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November 13, 2018

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Hokies’ 26-year bowl streak on brink of collapse MADDIE THOMPSON sports editor

TAHREEM ALAM / COLLEGIATE TIMES All of the Corps of Cadets marched out for former Virginia Tech student and Naval Ensign Sarah Mitchell’s engraving ceremony that took place at the Pylons, Nov. 9, 2018.

MITCHELL HONORED WITH ENGRAVING AT PYLON CEREMONY Sarah Mitchell passed away during a naval training exercise. She is the first woman to have her name engraved on the Pylons. TAHREEM ALAM ALLY LARRICK news reporter staff writer

Navy Ensign Sa ra h Mitchell was honored with an engraving ceremony at the Pylons on Friday, Nov. 6 at 3:30 p.m. The event lasted for half an hour and included speakers from Alpha Company, which Mitchell commanded in fall 2016, the Corps of Cadets and other faculty members who knew her well. After graduating in 2017, Mitchell reported to the USS Jason Dunham in Norfolk, Virginia, in preparation for its deployment to the Middle East. A little over a year later, on July 8, Mitchell passed away at age 23 during a naval

training exercise in the Red Sea. M itchel l’s na me is engraved into the Ut Prosim pylon at the ceremony, making it the 432nd name engraved on the Pylons. She is also the first woman added to it. Randal Fullhart, named commandant in 2011, got to know Mitchell during her four years as an undergrad, and watched her fulfill her dreams of becoming a naval officer. “This (the engraving ceremony) is an opportunity for all who are here to pause for a moment and reflect, not just about Sarah Mitchell the person, but who she represents and the company she keeps,” Fullhart said. “I think that the highest honor

we can give someone is to not forget them.” In Mitchell’s role as the commander of the Corps’ Alpha Company, she had an impact on many people, including senior geography major and cadet Sean Carlin. Carlin, two years younger than Mitchell, attributes his smooth transition into sophomore year to her. After spending the first year in Lima Company, Carlin and the rest of the freshmen endured the “sophomore shuff le,” which entails switching to an entirely new company. For Carlin, that was Alpha Company. “She made that process a lot better for me and I know for all the other sophomores that came to Alpha with me,”

Carlin said. “They all came from different companies throughout the Corps; none of us really knew each other, so she made it really easy for all of us.” As a part of both Alpha Company for the Corps and Bravo Company for the Navy, Carlin had double the experience with Mitchell. “She didn’t have a leadership position in her Navy company ... even when she didn’t have a leadership position, she was always leading by example,” Carlin said. When the news came of Mitchell’s passing this summer, it hit home for many members of the Corps.

lifestyles

PYLONS / page 3

After quarterback Kenny Pickett threw a 78-yard touchdown pass on the very first play of Pitt’s second quarter drive; the longest pass play for Pitt since November 26, 2016, Tech’s season suddenly seemed visibly fuzzy. They needed this game to keep from almost not being bowl eligible—something Tech hasn’t batted an eye about in almost a decade and a half, not to mention staying alive in the contention for the ACC title game. Throughout the first half of Saturday’s contest at Heinz Field, the Panthers put their foot on the gas and didn’t look like they planned on letting up. Pitt’s rush attack was strong and consistent, and scored off both of their first half drives, Running backs Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall ove r w h e l m e d Te c h’s defense, racking up big gains right and left. By the end of the first quarter, they

had racked up a combined 90 yards. By the end of the first half, the pair had each netted over 100 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown run from Ollison. Suddenly, in the thick of the second quarter, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope. A turning point for the Hokies. A forced fumble from Jermaine Waller in the Pitt endzone with recovery by Rico Kearny started the drive that would end in Tech’s first TD on the board—a 29-yard pass to Eric Kumah. Finally, some relief. Not long after, Maurice Ffrench slid by the defense for a 12-yard touchdown run. Followed by another score—this time started by a 13-yard Pickett rush and punched in by George Aston. That was just the first half. The Hokies left the field trailing 31–7, after being almost forced off by the Panthers when they took down Ryan Willis for a 10 PITT / page 8

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Pittsburgh Panthers’ Darrin Hall (22) breaks a long run against the Hokies’ defense to score a touchdown at Heinz Field, Nov. 10, 2018.

Get to know your Homecoming King and Queen Ryan Niblock and Katherine DiDonato sat down with our writer and discussed the future of their campaign platforms. HEATHER TROBRIDGE lifestyles staff writer

Home com i ng We ek is over, but the work for the Homecoming King and Queen, Ryan Niblock and Katherine DiDonato, has only just begun. Homecoming is more than just a week of cadets running around with the game ball and a chance for alumni to come back to the ‘Burg and watch a football game. D u r i ng Home com i ng, Virginia Tech students show their passion for service while campaigning for Homecoming King and Queen. This year’s candidates ran platforms they were passionate about and showcased the true spirit of Ut Prosim. The 2018 Homecoming King: Ryan Niblock It can be a crushing weight to carry your fears

and sadness on your own. Putting on a brave face every day can be taxing, and hiding these feelings from those you love can make these issues run deeper. Everyone knows someone who is struggling or has struggled with mental health problems — the problem Ryan Niblock, a senior studying multimedia journalism, sees is that our eyes are not always open to the signs. Upon first meeting Niblock, I would have never guessed that he has struggled with both anxiety and depression in his college years; his smile lit up Squires and when he said he was “most likely to brighten your day” in high school, there was no doubt about that in my mind. His passion for his campaign, “Not Alone with Niblock,” was evident and his desire to end the stigma of mental

HOW TO TALK TO FAMILY OVER BREAK Make up a politician and hope for the best. page 7

health was clear. Always the happy kid in high school, coming to college triggered a shift in his demeanor. Depression and anxiety were both new to Niblock. He kept these issues to himself, afraid of ruining the positive image that everyone had of him. After three months of struggling, Niblock began to share his story with friends and his sponsoring organization, German Club. Many wished that they had known sooner, that they had been able to identify the signs and had been able to help. Niblock even received messages f rom other members of German Club detailing their struggles and that they have had similar feelings of depression; they just never felt like they had an outlet. It was the spark that lit the fire; changing the HOMECOMING / page 6

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES Katherine DiDonato (LEFT) and Ryan Niblock (RIGHT) pose for a picture as they walk off the field at the end of halftime, Nov. 3, 2018.

PITT THROTTLES VT AT HEINZ FIELD Hokies surrender 492 yards on the ground. page 8

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Revisionist history erases key contributions of many Neglecting to teach schoolchildren about notable figures and movements denies them a complete grasp of the nation today.

BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES Initiators collaborate with students and faculty attending to facilitate progressive discussion on matters of positive social change in regards to race, Nov. 1, 2016.

column

Becoming an ally: People with privilege must speak Standing in solidarity with marginalized groups is much easier than it seems — all it requires is empathy and understanding.

he progressive left has been shifting ever-soleftward in recent decades. Liberals have embraced racial equity, gender and LGBTQIA equality, environmental justice, immigration reform, secularism, and many other causes that would send our great-greatgrandparents into a frenzy. The fundamental question surrounding the expansion of civil rights is “how can all people be brought to a level playing field, regardless of background, ability or other factors?” For people who have inherent advantages over others — and consider society to be fair as it currently is — leveling the playing field can be seen as a removal of fairness. Differences aside, we once could assume that most people were able to support social equality. Many people in this country wish to better understand social issues faced by people who are unlike them. However, because America has largely adopted an “us vs. them” mentality, many people feel as if they face a barrier to empathizing with others. This mindset has largely erased the safe, neutral ground where people can step up, ask questions and make mistakes. The increased political antipathy of the last decade has only further complicated the empathy-building process, causing many people to identify equality with an extreme progressive left and subsequently abandon it. However, even when we do try to empathize with others, there are some hard truths we must face. You will never be an expert in all areas because there are some experiences you cannot understand firsthand. You can immerse yourself in as much scholarship on feminist theory as you want, but without a firsthand perspective of how gender-based discrimination manifests itself, you’ll never fully understand. But even with those

difficulties, that shouldn’t stop you from trying to identify with others. If you listen, and you’re humble, allying yourself with social causes — even those unfamiliar to you — is really easier than it seems. To better understand (and ally with) people different from you, you must: 1. Listen. 2. Acknowledge advantages or “check your privilege.” 3. Learn from mistakes. 4. Use your privilege to challenge others. Listening is where the process begins. Especially for those who have lacked exposure to individuals from different walks of life, the only way to learn is by listening to and attempting to understand people different from themselves. For example, without having known any transgender individuals, one may not know that using a transgender person’s birth name instead of their chosen name can be an incredibly painful event. Being open to meeting and having conversations with people unlike yourself will better allow you to empathize and understand what is appropriate in social interactions, as well as how to best support others. Acknowledging societal advantages is an incredibly important part of this process. When you are ready to participate in conversations about social differences beyond listening, acknowledging your advantages will show others that you are serious about understanding. For example, a man who wants to support feminist causes must acknowledge that by not being a woman, he cannot ever fully understand all of the issues at hand. This man is no less welcome than a woman is to this conversation, provided he “check his privilege” and proceed while acknowledging that his experience as a man varies from the experience of a woman.

We all make mistakes. Don’t allow that to deter you from understanding those around you. Don’t be discouraged from participating fully because of any fear that you’ll make mistakes. However, by limiting your participation, you limit your opportunities to learn from others. When you’re willing to listen and have “checked your privilege” at the door, it should be apparent to others that you want to learn, and in most cases, people are willing to help. That may mean that people won’t hesitate to call you out when you misspeak. You’ll have to be willing to accept this criticism and learn from it. The most important piece of this process is the last one. Your growth throughout the process would mean nothing if you didn’t share what you’ve learned with others. Listening to others allows you to be more intelligent and compassionate; push that k nowledge forward. Using your privilege to challenge people to reconsider their biases, misconceptions and place in society is the capstone of effective allyship. As a member of specific social groups, you have access to institutions and networks not available to all. Applying your learning to those institutions and networks is how change begins, no matter how small you think it may be. Personal growth means nothing if it cannot lead to societal growth. There are many perceived obstacles to empathizing with others. While there are many opportunities to explore the unique perspectives of others through art, literature and other media, it can be as simple as interacting with people unlike yourself. It takes only listening and humility to gain a much-needed understanding of others. JARRODD DAVIS • opinions contributor • senior, public and urban affairs

Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times. All letters must include a name and phone number. Students 365 Squires Student Center must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include Blacksburg, VA, 24061 position and department. Other submissions must include city of residence and relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com parent, etc.). We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors.

ecently, the Board of Education of Texas decided that Helen Keller and Hillary Clinton should be removed from the state’s mandated history curriculum. This is not a rare occurrence either, as Michigan cut Roe v. Wade and climate change from state curriculum back in June, along with several cuts and limitations regarding civil rights and the Ku Klux Klan. To omit these prominent people and events from the American education system is wrong. While both of the above exa mples a re recent, altering the curricula for social studies courses is not a new issue. Curricula and textbooks are being changed and rewritten all the time. While it is both necessary and acceptable to change and revise textbooks to include new information, it is important to consider the effect it will have on younger generations, especially with subjects like history. By choosing to avoid or limit teaching certain topics, we change the past for children who learn the edited curriculum. Sadly, there appears to be a political motivation behind these most recent edits. Politics should not influence the future of public school education; however, Texas is the main source of American textbooks, and its Board of Education, which revises state curriculum, is elected in a right-leaning state. While other states may not have changed their curriculum, it is likely that they purchase textbooks from Texas. By not having the information in the book, it is more difficult for teachers to share the

information with their students, thus impacting curricula all over the United States. If misinformation starts in the classroom, America’s political future could become heavily one-sided. Limiting or outright omitting teaching topics like civil rights and the KKK lessens the importance of the civil rights movement and America’s history regarding racism. Rewriting history in this way could leave young people unable to understand why movements like Black Lives Matter and Colin Kaepernick’s Nike ads are so important and controversial. It also decreases the significance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination and other notable civil rights events, because the need for civil rights appears diminished. In order to facilitate progress for the future, it is crucial that we understand our past. Another prominent cut is Hillary Clinton, who may not be everyone’s favorite politician, but she did make history as the United States’ first female presidential candidate for a major political party. By not including her when talking about notable political figures, which is the section Texas elected to remove her from, Clinton’s significance is erased from history. Stalin is not a well-liked figure, either, but his removal from history lessons is agreeably wrong, and would change people’s perceptions of Russia. So why is it OK to rewrite our own country’s history? One of the more controversial political topics today is abortion. Pro-lifers

ca mpa ig n ever y where from outside of Planned Parenthood to on our own Drillfield. Roe v. Wade was the first piece of legislation that gave women the right to control of their own bodies. To stop teaching the highly significant court case could change how future generations view abortion and bodily autonomy. Climate change is one of those topics that our current president believes is not a problem so long as we ignore it. He is mistaken, and removing it from our classrooms makes it more difficult for new generations to try and fix the problem. As citizens of the world, it is our duty to take care of our planet, and, in the words of a former favorite history teacher of mine, “We can’t keep living on Planet A like there’s a Planet B to go to.” If children don’t learn about climate change and their carbon footprint, attempting to create a greener future will be hopeless. I guess it’s time to start scoping out that Planet B. There are only so many lessons that can be taught in a K–12 setting, but it’s crucial that elected officials pick the right ones. No one is born racist, sexist, Republican or Democrat. Our values are impacted by what we learn. It is OK to have an opinion toward a person or topic, but it is not OK to force those views on children or to shelter them from parts of our history that are deemed impertinent or unpleasant.

