of a single thing I was proud of aside from getting out of bed that morning.

And then I realized: That was his point.

Every day for the past 20 years, I’ve gotten out of bed, even when I felt like I couldn’t. I’ve lived more than 7,000 days, and while some of those days were undeniably insignificant at the time, it’s hard to argue the fact that, well, that’s a lot of days.

I considered all the days I’d been overcome with anxiety but also all the days I hadn’t been.

I thought about the good and the bad, the celebrations and the heartbreaks, the friendships and the feuds I would have missed had I not been around these past two decades.

Remembering my previous birthdays, tears formed in my eyes.

I thought about how I’d spent my 18th birthday home for Thanksgiving with my family, eating tacos, drinking bubble tea and watching movies on the couch.

I thought about how I’d spent my 16th birthday playing laser tag and eating burgers with the high school friends who I thought would be around forever.

I thought about how I’d spent my 13th birthday having a sleepover with my friends, pretending like I was too cool for my parents when they came down to check on us and bring us soda and snacks.

After that, earlier birthday memories started to fade into vague recollections: movie theaters, dinner dates with friends and One Direction t-shirts and fuzzy socks in gift bags.

Beyond that, memories formed only through old photos that my parents kept for me: a cotton candy machine, a Blue’s Clues themed cake, Chuck E. Cheese playgrounds and pizza that I didn’t yet have teeth to eat.

I laid back down on my pillow and shut my eyes, a slight smile on my face.

Remembering my birthdays, I was also reminded of all the events in between.

Moving across the country.

Learning to drive.

Starting my first job.

Getting into college.

And so much more.

All things, I decided, were worth being proud of. No matter how small.

Maybe 20 wasn’t so trivial after all. calderjm@miamioh.edu

OXFORD’S DRIVE-THRU CIRCUS PROVIDED BOTH TRICKS AND TREATS TO VISITORS IN THEIR VEHICLES. THE MIAMI STUDENT MACY WHITAKER

Food

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ARWINEJK@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

Autumn milkshakes and memories EMILY DATTILO MANAGING EDITOR The worst part about apple orchards were the bumblebees.

(That’s a reference from The OfThe best part about apple orchards were the apple cider milkshakes — they atoned for the bees and then some.

As a kid, every year, my parents would take me and my siblings to Harvest Time Orchards — which has since closed — in Wisconsin. We would pick apples, order a box of cinnamon-sugar donuts and pick up a bottle or two of apple cider.

The bottles of cider were stored in the cider barn — refrigerators lined with freshly-made apple cider nestled against one wall, and a table rested toward the front of the building. The barn usually hosted a long line of patrons waiting for, you guessed it, the apple cider milkshakes.

Served in white foam cups, the shakes tasted of autumn with a strong hint of cinnamon, a generous dose of

GOING TO AN APPLE ORCHARD IS A TREASURED FAMILY TRADITION THAT GOES BACK TO CHILDHOOD. CONTRIBUTED BY EMILY DATILLO

a picnic table and sit down to enjoy our shakes and donuts. Despite often being overdressed for the summer weather that always seems to appear

when it’s time to go wander through an apple orchard, I really enjoyed those times.

I really enjoyed those times because they included everything I like about fall and excluded everything I don’t.

Most of what I don’t like about fall centers around Halloween. I know that sounds bad, and it’s probably an unpopular opinion, but it’s true.

I’ve never been a fan of horror movies, blood, ghosts, spiders. Dressing something I spend a lot of time planning out. (This year, for instance, I came up with a costume idea, bought a few things and put it together on the Trips to the apple orchard didn’t involve anything creepy, and growing up, I found a sense of comfort in their predictability and friendly atmosphere. Even as the years went by, I never felt “too old” for the experience — it was, and still is, something I look forward to.

And luckily, though Harvest Time items. In a sentence, a Golden Delicious apple in Ohio closely resembles a Golden Delicious in Wisconsin, at least to the average consumer.

