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November 6, 2018

COLLEGIATETIMES

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

TECH CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE AT HOME A battered Hokies team was outscored 24–7 in the second half against Boston College Saturday. Virginia Tech is now 4–4 on the season and 1–3 when at Lane.

ROBBY FLETCHER assistant sports editor

Coming off a brutal p e r fo r m a n c e against Georgia Tech last Thursday, the Hokies had a chance to take down the No. 23 Boston College Eagles at home, but injuries and a strong Boston College rushing attack thwarted the Hokies hopes of winning their second game at home this season. The Eagles (7–2, 4–1 in ACC play) took down the Hokies (4–4, 3–2 in ACC play) 31–21. Tech got off to a strong start in the first half, with a few promising drives that resulted in touchdowns by Damon Hazelton and Eric Kumah. Hazelton’s score was a highlight play where quarterback Ryan Willis put up a true 50–50 ball in the corner of the end

zone that Hazelton miraculously came down with. It was Hazelton’s seventh touchdown reception of the season.

Ashby and Rivers. With so many impact players out and a star running back in sophomore AJ Dillon leading

“ I’m obviously not proud of the result. But it’s at least a winning effort. ”

Bud Foster Defensive coordinator

Bud Foster’s defense held their own in the first half despite missing starters Dylan Rivers, Rayshard Ashby and Jarrod Hewitt to start the came. Adding insult to injury, cornerback Bryce Watt left the game with a fractured forearm. Backup linebackers Rico Kearney and Dax Hollifield stepped up big in the middle of the field to produce 28 tackles combined in the absence of

the Boston College attack, one would think Tech would’ve struggled mightily against the Eagles, yet they held their own, holding the offense to just 126 yards of total offense at the end of the half where the Hokies were up 14–7. Though they didn’t do enough to pull away with a victory, defensive coordinator Bud Foster was happy with how his team played. “I’m obviously not proud

of the result. But it’s at least a winning effort,” Foster said. Unfortunately for Tech, Boston College came out blazing hot in the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points and holding a stagnate Hokies offense to just 32 yards of total offense. For Fuente and the offense, it seemed that Boston College adjusted and the Hokies weren’t prepared. “We’ve gone through some dry spells. Boston College made the decision about halfway through the second quarter and into the second half to stop blitzing, stop moving and play base defense two-high,” Fuente said after the game. “We half and tried to run the ball into it.” What once looked like a day where Willis and the offense would have their RECAP/ page 8

DAVID HONG / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Commonwealth Ballroom closes for renovations until March 2019 The renovations include an accessible stage and updates to the floor. KEVIN SANDLER news staff writer

For the first time since 1968, the Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires Student Center is under major renovation. The renovations to the 15,000-square-foot space include a new stage, lights and floor. The project began in early October, and is estimated to cost $3.2 million. “ We’r e e s s e n t i a l ly flipping the whole room,” said Eric Margiotta, associate director of Student Engagement and Campus Life. “We’re looking for better overall experience for students and for everyone else that uses the space.” One of the major changes to the room is making the

stage accessible. The entire stage will be completely taken out and rebuilt at a lower height with a ramp installed. “It is the biggest ballroom on campus, it is used hundreds of times a year by the campus community, and there was no ADA access,” Margiotta said. Other improvements to the room include updates to the heating and cooling system and the installation of new controllable LED lights, as well as replacing the floor and renovating the walls in the ballroom. Additionally, a retractable wall will be installed in the ballroom to divide the room if need be, a change from the SQUIRES/ page 4

column

lifestyles

Our columnist weighs in on topics ranging from young voters, health care concerns, social issues and the spread of fake news.

The first part of Tony Kushner’s epic tale of love and loss amid the AIDS crisis will grace the stage, beginning Nov. 7.

Commentary: Examining School of Performing Arts to major issues of midterms perform ‘Angels in America’

good rule of t hu mb when trying to predict which party will do better in an election is by determining which base is the angriest. These are the people who show up to vote, and in a midterm election when the number of voters is much lower than during presidential election years, tapping into that anger is crucial for politicians running for election. KAILA NATHANIEL / COLLEGIATE TIMES Corey Stewart answers media questions after the KaineStewart Senate Forum, Aug. 24, 2018.

Last year, he endorsed Ed Gillespie — who was running for governor — while Gillespie ran a very Trump-inspired campaign. In the end, Gillespie suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Democrat Ralph Northam. The GOP may be the party of Trump, but Trump voters are not loyal Republicans.