ALYSSA MCCORMICK • opinions contributor • freshman, computational modeling and data analytics

LOS ANGELES TIMES / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE The State Board of Education in Texas voted to remove Hillary Clinton and Helen Keller, as well as other historical figures, from the curriculum.

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PYLONS: Mitchell’s family, friends speak at ceremony from page 1

The Navy unit sent out the email recognizing Mitchell and the loss of someone who was sitting with fellow cadets just a year before. The Pylons stand for the values of Virginia Tech and are a holding place for the names of Virginia Tech alumni who have died in service to their country. Each pylon covers a different era beginning with World War I, and the “Ut Prosim” pylon is dedicated to the more recent losses. Both Carlin and Fullhart believe that the inscription of Mitchell’s name into the ‘Ut Prosim’ pylon puts things into perspective. “I think the Pylons and

the plaza, they are certainly a place of joy. Weddings take place there; proposals I’m sure have been made there,” Fullhart said. “But it is also a place to reflect and to understand what’s important.” Shay Ba r nha r t, the communications director for the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech, said it was a great honor for everyone in the Corps of Cadets to be able to put on this “show of appreciation” for Mitchell and her family, while showing “how much she was loved and appreciated in the Corps.” “The Navy and our country is lessened by her loss,” Burkette said. “She was one of those who tended to stand out, and I think that’s why we were

all shocked. You heard the command sergeant major talk about the shocking nature of hearing (of her death) ... because she was a larger than life type (of) person.”

family is honored and thankful for what the Corps of Cadets and the university did. He said Sarah would have loved it. Kevin also said Sarah loved the Corps of Cadets and the university,

“It’s an honor, and Sarah would be honored. That’s what’s important. ”

Kevin Mitchell Sarah Mitchell’s older brother

Additionally, many of Mitchell’s family members were present and stood together during the tape removal of her engraving on the Pylons. Sarah Mitchell’s older brother Kevin said the

and recalled a time during Sarah’s first year at Virginia Tech when she yelled at their mom for putting her purse down on the Pylons’ “sacred ground.” “Just all the people that have lost their lives for us

and all heroes, I just think (the Pylons are) amazing,” he said. “It’s an honor, and Sarah would be honored. That’s what’s important.” Mitchell’s parents recognized the importance of this monument in a statement provided by Barnhart. “The corps was a huge part of Sarah’s life. She loved being part of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and felt honored to serve her country. Our family will be forever grateful to the corps and their families for all the support they have provided to us since Sarah’s death,” Mitchell’s parents wrote in the statement. “Sarah viewed the Pylons as sacred ground, and we are proud of Sarah and her sacrifice to our country. It

is fitting that Sarah’s name will be inscribed on the Ut Prosim Pylon and an honor that Sarah will be the first woman to be added to the Pylons.” Furthermore, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands said that when he reflected on the ceremony, it was clear to him that everyone recognized that Mitchell is a part of the university’s history now, and that “in a way, that is very special.”

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TAHREEM ALAM / COLLEGIATE TIMES Sarah Mitchell’s name is engraved into the Ut Prosim pylon. She is the 432nd name and the first woman to be added to the Pylons, Nov. 9, 2018. TAHREEM ALAM / COLLEGIATE TIMES All of the Corps of Cadets marched out for former Virginia Tech student and Naval Ensign Sarah Mitchell’s engraving ceremony that took place at the Pylons, Nov. 9, 2018.

TAHREEM ALAM / COLLEGIATE TIMES The Commandment of the Corps of Cadets Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart spoke at former Virginia Tech student and Naval Ensign Sarah Mitchell’s engraving ceremony that took place at the Pylons, Nov. 9, 2018.

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Helmet Lab devises new bike helmet testing system The Helmet Lab is using data from other sports to develop a system of testing with the goal to decrease cyclist concussions. KELLEY GATES news staff writer

Resea rchers at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab have devised a new system to measure the effectiveness of a bicycle helmet. The lab has tested 30 different helmets thus far, giving each a rating from one to five stars depending on performance. These ratings are intended to be straightforward and easy to use to ensure consumers can choose the best helmet for their needs. The Helmet Lab is focusing on stopping cyclist concussions, which could create further difficulties in the event of an accident. Doing so has been difficult because reported cyclist concussions are rare and hard to document, unlike athletes who are constantly receiving concussions from impacts. “It’s hard to get evidence for the extent and frequency of concussions in cyclists,” said researcher and doctoral student Megan Bland, “and we can’t exactly get someone to purposefully go out and give themselves a concussion.” Because of this, the research team had to reverse engineer the impacts faced by cyclists by using data from other sports, such as football, to develop a system

of tests. The lab uses an angled block covered in a gritty substance, like sandpaper, to simulate the texture of pavement and asphalt and to provide a more accurate representation of real world conditions. The use of a gritty surface helps the lab understand not only the vertical forces at work in a crash, but also the horizontal forces which may twist the neck or skull. The lab has found that helmets that use Multi-Directional Impact Protection (MIPS) provide the most protection from these collisions. MIPS uses Teflon to cause slippage between the helmet itself and the protective foam layer inside. This technology allows the helmet to absorb horizontal energy that would otherwise be transferred to the wearer’s head. Another way the lab tests for concussion risks is by using an angled impact face. An impact face is just the surface of a block that is hit by the helmet. The angling of the face creates a more realistic scenario for the test and allows researchers to make more definitive conclusions about the safety of the helmet. The lab also tests helmets at different speeds and weighs the results based on how realistic the speeds are for cyclists.

According to Blend, despite the accurate results of the lab, many companies do not like it because of its stricter safety rules. Although the Helmet Lab conducted a large amount

study break Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

DOWN 1 Brewpub pints 2 Under the weather

3 Hatcher with a recurring role in TV’s “Supergirl” 4 [Shrug] 5 *Kid’s homemade topper 6 Nastase of tennis 7 Minor role 8 Scrooge’s “Dang!” 9 Good, in Guatemala 10 Hawks’ home 11 Ewe kid 12 “A Light in the Attic” poet Silverstein 13 Penny-__: unimportant 19 Roll call answer 21 Woodworking rods 25 Rubbish container 26 Stockholder’s agent 27 Protective embankment 28 Install, as a cleric 30 Eric Trump’s mom 31 Off-the-cushion pool shot

have as little bias as possible. If we made our own helmet that would create bias and, in the eyes of manufacturers, invalidate our tests.” The lab is currently work ing with several

companies to test their helmets and make cycling safer.

