February 14, 2017

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VOLUME 123, ISSUE 20

DEFEND OR DEFUND?

PARISIANS PROTEST, RIOT OVER POLICE BRUTALITY

Thousands of people protested in the streets of a Paris suburb on Saturday, Feb. 11, after a man accused police of raping him.

The protests turned violent when a few hundred of the protesters broke off and started rioting.

Rioters vandalized two businesses and a bus stop, set trash cans on fire and smashed car windows. No one was injured, but 37 people were arrested. The police responded to attacks by firing tear gas into the crowd of rioters.

The mayor of Bobigny, the location of the protests, asked for peace and calm on Sunday.

Protesters wanted justice for a 22-year-old black man named Theo, who accused the Paris police of raping him with an officer’s baton on Thursday, Feb. 2. He sustained injuries severe enough to require surgical repair.

The four officers accused have been charged with aggravated assault, and one with rape. All of the officers have been suspended pending further investigation.

NATIONAL DAMAGED CALIFORNIA SPILLWAY DISPLACES THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS

Erosion of a dam spillway in Oroville, California caused the evacuation of nearly 200,000 residents on Sunday, Feb. 12, after heavy rain and snow caused concern the dam might not hold the excess rain. A county sheriff announced Monday that the evacuees might not be able to go home until the damage in the dam is repaired.

Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea did not give a timeline of when that would be. The Department of Water Resources said they were considering using helicopters to drop rocks on the spillway.

The water level of the dam dropped slightly after months of rain and snow stopped in northern California, but rain is expected later in the week, giving only a few days for officials to find a solution.

Erosion of the main spillway came from heavy rain earlier in the month, causing a 200-foot hole that is 30-feet deep. The California National Guard stands ready in case the dam does overflow.

Bailey MeCey/Nevada Sagebrush

Left: Pro- Planned Parenthood protestors chant in favor of a woman’s right to choose. Right: Anti- Planned Parenthood protestors silently hold signs protesting abortion and funding for Planned Parenthood. Police say the protest ended peacefully on Saturday, Feb 11 in downtown Reno.

Beliefs clash at Planned Parenthood protest

By Rachel Spacek “No funding for killing babies” signs, alongside “My body, my choice” signs were part of conflicting protests in front of Reno’s Fifth Street Planned Parenthood. On Saturday, Feb. 11, two protests were seen side by side, one side supporting Planned Parenthood and a woman’s right to choose, the other calling to defund Planned Parenthood.

“We heard there was going to be a

protest from another agency that does not feel that federal funds should be going toward Planned Parenthood and we wanted to show our support for Planned Parenthood,” said Sharon Brown, organizer of the Planned Parenthood support protest and member of Action Together Nevada.

The Reno protests were two of many protests across the country. Over 225 rallies were planned for Saturday in 45 states calling to defund Planned Parenthood.

SCHOOL DISTRICT INVESTIGATES BUS DRIVER

Madeline Purdue can be reached at mpurdue@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @madelinepurdue.

BABY MAKING JAMZ

costume” in order to draw attention to women’s health and women’s rights.

“I’ve gotten a lot of attention this morning,” Nelson said.

While the pro-Planned Parenthood protesters led chants and encouraged passing cars to “honk for women’s rights,” the anti- Planned Parenthood protestors at the end of the block were a lot quieter.

See PP MARCH page A2

CFRC worries about university search for private partnership

LOCAL The Washoe County School District announced Monday, Feb. 13, they will be opening an investigation into why a bus driver intentionally left a 7-year-old child at the wrong bus stop on Jan. 11.

Kian Mann was left one-tenth of a mile from his usual bus stop after the bus driver forced him off the bus because Mann was fighting with another student.

“A transportation manager spoke with Mr. Mann and apologized that the bus driver let his son off at the wrong stop,” said District Spokeswoman Victoria Campbell in a written statement, as reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Dena Snow, Kian’s mother, told the RGJ that her son was scared after being left and having to cross Neil Road by himself.

“I don’t understand why they just wouldn’t call if there was a problem on the bus,” Snow said to the RGJ. “If my son is misbehaving, we would certainly address that.

I don’t let my 7-year-old wander around on streets by himself.”

Hundreds of men and women of all ages arrived at the Planned Parenthood in downtown Reno dressed in pink and carrying signs at 9 a.m. to counter the anti-Planned Parenthood protest that was planned for later that morning.

“I am here to support my rights as a woman, I am here to support Planned Parenthood, which as a teen, supported me and I am against having my rights taken away,” said Dominique Nelson, a pro-Planned Parenthood protestor.

Nelson was dressed her “vagina

By Rachel Spacek

Andrea Wilkinson/Nevada Sagebrush

Students lift weights and workout in the new E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center. The gym opened on Monday, Feb. 13, for students, faculty and staff.

New fitness center opens

By Jake Bounds

The University of Nevada, Reno’s E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center opened it’s doors on Monday, Feb. 13, after years of planning and construction.

The new fitness center presents many impressive features, such as a one-eighth mile indoor running track, three indoor courts for intramural sports and stadium stairs.

The entire building covers 108,600 square feet and is available to all students, faculty and staff.

According to the University of Nevada, Reno’s website, it will, “triple the space dedicated to fitness and

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recreation at the university.”

“I am really looking forward to the new cardio equipment,” said freshman Elizabeth Pearson. “Lombardi was really cramped and I like that you will be able to look out the windows. Sometimes Lombardi felt like you were in a cave.”

Construction of the gym started June 2015. In total, the cost of the new gym reached around $47 million.

Funding came through an $8 million naming gift from the E.L. Wiegand Foundation, a $1.5 million gift

See GYM page A3

SOCIALIZING THROUGH VR

“Urgent: Your help is needed,” reads the Friends of the Child and Family Research Center website. The University of Nevada, Reno’s Child and Family Research Center provides early childcare to children of faculty, staff, students and community members and is set to undergo changes, as university faculty are looking to find a private party to expand the child care facility.

“The Child and Family Research Center is located on campus. Most children are in the Fleischmann building and some are in the education building,” said Provost Kevin R. Carman. “We have been limited to serving 100 children for as long as anyone can remember and

during that time the university has gotten bigger. In the years since I’ve been here, we have been looking at ways we can expand child care offerings to members of the UNR community. We’ve struggled with coming up with any good solutions, so that led us to consider the possibility of looking to see if a private party would be interested in expanding child care offerings.”

Eva Essa is a retired foundation professor of Human Development and Family Studies at UNR, where she taught for 41 years. Essa served 16 years as the director of the CFRC. She had her children in the CFRC on campus

See DEVELOPMENT page A3

Speaker’s tweets spark controversy

By Rachel Spacek

After several derogatory tweets from Speaker of the Associated Students of the University of Nevada senate Noah Teixeira surfaced last week, students have been calling for him to pull out of the race for ASUN president.

Teixeira recently launched a campaign for president with Sebastian Atienza running as his vice president.

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Despite calls to pull out of the race, Teixeira’s statement about the tweets, released shortly after the controversy arose last Thursday, did not have any information about potentially dropping out of the race.