This year, despite the pandemic, I still had my orchard experience, this

time at one in Lexington, Kentucky.

Bright orange pumpkins scattered staples like cider, donuts and other treats.

I made sure to buy some cider to bring back to Oxford because the cider at Kroger simply doesn’t compare, which is totally understandable considering it’s likely mass-produced.

I also checked the menu to see if option — an apple cider slushie — was available. Though it sounded intriguing, I didn’t buy one.

Some traditions seem meant for certain places, certain times, and the apple cider milkshakes just seem to belong at Harvest Time.

In all honesty, we’ve tried to make them a few times at home, but it’s difwe have plenty of fall decor, we have green glasses, not foam cups in our kitchen. We don’t have rows of apple trees in the backyard.

Simply put, part of the experience is missing.

So until Harvest Time re-opens shake will remain a memory. @emily_dattilo dattilec@miamioh.edu

A guide to the best Asian restaurants in Oxford OWEN BERG DESIGN AND STYLE EDITOR As Miami students, we’ve heard the same old song and dance about the classic Oxford restaurants a thousand times: Bagel and Deli has sandwiches with funny names; you can get battered, fried balls of mac and cheese at Mac and Joe’s, Skipper’s and Doughby’s; Steinkeller has a million imported German beers or whatever.

We get it: Oxford, Ohio is a pub food paradise. But, with no disrespect I’m kinda over it.

I’m here to argue the best food in Oxford is its Asian food. Our little town in southwest Ohio is a gold mine na. More than 90% of Miami’s 2,083 international students come from Asian countries, so it’s no surprise that our local food scene has seen so many exciting new Asian restaurants.

And for those of us who grew up on Asian food, these are the real shining stars of the uptown food scene.

Because of this, I’ve compiled a list of my personal Oxford Asian food favorites. This list is by no means expansive, and I’m sure that I’m missing someone’s personal favorite. These are just the best ones I’ve tried so far.

I hope this guide serves you well when you need a break from the typical American fare that Oxford is so famous for. Besides, mac bites are basically just fried dumplings anyway.

Phan Shin Phan Shin is one of Oxford’s oldest

I would say it is still the best one in delivery and an enormous menu, with both authentic and “Americanized” that you love.

Ramen Hachi For those of us who are used to buying ramen in a plastic packet and hastily cooking it in a communal dorm kitchen microwave, $15 for a bowl of noodle soup may sound a bit extreme. However, one slurp of any of bowls is likely to change your mind.

It also serves plenty of classic Japanese side dishes, like gyoza, chicken karaage and edamame.

Mimian The most recent addition to my favorites list, Mimian specializes in hand-pulled noodles served fried, chopped, under meat or in soup as ramen. Dishes can be ordered with a variety of meats, ranging from brisket to chicken to pig intestine. The portions are also huge, so you can save some for later if that’s your thing.

honestly never grown tired of having Krishna as leftovers. It’s that good.

Krishna

Drop In Tea

Personally, I think Krishna might be the best restaurant in Oxford. I’ve never eaten anything from here that I didn’t absolutely love. The amount of spice in your dish can also be customized, so those with a more sensitive palette can enjoy the food no matter what they order. And like Mimian, the portion sizes are enormous. I’ve easily gotten three meals out of one order of

Plenty of bubble tea spots have opened up across town in the last few years, and while I don’t think I am -

RAMEN HACHI’S NOODLES ARE WORLDS ABOVE ANY 99-CENT RAMEN FROM THE GROCERY STORE. THE MIAMI STUDENT DUARD HEADLEY

milk tea, Drop In is my most recent favorite. Novice bubble tea drinkers may want to try its sweet specialty brown sugar milk tea, while more adventurous customers might go for its

fruit tea slushies, topped with a sweet and salty cheese foam.

