Sept. 17, 2019 — Vol. 126, Issue 04

SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO SINCE 1893

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Photo courtesy of Fran Smith

A poster from the American Identity Movement on the University of Nevada, Reno, campus on Monday, Sept. 9. The group is currently recruiting at the university campus.

White supremacy persists at UNR, two years after Charlottesville

By Taylor Johnson Flyers found across campus are confirming alt-right groups may still have a presence at the University of Nevada, Reno.

American Identity Movement and Identity Evropa Reddit user UNRThrowAway posted in the r/unr subreddit exposing the American Identity Movement’s flyers and posters in Mack Social Science on Monday, Sept. 9.

The American Identity Movement is a non-profit “identitarian” organization founded on March 8, 2018 by Patrick Casey.

AIM preaches nationalism, identitarianism, non-inter ventionism, protectionism and populism. According to Casey, AIM is against neo-nazism and political violence of all types.

In a phone interview with the Nevada Sagebrush, Casey confirmed the organization recruits throughout the U.S. with social media. He said AIM members in Reno post flyers and host demonstrations. Casey said he wants AIM to reach new people and raise awareness of the organization at the University of Nevada, Reno.

He believes college students are only receiving one perspective regarding diversity and social issues. Casey feels the government is supporting anti-white policies and feels if people stand up against anti-white policies, they are then told to be quiet.

“We don’t believe America needs to be 100 percent white, but we do think that America isn’t

going to be America if there isn’t a EuropeanAmerica super-majority,” Casey said in an interview with Brittany Pettibone on January 16, 2018. “So when it comes to policies and so forth we’re concerned with reversing these trends.”

An article from the Colorado Springs AntiFascists identified university student Richard Golgart Jr. as a member of the Southwest chapter of AIM. Aside from his involvement with AIM, he is a member of the Young Americans for Liberty club on campus, according to their website.

Golgart Jr. did not reply to the Nevada Sagebrush’s request for comment.

AIM was previously known as Identity Evropa.

IE was founded in 2016

by Nathan Damigo. The Anti-Defamation League

defines IE as a white supremacist group and the Southern Poverty Law Center identifies them as a hate group.

IE built their name by spreading flyers to college campuses, banner drops broadcast over social media, host demonstrations and campaigns.

They attempt to recruit white college-aged males.

IE also helped organize the ‘Unite the Right Rally’ Charlottesville in 2017.

Peter Cvjetanovic, a UNR alumni who attended the Charlottesville rally, wore an IE shirt when protesting.

The article from the Colorado Springs AntiFascists claimed Golgart Jr. posted flyers and posters for IE across campus— as well as along the Truckee River and at the Nevada Supreme Court— in the spring of 2019.

The Nevada Sagebrush was unable to confirm whether or not Golgart Jr. also posted the AIM flyers found across campus earlier this month.

University response to hate groups University Diversity and Inclusion Officer Eloisa Gordon-Mora believes there needs to be more centers of information on resources and report incidents regarding the topic of diversity. She confirmed the AIM flyers were posted in five university buildings, which were STEM centered.

“I know this is frustrating and I constantly repeat it, unfortunately, incidents that might evolve into hateful events need to be investigated on a case by case basis,” Gordan-Mora said. “It’s not the responsibility of this office, but in See AIM page A2

Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” See A&E page A4

Astrology in, theology out

Suicide Prevention Week encourages students to talk about mental health

By Michelle Baker Counseling Service organized a series of events in observance of National Suicide Prevention Week. Starting on Monday, Sept.

9, through Thursday, Sept.12, events will be held in the Knowledge Center Breezeway and are geared towards acknowledging, recognizing and preventing suicidal behavior.

The events seek to create an awareness about mental health, including anxiety and depression. There will be workshops that boost positive thoughts and behaviors, both known to increase mental health and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Students can also expect to be greeted by the dogs from Take5, one of many programs offered by Counseling Services, which help students manage stress and coping skills.

Anxiety, stress and depression are the three most common psychiatric conditions that students face, according to a study by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors.

Marcia Cooper, the Associate Director and

the Director of Clinical Services states Counseling Services strives to create an environment that invites people to feel comfortable discussing their mental health, similar to visiting a doctor if you are feeling sick.

“We are raising awareness that mental health and self-care is important to everybody,” Cooper said. “By having Take 5 in the Knowledge Center we are normalizing seeking counseling and making it accessible.”

A study in the 2015 National Academic Health Assessment found that 85 percent of college students reported feeling overwhelmed by their daily tasks within the past year. A new environment away from friends, family, managing a heavy academic load and struggling to create close relationships may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are all factors that can increase stress and anxiety in young adults.

The events will have information on available student resources for those who may be struggling, but the overall purpose is to create an open network for friends and colleagues to become another support system

for those who may be struggling.

The week also focuses on the importance of self-care and is geared towards creating a greater sense of community, according to Cooper.

“Events like these bring awareness to the fact that everyone at some point needs a little help and support,” Cooper said.

The closeout event at the Knowledge Center’s Nook Room in 221 on Thursday will be an hour-long awareness workshop, dealing with how to recognize if someone may be experiencing depression and how to be of service to your fellow students. This includes withdrawing from friends, family and interests, drastic changes in mood or behavior, and/or talking about death or wanting to kill themselves.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a mental illness or exhibiting suicidal behavior, contact Counseling Services at (775) 784-4648 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

See OPINION page A8

Pack edges out Weber St. in tight match

See SUICIDE page A2

See SPORTS page A10

California wildfire increases in size, causes poor air quality for Reno

By Kennady Pine The Walker Fire erupted on Wednesday, Sept.

4 at around 12 a.m. in Plumas County, according to officials, approximately 11 miles east of the community of Taylorsville, Calif. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Walker Fire has grown to 50,940 acres and is 35% contained as of Saturday, Sept. 14. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

As the blaze grows, smoke from the Walker Fire and other California wildfires is impacting Reno air quality. Reno citizens can expect moderate to unhealthy air quality at times.

The National Weather Service’s Reno office issued a dense smoke advisory Sunday, Sept.

7, set to stay in place through Monday, Sept.

9, warning that both visibility and air qual-

ity could be “severely degraded” throughout Lassen County, in the eastern parts of Plumas and Sierra counties and in a stretch of Washoe County north of Reno.

An air quality forecast index map indicated conditions along the Nevada-California border were unhealthy for sensitive groups of people throughout last weekend.

The U.S. Forest Service says the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office has reduced the evacuation level from mandatory to advisory in all areas except for the Murdock Crossing and Stony Ridge areas. Residents that have returned to their homes are advised to continue to monitor the situation.

Additionally, there was an increase in temperatures and lower humidity and increasing wind conditions throughout last weekend,

creating a much more active fire behavior and challenging conditions for firefighters on the line.

According to a U.S. Forest Service fire update given on Sept. 13, in an effort to keep the fire within its current footprint if tested by forecasted winds, firefighters are working diligently to strengthen containment lines by removing fuel between the fire and control lines. This will serve as a buffer and limit the potential of the fire extending beyond established lines.

Plumas National Forest has issued a forest closure order for the Mt. Hough and BeckMissvain/Wikimedia Commons wourth Ranger Districts. Fire personnel will The Walker Fire burns in northern Calilfornia on continue to be supported by aircraft as long Sunday, Sept. 8. The Walker Fire has affected the air as smoke and winds permits. quality in the Reno area.

According to the Sacramento Region Spare

Student voice of the University of Nevada, Reno, since 1893.

Volume 126 • Issue 4 Editor-in-Chief • Olivia Ali oali@sagebrush.unr.edu

News Editor • Taylor Johnson tkjohnson@sagebrush.unr.edu

News Editor • Kennady Pine kpine@sagebrush.unr.edu

Spanish Editor • Andrew Mendez andrewmendez@sagebrush.unr.edu

Sports Editor • Ryan Freeberg rfreeberg@sagebrush.unr.edu

Opinion Editor • Vincent Rendon vrendon@sagebrush.unr.edu

A&E Editor • Rylee Jackson rjackson@sagebrush.unr.edu

Photo Editor • Jayme Sileo jsileo@sagebrush.unr.edu

Copy Editor • Alex Pereyra apereyra@sagebrush.unr.edu

Copy Editor • Sarah Strang sstrang@sagebrush.unr.edu

Multimedia Editor • Austin Daly adaly@sagebrush.unr.edu

Multimedia Editor • Rachel Jones rjones@sagebrush.unr.edu

Social Media Manager • Laura Rivas lrivas@sagebrush.unr.edu

CONTRIBUTING STAFFERS Michelle Baker, Isaiah Burrows, Madeleine Chinery, Matt Cotter, Matt Hanifan, Bethany Haspel, Devabsh Mehra

DISCLAIMER The Nevada Sagebrush is a newspaper operated by and for the students of the University of Nevada, Reno. The contents of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those opinions of the university or its students.