Teixeira’s tweets ranged from 2013 and 2014 and included both the n-word and a homosexual slur. The tweets have

S&D MAKING WAVES

See ASUN page A2

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A2 | NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

SENATE RECAP

NEVADA SAGEBRUSH

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Volume 123 • Issue 20

APPOINTMENTS

Editor-in-Chief • Jacob Solis

WITHOUT DISCUSSION, SENATE APPROVES NEW PROJECTS DIRECTOR

jsolis@sagebrush.unr.edu

News Editor • Rachel Spacek rspacek@sagebrush.unr.edu

In the Senate meeting of the Associated Students of the University of Nevada, Max Larnerd was nominated to the position of projects director of legislative affairs. In his short speech to the senators, Larnerd highlighted his accomplishments with the Department of Legislative Affairs.

After his speech, the senators had no questions for Larnerd and approved him to the position with no discussion.

Asst. News Editor • Madeline Purdue mpurdue@sagebrush.unr.edu

Sports Editor • Brandon Cruz bcruz@sagebrush.unr.edu

Opinion Editor • Ryan Suppe jsolis@sagebrush.unr.edu

A&E Editor • Joey Thyne jsolis@sagebrush.unr.edu

Design Editor • Nicole Skarlatos nskarlatos@sagebrush.unr.edu

SENATE HEARS NOMINEE FOR PROJECTS COORDINATOR FOR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

Photo Editor • Andrea Wilkinson awilkinson@sagebrush.unr.edu

Copy Editor • Dominique Kent dkent@sagebrush.unr.edu

Multimedia Editor • Bailey MeCey bmecey@sagebrush.unr.edu

Web Manager • Willis Allstead wallstead@asun.unr.edu

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Over 100 protestors stood in support of Planned Parenthood in Reno on Saturday, Feb. 18. A protestor holds a sign showing solidarity with Planned Parenthood and their services.

Illustrator • Zak Brady jsolis@sagebrush.unr.edu

Social Media Manager • Alana Ridge aridge@sagebrush.unr.edu

Staff Writer • Emily Fisher efisher@sagebrush.unr.edu

Distribution • Michele Cardnuto jsolis@sagebrush.unr.edu

Distribution • Natalie Delbecq jsolis@sagebrush.unr.edu

Media Adviser • Blythe Steelman bsteelman@unr.edu

CONTRIBUTING STAFFERS Jake Bounds . Marisol Bragg, Joey Lovato, Karolina Rivas

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.

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CORRECTIONS The Nevada Sagebrush fixes mistakes.

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

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PP March Continued from page A1

“We’re in support of putting our federal taxpayer dollars toward federally qualified health care centers as apposed to Planned Parenthood because they provide more resources, there are more of them and they serve more women,” said Hannah Novak, President of Nevada Students for Life, the Pro-life club on campus at the University of Nevada, Reno. “For example, there are only three planned parenthoods in Nevada and over 20 federally qualified health care centers, so we want to put our tax dollars toward them because they provide more care for women.”

Early last month, House Speaker Paul Ryan announced that Republicans will introduce a budget bill that would repeal the Affordable Care Act and end federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

Defunding Planned Parenthood would hinder the group’s ability to provide health care services, particularly to low-income men and women.

“When we were tabling, there are a lot of people who come up and think that Planned Parenthood is the only place

ASUN

Continued from page A1

been circling Twitter with the hashtag #NEVERNOAH since they surfaced last week.

In his statement released late Thursday, Teixeira apologized for the tweets and called the language immature and embarrassing.

“Growing up in a small town, I never had the opportunity to learn and understand diversity the way others did,” Teixeira said.

“As I have learned from my experience at an institution of higher education, a person is a product of their surroundings. I said and tweeted things without thinking, and felt social pressures to talk and act a certain way.”

Teixeira also said he had changed since starting college and would never think to repeat the language used in his former tweets.

“Last year at this time I was

that provides services for women, so Heller and chanted “Dean Heller has got they think that if you want to defund to go.”

Planned Parenthood, it’s an attack on Heller voted to defund Planned women’s rights, and I would say it is not Parenthood in August of last year when an attack on women’s rights, we just a bill to prohibit federal funding of want to put the money toward federally Planned Parenthood failed with a 53 to funded health care centers because they 46 vote. give better care and more care,” Novak “We need to get Dean Heller out of said. here because that is exactly why we are Novak said that if Planned Parenthere. It’s Dean Heller’s vote in Congress hood was defunded, the organization that has not represented me, at least wouldn’t go away, instead the federal and there are a lot of people who feel funds currently going towards Planned this way, so come 2018 we need to band Parenthood would go towards other together like we are this morning to do health care centers. Novak claims other more than protest a vote that he’s doing, health care centers besides Planned but to finally get him out of there,” said Parenthood give better care to women.

Carlos Pérez Campbell, student at UNR “I came from a small town in Alaska and president of the Washoe County with 3,000 people and Planned ParentYoung Democrats. hood was kind of it as far as if you While both sides of the protest had needed condoms or HIV/STD testing differing opinions, Novak said she and didn’t want to ask your parents,” admired the way both groups were able said Gabriel Selbig, a student at UNR to come out and protest and voice their and pro-Planned Parenthood protestor. opinions.

“Planned Parenthood is one of those According to Reno Police, there were resources that is the most far-reaching around 20 people protesting Planned that I know of, they are in every comParenthood and a couple hundred munity that I have ever lived in. I just pro-Planned Parenthood protestors. do not understand the battle against Rachel Spacek can be reached at rspacek@ them.” sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter The pro-Planned Parenthood protes@NevadaSagebrush tors also held signs protesting Dean

running into meadow wood yelling “n—-r Friday yeah I’m a bad person…” Teixeira tweeted.

ASUN President Brandon Boone said he originally saw the tweets as a personal issue instead of an ASUN issue, but it has since become an ASUN issue because Teixeira serves as the Speaker of the Senate.

“The ASUN is dedicated to all students that call the University of Nevada, Reno home,” Boone wrote in a statement. “This institution is a place where people learn, grow and develop every day. We look forward to creating more opportunities for people of all backgrounds to improve their university experience and set the foundation for the rest of their lives.”

Sandra Rodriguez, Director of the ASUN Center for Student Engagement, said there has to be an open channel of communication between the undergraduate students and ASUN.

“It was a reminder of the power and those students that have of social media and a reconcilibeen impacted can move forward ation of the fact that everybody together.” is really young at some point Teixeira’s opponent for and then they come here and president, Alex Crupi, released a their social media follows them,” statement from his campaign last Rodriguez said. “I think for the Friday that said they did not think body it has been a wake-up call Teixeira’s apology excuses the about how one should handle existence of the tweets. their social media.”

“During an annual training Rodriguez also said she laments session put on by the Center that students of color and the for Student Engagement for LGBTQIA population were the the newly elected and apfocus of the tweets because pointed officials of ASUN, there those students likely deal with is a specific section that serves to the language in the tweets on a express that as public servants regular basis. our personal statements and Rodriguez said Teixeira should actions are a direct representation understand the burden the tweets of ASUN,” the Crupi campaign present to students of color and statement said.