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Thanksgiving

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

11/13/18

By Mark McClain

of research in the past, the research team has no intentions to develop its own helmets. “We can’t create a new helmet design,” Bland said. “We want to stay neutral and

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FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 13, 2018

ACROSS 1 Source of spumante wine 5 Mr. __: Former name of a Dr Pepper rival 9 Light model wood 14 Bore false witness 15 Et __: and others 16 Provo native 17 Beige look-alike 18 *Safari head protector 20 Superficial, as beauty 22 Make possible 23 Negative connector 24 Packers quarterback Rodgers 26 *Traditional farm equine 29 Nervous twitches 33 Vein discovery 34 ... Venus, __, Mars ... 35 Like sea battles 36 Column slant: Abbr. 37 Overseas business abbr. 38 Sheep’s call 40 Sister Sledge’s “We __ Family” 41 Corp. bigwigs 43 Nike alternative 45 __ showing: theater info 46 Textile mill worker 47 *Baked pork cut that sounds perfect for a blanket in the park 49 Whirlpool brand 51 Wee bit 52 Ship’s chart 55 Air, mostly 60 *Lever for manual water extraction 62 Intricate garden feature 63 Medieval suit 64 Backtalk 65 Prickly husks 66 Nary a soul 67 London rental 68 Blind part

DAVID HONG / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Prototypes of football helmets at the ICTAS, Nov. 16, 2017.

Previous Puzzle Solved Monday’s Puzzle Solved

Corn Gravy Pumpkin Squash

Stuffing Turkey Thankful Pumpkin Pie

Feast Cranberries Family Holiday

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy! by Tim Rickard

32 Large quantity 33 Pundit’s piece 35 Daytona 500 org. 39 Ordeal ... and a hint to the initials of the answers to starred clues 42 Ice-climber’s boot attachment 44 Tabloid fodder 47 One of the Three Bears 48 Cold War threats

xkcd by Randall Munroe 11/13/18

50 Skiing champ Phil or Steve 52 Cross over 53 Tipperary tip jar coin 54 Hunter’s need 56 Victor’s wife in “Casablanca” 57 Ancient France 58 Poet Pound 59 Branch home 61 Bad check letters

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Community protests resignation of Jeff Sessions The demonstration on Nov. 8 was part of the nationwide movement to demand accountability from President Trump. TAHREEM ALAM news reporter

On Thursday, Nov. 8, students, faculty and community members mobilized on Henderson Lawn to participate in the nationwide Nobody Is Above the Law — Mueller Protection Rapid Response movement to demand accountability from President Trump. The demonstration was held in response to the resignation of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions at Tr ump’s request, who then appointed Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general. Indivisible New River Valley (NRV), a community organization in Blacksburg, hosted the event at 5 p.m. NRV Indivisible is a part of the greater national organization called Indivisible, which fights to advance progressive policies and resists the Trump and GOP agenda. The d e m o n st r a t o r s b el ieve d that the appointment of Whitaker compromises the independence of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation on Trump, which is an obstruction of justice. Some of their chants included “investigate Trump,” “firing the top cop won’t make the investigation stop,” “Whitaker must recuse,” “tell me what democracy looks like –– this is what democracy looks like” and “we need a leader, not a creepy tweeter.” “We have to get to the bottom of his involvement with the Soviet Union

and the election of him and Hillary,” said Phyllis Albritton, a member of NRV Indivisible. “It’s very painful to me to see what is going down here at 80 (years old).” Alexa Casey, co-chair at NRV Indivisible, said the goal of the demonstration was to rally people together, to recognize the importance of Trump’s decision and to alert people that things could be quite challenging if Mueller’s investigation is stopped. “Laws are made to be followed and not broken,” Casey said. “If we have the chief not following rules and breaking the rules, it sends a bad message to everybody. It gives everybody the sense of, ‘Well if my president is not following the rules, why should I follow the rules?’ So, it’s a general kind of basic, ethical standard that we all need to uphold.”

CAT PIPER / COLLEGIATE TIMES Students and other community members rally on Henderson Lawn after the resignation of Jeff Sessions and the removal of Rod Rosenstein, Nov. 8, 2018.

were elected to “defend and protect the Constitution” are allowing it to happen. “It’s important for people

“It’s very painful to me to see what is going down here at 80 (years old). ”

Phyllis Albritton NRV Indivisible member

In addition, demonstrators said that they will not back down from their fight. Even if they are tired or exhausted, they will continue showing up in public places. Kathy Carpenter, the P r e sby t e r ia n c a m pu s minister at Virginia Tech, expressed that it feels like democracy is disappearing right in front of everyone’s eyes and that the people who

to see that not everyone is in agreement and that we think it’s wrong,” Carpenter said. “I think it’s really important that we keep saying no and not let it normalize –– not let this behavior be normal –– because it’s not normal.” Moreover, some activists wanted to let people know that they did not need any special skills or talents to participate in everyday activism like this

CAT PIPER / COLLEGIATE TIMES

demonstration. Lauren Bow m a n, Virginia Tech class of 2016, said it is not enough just to be activists on Election Day. She recently completed a 38-day tree sit to protect the trees blocking the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline pathway. “I want to encourage other people to do things like that, even if people aren’t able to sit in a tree for that long,” Bowman said. “It (the Whitaker appointment) is just one of the many things happening right now that is unacceptable ... and it’s not working for the people anymore ... we’re not going to stop until we successfully change the current system.” A d d i t i o n a l l y, one Virginia Tech student saw the issue about Whitaker on Reddit, which sparked

in him a feeling of wanting to help mitigate what is happening. Alan Birchler, a senior major ing in business information technology, believes that if the president cannot be checked, then this behavior could slowly “trickle down” into communities where people with higher privileges or power can do whatever they want. “I wouldn’t necessarily say it has a direct impact on the community of Virginia Tech; what I would say is that it has a direct impact on principles itself,” Birchler said. “If you can’t check his (Trump’s) actions and hold him accountable for things, well where does the line draw from there?” Furthermore, one of the biggest messages by the activists was that people had

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voted BEST OF BLACKSBURG by Virginia Tech students!

CAT PIPER / COLLEGIATE TIMES

to actively follow up on their activism through writing letters, calling their representatives and never giving up. “The important thing here is that seeing even a small town like Blacksburg (demonstrate) will influence others to go out and do the same, just like how it influenced me,” Birchler said. “So that, eventually, it will become big enough where politicians can’t ignore our voices and then finally commit the change that they were supposed to do a long time ago.”