It is published by the students of the University of Nevada, Reno, and printed by the Sierra Nevada Media Group.

ADVERTISING For information about display advertising and rates, please call the advertising department at 775-784-7773 or email adnevadasales@gmail.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters can be submitted via email at oali@sagebrush.unr.edu

CORRECTIONS The Nevada Sagebrush fixes mistakes.

If you find an error, email oali@sagebrush.unr.edu.

SOCIAL MEDIA The Nevada Sagebrush @NevadaSagebrush @SagebrushSports Nevada Sagebrush nvsagebrush nevadasagebrush.com

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A2 | NEWS

Hill confirmed AIM posted flyers at Truckee Meadow Community Continued from page A1 College and a local high school. She believes conjunction with all the these organizations work Equal Opportunity target students who and Title IX carries out. are exploring how they We want to be a better belong or do not belong integrator of effort.” to and participate in G o r d o n - M o r a society. believes students, fac“Certainly the visulty and staff need to be ibility of a UNR student hyper-alert of [Alt-Right at the far-right white nagroup’s] techniques tionalist Charlottesville and strategies because rally raised the profile their intentional and of UNR as a possible site are meant to inspire where white nationalist intimidation, fear and might find community,” emotions. She believes Hill said. “We would like education is the stron- to think that his case gest ally. was an anomaly, but we “Because the univer- don’t know how many sity is a public univer- people share those sity, we don’t simply views on campus. The service the internal website 8chan, on which university community hate speech is encourbut we are also an ally aged and proliferates, is of education for the owned by a Reno-based surrounding community company shows that Neand the state of Nevada,” vada is a center for some Gordan-Mora said. “It’s of this kind of thinking.” not so much a division Kimberly Woods, of internal UNR versus the Associate Dean of external other com- Student Conduct, said munities but the need to the office will investiexamine each instance, gate conduct like any what is a bias incident, other alleged violation is versus a hate event, or, investigated. She stated in the most extreme lawful protests do not cases a hate crime.” violate student conduct.

Jen Hill, the director of “If a student engages gender, race and identity in conduct while proprogram, defines white testing that violates nationalism as a move- criminal law, such as ment that places white violence or vandalism, experience and “rights” the student may be at the center of national referred to the Student identity. She describes Conduct Office,” Woods it as anti-Semitic, racist, said in an email to the and misogynistic. Hill Nevada Sagebrush. “As also explained white stated earlier, each case nationalism is reviewed on a case by “Its rhetoric is fear- case basis so I cannot be based and is situated more specific surroundin false histories of the ing how the matter American experience, would be handled.“ and rumors of an According to the Unierosion of values and versity’s Administrative stability that are linked Manual, non-university to ‘foreign’ or ‘other’ publications are not alinfluences,” Hill said. lowed to be distributed “For a long time it was at exterior university understood to be a fringe locations and are able to group – and indeed, it post at limited interior still remains outside of locations. All bulletin civil discourse – but it boards on campus are is clear that groups like considered “public view the American Identity bulletin boards” unless Movement are attempt- identified as a bulletin ing to grow and to make board specifically for claims of being more legal notice or departmainstream.” ments.

AIM

Fire

Student response to white supremacy Fran Smith, a member of the Young Democratic Socialists of Reno, discovered the AIM flyers around campus after the organization notified them.

“My first feeling, for the flyering this past week anyways, can only be described as dread filled rage,” Smith said.

“I have been [...] black my whole life and have been taught that my blackness is something to be ashamed of, is something disgusting and is something that makes me sub-human, meaning others can dehumanize me with no consequences because I am not ‘human’ enough to be considered their equal.”

Smith recalled an incident on campus where they were called various racial slurs comparing them to animals at the 2018 Bernie Sanders rally on campus by counter-protesting Trump supporters. “[...] I’m pretty evenly mixed white and black,” Smith said. “I learned young how cruel people can be because of my skin, and it usually wasn’t fellow kids my age acting as such. I grew up afraid of people, too scared to speak out for myself or others thinking if I was complacent I would gain their respect by proving myself through my actions. It doesn’t work that way.”

Smith wants the university to investigate these issues since they believe white supremacy on campus is becoming worse.

“When I told the military recruiters in Cain Hall that someone had placed white supremacist pamphlets on their info wall, they jumped into action and started listing off the next steps they would have to take to report and take care of the incident,” Smith said.

“They acknowledged it as a serious issue, acted on it, and gave a damn which is far more than

what the university has done.”

Anthony Martinez, the president of the Associated Students of the University of Nevada, said ASUN represents a diverse constituency.

He claimed as of fall 2019, 40 percent of the total enrollment of the university comprises of students from underrepresented groups.

“The far-right ideology, more specifically, the ideology of the American Identity Movement, symbolizes white supremacy and a nativist nationalism that is meant to be exclusionary,” Martinez said in an email to the Nevada Sagebrush. “These discriminatory sentiments do not align with ASUN’s mission or values and in fact, contradict them.

Both ASUN and the University condemn hateful actions or rhetoric that seeks to marginalize any member of our community.”

President Martinez believes a livinglearning community, like UNR, has diverse ideas opinions and values, which causes for separatist organizations with extreme points of view discomfort.

“We will continue to be advocates for undergraduate students, their development, and unique ideas and opinions,” Martinez said. “We want students to harness their power and realize that this is their university. We challenge all students to stand guard against the hateful rhetoric and propaganda that would lead us to believe that our community is fractured.

Our power is in standing together.”

Hate groups in Nevada The Southern Poverty Law Center tracked 10 hate groups in Nevada in 2018. These include: A2Z Publications, Black Riders Liberation Party, Freestartr, Israel United in Christ, Proud Boys, Atomwaffen Division, Daily Stormer,

IE, National Alliance Reform and Restoration Group and the Right Stuff.

Launched in 2013 by Andrew Anglin, the Daily Stormer is described as neo-Nazi organization by the SPLC with small localized groups called Stormer Bookclubs. Daily Stormer has national campaigns, which calls for flyering different local areas.

The Daily Stormer posted flyers of Brenton Tarrant—the man accused of shooting two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which killed 51 people— in a mosque in Sparks.

The Daily Stormer also posted flyers at the Emmanuel synagogue, TMCC and Innovations Charter School in the Reno-Sparks area.

“My brothers, you stand here as the last line of defense against an ancient force of evil which seeks to erase the European man from history,” Robert Warren “Azzmador” Bay, a Daily Stormer member, said in a speech at a private, post-Unite the Right gathering.

Atomwaffen Division is a neo-Nazi organization founded in 2015 based in Las Vegas. The organization was active on the Iron March forums, which went offline in 2017.

At the time, there were approximately 1,600 users. Members in the Atomwaffen Division have killed five people in California, Florida and Virginia, according to NPR. “Pro f***** propaganda is working! AIDS is spreading like wildfire.

Dead f***** couldn’t make us happier! Hail AIDS!” a member said on their website.

Taylor Johnson can be reached at tjohns o n @ s a g r b r u s h . u n r. edu or on Twitter @ NevadaSagebrush.

Suicide

Continued from page A1

the Air website, it is forecasted that on Sunday, Sept. 15, as an upper-level trough of low pressure approaches northern California, moderate onshore winds will disperse pollutants and bring cleaner, cooler air into the Sacramento region, lowering ozone levels.

The following Monday mostly cloudy skies and cool temperatures will limit ozone formation, and rain showers and winds will disperse pollutants. As a result, ozone levels will be good.

Further safety information and alerts can be found on the Plumas Kennady Pine can be reached at kpine@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush.

Continued from page A1

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or the University of Nevada, Reno, Police Department Dispatch at (775) 334-COPS immediately.

SENATE RECAP SEPT. 11

By Kennady Pine

REPORTS TODD RENWICK ADDRESSES CAMPUS SAFETY CONCERNS AND HATE CRIMES Chief of University Police Services, Todd Renwick, addressed the Senate on the importance of campus safety.

Twice a month, Police Services will meet with ASUN to hear concerns of students and provide information.

Additionally, they have launched a “brown bag” lunch program where they will invite members from clubs, organizations and the Senate to the department to discuss and address concerns. Renwick said the goal is to create a dialogue with the students to create clear communication of issues on campus.

Renwick said that the campus crime rates right now are relatively low but stressed the importance of property security. He encouraged students to lock up possessions, be aware of their surroundings and prioritize safety.