LGBTQIA students.

Rodriguez said she separates “Everybody has to react in their ASUN from Teixeira and that own right, I don’t believe that ASUN did not send out those there is an overreaction because tweets four years ago, he did.

I have not walked in your shoes,” Rachel Spacek can be reached at Rodriguez said. “With some rspacek@sagebrush.unr.edu and empathy and some patience, I on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush. am hoping that the association

@NevadaSagebrush @SagebrushSports Nevada Sagebrush nvsagebrush nevadasagebrush.com

Screenshot via Twitter

Speaker of the Senate of the Associated Students of the University of Nevada, Noah Teixeira’s tweets surfaced Thursday, Feb. 9. The tweets have sparked controversy among students on social media.

The next nomination was also of Spencer Shultz to the office of projects coordinator of the Department of Legislative Affairs.

In his speech, Shultz explained his involvement with student government and said his experience would translate well into the position.

The senators approved Shultz to be the department’s projects coordinator.

LEGISLATION

SENATE LOOKS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHANGING UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Next on the agenda, the senators heard a resolution to address the issue of a university hard waiver insurance policy. The legislation was from Sen. Brittany Blair of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources.

The resolution stated that since the current national health care policy is likely to change with the new administration, more data needs to be collected before a decision is made regarding the conversion of UNR’s optional health insurance system to a hard waiver system.

The senators currently do not recommend adopting a hard waiver insurance policy, but the resolution asks that the 84th session reconsider once more data is collected. The resolution asks that the Office of Student Persistence Research collect data using a list of questions such as: How many undergraduate students have some form of health insurance coverage? and How many undergraduate students do not have any form of health insurance coverage?

The legislation passed with unanimous support from the senators.

SENATORS VOTE TO CHANGE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF POSITION The next piece of legislation asked the senators that the position of deputy chief of staff be changed to the director of sustainability. Sen. Carissa Bradley of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources introduced the legislation. The new director’s duties would be addressing environmental and sustainability concerns on campus as well as serving as a student advocate on committees relating to sustainability. The creation of a director of sustainability would eliminate the Special Committee on Safety, Sustainability and Wellness.

The legislation passed, with five senators dissenting.

Rachel Spacek can be reached at rspacek@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush.

NYT editor talks Trump, media landscape in UNR appearance

By Rachel Spacek In a political climate dominated by politicians’ criticism of the news media, Dean Baquet, executive editor of the New York Times, led a discussion at the University of Nevada, Reno, on the role of the news media in the last presidential election, Twitter and fake news.

In a public forum hosted by the Reynolds School of Journalism, Baquet began his discussion in the Joe Crowley Student Union with journalism students and others on Wednesday, Feb. 8. It was one of three speaking engagements Baquet made that day.

To open his discussion, Baquet told students that as a reporter and executive editor, he tries to keep his stance on political issues to himself.

“Almost all my friends are journalists. I don’t think I know the political nature of any of them,” Baquet said.

Baquet said Leonard Downie, Jr, former executive editor of the Washington Post from 1991 to 2008, took his journalistic credibility so far to the point that he would not even vote in elections.

“I don’t participate in anything that is overtly political,” Baquet said.

ing have a lot of significance,” Baquet Baquet doesn’t attend Christmas said. parties in the White House and has Baquet also recognized the growing pulled the New York Times out of issue and national discussion of “fake participating in any and all political news,” saying there has always been parties. fake news.

Baquet said he believes reporters “You were always walking past must objectively hold those in power tabloids that said, you know, Hillary accountable. He said you have to and Bill Clinton killed Vincent Foster,” question and question and be sure Baquet said. to be skeptical of everything. Baquet Baquet said social media sites like also said it is important to cover both Facebook and Twitter have to work the little things, such as tweets and harder to police and regulate fake statements, and the larger things that news. influence people’s lives.

The New York Times has been harshBefore being named the executive ly criticized by Trump both during his editor of the New York Times, Baquet campaign and during the first weeks of was an editor of the Los Angeles his presidency.

Times and was also a reporter for The As an editor for the New York Times, Time- Picayune in New Orleans and Baquet said the newspaper’s job is to for the Chicago Tribune, where he was cover Trump’s presidency and cover awarded a Pulitzer Prize for leading him “aggressively.” a team of reporters who ended up “Our job is to ask hard questions of exposing corruption in the local City everybody,” Baquet said. “It’s very easy Council. to sit in Manhattan or Washington and Baquet touched on social media and think that a lot of people don’t like this the role of Twitter and other social stuff.” media sites in the presidential election and explained that President Donald J. Trump’s tweets are a direct reflection Rachel Spacek can be reached at of the president himself. rspacek@sagebrush.unr.edu and on “His tweets at 6 o’clock in the morn- Twitter @NevadaSagebrush.

Karolina Rivas/Nevada Sagebrush

New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet speaks to students on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in the Joe Crowley Student Union. Baquet addressed the importance of remaining objective on political issues.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

Development Continued from page A1

and found herself concerned with the future of the child care program when she read the university’s Request for Qualification that read the university was looking at, “Replacing and Expanding University Child Care Capacity.”

Essa wrote an article in the Reno Gazette-Journal to try and spread the word about the changes to the community. In addition to writing her article, Essa created a campaign called Friends of the CFRC and wrote a petition that has over 900 signatures.

“The university’s response to my article was ‘we have no intentions of getting rid of the CFRC,’ but I don’t know what they envision happening.

They’re bringing someone else in to do it and the RFQ had a sentence that said, ‘existing child care facilities will be replaced by the new program and the physical facilities will be

redesigned,’” Essa said.

Carman said despite the fact that the university’s RFQ says, “Existing Child Care Facilities will be replaced as a result of this project,” the university does not plan on eliminating the CFRC. Essa said that for a number of years when she was a faculty member at the CFRC, and even more recently, the group has made numerous requests to be able to fundraise to build a bigger building on campus to fulfill the growing need for child care.

A committee was created made up of people from the HDFS department at UNR, members of the CFRC and community members. The committee came up with a report explaining that their primary recommendation to the university was to allow the CFRC to fundraise in order to build a bigger building.

“We knew there was a bigger need on campus, it wasn’t that we were unwilling to meet the need, but [our requests were] always

denied,” Essa said. throughout Nevada only six Carman said the univerprograms have received a sity has had to set priorifive-star rating. ties, and their priorities in “All of those indicate that the last few years have been it is a really high-quality academic buildings. program, but more so I’ve “Our priority emphasis been so impressed with the over the past few years has comments on our website been building facilities that that speak of this program have been expanding our being more than any other educational and research early child program, more capacity and serving the than what they’ve experistudents broadly on our enced on campus, this was university,” Carman said. a really nurturing place for “That doesn’t mean that children and for students,” we wouldn’t welcome a Essa said. “It tells me that donor to support a child this is a well-loved program care facility. We have not that is meaningful to a had any donors come lot of people and if it is forward to express that dismantled, no matter interest. It doesn’t mean what they say, it will not that we wouldn’t be willing ever come back and that to have a donor support is what I want to have not a child care facility, but it happen. I want to preserve does mean that when we something that should be go to foundations we do set preserved.” priorities.”

