Volume 130, Issue 6

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024

A Final Farewell From The Executive Editor: I’m No Good At Goodbye

By Emerson Drewes

I’m not quite sure what to put here. At the time of writing, I have multiple Google tabs open, searching for the perfect prose to write this in; I’m no good at goodbyes, which is why I’m not doing it.

I must forfeit my NetID and password, Google email (thanks a lot for that one), lose proxy access to the office and close the door of the newsroom for one last time, but I will never truly leave The Nevada Sagebrush. My stories will remain immortalized in HTML and my Instagram posts on our feed, and really, no one actually leaves the Sagebrush. Every staff member who has stepped through the door of the office leaves an indelible mark on the newsroom.

Stepping into the small room of the Sagebrush for the first time in 2021, I noticed a few things. The computers lining the walls, funny pictures on graffitied cabinets, a photo of an old man I learned to be Jake Highton — a former Reynolds school of Journalism professor — and a circular table in the center.

The table is a dark wood and very structurally unsound — we consistently have to turn it counter-clockwise to tighten it on its stand; but two letters, scraped into the stain of the wood, stood out to me: “EM”. The name “Em”, a nickname and token of affection people had called me since infancy.

“Em” — I guess even before I had come into the newsroom, it was there waiting for me to notice it. I hope I have left my immortal mark on the newsroom, whether through this small scratch in the table, the posters and stickers I’ve plastered to the wall or the all-mighty desk drawer that sits upon a bookshelf in my office. The desk drawer of all the former editors of the Sagebrush: names like Sig Rogich, Warren Lerude, Guy Clifton, Brian Duggan, Madeline Purdue and Annie Flanzraich; people who I know have left their mark quite firmly.

My Journey My journey through the newsroom was unorthodox. I wrote my first story in April 2021, officially joined the newsroom in Fall 2021 and became an official staff member in September 2021 as assistant news editor. After my news editor decided to become missing in action, I took on the entire section as a sophomore. I wrote small stories about food robots and dining hall changes, while also attending every Associated Students of the University of Nevada meetings on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. — that’s right 91st session, I was the original “Sagebrush Girl.” My false orange hair stuck out in crowds and garnered me recognition for the neon hue. One instance I used to gain more prestige within my family is when Brian Sandoval, UNR president, called me out during a public meeting.

A professor asked a particularly tough question, one I cannot remember, and Sandoval stuttered a little trying to be careful with his words. He looked up at me and said to the crowd “I’m sorry, I have to be careful with what I say. The Sagebrush is here. Emerson is up there.” I waved, proudly.

By my second semester sophomore year I was News Editor and by April I was editor-inchief, now changed to executive Editor, but not by choice. I thought I had more time, but when our current EIC left prematurely, the staff and I decided I should run for the position. At 19, I was the youngest editor in decades; now, I am the longest serving editor in history and the third woman to hold the position for two terms.

A thank you to my editors and Sogand I won’t bore you with the details of what I have accomplished during my two terms — even though I am incredibly proud of myself — you can read my resume for that. This is for my staff, afterall, they are the ones who are really running the show.

To Brooke Germain: The best design editor, illustrator, artist and everything in-between. I’ve known you for too long to count and getting to work with one of my best friends is a dream. Thank you for stepping up and making the Sagebrush and my life more beautiful.

To Gabe Kanae: My admiration for you runs deep. Your perseverance and dedication to your sense of self is something I strive to have. Thank you for being you.

To Jesse Cabrera: Thank you for revealing yourself as a “copy God.” You are the safety net and backbone of this publication. We are all so proud of what you’ve accomplished.

To Aria Frey: When you stepped into my office, your bright and shining demeanor encapsulated me. You’ve kept me educated and your commitment to justice and change is remarkable. Thank you for your valuable input and being understanding towards all.

To Patrick McNabb: It’s such a joy to have you in the newsroom. Your consistency and work ethic is admirable. Thank you for your amazing brain.

To Zoe Malen: Sweet angel, Zoe. Finally getting you in the Sagebrush newsroom has been a great accomplishment of mine. Seeing you grow as a person and photographer since freshman year has been an honor.

To Emily Hess: Your attitude, humor and personality as a whole is beautiful. It’s a pleasure to have you in the newsroom as a staff member, finally. Thank you for your smile and bright personality.

To Peregrine Hart: One of the most intelligent people I have had the pleasure of working with. In all honesty, I’ve used many of the big words you’ve wooed me with. Thank you for teaching the Sagebrush and me how to use

big words and reinventing the Arts and Entertainment section

To Jaqueline Lopez: If it weren’t for that fateful day in our COM 101 class and your persistence, we wouldn’t have a Spanish section, one of my favorite aspects of the Sagebrush. Thank you for expanding our audience and your dedication.

To Nick Stewart: All I can say is: my little baby. Having you by my side this past year and getting to know you has been my favorite part. I wish we had more time together. Thank you and I miss you already.

To Derek Raridon: Upon hiring you I knew you’d do great things, and I was right. You have a good head on your shoulders. You’ve taught me more about sports than I ever cared to know, but most importantly you’ve taught me how to be a good leader through your actions. Go out there and make me proud as the new Executive Editor. I’m proud to pass the torch to you.

To Jaedyn Young: My number two. The Sagebrush would not be where it is today without you, and neither would I. Thank you for everything — I have to keep it short there’s already tears on my keyboard.

To Sogand Tabatabaei: You have been the most instrumental part of the Sagebrush and student media’s success for the past two years. Through every dip and bump, you’ve stood by our side and rallied for us. Thank you for your friendship and comfort in times of need.

Everything I have done at the Sagebrush is for you all. This is the dream team.

After graduation After graduation I will be moving to Washington and working for The Seattle Times as a business reporting intern. Hopefully one day I can take up an editor position again, maybe I just have a knack for bossing people around.

My journalism career would not be complete without The Nevada Sagebrush. This is not goodbye, not even a see you later; I’m a Sagebrusher for life. You really think you can get rid of me that quickly?

Emerson Drewes is the outgoing Executive Editor of The Nevada Sagebrush and has served in the position since April 2022. The incoming Executive Editor for the Sagebrush will be Derek Raridon.

I was the youngest editor in decades; now, I am the longest serving editor in history and the third woman to hold the position for two terms.

Photos by Rachel Jackson

VOLUME 130, ISSUE 6

Editor-in-Chief & Sports Editor: Derek Raridon draridon@sagebrush. unr.edu

News Editor: Nick Stewart ns@sagebrushunr.edu

A&E Editor: Emily Hess emilyhess@sagebrush.unr.edu

Opinion Editor: Gabriel Kanae gkanae@nevada.unr. edu

Co-copy Editors: Jessie Cabrera jessicacabrera@sagebrush.unr.edu

Aria Frey alfrey@sagebrush.unr. edu

Design Editor: Brooke Germain bgermain@unr.edu

Photo Editor: Zoe Malen zoemalen02@gmail. com

Multimedia Editor: Patrick McNabb pmcnabb@sagebrush. unr.edu

By Jaedyn Young and Emerson Drewes

In a grand room with high ceilings, deep blue curtains and a galant conference table, three high-powered individuals sat circled around two student journalists with two communications directors on stand-by. And yet, the well-known president of the University of Nevada, Reno, Brian Sandoval sat in his chair, his hands folded and slumped over, where he seemed small even in his own office in the Clark Administration building.