In response to a question regarding the swastika found in Wolf Pack Tower, Renwick said that there are no plans to install security cameras in the stairwells where the vandalism was found. The current cameras that are installed were already there from El Dorado’s construction. According to Renwick, the investigation of the most recent swastika found is at a standstill.

Renwick said that police services are trying to be responsive to hate crimes occurring on campus and to those who are being targeted. He encouraged students to speak up if they see acts of hate or bias at diversitydirector@asun.unr.edu.

LEGISLATION SENATE APPROVES STUDENT MEDIA INTERNSHIP Dominique Hall presented the student media internship to the senate, which is modeled directly after the ASUN student internship. Hall said each staff member of Insight magazine and Brushfire Literature journal will be getting interns to shadow them and gain experience.

Prior to the creation of the student media internship, every department of ASUN had a student internship program except for student media.

Senate members had concerns regarding the technicalities of the internship, but the legislation approved the creation of the student media internship program for Insight Magazine and Brushfire Literature Arts Journal that will be under the discretion of the ASUN student media advisory board.

RESOLUTION ASUN CLUB PASSED

Michelle Baker can be reached at tjohnson@sagebrush.unr. edu and on Twitter @ NevadaSagebrush.

Damien Vinci/Nevada Sagebrush

Counseling services as it stands on Friday, Sept. 13. Counseling Services hosted several events to celebrate Suicide Prevention Week.

Senator Position College of Engineering OPEN UNTIL FILLED APPLY ONLINE AT nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external

TO AMEND MEMBERSHIP

Director Florence gave an explanation of the new act to amend ASUN club membership on campus. He said the amendment requires that members of clubs must be students enrolled in at least one credit at the university. Florence said that the students won’t feel an impact from the act but it will limit people from the community joining. It will ensure that student fees go back to students and resources that ASUN provides is limited to students. According to Florence, the act will help protect the university.

The resolution to enact to amend ASUN club membership was passed unanimously.

Kennady Pine can be reached at kpine@sagebrush.unr.edu or on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

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PACK N THE EVENTS THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS WEEK

30 years of Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation”

By Rylee Jackson

UNR STUDENT JAZZ JAM SESSION

DATE: Sept. 18 TIME: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Laughing Planet Cafe (N. Virginia St.) INFO: Jazz students from the University of Nevada, Reno’s Jazz and Improvisational Music Program will perform every Wednesday at the Laughing Planet. Bring a friend and join these students for exceptional food and a night of great music.

MOVIE SERIES: TOY STORY 4

DATE: Sept. 19 TIME: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Joe Crowley Student Union, Gateway Plaza INFO: Throughout the semester, the Joe Crowley Student Union hosts a movie showing every week. This week’s film, “Toy Story 4”, is the most recent installment of the popular Disney franchise. It is encouraged to bring your friends to this free event.

Free popcorn will also be provided.

SUPER SMASH BROS. ULTIMATE TOURNAMENT DATE: Sept. 20 TIME: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

LOCATION: Joe Crowley

Student Union, Ballroom A INFO: Are you interested in putting your gaming skills to the test? Battle your friends and other gamers to see who will be the ultimate victor of the popular Super Smash Bros. phenomenon.

There’s a chance to win prizes including a Nintendo Switch. It is required to register online.

Rylee Jackson can be reached at ryleejackson@ sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @rybyjackson.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

The album cover for Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation 1814.”

Celebrating 30 years of its release, the socially conscious album continues to be influential for its visual elements, choreography and production style.

By Rylee Jackson 30 years ago, Janet Jackson created one of the most influential projects in pop music history—intermixing socially conscious themes through the lense of dance. Jackson’s fourth studio album “Rhythm Nation 1814” was released on Sept.

19, 1989 and further elevated her wide-ranging conceptual artistry.

After the success of her breakthrough album “Control” in 1986, Jackson teamed up with Minneapolis producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis once again—breaking away from the doubtful chatter of outside voices and curating a groundbreaking project that continues to hold relevance.

Taking ownership of her own narrative and tapping into themes of self-realization, “Control” was the defining project that launched Jackson’s career to new heights.

Understandably, her label at the time wanted to keep the momentum going, which would mean sticking to the formula and having Jackson create a “Control II.” Jackson, Jam and Lewis weren’t too keen on the idea—wanting something fresh and even more impactful than the last project.

Recognizing her growing influence at only 23 years old, Jackson felt she had the responsibility to touch on subjects bigger than herself.

Much like Marvin Gaye and Joni Mitchell’s ability to articulate the happenings of the world in the 1970s, she wanted to create her

own concept album— speaking to her younger audience. Jackson, Jam and Lewis would switch back and forth between MTV, CNN and BET during the beginning stages of the recording process.

Watching events depicting school shootings, violence, homelessness and racism started to impact them greatly— transforming the notion of making a typical record and kickstarting the idea that would soon become the center of it all.

The concept of “Rhythm Nation” was to address the world’s issues head on through the powerful avenues of dance, music and poetry. The usage of the number “1814” represented the year “The Star-Spangled Banner” was written. Later, it was discovered that “R” was the 18th letter of the alphabet and “N” was the 14th letter of the alphabet—showing that this connection was simply destined to happen.

When sequencing the album, Jackson insisted on audiences grasping the overall message of the album immediately instead of leaning toward the typical catchy single. The title track jumps at you right away with its hard-hitting beat and urgent lyrics.

Encouraging listeners to take action, Jackson sings: “Join voices in protest to social injustice/A generation full of courage, come forth with me.”

Included in her 30-minute short film for the project, the “Rhythm Nation” video sees her and an army of dancers all sporting military

gear. Jackson’s baseball cap and ponytail look was effortless, edgy and forever the coolest—let’s not forget her signature key earring.

The sharp and intricate dance sequence—choreographed by Anthony Thomas—was perfectly executed and truly coincided with the message of unity. Although Jackson is front and center, she makes sure that the dancers around her are just as important to the translation of the song’s meaning.

This was the first album of Jackson’s to incorporate interludes, which make each track fall into one another cohesively. The flipping of channels ranging from cartoons to different news stations discussing social issues is heard right before “State of the World.” Like the interlude, the song illustrates Jackson’s concerns with issues surrounding homelessness and violence as she sings, “There’s got to be a better way.”

“The Knowledge” is one of the most dynamic and substantial tracks in Jackson’s entire catalog. Drastically different from the groove and attitude of her previous album, the album’s intention of being more upfront and direct is emulated through the industrial like sound.

The song focuses on the importance of education and teaching our children to stand up against the prevalence of issues like prejudice, ignorance and bigotry. Jackson’s superstar brother Michael often praised the track—even sampling its percussive elements for their 1995 duet “Scream.”

After “The Knowledge,” Jackson says, “Get the point? Good, let’s dance.”

Hoping that the listeners comprehended all she had to say in the first three songs, Jackson is now ready to transition to the irresistible dance track “Miss You Much.”

Traces of the video’s ending chair routine are seen in Britney Spears’ “Stronger” video along with the choreography for Beyoncé and Lady Gaga’s duet “Video Phone”—proving to be one of the most noteworthy dance sequences in pop music.

The track “Escapade” is one of her happiest singles—incorporating

the classic themes of letting go of your troubles and going on an adventure. The mini shout out to Minneapolis—where Jackson recorded the album—is a cute nod to the city that shaped her musical journey. Within the similar category, the ease of “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” is a refreshing break from the intensity of the first half of the album. Directed by the legendary fashion photographer Herb Ritts, the gorgeous and sensual video hinted toward the future love-centered themes of 1993’s “janet.”

The gritty, arena rock of “Black Cat” is a complete departure from her classic dance-pop sound. Written and produced by Jackson along with Jellybean Johnson, the song was Grammy nominated for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance—making her the only artist to be nominated in five different genres. As lush and angelic her classic vocal stylings are for songs like “Lonely” and “Come Back to Me,” “Black Cat” solidifies her fearlessness and versatility.

Besides the fact that “Rhythm Nation” is still the only album to garner seven singles in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 and is recognized as the most successful debut tour of all time, what is most impressive is how applicable it continues to be in the times we are in today. The ballad “Livin’ In A World (They Didn’t Make)” abruptly ends with sounds of gunshots and children screaming—a harsh reality we are still struggling to mend.

Being one of the main socially conscious pop albums of the era, many elements in the way Jackson executed her vision still carries on in today’s music. From the detailed visual expressions to the astounding production stylings of Jam and Lewis, “Rhythm Nation” continues to inspire artists to envision the music they create as a vehicle to open minds and keep the conversation going.

Rylee Jackson can be reached at ryleejackson@sagebrush.unr.edu, or on Twitter @rybyjackson.

