The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

PRESS

February 15, 2018

VOLUME 91 | ISSUE 15

1922 UMW community celebrates Black History Month

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Elizabeth Devine Staff Writer

Despite the current racial tensions throughout the United States, the faculty and students of Mary Washington have been working hard to unify the campus through a series of Black History Month celebrations. Many people have spent months planning and preparing for the events with hopes to promote social justice and equality while paying tribute to the numerous the accomplishments of African-Americans in our society.

Throughout the month of February, UMW’s James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC) will be holding a wide

range of programs and activities, such as lectures, panel discussions, and entertainment events. According to Dr. Marion Sanford, the Director of the JFMC, these events will help students recognize “how we can grow and heal with peace and love.”

UMW student organizations have also played a major role in organizing and hosting this month’s events. Student representatives worked months in advance doing their part in selecting key speakers and programs.

The Black Student Association (BSA) was one of these organizations and will be co-sponsoring the Step Show on Saturday, February 24 at 7 p.m.. President of the club,

“The campus community can be a microcosm of the larger society.”

-Dr. Marion Sanford

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

http://magazine.umw.edu/ / Norm Shafer Dr. Marion Sanford is the director of UMW’s James Farmer Multicultural Center.

Chiann Todd, is proud to contribute to the event which will bring together historically black Greek organizations from different universities, members from the Fredericksburg community, local high school teams, and UMW’s own step team, Alter Egos.

“Hands-down, it is my favorite event,” said Todd.

Hosted by the African Student Union (ASU), Colors of Africa is an event that highlights Caribbean, African, and traditional African- American culture •JFMC | 2 through music, dance,

Changes called for in Student Government Association constitution Hannah Galeone Senior Writer

On Wednesday, February 7 the Student Senate convened to vote on a new governing system as well as a recently re-drafted Student Government Association constitution.

The new constitution proposes that the Senate will be made up of 27 members including the president. These 27 members will be voted on by the student body — a drastic change from the constitution that is currently in place at UMW. “Your representative is now elected by you,” said Matt Good, SGA Task

Force Chair. Elections will take place through OrgSync between Tuesday, February 20 and Thursday, February 22.

An email will be sent out about elections closer to the start date.

Another addition to the proposed SGA constitution is the creation of a new Advisory Board position. This position in the

Representative for Inclusion and Civic Engagement, a community category that did not have representation in the past. This representative will be responsible for working alongside the James Farmer Multicultural Center as well as Sabrina Johnson, UMW’s newly appointed Vice President of Equity and

“We want students to know to come to us and we want to promote that.”

-Matt Good

Access.

The rewritten constitution was created after research was conducted and focus group information was collected by SGA. The information gathered from the aforementioned research and focus groups allowed SGA to determine what the UMW student body truly wants.

The UMW student body expressed confusion surrounding who was on SGA and what their roles and purpose were. Students also expressed their concerns with contacting members of SGA as well as the effectiveness of the student government.

“The new constitution

•SGA | 2

www.umwsenate.org

Recently the UMW Student Government Association (SGA) made the decision to rewrite their constitution.

IN THIS

ISSUE

DAILY GRIND

TOO TAXING?

CHEER UP

Blackstone baristas spill the best drink secrets.

Taxes on feminine hygeine products are discriminatory.

UMW cheerleaders defend their sport.

LIFE | 6

VIEWPOINTS | 4

SPORTS | 12

NEWS THE

BLUE & GRAY PRESS

MISSION The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelly Emmrich

MANAGING EDITOR Tessa Cate

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Izzy Briones

VIEWPOINTS Ginny Bixby

LIFE Lauren Closs

SPORTS

Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Izzy Briones | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Faculty and students work to unify campus •JFMC | 1

and food. Their mission statement explains how ASU will hold this event, “to celebrate the cultures that Black people create.

Whether it is Black people of the African continent, African Americans, or Caribbean islanders, Blackness is a transnational and multicultural experience and it ought to be celebrated as such.”

Along with popular, annual events, like the Step Show, the JFMC is holding new programs this year, including the public forum, Parallels: Past and Present. Hosted by Erin Krutko Devlin, assistant professor of history and American studies.

This forum highlights the similarities between the, “mid-century civil rights movement and contemporary struggles for social justice,” according to JFMC’s website.

“Especially in light of what we are dealing with in this society, I think this will be a very interesting discussion that focuses on what we can do to make change happen in a positive way in our

campus and country,” said Sanford.

“The campus community can be a microcosm of the larger society.

Campus Dining also hosts several dinners in honor of Black History

UMW community.

“Over the last ten years, we have worked with student representatives and JFMC faculty to explore ideas and make these menus, so that it is not just Campus Dining making the final decisions,” Rose Benedict, the Campus Dining Marketing Manager, said. “This is a partnership. We want to be flexible and open to suggestions.”

In future years, Todd would like to see more students go to the Black History Month events. “Sometimes it’s hard for us to step out of our comfort zone, but it’s important to understand that diversity and inclusion is essential for this celebration,” said Todd. “We put these events on for the [entire] campus.”

To all the people who help contribute to UMW’s celebrations of black history, this month gives them an opportunity to show what is means to be African-American. When asked what this month means to her, Todd beamed, “It is a month that allows others to learn how to value diversity and inclusion.”

“It is a month that allows others to learn how to value diversity and inclusion.”

-Chiann Todd Month. This month’s dining events include Southern Soul Food, Caribbean, Cajun/Creole/Mardi Gras, and African Cuisine. Menus include dishes such as Creole jambalaya, beef jolof, collard greens with ham, mango pork with apple fennel salad, and much more.

By collaborating with representatives of the BSA and the JFMC, Campus Dining develops menus that celebrate various African cultures. These menus are reviewed every year, and are flexible for changes due to suggestions from students and other members of the

SGA works to build connections with the student body •SGA | 2

is data driven,” says Good.

“We want students to know to come to us and we want to promote that.”

After analyzing the results of the research, SGA decided to take action and rewrite the constitution. Another thing that drove SGA to rewrite the University’s student legislature was the year in which the current constitution was written — around 2006. SGA felt that the 12 year old constitution was too dated and needed a revamp.

“Just because [the constitution] works doesn’t mean it’s the best,” says Good. “We’re not effective, and some of that is systemic. So we wanted to know, ‘how do we correct that to set us up more for success?’”

When SGA looks toward the future, there are several things that they hope to see for the University and its students.

“Everything about this [new constitution] excites [SGA],” says Good.

When SGA talked to students both within and outside of focus groups, they discovered that the student body has concerns but they do not step forward with them. Students would turn to social media, their friend groups, or classroom conversation when a concern or conflict arose.

SGA hopes that with their new constitution, students will choose to bring their concerns and problems to student government.

“I think we can look forward to a more effective student government,” said Good. “[SGA] finds it hard to get things done when nothing is brought to us. We [hope that] more student concerns are [brought to SGA].

“[SGA] finds it hard to get things done when nothing is brought to us. We [hope that] more student concerns are [brought to SGA].”

-Matt Good Members of SGA hope that their efforts, alongside the newly drafted constitution, will create a more open and inviting relationship between the student body and student government.

Ryan Brauch

ONLINE Es Hethcox

PHOTO Cayley McGuire Kyrstiane Urbaniak

Business Team Linda Fitzpatrick

CORRECTIONS for THE Week The Viewpoints article “Time’s Up: A male perspective on the recent sexual assault allegations” by Nathaniel Devine published in the Feb. 1 issue contained a factual error. The article incorrectly references a Supreme Court case that inspired Harper Lee’s Novel To Kill A Mockingbird and says two white women accused twelve black men of rape. The case being referenced was Powell v. Alabama, in which the decision to convict nine men of rape in a lower court was reversed. The article also incorrectly states that twelve men were accused when the actual number was nine, that the case was decided in 1933 when it was decided in 1932, and that the men were convicted when they were actually acquitted. This was a fact checking error on the part of the writer and the editors.

In last weeks issue of The Blue & Gray Press, the news article titled “Confederate Flag in Mason Hall concerns students” had an error in its sourcing. The article incorrectly said Mackenzie Norris is a junior, when Norris is actually a senior. This was an error on the part of the writer.

Janelle Behm

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

2

PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Kelly Emmrich, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

Thursday, February 15, 2018

SPORTS

Khiorie Stewart earns Capital Athletic Conference men’s basketball player of the week

MIRANDA O’CONNOR Staff Writer

Khiorie Stewart, a 6’3” junior guard from Ashburn, Virginia had an impressive week of play for Mary Washington and was named Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Feb. 5, 2018. After helping lift the Eagles to two CAC wins the week before being named Player of the Week, Stewart seemed like an obvious choice for the title.

Stewart’s award for Player of the Week was well-deserved as demonstrated by his notable recent stats. In the games leading up to his title, Stewart was 14-19 from the field and 5-8 on three-pointers, scoring 12 points for UMW in their game against St. Mary’s and 23 points in UMW’s win over Penn State-Harrisburg.

“CAC Player of the Week is really more of a team award than an individual award,” said Stewart.

“I was lucky to have a good week, but without my teammates on the court I wouldn’t have been able to play that well,” he added.

In the games played between Jan. 20 and Feb. 8, UMW has won all of their games. This impressive winning streak has pushed the team to a seat in second place in the CAC conference, alongside Christopher Newport University and Salisbury, who are also second, and just two games behind York College of Pennsylvania.

According to Stewart, the team’s goal for the rest of their season is to take it

one day at a time. Stewart continued to highlight on the importance of teamwork in their recent success by saying, “We need to continue to stick with each other and play as a team. As always, our goal is to win every game we play by working hard every day.”

While the Eagles haven’t had a standout season since 2013-2014 when they made an appearance in a Division III Elite Eight game, their 17-5 overall record as of Feb. 9 is proving that their hard work and cohesive team mentality is paying off.

UMW Men’s Basketball only has one remaining regular season game, against Marymount (Va.) on Saturday February 17 at 3:00pm at the Anderson Center.

Following their regular season games, the CAC Tournament will begin on Tuesday February 20. With the help of CAC Player of the Week, Khiorie Stewart, the UMW community will look forward to a strong run by the Eagles in the CAC Tournament.

Stewart shooting

UMW athletics

Khiorie Stewart on defense

UMW athletics

UMW rowing prepares for upcoming season GABRIELLA GARCIA Staff Writer

Off season for the University of Mary Washington Men’s Rowing team is coming to a close as they prepare for the Erg Sprints on Saturday, February 24. According to first-year student, John Wray, they are well prepared and ready to do their best.

An Indoor Regatta is a race on indoor rowing machines known as ergometers or “ergs.” Erg monitors display the time and distance you have rowed, and the speed and pace at which you are rowing.

The erg monitor also tells you which place you are in as you can’t see the competition ahead or behind you like in an outdoor regatta.

“I think we’re going to do well because we have a lot of novices and returning people. I think we’ll have a good line up,” said Wray. “The competitive atmosphere will provide an adrenaline boost that will encourage everyone to do their best.”

Wray has been a rower since his

sophomore year of high school. “I wasn’t good at contact sports and I never felt passionate about anything I had tried. I did, however, enjoy being on the water, and I liked the people a lot better.” said Wray.

He was fortunate to find this passion in high school, as many schools do not offer rowing teams. After speaking with other students at Mary Washington, I found that many of them did not even know that we had a rowing team on campus. “That’s such an obscure sport.” said sophomore Jazeb Raja.

Regardless, these men train hard. The Men’s Rowing team typically trains six days a week at practices ranging from an hour to 90 minutes long. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday the men are in the erg room for approximately 45 minutes to and hour, sometimes followed by 45 minutes to an hour of lifting. Tuesday and Thursdays are similar except the other half of practice

is more flexible. The men have the option of lifting, running, or continuing on the rowing machines. Saturdays are for personal workout in which the men train on their own time. These dedicated team members are even required to send photos of their individual workouts to the team captains to prove that they completed the required time for Saturdays.

Official practice starts at the end of February and goes through the end of the school year. Wray has been training throughout the year, with the exception of December to focus on academics and finals.

Helping out the community when time permits is also extremely important to the team. During the Fall the men traveled to Washington D.C. to hand out water to runners at the Marine Corps Marathon. They also look forward to participating in Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society later this

semester.

With a big season ahead the team is working hard, as well as managing academics and time for community service. Wray stated that his personal goal was to beat his 2k PR at this years Erg Sprints. As far as the team goes, Wray says that they will work on finding what drives each other, and coming together more.

“I think it’s important to come together as a boat. Rowing as one is the first step to victory” said Wray.

Men’s rowing

UMW Mens Rowing Facebook

Weekly Scoreboard Men's Basketball

Feb. 14 vs. Christopher Newport (L) UMW: 75 CNU 71

women's Basketball

Feb. 14 vs. Christopher Newport (L) UMW:53 CNU: 80

Men's lacrosse

Feb. 10 vs. Hampden Sydney (L) UMW: 10 HS: 16

M/W Indoor track

Feb. 10 @ VMI Winter Relays Mundo broke schol record in 60m

Men's Lacrosse

Feb. 17 @ Shenandoah TBA

M/W Indoor track

Feb. 16 @ CAC Championship TBA

Men's basketball

Feb. 17 vs. Marymount (Va.) TBA

women's basketball

Feb. 17 vs. Marymount (Va.) TBA

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VIEWPOINTS

The true cost of being female

CAMERON ASHLEY Staff Writer

CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi, revealed that the company was set to launch new line of “snacks for women” on the Freakonomics podcast on Jan 31. She stated that the new snacks were to be “low-crunch, the full taste profile, but not have so much of the flavor stick on the fingers.” Headlines erupted within follow days, coining the term “lady Doritos.”