Sandoval gave his full attention to The Nevada Sagebrush throughout the meeting, along with Jeff Thompson, the executive vice president and provost of the university, and Zeva Edmonson, the brand-new director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, and the two communications directors, Kerri Garcia Hendricks and Scott Walquist.

Given just 30 minutes, the Sagebrush asked each question meticulously, and every answer would be filled with hopeful promises, many clarifications and carefully selected words. Everyone during the interview was stiff and unsmiling, and for good reason. As the spark of an alleged sexual assault lawsuit lit a fire of outrage from faculty and students across campus, blaming the university and its department of Title IX for failing in their duties.

Feifei Fan, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the university, opened Pandora’s box when she filed a lawsuit suing the Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of the university based on allegations of sexual assault, abuse and misconduct.

Fan specifically names her alleged abuser as another tenured professor in the department, Yanyao Jiang, who was previously her mentor and a part of her tenure committee.

The original 49-page court complaint had detailed allegations and was filed on Dec. 22, 2022 against the Board of Regents of NSHE for the alleged misconduct she says she experienced at the university and at the hands of Jiang over the course of a decade.

In the original lawsuit, NSHE was sued for 11 counts: a count of forced labor; a count of trafficking with respect to forced labor; a count of sex trafficking; a count of deliberate indifference; a count of hostile environment; a count of gender discrimination; a count of retaliation; a count of national origin discrimination; a count of breach of contract; a count of negligent, grossly negligent, or reckless training, supervision and retention and a count of breach of duty to Fan.

Fan’s lawyer voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit and allegations have not been confirmed. However, this case between Fan and Jiang was like a lightning rod, striking the hearts of many students and unlocking the faults hiding behind closed doors of the Title IX department.

Understanding Title IX’s process

Peregrine Hart, Chase Delude, Andrew Maples, Wisdom Scott, Lily Walker, James Wolfgang

of the university or its students. It is published by the students

at 775-784-7773 or email adnevadasales@gmail.com.

The Nevada Sagebrush fixes mistakes. If you find an error, email edrewes@sagebrush.unr.edu.

Sagebrush @NevadaSagebrush @NevadaSagebrush

The university’s Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX is an independent fact-finder used for students or faculty to file complaints of sexual harassment, sexual violence or any form of unlawful discrimination or retaliation.

The process goes like this:

A person of the university files a complaint either online via their online portal or in-person.

Title IX will respond to the complaint within 72 hours, confirming it has been received and is under reviewed.

The team will review the claim to ensure it is within Title IX’s jurisdiction.

An intake person will make an appointment with whoever filed the complaint so they can learn about the case.

If the complainant chooses to go forward with the investigation, they will be assigned an investigator, or they can forgo the investigation and ask for supportive measures.

The office then conducts an unbiased investigation based on the information provided.

Information is gathered via witness statements, electronic evidence through messages and other relevant documents which are kept confidential.

However, under Title IX specifically, as defined as sex discrimination, not other forms of discrimination, here are the remaining steps that follow.

The investigation’s information is given to an independent decision maker that is not an employee at the university. They are contracted for this based on their knowledge of Title IX and the laws.

A hearing is held, including real court experiences like cross-examination

The independent entity then reviews the evidence and makes a decision on sanctions or results about the case.

The final report given by the third party entity is not public. Title IX receives the results of the hearing to put sanctions in place and close a case, but the department cannot disclose information about this. Only a person involved in the case can release any information at will.

The complainant also does not have to go forward with an investigation or hearing if they choose not to.

Lawsuits following alleged discrimination and sexual violence have be filed, like what Fan did, if victims feel the university has not done enough for their case.

Continued online at thenevadasagebrush.com Emerson Drewes can be reached via email at edrewes@sagebrush.unr.edu or via Twitter @EmersonDrewes.

UNR at Lake Tahoe campus sees zero enroll during Fall ‘23 semester

By Jaedyn Young

After the University of Nevada, Reno acquired Sierra Nevada University, now UNR at Lake Tahoe, in July 2022, there has been nothing short of buzz from administration about the new campus. However, students have been harder to wrangle in on the excitement, with no students applying to live at the Lake Tahoe campus in the Fall ‘23 semester.

According to records obtained by The Nevada Sagebrush, 34 students showed interest, but none made the 37-mile jump to the Lake Tahoe campus.

The program was open to sophomores and juniors and was “tailored toward students studying the visual arts, environmental sciences and sustainability related disciplines,” according to their marketing materials.

Douglas P. Boyle became the Interim Vice Provost and Dean of the University’s Lake Tahoe campus on July 1. Boyle told The Nevada Sagebrush that the “Semester at Lake Tahoe” program was formed just about a year ago as a study abroad program. Students could take advantage of the cabin-like facilities, dorm rooms and dining hall, all within a mile walk to the Lake Tahoe shores, but not many seemed interested.

“I do know right away, it was clear we didn’t have classes … that formed a program for the Semester at Tahoe students,” Boyle said after being asked about the enrollment at the campus. “We could do that for the spring, but it’s really going to be tight because we’ll still have 55 [legacy] students.”

Boyle mentioned that the semester abroad can be a challenge since they don’t have the courses that allow for many students to get their major requirements just yet, forcing them to take only select classes.

A major issue after the acquisition which affected enrollment is former SNU students, now called legacy students, are being phased out, which leads to many classes being cut.

“About 121 SNU students decided to stay here [in 2022],” Boyle said. “We generally refer to them as the SNU legacy students, but they are UNR students.” Currently, 71 legacy students remain; they an-

ticipate 55 students will remain after the Fall semester and 38 at the end of the school year. Even after, there will be three more semesters before all former SNU students are officially phased out.

During the acquisition, the students were notified that they were allowed to stay on the campus to finish their degrees without going to Reno, which is now the main campus. Difficulty ensued when the requirements of their specific degrees were now defunct, forcing the university to create new degree programs so legacy students could graduate.

“The challenge that that presents us is that these students all have very specific curriculum requirements. We have to offer those classes and they have to take them in order to get their degrees,” Boyle said. “A lot of those courses are not going to fit with UNR main campus students … It’s a challenge to figure out how to bring in new students while this teach-out is occurring.”

For example, all of their students have finished their English courses required for their major, so no English courses are being offered during Fall ‘23 — isolating any English majors with interest in the Lake Tahoe campus.

“With a semester abroad, there’s that challenge of being away from your major for a whole semester,” Boyle said. “[We] really have to think carefully about how to do that. How does a student take courses and not get too side-tracked from their course of study?”

However, Boyle recognizes he needs to offer students from the main campus something that’s “high quality” for their program. He said they have a lot of ideas for bringing students to visit the campus, meet students and get a full campus experience in Lake Tahoe.

Continued online at thenevadasagebrush.com

“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is not made a priority:” BSO Holds AntiRacist Protest at UNR

By Nick Stewart

The Black Student Organization at the University of Nevada, Reno held a protest in front of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center to take a stand against repeated racist incidents that they say have not been properly addressed by the university. This protest comes after an incident in Argenta Hall on the seventh floor where a student was filmed yelling racial slurs in the early morning hours of April 5.

A large crowd gathered on the steps of the KC, many holding large signs with messages condemning racism, like: “Be a buddy, not a b—” and “Hate 4 One is Hate 4 All”. There were many loud chants and their voices could be heard across the campus.