“It: Chapter Two” serves as more of a carnival ride than horror film

By Matt Cotter Some were initially wary of the 2017 version of “It”—mostly due to the unfortunate falling out between the studio executives and the original director, Cary Joji Fukanaga, who envisioned a Lovecraftian horror take on Stephen King’s novel. The decision to reject a unique, inventive film in favor of a more vanilla adaptation was quite disappointing and this distaste leaked into some initial perceptions of the 2017 movie. But most have accepted it for what it is: a fun, generic crowd-pleaser. However, the conclusion of the story, “Chapter Two” did not even live up to temperate hype.

The film’s strengths partially lie with Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise—much like Tim Curry being the best part of the 1990 TV version. However, he’s not in this one much, especially when weighed against its three hour run-time, which the film does not warrant nor even justify with its content. The time that could’ve been spent developing these characters as adults beyond basic traits and allowing the cast some room to breathe is instead spent on repetitive sequences of a lone character being spooked by some CGI monster.

A key pitfall which lies at the core of King’s novel and both adaptations is that the writers are far less interested in the adult half of the story. While the novel wastes time building increasingly convoluted lore, the film wastes it on flashbacks into the character’s childhoods. Seemingly, any unused ideas from the first film were shoehorned in to pad the run-time.

Speaking of lore, the film brushes over most of it very quickly. This risks leaving anyone unfamiliar with the source material misunderstanding the “rules” of the film, which are integral for a horror film to establish. If there’s no rhyme or reason to the supernatural events on-screen, there’s no way to ground the audience in some sense of reality and disrupts their emotional investment.

The cast is comprised of very talented performers, yet their chemistry is a bit awkward compared to the cast of the first film—even though they try their best with the often choppy script. The script is also quite faithful to King’s novel—to its detriment. Certain sequences and characters—including a character who appeared to have died in the first film’s climax—are included rather haphazardly just because they were in both halves of the book.

It’s not that this film is just a big trashfire, as there are some positive notes. The opening sequence is viscerally upsetting and feels much more realistic and disturbing than the rest of the film—being almost out of place and featuring a subtle, yet eerie reintroduction to the titular villain. There’s also a suspenseful sequence at a baseball game, which ends with one of the few scares that doesn’t feel cheap and a revelation about one character’s sexuality is handled very tastefully.

If you’re looking for a film that functions like a carnival ride—cheap and corny, but kind of fun—go ahead and check it out. If you want the type of horror film that will get under your skin and stay there, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that “It: Chapter Two” doesn’t even come close.

Matt Cotter can be reached at ryleejackson@sagebrush.unr.edu or on Twitter @ NevadaSagebrush.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

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Festival Guide A6 | FESTIVAL GUIDE

How to treat festival vendors for

DUMMIES

By Ryan Freeberg

Congratulations, you just spent over $400 to go to Coachella. Time to pack the Subaru and head out to the most overhyped festival known to man. Congratulate yourself by popping that White Claw or Hazy IPA and put on that obligatory concert shirt. But oh no, that was the last cold one, whatever will you do? Well, get in line, that’s what.

If you’re like the other 99,000 people who went to Coachella per day last year, you will eventually have to stand in a vendor line. This applies to any festival, but Coachella is just a great example. Please treat the people serving you with respect, because vendors are the unsung heroes of any concert/festival.

Anyone who has worked at one of these booths will confirm for you that they are among the most mistreated people at any festival, and it’s most likely your fault.

Imagine spending $2,700 for the privilege—no, the right—to pour you and your obnoxious friends another drink. Can you imagine the fun, the adventure? Well, that’s the reality that vendors face at Coachella—and every other festival under the sun.

Of course, $2,700 is not the average price of a vendor stall at every festival. Most are well below the Coachella standard, but this doesn’t take into account the other expenses that these salt of the earth people must endure.

The amount of paperwork needed just to set up at one of these festivals is absurd.

For example, here are just a few of the licenses and fees hvendors must pay prior to

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opening a festival—liability insurance, transient vendor’s license and advertising. This small list doesn’t include even half of the potential expenditures involved in setting at one of the festivals.

On top of everything addressed so far, there’s always the option of just not being rude. It all circles back to the golden rule, treat others how you would like to be treated, or whatever version of that you were raised on. Don’t freak out when they run out of medium-sized shirts, don’t fret over not having any more light beer and please, don’t ask for them to “check in the back.” They don’t have any.

After working in either a cramped shack or in the heat for long hours, the last thing they need are customers being rude and overly critical.

The next time you’re at a festival whichever it may be, stop and thank these people.

They probably don’t want to be there anyway, and being rude to them is just making their day that much longer.

You don’t have to have a full conversation with them, just give them a smile and a thank you when you receive your product. It may be cliche, but a small gesture like that does go a long way.

Vendors are the backbone of any festival community.

They keep you clothed with merch, hydrated and will always be there to help you find the port-a-potty. Thank them for their hospitality.

Ryan Freeberg is a senior studying journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Ryan can be reached at rfreeberg@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports.

rfreeberg@sagebrush.unr.edu

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

@NevadaSagebrush | nevadasagebrush.com

How the YEEHAW festival style represents the nostalgia of now

By Rylee Jackson Finally, we are distancing ourselves further from the days of 2011 Coachella—where the 1970s Woodstockesque style ran the show. Even though flower crowns and flowy pants will always be a staple in the world of festivals, there’s a new sheriff in town.

Now, a ton of festival goers are sporting festive cowboy hats, fringed boots, assless chaps and maybe even a lasso for some extra razzle dazzle—these are all essential elements to a yee haw transformation.

The country-western style making a comeback all boils down to pop culture’s current obsession with early 2000s nostalgia. Especially in the world of music, there were a multitude of artists from a wide range of genres at the time that unapologetically paved the way for what we see now.

Mary J. Blige knew how to embody the true essence of western fashion in a way totally unique to her. Who could forget her wearing a pink leather ensemble paired with a white furry cowboy hat? This picture, now meme, singlehandedly personifies how we truly feel inside whenever “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood comes on—even if we don’t particularly enjoy country music.

There are some artists that you would’ve never expected to have a yee haw phase. The entirety of Madonna’s “Music” era in 2000 was influenced by this movement as she proudly showcased her cowboy hat and denim button-up on the album’s cover. Directly matching the aesthetic, the single “Don’t Tell Me” was a mashup of electronica and country. Mariah Carey even gave this look a shot with her “Thank God I Found You (Make It Last Remix)” video—leaving the gowns and shimmer to rest.

This wouldn’t be a western fashion discussion without mentioning Destiny’s Child—arguably the yee haw dream team. Honoring her Texas roots, Beyoncé blessed us with what looks like red bandana printed jeans accessorized with a classic red cowboy hat. The group went all out with blue leather fringe outfits and silver bedazzled cowboy hats during an appearance on MTV’s “TRL”—shoutout to Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, for designing all of these looks that would end up influencing the current state of festival wear.

It wasn’t until 2018 that the “Yee Haw Agenda”—a term coined by Bri Malandro on Twitter—exploded to new heights.

However, there have been a few inklings

Y E E H AW

Illustration by Jayme Sileo of this resurgence tracing back to 2016 with Lady Gaga’s “Joanne.” Being the visual artist she is, the stripped down twang of her voice that songs “Sinner’s Prayer” and “Million Reasons” provided had to coincide with a pink cowboy hat. Beyoncé’s performance of “Daddy Lessons” with the Dixie Chicks at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards also helped break the mold for pop artists to explore their cowgirl dreams.

Now, we see everything from country artist Kacey Musgraves giving off bedazzled Dolly Parton energy to Solange reclaiming the history of black cowboys in the film accompanying “When I Get Home.” While rising star Megan Thee Stallion was taking the internet by storm with the catchphrase “Hot Girl Summer,” she performed at

festivals in a fashion that stayed true to her Houston upbringing. 2019’s biggest song ”Old Town Road” catapulted Lil Nas X into stardom and further hoisted this craze. Because of the song’s worldwide success, Nas X has been fully championing the cowboy movement with the spin of glam and futuristic undertones.

This trend has no plans on declining anytime soon. In addition to being a playful and persona-driven style enjoyed by all, the yee haw movement takes back the former narratives regarding the music artists are “supposed” to make and how they are “supposed” to dress.

rjackson@sagebrush.unr.edu @NevadaSagebrush

Your guide to: RENO BAR CRAWLS

By Rachael Jones If you live or go to school in Reno, you have probably heard about the trend of bar crawls.

The bar crawls always have a theme and usually encourage costumes. Bar crawl season has begun and there’s about four already planned between now and late winter.

One of the first crawls coming up is the Very Potter Crawl. This crawl has been going

on for years now and is extremely popular. This crawl allows you to dress up like you are one of the students attending Hogwarts in the Harry Potter Series.