Dim Sum Dim Sum is known for its dumplings, but it also serves sushi and nigiri. This is good news for those who miss Sushi Nara, which closed earlier this year. The menu, which can be found on Oxford to You, is expansive and sure to have something new for everyone to try.

Asia Market Although not technically a restau-

groceries that can’t be found anywhere else in town, as well as a variety of snacks, drinks, produce and frozen foods like rice cakes and dumplings.

As an occasional home cook, I go here when they don’t have what I need at Kroger. the next time you’re ordering in but want to try something outside of the typical Oxford American food wheelhouse. And be sure to tip your delivery driver. bergoe@miamioh.edu

These potatoes are my Super Bowl trophy EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The best part about the holidays isn’t the family traditions, festive activities or seasonal decorations. It’s my mom’s cheesy potato casserole.

I’m kidding, of course.

To an extent.

But seriously, it’s my favorite dish. nut attacks hot dogs on the Fourth of July.

You know how lions stalk their prey? That’s how I look at the potatoes

HONESTLY, CHRIS GOT HUNGRY JUST WRITING THIS CAPTION. CONTRIBUTED BY CHRIS VINEL

exclusively for the potatoes.

Holidays are my Super Bowl, and these potatoes are my trophy.

Mainly, it’s because I’m deprived of them throughout most of the year.

I shouldn’t say “deprived.” I eat well.

But I like to mess with my mom about how little she makes the potatoes. She saves them for special occasions only.

That’s probably a good thing, because I’d be a lot rounder if she made them all the time. She likes to say, “There’s nothing healthy about these.”

The recipe dates back to at least 1982, when it appeared in a parish cookbook my grandma had. My mom, who later inherited the cookbook, said my grandma never made the potato casserole.

According to her handwritten notes, my mom didn’t make the potatoes until September 1997. She which might be the understatement of the 20th century and the current one.

But the rest is history.

I was born a year and a half later, in 1999, and probably started savoring the potatoes soon after.

Mom and the rest of my family still love you the most. But damn, the cheesy potatoes are gaining on you.

Potato Cheese Casserole 2 lb. bag frozen hash brown potatoes - thawed 1 8 oz. carton sour cream 1 8 oz. pkg. grated cheddar cheese 2 cans Cream of Potato soup 3 Tbsp. chopped onion ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Combine all ingredients except Parmesan Cheese. Turn mixture into buttered 13 x 9 x 2 dish. Sprinkle parhours, uncovered. Buttered crumbs may be used instead of parmesan cheese. One half recipe may be made in 8 x 8 x 2 dish.

Serves 10-12 (or a few hungry Vinel boys). @ChrisAVinel vinelca@miamioh.edu

Sports

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

NELSO156@MIAMIOH.EDU

Miami restores rivalry with Ball State to open MAC title defense

In a year like no other, Miami season since 2014-15

SENIOR CENTER CASEY GILLING IS ESSENTIAL TO THE REDHAWKS’ UPCOMING SEASON. THE MIAMI STUDENT ZACH REICHMAN

JACK SCHMELZINGER MIAMI PLAYS ITS FIRST GAME OF THE 2020 SEASON AGAINST BALL STATE WEDNESDAY. THE MIAMI STUDENT JUGAL JAIN

JACK MUELLER THE MIAMI STUDENT Despite months of questions and uncertainty, Miami football will make its grand return to Yager Stadium Wednesday, Nov. 4, against Ball State. ence (MAC) Champions hope to start the season strong, especially in the shortened schedule.

“It’s hard to wrap my brain around having a game … It doesn’t feel like a normal opener,” head coach Chuck Martin said in a press conference last Friday.

His team starts the year in pole position, ranked as the preseason No. 1 in the MAC East, after an incredible record and a bowl game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.

Despite the success of the previous season, the team has no delusions of grandeur and is fully aware of the challenge that awaits it. Other conferences around America are in their sixth or seventh week, which means the MAC will be an all-out sprint to factor, too, as players and coaches are both aware of how the preparation changed due to having eight months of work to do in a matter of weeks.