Initially believed to be a white student, the student who yelled the slurs has since identified themselves as a person of color according to a social media post by BSO. The protest addresses not only this incident, but others that protest organizers and attendees feel have gone unaddressed.

Virchelle Banks, BSO president and an organizer of the protest, feels confident they were noticed by members of the wcampus community.

“I feel like we were really loud and people heard us,” said Banks. “I remember us shouting and just hearing our voices echo in the parking garage that’s right across from the KC.”

Banks says the point of the protest was to make sure people hear them out.

“It’s not a black versus white issue, it’s not a race against race issue,” said Banks. “We just want people to hear where we’re coming from. We want to make this university inclusive and as diverse as they say it is.”

Many students and faculty stopped by to watch the protest. Some would walk up the steps to join them in the chants.

“I feel like people think things like this are a joke, or that it’s funny when you say the n-word,” said Daisy Partey, UNR student. “I don’t think it’s something that we should just brush over, we’re in the day and age where people should know better.”

Evan Robinson, ASUN Advocacy Director and senator-elect for the College of Liberal Arts, was at the protest and gave a speech and organized chants for the crowd.

During his speech, Robinson emphasized that black students only make up four percent of the student body, and that they need support from not only within the black community, but support from non-black people. He says that many of the black students at UNR either transfer or drop out of the university, and he believes a big reason is hate speech that goes unaddressed.

“When we don’t hold those folks accountable, what does that tell the campus community? What does that tell white supremacists? What does that tell people who think about hurting black or brown lives? It tells them that it’s okay and they have a pass to do it.”

Robinson wants to revisit this during his time as a new ASUN senator, and wants to use his platform to make change on campus.

“As a senator-elect for ASUN, I do plan on following up on this and really utilizing our inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility committee to really try to create some legislation that’s going to implement training for residents,” said Robinson. “Ultimately, this is because there’s no training. Diversity, equity and inclusion is not made a priority.”

Nick Stewart can be reached at ns@ sagebrush.unr.edu or on X @nickk_ stewart.

Jaedyn Young can be reached via email at jaedynyoung@ sagebrush.unr.edu, or on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush

Zoe Malen / The Nevada Sagebrush

Photos by Zoe Malen, Graphic by Emerson Drewes / The Nevada Sagebrush

Reno ranked 69th in cities with highest STD rates in the country

By Jaedyn Young

The home of the University of Nevada, Reno jumped onto the leaderboard of the top 100 cities with the highest sexually-transmitted disease rates, ranking at 69, according to a study done by Innerbody.

This was a significant jump, since the city was not included in the previous study, showing numbers have significantly grown in these 2021 statistics.

Cheryl Hug-English, the medical director of the University’s Student Health Center noted that the rates at which STIs are rising in the U.S. and Nevada are concerning.

According to data from the CDC in 2022, Nevada ranks in the top 10 for both gonorrhea and syphilis. The state also ranks 17 for chlamydia.

Innerbody obtained this data from their seventh annual STD study from the CDC’s 2021 data. They analyzed the data on a city-by-city basis to compile their list of the Top 100 cities with the highest STD rates.

“This emphasizes the pressing need for heightened attention and targeted interventions to address the growing public health challenge in the

area,” Eric Rodriquez, CEO of InnerbodyThesaid.statistics rank Reno with 760 STD cases per every 100,000 people. Showing 38 cases of HIV, 2,452 cases of chlamydia, 1,054 cases of gonorrhea and 159 cases of syphilis. All of these STDs can have permanently-damaging effects and in some cas- es can result in death if untreated.

“It’s important for people to know about STD numbers because understanding the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in different regions helps inform public health interventions and policies aimed at prevention and treatment,” Rodriguez said.

According to Northern Nevada Public Health data, Washoe County alone has seen a jump of from 581 cases of chlamydia in 2021 to 1,749 in 2023, along with a significant jump in cases of syphilis and gonorrhea.

The Innerbody study doesn’t specify age groups, but young adults, including college students, are often at higher risk of being infected, according to Rodriguez. He said factors

including inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners and lack of access to healthcare services are factors that contribute to increased risk among this demographic.

The University also completed the National College Health Assessment survey in fall 2022, which compares the university to other campuses across the country in specific health areas. According to the sexual statistics of the NCHA survey, about 69 percent of the survey respondents had one sexual partner on campus, while only nine percent noted having four or more.

Hug-English encouraged limiting the number of sexual partners as a prevention to getting an STI, having a conversation about mutual monogamy and with potential sexual partners before becoming sexually active. Getting tested and knowing your own personal STI status is also an important step to prevention from STIs.

The number of participants that reported using protection during sexual activity “most of the time” or “always” in the past 30 days included about four percent for oral sex, 35.5 for vag-

Reno STD Cases (2024)

inal sex and 20 percent for anal sex.

“The best safeguard against getting an STI is to use barrier protection such as a condom for each and every sexual encounter,” Hug-English said. “Oral contraceptives or IUDs do not provide protection against STIs.”

The University’s Student Health Center offers low-cost STI testing Monday through Friday, and it offers a limited number of free STI tests on a weekly basis by appointment only. HPV vaccinations are also available.

“Most sexually transmitted infec- tions can be treated if identified early,” Hug-English said. “If not treated, they can lead to long term consequences such as infertility, organ damage, certain types of cancer or death.”

Biggest Little Festival dragged down by lack of funding

By Nick Stewart

Biggest Little Festival — the annual spring music event hosted by the Associated Students of the University of Nevada was canceled for the spring 2024 semester. Referred to as the “Biggest Little Flop” or “Biggest Little Failure” by some anonymous posters on Yik Yak, many students were left confused and disappointed.

SInce 2016, BLF has seen many famous musicians headline: JID, Louis the Child, YG and Ella Mai. Traditionally, ASUN holds a music event once a semester: the Welcome Week Concert and BLF. However, a new festival came to light in BLF’s absence: The Joe Fest. Put on for the first time on April 12 in the Joe Crowley Student Union Ballrooms, Joe Fest showcased three local bands — Bender World, Honey Plant and Don Luxe — and caught flack for the lack of advertising and next-to-nothing turnout. To clarify, Joe Fest was not meant to be a

substitute for BLF, and there were different entities involved in the organization of that event.

The cancellation of BLF raised questions about why the event was quietly pushed to the side.

Sandra Rodriguez, director of the Center for Student Engagement, cited funding issues stemming from COVID-19, when the university had inflated budgets from surplus funds. Rodriguez said ASUN was spending upwards of $300,000 in recent years from the inflated budgets, and the funds were expended quickly.

“By fall, the realization hit that there was not going to be $300,000 to work with,” said Rodriguez.

When funds dried up, there was a backup plan to work with an outside sponsor and get money for BLF through alternative sources. However, more issues arose during

the process of working with the outside sponsor, according to Rodriguez.

The first issue that arose was the venue: BLF was supposed to be hosted in a parking lot, but it was soon discovered that the space was not reservable.

One of the larger problems was the age limit. The outside sponsor wanted to make BLF an 18+ show, but due to a university policy, UNR advised against it. This further exacerbated the issues with the university, ASUN, the outside sponsor and the festival as a whole.

“Doing an 18+ show opens us up to a lot of liabilities,” said Rodriguez. “When the dust finally settled, we took a step back … and there was the question if we should be spending this money”.