In this crawl they mention that there will be over 15 different parties to go to and when you purchase your cup for the crawl, you will have the choice of picking which house you are in.

These houses—for those

unaware of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter— include Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Ravenclaw.

It’s only $10 to join the crawl and you receive the cup, discounts and a map of all the participating bars.

Other bar crawls coming up includes themes such as the popular Zombie Crawl, Santa Crawl, and the Onesie Crawl.

The Zombie Crawl is a very popular crawl on Oct. 28—just in time for Halloween! People love going to these events because they get to dress up in full costume and makeup and meet new people.

“I’ve only been to a few but I would say my favorite is the Zombie Crawl, for me it’s more than just getting drunk,” said University of Nevada, Reno, student Jaime Soto.

“My favorite part about the crawl is everybody coming together and dressing up. Also, all the good vibes.”

The Santa Crawl is another popular event.

The Christmas themed crawl joins people together for good spirits and yule-tide cheer. This crawl will take place Saturday, Dec. 14.

Continued on A7

Festival Guide

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

FESTIVAL GUIDE | A7

@NevadaSagebrush | nevadasagebrush.com

The virgin burn: my first Burning Man experience I was unaware of Burning Man until my freshman year of college, when I encountered cars covered in Playa dust outside of Mel’s Diner. Over the years, the event was occasionally mentioned to me, but I never fully understood what it was. However, my uncle later expressed his desire to go and it suddenly became more relevant.

Simultaneously, I made friends with people who were burners and possessed the most unique stories.

In February of this year, my uncle passed away, and I could not deny the large amount of synchronicities I continued to experience surrounding the topic of Burning Man. I realized that my uncle was never going to fulfill his dream of attending, so I adopted his goal as my own.

Photo courtesy of Tashina Habibian

Burning Man is a festival held every year in Black Rock City in Northern Nevada.

By Tashina Habibian Every year in Northern Nevada, Black Rock City emerges for a week, but then immediately disappears without a trace.

Like any city with deep rooted culture, Black Rock City has something

for everyone, but that does not mean everyone should go. I can understand why most individuals would be hesitant to the idea of being radically self reliant in the desert, but I found this as a minor detail compared to what the Playa has to offer. Burning Man’s 10 Principles are radical inclusion,

gifting, decommodification, radical self-reliance, radical self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace, participation and immediacy. The event is intended to grow and adapt with new ideas as they surface.

Find a way to fly in a balloon

Everything seemed to align for my adventure. A friend of mine informed me of the low income ticket application that Burning Man offered, and I applied on the last day. The application consists of many questions and a few short essays. I wrote my essays about my uncle and my desire to commemorate him with my burn. It took several weeks to hear back, but I was awarded the low income ticket.

Preparing for a week of survival costs as much as one would assume. My biggest fear was to fall into the category of a Sparkle Pony, because burners often make fun of Sparkle Ponies for their impractical clothing and lack of

burner culture. Some things I had to organize for my trip were a variety of clothing for day and night, gear for dust storms, lights to stay safe at night, a bike for transportation, 13 gallons of water, plenty of food, wet wipes and an open mind. Burning Man took place during the first week of school, so I attended the first two days of class and cut my burn short. Going to Black Rock City and commemorating my uncle was something my soul needed to do, so I was content with missing a few classes.

Unconventionally, I attended Burning Man with my family. My second cousin and his girlfriend rented an RV for us to camp in. It is impossible to see everything that happens at Burning Man, but I wish I had gone out more at night. During the day, I did things such as visiting friends and exploring the array of themed camps. For example, I got a lavender massage and ate a Persian feast. At night, Playa is like a different world. Unless experienced first hand, the large amount of stimulation is difficult to imagine. Neon lights are everywhere, the bass of Playa tech vibrates throughout the ground, art cars venture into every crevice and most burners stay awake to watch the sun rise.

I only stayed for five days and six nights, but the experience was life changing. The last two nights of the burn were fulfilling. Watching the man and temple burn allowed me to release a lot of repressed energy through

BAR CRAWLS

By Tashina Habibian Is this what Icarus felt?

I’ve flown before. In an airplane, as many have.

Being in an airplane doesn’t make you feel like a bird. You can’t feel the wind, or reach into the air, or look down at the little figures below.

It feels more like being on a bus, in stasis, except you can’t feel the traction of the wheels on the ground.

That’s not how it felt when I got the chance to fly in a hot air balloon at the Reno Balloon Races.

It felt like being in an elevator to heaven. Or in the arms of a dragon, with hot fire literally bellowing near my face to keep us in the sky. Gentle, delicate ascension into the sky with a panoramic view of the entire city. Pure, intoxicating freedom.

It’s enough to make you want to ask to fly higher until your wings melt. I almost didn’t go on the balloon. I’m afraid of heights, and if it weren’t 6:30 in the morning and if I had full control of my marbles, I probably would have turned down the offer.

I am so glad I didn’t. It can not be understated the power that majesty exerts over fear, and as the balloon whisked me into the sky any concern that remained in my mind about the potential peril my mortal

form faced dissipated immediately.

Guiding the balloons: a skilled legion of captains, some vested with decades old knowledge and each possessing a wealth of stories and a love of the sky.

Our captain, Kearney Davis, commanded our balloon with the tender care of a man in love. A man Jayme Sileo/Nevada Sagebrush in love with Icelandic artist, Jonsei performing at Coachella April 18, 2009 at his 90 foot tall, Indio, California. Jonsei is wearing a Native American headdress multicolored, even though he does not identify with Native American culture. nylon angel Cultural appropriation is a problem found in festivals since who blocks people choose to wear things of other cultures they have little out the sun knowledge about when she flies.

Appropriately, his balloon on it. Reno felt both me simultaneously. I am was named “Kearney’s impossibly huge and not joking.

Mistress,” because yet everything looked So here’s my pitch: it was the only thing remarkably tiny. The next time you can, do Kearney’s wife permitted world seemed vast and him to spend money on full of opportunities and whatever it takes to fly in a hot air balloon. Maybe besides herself. The life at the same time it felt it won’t be quite as of the balloon captain is like every microscopic enlightening for you as it interesting in ways like detail was suddenly was for me, but I hope it this. I implore you to deeply important and is. If anything, you will at meet one and let their fully perceivable. The least be able to say you passion for flying inflate worlds of big and little flew towards the sun and your soul. clashed into one and all of Reno made sense for a saw the city from the sky.

I don’t think I short while. Being in the Vincent Rendon is understood, at least balloon was like taking the Opinion Editor at not fully, what being a shot of adrenaline the Nevada Sagebrush in the “Biggest Little mixed with tranquilizers and can be reached City” meant until I that immediately at vrendon@unr. was looking down awakened and calmed

continued from A6 And after we ring in the new year, there will be the Onesie Crawl on February 8. At this crawl, you’ll want to wear your favorite onesie and make your way to over 15 other participating bars and pubs.

While pub crawls are major money makers for the

bars in Downtown Reno, they also bring citations and heightened activity. According to the Reno Police Department, last year at the Zombie Crawl, they arrested 34 people and gave out five citations to some of the participating bars for serving minors.

“I honestly have never considered

the bar crawls to be unsafe. It’s just a fun way to meet new people in a different environment,” Constance Lewandowski, 29-year-old Reno resident says.

Rachael Jones can be reached at oali@ sagebrush.unr. edu or on Twitter @ NevadaSagebrush.

@NevadaSagebrush | nevadasagebrush.com

A8 | OPINION

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

Organized religion is out, astrology is in

A

strology is all the rage.

That’s no secret. Any highly intuitive Cancer or observant Virgo can see that many Millennials and GenZers now incorporate astrology into their basic identity. Zodiac merchandise is everywhere and you can even include your sign on certain dating app profiles.

But why? Why is it that we cling so tightly to something that may or may not even be true?

Simple answer: we need guidance.

In generations past, a huge source of moral and societal guidance was found through organized religions like Christianity and Catholicism. Beliefs were taught and values provided. However, as the most recent generations have grown up, we have been caught in the middle of a ton of religious and political chaos.

As the importance of individuality and selfexpression is stressed more and more, it has become harder for people to identify with strict ideals. We are learning how to think about things a little deeper and really Bethany Haspel develop our own viewpoints.

Organized religion has a hard time keeping up with this and often leaves many of us feeling ostracized or misunderstood. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, religion and religious beliefs might even be a point of contention in their relationships with their families.

I believe that this, coupled with the ever-growing challenges of human interaction in a technology-dominated age, are what have set the

Photo illustration by Tatiana Smith/Nevada Sagebrush

According to Bethany Haspel, it is time to recognize the role astrology is playing in modern life as a substitute for theology.

stage for a rise in astrology as a belief system.