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HOMECOMING: New monarchs prep for spring events from page 1

the culture in German Club would soon grow into something more. Two years later, Niblock knew that he wanted to run for Homecoming King. He wanted to help teach community members how they can support their loved ones who are struggling with mental health related issues, in order to make sure that no one ever has to deal with those issues alone. “I realized that there was such a demand for peers and peer support and that was the spark of the campaign,” Niblock said. “It was something that I was passionate

about and I always wanted to run (for Homecoming), but I had never known why.” With the help and passion of friends, family and German Club, Homecoming Week was a whirlwind and gone in a flash. Prior preparation leading up to those long days helped Niblock to get up every morning and enjoy being at the booths and connecting with other Virginia Tech students. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, Niblock was full of energy on the campaign trail, and he never lost sight of why he felt so much passion for his charity. Revitalized and ready to go, finally getting a full night’s rest after the

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES Katherine DiDonato, 2018 Homecoming Queen, thanks people for voting for her and promises to shed light on pediatric cancer, Nov. 3, 2018.

exhausting week, Niblock is ready to put the wheels in motion for his spring project. “(The spring project is) probably the thing I’m most passionate about in my life, which is crazy because it came out of nowhere,” Niblock said. The spring project is not just an event, but it’s a campaign full of educational resources and being able to share personal stories and support (with the aid of a band and bonfire) at the German Club Manor in the spring. He even plans to invite Blacksburgbased therapists and share resources in areas outside of the New River Valley to help students find professional help that best suits them. Even after his reign as Homecoming King is over, Niblock hopes that his work will be carried on not only by future members of German Club, but students all across Virginia Tech. “The goal is to make an impact on the culture here; just making a difference in the little things in people’s lives would be great,” Niblock said. “This campaign really has the power to go beyond Virginia Tech too because you take these skills that you learn here, and go forward and it can multiply. The thing about Virginia Tech is that it’s such a close-knit community where people look after each other, and I think that this is a great place to start it.” The 2018 Homecoming Queen: Katherine

DiDonato Discovering that a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer can be a harsh blow during your time away at school. We stand by their side through every treatment, hospital visit, examination and surgery and stay there until the day

been running strong ever since. Homecoming week was overwhelming — DiDonato humorously admitted that school wasn’t her priority because she wanted to dedicate more hours to her cause. The preparation for her campaign was the most

“(Preparation) was definitely a whirlwind, but it was probably the best week of my life.

”

Katherine DiDonato Homecoming Queen, 2018 we can say that they have beaten cancer. This is the reality for for senior interior design major, Katherine DiDonato: Both her cousin Mary and her boyfriend Seth were diagnosed with cancer within months of each other and are battling the disease. Now, she is standing defiantly in cancer’s face with a mission to end pediatric cancer. It never crossed her mind that running for Homecoming Queen would be in her future, but after nominations from her sponsoring organization, Alpha Delta Pi, rolled in, DiDonato knew exactly what platform she would run on. With her loved ones as her inspiration, her passion for finding a cure to pediatric cancer was evident to her sorority sisters. She has seen the impacts of cancer firsthand and is ready to share the experience with Virginia Tech. “Kicking Cancer with Katherine” has

work and launched at the beginning of the summer. “It (preparation) was definitely a whirlwind, but it was probably the best week of my life,” DiDonato said. “I got to meet so many people on campus that connected with my platform and I got to hear their personal stories, which was really cool.” Now caught up on her work and back to her normal schedule, DiDonato already has the wheels in motion for implementing her platform in the spring. For her spring event, she would like to have different organizations donate hospital carepackage items and have a care-packaging day on campus. After the packages are made and a weekend is set, she and her sorority will hand deliver them to a hospital (location has yet to be determined). You can see her passion for making the lives of these cancer patients better in her eyes and hear it in her

voice. Her year of dedication has already been given a direction and goal: to make those children feel special. “I think that’s what really drove me to do this; seeing Seth and Mary go through it (cancer). When they were first diagnosed everyone was there, everyone was sup p or t i ng, eve r yone was trying to help them out as much as possible,” DiDonato said. DiDonato is always keeping her loved ones’ personal struggles with cancer in mind. “It gets hard as the treatments go on — it’s a long time. These kids are getting treatments for years and they’re in the hospital for days, weeks, months at a time and people tend to forget about what they’re actually going through,” DiDonato said. “They’re missing out on so many things that a lot of kids have taken for granted growing up.” Ultimately, DiDonato wants to use her platform to make these children with pediatric cancer happy. “I really just want that delivery day and to bring the packages to those kids to make them feel special, and let them know that we’re thinking about them, we’re praying for them and we’re here for them,” DiDonato said.

@Heather__Tro

Pretty leaves, not-so-pretty skin flakes: The pros and cons of autumn While every Hokie loves fall in Blacksburg, the season isn’t without its pitfalls. Don’t forget to keep a snot-rag on hand.

EMILY CARTER

lifestyles staff writer

By the time summer ends and fall begins, I become very thankful. But the more the weather gets cold and begins to hint at winter, I begin to hate Mother Nature again. Being the temperamental, dramatic person that I am, I am a fan of fall only from late September to November. Some aspects of the season make me wish fall lasted forever; others make me want it to last a few days. Here are some pros and cons of fall. Pros We a r i n g p a n t s /n o t shaving your legs I hate shaving. I hate it with a passion. I hate it so much that I have considered moving to the woods and becoming the next Sasquatch. The amount of time and money that I spend on shaving during the summer is unreal. The second it gets cold enough to wear pants, I actually shed tears. I never shave during the fall and winter unless I have to. During the colder months, there’s no telling how long it’s been since I’ve shaved. A week? A month? The world may never know, and the world will never see my bare legs during fall if I can help it. Thanksgiving Christmas is overhyped,

and because of that, Thanksgiving gets swept under the r ug. W hy would anyone sleep on T ha n ksgiving? It’s a holiday dedicated to food. Forget being thankful for my friends, family and all my many blessings — I’m thankful for the 39 carb-infested dishes my family members will be making for me to stuff my face with. Enough said. Soup Forget girls getting excited for a pumpkin spice latte; this girl gets lit about eating soup during fall. Why put nasty coffee juice in your body when you can warm your insides with a nice bowl of soup? There are so many kinds to choose from: tomato, chicken noodle, broccoli cheddar, and don’t even get me started on Brunswick stew (I know that’s not a soup, but bear with me). I love soup so much, I’m rewarding myself with some soup from ABP for writing this article. There’s nothing that’s going to come between this girl and her soup this fall. Cons Drippage I hate it when my nose leaks. It’s inconvenient and awkward. I’m not even talking about getting super sick like cold and flu sickness; I’m talking about snot drippage from your nose because of the cold temperatures. I’m not sick;

Main Campbell Hall, Nov. 5, 2018.