Rodriguez also cited lowered enrollment as part of the budget issue. ASUN gets their money via a $6.10 student credit fee, there-

fore if student enrollment dips — like it did in the 2023-2024 school year — ASUN’s budget takes a blow. This a constant fear for ASUN, especially with the upcoming 20242025 school year, where they won’t receive enrollment numbers until closer to the start of the fall 2024 semester.

Dawson Deal, ASUN president, recently presented a budget for the upcoming school year, and it was revealed there would, once again, be less money than hoped.

Music events at the university aren’t a thing of the past. There will still be money for a fall 2024 Welcome Week Concert, but the future of Biggest Little Festival is looking grim.

Nick Stewart can be

Graphic by Brooke Germain / Nevada Sagebrush

Jaedyn Young can be reached at Jaedynyoung@sagebrush. unr.edu or on Twitter @Nevada

Graphic by Brooke Germain / Nevada Sagebrush

Arts Entertainment

Asking Respectfully: What Was The 2023 Welcome Week Concert?

By Peregrine Hart

This year, the University of Nevada, Reno’s annual Welcome Week ended with a concert of contradictions.

Held in Lawlor Events Center on Sept. 1, the 2023 Welcome Week Concert brought oft-featured rapper and contemporary R&B artist Ty Dolla $ign on-stage, with local DJs Micah Meyers and Adam Vaughn opening. Presale tickets this year climbed to $30 — as compared with 2015’s $15 — perhaps prompting some to stay away. Ty Dolla $ign reached to touch fans hands at the Welcome Week Concert on Sept. 1 Attendees had plenty of time to shuffle in before the headliner made his appearance two hours after the concert’s 6 p.m. start time. The floor was easily Lawlor’s most boisterous region that night, but the surrounding stadium seating remained sparsely occupied throughout. A few sprightly groups took to the balconies and danced there, though most stayed in their seats. Outside, a trio of police cars lined the 15th Street entrance to Lawlor Events Center, with event staff on megaphones barking policy.

If memory serves, one staffer shouted: “Wristband to the right! No wristband to the left! No drugs, no alcohol, no bags!”

To ensure the strictly sober night didn’t get too wild, the Associated Students of the University of Nevada programming department had both opening DJs read a statement urging attendees to stay hydrated with a water station in the lobby and expressly forbidding mosh pits and crowd surfing; sorry, guys.

Prompt, early attendees with a freshman’s sense of punctuality were treated to a “who’s who” of recent pop music in Micah Meyers’ crowd-pleasing set. Meyers produces mixes with a satisfying rise and fall and a good command of the space, but it was mostly lighting who had a field day during his star-studded lineup. Dynamic, well-timed and overpowering — it proved to be a strength at Lawlor for the rest of the

night. On the other hand, DJ Adam Vaughn alters his material to a much greater and louder extent than Meyers does. He was often barely audible over the music in his own set. Much of it could be felt from the sternum, with the vibrations reaching high up in the stadium seats, anchored by a thorny landscape of gripping, grating digital instrumentation and relentless percussion.

Save the night’s second appearance of David Guetta and Bebe Rexha’s “I’m Good,” Vaughn’s track list was refreshingly broad, literate and complex, shaking off the oppressively hyped vibes of modern party music. Works by Stevie Nicks and AC/DC made an appearance alongside the contemporary, inventively remixed and strangely danceable. But here, something happening all night in small doses slowly came into relief. Vaughn, when you actually can hear him, curses intensely. This can be good for an artist’s stage presence. Breaking a taboo catches people’s attention. It makes them feel free of the institutions that watch and regulate their behavior all week.

At an official, school-sanctioned event intended largely for new students, an interesting tug-of-war came into play. What would soon become clear later in the concert, Ty Dolla $ign’s stage presence and music, are even more raunchy than Vaughn’s. What does it say when the University invites him to kick off the school year? Does it speak to a sense of newfound college independence that’s already there in the university’s incoming freshman? Or is it “I’m a cool mom” straight out of “Mean Girls,” written large on Lawlor’s stage?

“I said, Nevada,” Ty Dolla $ign announced in what had to be within his first minute on stage. “What the f— is up?!” The set list itself proved surprisingly laid-back for all the energy Ty Dolla $ign brought to the moments in-between. The artist, who is known mostly for his features on songs like “Sucker for Pain,” “Work from Home,” and “Psycho,” showed off his much slower solo works, which showcased his

singing voice. Much of it would feel more at home at a small high school prom than in a thundering stadium. This is where sound editing for the concert hit a major snag. In an effort to make his discography fit the vibe, the percussion was dialed up so extensively that it drowned out the rest of the instruments. During “By Yourself,” an otherwise confident, easy-going song about a woman who supports herself without a relationship, the percussion shredded the bass entirely. For “It’s A Vibe,” a 2 Chainz track on which he features, the live listening experience was roughly akin to what it would be like if a cajón — the Peruvian box drum known for its use in flamenco music — tried to murder you.

Hearing-adverse percussion aside, the “ladies” in the audience were prominent in Ty Dolla $ign’s music and pretrack call-outs, for “By Yourself” and beyond.

At one point, he said: “I heard Reno has the hot girls. Where are the hot girls at?” Plenty, to be fair, readily cheered their presence. However, given pop culture’s persistent sexualization problem, any breach of the subject is bound to strike a strange balance. Go too far into showily enlightened male feminist territory and it comes across as try-hard; fall back on old tropes and ride-or-die chicks and it’s dated.

Here, Ty Dolla $ign tried to come across as self-aware, but he hit an odd note. In the lead-up to “Spicy,” he asked the ladies in the audience, “Are you f— ing [tonight] or not? I’m saying, respectfully, though — respectfully.” Is there any way to ask that question respectfully? Maybe not being respectful about it is the whole point. This is a concert designed to make you forget you’re at school in the first place.

Peregrine Hart can be reached at emilyhess@sagebrush.unr.edu or via Twitter @emilyghess03 Continued online at thenevadasagebrush.com

The Invisible Festival: How The Joe Fest Played to a NearlyBallroomVacant

By Emily Hess

The Joe Crowley Student Union’s attempt to capture the spirit of the beloved Biggest Little Festival gave rise to Joe Fest, a festival that may go down in history — not for its impact — but for its astonishing ability to convene more performers than spectators.

Before delving deeper, let’s acknowledge the commendable efforts of BenderWorld. As lone warriors in the promotional battlefield, they tirelessly alerted their followers about Joe Fest. One could argue that without BenderWorld’s social media posts, the event might have mistaken itself for a closed rehearsal rather than a public festival.

As for the performances, the lineup — Honey Plant, BenderWorld and Don Luxe — deserves high praise for their enthusiastic delivery and commitment to their craft.

Each band showcased a plethora of original songs and filled the cavernous ballroom with their creativity and passion, despite playing to a room that felt more like an echo chamber than a music venue.

The music, certainly, was a highlight. The bands strummed, drummed and sang with a vigor that deserved a far larger and more responsive audience, yet the sparse crowd in attendance seemed to be made up predominantly of event staff — easily identifiable in their fresh-off-the-press free t-shirts. This unintended uniformity among the attendees only emphasized the lack of usual festival-goers.

These free t-shirts, which appeared to be the event’s most successful feature, seemed to bring in a few

souls, hinting that perhaps Joe Fest was better at distributing apparel than vibes. It was a peculiar sight: a handful of people gathered, less for the music and more for the merchandise, within a space echoing emptily with the sounds of what could have been.

One could argue that the minimal turnout was a silent testament to the event’s lack of proper advertising. With only about 30 people scattered across a massive ballroom, each attendee could have had their own personal concert — a silver lining if one squinted hard enough. It was almost as if the festival was an exclusive event for the few, the proud, the incredibly underinformed about the festival’s existence.

In closing, Joe Fest tried with all its might to fill the shoes of its predecessor but ended up feeling more like a private gathering than a public celebration. The bands, undeterred by the sea of empty space, played their hearts out to a virtually non-existent crowd. Here’s to the hopeful evolution of Joe Fest into a festival that can attract as many people as it does hopes and dreams. Let us not forget, when it comes to organizing future events, perhaps a bit more noise of the promotional kind might just fill those expansive, empty spaces. Cheers to the optimism that next year, the music won’t just

Continued online at thenevadasagebrush.com

Emily Hess can be reached at emilyhess@sagebrush.unr. edu or via Twitter @emilyghess03

The Biggest Little Racers: Inside Reno’s RC Racing World

By Emily Hess

Nestled just a stone’s throw north of the University of Nevada, Reno – amidst a cluster of nondescript business edifices – lies a hidden gem of high-octane excitement. However, the contenders here are not your typical race cars — they tip the scales at a mere four and a half pounds, and have no real drivers, just remote controls.

Welcome to Whip It: RC Raceway and Hobbies, located at 1005 Standard St., in the heart of Panther Valley. Without insider knowledge, this thrilling world would remain a secret – its existence unbeknownst to passersby.

Step through the unas -

suming entrance, and you’re immediately transported into an electrifying realm where the air is tinged with the scent of rubber and the soundtrack is a symphony of whirring motors and the occasional thud of a racecar meeting the clay track. This is where the miniature heart of motorsport beats the loudest. Racers, each with their personalized pit stop along the perimeter of the racetrack, come prepared with an arsenal of equipment: RC stands, batteries, chargers and an array of tools essential for the fine-tuning of their machines. The vehicles, despite their diminutive size, are

marvels of engineering – delicate yet capable of breathtaking speed and agility. It’s a rare sight to see a car cross the finish line without bearing the scars of battle, necessitating a pit stop for adjustments or repairs before the next round. Before the official races kick off, participants are afforded a couple of warm-up laps for last-minute adjustments and strategy planning. The competition is structured into classes based on the vehicles’ specifications: 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive divided into expert, intermediate, sportsman, short course truck, stadium truck and novice. This ensures a

level playing field, allowing for fair and fierce competition. On the track, the race is not just against time but also a test of skill and strategy, monitored closely by marshals ready to intervene. These trackside guardians leap into action to right any vehicles that stray from their course, ensuring the race flows smoothly. At the core of Whip It: RC Raceway and Hobbies is a community that embodies the spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect. Here, age and experience level are merely numbers; what truly matters is the shared passion for RC racing. It’s a place

where advice, support, and sometimes even spare parts are freely exchanged, fostering an environment where everyone, from seasoned pros to eager novices, feels welcome.

The raceway’s calendar is meticulously organized to cater to a wide range of skill levels, ensuring that everyone — from those experts wielding 2WD buggies with expert precision to newcomers getting their bearings in the novice class — finds their stride and thrill.

The technology underpinning these miniature racers is nothing short of impressive. With advancements mirroring those of their full-sized

counterparts, RC cars boast customizable components like adjustable suspensions and electronic speed controllers that can be fine-tuned for performance. The evolution from NiCd to LiPo batteries and brushless motor technology has revolutionized the scene, offering lighter, more powerful, and longerlasting energy sources, making the races more dynamic and strategy-driven.

Continued online at thenevadasagebrush.com

Emily Hess can be reached at emilyhess@sagebrush.unr. edu or via Twitter @emilyghess03

Zoe Malen/Nevada Sagebrush

Gabe Kanae/Nevada Sagebrush

UNR Theater And Dance Misfires With “Assassins”

By Emily Hess

As the curtains lifted on Friday, Feb. 16, the stage was set for a spectacle featuring America’s most infamous assassins as the main characters. Clad in a patriotic coat of red, white and blue, this show promised a wild ride filled with dance, gunplay, catchy tunes and a gathering of elderly white gentlemen presidents.

However, the University of Nevada, Reno Theater and Dance production of “Assassins” didn’t just miss the mark—it misfired. Directed by Deborah Leamy, the play promised presidential assassination stories served with a side of dark humor, but it felt more like a dull political debate.

Nevertheless, amid the mishaps, there were a couple of shining stars. Georgia McKnight and Peyton Tuley effortlessly brought Squeaky Fromme and Sara Jane Moore, respectively to life; both igniting the stage with their electric chemistry and captivating portrayal. Similarly, Coy Romo’s casting as the Balladeer was a stroke of brilliance, adding depth and emotion to the narrative. On the other hand, Luis Galvez’s performance, though solid, fell somewhat flat due to the predictable nature of his grumpy character typecasting.

Now, let’s chat about the wardrobe: it was as vibrant as a rainbow on a sunny day. Each assassin sported a pop of red that added a delightful splash of color to the stage. Just imagine John Wilkes Booth commanding attention in his majestic red coat, exuding confidence and charisma as if he’s the star of his own show.

And then there’s Lee Harvey Oswald, rocking red socks that’s more than just a fashion statement—it’s a symbol of his inner turmoil, adding depth to his character in a visually striking way. In short, the wardrobe choices were bold, eye-catching and perfectly complemented the theatrical flair of the production.

The musical number “How I Saved Roosevelt” proved to be a dizzying spectacle, but not necessarily in a good way. While the energy was high and the performers gave it their all, the overall singing and chaotic running around the stage created an eye sore rather than a captivating moment.

The frenetic pace and lack of cohesion left the audience seeming disoriented, struggling to keep up with the whirlwind of activity unfolding before them. Despite the best efforts of the cast, this particular musical number fell short of delivering the intended impact, leaving much to be desired in terms of clarity and execution.

And let’s talk about the bold choice of using a meme as the backdrop during the Ronald Reagan assassination attempt scene in “Assassins” at UNR. It’s like they thought, “Hey, why not add a little modern flair to this historical moment?” But instead of a clever nod to internet culture, it felt more like someone accidentally left their browser window open on the projector.

A lot of the show felt overdone, or just missing the mark. Nothing truly felt just right. And a certain amount of this has to be held up to the writing of the play and not just the performance. But I fear, even if we had a stellar performance, the play still would’ve fallen flat. So, what’s the takeaway? Maybe next time, they should aim for a bit more punch and a lot less political posturing. After all, if you’re going to tackle a topic as dark as presidential assassinations, you might as well go all-in and make it a killer performance.

“I’m Just A Girl”: UNR Theatre and Dance encapsulates girlhood with “Girls Like That”

“Girls Like That,” as staged by University of Nevada Reno’s Theatre and Dance department, isn’t just your run-of-themill production — it’s a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of girlhood that’ll have you laughing, crying, and everything in between. From the get-go, the show grabs your attention with a mashup of TikTok videos and a lineup of twelve pink chairs, setting the scene for a whirlwind journey that’s as modern as it is timeless.

production, adding layers of meaning to the already rich tapestry of girlhood. Whether it’s a metaphor for sisterhood or a nod to the pecking order of teenage social circles, these poultry puns pack a punch.

Maya Wolery’s portrayal is a kaleidoscope of emotions, capturing the essence of a young girl’s journey with a blend of vulnerability and resilience. As she navigates the complexities of identity and belonging, Wolery draws the audience into her character’s

At its heart, “Girls Like That” is a deep dive into the ups and downs faced by eleven young girls as they navigate the stormy seas of St. Helens Middle School. Through a series of vignettes and character-driven moments, the audience is treated to a buffet of girl power, friendship dramas, and teenage angst — all served up with a side of sass and sparkle. The TikTok dance breaks might seem a tad out of left field at first, but they’re the cherry on top of this theatrical sundae. They’re like little bursts of girl energy, reminding us that while the world might change, the spirit of girlhood remains as vibrant as ever. There are historical snippets sprinkled throughout the show, like little Easter eggs waiting to be discovered. They’re like breadcrumbs leading us down memory lane, shedding light on the journey from Polly Pocket to TikTok and everything in between. It’s a crash course in girl history, you’re going to want to pay attention to this one.

But it’s not all fun and games — there’s some real meat to chew on here. Take, for example, the recurring chicken and hen references. They’re like the secret sauce of the

world with a magnetic presence that’s impossible to ignore. From moments of quiet introspection to fiery determination, she shines like a beacon of girl power, illuminating the stage with her authenticity and grace.

Madilyn Meyers dazzles with her tour de force performance, embodying her character with a raw intensity that’s impossible to ignore. Meyers’ portrayal is like a wildfire, consuming everything in its path with a ferocity that’s both captivating and terrifying. From moments of quiet vulnerability to explosive emotion, she commands the stage with a presence that’s as powerful as it is poignant, leaving the audience breathless in her wake.

Alyssa von Eberstein enchants with her quiet strength and unwavering resilience, portraying her character with a grace that’s both understated and profound. Von Eberstein’s performance is like a gentle breeze, weaving through the narrative with a subtle, captivating elegance. With each measured step and whispered word, she draws the audience into her character’s world, inviting them to explore the depths of girlhood with empathy and understanding.

wwTogether, Maya Wolery, Madilyn Meyers and Alyssa von Eberstein form a constellation of talent, each shining brightly in their own unique way. Their standout performances elevate “Girls Like That” to new heights, enriching the production with depth, nuance and emotional resonance that lingers long after the final curtain falls. In a world where the voices of young girls are often silenced, they remind us that girlhood is a force to be reckoned with — a kaleidoscope of strength, resilience and infinite possibility.

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the British accents, but while out of left field, it was needed. It’s like adding a splash of cream to your Earl Grey — so-not-American, but oh-so-delightful. At the end of the day, “Girls Like That” isn’t just a play — it’s a celebration of all things

girl. From the highs of friendship to the lows of heartbreak, it’s a wild ride through the rollercoaster that is adolescence.

Photos by Zoe Malen/Nevada Sagebrush

By Emily Hess

Emily Hess can

Photos by Zoe Malen/Nevada Sagebrush

Emily Hess can be reached at emilyhess@ sagebrush. unr.edu or on Twitter @ emilyghess03

Opinion

Situationships Are Like Unpaid Internships, Not

By Emily Hess

“Situationships” are the Gen-Z version of friends with benefits. First brought about in 2006, situationships can be defined as: “any problematic relationship characterized by one or more unresolved, interpersonal conflicts, usually confused with dating,” according to Dictionary.com.

A situationship is essentially a relationship in limbo. One person is unsure of being in a relationship and another person who wants to be in a relationship is waiting for the person to buck up and commit. Situationships are often the continuation of a hook-up with an emphasis on wanting more. It closely mocks a relationship, but one partner is more invested than the other, because if they weren’t invested it would cease to exist.

But why would anyone want to do that to themselves? Have everything a relationship has, minus the relationship? Because, situationships are sneaky. You don’t really understand you’re in one until it’s nearly too late. Pulling from personal experience, I found myself waiting around for a person to see how committed I was to them and make me their girlfriend. However, I failed to realize that they stuck around because I was willing to continue without a label; I was essentially being stringed along. Why would they give me the pleasure of a label when I was putting in the work of a full-blown relationship without the title?

It was basically an unpaid internship. If you listen to popularized music, you’ll find that many people find themselves in similar situations: Out of the Woods (Taylor’s Version), defines an ill-fated short-term relationship that was meant to crash and burn, “are we in the clear yet?” Of course, to mention another Taylor Swift song, august by Taylor Swift defines the situationships perfectly, “August slipped away in a moment in time / ‘cause it was never mine”. This line explains the fleeting romance of an unlabeled relationship and the understanding that it was truly never hers.

For those of you who aren’t Swifties, “Salt in the Wound” by boygenius speaks about the longing for a label with the line “You add insult to injury, you say you believe in me, but you haven’t decided about taking or leaving me.”

Regardless of music, the situationship is everywhere: “The Great Gatsby” is a great

uations.

My situationship went on for a couple months. I got to know him intimately, met their friends and even talked about the future. I thought this was going somewhere; but relationships take two people.

But why wouldn’t the person who didn’t

example of unrequited love with Gatsby and Daisy. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza” shows us unconventional situationships with Alana and Gary. Arguably the most infamous example of the situationships is the 1989 film, “When Harry Met Sally”. It should be noted that most of the stories receive their happily ever after in reality people primarily get hurt in these sit-

want the relationship just leave?

Personally, I blame the excess of accessibility we have in this day and age: Tinder, Hinge, Instagram, Snapchat, you can legitimately have your cake and eat it too. You no longer have to look longingly at a bar or meet someone through a friend-ofa-friend. Today, the illusion of choice has ruined the dating landscape. If you look

up “#situationship” on TikTok you’ll find thousands of videos of women crying about men that won’t commit to them.

However, for a situationship to really work, someone needs to be putting in the effort. This person is generally more anxiously attached to the partner who won’t commit to the other. In my experience the person that is putting in the work often feels like they’re drained trying to make this work. The person who says they don’t want a relationship, is often the one that is putting in little to no effort.

This gave a weird patriarchal power dynamic in my situation. All I wanted was for the relationship to go my way, but due to the lack of commitment from my partner I was frequently left in the dark.

Now this is the part of the situationship where Taylor pulls out her pen and starts writing. The second you feel the shift in the relationship, when they’re pulling away, you have a choice. This is the time to sit down and have a conversation with yourself, or the other party (if they’re even willing).

Remember that every situationship is unique, and the best approach may vary depending on your individual circumstances and feelings. The key is to prioritize your own happiness and well-being while being respectful and considerate of the other person’s feelings as well.

Opinions expressed in The Nevada Sagebrush are solely those of the author and do not necessarily express the views of The Sagebrush or its staff.

Gabriel Kanae is a student at the University of Nevada studying journalism. They can be reached at gkanae@sagebrush.unr.edu and

So, my fellow situationship survivors, as we wrap up this rollercoaster ride through the maze of modern love, remember this: life’s too short for ‘unpaid internships,’ especially the kind that don’t even offer college credit.

Social media is ruining your protective bubble

By Gabe Kanae

It is so easy to forget the importance of securing and protecting yourself in your everyday life, especially considering the challenges our generation faced following the COVID-19 pandemic. When reflecting on the many experiences that my friends and I experienced in our lives recently, I came to the realization that: many of us do not understand how to emotionally protect ourselves.