Astrology itself is a very broad set of ideas. Based off of your birthday alone, you are presented with a set of personality traits and advice on how to best operate with them in the world.

That sounds like a pretty good deal for people who have very little opportunity or help in figuring out who they are.

Each person can delve as deeply or as shallowly as they choose, which is also big plus. Some people are fine with a quick daily horoscope while others use apps like Co-Star to formulate their entire birth chart. Sun signs, moon signs, rising, mercury, venus, houses, planets, etc. can explain elements of someone’s personality that they probably never even thought about before.

The unfortunate truth is that we need things like astrology, as silly as it may seem, to help us piece together our identities.

It also somewhat aides us in understanding and connecting with others.

One of the most common questions asked when meeting new people, along with “what’s your major,” and “where are you from,” is “what is your sign?”

For many people, it creates an avenue to “learn” about someone quickly without actually getting to know them. Like I said before, this is a form of guidance and comfort.

We have become socially awkward and tense when it comes to talking in person. Being able to justify a friend’s confusing actions by referencing their astrological signs makes us feel comforted and allows us to

fall deeper into our anticonfrontational habits.

In the end, astrology is a fun form of coping. Whether or not any of it is real, it’s a useful tool to give our generations some comfort and distraction from the dumpster fire of our society, so go out and enjoy it! Follow it closely or challenge zodiac expectations by befriending the wrong air sign for you. Be okay with being a hopeless romantic because of your Venus in Pisces.

If you’re ever in need of a push in literally any direction, just check your horoscope. It’s what we all do.

Opinions expressed in The Nevada Sagebrush are solely those of the author and do not necessarily express the views of The Sagebrush or of its staff. Bethany Haspel can be reached at bethanyhaspel@gmail.com and on Twitter @bethanyhaspel.

Is it time to unionize people who vape?

What would our society look like if we ceased to have electricity? Would I need to boil water for my coffee over an open fire, guided only by the light of a kerosene lamp? What about a society without ethics? Would people never labor to think for themselves and only take the easier route of plagiarizing their predecessors, thus ending the creation of new knowledge?

What about a society without Juul? Would I go to parties and not be able to just blow clouds in the corner of the room? Would I actually need to meet new people instead of just passing around my vape between the two people I walked in with? Would I have to go back to chewing gum or stealing lollipops from pediatricians because I am addicted to constantly being stimulated by flavors?

This society, a bleak dystopia without goodtasting vapes, is the future the Trump Administration wants for us. It’s time to fight back.

Trump announced to much chagrin that the FDA will soon be banning flavored e-cigarette pods in response to recent reports of mysterious vaping related deaths.

Will this decision help to save lives? Maybe, but it will also make it a lot harder for me to blow those super cool smoke rings as a substitute to developing a personality. So it’s impossible to say whether this idea is good or not.

I highly doubt this change in policy will do anything besides restrict the freedoms of responsible Juul owners. If a criminal wants to get their hands on bubblegum flavored cartridges they’ll Vincent find a way through the Rendon black market. The people who will be hurt most by this are law-abiding Americans like me who only want to vape to look cool on Tinder or in-between rounds of Apex Legends.

To me, this ban strikes me as hypocritical. I guess if we’re going to ban e-cigarettes because they killed some people then we should just ban guns too, huh? Only some hair-brained opinion editor writing some sort of sarcastic sidebar would suggest something so un-American.

Trump leaves us no choice, and in order to take back this country from the Juul-less bureaucrats at the FDA all patriotic vapers need to stand together. I’d suggest a march on Washington but my lungs aren’t healthy enough for all that cardio. We as Americans must follow in the footsteps of the people who defended cigarettes, fossil fuels and private ownership of assault rifles to once again protect our right to be killed by something entirely preventable.

Opinions expressed in The Nevada Sagebrush are solely those of the author and do not necessarily express the views of The Sagebrush or of its staff. Vincent Rendon studies Political science and can be reached at vrendon@sagebrush.unr. edu and on Twitter @VinceSagebrush.

IT’S TIME TO CHANGE OUR PERSPECTIVE ON MARCHING BAND skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.”

So if we break down that definition: Is marching band physically demanding? Yes. Is there skills needed? Yes. Do they work in a team setting? Yes. Is there competition involved? Yes. Does marching band provide entertainment? For some, yes.

Andrew Mendez

Sarah Strang Some people may not realize—or even oppose the fact—that marching band is a sport. With sweat, blood, many tears and constant dehydration, there is no good reason marching band cannot be considered a sport.

The Oxford Dictionary defines a sport as “an activity involving physical exertion and

Aside from technical reasons marching band is a sport, establishing marching band as a sport would help close the vast gap between athletics and art.

Despite the various ways society segregates marching band away from other sports, we can see how it is a clear cut sport through a few ways.

Starting off with the various rehearsals. A band not only has to sound like one, but also move and pace around the field like one unit. That is all achieved with the three to four hour practices done at least four times a week. Rehearsals are dedicated to conditioning, learning marching technique, learning where to move on the field and practicing each set, all while performing the music that has to be memorized.

Many bands perform in competitions every year. Each band performs their show in front of judges and large audiences. The bands are judged on their formations, musicality and overall

showmanship. Competitions push marchers to aim for higher scores and put their all in every practice and competition.

On top of carrying a heavy instrument, in most cases, there is a ton of multitasking that takes place in this rigorous sport. A marcher not only has to memorize music, but they also have to keep in mind their posture, technique and breath control all while playing music and marching on the field for a consecutive 10-15 minutes.

All of this is, again, achieved through practices.

Teamwork is required in any marching band to make a show look the best it can look. It takes a strong mental connection with your fellow band members in order to communicate while playing an instrument.

Marching band involves lots of creativity as well. Each band performs a different show every year and members must learn new drill, movement and music each season. It’s a tireless cycle, but no one show is the same.

The amount of energy that is exerted during rehearsals and shows is much higher than most people expect. Carrying a 30lbs instrument while trying to move air through it marching at a beat of 176 per minute can take a lot out of a person.

All of this exertion has to be ignored in order to perform a good show. You have to stand

up straight. You have to make sure the music you’re playing is the best it can be. You have to be loud enough for the people in the neighborhood to hear you.

One study shows that a tenor marcher has a similar heartbeat as a marathon runner halfway through a marathon. If that’s not evidence enough that marching band is a sport, we don’t know what is.

Just like any competition—the rules of sportsmanship apply.

Being courteous to other members and bands whether you win or lose is everything. In the end, everyone is just in it for their love of the march and the music.

So, in conclusion, if baseball can be considered a sport, then so can marching band.

Opinions expressed in The Nevada Sagebrush are solely those of the author and do not necessarily express the views of The Sagebrush or of its staff. Sarah Strang can be reached at sstrang@sagebrush. unr.edu. Andrew Mendez can be reached at andrewmendez@ sagebrush.unr.edu.

File photo/Nevada Sagebrush

The Wolf Pack marching band playing before a game. The dedication performers in marching band show makes the activity worthy of being called a sport.

Sports

TUESDAY, SEPEMBER 17, 2019

SPORTS | A9

@SagebrushSports | nevadasagebrush.com

Nick Beaton/Nevada Athletics.

The 2019 Nevada Athletics Hall of Fame class. The class is the first all-women class in the history of the hall of fame.

By Isaiah Burrows The Nevada Wolf Pack Hall of Fame celebrated 100 years of women’s athletics with a historic all-female class induction on Sept. 12 inside the Reno Ballroom at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Nevada’s nine-person class included players, coaches and athletic administrators from different sports who helped shape and represent the Wolf Pack’s culture.

The Nevada women’s sports 2019 Hall of Fame inductees included: Teal Ericson - Volleyball - 2004-07 Ericson established herself as one of the top offensive players in Nevada women’s volleyball history. She ranks second all-time in kills and her 1,653.5 career points ranks third in school history. She was a driving force in Nevada’s NCAA Tournament appearances in 2004 and 2005. Ericson was selected to the All-Tournament team six times in her career and earned first-team All-WAC honors in 2007.

Meghann Morrill - Rifle - 2004-08 Morrill made the most of her tenure with the Nevada rifle team. She earned first-team All-America honors in 2006 and 2008. Her individual air score of 593/600 was the highest score at the NCAA Rifle Championships in 2005. She also represented the university during

the APLU’s Convocation for the 150th Anniversary of the Morrill Land Grant Act in 2012. Along with her success off the field, she was a four-time letter winner and two-year captain for the Nevada Wolf Pack rifle team.