The CFRC was the first u child care program in u Nevada to be nationally accredited and it has been continuously accredited since the 1980s. Three of Rachel Spacek can be reached the CFRC’s facilities have at rspacek@sagebrush. received five out of five unr.edu and on Twitter @ stars from the state, while NevadaSagebrush

Valentine’s Day history goes beyond Hallmark cards, social media posts

By Rachel Spacek

Every Feb. 14, across the United States, loved ones exchange gifts of flowers and chocolate, but what is the origin of Valentine’s Day and how is it celebrated in countries other than the U.S.?

St. Valentine’s Day is both a Christian and an ancient Roman tradition. The Catholic Church recognizes three saints named Valentine. One of the church’s legends says that Valentine was a priest who served in Rome in the third century. The legend says that the emperor decided that single men made the best soldiers over men who had wives and families, so he outlawed young men from marrying. Valentine found the law unjust and continued to perform marriages between young men and women in secret. However, Valentine’s secret was discovered and he was sentenced to death by the Emperor.

Other legends suggest that Valentine was killed when he attempted to help Christians escape the harsh Roman prisons where they experienced beatings. Another legend said Valentine was imprisoned himself and sent the very

NEWS | A3

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first “valentine” greeting after he fell in love with a young girl who visited him while he was imprisoned.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of St. Valentine’s death.

It was not until the Middle Ages that the month of February and Feb. 14 was associated with love. In France and England, Feb. 14 was believed to be the beginning of birds’ mating season, adding to the idea that the day should be celebrated as a day of romance.

The oldest known valentine was written by Charles, the Duke of Orleans, to his wife in 1415. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London during a battle.

The valentine was a poem.

The U.S. is not the only country that gushes over Valentine’s Day, the day is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia, among others.

VALENTINE’S DAY ACROSS THE GLOBE

tival is called “Verona in Love,” during which the town is decorated with heartshaped lanterns and hosts romantic events like a contest to see who can write the best and most beautiful love letter to Juliet.

In South Korea, three Valentine’s Daylike holidays are celebrated. On Feb. 14, females in relationships are expected to give their male partners candy, on “White Day” on Mar. 14, males give females candy, and “Black Day,” Apr. 14, is the country’s singles awareness day. On “Black Day,” singles dress in black mourning robes and get together to share a bowl of popular sweet and savory noodles.

In China, single cynics began celebrating “Singles’ Day” on Nov. 11, but in 2009 the holiday became the country’s version of Cyber Monday. It became a day when singles could treat themselves to online shopping deals.

According to CNBC, last year’s Singles’ Day in China was the largest online shopping event in history.

In Italy, during the month of Febru- Rachel Spacek can be reached at rspacek@ ary, a four-day festival is celebrated sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @ instead of just one single day. The fes- NevadaSagebrush.

New Gym Continued from page A1

Andrea Wilkinson/Nevada Sagebrush

Students use the cross-fit area in the E.L. Weigand Fitness Center for free space workouts. The new gym opened on Monday, Feb. 13, to students, faculty and staff.

from Mario Gabelli and the Gabelli Foundation and $3 million from the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation, student fees and bonds, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Unlike the previous gym, Wiegand is included in student tuition fees. Not everyone is supportive of this shift to included memberships, however.

“I personally feel that the new gym will not be effective because it will be too crowded for people who use the gym and those who don’t use it were forced to help fund it,” said freshman Jordan Blevins.

“It is great that the University is trying to encourage students to exercise more, but I still feel that it should have been membership only.”

Student tuition increased $30 a semester for the membership at the E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center. A Lombardi Recreation Center membership cost $80 a semester.

Associated Students of the University of Nevada Vice President Jacob Springmeyer, hopes the new gym will help further the University’s PackFit initiative.

“Pack Fit is about more than just fitness,” said Springmeyer in a Dec. 6 interview with the Nevada Sagebrush.

“It’s a campaign to educate, promote and inspire students to work on improving their personal health as well as trying to live self-fulfilling lives. Staying active can help you with all the stress we deal with on a daily basis in class and at work and trying to manage all the stuff we have.”

Springmeyer said careful consideration went into the design process to better accomodate the student body.

“One of the most important changes that they focused on when designing the [fitness center] was maximizing the fitness space,” said Springmeyer. Every inch of the [fitness center] was designed

to accomodate the needs of all students and to enhance their fitness experience.”

According to the ASUN Instagram account, PackFit is a campaign started to help promote the Wolf Pack to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. It has been featured prominently on the ASUN social media accounts, such as Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.

The new facilities open up a wealth of possibilities for its constituents.

“At first, I could not believe how big it was. From the floor to the ceiling, the entire gym is just pristine. It’s a beautiful facility all around,” said Wiegand social media manager Marina Drab. “I think Wiegand is really a gym for everyone. It’s huge and there’s a niche for everyone to find and enjoy working out in,” Drab said.

E.L. Wiegand will host a multitude of intramural sports, as well as brand new fitness equipment. The basketball courts will also function as futsal and volleyball courts.

“I hope this new gym makes people more active. There’s no excuse anymore, it’s included [in tuition] and really nice.

You might as well go,” said senior Allison French.

Fitness centers have shown to help attract and retain more students than campuses without one. Students attend schools with a fitness center 30 percent more often, and 50 to 75 percent of those students will stay at that school because of it.

Data also show that students who are physically active three to four times a week have a grade point average tone point higher than those who do not exercise.

Jake Bounds can be reached at rspacek@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush.

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PACK N THE EVENTS THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS WEEK

By Joey Thyne

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

SAGEBRUSH STAFF SETS THE MOOD

DOCTOR STRANGE DATE: Thursday TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Joe Crowley

Student Union INFO: Benedict Cumberatch plays the Marvel universe's latest superhero. What's not to love? Sit back and enjoy the mind-bendingly psychadelic visuals.

Admission is free to UNR students. Snacks are beverages will be provided.

BRANDON CRUZ "SAY MY NAME"

DOMINIQUE KENT "I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU"

NOTS

BAILEY MECEY

DATE: Saturday TIME: 8 p.m.

"I'LL MAKE LOVE TO YOU"

LOCATION: The Holland

Project INFO: Get ready to rock your socks off Sagebrush readers. Missouri's very own experimental noise band is coming to Reno.

They are accompanied by the smooth guitar leads of Philadelphia's Fine Motor and the garage punk Okay Urge. Tickets are $5.

MADELINE PURDUE "ALWAYS BE MY BABY" ALANA RIDGE "THE BOY IS MINE"

RUSS DATE: Friday TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Cargo Concert

JACOB SOLIS

Hall

INFO: This rapper is hot

"THONG SONG"

off of his smash single, "What They Want." This show is guaranteed to sell out quick, so get your tickets early. He is now on tour to promote his album, "The Journey."

Early bird tickets are $30, general admission are $35-$45, and meet-andgreet tickets are $100.

RACHEL SPACEK "NOBODY"

RYAN SUPPE

REEL BIG FISH & ANTI FLAG

"FANTASY"

DATE: Tuesday TIME: 7 p.m.