Our generation’s obsession with social media does have an impact on our daily lives. We rely on it to get news, spread the recent community stories and hear perspectives besides our own. However, it can be overwhelming if we let it dominate and control how we view the world in its entirety.

As of the last few months, I have been overburdened by the amount of opposing views, comments and debates I see on social media. My front page is inundated with sensitive content to grab people’s attention and encourage them to act. Despite the intention of the people posting this type of content, it has had the opposite effect. I have found myself utterly disturbed by the lack of warning or consideration on how these triggering and video images could impact anybody at any given time. I realized I had to emotionally protect myself by muting phrases, words and sometimes, even my favorite accounts.

Our generation places priority on progres-

sion and change. I came to the realization that my attempts and desire to promote progress and change is actually causing me to be exposed to the lack of it in our society. In turn, it made me

feel even worse. Our generation fears being left out of the loop and not in the middle of the conversation. This has caused a lot of us to surround ourselves with information that opposes our world view, which causes more stress in our lives. It is a form of self-sabotage.

After realizing where my physical actions were placing me, I discovered that I had more control than I previously believed. It’s the same reason a lot of people find themselves a lot happier in their lives when they quit so-

cial media platforms. By surrounding myself with information that isn’t political, controversial or complicated — I was able to enjoy my time on social media more. Sure, this means I am not as informed on the current

celebrity gossip or the global news conversations but, I am also significantly more satisfied in my life and my current position in it.

A lot of this satisfaction comes from accepting that I do not understand, know about or have an opinion on some of the most controversial topics currently being discussed – “out of sight, out of mind.” Since I do not know about the issues going on in the world, I’m able to live more freely and accept that I will

be okay even if the worst scenarios come into my life. To many, it may come as a form of ignorance, but perhaps putting yourself first is more essential and important than being exposed to issues you cannot personally change on your own. I enjoy learning about what is occurring in the world by listening to my friends, family and instructors. Being able to hear perspectives and find out about topics from the people around me has allowed me to explore my opinions and perspectives on them without a fear of judgment, argumentation and the overwhelming nature of conversation that social media may induce. As social media continues to grow, develop and change, it is more important than ever to trust yourself and prioritize your health, safety and emotional stability – even if that means you might not be personally involved in the biggest conversations and discourses.

Opinions expressed in The Nevada Sagebrush are solely those of the author and do not necessarily express the views of The Sagebrush or its staff.

Gabriel Kanae is a student at the University

Photo courtesy of Caleb Ekeroth via Unsplash

Gabe Kanae/Nevada Sagebrush

MONDAY, MAY 6,

March Madness Stunner: Nevada Surrenders 17-Point Lead, Loses To Dayton 63-60

By James Wolfgang Perez

The Nevada men’s basketball team suffered a historic collapse, as a 17-point lead dissipated in the final seven minutes, for a devastating 63-60 loss to the Dayton Flyers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Flyers went to work early as Koby Brea, Dayton guard, knocked down a long three-pointer for the first points of the game. After Brea stole an errant pass from the arms of Nick Davidson, Nevada guard, he found Daron Holmes II, Dayton forward, who drove through the paint for a dunk. The Flyers took a 5-0 lead in the first minute of the game.

Davidson provided the Pack with a much-needed response, as he maneuvered through the Dayton defense for a onehanded layup that got Nevada on the board. Holmes II quickly countered with a dunk at the other end. With the Pack’s next possession, Jarod Lucas, Nevada guard, attempted to find Davidson, but Holmes II intercepted the pass. The Flyers then turned the ball over as Tre Coleman, Nevada forward, intercepted a pass in the same sequence. Coleman then found Davidson, who raced down the court for a wide-open dunk.

Right after Davidson’s dunk, Enoch Cheeks, Dayton guard, drove inside for a tough layup to match. To counter, Kenan Blackshear, Nevada guard, received the inbound pass and sprinted down the court. He spotted Coleman wide open in the corner, who drained the Pack’s first three of the game. Cheeks scored another layup, only for Coleman to answer with a layup of his own. Blackshear then scored on a midrange fadeaway shot to tie the game at 1111 with 14:48 to go in the first half.

After a foul from K.J. Hymes, Nevada forward, Holmes II shot a pair from the line to take a 13-11 lead. In a similar fashion Blackshear once again converted from mid-range to tie the game, before a Davidson free throw helped the Pack take an outright lead of 14-13.

Shortly after, the Pack went cold as they converted only 1-10 shots from the field, with the sole points scored by Daniel Foster, Nevada forward, on a layup. In contrast, the Flyers shot 4-8 during this time, with consecutive triples made by Javon Bennet and Kobe Elvis, Dayton guards. The Flyers quickly built a seven-point lead at 23-16 with 6:24 remaining. Down three possessions, the Pack persisted. Blackshear made his way through the paint for a layup. However, Isaac Jack, Dayton forward, connected on a layup of his own on the Flyer’s next possession. Coleman then banked in his second triple, and Lucas converted on a mid-range jumper for his first bucket of the game to bring Nevada within two.

Lucas appeared to shake off his rough start as he drained his first three-pointer to give the Pack into the lead at 27-25. Davidson added to Nevada’s run with another triple and a layup. With eight seconds left in the half, a turnover by Holmes II placed the ball in the hands of Blackshear. The guard swiftly maneuvered down the court and sunk a step-back jumper to conclude the half.

Despite a poor start offensively, the Pack finished the first half with an emphatic 16-0 run, as they secured a 34-25 halftime lead — a comfortable area for the Pack, who held a 24-0 record with a halftime lead this season. Davidson led Nevada with 10 points and three rebounds at the half. Both sides came out hot to start the second half as they matched each other point for point. Consecutive jumpers from both Blackshear and Lucas helped the Pack along with a Hymes free throw propelled the Pack to an early 43-29 advantage.

Brief momentum came for the Flyers with back-to-back layups from Jack, but it quickly halted as Davidson and Lucas buried threes that kept the Pack steady at 4935 with 10:54 left in the game. Points continued to be exchanged until

Lucas knocked down another jumper and drained a fade-away three-pointer, which extended the Pack’s lead to 17 points, at 56-39 with 7:36 left.

Nevada began to crumble after Lucas’ back-to-back makes. A foul by Davidson sent Holmes II to the free-throw line, where he went 1-2 to chip away at the lead. On the Pack’s next possession, Nevada forward Tylan Pope attempted a threepointer that wouldn’t fall. In transition, the Flyers manipulated the Pack defense, which created enough space to allow Brea to sink an open-look three-pointer.

Immediately after, a turnover by Coleman led to a fast-break layup for Holmes II. Another foul, this time by Pope, sent Holmes II back to the line, where he made both free throws to cut Nevada’s lead to 56-47 before the Pack called a timeout with 5:13 remaining.

Out of the timeout, the Pack desperately needed any source of offense. Foster attempted a three as the shot clock was about to expire, but it didn’t go. Cheeks instantly reached for the rebound to start the Flyer’s next offensive attack. Brea then sank yet another three-pointer and Nevada called another timeout.

With all the pressure on them, the Pack began their next possession. This would not last long, as Blackshear immediately turned the ball over to Holmes II. The Flyers took advantage and made their way down the court once more and shifted the defense for a corner three from Nate Santos, Dayton forward, who made it a threepoint game at 56-53.