Brittany Puzey - Softball - 2006-09 Puzey wreaked havoc on the diamond with the Nevada softball team. In four seasons, she is Nevada’s career leader in stolen bases. Puzey ranks second all-time in doubles, 54, home runs, 34, total bases, 389 and RBIs, 166. She is the first player in school history to earn first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors in each of her first three seasons. Puzey was a consistent force on the team. She played in 245 games with 244 starts, which are the most by a Nevada Wolf Pack softball player in the modern era.

Pat Hixson - Volleyball, Women’s Basketball and Softball - 1974-77, Softball Assistant Coach - 1978-79, Softball Head Coach - 1980-89 Hixson was a key cog in the development of Wolf Pack women’s athletics.

She helped lead Nevada to three NCIAC titles in volleyball, women’s basketball and softball in 1976-77. Hixson also helped propel the Wolf Pack softball team to its first AIAW Division II World Series in 1980. During her volleyball tenure, she led Nevada to its first and only conference championship in the

Dec. 6-7, 2019

Northern California Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1975.

Hixon earned some hardware along the way, being named conference coach of the year in 1988 with the Nevada softball team. With a jam-packed resume as both a coach and player, Hixson helped raise Nevada women’s athletics to new heights.

Karly Sipherd - Volleyball - 200407 Joined by Ericson, Sipherd helped Nevada make the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and 2005. She earned first-team All-WAC honors in 2007 and was named to the second team in each of her first three seasons. Sipherd stuffed the stat sheet during her tenure with the Wolf Pack. She holds the school record for block assists, 532, third all-time in points, 1,504, and sixth in hitting percentage, .277. Sipherd was another key force in Nevada volleyball’s reign in the early 2000s.

Regina Ratigan - Women’s Basketball, Softball and Volleyball - 1977-80 Ratigan was another influential figure with Nevada women’s athletics. Sheed led the Wolf Pack to three NCIAC titles in 1976-77 in women’s basketball, softball and volleyball. Ratigan held the singleseason scoring record with 399 points in 1979-80 and dished out 57 assists that same season. To end her collegiate career, she finished with a .801 free throw

Las Vegas, NV

percentage, which set a school record.

Angie Taylor - Women’s Basketball - 1981-85 and Athletics Administration - 1987-2000 Taylor kept her roots in Reno, dating back to her high school days at Hug High School. She played for the Nevada women’s basketball team and joined the athletics staff for her alma mater as a women’s sports information officer. Taylor was promoted to assistant director of athletics and senior woman administrator in 1990. She was again promoted to senior associate athletics director and second in command in athletics in 1999.

During her tenure in administration, Taylor helped secure additional funding from the Nevada State Legislature that funded college scholarships for existing women’s sports programs at the university. She also helped increase Nevada’s women’s athletics budget from $700,000 to $2 million in the 1990s to provide additional expenses toward new practice and training facilities. Taylor left Nevada athletics in 2000 and has continued to serve the Northern Nevada community through both leadership and community service positions. Her dedication toward improving Nevada women’s athletics has paved the way toward a bright future ahead.

Ellen Townsend - Volleyball, Softball 1976-77 and Women’s Basketball - 1976-79 Townsend was another instrumental

BECK

ANDERSON .PAAK & THE FREE N AT I O N A L S

PHASE ONE LINE UP (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER )

BRANDI CARLILE CHVRCHES FLYING LOTUS (3D) GESAFFELSTEIN H.E.R. JAMIE XX KAYTRANADA LEON BRIDGES SPOON THUNDERCAT UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA + MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

int.aws/sagebrush

Cindy Rock - Women’s Basketball, Softball and Volleyball - 1977-79 Rock set the school record with 44 points in a single game for women’s basketball. The three-sport athlete averaged 17.6 points per game in 1978-79 and 17.4 points per game in 1977-78.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Rock was one of the first Nevada student-athletes to receive an out of state scholarship. She made the most of her tenure on the court, finishing her career with 799 points. She also played professional basketball for a short period after her tenure with Nevada.

“It was just a warm feeling as soon as I came here,” he said. “It just felt like home to me and I’m blessed to be here, I can’t wait to be back out on the field.”

Isaiah Burrows can be reached at rfreeberg@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports

Club sports: forgotten, important and worthy of your time

By Ryan Freeberg

FOO KACEY FIGHTERS MUSGRAVES

player to Nevada women’s athletics. The three-sport standout played third base for the softball team and led the Pack in on-base percentage, .531, and RBIs,15, as a freshman in 1976. In volleyball, she led the team with 230 assists in 1977 and had eight aces that same season.

Townsend became a teacher in the Washoe County School District and still serves as a volleyball official.

The University of Nevada, Reno currently has 15 NCAA affiliated sports programs on campus. Some of those included are staples of college campuses such as football, women’s basketball and cross country.

These programs are generally known by the community at large. However, these aren’t the only sports programs at the university, there are actually 36 others.

Club sports have a long history at the university, with many of the clubs coming from the remnants of former NCAA teams—rifle and the winter sports club are just a couple of examples.

These clubs offer students an opportunity to compete in a sport they love, while also representing the university. President of the winter sports club, James Henderson, recognizes this as one of the facets that drew him to the club.

“Club Sports have let me participate in a sport that I love and compete under a university that I care deeply for. I was given the opportunity to race after high school under the winter sports club here at [Nevada],” Henderson said. “It allows me to continue to enjoy aspects of the sport that I love, such as the lifelong friendships that this sport brings.”

These programs only receive a tiny fragment of the funding that their recognized counterparts receive, but that doesn’t hold them back. Within the last two years, three of these programs have competed for national titles—boxing, winter sports and men’s rugby.

In April, Nevada boxer Davis Ault— grandson of former Nevada football coach Chris Ault—won the national title in the 139-pound class. For his efforts, he was also named an All-American in the sport.

The winter sports club took home a national championship of their own in March of 2018. The men’s ski team took first place in Skier Cross at the national USCSA collegiate competition. Nicolo Monforte, a former member of the team and Truckee native, led the team to victory.

Men’s rugby has also competed at a high level recently. President of the team, Joshua Serafino, hopes to see more support in the community going forward.

“The rugby team needs to have more support on and off-campus. We are a nationally governed team. We don’t just play other club rugby teams. We play actual colleges like Stanford, for example, whose school helps pay for things like buses and travel,” Serafino said. “Our team at [Nevada] has given the university a lot of attention recently.”

Two years ago, the men’s rugby team made it all the way to nationals. Their success got little to no attention by the Nevada sports community.

“This club has been around UNR since 1898, only two years younger than [the] football team. We deserve more attention on campus,” Serafino said.

This lack of acknowledgment is a common thread shared among a majority of the clubs. By lack of acknowledgment, that

means not only a lack of support from the sports faring community but from the larger Nevada community.

Club president of the men’s lacrosse team, Chase Browning, recognizes this as a potential hurdle facing the team.

“Club sports' place on campus right now is definitely minute, it’s small, there’s not a lot of outreach,” Browning said. “There’s very few students, outside of friends and family, that come out to support our games, so it’s just not a lot of recognition from the university itself, campus life or student involvement.”

One potential reason for this could be a lack of funding. Club sports are responsible for funding much of their own supplies.

The university allotted budget doesn’t even begin to approach what is needed to cover most of the costs involved with these sports.

Additionally, Nevada’s athletic budget is already tight, so the likelihood of receiving further funding is unlikely. According to the Knight Commission, Nevada’s athletic budget is currently the fourth-smallest budget in the Mountain West. The Knight Commission is a group that monitors academic standards for athletes and the financial records of college athletic offices to ensure the integrity of collegiate sports.

All of these factors into the burdens that have been placed on the backs of club sports. Do they choose to recruit athletes and advertise matches or allocate proper funding for the team? How do they communicate effectively to the student body?

These are just a few of the questions currently staring club sports in the face.

Regardless, these teams will continue to compete at a high level.

Ryan Freeberg can be reached at rfreeberg@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports. The opinions expressed by the writer do not necessarily reflect that of The Nevada Sagebrush or its staff. All opinions are those of the writer, and theirs alone.

Gameday at Oregon L 6-77

@ UTEP Sun Bowl, at 5 p.m.

@SagebrushSports | nevadasagebrush.com

SPORTS | A10

vs.

Purdue W 34-31

THIS WEEK’S GAME

vs.

Weber State W 19-13

vs.

Hawai’i TBD 9/28

at UTEP 5:00 p.m.

9/21

at Utah Sate TBD 10/19

vs.

San Jose State 1:00 p.m.

10/12

at Wyoming 11:00 a.m.

10/26

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

vs.

New Mexico TBD 11/2

at San Diego St. TBD 11/9

at Fresno State TBD 11/23

vs.