“We know we accomplished something great last year … but we have to take it one game at a time,” senior defensive back Mike Brown said. key cogs, including its top two rushers from a year ago, Jaylon Bester and Tyre Shelton, as well as top tight end Andrew Homer. Martin said Friday that he does not expect any of the

three players to suit up this season due to injuries.

That said, there are some bright spots to keep an eye on. Sophomore quarterback Brett Gabbert had an ined MAC Freshman of the Year.

“He wants to make plays,” redshirt senior wide receiver Jack Sorensen said.

Sorenson will need to be a reliable option for Gabbert if the RedHawks that was ranked just ninth among bert’s role is drastically larger this year in the absence of Bester and Shelton, freshman year, he could have another breakout season.

Miami should be fully aware that Ball State is no pushover opponent. In

The Game

Ball State @ Miami Stadium

Miami RedHawks 2019 Stats

Jack Sorensen (WR, RS Sr.)- 44 Brett Gabbert (QB, So.)- MAC

fell to the Cardinals by a score of 4127 after a fourth-quarter barrage which saw Miami give up 21 points in

yds and 11 TDs. Ivan Pace Jr. (LB, So.) - Led team with seven sacks in 13 games as a true freshman.

Sterling Weatherford (DB, RS Jr.) -

Ball State is a very experienced team with seniors on every level on both sides of the ball. The Cardinals

Ball State Cardinals 2019 Stats

has been normal to date, and few believe this season will be any less unpredictable. Martin’s team demonto compete with the elite teams in the MAC and earn spots at bowl games.

Who knows? Maybe Miami will have a season that few in Oxford will forget.

That dream starts Wednesday at Yager Stadium. @jack_mueller15 muelle31@miamioh.edu

Antonio Phillips (DB, Sr.) - All and four INT’s Drew Plitt (QB, RS Sr.) - 24 TD’s bles in 12 games.

James Jennette III (DL, RS Sr.) as starter

THE MIAMI STUDENT The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) announced plans in October for a 26-game season for its eight members, including the Miami RedHawks.

To limit team travel and reduce the chances of exposure to COVID-19, the NCHC decided to son in a bubble-like environment in Omaha, Nebraska. The remaining 16 games will take place at the members’ usual home venues.

Miami head coach Chris Bergeron expressed enthusiasm for the conference’s plan.

“I do think that our league has done a great job of putting this together and having a plan on paper,” he said. “Our guys are excited about that.”

Bergeron enters his second season as head coach feeling more comfortable in his role but acknowledges his program isn’t yet where it needs to be.

Last year, the RedHawks was abruptly shut down due to COVID-19 before the postseason began.

“We have a lot of work to do when it comes to on the ice, based on last year,” Bergeron said. “We’re preparing to be a team that’s more consistent basis.” son relatively inexperienced. It rosters seven freshmen and three new transfers. The team is looking for someone to step up after losing its top contributors, forwards Gordie Green and Karch Bachman, to graduation.

“We are looking for a group of guys to lead the way, both on the ice

TD’s

‘Hawks Talk

shots that came their way. The team also brings in Swedish freshman the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in goals-against average Bergeron is proud of his players for their resilience after the painfully-abrupt end to last season and throughout this odd and uncertain “I’ve complimented our players more than once on their patience, their willingness to adapt and to change,” Bergeron said. “I’m proud of them for that.”

The puck will drop on a new RedHawks season Dec. 1 or 2 in the conference has not yet been released.

Behind the money

Why pro sports can’t escape the grip of politics MICHAEL VESTEY

Thanks to the work of those at ESPN and FiveThirtyEight, today we have a clear picture of one source of the campaigns — owners of professional sports teams. been donated to political campaigns by owners from the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLB and NASCAR, data from the Federal Election Commission shows. Where that money goes can tell us more things about our democracy than we have hours in the day.