I’m just a broken faucet oozing snot from my nose, and I don’t like this feeling. It’s a n noyi ng a nd awkward. You can’t fix it by wiping your nose with your hand; you have to take out a tissue from your bag to fix the problem. But since you’re not sick, and there’s pretty much no medicine you can take for it, you’ll have to rinse and repeat the process of wiping away your snot repeatedly from your nose, coming to terms with the fact that you’ll have to make a lot of noise by getting a tissue from your backpack, wiping your nose

and discreetly sticking the used tissue back into your pocket. Gosh, I love the snots. Cuffing season Why is cuffing season a thing? It makes no sense to me why someone would get in a relationship during the colder months just to have a cuddle buddy. I have blankets for that. There’s nothing like lying on the couch by yourself with a blanket and a bunch of pillows watching Netflix or reading a good book. Thank goodness no one wants to participate in cuffing

ALEX NAGELI / COLLEGIATE TIMES

season with me because I do not give up my blankets or pillows easily. Dry skin In the summer, my skin gets oily; in the fall, my skin gets dry. So dry that I feel like I could be a snake and shed my skin. Every part of my body becomes dry in the fall. My legs, my face, my hands, my lips. There’s so much time spent during my day applying ChapStick, moisturizer and lotion to my dry, peeling body. I end up dropping so much money on products trying to heal my

lizard-like skin. If you see a lizard with peeling skin in a sweater smelling strongly of Bath and Body Works, that’s me. There are pros and cons for any type of weather or season; you just have to appreciate the better things over the bad things. I would gladly take another month of fall with dry skin and a dripping nose for a warm bowl of soup in a heartbeat.

@EmilyNic_12

editor@collegiatetimes.com

November 13, 2018 PAGE 7

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Preparing yourself for the inevitable holiday dinner-table interrogation Is Grandma all up in your business? Here are some helpful tips for navigating tricky conversation topics this holiday season.

HANNAH WYNNE lifestyles staff writer

The winter holidays are approaching. With them, come not only the same five jingles on every radio station, but also the expectation that copious amounts of family time will be spent. Lots of family time. And while yes, spending time with family can reaffirm the bonds of love and togetherness and whatnot, it can also be a veritable minefield of dangerous conversation topics. Once routine greetings are over and small talk has been exhausted, the real conversation begins. Be aware of this inevitable shift, for this is also when you must start to exercise caution. Look around you and take note of exits. An exit for this type of situation must be out of the common line of sight

and subtle enough that you won’t inadvertently blow a freezing blast of wind across the room. Find possible reasons to extract yourself from conflict if the need arises — is your aunt going to need help with the pie crust she’s working on? Do your grandparents need their luggage brought in from the car? The ideal excuse is one that you will get credit for doing. If none of these opportunities present themselves and you know you’re trapped, don’t worry — I’ve put together a conversation survival guide. You may have thought the school questions would stop once you’d been admitted to a college. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The next logical question is your choice of major. My advice for this response is to pick an obscure and highly specialized field

(computational modeling and data analytics is always a good choice), and when they ask what you plan to do with that degree, tell them simply that you want to change lives. With the major question

will be raised to a level you will not want to have to meet for the rest of your adult life. Any lower and people will start to worry if their holiday gift money is going to cases of cheap beer and ping pong balls.

“If all else fails, you can

always turn the conversation around and start asking relatives about their lives.

”

settled, relatives will usually want an indication of how your studies are going, namely, the number that at a college age replaces your IQ — your grade point average. Regardless of your real GPA, the best way to answer this question is by claiming a GPA of 3.8. Any higher than a 3.8 and their expectations

Once they have made sure you are spending an appropriate amount of time devoted to your studies, the topic almost always turns to relationships. Is there anyone special in your life, they ask innocently. When will we get the marriage invites? Will we get to see the start of the

next generation before we go? Try to keep a clear head through the coming panic. This is the perfect opportunity to flip the script and use the conversation to your advantage. Start responding with phrases that hint at your poor financial situation. Marriage? In this economy? Do you know how much it costs to buy a house or raise a child today, Grandma? The start of the visit is a perfect time for this conversation, as most likely the holiday checks haven’t been written yet. Once you have survived the interrogation about your personal life, there is still one dangerous common topic to watch out for. I’m referring to the obvious elephant (or donkey) in the room: politics. Usually, the topic won’t be accidentally breached till after the second or third round of

drinks, which means this conversation can be a fun one if done right. Regardless of your affiliation, pick a name that sounds both forgettable and trustworthy at the same time. When no one has heard of your made-up politician, subtly imply that you think everyone should make a better effort to stay informed. As different issues are brought up on any side of the political spectrum, make it clear that no one is working harder than your made-up candidate to bring about the reform this country so clearly needs. If all else fails, you can always turn the conversation around and start asking relatives about their lives. They are your family, after all. @CollegiateTimes

Peace on Earth and goodwill toward your wallet: Easy DIY gift ideas

Pleasing your loved ones this season doesn’t mean having to break the bank. These crafty gifts are sure to spread plenty of cheer. CALLIE FENTRESS lifestyles staff writer

Let’s face it: We’re all broke college kids here. However, that is no excuse not to spoil your loved ones this holiday season. If you’re low on cash and stressing about what to give your friends and family to show your unconditional love and appreciation, here are some inexpensive, creative homemade gift ideas that are sure to knock their fuzzy socks off. DIY picture frames Customization is key for this gift. Head over to Target or Walmart and buy a picture frame or two, then to your local craft store to pick out some decorations that match the personality of the person you’re making it for. Paint,

stickers, beads, buttons — you name it — can be used to decorate the frame. If you have any leftover seashells from previous beach trips that you’re never going to look at again, they can be great accessories to glue around the frame. Just select a cute photograph, warm up your hot glue gun and let the creative juices flow. Sentimental scrapbook This is a sweet gift for anyone from Mom and Dad to your significant other or childhood best friend. Scrapbooks are super simple to create, and the look on the face of the person you give it to is always priceless. If you have a plethora of old photos lying around (bonus points for any meaningful souvenirs such as movie ticket stubs, friendship

bracelets, old love letters, handwritten notes, etc.), this can be a cute and creative way to preserve those memories forever. Michaels sells tons of fun decorative scrapbook paper for super cheap, not to mention stickers, markers and everything you could possibly need to make the ultimate sentimental scrapbook. Scrapbooks are a timeless gift that are always fun to reminisce on, and they are guaranteed to make the recipients feel the love this holiday season. Paintings, drawings, photographs Mom a lways says homemade gifts are the best gifts. If you have a creative side, this is a great way to show it. Even if you’re no Picasso, it’s explicitly stated