UNLV 12:00 11/30

Looking ahead:

UTEP

By Devansh Mehra

Jayme Sileo/Nevada Sagebrush No. 10 Ben Putman catches a pass from quarterback Carson Strong. Putnam caught four passes for 57 yards in the win over Weber St.

Nevada edges Weber St. in hard-fought victory

By Matt Hanifan

Nevada football squeaked away with a 19-13 win over Weber State on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Mackay Stadium.

Nevada had three turnovers but finished minus-two in the turnover margin. Four field goals from Brandon Talton’s golden boot propelled Nevada to victory.

Talton was 4-4 on field goal attempts, with a long of 36 yards.

This is the most successful field goals by a Nevada kicker since Brett Jaekle hit four against Texas Tech on Sept. 6, 2008. The freshman placekicker is now a perfect 8-8 on the year.

Nevada tallied a season-high 25 first downs, totaling 453 yards of total offense and held the ball for over 60 percent of the game.

The Pack’s offense converted routinely on third down, going 11-20 for a season-high 55 percent on third.

Redshirt freshman Carson Strong completed 30-44 passes for a career-high 299 yards with two interceptions. Weber State’s stout defensive line gave Strong troubles inside the pocket, sacking him four times. 2018 All-Big Sky defensive end Jonah Williams recorded three of the four Wildcat sacks. The 6-foot-5 senior had not recorded a sack since the 2017 season prior to the start of the game.

Toa Taua and Jaxson Kincaide led the Nevada rushing attack.

Taua rushed for 85 yards on 16 carries, and Kincaide rushed for 75 yards on 11 carries and a score. Out of the backfield, Kincaide showed he was a true scatback, showcasing as a swiss army knife for the offense. The senior tied a career-high, which he set on Sept. 30, 2017, hauling in five receptions for 51 yards.

“Jaxson has run the ball hard,” Nevada head coach Jay Norvell said. “Toa was not 100 percent tonight. Jaxson’s runs were really important.”

“I just tried to do my job, and I still feel like I left yards on the field,” Kincaide said.

Nevada moves to 2-1 on the season. Weber State, who entered the game No. 6 in the FCS rankings fall to 1-2 on the season— they’re now 0-2 versus FBS opponents on the season.

Weber State backup quarterback Kaden Jenks—taking over for starting quarterback Jake Constantine with a knee injury— struggled in his first start of the season. Jenks completed just 28 percent of his passes for 57 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The 63 yards passing allowed by Nevada’s defense was the lowest since Oct. 20 against Air Force.

“We played real good pass defense,” Norvell said. “Just guys

playing their responsibilities, getting used to being out there, seeing their keys. I think that was an improvement.”

Coming off a 100-yard performance versus Cal Poly, reigning FCS freshman of the year, running back Josh Davis, was held to 36 yards on ten touches.

The Wildcats were only able to notch 137 total yards. Nevada’s front seven—led by Lucas Weber, Gabe Sewell and Dom Peterson—invaded the backfield all evening, totaling one sack and 10 tackles-for-loss.

Talton’s first field goal came after a 10-play, 56-yard drive to open the game. Nevada’s ensuing drive resulted in Strong’s third interception on the season, but the Wildcats were unable to capitalize.

Weber State’s Trey Tuttle hit a 43-yard field goal to tie the game at three apiece with 13:56 remaining in the second quarter.

They were quickly gifted with prime field position after a blocked punt, resulting in Jenks’ 11-yard toss to Shaheed in the back of the endzone.

Two more field goals from Talton late in the second quarter cut Weber State’s lead to 10-9 heading into halftime.

Nevada’s second possession of the second half resulted in a 33-yard score from Kincaide, the longest touchdown run of his

career.

After being gifted prime field position, Tuttle nailed a seasonlong 47-yard field goal which cut Nevada’s lead to 16-13 with 50 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Talton nailed his final field goal, this time from 34-yards out, to stretch the Pack’s lead to 19-13 with 4:49 left in the fourth quarter. Weber State only gained 17 yards on their ensuing drive, giving the ball back to the Nevada offense with 3:27 remaining with all three timeouts.

Offensive coordinator Matt Mumme continued to pound the football and milked the clock.

Toa Taua delivered the final blow on a crucial 3rd-and-9, forcing Weber State head coach Jay Hill to burn his remaining timeouts.

“I was proud of the way we handled the end of the game,” Norvell said. “Air raid teams don’t get to run the ball with three tight ends in the game very often. I know Matt Mumme’s probably not going to feel very comfortable about that, but I think that was important for us to run the ball at the end of the game and run the clock out.”

Matt Hanifan can be reached at rfreeberg@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports.

Losing streak up to four as women’s soccer falls to Utah

By Madeleine Chinery

down at half-time, spirits were high as the Pack warmed up on the sidelines, getting pumped for Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Utah the second half.

Nevada challenged Utah Nevada women’s socon several strong attempts cer fell to the University to score, notably by deof Utah, 2-0, on a mostly fender Alexis Friesen and neutral field. The game forward Madison Taylor. was played at Truckee Ultimately, none of these Meadows Community College’s brand new soccer attempts were successpitch, part of a new sports ful. Junior Mady Hairston nailed a perfect cross, but complex on the main an attempted head-in TMCC campus. could not find the back of The Pack set up in a 2-4-4 formation to kick off the net.

A foul on Daguirda althe contest, a formation lowed Utah’s Aleea Gwdefined by the use of four erder to add to their lead defenders and four midwith a free kick in the final fielders. minutes of the second half Utah’s Holly Daguirda to secure the win. Utah scored in the 12-minute dominated in possession mark of the first half by for most of the match and tapping the ball into the had more shots on goal, far post, but the Pack Utah shot 19 versus the fought hard to keep pace Pack’s six. with their opponents.

Despite the loss, the Wolf Forward Annika BergPack shined in certain strand was able to charge the goal, seeking to create areas. Nevada goalkeeper a play following Daguirda’s Kendal Stovall had six score, but was stopped by saves, including a couple of stunners in the second Utah’s defenders. half. Her total saves for the Though Nevada was

season now stand at 33.

Nevada freshmen Lizzy Hairston and Lesly Gonzales led the team in shots on goal, with each earning two.

Sophomore Olivia Carter played a season-high 80 minutes on the pitch.

Hannah Souza, Kylie Minamishin, Sara Olanda, Lizzy Hairston and Stovall each stayed on the field for the whole game.

Overall the Wolf Pack hustled and made compelling plays to stay in the game, but their Power Five opponent got the best of them.

Nevada’s record now stands at 1-5 as they prepare to go into conference play in two weeks.

The Pack returns to Mackay next Saturday, Sept. 21, to play UC Davis at 6:00 p.m.

Madeleine Chinery can be reached at rfreeberg@ sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports.

Following on the heels of their match against Weber St., Nevada football looks to take on a struggling UTEP team next Saturday, Sept. 21.

In UTEP’s last game, their offense was only able to tack on three in a 38-3 beatdown against Texas Tech.

If the Miners are to compete with Nevada, they will have to stick to their gameplan. Miners’ head coach Dana Dimel’s trademark this season has been establishing the run, as they’ve only thrown the ball a combined 39 times in their first two games.

The rushing attack is led by senior running back Treyvon Hughes, with aid from quarterback Brandon Jones.

Hughes has been very productive this season, with 33 carries for 171 yards and a touchdown.

Jones, a senior transfer from Bakersfield Community College, is largely considered a dual-threat with a tendency to trust his feet more than his arm.

The senior has not been able to find his groove on the ground or through the air this season. Jones has completed sub 50 percent of his throws. On the ground, he’s picked up 60 yards but has also lost 28, resulting in only 32 net yards as a ball carrier.

When Jones does throw, his favorite target has been Tre’shon Wolf. The sophomore leads the team in catches and receiving yards—five catches for 104 receiving yards and

a touchdown. UTEP’s offense will face a tough opponent in a stout Wolf Pack front seven. Standout Nevada defensive back, Daniel Brown, should help to keep the Miners in check next week through the air.

Defensively, UTEP doesn’t fare any better.

This season brought on eight new starters on the defensive side of the ball for the Miners.

In UTEP’s first game, against FCS opponent Houston Baptist, they allowed 30 points and 413 total yards of offense.

In game two, against Texas Tech, the Miners continued their defensive struggles, surrendering 264 yards through the air and 160 yards rushing. If UTEP has any intention of changing this trend, they will have to lean heavily on returning defensive linemen, Denzel Chukwukelu and Chris Richardson, and on linebacker Sione Tupou.

UTEP will need to force turnovers if they have any intention of keeping this game close. This may be too big of a challenge for a team that has only forced two turnovers in this season. Overall, Nevada has a great chance to build momentum heading into conference play.

Devansh Mehra can be reached at rfreeberg@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports