The Weekly Ringer

The Weekly

UMW students and community members celebrate 34th Annual Multicultural Fair with performances, food, art

MArtINA PUGh Staff Writer

On Saturday, April 13, the Mary Washington community gathered on campus to celebrate the 34th annual Multicultural Fair. There, students and community members alike flooded Campus Walk to enjoy an array of cultures through food, performances and art.

Last year, the Fair was moved inside the Cedric Rucker University Center due to rain. While this location did not stop the event from being successful, it did take away from the usual Fair experience during which attendees usually walk through campus to visit various cultural vendors, performers and food stands.

“The Multicultural Fair is important to the UMW community because it showcases and celebrates the diversity that is represented on campus, as well as the broader community,” said Marion Stanford, director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center. “It provides many different opportunities throughout the day to witness, experience and appreciate different cultural

performances, international cuisine, and an array of ethnic artistry and crafts from vendors across the region and beyond.”

The University makes an effort to showcase the different cultures within the Fredericksburg area and to make the community a more rounded, welcoming environment for all.

“The Multicultural Fair is important to the UMW community because it showcases and celebrates the diversity that is represented on campus, as well as the broader community.”

- Marion Stanford

“The fair highlights the diversity that exists on campus and demonstrates the importance of diversity for the campus community to the Fredericksburg and broader communities,” Sandford said. “[It] shows how the University embraces the many ethnicities, heritages, and customs that make our campus and region so rich and vibrant.”

Although the Multicultural Fair is not the only cultural experience that takes place on campus, it incorporates more of the outside community, giving students a wider audience to perform to and greater business for vendors who come to campus.

UMW PRISM observes Day of Silence Vigil to honor LGBTQ individuals affected by hatred, students gather in support

jOSSELINE dELGAd O Staff Writer

“Being different enriches being alive,” said Arden Jones, a senior English: Creative writing major who participated in PRISM’s LGBTQ Day of Silence Vigil on April 12.

UMW PRISM, a student-led club focused on creating a safe space for the LGBTQ community on campus, joins universities nationwide to observe this Day of Silence every second Friday of April each year.

“It’s a national day to commemorate LGBTQ+ voices that have been historically silenced and continue to be silenced today, whether that be from homophobia, transphobia, hate crimes, harassment, bullying, etc.,” said Edward Haggerty, a senior political science major and the president of PRISM.

For Nadia Cloud, a junior communication and digital studies and studio art double major, the vigil serves to reflect on LGBTQ figures who have influenced the community.

“Day of Silence is to commemorate those who maybe have gone through worse than I have, or maybe anyone who just doesn’t feel accepted as queer or trans or even on the [asexual] spectrum,” said Cloud. “I want to commemorate those [individuals] and also

those who have made strides in the LGBTQ community, whether they have passed away or have created LGBTQ representation.”

At noon, UMW students and faculty stood in front of the Monroe Fountain to show their support and observe a moment of silence for members of the LGBTQ pacted by hatred, such as homophobia and transphobia. According to the Human Rights Campaign,

Performers dance outside James Farmer Hall during the Fair. Photo courtesy of Parker Michels-Boyce.

Vigil attendees join together to to show their pride and support. Photo courtesy of UMW PRISM.

Thousands attend Fair to celebrate diversity

“We were pleased with the turnout for the fair this year. Thousands of individuals from the campus and broader community attended the fair this past Saturday,” said Sandford. “We were very appreciative of this show of support and excitement for the fair.”

“I think this event is different from other multicultural experiences at UMW because this event includes the greater Fredericksburg community. This helps UMW become a more integrated part of the greater community.”

- Amira Said

Attendees were able to purchase clothes, rocks, handmade jewelry, beeswax candles and plants, but for many, the highlight of the Fair was the cultural food vendors from different regions such as Greece and India.

In addition to hosting vendors at the event, the Multicultural Fair also provided a space for UMW students and visiting performers to showcase their talents.

Performance Art Company and Voices of Praise attracted large audiences outside of James Farmer Hall, and passersby stopped on Campus Walk to enjoy the performances.

“I think this event is different from other multicultural experiences at UMW because this event includes the greater Fredericksburg community,” said sophomore environmental science major Amira Said. “This helps UMW become a more integrated part of the greater community.”

Although the Fair is not student-led, many students volunteer to help assist in facilitating the activities around cam-

pus. These roles include setting up the event as well as cleaning up afterward, serving as a stage emcee, assisting at the information table, relaying public announcements, patrolling for litter and photographing the events that take place.

“It’s nice to help out whenever [or] wherever I can, especially for a fun day like the fair,” said Kennedy Brooks, a sophomore communication and digital studies major.

Said volunteered at the Multicultural Fair because she wanted to be part of the celebration that recognizes cultures both on and off campus.

“I believe the Multicultural Fair does make UMW more inclusive because it shows the commitment we have to providing a safe and inclusive environment for our students and community members,” she said.

Day of Silence attendees wear pride on sleeves

over 520 anti-LGBTQ bills have been presented in state legislatures in the past year.

“It’s a national day to commemorate LGBTQ+ voices that have been historically silenced and continue to be silenced today, whether that be from homophobia, transphobia, hate crimes, harassment, bullying, etc.”

- Edward Haggerty

During the event, PRISM distributed red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple shirts with the message “We are still here.”

For some students, these shirts are a way to show their support, and for others, the shirts are a way to voice their pride within the LGBTQ community.

“I got to be honest, I like how it’s kind of subtle so I can wear it in front of my homophobic family,” said Cloud. “It’s nice to see other people wearing this shirt because you really see it holds a sense of community.”

While students honored silenced LGBTQ individuals, they were also able to find a larger sense of community on campus in the Underground at Lee Hall, which was dedicated as an open space for LGBTQ students to gather and connect over snacks.

“UMW has a huge queer population compared to a lot of colleges from what I’ve noticed. The first week I came to Mary Washington … I was surrounded by a lot of other queer people,” said Cloud. “And I’ve seen a lot of people here at Mary Washington be out and proud, and I think that’s amazing.”

Haggerty added that UMW’s James Farmer Multicultural Center also plays a big part in supporting PRISM’s mission.

“I think that [the JFMC] really does a great job at promoting helping everyone feel welcome at the school no matter where they are,” said Haggerty. “And I know a lot of schools don’t have centers like that.”

“UMW

has a huge queer population compared to a lot of colleges from what I’ve noticed. The first week I came to Mary Washington ... I was surrounded by a lot of other queer people.”

- Nadia Cloud

PRISM is dedicated to creating LGBTQfriendly spaces on campus, and Day of Silence is only one of their events that inspires community on campus.

“We have [a] drag show, we have PRISM prom, and those are great experiences. But we also have meetings where we just sit around and do arts and crafts, or we watch a movie, or we have board games,” said Haggerty. “If you’re part of the LGBT community, questioning, whatever, providing that space I think is really great for people.”

FrOM SILENCE, PAGE 1

At the Multicultural Fair, vendors lined Campus Walk, offering various goods from a variety of cultures. Photo courtesy of Parker Michels-Boyce.

PRISM distributed shirts with the message “We are still here.” Photo courtesy of UMW PRISM.

No action on Ball: Ongoing maintenance on Ball Circle prevents students from gathering on campus landmark

EMMA

KINGKEO

Writer

The University of Mary Washington is known for its beautiful, picturesque campus, but what use is a pretty lawn if we can only look at it?

As the spring weather radiates warmth and sunshine onto the remnants of this year’s lengthy winter, students spend more time outside using the various tables, chairs and benches around campus. On pleasant days, students lay blankets on the grass in front of dorm buildings to bask in the sun. But one area remains depressingly vacant: Ball Circle.

The primary space intended to encourage student engagement and promote a sense of belonging has been restricted for many years. Ball Circle has been undergoing maintenance since 2021, causing the fences surrounding and blocking the grass to become a permanent feature on campus.

“The University of Mary Washington is known for its beautiful, picturesque campus, but what use is a pretty lawn if we can only look at it?”

- Emma Kingkeo

Director of Landscape and Grounds Holly Chichester-Morby commented on the ongoing maintenance of Ball Circle and its importance to the campus. As the director, she “initiates and oversees the maintenance, improvements, and overall enhancement of the campus grounds.”

“Ball Circle is not only the ‘centerpiece’ of the UMW campus, it’s one of the most actively utilized greenspaces we have. This includes scheduled events and casual use,” she said. “We will open it specifically for Devil-Goat Day 2024 and 2024 Commencement, then close it again to address issues to prepare for UMW Reunion Weekend, and then close it for one more summer to get it in shape for the Fall [2024] semester.”

Eagle Gathering, UMW’s inaugural candlelight event held at the beginning of the fall semester, is the only tradi-

tion that has taken place on Ball Circle during the 2023–2024 academic year. As a replacement for the epicenter of campus life, the other events traditionally held on Ball Circle have been moved elsewhere to locations like Campus Walk or Jefferson Square.

“I feel like once it got closed, students don’t really come together as a unit anymore.”

- Margo Korsakava

Caty Taylor, a freshman history and anthropology double major, expressed discontent with the ongoing closure of Ball Circle because they have yet to receive an opportunity to utilize the space since classes began.

“It’s especially frustrating because as a first-year I was really looking forward to being able to use it … but when you have one expectation, and then you go there and it’s not [open], it’s disappointing,” they said.

The recent solar eclipse—during which students flocked to Ball Circle to get a glimpse of the rare sight—was a meaningful moment for the space, for it hadn’t seen that much traffic in years. Unplanned by any faculty or organizations, the impromptu occasion conveyed students’ desire for free reign in the area.

Margo Korsakava, a junior business major, hasn’t seen an event hosted on Ball Circle since Club Carnival during her freshman year.

As someone who has been a student since its initial closure, she has witnessed the impact of its loss on UMW’s sense of community.

“I feel like once it got closed, students don’t really come together as a unit anymore,” she said. “The closest thing to it is ... Jefferson Square, and that’s just too far for people from Eagle [Landing] or other halls that are further down [C]ampus [W]alk, so I feel like it’s not as active as it should be.”

Due to UMW’s campus being open to the public, various individuals not part of the faculty, staff, or student body often walk their dogs or bike along the paths. Sean Price, a freshman business major, is a local who grew up familiar with the school grounds years before he ever attended as a student.

“I remember I played [frisbee] maybe two or three years ago with a bunch of college students, and that was really fun,” Price said. “It was such a welcoming environment. So not being able to have such an environment where you can nurture communication [and] friendships ... really brings

“I remember I played [frisbee] maybe two or three years ago with a bunch of college students, and that was really fun. It was such a welcoming environment. ”

- Sean Price

me down, not seeing it anymore.”

Access to the dedicated heart of campus is necessary for the community. One of the most crucial aspects of a college experience is the quality of the relationships made during it, and an inviting community allows more opportunities to connect with others.

UMW students have expressed their desire to populate Ball Circle, with many willing to ignore the fences and lay in the sun whenever they please. As a result, UMW should open up Ball Circle not just for events and University-sanctioned gatherings, but also for us to embrace the Mary Wash experience we were promised.

Final curtain call: UMW Theatre’s spring production

“Twelfth

Night” closes out semester in Shakespearian style

KrIStEN hOWArd Staff Writer

William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” took the stage this past weekend as UMW’s Theatre Department’s final production of the semester. After a shipwreck leaving twins Viola and Sebastian separated and assumed dead, this romantic comedy toys with fake identities, mysteries, complex love scenarios and the notorious social battles prevalent in Shakespeare’s dynamic plays.

After the shipwreck, Viola— played by senior theatre and English double major Maddie Baylor—adopts the disguise of a boy, deems herself “Cesario” and finds employment with Duke Orsino of Illyria—senior theatre and physics double major Mason Michael Clark. Meanwhile, Viola’s brother Sebastian—portrayed by Nathaniel Huff, a senior theatre major—survives the wreck with the help of Antonio, played by Cameron Zakreski, a senior computer science and theatre double major.

“I really liked the costumes and props because they added something. It was clear that this was an original Shakespeare setting which added interesting detail to the production.”

- Emily Hart

The scenic design in the play was beautiful, and it engaged the audience with dynamic set pieces and lighting effects. In particular, the beach set, which is the main location the play took place in, was realistic and lifelike without having too many overwhelming sound or visual effects.

“The back panels and the lighting to show the passage of time and the different locations without actually changing the set, I thought it was brilliant,” said freshman chemistry and math double major Emily Hart.

In addition to the set design, the costuming department went above and beyond to clothe the actors in period-relevant pieces.

“I really liked the costumes and props because they added something,” said freshman history major Ezra Harper. “It was clear that this was an original Shakespeare setting which added interesting detail to the production.”

Even though Viola and Sebastian are separated by the incident, they both land in the kingdom of Illyria as they recover from the wreck and fall in love in its wake.

Early in the play, Viola finds herself in a love triangle with Orsino who is smitten with Olivia—played by senior theatre major Emma Magner. However, Olivia is mourning the loss of her brother and doesn’t want to hear from Orsino; nor is she attracted to him.

But when Orsino sends Cesario to see Olivia, she falls deeply in love with him, though Olivia is unaware of the identity that lies beneath the disguise. Meanwhile, Sebastian has also landed in Illyria accompanied by Antonio, a long-time enemy of Orsino.

Sir Toby Belch, a fan favorite played by senior theatre major Seth Drenning, offered a humorous break from the dramatic romances that unfolded on stage. He continuously made the audience laugh and engage, and according to Blaise Wingold, a junior theatre and communication and digital studies double major, his favorite part of the play was anything to do with Belch.

“I think he’s really funny, he’s one of my favorite parts of the show,” said Wingold.

Tension rose in the crowd when Sir Andrew Aguecheek—Belch’s friend who is played by sophomore undeclared major Lee Adams—and Cesario met to duel over Olivia. As they come together, a case of mistaken identity occurs as Sebastian arrives at the scene instead. Resembling his disguised twin sister, he engages in the duel only to be interrupted by Olivia who proposes to him, thinking he is Cesario. Shocked by her beauty, Sebastian agrees.

In the meantime, Viola encounters Antonio who has been arrested and begs her for help, as he believes her to be Sebastian due to her disguise. Hearing the calls of her brother’s name, Viola sees a glimmer of hope in an eventu-

al reunification with her twin.

Hart said that all of the characters meeting each other was one of her favorite parts of the play, particularly when Viola and Sebastian meet face-to-face again. After abandoning Antonio, Viola, still disguised as Cesario, goes to Olivia’s house where she finds that the woman who was formerly enamored with her has married Sebastian.

“I absolutely loved it. I loved when the characters all realized that there were two of them,” said Hart.

The play ends in a beautiful wedding between Sebastian and Olivia and Viola and Orsino, resolving the cases of mistaken identity and bringing the lovers together.

During the show, the cast engaged the audience by breaking the fourth wall, peering out into the dark abyss of faces in the theatre to ask questions as if they were speaking to the audience. Additionally, some of the scenes began in the audience, which made it feel much more intimate—almost like you were in the show.

Hart and Wingold both worked behind the scenes of the production and helped with catching the audience’s attention. Hart explained what she worked on for the play.

“A lot of what I did was helping to finalize the panels,” she said. “The teachers already had the foundations laid out, so we were putting glue and painting some of them— that kind of stuff.”

Wingold contributed to getting the audience to come see the show and engage on social media platforms through posts and humorous Instagram reels.

“I’m on the social media team for the theatre department, so we went in and took photos and did a video that has been turned into a trailer for the show,” said Wingold.

“Twelfth Night” runs from April 11–21 with upcoming showings at 7:30 p.m on Saturday and a show at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Featured in the foreground from left to right: Emma Magner ‘24 as Olivia and Kyleigh Friel ‘26 as Feste. Photo courtesy of Geoff Green.

Maddie Baylor ‘24 performs as Viola across from Michael Clark ‘24 as Duke Orsino of Illyria. Photo courtesy of Geoff Greene.

Upcoming Earth Week encourages students to partake in sustainable practices and environment friendly activities

GrACE WAGNEr Staff Writer

From April 19–26, UMW will celebrate Earth Week on campus where various student organizations focused on sustainability will host educational activities and volunteer opportunities to learn more about the planet and encourage everyone to do their part in being more sustainable.

Earth Week is a time to think about one’s relationship with the natural world. This can be through learning new sustainable practices, such as planting trees on College Avenue in front of the University Center with the President’s Council on Sustainability on Friday, April 19.

“Having an appreciation for what the world around us can provide is so essential to building an interest in protecting it,” said Annisa Molnar, a sophomore international affairs and religious studies double major and vice president of Botany Club.

Focusing on UMW’s sustainable practices now will allow for a long lasting, clean energy campus environment for students, as well as foster a collective sense of community amongst Eagles on campus.

“I think we have an obligation to do what we can to restore habitats, reduce pollution, and minimize negative environmental impacts,” said Professor and Chair of English Johnathan Levin.

On Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m.–noon, students can volunteer through Community Outreach and Resources to help with service projects that benefit UMW’s campus environment. One of these volunteer opportunities with COAR includes a cleanup of the pollinator garden behind Goolrick Hall with the President’s Council on Sustainability; breakfast will be provided.

“Activities such as the Earth Day Festival and weekly volunteer opportunities open a door to so many useful resources and connections that can help you not only get involved and take leadership, but also inspire appreciation for why your involvement is so important,” said Molnar.

Nonetheless, caring for our planet and ultimately our future extends beyond Earth Week, and there are many

ways for students to get involved with the University’s sustainability mission. By joining clubs and organizations on campus that are focused on sustainability and the Earth’s conservation, such as the President’s Council on Sustainability, students can continue their efforts towards a more sustainable future.

According to Kate Stoneman, a sophomore environmental science major and co-chair of UMW’s President’s Council on Sustainability, students can get involved by reaching out to the Council’s co-chairs, such as themself or Kevin Caffrey, the senior associate registrar. PCS’s core goals are to make campus more sustainable, and Earth Week is a time where they can showcase what they have been working towards and recruit new members.

“We’re trying to implement the Climate Action Plan that was created by the Climate Action Task Force last year.

Just making sure that it stays on the President’s Cabinet radar, because that’ll look into renewables for campus energy efficiency and much more,” said Stoneman.

By participating in Earth Week and joining groups focused on more sustainable practices, UMW students can contribute to making campus a better place for Mary Washington’s future. The first step to becoming more sustainable and getting involved is as simple as showing up.

“We are doing this in hopes to foster an opportunity to enjoy the start of the spring weather, relax in the wake of upcoming finals, and possibly learn about some of the native plants blooming around us,” said Molnar.

On Monday, April 22, there will be an Earth Day festival where many clubs and student organizations will be promoting their sustainable involvement at UMW all over campus. Botany Club is one of these organizations and they will be on the Alvey Green from 12-3pm. On Wednesday, April 24, Botany Club will be hosting an easy nature walk along the Rappahannock River Trail.

The only way that Earth Week can truly be effective is for students to show up. The more people that attend, the more awareness that can be spread about our impact on the world around us.

“Let’s celebrate nature and lay the foundation for future generations to be able to celebrate it too,” said Levin.

UMW’s Earth Week celebration will take place April 19-26 on and around campus. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

During the solar eclipse on April 8, students enjoyed the spring weather outside on Ball Circle. Norah Walsh / The Weekly Ringer

With the sun shining bright, many spots around campus present outdoor studying or reading spaces for students.

Grace Wagner / The Weekly Ringer

Amid increased prices to recycle waste, lenient regulations statewide, UMW lacks sustainable practices across campus

VICtOrIA GALLAWAy, NAthAN EVANS ANd KENzIE SCOtt

Contributing Writers

China, which was once the largest export market of U.S. recyclable materials, stopped accepting America’s recycling in early 2018, thus increasing the costs of reusing materials. As a result, the University of Mary Washington has also seen an uptick in recycling costs in recent years.

“We pay A LOT,” said Holly Chichester-Morby, the University’s director of landscape and grounds. She reports that the cost of recycling has tripled since the pandemic, and as a result, local landfills have limited the amount of commercial recycling they will accept.

According to Francesca Johnson, the recycling manager at the Stafford County Regional Landfill, in 2018 the Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board decided to no longer accept commercial recycling because it was too expensive to process it.

The University relies on the private company American Disposal Services to handle both its waste and recycling, as all of Mary Washington’s recycling is classified as commercial, according to Chichester-Morby. Most of UMW’s recycling, except for the portion stored outside of the Cedric Rucker University Center, is sorted at the American Disposal Services Recycling Center in Manassas, Va. where it is then sorted and repurposed.

According to UMW’s Waste Management contract, the trash and recycling at the University Center are stored in a 28-yard split compactor. According to Chichester-Morby, this portion of recycling stored at the University Center is not recycled but instead dumped into the Stafford County Regional Landfill.

Per Chichester-Morby, it didn’t make economic or environmental sense to drive the large amounts of waste to two different locations—one for trash and another for recycling. To recycle the materials, a collection truck would have to pick up the split compactor, dump half of its contents at the recycling plant in Manassas, drive to Stafford to dump the remaining garbage at the landfill, and then return to the University.

“So the carbon footprint to drive it up to Manassas to dump one side of the compactor and to Stafford to dump the other and then back to campus … well, it’s bigger than just taking it all to the landfill and [bringing] the compactor back,” said Chichester-Morby.

While the Stafford County Regional Landfill accepts residential recycling and temporarily stores it at the landfill, this is at a large cost to the City. Chichester-Morby

affirms that UMW does check with the Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board periodically to deduce whether their policies surrounding recycling have changed.

However, the recycling barriers that the University experiences are a small piece of a much larger recycling problem. Foreign countries, such as China, used to buy copious amounts of recycling from the United States, which decreased the cost of recycling for domestic companies.

However, the United States typically sends contaminated recycling abroad. As a result, China placed large restrictions on the amount of recycling that they accept, and other countries have followed suit. This led to issues in the international recycling market and has increased the cost of recycling for localities such as Fredericksburg.

Eric Bonds, a sociology professor and member of the UMW President’s Council on Sustainability, said that the burden for properly disposing of this recycling is placed on localities when it should be placed on the companies that create the waste in the first place. Many local governments in the U.S. have reduced their recycling capabilities and often opt to burn recyclable material to produce electricity instead of repurposing it into something new.

Amid increased recycling costs, UMW is still required to recycle according to Sections 10.1–1425.6 of the Code of Virginia. According to the Code, public higher education institutions in the state must recycle “at a minimum, used motor oil, glass, aluminum, office paper and corrugated paper.”

According to Chichester-Morby, the University typically maintains one-year contracts with waste disposal companies, and at the end of these contracts, qualified companies can send a public request for a proposal for a

new contract. Currently, the contracts show that the cost of waste disposal has consistently increased since 2018.

UMW can also review the waste disposal deals that other state universities receive and incorporate those same deals when they look for a new provider. Chichester-Morby reports that the University chose American Disposal Services because “they were able to offer the services listed in the contract, the price for those services and the fact that they have a local representative, which is critical.”

The University commits to protecting the environment, even when it is not required by law, as indicated by the UMW President’s Council on Sustainability and the Climate Action Plan. According to the Council’s website, the committee is tasked with “making recommendations on sustainability issues and policy, developing strategies for implementation of sustainability initiatives, and providing a cohesive public face for UMW sustainability efforts.” The Climate Action Plan, which was developed in March 2022, seeks to identify and implement policies and objectives for the University to combat climate change.

Bonds said that there is room for improvement, and the best way to address the issues associated with waste management is by not creating the waste in the first place. He noted that the University commits to eliminating its reliance on single-use plastics. This commitment was made in alignment with Executive Order 77, which was issued in July 2021 and rescinded for Executive Order 17. The new executive order “calls for improved state recycling and waste reduction efforts,” according to UMW’s website. To adhere to the plan, UMW will be “introducing new waste reduction programs and expanding current recycling efforts.”

The University has committed to protecting the enviroment even if not required by law. Rivage / Unsplash

The University is mandated to recycle items such as glass, aluminum and office paper. Evgency Karchevsky / Unsplash

Sports

Strong leadership, big personality: Jacinto Jones II breaks record, motivates teammates

Born on a military base in Caguas, Puerto Rico, sophomore communication and digital studies major Jacinto Jones II has been playing sports since he was six years old. He moved to the United States at age three and graduated from Colonial Forge High School in Fredericksburg, Va. where he ran track and played football.

Jones came to Mary Washington specifically for track and field after being recruited, but he also loved the community and energy on campus.

“I only came here specifically for track. But then I came here and I felt the environment and I was like, ‘Huh now I want to do what I’m actually supposed to do here,’” he said.

For Jones, the difference between playing sports at UMW compared to his high school is huge, as the resources on campus allow him to train more consistently.

“I have a weight room that I use more often, and the times are different. I usually didn’t use the weight room at high school at all but now it’s daily in my life,” he said.

On January 27, UMW’s indoor track and field teams competed at the Virginia Military Institute’s Invitational. At the event, Jones broke the UMW record in the 300-meter dash, setting a new time of 35.23 seconds.

Jones elaborates on his motivation behind beating the record.

“The motivation was when I was walking up to the track,” he said. “I saw the time and I was like, ‘Oh, I know I can break it. Easy.’”

Track athlete and senior computer science major Ethan Young describes Jones’ hard work.

“I’ve seen him break records before, even his own, and I know he’s going to continue breaking them,” Young said.

Some of Jones’ teammates had recently broken this same record, adding friendly competition into the mix.

“After seeing my teammates perform [and] they broke it, I’m like, ‘Alright, now I got to break it. There’s no choice in the matter, I have to break it,’” said Jones. “So there was a lot of pressure, but in the end, I did pull through so I’m happy about that.”

Though track and field is an individual sport, the team encourages each other before and after competitions.

“Whenever everybody’s racing, or before they race, we always tell each other ‘Hey we got this. remember the training. Remember what you need to do. Don’t think too much, just go and go get it,’” said Jones.

The track and field team is inspiring in the way they boost each other’s confidence. Jones explains that the team stands on the sidelines, watches each other race and encourages each other.

“We all just support each other,” he said. “Everybody is at the finish line. All the teammates are at the finish line cheering you on, screaming, ‘Let’s go.’”

Jones discusses the differences in individual sports like track and field.

“The difference is that you are running against time and yourself, which is much harder than you think,” he said. “But there is a team effort in track for relays and support. Everyone on the team wishes you the best and wants you to succeed in each event you do.”