PAT CLARK / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

in the parent handbook that they are required to love any piece of art you make for them, so no worries there. In my opinion, one of the coolest (and easiest) art trends is gluing crayons onto a canvas and using a hairdryer to melt the wax down the canvas, creating a rainbow of colors. It’s easy, unique and looks great displayed in any room. Or, if you’d prefer to repurpose some of the old art you created in that high school art class and never looked at again, collect up your old projects and tie them up with a nice bow. If your creative side is not stimulated by either of these suggestions, you can always paint or draw something new for your loved ones. No matter how you spin it, the recipient of this gift will appreciate the effort you put forth, so whip out your watercolors and get to work.

ornament found at any craft store and something to put inside and/or on the outside to give it some character. One year I made a snowman ornament out of puddles of hot glue and my mom still loves it to this day. It’s the thought that counts.

Original ornaments Who doesn’t love cute homemade Christmas tree ornaments? The great thing about ornaments is their versatility: Essentially anything can qualify as an ornament, as long as it can hang from a branch. You could use styrofoam, glitter, light bulbs or anything else that strikes your fancy. If you want to make a more traditional-style ornament, all you need is a clear base

Basket of their favorites If no one gift seems to be enough to show your appreciation this holiday season, why not give them all to those you love by creating gift baskets filled with their favorite things? This gift is full of possibilities and takes minimal effort, though the finished product is always a big hit. You can either play it safe and fill the basket with items that you know the recipient will

Scarf Know how to knit? Put that underrated skill to work with this cozy gift idea. Everyone needs warm clothes in the winter, so a scarf can be given to anyone who needs a little extra warmth this season. Yarn is inexpensive at most craft stores; you can pick out a few colors or just stick to one solid color, depending on the recipient’s preferences. Knitting can be time-consuming, so make sure you set aside enough time to get all the way through the scarf before Christmas rolls around.

love, or add some comedic value by stuffing it full of funny items that remind you of them. Either way, they will be thrilled upon receiving such a thoughtful gift. If you’re doing this for your parents and your dad is anything like mine (impossible to shop for), I strongly recommend poking around TJ Maxx for the perfect basket-stuffers. You’d be surprised at the number of seemingly random items they carry that end up being perfect for that person who already has everything. There is no need to break the bank this holiday season with so many inexpensive DIY gifts for every special someone in your life. These are just a few ideas to get your creativity flowing this Christmas. We all know that Christmas is truly about spending time with the people you love, but seeing their faces light up when you hand them a thoughtful homemade gift can really be the icing on top of the cake ... or should I say, the angel on top of the tree.

@CollegiateTimes

sports

PAGE 8 November 13, 2018

editor@collegiatetimes.com

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PITT: Hokies hope to avoid first losing season since ‘92 from page 1

yard loss as the clock wound down to zero.’

It’s at this point that the gravity of the game starts to set in. A win for Tech would greatly help their chances at being an ACC title contender

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies’ head coach Justin Fuente walks down the sideline as he speaks over the headset in the Hokies’ 52–22 loss at Heinz Field, Nov. 10, 2018.

and put them on track to be bowl eligible once again. A loss would push them further down in the ACC standings and dash their hopes of making it back to Charlotte for the ACC title game. The Hokies needed to show up and show out. They didn’t just need to play, they needed to perform. Instead, the game became hard to watch for Tech fans while Pitt’s backs each scored on rushes that were over 70 yards. To their credit, the Hokies never completely gave up. This should be something that the team, as well as Tech fans, take as a hopeful observation. The second half lent itself to two more scoring drives for the Hokies, and despite also allowing three touchdowns, Tech never allowed Pitt to completely close off an opportunity for a comeback. “We have a ‘no-quit’ attitude at all times,” said a visibly-disappointed quarterback Ryan Willis. “I saw

it in my guys’ eyes, no one was giving up, no one was quitting.” But the 97-yard touchdown run from Ollison with just five minutes left in the game— Pitt’s longest rushing TD in program history—just isn’t conducive to Tech’s ambitions at this point in the season. The young team watched its hopes slip away as each minute passed, and let more salt into the wound. The Hokies allowed 654 total yards of offense Saturday night, a new school record for Pitt and the second most yards ever given up by Virginia Tech in program history. “We’re trying to teach our guys through this, it doesn’t mean we’re not being demanding of them, we absolutely are,” said head coach Justin Fuente. “But come game time it’s time to solve problems and fix things and continue to bring those guys through.” Statistics like this lend

itself to frustrations from coaching staff and players, as the team grapples with teaching its young corps and cycling through new players in the starting position as defensive players drop like flies. Houshun Gaines is the most recent in the series, going out during the third quarter and returning in a brace and on crutches. It’s almost as though this team has sustained the perfect storm to create the most frustrating defensive situation this team has seen in years. “It’s a new experience for a lot of us, it’s been a long time since we’ve been like this. But we’ve got kids that fight, and we’ve got a staff that fights and we’re gonna get back to work and that’s all we can do,” said defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Defensive back Ricky Walker, a senior leader on the team, shared the coach’s frustrations. With his added responsibility to put his own

feelings aside during the game and keep his younger teammates motivated, he had no excuses for the defense. “Everyone’s been saying we’re young since January, it’s not an excuse.” “I thought we had a good week of practice,” added Foster. “And I can point a lot of fingers but ultimately they all come back to me.” At the end of the day, sometimes it’s best to just say what’s done is done. Tech still has a chance to extend its famous bowl streak and finish the season with a respectable record and hopes for next season. The Hokies will be back in Lane Stadium next Saturday for another ACC matchup against Miami, a crucial game in the fight to remain bowl eligible.