Health care After the Republicans tried and failed to do away with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — commonly known as Obamacare — Democrats have made health care their defining issue. The past eight years have been hard on MIDTERM / page 2

At one rehearsal for the Virginia Tech School of Per for m i ng A r ts’ production of “Angels in A mer ica: M i l len n iu m Approaches,” di rector Daniel Tobin began by leading his young cast in a lighthearted, seemingly inconsequential acting warm-up. “Pick one person (in the cast), but don’t let them know you’ve picked them,” he said. “And now, try to stay as far away from them as possible.” Running, laughter and a couple of near-spills ensued. To an outsider, the exercise might have seemed like preparation for a comedy. Actually, Tobin and the cast were simply settling into the space, shaking off some of their inhibitions before launching into a four-hour rehearsal of one of the most complex

and renowned works of drama that the School of Performing Arts has taken on yet. “Angels in America,” which first premiered in 1991, is playwright Tony Kush ner’s sp r awl i ng, metaphorical, two-part exploration of the AIDS crisis in 1980s America. “Millennium Approaches” is the first part, and it explores the intersecting stories of two couples. One is Joe and Harper Pitt, a closeted young lawyer and his Valium-addicted wife; the other is Louis Ironson and Prior Walter, a homosexual Jewish man and his AIDS-stricken lover. As Joe and Harper wrestle with devastating shifts in their marriage, Louis leaves Prior, who is visited by an angel and told he is to become a prophet. W hen “M i l len n iu m Approaches” opened on Broadway in 1993, The New

York Times hailed it as “the most thrilling American play in years.” It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and Drama Desk Award, all for best new play, and HBO produced both parts of the play as a Golden Globe- and Emmy Awardwinning miniseries in 2003. A 2018 Broadway revival, which starred powerhouse actors Andrew Garfield and Nathan Lane, recently won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. How, then, does a theater department in small-town Blacksburg, Virginia, bring such a daunting production to life? According to Tobin, the department has wanted to for years now. “They asked me to direct it, and my first reaction was, ‘Whoa! This is massive!’” Tobin — now in his second year of a post-MFA fellowship in the

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ANGELS / page 5

EXTRA POINT

THE

The Trump base PresidentTrump’scorebase ofvotershasnotshownsignsof wavering.Despitebeingdisproportionatelynegativelyaffected byhismajorpolicies,theyseem content to stick with Trump, maybe not to the end, but certainlythroughthemidterms and into the new year. That being said, there isn’t much evidence to support the idea that a Trump endorsement does much for a conservative candidate.

JAYNE ROSS

lifestyles staff writer

STRUGGLES FOR RUN DEFENSE CONTINUE The Hokies gave up 222 rushing yards vs. BC.

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HOKIES LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK Tech hopes to improve ACC record at Pitt.

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PAGE 2 November 6, 2018

opinions

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column

People pleasing prevents upward mobility, success Staying true to yourself and learning to say no is key to leadership and organizational advancement.

KAILA NATHANIEL / COLLEGIATE TIMES A Tim Kaine supporter sits in the audience during the Kaine-Stewart Senate Forum, Aug. 24, 2018.

MIDTERM: A lot is at stake during this midterm season from page 1

Democrats since the passage of the ACA, which was widely criticized by constituents of both parties. Now, after a number of unpopular repeal attempts by Republicans, Democrats feel as though they can now reclaim health care as a central platform. A significant number of Republ ica ns have back t racked a nd a re now claiming to support varying amounts of government-subsidized health care with protections for people with pre-existing conditions. In most cases, this is a blatant lie. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) made his career on his absolute opposition to ACA but is now claiming that he has always supported protecting people with pre-existing conditions. Social issues The Republicans have made key issues like immigration and ter rorism the focal point for the midterms. The prominence of the migrant caravan in Honduras in the news and anxiety over the changing racial demographics are two issues that Republicans have been tapping into in order to connect with their base. Some Republicans are hoping that race-baiting tactics will prove to be a more convincing message than the Democrats’ support for the expansion of health care. On the flip side, the rise in hate crimes and bigoted r ight-wi ng ca ndidates provides a strong motivation for minorities to vote Democratic. Tragedies like the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh and the shooting near a black church could push more conservative minority voters to vote Democratic out of fear. Brett Kavanaugh There is no denying the impact that the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court has had to rally liberal voters and women. Both parties