LOCATION: Cargo INFO: If you are

JOEY THYNE

disillusioned with Valentine's, say screw romance and come jam out at this celebratory show. The opening acts are Ballyhoo! and PkewPkewPkew. Presale tickets are $22 and tickets are $25 at the door. The show is welcome to all ages. Doors open at 6 p.m.

LA CULTURA DE LOS TATUAJES DATE: Thursday TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Sierra Arts

Foundation INFO: This exhibit showcasing hispanic tattoo art runs from Feb. 1 to Feb. 24., but the artist recpetion is this Thursday. This is a must-see for anyone interested in tattoos, hispanic culture or art in general.

Joey Thyne can be reached at jsolis@sagebrush.unr.edu or on Twitter @joey_thyne

"NOTHING EVEN

"1984" book sales skyrocket

By Joey Lovato The world of George Orwell’s classic “1984” is well-known for its depiction of dystopian hopelessness. It seems to have found a new place in the libraries of many Americans as the novel has seen a huge surge in sales since Jan. 22.

The novel explores the effects of totalitarian government on the human psyche.

The society in Orwell's world of Oceania lives under an oppressive regime, which practices things such as five minutes of hate, newspeak (a form of speech engineered to limit free thought and expression enforced by the government), and doublethink (the idea that someone can accept contradictory

facts at the same time).

Now the fourth most popular book on Amazon, “1984” was number one the week that Trump aide Kellyanne Conway first used the phrase “alternative facts” in reference to Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s claim that the turnout for President Trump’s inauguration was the largest in history. It can’t be said for sure whether or not Conway’s comment is directly related to the surge in sales, but many people have taken to social media making the connection.

The novel's authoritarian presence, known as Big-Brother, used methods of control like erasing people's minds, altering history and controlling the news in order to keep the population subservient. Phrases like “alternative facts”

are eerily similar to ideas in “1984.”

In a piece for the Guardian, Tim Crook, an Orwell expert and professor at Goldsmiths, University of London, wrote, “Trump takes doublethink to a new extreme, and if Orwell were alive today, I imagine Trump would amuse and horrify him at the same time.”

"1984" isn’t unfamiliar to many Americans. As a staple in many high school and college literature courses, it has always been a popular book, but every few years it soars to the top of lists. So why is it that a 68-year-old novel known for its dystopian hopelessness finds itself continuously shooting to the top of the best-seller lists?

The answer is surprisingly simple, when life imitates art, people turn to the familiar to explain the tumult

they’re experiencing in the present. well, as well as authors such as AlIn 2013 when Edward Snowden dous Huxley, Franz Kafka and Ray leaked several classified docu- Bradbury, all looked into people's ments concerning the U.S. govern- reactions to new and terrifying ment's surveillance program, the governments in dystopian societbook’s sales increased by 6000 ies. Other books similar to “1984” percent according to Amazon. include those listed above ,as Penguin publishing, the pub- well as “Fahrenheit 451,” “Animal lishing house that prints “1984,” Farm,” “Crime and Punishment” told CNN that, "We put through a and “The Castle”.

75,000 copy reprint this week. That Just ahead of “1984” on is a substantial reprint and larger Amazon's bestseller list is "Hillbilly than our typical reprint for '1984.'" Elegy," by J.D. Vance. This book Along with “1984,” "It Can't was recommended by The New Happen Here," by Sinclair Lewis, York Times as a way for people to and "Brave New World," by Aldous understand why Trump won the Huxley, have seen an increase in presidency. sales. Both novels fall under similar themes as “1984.”

Joey Thyne can be reached at at Originally published in 1949, jsolis@sagebrush.unr.edu and on “1984” was a grim look at what the Twitter @joey_thyne. post-WWII future may entail. Or-

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

A&E | A5

@NevadaSagebrush | nevadasagebrush.com

“Fifty Shades Darker” very bad, not good at all “Fifty Shades Darker” is a sequel to an adaption of a best-selling erotic book series based off a “Twilight” fan-fiction about BDSM. I feel like that is all the information you need, but the format dictates I elaborate.

Dakota Johnson plays Anastasia, the shy, pale, quirky, bashfully-lip-biting, bangs-sporting, sundress-wearing, underher-breath-talking Buzzfeed hipster-geek English major who allows a man to sexually abuse her if he gives her a new iPhone. She seems like the type of person to go to a coffee shop and read “Wuthering Heights” just so strangers are aware that she is reading “Wuthering Heights.” She seems like the type of person who thinks she is unique because she listens to The Kooks.

Jamie Dornan plays Christian Grey, the muscular, 5-o’clock-shadowed, woodenlyhandsome, robotic, tragically-tortured young bachelor who has lots of money for some reason. He is your typical movie billionaire minus the intellect, savvy or charm.

Neither display any semblance of a personality or defining character trait. In that regard, I suppose, they are meant to be together. Watching them awkwardly fumble around flirtation has about as much titillating chemistry as Tim Kaine and Mike Pence snarling at each other during the Vice Presidential debate.

“Fifty Shades Darker” acts as a long music video to promote its moody soundtrack littered with big names like Taylor Swift, ZAYN, John Legend, Nicki Minaj, Nick Jonas, Sia, Tove Lo and Halsey, which is more intriguing than the film. This trendy soundtrack also supports the orgy of Apple product placements throughout.

I could not really say what the point of the movie is, or even what it is about. It is very episodic. The scenes could be scrambled out of order and it would have no effect on the plot. One thing happens then the next thing happens. There is no consequence or growth. Nothing is built toward. The story just sort of meanders around aimlessly then ends.

In the advertisements, it seemed the movie centered around a crazy ex from Grey’s past returning to take revenge on Anastasia. But that story line took up all of four scenes. Later in the movie, Anastasia is sexually assaulted by her boss. She breaks his wrist, he gets fired, and then out of some bizarre miracle, she gets his job. Then, Grey’s helicopter crashes but he turns out to be fine. Finally, the big twist ending is that Grey proposes, but that was already spoiled in previews.

Other than that, the movie consists of

two people eating dinner and then boning.

An inordinate amount of time is composed of Lifetime-movie-level dramatic stares accompanied by stifling, pregnant pauses.

The movie itself is just a conduit for the soft-core sex scenes, which seem like they were written by a group of prepubescent boys. One of Dakota Johnson’s actual lines is, “You’re not putting those in my butt.” The violent scenes perpetuate misguided stereotypes about BDSM and misogynistically appropriate domestic abuse.

Having to sit through two hours of this insufferable nonsense is not worth any sort of sexual gratification. You might as well just watch actual pornography; anyway, most pornstars have more screen presence and emotional range than Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson.

“Fifty Shades Darker” is not a good movie.

In fact, it is a very bad movie. It’s not even entertaining in an ironic so-bad-it’s-good way. It’s just mind-numbingly insipid. Even the nudity becomes gluttonous after awhile.

You stop thinking of sex amorously and it just becomes all biological and anatomical and gross.

“Fifty Shades Darker” came out just in time for Valentine’s Day, but there are much more romantic ways to spend the holiday, like filling out paperwork at the DMV or getting kidney stones removed. Don’t waste your time or money. Go see “John Wick: Chapter 2” or “The Lego Batman Movie” instead.