Due to the backlash, PepsiCo swiftly responded that “lady Doritos” were, in fact, not being released. That doesn’t mean the company doesn’t have plans for women-friendly snacks.

However, this isn’t a new idea. About five years ago, the pen company, BIC, came out with a brand new “for women” line. The most famous included a two pack of pens that were purple and pink and had flowery designs and jewels on them. You can still get these pens today for a whopping sixteen dollars on Amazon. In this line, BIC also sells “For Her” mechanical pencils, markers, and gel pens. How different are these from the standard black pens? Other than the fancy feminine additives, they aren’t different at all. It’s amazing that BIC is still able to keep this range available without continuing to cause controversy.

Gendered products can be found all throughout the market. Things like razors, shaving cream, and even toothbrushes are subjected to what is being called the “pink

tax.” This phenomenon is most apparent when insane things like Doritos or pens are gendered but most of the time consumers don’t know that they are paying more for pink plastic. A study done by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs concluded that, “on average, women’s products cost 7 percent more than similar products for men” and specifically, women’s “personal care products” are 13 percent more. I myself use razors marketed for men. They work the same, if not better, and they are cheaper.

These items are, of course, things most humans use every day and women are subjected to increased prices for the same items because the items are pink and “for women.” Actual items used by any woman who menstruates, such as tampons, pads, menstrual cups, etc., are also subjected to the “tampon tax.” The tampon tax is your everyday sales tax. However, the fact that these items, which are necessities, are subjected to sales tax is the main problem.

If an item is taxed, that implies that it is a luxury and is not a basic need. Most states don’t even tax food, but Virginia is one of the rare few that do.

The tampon tax is one of the many important issues that falls under the umbrella of gender rights. Women do not choose to have their periods. Many of us would choose not to have them at all. Periods are horrible to deal with and cause symptoms like cramps, aches, and mood swings.

They are most definitely not a luxury.

Feminine hygiene products should be

Political perspectives vary too much to be contained in a bipartisan system TESS OSMER Contributing Writer

While growing up, we were always told that at dinner parties and social events, there are three topics one should never mention: politics, religion and money. These days, however, it has become popular to crusade for our opinions in regards to all three.

Mostly this phenomenon came to me as reflective of the 2016 presidential election of Donald Trump. In one way, if you were voting for Hillary or, alas, Bernie, everyone knew. “I’m with Her” and “Feel the Bern” decals, stickers and pins were plastered all over dorm walls, doors, cars and backpacks.

Similarly, for Trump voters, it was typical to don one of those “Make America Great Again” hats and recite the constitution.

4

In consequence, generalizations about certain voters whether Republican or Democrat have become starkly contrasted, creating a clear polarization in American politics today.

If you look at Pew Research Center’s “Growing Ideological Consistency” survey, you will find that ideological divides were largely nonexistent in 1994, for example, but have grown significantly since. (Below)

Pew Research Center

treated just like any other necessity. For example, the drug Viagra, used to help with erectile dysfunction, is a prescribed drug, and therefore cannot be taxed. Birth control works the same way.

It could be Shutterstock argued that Currently the state of Virginia taxes purchases of feminine hygeine these two pre- products. scription drugs be exempt during the three day back-toare not necessities, yet they are tax exempt school tax exemption weekend. while tampons are not. Women should not Whether it be actual luxuries like snacks be punished for being women. and pens to personal hygiene like razors There is hope for the future. According and shaving cream, women are paying to Politifact, there are currently seven more for everyday items that work just as states that do not tax feminine products, well as items branded for men. On top of the most recent to exempt them being these added expenses, feminine hygiene Illinois. Five states simply do not have a products, which are necessary for any sales tax at all. woman who menstruates, are considered Virginia is currently among the states luxuries by most states. This is a major that tax tampons. However, recently bills gender rights issue that should be corhave been introduced to the House of Delrected. Companies are being allowed to egates that may change that. Three bills exploit women who often don’t know that that suggest the exemption of feminine they are paying more. Women are paying hygiene from sales tax are making their the price for being women, and that way through Virginia legislature, all havdoesn’t make any sense. ing been introduced by women delegates.

Another bill suggests that these products This led to another study by the Pew Research Center which looked at the breakdown of political typology. Essentially, it sorts voters into cohesive groups based on their attitudes and values, providing a field guide for this constantly changing landscape. (Second Graph) The study found that political typologies can be categorized in eight groups. These include: steadfast conservatives, business conservatives, solid liberals, young outsiders, hardpressed skeptics, next generation left, faith and family left and bystanders.

While that categorization seems plausible, it fails to cover the extremes. Take for example, the organizations of groups such as Antifa and Vanguard America, which have cropped up during the past election.

Antifa is a political movement that leans predominately far-left and militant left. They engage in “militant protest tactics” and tend to be “anti-capitalist.” However, if you look up their training videos on YouTube, it becomes pretty laughable. While it is a serious organization and they train for protests, it seems to be mostly caucasian college students and the movement is based out of Portland, Oregon.

Vanguard America, on the other hand, is a white supremacist group that opposes multiculturalism and believes America to be an exclusively “white nation.”

They are said to have had a hand in the Charlottesville protest on Aug 12, 2017 as reported by The Washington Post and The Courier.

These aren’t steadfast conservatives or solid liberals. These are borderline terrorist groups. And they’re breeding all throughout America.

Even personally I’ve seen this political divide deepen. It’s a part of politics

that challenges me everyday as an international affairs major.

I remember the first time I voted back in 2012. I was so excited and I had been watching all the debates with my family.

When I finally walked into the booth I

Pew Research Center

checked for Senator Mitt Romney with such conviction.

But now I look back and I’m so glad he didn’t win the election. President Obama lead this country to such a progressive state, although Trump is working on dismantling all of these accomplishments.

People are angry and they have a right to be. The two-party system is failing this country. Germany, Spain and France, for example, all function on a successful multi-party system. It is certainly not unachievable for the U.S. to do the same.

Thursday,January February 2018 Thursday, 21,15, 2015

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Ginny Bixby | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Exploiting social justice issues to sell product is inappropriate and distasteful OLIVIA TAYLOR Staff Writer

On Super Bowl Sunday, Dodge Motor Company placed one of its advertisements in the coveted lineup for one of the sports industry’s biggest days. Each Super Bowl ad can cost millions of dollars for just 30 seconds and so companies try to make the best and most effective as they can for the big game. This year however, Ram missed the mark.

This year Ram went with a more serious and inspiring theme for its Super Bowl commercial. The ad contained an excerpt of an audio recording from a February, 4th 1968 speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 50 years to the day of Super Bowl 52.

In this speech, King touched on the ideas of what it means to be great, and how being able to serve others is the greatest demonstration of greatness. The ad contains several video clips of inspiring scenes such as one of firefighters pulling a child from a burning building and a soldier running into a military helicopter.

It also contains clips of every day servants like a teacher in a classroom, and a

sister helping her younger brother get dressed. And of course, periodically there are splashes of a Ram truck driving through a muddy puddle. Wait- what?

Using the inspirational words of Dr. King to sell trucks is quite frankly very inappropriate. There is merit in inspiring people to be the best they can be and to trying to make a positive impact in the world, but doing that by exploiting some of the highly sensitive issues of the time is The New York Times wrong.

Not only was the ad inap- Ram’s ad featuring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech was aired during the Super Bowl. propriate, but it also took vertisers,” said King in later in the speech. social justice in order to sell more trucks. the excerpt out of context. The sermon in “You know, those gentlemen of massive One could possibly see how Ram question, delivered exactly 50 years ago, verbal persuasion. And they have a way intended for the ad to be a call to action, touched on the danger of overspending on of saying things to you that kind of gets using Dr. King’s words in order to inspire items like cars and discussed why people you into buying. In order to be a man of the audience to take action and help serve are so often taken by advertisers. distinction, you must drink this whiskey. their community. But Ram being commit“Now the presence of this instinct In order to make your neighbors envious, ted to service would have been slightly explains why we are so often taken by adyou must drive this type of car. In order more believable if they had not including

Agence France Presse/Getty Images

In the actual speech, King went on to critique commericialism and how advertisers take advantage of consumers.

to be lovely to love you must wear this kind of lipstick or this kind of perfume.

And you know, before you know it, you’re just buying that stuff. That’s the way the advertisers do it.”

This is a growing trend due to today’s social climate. With so many different social controversies in our society, exploiting these issues can be an easy way for a company to look like they are doing their part.

This practice was also criticized with regards to the #metoo movement in the recently released Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. The issue featured images of naked women with different phrases such as “truth” and “natural” written on their bodies. This was just another example of corporations using social movements for their benefit without actually helping the cause. In the case of Ram, it seems as if they are exploiting the words of Dr. King and all the emotions that they evoke about

clips of the trucks plowing through the rain and mud.

Senior Courtney Merson said, “It seemed kind of out of place. I saw what they were trying to do but I feel as if they missed the mark. I remember asking myself ‘what was that?’ after it aired”.

Graduate student Stuart Penninger voiced a similar sentiment: “Dodge is tone deaf and the ad was an absolute dud.

Purposefully misusing/misinterpreting an MLK quote that critiques American materialism to sell a truck is incredibly stupid and asinine.”

In short, it is great that corporations want “to do their part”, but they need to actually do their part. Corporate social responsibility is very important but exploiting issues within our society to either make yourself look better and increase sales is never the responsible way to go.

Staff Ed: PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games unite and inspire world citizens The 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang County, South Korea began on Friday, Feb. 9 and will go until Sunday, Feb. 25. Currently Germany is leading with 12 medals, followed by the Netherlands with 11, and then the United States with 7.

The U.S. Olympic team this year has already made history with its athletes and their performances. While she did not medal in her main event, the women’s 500 meters, Maame Biney, 18, was the first African American to make the U.S. Olympic speedskating team. Histo-

ry was also made by Redmond Gerard, 17, who became the youngest Olympic snowboarding champion when he won gold in PyeongChang.

While the caliber of athletes is high, and the intense competition in the games is undeniable, this years Olympics is important for more reasons than the competition itself. The athletes are making history, but so is the context surrounding the event.

In the time leading up to the games, and even during them, a fair amount of controversial events have already oc-

cured. These events include the Russian athlete doping scandal, to Vice President Mike Pence’s refusal to stand for the united Korean team at the opening ceremony and his drama with openly gay U.S. figure skater Adam Rippon, and a software hacking attempt that took place during the opening ceremony.

In spite of the negative issues, these Olympics have done a lot to bring people together. As put by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, these are the “Olympic games of peace.” One of the

most significant, and positive, events was the united Korean team marching together at the opening ceremony. Along with this, the two countries came together to make a joint women’s ice hockey team.

As the games continue, there is hope that the sense of unity will overpower any controversy that could occur. With all that is going on in the world today the need to keep the spirit of the Olympics, and all that the games stand for, alive is just as important as ever.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

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LIFE

Editor: Lauren Closs blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Baristas best: creative coffee and seasonal specials ALICEN HACKNEY Staff Writer

Sophomore barista Carly Bishop’s favorite beverages are hot chocolate with coconut syrup and the almond joy chiller, which is a regular menu item with chocolate, coconut and almond syrup.

As for Sarah Scruggs, a junior barista, “I'm a big fan of African elixir with almond milk. We don't get too many of those orders,” said Sarah. “I also really like making my own chai tea latte with more of the chai concentrate so there's zero sweetness and extra spice--just like me.”

One of sophomore barista, Scott Freiwald’s favorite drinks to make for himself is an iced soy chai latte sweetened with honey. “Recently I’ve been trying to find ways to substitute the processed sugar in our drinks with honey. It’s something I always suggest to friends or customers who are having a hard time deciding.”

For the monthly specials Blackstone takes ideas from customers and baristas for creative festive flavors, like crisp peppermint in December and romantic strawberry in February.

“Some of the monthly specials that we have had were based on what a customer ordered that employees tried and loved,” said Bishop.

A group of employees also comes up with the funny

Most coffee shops have an array of potential drink combinations beyond their typical menu and Blackstone is no exception. When seeking a creative alternative to your regular order, it is always helpful to take some advice from the experts. While on the clock Blackstone, baristas make their own drinks, and with access to all of the drinks, syrups and add-ins they can perfect each drink to their particular taste. Three Blackstone baristas gave the scoop on their insider ideas, favorite monthly special and weird or interesting customer orders while working at UMW’s campus coffee shop.

Allison Tovey/The Blue & Gray Press Deborah Keyes enjoys an Americano with two extra expresso shots.

and creative names for the monthly drinks. This month, Bishop’s favorites were the “40 Year Old Virgin” and “Sugar Daddy.”

Scruggs shared her favorite drink specials. “I really liked the peppernut one from Thanksgiving specials; it was a latte with toffee nut and peppermint syrup. The flavor was pretty strong, so I didn't have it too often, but I was about it,” said Scruggs. “Some of my coworkers and I worked on the Christmas specials like ‘Home For the Holidays,’ and I helped come up with the idea for a 'Drunk Uncle' drink but the flavor combo wasn't me.”

Customer orders can be really creative, blending syrups and toppings into a unique drink that others might not have considered.

Sometimes they can mimic the feel of fresh Allison Tovey/The Blue & Gray Press Carly Bishop enjoys a garden smell or some food hot chocolate. favorites like cinnamon rolls. syrup. I know that chocolate and orange “None are necessarily weird,” said is a dessert combo flavoring sometimes Bishop, “but someone used to put but I don’t know man, I don't trust it,” lavender in their peach tea.” said Scruggs.

Scruggs said, “One customer Blackstone offers around 22 syrups, ordered a latte with cinnamon syrup and and an array of drinks to combine them cinnamon on top and it's pretty dope. It's with. If you haven’t found a favorite an unexpected twist on a latte that works you could try these or create something out surprisingly well.” entirely new. There are endless While the baristas may pick up some possibilities, and if you come up with ideas from customers, they don’t all something spectacular you may end up work out that way. finding it on the monthly special menu.

“A mocha with a pump of orange

Inspirational playlist to revamp failing resolutions Playlist by Mary Praught

With January over and February moving steadily along, it’s the time of year when many people start slacking off on resolutions for 2018. From giving up on going to the gym to “accidentally” finishing off a bag of Chili Lime Takis one night while watching “Friends,” countless “new year, new me” plans are being abandoned with the first two months of the year. But, no matter how your year has gone so far, it’s never too late for a fresh start. Rather than waiting another 10 months to recommit to your goals, just listen to these songs and I’m sure they’ll give you the attitude boost to come back stronger than ever.

1. “Guilty” by Lady Wray

Is it weird to say that whenever I listen to this track I feel like I’m a kick-butt, crime-fighting spy in a 1970s film? In the best way, this track combines Lady Wray’s raspy and assertive vocals with a groovy, soulful rhythm. Complimented by a strong drum beat and backup singers to echo the mood of her lyrics, this song creates a sense of unashamed honesty and serves as the perfect start for our playlist.

2. “You’re So Cool” by Jonathan Bree

Aside from possibly having the weirdest albeit funniest music video I’ve watched, this track I recently stumbled upon also has a retro vibe to it. If “sleepy dance track from the 60s” is a mood, then Jonathan Bree encapsulates it flawlessly. The lead singer’s voice sounding enchantingly bored is accentuated by creeping violin chords, electric guitar and a simple, laid back drum beat.

3. “Dear to Me” by Electric Guest

Most of these tracks have a “retro vibe,” but I guess the fates would have it that 2018 looks back to the soulful and upbeat music of the past. This song sweetly sings about the feeling of doubtlessly being in love. It’s super upbeat and the combination of bass guitar and synth heavy sounds give this a wonderfully 80s attitude that instantly puts me in a happy mood and makes me want to jump up and dance.

4. “Best to You” by Blood Orange

While the artist now goes by Dev Hynes, this song marries synth beats and tribal instruments for another awesome track perfect for driving around town with the windows rolled down, soaking up the sun…except it’s still February. The female vocals in this song are by Empress Of who is another favorite of mine so if you like this, you should definitely check out her beautifully raw album “Me.”

5. ”Leaving the Park” by Oneohtrix Point Never

I discovered this track while watching the incredibly nerve-wrecking and exhilarating film “Good Time,” directed last year by the Safdie brothers. Driven by its entirely synthesizer based sound and lack of vocals, this song has a steady build and layering of 80s sounds that makes me feel like I can conquer anything put in front of me…even piles of homework.

6. “Corporation” by Jack White

The better question is when can’t Jack White create a song that makes you feel like a complete badass? Just released off of his upcoming album “Boarding House Reach” White does what he does best, combining shrieking vocals and booming electric guitar to create a sense of undefeatable power and defiance- the perfect attitude to hold on to to conquer the rest of 2018.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

LIFE

Roommates may be bad for your skin, experts say

JACK POLLARD Staff Writer

Roommates; everyone has them.

Living in close quarters with a friend or complete stranger is an integral part of life at college. The transition of adapting to another person’s schedule and living habits can be challenging, however, and for some people that are forced to change beauty regimens 18 years in the making, it begs the question: Is your roommate bad for your skin? I reached out to the Health Center, the Talley Center and a student in order to find out.

Unfortunately, despite both emails and in-office inquiries, the Health Center proved unavailable for comment last week. However, I was able to meet with the Talley Center’s Director, Dr. Tevya Zukor, a practicing clinical psychologist for over 13 years. Zukor is experienced in group therapy, trauma recovery, issues with grief and loss and crisis management.

“I personally believe that having a roommate is one of the most important and greatest developmental milestones of the college experience,” said Zukor. “For many of our students, this is going to be the first time they’ve had a roommate, and the first time they’re having to learn to navigate and share space and resources.”

As everyone quickly finds out, that learning curve can be a challenge. Not only are you having to share space, you’re now having to share in someone else’s life. Not just their possessions, but all their mannerisms and little habits too, not to mention their schedules.

“Many people benefit from the continuity of routine,” said Zukor. “It makes things easier to do; if you’re the kind of person who gets breakfast every morning, or wakes up at the same

time each day, you have that thing you know you’re going to do, day in and day out. And for a lot of people, it can be a really helpful thing to start your day with that productivity. However, having a roommate has the potential to disrupt that.”

“All of a sudden,” Zukor continued, “you’re sharing one bathroom with a person and sometimes, they’re using it when you need it. Sometimes, they’re not. Sometimes, they have a class that they’re trying to get to and you’re taking up their time. I have seen so many roommate conflicts over the simple reason that people have class at the same time.”

Whether your schedules and habits are too similar or too different, Zukor recommends communication as the best solution.

“Roommates can be really disruptive to routine, whether their sleep cycle is different to yours, or there’s too much clutter in the bathroom,” said Zukor.

“However, it’s always better to try and anticipate that stuff and have a conversation beforehand. If you have it in the moment, you run the risk of the other person feeling attacked or criticized, and then people get defensive and nothing gets done. Make a plan with your roommate ahead of time.”

Molly Adelsbach, a sophomore English and music double major, offered her perspective on how roommates affect her personal hygiene routine.

“I’ve always had bad skin,” said Adelsbach, “lots of acne scars. It’s better the more often I shower, but when you have all girls living in an apartment, the shower gets really, really cluttered. It can be annoying to reach up to get something and have everything fall over. And hair clogs are ridiculous.”

Adelsbach shared her method of

Conflicting roommate schedules can impact established beauty routines.

managing schedules with her roommate and suite-mate.

“We all settled into routine fairly easily,” said Adelsbach. “It’s lucky that Angela [my roommate] and I are so well matched, because we’re generally so easy going about a lot of it. It helps that for the most part, our schedules don’t line up because everyone can get in when they need to. However, I do believe that communication is key. The only really tricky thing for me can be Tuesdays and Thursdays because Angela and I both have 9:30 classes. Since she usually does make-up, a lot of times I’ll usually try and get in before her. I don’t want to have to try and rush through my general care routine and I don’t want to rush her through her make-up either.”