were highly polarized by the ordeal, but after he was confirmed, Republican enthusiasm died down somewhat. Democrats, however, have not left behind their anger from Merrick Garland being denied a hearing and were further incensed by how the accusations made against Kavanaugh were treated. Anger over the Kavanaugh hearings may not be the most pressing issue on voters’ minds, but it will certainly help to motivate many of them to go to the polls. Youth vote Young voters are notorious for their low voter participation. Millennials should make up the largest voting group this year, but it seems unlikely that they will buck this trend. Democrats suffer from that, as younger voters tend to be more liberal. The best way to win would be to get younger voters to the polls. There has been a small surge of enthusiasm among young millennials and older members of Gen Z, due to an overall rise in enthusiasm and the prominence of political issues referenced in pop culture. Even so, it does not seem likely that millennials are motivated enough to become the largest voting demographic this election.

Challenges to voting Low voter turnout is not entirely indicative of a lazy populace. Voting can be difficult for some to manage. Election Day is on a Tuesday, during which a significant number of voters have to work. People with mobility issues can send in absentee ballots, but they must register to do so weeks before the election actually takes place. Voter suppression is an increasingly common occurrence, primarily in Republican-controlled states. Virginia is in a bit of a different position, with no obvious attempts at further restricting who can vote and how. This is helped by former Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s action

that gave hundreds of thousands of citizens convicted of felonies the right to vote. However, that is not to say that it isn’t a problem. The Brennan Center for Justice found that Virginia was one of four states since 2013 to have conducted illegal voter purges. That being said, the very nature of Election Day presents some serious challenges. Making time to vote with a full-time job or getting to the polls without a means of transportation can lead to some voters simply choosing not to vote, particularly in a non-presidential election year. This year might be different, as increased enthusiasm also means more people putting in effort to find some way to get to the polls. Lyft has even offered discounted and free rides.

Fake news It seems tired to mention this, but fake news will certainly play a role in how people feel leading up to the elections. Intelligence agencies have reported that Russia is trying to influence this election, which means that social media sites like Facebook and Twitter will be flooded with bots and trolls attempting to widen the partisan divide. While Twitter has taken some steps to clamp down on the number of bots, neither site has done enough to combat fake news in a meaningful way. Making this even more difficult is the number of politicians and candidates who openly spread fake news. This is of particular concern as it relates to immigration and health care, both of which seem to be the core issues of the election. Fears stoked or assuaged by lies about either topic could have an impact on the election and whether people feel the need to vote for one party over the other.

s a perpetual people pleaser, I have lived the majority of my life adhering to the perceived opinions of others. This subconscious desire to please others has surfaced in numerous areas of my life, from creating barriers in relation to political discussions in class to refraining from addressing controversial subjects in my written works. While the guise of security enveloping those of us who people please is typically perceived as a catalyst to getting ahead in the workforce, I contend that such compulsions ultimately inhibit the emergence of leadership opportunities and the potential for career advancement. At its core, people pleasing derives from a fear of rejection and criticism, driving the affected individual to resist exposure to controversial conversations on account of their aversion to confrontation. When it comes to navigating the divisive issues facing an organization, people pleasers are typically not the first called upon to resolve the situation. Rather, those who are able to articulate the mission or goals of an organization without fear of rejection or criticism are typically those charged with making difficult decisions and broadcasting those decisions on account of their authenticity. Ways to curb your peoplepleasing tendencies in pursuit of more authentic connections i n cl u d e

practicing iterating “no,” finding a trusted colleague or friend to help keep you accountable, and practicing self-love. The dread that often accompanies saying no for a people pleaser often stems from an inherent belief that the needs of others ought to be met before our own. However, as the old saying goes, you can’t help others before you help yourself. The unrelenting urge to be agreeable often suffocates our sense of self-respect, illuminating the influence of rejection in our daily interactions. However, if saying yes in a situation ultimately conjures up feelings of self-resentment and regret, your subconscious likely recognizes the feelings of fear driving your capitulation and is signaling you to stop accommodating others at your own expense. Acknowledging that your worth isn’t contingent on the ways in which others perceive you is a recurring conscious decision you must make when compulsions to be agreeable are a constant. When feelings of vulnerability surface, this awareness provides a foundation of faith within ourselves. As we continually hold ourselves accountable to any goal in life, we develop habits that eventually turn into routines. The more we adhere to these routines, the more our brains hold us accountable to standards we have set for ourselves. Setting standards for ourselves not only stands as