Joey Thyne can be reached at jsolis@sagebrush.unr. edu and on Twitter @joey_thyne.

WOLF PACK

SMART

TALKS

BREAKING BORDERS THE

By Joey Thyne

FEBRUARY 15TH, 7:00-8:30PM SCHULICH LECTURE HALL FREE FOR ALL STUDENTS

# LEGISLATIVE

A F F A I R S

Movie Review ‘FIFTY SHADES DARKER’ Release Date: Feb. 10 Genre: Romantic, Drama

For more information please contact Kyle Sharp at sharpkl@nevada.unr.edu

Opinion A6

@NevadaSagebrush | nevadasagebrush.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

STAFF EDITORIAL

Civic outrage requires civic action

O

n Thursday, news surfaced that Noah Teixeira, current senator from the College of Business, speaker of the Associated Students of the University of Nevada senate and candidate for ASUN president, had used derogatory and racially insensitive language in several online posts. These posts range in age from one to four years old, and have caused outrage on social media, where students run the opinion gamut.

Some are defending Speaker Teixeira, noting that these posts are old

and unrepresentative of the man now running to represent all undergraduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno. On the other hand, many are upset, calling for Teixeira to drop out of the race or be impeached from his senate position.

We will not defend his words. Even if the tweets are a couple years old, they are an indictment of character and unbecoming of a man running to represent all undergraduate students at this university — black and LGBTQIA students included.

Teixeira posted a response to the scandal on his personal Twitter

account. In it, he talks about how embarrassed and sorry he is for the statements, shifting blame for the words to his “small town” upbringing.

This is no excuse for using language that is so clearly offensive to people who now form a meaningful portion of Mr. Teixeira’s constituency.

On social media, students have asked for Teixeira’s impeachment.

Such a trial would take at least a month, and by the time a verdict is reached Teixeira’s term would have already timed out.

Technically, Teixeira hasn’t violated any laws set forth by the Constitution

and the Statutes of the Associated students and student government on Students. The burden of holding Teix- Tuesday, Feb. 14 at noon in the Milton eira accountable for his actions lies Glick ballroom on the fourth floor of with the students that he represents. the Joe Crowley Student Union.

All ASUN meetings are open to the There’s also the matter of the elecpublic, and public comment is wel- tions themselves. If you, as a student, come. Full senate meetings happen are concerned or upset, voting runs weekly, every Wednesday at 5:30 in- from March 15 to March 16. The best side the Rita Laden senate chambers way to participate in student governon the third floor of the Joe Crowley ment will always be to vote.

Student Union.

If you want to voice your concerns The editorial board can be reached at sooner than that, Center for Stu- jsolis@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter dent Engagement Director Sandra @TheSagebrush.

Rodriguez is holding a Q&A session on rights and responsibilities for

A darker side of Valentine’s Day

I

Photos courtesy of Against Gravity

Gamer avatars socialize and play games in the virtual reality game “Rec Room.” Users can talk with each other while participating in games like paintball, 3D charades, and disc golf

VR is changing the way we socialize

W

ith the rise of virtual reality, one of the most common criticisms is the way it can block users from social interaction.

In a way it does make sense, wearing a headset and noise-cancelling headphones can block you off from your surroundings and those around you.

However, from my time in virtual reality, I can say it is one of the most Bailey social experiences MeCey I have ever had.

This is due, in part, to the video game ‘Rec Room,’ and how it may be the newest paradigm for how to treat social experiences in VR. In ‘Rec Room,’ players can group up and play different games like paintball, dodgeball and even charades. The wrapping for the game is in a YMCA-like space, where you drop in and interact with others in goofy ways like throwing darts at their heads or talking about how great Carly Rae Jepson is.

What makes ‘Rec Room’ work as a safe social atmosphere and not a creepy sex chatroom is its inviting art direction. The game is bright and colorful, with different cloth-

ing combinations heightening the absurdity of the whole experience.

‘Rec Room’ also has good moderation tools that allow players to easily boot those that are creating an uncomfortable situation. However, I have never had an experience that required these tools, as everyone is very pleasant and tend to go with the goofiness of the game.

Allowing players to use the builtin voice chat in the headset makes for a unique experience hanging out with others from around the world. While games are a global phenomenon, it is tough to gauge that at times with the lack of sociability you get from most games.

‘Rec Room’ changes that by having different nationalities talking together, just letting people be people and have engaging conversations with each other.

No other game has ever given me such a sense of me being in the game as much as ‘Rec Room.’ I warped into a new space, shot some hoops with a guy and all of a sudden he looked at me and said, “Wow, you are really tall.” I laughed, not really knowing how to react as this wasn’t just him making an observation based on a persona created by me for the game but a real observation about me, as the game changes the height of your character based on your height.

This feeling of yourself being

in the game is in part due to the hand controllers, which allow you to pick up and move objects just as you would with your hands. In the game, this means you can smack a dummy in the face or dance in a group of people. You can really get your personality out there in a way you cannot do with a simple controller.

The hand controllers are instrumental in bringing others together with the simple action of friending someone with a handshake or joining their party with a fist bump.

Even at the core of the game design, ‘Rec Room’ promotes friendly and fun means of interaction.

When it came to social interaction in a video game, the most you would usually get is a 12-year-old screaming at you for constantly dying in Call of Duty. Thanks in part to games like ‘Rec Room’ that take full advantage of virtual reality, players can interact and socialize like they would in everyday life with a slight twist. This interaction does not lead to hate, bigotry or violence; it’s a group of people that want to get together to have fun. What else could you ask for?

Bailey MeCey studies journalism. He can be reached at bmecey@sagebrush. unr.edu and on Twitter @Nevada Sagebrush

am a survivor of domestic violence.

There, I said it. No, I am not ashamed to admit it. No, I am not a statistic. No, I am no longer a victim. Did I walk out of my abusive relationship stronger and empowered to make a change? Absolutely.

When people think of the month of February, along with Black History Month, many people often think of Valentine’s Day. I mean, who wouldn’t? Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a special day of love between significant others. For many couples, this is a day full of happiness and affection. This is the perfect day to show your significant other just how much you Alana love them.

Ridge But what is love, exactly? What comes to mind when you think of love? The answer may be pretty obvious, so I’ll go ahead and tell you what it’s not – it’s not control, manipulation, sexual coercion, physical abuse, calling you every name under the sun, isolation or anything else that may hurt you. But you probably knew that, right?

The unfortunate reality is, not every person in a relationship realizes that these things do not constitute love, especially teenagers. Once you’re in an abusive relationship, you start to rationalize the actions of your partner. “But he/she loves me.” “He/she didn’t mean it.” “He/ she was just stressed out.” “I shouldn’t have made him/her angry.” “I deserved it.” “If I just change, our relationship will be better.”

I know this. This was my reality for almost two years. I lived it constantly.

I told myself those exact same things to rationalize everything in my head and make it seem like my partner really did love me. To make a long story short, my partner was abusive in every stretch of the definition – he was physically, mentally, emotionally, verbally and, at times, sexually abusive. As this was my first serious relationship and my first real love (or so I thought), I was obsessed with being the “perfect” girlfriend. I slowly realized that I had to be the “perfect” girlfriend to him or else I’d be sorry for it later. To say that my life became a version of hell would be a complete understatement. I lived my life in constant fear, isolation and control.

But it was okay, because he loved me right? And after all, his anger was my fault.

I just had to be “perfect,” and then everything would be okay. As someone in my late teens at the time, my thought process while in this relationship completely ruined my mental and even physical health.

Valentine’s Day was never a day of love for me while I was in that relationship. It was a day of pain.

In August of 2015, I finally snapped. My mind finally started screaming at me the words my friends had been telling me for a long time: “THIS ISN’T LOVE, ALANA! THIS IS ABUSE!” My partner had ruined the last parts of my teenage years, and he was not about to ruin my twenties. My friends came and packed me up, moved me out of the apartment I shared with him and I found a new place to stay. I was finally free.

But the thing is, I’m not here to throw a pity party. I don’t need pity, I need solutions. I want to help as many people as possible avoid similar realities I endured.

I’m here to help spread awareness on an issue that is closer to home than you may think.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. According to loveisrespect.org, “one in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.” If you were to line up 100 teenage UNR students, the probability of about 33 of them having experience in an abusive relationship is very high. These are our friends, our siblings, our fraternity and sorority brothers and sisters, our

classmates, our peers, our co-workers.

The list goes on. I guarantee that you likely know at least one person who has experienced domestic violence.

And that’s not okay. It will never be okay.

Your teenage years are meant to be full of amazing experiences that you will cherish for the rest of your life, not pain and a life of control, manipulation and abuse.

So what do we do about it? We educate ourselves and change it.

The lack of awareness around teen dating violence is a problem in itself. Among the adolescents who experience domestic violence, only 33 percent of them have ever told anyone about the abuse. Being aware and knowing the signs can help reduce that statistic. If you notice any of these signs* in your relationship or in the relationship of someone you know, it may constitute an abusive relationship: •

· Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission

•

· Extreme jealousy or insecurity

•

· Constant belittling or put-downs

•

· Explosive temper

•

· Isolation from family and friends

•

· Making false accusations

•

· Erratic mood swings

•

· Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way

•

· Possessiveness

•

· Telling someone what to do

•

·Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex *Descriptions of signs of abuse courtesy of breakthecycle.com.

We all have the power to make a difference. Becoming aware of the problem is a great first step in the right direction.

If you’re realizing similarities in your relationship, you are not a statistic either.

I promise you that you are stronger than you realize, and that you are worth more than you feel. And you aren’t alone either.

There are so many resources out there to help you, both locally and on the national level: •

· The Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence – (775) 828-1115

•

· Committee to Aid Abused Women – (775) 329-4150

•

· Safe Embrace (emergency domestic violence shelter) – (775) 322-3466

•

· Reno Police Department – (775) 334-2121

•

· National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799-SAFE

•

· National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline – (866) 331-9474

•

· The Trevor Project (crisis prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youth) – (866) 488-7386

•

· VictimConnect (national hotline for crime victims) – (855) 4-VICTIM

I am also here for you. Even if I don’t know you, I want to help. My contact information is at the end of this piece.

Please never hesitate to reach out.

The bottom line is — love shouldn’t hurt. Abuse isn’t love. Always remember that.

Alana Ridge studies journalism. She can be reached at aridge@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush

Sports tuesday, February 14, 2017

Sports | a7

@SagebrushSports | nevadasagebrush.com

Pack Routs rival UNLV, falls on the road to Aztecs LOOKING BACK

By Brandon Cruz Not even Michael Buffer’s announcing the starting lineups on Feb. 8 helped the Rebels beating the Wolf Pack.

Nevada convincingly defeated UNLV 104-77 in Reno, NV. The Wolf Pack shot lights out the entire game, never falling below 50 percent. The team resembled the Golden State Warriors in the first half, as they went 8-13 from deep. Nevada took an early lead following a layup from Cameron Oliver with 17:48 in the first. The Pack would continue to keep the pressure on their bitter rivals, not allowing them to take the lead the entire first period. Even with Nevada’s 12 turnovers, UNLV did not take advantage of the extra possessions. The Pack went into the second with tremendous momentum that continued for the remainder of the game. D.J. Fenner, Cameron Oliver and Marcus Marshall lit up the scoring columns scoring 37, 25 and 15 respectively.

The Pack then went on the road to take on San Diego State, on

Nevada struggles in the paint at SDSU

Feb. 12 in Viejas Arena.

Nevada failed to defeat the Aztecs, their offense faltered, losing 70-56.

The Pack fell behind the eight-ball early and ended the first period down 42-28. As Nevada has in previous games, they suffered scoring and defending the paint. Nevada did not improve much in the second period, shooting a lackluster percentage from the court with 29.7 percent. D.J. Fenner was the only Pack player to shoot above 50 percent.

Looking Ahead

By Brandon Cruz The Pack will go on the road to face the Air Force Falcons on Feb. 15, and come back home just three days later to take on the Utah State Aggies.

Although Nevada’s last game against Air Force was a close contest, the Pack should make quick work of the Falcons.

There are a few factors as to why I believe Nevada will get a win against the Falcons. First off, over the course of their last three meetings, The Wolf Pack has been victorious in all three, winning by an average of 16.6 points. Another factor that adds to my confidence in giving the Pack a win against Air Force is the fact that they have yet to lose back-toback games this season.

The Pack will have to find a way to slow down Frank Toohey, Hayden Graham and Jacob Van,

the leading scorers for the Falcons.

Nevada’s game against Utah State will be an intriguing one. Just a week and a half ago, the Pack suffered a loss at the hand of the Aggies in Logan, Utah. The team failed to have a strong in -the-paint presence, allowing the Aggie’s bigs to take over that section of the floor. Marshall’s dismal 1-12 performance also hurt the Pack a great deal in their first game against Utah State.

The Wolf Pack fell from being tied for first place after the SDSU loss. Nevada now sits in third place in the MWC standings. But they have a game in-hand in respect to the Colorado State Rams who currently hold second place in the conference.

Brandon Cruz can be reached at bcruz@sagebrush.unr.edu and on twitter at Sagebrushsports

Photo by Andrea Wilkinson/Nevada Sagebrush

Nevada forward Jordan Caroline annihilates the rim against UNLV, in their 104-77 win in Lawlor Events Center on Feb. 8. Nevada sits at 19-6 overall and 8-4 in conference play with MWC playofffs looming in the background.

Love, sports and other drugs T

is the season of love. Valentine’s day brings the essence of overcrowded grocery store aisles filled with stuffed bears, chocolate and roses. We can’t escape the season where couples express their unconditional love for each other with hand written cards, fancy dates and rose petals on the bed. But what do athletes do during this season. When it comes time to bask in the ambiance of romance, they may tend to fall short. After all, it is hard to participate in holiday festivities when you are consistently on the road.

Despite all odds, here are three athletes that stand out Marisol among the masses, defying Bragg all time constraints and showing some serious love to their significant others and families.

Tom Brady, who plays for the Patriots, holds the title for being the best quarterback of all-time, aka “the G.O.A.T.” After a speedy,

skilled comeback in the 2017 Super Bowl, Tom Brady led his team to victory in the fourth quarter. How does he make time to maintain his marriage to Victoria Secret Model Gisele Bundchen?

During his post-game speech he thanked his family, “...I was happy everybody was here. I had my wife, my kids, my parents, my sisters, my brothers-in-law and one of my sisters-inlaw. A lot of friends and it was a full contingent of support,” said Brady.

The most emotional moment for everyone watching, though,was Brady breaking down in tears while embracing his supermodel wife after the game. According to the New York Post, Mr. and Mrs. Brady are known home bodies. They don’t go out with friends much, they spend their time with their kids, playing laser tag and taking family vacations during the Patriots’ off season. Tom Brady’s ability to snap out of athlete mode and into family mode earns him the title of being one of our Valentine’s day idols this 2017 season.

Now let’s peek into the life of Willie Cauley Stein who plays for the Sacramento Kings. In 2015 Cauley-Stein was selected as sixth overall

pick, and was drafted by the California organization. At the end of the 2016 NBA season, Cauley-Stein earned the title of NBA All-Rookie Second Team award; this award is given to the top Rookies, in the league. Chanting CauleyStein’s name on the sidelines, as he rises to be a contending player, is his high school sweetheart Kelsey Brooks. Kelsey Brooks knows her away around the court, and keeps Cauley-Stein on his toes by calling out plays from the sidelines, as for she has a history with the sport as well. Brooks has been playing basketball since she was fourteen and is optimistic that she will be able to play in the WNBA. The two have been together for years, and we don’t see them breaking up any time soon. The two have made a name for themselves, as the couple, with game in their step.

To finish up our Valentine’s favorites, we’ll profile a local athlete. Hall of famer Patty Sheehan resides in Reno, NV, with her partner Rebecca Gaston and their two children, Bryn and Blake. Sheehan originally took a break from the LPGA Tour in the 1990s so she could focus on her family. She made her family a priority after realizing how difficult life on the move was for

her and her loved ones.

“It was so hard to travel with the two kids and we had two dogs, too,” said Sheehan in an interview with ESPN in 2015 “After about three years, it was like I can’t do this anymore… I kind of faded away. I didn’t say goodbye. I just left.”

It’s hard enough for athletes to call it quits when their career is on the decline. But to do so in the midst of her pinnacle moments as a golfer must have taken true strength. Sheehan epitomizes the family oriented woman.

These three athletes deserve a lot more than Super bowl trophies, rookie awards, and hall of fame inductions. They are not only athletically gifted, but family oriented, and driven with compassion to put their love ones first. This Valentine’s day season doesn’t have to be all about buying a whole isles worth of gifts (even though flowers are always a must).

Most importantly this season should be about reflection on what is most important in your life. Family over everything.

Marisol Bragg can be reached at bcruz@sagebrush. unr.edu and on Twitter @Sagebrushsports.WW

Sports TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

SPORTS | A8

@SagebrushSports | nevadasagebrush.com

Diving into Mountain West Championship

File photo

Nevada Swim and Dive swam through the competition on Nov. 21, 2010, during the Wildcat Diving Invitational in Tuscon, Arizona. The team’s ‘16-’17 season has been a success, with Brendon Bray at the helm.

T

By Brandon Cruz

rials and tribulations have been plentiful for the Nevada Women’s Swim and Dive Team, just a year after their Mountain West Conference Championship victory in College Station, Texas. With a brand new coach for the second year in a row and the loss of superstar diving talent Krysta Palmer, there was concern over how well Nevada would perform in their ’16-’17 season. But the Wolf Pack did not allow the changes to hinder its performance. Under head coach Brendon Bray, the team has lived up to the expectations set by Nevada Athletic Director Doug Knuth.

“We expect Coach Bray to continue the excellent tradition of this program and to keep us in contention for Mountain West titles and national rankings,” said Knuth via the Nevada Athletics site.

Nevada’s season has gone well thus far, as they have placed themselves in a position similar to last season—top dogs of the Mountain West. The Wolf Pack saw their first conference play against UNLV on Nov. 15, where they defeated the Rebels 144-98. They then moved on to square off against the Fresno State Bulldogs in Fresno, California.

Nevada again came away victorious, defeating the Bulldogs 177-123. The Pack then jumped out of

conference play for a meet against Cal State East Bay and UC Davis on Nov. 4, 2016. The Wolf Pack furthered their win streak, defeating both competitiors. The team then went on to take first place in the Northern Arizona Diving invite and took first place in the UNLV swimming invitational. Nevada won out in 2016, and begun the new year in a similar fashion, defeating San Jose State 179-118.

Nevada’s streak came to a screeching halt after their San Jose State win, as they ran into a tough Boise State squad. Although they would lose to the Broncos, Nevada took down Northern Arizona that same day.

The Nevada Swim and Dive team never lost a stroke following the transition from Neil Harper to Bray, as the team has found themselves in contention for yet another Mountain West conference championship run. With only one loss on the season to the Boise State Broncos in early February, Nevada never missed a beat, all the while living up to their coach’s expectations for them this season.

“Only goal I talked about was having them swim fast. I wanted more people to bust times… I just want us to perform well and I’ll be happy with the results,” Bray said.

Along with obtaining the goals set for them, the

team may also have a stable coach for a while.

After ex-coach Harper’s quick stint with the team, coaching instability can be worrisome. But luckily for the Pack, it appears that Bray is here to stay.

“I know I really like being here. I’m from Reno and I’m really happy here. I hope to be here for a really long time. You always want to have continuity to perform well,” Bray said.

In addition to concerns regarding coaching stability, where leadership would come from following the departure of Krysta Palmer was also a huge question. Fortunately for the Pack, the team did not suffer the fate of completely losing Palmer, as she became a volunteer diving coach for them.

But leadership on the swimmer-diver level was still needed to help assist in the creation of team comradery.

“All of our seniors are great leaders. All of them have different ways to help the team. Some lead by examples and some are vocal. They all have different roles and they all do a great job,” Bray said.

While it is all well and good to have leaders to inspire the team, a great deal of impetus should come from within. This is especially true in the case of swimming and diving because although there is a team aspect, this sport pits athletes

against one another in individualistic situations.

“We have some really goal-oriented athletes.

They’re self-motivated and know what it takes. I think they just need a good environment,” Bray said.

Though they faced adversity, the Nevada’s Women’s Swim and Dive Team never faltered because of it. Much of it has to do with the team’s ability to self-motivate themselves. But another huge factor is Bray’s all-in attitude, love for the sport and the team.

“I’m just really lucky to be here and really happy to be able to coach them,” Bray said.

The team will begin making their way to College Station, Texas, to begin their play in the Mountain West Conference Championship on Feb. 15.

The team will compete until Feb. 18, with hopes of being invited to the NCAA E Diving Championships and the NCAA Championships.

Brandon Cruz can be reached at bcruz@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports.

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