Adelsbach noted that she and her roommate were able to work out their system early in the year and achieved a great deal of success with the way they managed their shared routine and schedule. So, is your roommate bad for

Pexels.

your skin? The answer is, only if you let them be. Discussinging major issues and planning out your schedules before problems can arise can ensure a smooth transition to sharing space and preserving your well-established routines.

Zukor gave some final words of wisdom. “My biggest take-home from all this: the thing we see most commonly in roommate conflicts is, most of the time, the conflict has escalated to the point it has because both sides have let it build, and neither are wanting to confront the other about it,” said Zukor. “‘I don’t know what to say, I don’t know how to say it, it’s no big deal, I don’t want to bring it up to them first,’ and I get it, of course. But learning to work past and fight that resentment early, to start the conversation usually reveals that your roommate’s as frustrated as you are, and doing so can avoid so many issues in the future.”

Want to know the inspiration for these looks and how to create them yourselves? Check out the Blue & Gray Press’ February Lookbook on blueandgraypress.com Photos by Law, Senior Savara Sarah Outfit: Novel Nostalgia is inspired everyday by the bright and vibrant colors from the 80’s Gunn Sarah and finds ways to apply the style during any time of year!

Rose Frechette, Senior Makeup: Roses and Romance Rose has created a stunning romance-inspired makeup look based on the feeling she gets from the month of February.

Kelly Emmrich, Senior Outfit: Uniquely Urban Kelly finds herself enlightened by many different people and aesthetics when it comes to her own style and tries to dress everyday as fun as possible.

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Weekend Events

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

• I Can, We Can Pop-Up • Friday Night Out: Dead • Thor: Ragnarok @ Man’s Cell Phone @ Gallery @ Chandler Monroe 116, 7 p.m.

Klein Theatre, 5:30 Ballroom, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. - 7 p.m. p.m.

• Justice League @ Monroe, 10 p.m.

• Justice League @ • Black Minds Matter @ Monroe 116, 7 p.m.

Colonnade Room, UC, • Dead Man’s Cell 6 p.m.

Phone @ Klein The• New Thread Quartet atre, 7:30 p.m.

Concert @ Pollard • Great Lives Lecture 304, 7:30 Series: Sam Phillips • Baile de Dia de San @ Dodd Auditorium, Valentin (Valentines • Dead Man’s Cell 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Day Dance) @ ChanPhone @ Klein Thedler Ball Room, 8 p.m. atre, 7:30 p.m.

• Dead Man’s Cell Phone @ Klein The• Thor: Ragnarok @ atre, 7:30 p.m.

Monroe 116, 10 p.m.

@theBlueandGray

BlueandGrayPress

Sunday

• Dead Man’s Cell Phone @ Klein Theatre, 2 p.m.

• MWGT Auditions @ Dodd Auditorium 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

• Thor: Ragnarok @ Monroe 116, 7 p.m.

• Justice League @ Monroe, 10 p.m.

The Blue & Gray Press

LIFE

COAR’s Variety Show raises money and showcases talent

KOTY BOWEN Staff Writer

On February 9, members of the University of Mary Washington and Fredericksburg communities gathered in Dodd Auditorium to witness the Variety Show, an event that showcases the talent of UMW students. The entertainment ranged from debuts of original songs to the thrill and excitement of intricate dance teams.

The Variety Show is in its eighth year and is organized by UMW’s Community Outreach and Resources Club, more commonly known as COAR. This event not only showcases the immense amount of talent here at UMW, but also all the proceeds from tickets and raffling are used to fund COAR trips so they can work with Habitat for Humanity in building homes for the less fortunate.

COAR and Habitat for Humanity often team up in efforts to help those less fortunate across the United States.

The Variety Show included ten performances that either sang, dance or did both at the same time. The show started off with a performance from one of UMW’s a cappella groups, The One Note Stand.

The president of the group, senior economics major Alli Jakubek, said “It’s great to be able to perform for the greater UMW community; the COAR Variety Show always brings in people that we don’t usually see at our concerts.” She also mentioned how the Variety Show acts as a “support” for groups.

The One Note Stand performed after recently placing third in the quarterfinals of the International Championship for Collegiate A Cappella competition, so needless to say their performance was astounding. Two other a cappella groups performed that night, BellACappella and Symfonics. BellACapella performed a beautiful rendition of “Walking on Sunshine” while Symfonics brought back a rock classic with “Under Pressure.”

Besides the three a cappella groups, there was a great display of dance. The duo act of Daksha Khatri and Rahima Morshed performed an Indian dance that

BellACappella performed at the Variety Show.

BellACappella / Instagram.

portrayed the grief of losing a loved one.

Alter Egos Step Team stomped the yard in their incredible performance. UMW Dance Team graced us with a clean, elegant number to the song “Filthy” by Justin Timberlake. Encore! Show Choir gave 80s Michael Jackson vibes with their funky rendition of “Bad” by the King of Pop himself.

The Variety Show also showed the creative side of the community. UMW student Shelby Sencindiver performed an original song titled “Miles Away” which was gorgeous and was met with thunderous applause. Sencindiver also has an original song on iTunes titled “Follow Me” which is definitely worth checking out. Another singer/songwriter graced the stage as well. UMW student Ryan Ford debuted a song he had been writing for two years titled “Ferris Wheel.” The song was emotionally charged and had everyone cheering when Ford finished.

Throughout the show, COAR let guest speakers talk about Habitat for Humanity and how the money raised is The Performing Arts Club officers performed at the Variety Show. Courtesy of Janelle Behm.

The One Note Stand is one of the a cappella groups that performed.

The One Note Stand / Facebook.

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NEWS

POLICE BEAT MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & IZZY BRIONES News Editors

Cyber Fraud Between Wednesday, January 24 at 9:16 a.m. and Monday, February 12 at 11 a.m., attempted fraud by computer took place at Virginia Hall. This case is still pending.

Petit Larceny Between Wednesday, January 24 at 9:16 a.m. and Monday, February 12 at 11 a.m., attempted fraud by computer took place at Virginia Hall. This case is still pending.

On Monday, January 29 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., a wallet was stolen from Goolrick Hall. This case is pending.

On Tuesday, January 30 at 9:35 a.m., U.S. currency was stolen from Blackstone Coffee. This case was cleared by an Administrative referral.

Between Friday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, February 5 at 8:30 a.m., a gift card was stolen from Mason Hall.

This case is pending.

Between Tuesday, February 6 at 12:30 a.m. and Friday, February 9 at 3:20 p.m., a wallet was stolen from Randolph Hall. This case is pending.

The information was compiled with assistance from UMW Police Manager James DeLoatch and Fredericksburg Police Department Public Information Officer Sarah Kirkpatrick.

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Friends, following and social media Mackenzie Hard Staff Writer

In the age of social media and followers, students are often tempted to add their professors online through sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Many University of Mary Washington professors and students sometimes question whether ot not to add each other.