Jones may only be a sophomore, but he has already shown great improvement and has become a natural-born leader on the team.

“He’s definitely emerged more of a leader after last year,” said UMW Men’s Track and Field Head Coach Asia Hart. “He had a great season, finished up pretty well at conference and then we took into some final qualifiers and then he popped off qualified for outdoor nationals.”

Not only has Jones become a great athlete throughout his time here at UMW, but he also has a great personality that brings the team to life.

“[Jones] has been great. He has a big personality that you definitely see at our practice and at meets, but he also knows when to buckle down, focus, get in gear and just attack the track,” said Hart.

His teammates share a similar sentiment.

“[Jones] is a great teammate and pushes me and our other teammates in practice so that we can better ourselves,” said Young. “As an athlete, he is calm and focused on what he needs to do in order for him to perform at his highest.”

Jones is known for his leadership and hard work by both his teammates and coaches. Hart discusses his impact on the entire UMW team.

“He’s definitely stepped up in a leadership role as a sophomore, which is great. And you can see it throughout the whole team now,” she said. “Now, the whole team is

focusing at a higher level, so it helps elevate everyone’s game when you have someone like that that can lead the way,” she said.

Jones’ teammates speak about him with pride, for he has proven himself to be an incredible athlete who continues to outdo himself.

“In the time that I have known him, Jacinto has matured as both a person and an athlete. On the track he has gotten stronger and faster and is only going to get better,” said Young.

Track and field may be an individual sport, but camaraderie is a clear theme when it comes to Jones and his teammates’ connection. Jones has not only been able to improve his skills, but he has also helped his teammates to better themselves.

“He has taught me that as long as you show up and put in the work during practice and lift, then the results will follow,” said Young.

“[Jones] is a great teammate and pushes me and our other teammates in practice so that we can better ourselves.”

- Ethan Young

Jones and the team will compete until May 15, and the Eagles’ next meet will be in Newport News, Va. on Saturday, April 20 for the Christopher Newport University Captains Invitational.

“We’re excited to see what he can do for himself as an individual and also to see what his leadership can do for us at conference,” said Hart.

University of Mary Washington

Spring Sports Schedule

Men’s Tennis (12-6)

April 12 @ Brandeis (6-3)

April 14 @Babson (7-2)

April 17 vs. N.C. Wesleyan (7-2)

April 20 @ john hopkins

April 24 vs. Va. Wesleyan

Women’s Tennis (7-7)

April 13 vs. Chris. Newport (9-0)

April 17 vs. N.C. Wesleyan (5-0)

April 20 vs. john hopkins

April 24 @ Va. Wesleyan

Men’s Baseball (23-9)

April 13 vs. Hampden-Sydney (6-3) vs. Hampden-Sydney (12-0)

April 16 @randolph-Macon (7-3)

April 17 @Marymount (Va.) (10-3)

April 20 @Salisbury

April 23 vs. Southern Virginia

April 24 @Lynchburg

April 27 vs. Chris. Newport

Women’s Softball (13-17)

April 13 vs. Chris. Newport (8-1) vs. Chris. Newport (5-1)

April 18 @ Marymount

April 20 @ Salisbury

April 24 @ Shenandoah

Men’s Lacrosse (7-7)

April 17 vs. Chris. Newport (17-3)

April 20 vs. Kean

April 23 @ St. Mary’s (Md.)

Women’s Lacrosse (5-8)

April 12 vs. Bridgewater (Va.) (19-11)

April 17 vs. Meredith (18-6)

April 20 @ Chris. Newport

April 24 vs. Salisbury

April 26 @ St. Mary’s (Md.)

Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage www.eagles.com/compositeFull schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.

ABBEy MAGNEt Sports Editor

ABBEy MAGNEt & MANdy SOUz A Sports Editor & Staff Writer

Jacinto Jones II is a strong leader who encourages his teammates to do their best. UMW Athletics