After a missed three from Blackshear, the Flyers had a chance to tie the game. They seized it on a fastbreak, as Brea converted on his third consecutive threepointer. The game was tied 56-56 with 2:45 left, as Dayton capped off a 17-0 run. Lucas ended Nevada’s nearly fiveminute scoring drought with a tough

layup, bringing the Pack up 58-56. However, Holmes II then stormed through the paint, fought off contact from Foster, and executed a successful dunk and one. As he completed the three-point play, Holmes II gave the Flyers their first lead since midway through the first half, at 59-58, with 2:01 left.

In response, Blackshear drove through the defense and scored a layup, to give the Pack a 60-59 lead. To counter, Santos maneuvered through the defense and banked in a layup off the backboard that lifted the Flyers to a 61-60 advantage with 37 seconds remaining. With limited possessions left, Davidson seized control of the ball. Dayton applied tight coverage, which left little room to pass. Mid-dribble, Davidson lost possession on a steal by Cheeks. Foster quickly fouled, which allowed Santos to sink a pair at the line, to put Nevada down 6360 with fifteen seconds left, with possibly only one play left. As the Pack moved down the court, they struggled to find good shot selection. As the seconds ticked down, they were forced to shoot. Davidson attempted a threepointer that bounced off the rim and into Coleman’s hands. With one last chance, Coleman kicked it out to Blackshear in the dying seconds, but he missed the threepoint shot. This capped off a Nevada collapse, as they were outscored 24-4 after they held a 17-point lead, in a heartbreaking 63-60 loss.

“Just March Madness basketball really,” Blackshear said in a post-game press conference. “It was electric in there. I’ll never forget this. It’s crazy. Just a meltdown really. Can’t put it into words. I take responsibility for it. It’s on me.”

Nevada seeded as 10-seed in March Madness Tournament

By Derek Raridon

The Nevada men’s basketball team made the NCAA March Madness tournament for the second year in a row, this time as a solidified 10-seed in the West region.

“The pressure was huge. It felt like last year a little bit,” Nick Davidson, Nevada forward, said in a press conference after the event. “I knew we were in, but they made us wait, that’s for sure. But, it was very nice to see our name called on the board, and it’s a great opportunity coming up.”

This bid marks the eleventh time Nevada has made the tournament and the fourth time it has done so in consecutive years. However, the upcoming tournament will be only the second time the Wolf Pack has been the 10-seed. The other time was in 2004, when Nevada went to the Sweet 16 and lost to No. 3 Georgia Tech 72-67.

“I didn’t expect the 10-seed,” Tré Coleman, Nevada forward, said. “But we still got in. I think Dayton is a good draw for us.”

Historically, the 10-seed has been one of the best places for Nevada. The Wolf Pack’s lone 10-seed appearance left them with a 2-1 record, the second most amount of games they have played. The only other seed Nevada has played three or more games in is the seven seed. The program is 3-3 off of three appearances.

”Our guys are really excited about the opportunity to play,” Steve Alford, head coach of the Nevada men’s basketball team, said. “To play close to home. Hopefully we’ll sell a lot of tickets. This is an easy flight, easy game to get to. It’ll be a great weekend in Salt Lake City.”

Nevada’s 10-seed placement was a shock to many in the Lawlor Events Center for the watch party. On March 11, Nevada was ranked No. 23 in the nation and was projected to be a five or six seed in the dance. This was changed, however, when the team was upset by Colorado State in the Mountain West Conference tournament on March 14. Despite the Pack’s loss and other key programs winning/ losing, organizations like ESPN and CBS still had Nevada as a seven seed in different regions going into the morning of March 17.

”Honestly, with some of the seeds, [we] weren’t given the respect we should’ve had,” Jarod Lucas, Nevada guard, said. “The Mountain West…we’re all really good teams and we’re all knocking each other off all year. It

was a little disappointing to see the seeds, but obviously we are all tremendously happy to get into the NCAA tournament.”

The Pack’s three seed drop followed a trend almost every other Mountain West school who got a bid for the dance had happened to them as well. Of the other five schools, those being San Diego State, Utah State, Colorado State, Boise State and New Mexico, all but Utah State and San Diego State fell multiple seeds from where they were projected. Below are the projections from ESPN for the six Mountain West schools before Selection Sunday and where they were seeded.

San Diego State: Projected six/seeded five (up one)

Utah State: Projected seven/seeded eight (down one)

Nevada: Projected seven/seeded 10 (down three)

New Mexico: Projected nine/seeded 11 (down two)

Boise State: Projected eight/seeded in first four (down four)

Colorado State: Projected nine/seeded in first four (down three)

Alford commented on many of the Mountain West teams being seeded lower than expected.

”Sometimes seeding comes down to where you’re going to go, where you’re going to play,” Alford said. “I’m sure when there’s multiple teams [from the same conference], it gets harder. Some of the seedings seem a bit off to me. But at this point, you know you’re going to play someone really good and you feel fortunate to be a part of the national tournament.”

Nevada now has a few days to prepare before leaving for Salt Lake City, Utah, where they will take on the Dayton Flyers in the first round of the NCAA tournament on March 21 at 1:30 p.m.

”I don’t want this to end, really,” Kenan Blackshear, Nevada guard, said. “We’re just very connected right now, and we want to play as long as we can, go out there and have fun and get better from last year.”

By Derek Raridon

The Nevada swim and dive team had a historic meet this past weekend from Feb. 21 to 24, placing on the podium nine times, six of them setting new school records and all of them in the top three of their respective books.

On the first day of the event, the 200 medley team consisting of Scarlett Ferris, Sara Mihalic, Yasmin Perry and Evie Floate took home a bronze medal with a time of 1:38.52, putting them in the history books as the second fastest time in school history.

Nevada stacked up three more medals and records during the second day of events. The first came from Frederica Kizek, who in the 500 freestyle event, swam a time of 4:44.85, getting her second place in the event and marking her second in the school’s history.

Later in the day, Melissa Mirafuentes, diver, got second place in the threemeter springboard event with a score of 71.55.

The last event Nevada placed in was the 400 medley event. The team, which consisted of Perry, Ferris, Floate and Mihalic once again, swam a time of 3:36.14. Their efforts earned them second place in the event and first in school history. These were not the only accolades from the 400 medley event, as Ferris, during her 100 backstroke split, broke the school record for the split with a time of 52.14 seconds.

As the third day came and went, Nevada added two more podium finishes and three more school records. To start the day, Perry swam a time of 53.26 in the 100 butterfly event. While it didn’t get her

on the podium, Perry’s time did put her in the school record books, taking third all time in the event for the school. Later on, Kizek swam in the 400 individual medley event, finishing with a time of 4:13.61. Kizek got second place in the event and put herself third in Nevada’s record books.

Nevada’s highlight of the day was Ferris in the 100 backstroke. The freshman from Scotland swam a time of 51.49 seconds, which nabbed her first place and broke the meet and conference record for the event. The Wolf Pack rounded out their conference tournament appearance with three podium appearances and one more record. Kizek earned her third medal of the meet in the 1650 freestyle event, finishing with a time of 16:11.82 to claim first place and setting a new school record.

Perry took home one more medal as well in the 200 butterfly event. She swam a time of 1:57.85, adding a second place finish to her meet resume. And lastly, Mirafuentes took third place in the platform diving event with an overall score of 310.60. With all of the hardware under their belt, the swim and dive team will take a week off, then go to Westmont, Illinois to compete in the TYR Pro Series from March 7 to 9.