“I use Twitter almost exclusively for professional purposes, like connecting

search.”

For some professors, even when they accept friend requests on social media, they still feel it is important to keep a sense of professionalism in their posts.

“I do always think carefully about what I post in any online forum because I think it’s important to model professionalism in all situations for preservice and novice teachers,” said Professor Davis. “I do also think it’s important to avoid alienating people or shutting

Breaking and Entering Between Saturday, January 27 at 8:40 p.m. and Sunday, January 28 at 12:50 p.m., candy was taken from an Eagle Landing apartment.

This case is pending.

Vandalism

“I do always think carefully about what I post in any online forum because I think it’s important to model professionalism in all situations for preservice and novice teachers.”

-Professor Davis with university presses, academic publications, historical organizations, etc. and so I accept student friend requests there,” said history professor Jason Sellers. “I don’t accept friend requests from current students on Facebook which I use for my personal life, though I do accept friend requests from graduates I’ve gotten to know.”

G e ography professor Dawn Bowen responded saying that she is only on Facebook and is friends with students who have gone on school trips to Guatemala with her. When it comes to other students, Professor Bowen waits until after they graduate.

Bowen is an example of a professor who does not alter the material they post on social media because of students following them.

“No, I don’t limit when I post because the students whom I am friends know me pretty well, I don’t feel compelled to hide my thoughts,” said Bowen. “Then again, I tried to avoid politics unless it is an environmental or human rights issue.”

Some professors are selective about what social media accounts they feel are acceptable to friend students on and which they feel should be kept personal.

“I keep Facebook and Instagram for connecting with friends and family and Twitter for students and professional contacts,” said College of Education professor Janine Davis. “I’m friends with some former students on Facebook, but I’ve just found that Twitter works better for me for class-related posts, scholarly connections, and re-

POLICE BEAT

them out whenever possible so that we can maintain connections with others who might have different views and engage in reasoned debate - teachers have to do that all the time when parents or students have different views.”

For other professors, it is really about connecting with t h e i r students and sharing new information and research.

It can even be used to share research of your o w n , making it somet h i n g that students discuss later in class.

“I encourage students to add me because I feel that I’m always an educator - in and out of class,” said College of Education professor, John Broome.

“I want students to be exposed to real time conversations that I’m having with other professors, authors, friends about critical issues. I also encourage them to join the conversation as well.”

When it comes to what is posted on Facebook, Dr. Broome said that he also does not limit what he posts.

“I use my privilege as a white male to challenge and decenter whiteness and patriarchy,” said Broome. “I use my positionality to elevate voices of marginalized identities - people of color, LGBT, and indigenous, etc. It is important to listen to and learn from all voices, especially those historically or currently absent in positions of power. Students should be exposed to people who they are different from them but learn that is not a deficit. Like their future K-12 student, they need to value differences. Social media is one approach to do this.”

“I want students to be exposed to real time conversations that I’m having with other professors, authors, friends about critical issues.”

-Professor Broome

Between Wednesday, February 7 at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday, February 8 at 12 a.m., an elevator was vandalized in Jefferson Hall. This case is pending.

On Thursday, February 8 at 10:23 p.m. a bathroom stall was vandalized in Jefferson Hall. This case is pending.

On Friday, February 9 at 3:04 p.m. a wall of the DuPont/Melchers buildings exterior was vandalized.

This case is pending.

Grand Larceny On Wednesday, February 7 between 6:30 p.m. and 6:40 p.m., a backpack, cell phone, and medical equipment were stolen from Goolrick Hall. The cell phone has been recovered.

This case is pending.

Possession On Tuesday, February 13 at 12:16 a.m., possession of marijuana took place at Marshall Hall. One administrative referral was given.

The information was compiled with assistance from UMW Police Manager James DeLoatch and Fredericksburg Police Department Public Information Officer Sarah Kirkpatrick.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

NEWS

New printing system implemented in HCC and Simpson Library

Brian Sweeney & Meaghan McIntyre Staff Writer and News Editor

During the course of the 2017-2018 academic year, new printers have appeared inside both the Hurley Convergence Center and the Simpson Library.

Students at the library have had trouble adjusting to the new system and had struggled to figure out how to operate these new printers.

The Manager of the Hurley Convergence Center, Cartland Berge, explained the reason behind the shift in printers.

“Our contract with our old mail and print vendor expired last year, which we are required by the commonwealth to put out a call for bids from new vendors, to see if anyone can offer a better and/or cheaper service than what we have had in the past,” said Berge. “In this case, Swiss Post Solutions was determined to be a better option than our old vendor (though I wasn’t on the selection committee, so I don’t know the details), and so the University signed a contract with them to provide our mail and print services going forward.”

With the change in printer vendors, UMW has been facing an adjustment period to get used to the new system.

“SPS uses a whole different system than the old vendor, so over the course of the last few months we have been transitioning away from the old Pharos printers and installing the new multi-purpose printer/copier/scanners provided by SPS.” said Berge.

Though some students have had trouble with the new system, Berge described the improvements that the new printing system has brought.

“There was a lot about the old Pharos system that I didn’t like,” said Berge.

“We were never able to get the web print function working properly and

sees all jobs printed by all users when you swiped your card was not ideal.

The new system has a functional web print, as well as print jobs tied to your NetID, built-in photocopying, and free scanning.”

While some difficulties have been presented, overall the transition has appeared to go smoothly.

“With the promise of all that, I had no problems saying goodbye to the old printers and I think the systems are about the same, difficulty-wise,” said Berge “I can’t speak for the Library, but the roll out in the HCC has been less difficult than I expected.”

While Berge recognizes the disadvantage of having to learn a new system, believing the positives outweigh the negatives.

“There is always a learning curve when procedures change, as people who were used to the old system will have to start back at square one with the new one,” said Berge “But Pharos was a terrible system, and this one is quite a bit less terrible, so I think it’s a net gain for everyone. My only advice is: consider the environment before turning off double-sided printing (it is on by default now).”

Zoe Cooper, a junior majoring in Spanish and Data Science, works at the Simpson Library and has helped teach students how to operate the new printers.

“I feel like people are intimidated by them, but they’re not that scary,” said Cooper. “You can do more with them.”

Senior accounting major Sophie Gringer has utilized the new printers, and feels the change was not overly significant.

“After being shown the first time, I got the hang of it,” said Gringer. “I felt indifferent towards the change.”

Griffin Bower / The Blue & Gray Press The shift in printers at the library and convergence ceter has been met with mixed views.

Student Government Beat Monday, February 12 - Friday, February 16 Executive Cabinet Mondays at 5 p.m. in the UC Capitol Room The Cabinet is currently working on three items: conducting a survey of the university regarding newspapers on campus and the future of the free tampons and pads initiative, and planning information and engagement events for the SGA elections in March. This includes an open town hall session with current members, as well as a candidates debate.