@CTSportsTalk

Run defense struggles yet again versus Pittsburgh Tech drops second straight ACC game and continues to fall behind in the ACC Coastal race with Miami matchup on the horizon. DAVIS CARBAUGH sports staff writer

The Hokies came into the frigid Pittsburgh conditions with their ACC Coastal Division hopes on the line but were entirely outplayed by the Panthers. Pitt absolutely dominated the first half and the outcome was never in doubt as Tech lost 52–22. “The level of inconsistency on both sides of the ball is what we’re trying to work through,” said head coach Justin Fuente. “Reaching that level takes a lot of discipline, strain and practice. That’s what we’re striving for as a group.” Big plays hurt the Tech defense early in the game as Pitt managed to put points on the board on five of its six first-half drives. Rushing defense was detrimental to the Hokies, allowing 492 yards on the ground. That mark is the most rushing yards allowed in a game during defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s coaching career. Pittsburgh finished the game with 654 total yards, a program record. Darrin Hall broke loose on a 53-yard rush late in the first quarter that set up Pitt with first and goal at the Tech 8-yard line. Running back

Qadree Ollison scored from 8 yards out on the very next play to put the Panthers up 10–0 late in the first quarter. The first quarter ended 10–0 in favor of Pitt as the Hokies struggled to produce on offense early in the game. The big play also factored in on Pittsburgh’s next drive in the second quarter as quarterback Kenny Pickett found Maurice Ffrench on the right sideline for a 78-yard touchdown. An energized Pitt offense jumped out to a 17–0 lead early in the second quarter. Pittsburgh’s Hall broke loose for his second big run as a 58-yard rush moved the ball down to the Virginia Tech 22-yard line. With a chance to knock the Hokies out early, the Pitt drive ended with a Pickett fumble recovered by Tech in the end zone. Following the Pitt turnover, Tech put together its best offensive drive of the first half capped off by a 29-yard Ryan Willis touchdown pass to Eric Kumah. The airstrike put the score at 17–7 and gave the Hokies life with 6:38 left in the second quarter. Pitt answered Tech’s first touchdown with a Ffrench end-around for a 12-yard rushing touchdown and a goal

line score by fullback George Aston. Virginia Tech headed into the lockers at halftime down 31–7. The Panthers dominated the first half and put the Hokies out of the game by half time. Pitt racked up 424 total yards in the first half and had eight plays of 20 or more yards, four of which were credited to Ollison. Hall and Ollison rushed for over 200 combined yards in the first half, while Tech ran for only 57 yards. Willis gave the Hokies a spark midway through the third quarter, connecting with Kumah from 5 yards out to cut Pitt’s lead to 31–15 after a two-point conversion. However, the Panthers scored another long-distance touchdown on the following drive as Hall broke loose on a 73-yard touchdown run. Pittsburgh took a 38–15 lead with 4:04 remaining in the third quarter. The Panthers went on to put away the Hokies by a score of 52–22. Ollison finished the game with three touchdowns off of 235 yards, while Hall ran for a touchdown and 186 yards. “Pitt outplayed us from an offensive and defensive standpoint and obviously that comes back on me,” Foster

said. “We’ve got good kids that want to compete. We’re going to roll our sleeves up and go back to work tomorrow.” Tech quarterback Ryan Willis played admirably for Tech the entire game, finishing with 231 passing yards and three touchdowns. Consistently trailing Pitt, the Hokies’ offense was pressing to catch up with the Panthers. “We win and lose as a team,” Willis said. “It’s never a good feeling after a loss, but I think our guys are ready to go back to work this week; we have to turn the page and keep working.” The Tech defense has struggled mightily this season as Foster deals with injuries and lack of experience. The Hokies have allowed over 200 rushing yards in each of their last three losses. Additionally, junior defensive end Houshun Gaines left the Pitt game with a knee sprain and did not return. “What we have to do is focus on going back to work,” Fuente said. “When you’re in tough times and things aren’t going your way and you’re not playing as well, the answer is not to point the finger but to look in the mirror and look at what you can do to help this situation. That’s what we’ve

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech’s Ryan Willis (5) gets sacked by the Pittsburgh defense as the Hokies attempt a Hail Mary in the final seconds of the first half against Pittsburgh at Heinz Field, Nov. 10, 2018.

all got to do.” The Hokies needed this win to stay in the hunt for the ACC Coastal, yet it was Pittsburgh who walked away in control of the division. Looking forward, Tech will need to win its final two games in order to be bowl eligible. The Miami Hurricanes will come to Blacksburg next week as

Virginia Tech looks to bounce back from this loss and end a three-game losing streak. With the longest consecutive bowl streak in the NCAA on the line against Miami and UVA, the Hokies will need to be at their best. @CTSportsTalk

Runnin’ Bulldogs outpaced by Hokies’ backcourt Alexander-Walker, Blackshear and Robinson lead Virginia Tech men’s basketball to its first win, beating Gardner-Webb 87–59. DEVIN SHEPARD sports staff writer

The Runnin’ Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb traveled to Blacksburg for No. 15 Virginia Tech’s first game of the men’s basketball season. The Hokies started the season off in style, cruising to a 87–59 win in front of their home faithful The game started slow with no points through the first two minutes. The Hokies started the scoring with a layup from redshirt-junior Kerry Blackshear Jr. After back-to-back baskets from the Bulldogs, Blackshear led the Hokies to a 12–0 run as Tech pulled away 17–4. The Hokies maintained their comfortable cushion, heading into the half up 42–33. Gardner-Webb attempted to make its way back into

the game, pulling within four at the beginning of the second half, but the Hokies continued to pull away thanks to a scorching performance from sophomore Nickeil A lexa nder-Wa l ker. T he Hokies would win the game 87–59, starting their season 1–0. The Hokie offense was impressive, continuing its trend from last year. The offense ran smoothly, scoring 87 points, shooting 50.8 percent from the floor and 40 percent from the arc. They moved the ball well with 20 team assists. What may be even more impressive, though, was the Virginia Tech defense. On multiple plays Friday night, Virginia Tech completely stifled the Bulldogs, disallowing their offense from getting any movement

whatsoever. It showed in the box score, with Virginia Tech holding Gardner-Webb to 59 points, recording 16 steals and forcing a whopping 29 turnovers. If this unit keeps this energy up in ACC play, the expectations placed on them may not be too high. Sophomore phenom Alexander-Walker, who looks to be coming into his own this season, led the Hokies in scoring with 21 points. More importantly though, Alexander-Walker was tied for the team led by freshman Isaiah Wilkins, a reclassified freshman who many did not expect to get on the court this season. The Hokie offense as usual was run flawlessly by senior point guard Justin Robinson, who finished the game with 11 points, eight assists and three steals. The Naismith Player

COURTESY OF HOKIE SPORTS Virginia Tech’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker drives past Gardner-Webb defender during the Hokies’ 87–59 victory.

of the Year shortlist will be the key to this team achieving great things this season. Overall, the Hokies looked very impressive Friday night. As a veteran squad, if they continue to play like this in ACC play, they will

keep themselves in ACC contention. They will only be aided by the possible returns of freshman Landers Nolley and senior Chris Clarke later this season. The Hokies look to take on Ball State next Friday to tip off the Charleston

Classic as they continue to build on what looks like it could be a promising season.

@CTSportsTalk