Instead, it’s worth focusing on one race, in one state, and what it says about politics in pro sports.

Georgia is having a special Senate primary” on Nov. 3 where members of all parties compete, and then a second election in January between the top two vote-getters. a Republican, was appointed in De-

- Chuck Martin during a Zoom press conference Friday

returns senior defenseman — and shot-blocking guru — Rourke Russell.

In the goal, the RedHawks bring back sophomore Ben Kraws and senior Grant Valentine. The duo will

schmelj2@miamioh.edu

THE MIAMI STUDENT

“I’ve already voted!

I’ve already voted, so that’s a good thing for me.”

couple weeks is any indication, the leadership has been good.”

Up front, the RedHawks return multiple weapons, including senior center Casey Gilling, who scored nine goals and tallied 31 points last year. Ryan Savage is also expected to take a step forward after a freshman season when he put up 14 points in just 29 games.

The team is excited about the contribution they could see from freshman Joe Casetti who put up 19 points in 22 games for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) last year.

On the blue line, Miami will lean sive production after he put up 23 points and played a major role on a

against U.S. Representative Doug Collins, another Republican, and Reverend Raphael Warnock, a Democrat.

super PACs (Political Action Committees, one of the easiest ways to spend lots of money in politics) supporting only Republican causes.

Considering the barrier to entry in sports ownership, with often millions of dollars required to purchase teams, it’s not a surprise that the demographics of this elite group don’t match those of the nation — being older, whiter and more male. As such, it’s not a tremendous surprise that this group, especially concerned about taxes on their wealth, mostly do what they can to support Republican candidates.

It’s not a monolith, however. The WNBA, while a smaller share of the pie than other professional leagues, was the only one of those studied where a bigger proportion of the money went to Democratic candidates than Republican.

The biggest giver during this cycle, however, has been the owner of the Atlanta Dream, who has donated fellow WNBA owners, with only the go Sky owner John Rogers even in the ballpark, and no other Republican conof the sum.

Who owns the Dream, you might ask? Why, none other than Senator Professional sports this year have also seen widespread support for the Black Lives Matter movement, especially in the NBA and WNBA, where wildcat strike after the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the WNBA followed right behind.

And this is where our old friend, Writing to WNBA Commissioner “adamant” opposition to “Black Lives Matter” being included as a prominent part of the restarted WNBA season, as the league displayed the slogan on courts and continued with a program to honor women killed through police or racial violence.

political platform into the league” and how supporting the Black Lives Matter movement “undermines the potential of the sport and sends a message of exclusion.”

(In case it needs to be said, this is an idea that makes a mockery of the

systemic challenges that Black and other minority athletes have faced ability to even attempt to understand the conditions that Black Americans face on a daily basis and minimizes the never-ending push for civil rights and equality to “a political platform.”)

Following this statement, WNBA players from all 12 teams wore shirts ing Senate race, Rev. Warnock, during nationally televised games. Players also ran social media pushes and encouraged turnout among Georgia voters, as well as raising money for Rev. Warnock’s campaign.

The latest Monmouth University poll in Georgia shows a clear lead for Rev. Warnock in the “jungle primary,” set to narrowly defeat her Republican

We are a nation where non-white citizens, a minority of the population, face systemic inequality. And yet, they form a majority of players in multiple of our professional sports leagues.

It’s worth asking what kind of politics we do want in our sports. Is it the politics of those with millions or billions in the bank, supporting policies that keep money in their pockets and the rights of their players at a minimum?

Or is it the politics of those who push for an end to racism, an end to violations of their civil liberties and for the simple ability to be treated the same as their fellow Americans?

It’s up for us to decide. With our wallets and our eyeballs during sports season, and at the ballot box in November, we have that power. And in my opinion? It’s time we get to using it. @VesteyTMS vesteymj@miamioh.edu

Opinion

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020

STAFF EDITORIAL

Music is my religion OPINION EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

WOLFFRG@MIAMIOH.EDU