A motion passed to suspend the SGA Elections Rules and Procedures in order to allow students to run to chair Senate committees without having two semesters of Senate experience. This only affects the Legislative Action, Academic Affairs, Diversity and Unity Coordinating, and Legislative Action Committees for only the 2018-19 academic year. This was done to allow current members of those committees to be candidates, as well as any non-Senator students.

For more information, visit umwsga.org or contact info@umwsga.org

Student Senate Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Monroe 116 02.14.1– Motion for the Academic Affairs Committee to work with the Modern Languages Department to explore offering American Sign Language (ASL) classes and allowing it to count for the language requirement.

02.14.2 - 02.14.4 – Motions to accept the motion from the Cabinet to suspend the rules in order to allow regular students, and those who are members of the three committees transferring to Senate, to run for the chair positions.

For more information, visit umwsenate.org or contact vp@umwsga.org.

DETAILS PROVIDED BY MATTHEW GOOD

Thursday, February 15, 2018

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SPORTS

Editor: Ryan Brauch | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

UMW cheer defies misconceptions about cheerleading

JESSICA WHITMER Staff Writer

Cheerleading is often assumed to be easy, to require no athletic ability, and to simply just entertain the audience, but many individuals do not understand the risk and the amount of hard work cheerleaders put in to their routine. Many times, people think that cheerleading is not a sport because there is lack of understanding.

“I most certainly think cheer should be considered a sport because of how dangerous stunting and tumbling is,” said UMW cheerleader Tara Adkins. “It irks me how people think it is not a “real sport” just because they only see us cheering and dancing on the sidelines. They truly don’t see the amount of work we put into practices for competition and otherwise. I think the reason why people say these things is because they do not come to competitions and see what all we do.”

Junior Christine Mears used to think cheerleading was not a sport, but has since changed her mind.

HANNAH ROTHWELL Staff Writer

“I would definitely say that cheerleading is a sport today, and possibly one of the most dangerous sports out there, because of the way you put your body work,” said Mears. ”Cheerleaders have to have a lot of confidence and courage, and also have to be in a decent amount of shape to do all of the things that we do,” said junior Christine Mears.

There are different levels of cheerleading. The cheerleading that the average audience sees is the chanting on the sidelines during sporting events. Audiences think that cheerleading is not a sport because that is the only performances that they see.

President of the UMW cheer team, Nicole McCormick said that she does not see sideline cheer as a sport. She said that when the cheerleaders start to do stunts and tumbling is when the activity becomes a sport.

“Cheerleading is the definition of a team sport because individuals in stunts can’t always be easily interchange-

able,” said McCormick. “On our team we often run into this challenge when people are absent or can’t commit to the team. Overall, high school, college, and all-star cheer is definitely an underrated sport. Cheer has the highest concussion rate amongst sports. This week I got a black eye at practice. It’s not always the glitz and glamor that Hollywood makes it out to be. Cheerleaders who are putting in work during tumbling and stunting are true athletes.”

The cheerleaders UMW work hard. The cheerleaders that I interviewed all agreed that cheer is a sport because it takes a lot of time, trust, effort, and determination to be a cheerleader. If you have never been to a cheerleading competition, go to one! That way you can truly experience the hard work and dedication it takes to be a cheerleader and to support the UMW cheer team in action.

UMW cheer performs sideline stunt

UMW Cheerleading Facebook

UMW cheer team

UMW Cheerleading Facebook

Obscure Winter Olympic sports guide for casual viewers

The Winter Olympics can seem hard to understand at times. The summer sports are more accessible and well known.

Most of us have swam at some point or played a quick game of beach volleyball.

That accessibility means that most Americans are pretty familiar with the summer games, but the winter games are a different story. There is no such thing as a game of pickup bobsled. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find someone who could even tell you what a bobsled was, let alone where to find a track for it. Since the Winter Olympic sports can seem a bit foreign to many Americans, here is a guide for some of the weirdest sports in the 2018 Olympics.

Nordic Combined Nordic combined is a mix of cross country skiing and ski jumping, where the athletes first compete in the ski jumping event. The goal of this portion is to go as far as possible in the air after jumping off of a tall slope, afterwards, points are awarded for distance travelled and style. These points later affect an athlete’s starting time in the cross country event. The winner of the ski jumping event is then the first competitor to leave the starting line for cross country portion of the event. The departure starts the clock against which all athletes are judged. All of the other athletes will start after him, with a time delay corresponding to their score in the first event.

For every one point they had less than the winner, they have to wait 4 seconds before starting the race. If they are fifteen

Thursday, February 15 2018

points less, they will be delayed a full minute. After all the athletes are on the track, it is just like any typical race the first one across the finish line wins.

Biathlon Biathlon is a mix of cross country skiing and rifle shooting. The shooting bouts are interspersed during the cross country race at different distances markers. The competitors shoot at targets, and either hit or miss, there are no points awarded for closeness to the target. For each shot missed, the athlete incurs a penalty for the race.

U.S. Olympics curling team This is either a set time that is later added onto their finishing time, or a distance penalty, where they are forced to ski an extra 150m loop.

Skeleton In skeleton, athletes must race face

first down a bobsled track on what is little more than a metal sheet. Athletes start out by sprinting 30 meters in order to impart as much momentum as possible onto the sled. They then jump on, head first, and ride it down the track at speeds of up to 90 miles an hour while their face is only 3cm from the ice. They control the sled by slight movements in their shoulders and knees which apply pressure strategically, and allow them to turn.

The scoring system is very straightforward: The fastest athlete down the track wins.

Time is kept electronically, with winners often being determined by only AL.com hundredths of a second.

Curling Curling can best be compared to shuffleboard on ice. The goal of the game is to get your teams’ stones closest to the bullseye while knocking other team’s stones away. Points are awarded to the

team that has the stone closest to the center.

It is played by two teams of four and each team includes a thrower, two sweepers, and a skip. The thrower is the one who initially pushes the stone onto the ice, spinning it as it is released so it will “curl” on the path towards the “house”, which is what the target area is called. The sweepers repeatedly brush the ice in front of the stone in order to melt it, allowing the stone to travel farther and faster than it otherwise would have. The skip stands at the other side of the house, calling out orders to the other members of the team.

There are three main plays that a team can do in curling, to knock an opposing stone away from the target area, to aim their stone as close to the bullseye as possible, or to stop their stone short in order to block the other team’s next shot.

The skip is the one who calls out which shots will be played. By the end of the round, whoever has their stone closest wins the round, and this is then repeated for six rounds. Whoever has the most points at the end wins the game.

The Winter Olympic sports might seem confusing at first, but after a little explanation, they are not too hard to follow. Hopefully you have enough information now to impress everyone at your next Olympic viewing party with your knowledge of some of the more obscure Olympic Events.

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