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an expression of self-love, but it also steers us away from unfounded conclusions drawn from childhood about who we were expected to become. We often rely on external validation from others to fill an internal vastness when it comes to our perceptions of our worth. Tuning into which experiences make us feel uncomfortable in our own skin is essential to remedying the situations in which we feel invaluable. For instance, comparison often brings about intense feelings of inadequacy. However, comparing the highlights of others’ lives to the lowest points of our own only serves to starve ourselves of love by nominating external validation as our sole measure of internal value. The next time you feel the fear of rejection rising, resent what you have just agreed to do, or hear yourself saying yes, when everything internally is screaming no, stop. Pause and remember that being a leader does not mean pleasing everyone else around you. Rather, leadership qualities manifest on their own as you learn to love yourself and trust in your intuition. Respect yourself so others may respect you. Follow your own instincts with such resolution that your colleagues cannot help but channel their own confidence into following yours, too.

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The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. © Collegiate Times, 2018. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.

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College of Engineering ranked 13th in the country Virginia Tech College of Engineering advanced from last year in the ranking for best college engineering programs. TAHREEM ALAM news reporter

The U.S. News & World Report ranked the College of Engineering 13th in the nation in the Best Colleges rankings for engineering programs. The college moved up one spot from last year. In addition to the overall college’s ranking, some sub-engineering programs also moved up in rankings. The industrial systems and engineering program is ranked sixth in the nation, and the biological and systems engineering, civil engineering, and environmental engineering programs are all ranked ninth. There are a number of quantitative and qualitative attributes that are taken into account when these rankings

are decided. One of them includes selectivity of the institution, which Bevlee Watford, associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, believes could be a reason for the college moving up in rankings. According to Watford, the College of Engineering is larger not only in terms of number of undergraduate students, but also in terms of demand. “The number of applications that come into our institution keep going up,” Watford said. “We had over 13,000 for just the College of Engineering last year.” Other things that affected the ranking include the engineering education doctoral program and the increase of

research dollars for faculty, which can translate into better opportunities and equipment

ranking is public recognition of what the college has known and has worked for “all along.”

“ The word is getting out, and more and more people are learning that we have a really outstanding engineering college.

”

Bevlee Watford Associate dean of academic affairs College of Engineering for undergraduate students. Moreover, the uptick in the college’s visibility could also be a possible factor for its rise in the ranking. Virginia Tech is clearly becoming wellknown for its high-quality engineering program. Watford said that the new

It is also evidence that people are beginning to see how outstanding the university’s engineering programs are. “Employers really like our students,” Watford, who is also the director of the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity

(CEED), said. “They like the education that they get, (and) the nontechnical skills that our students have are also valued.” Furthermore, the location of the school and its campus could have resulted in the high ranking. “I’m fond of saying then we can convince them to stay because it (Blacksburg) is a really pretty place,” Watford said. “I truly think we have one of the most beautiful campuses.” The College of Engineering has introduced changes in the last year and will in the coming years. Julia Ross, the Paul and Dorothea Torgersen Dean of Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, began her position as dean last summer.

The college recently launched a new biomedical engineering undergraduate degree program effective this year. Finally, some of the oldest engineering buildings will soon see renovations. Holden Hall will soon see 60,000 gross square feet of newly renovated spaces. After Holden Hall, Randolph Hall is anticipated to be renovated. “Those are the major things that are happening right now with the college and that will impact undergraduates,” Watford said. “The word is getting out, and more and more people are learning that we have a really outstanding engineering college.”

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Researchers to develop new cure for brain cancer Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute is developing new solutions to a serious form of brain cancer. The research team is led by Assistant Professor Zhi Sheng and is focusing on studying the effects of gene therapy. KELLEY GATES news staff writer

Resea rcher s at t he Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute (VTCRI) are working to develop cutting-edge solutions to a serious form of brain cancer. The research team, led by Zhi Sheng, assistant professor for the institute, is studying

the effects of gene therapy on the incurable and deadly glioblastoma variety of brain cancer. According to Sheng, glioblastoma is hard to treat for several reasons. The first reason is that by the time the patient has been diagnosed with the cancer, it is too late to stop it from severely damaging the brain.

The second reason is that there are no clear boundaries to the tumor. Even if surgeons can remove the tumorous area, any remaining or missed tissue will become cancerous in a very short time. The final reason, and perhaps the most important, is the age of the patients. Most patients who suffer from this disease are elderly, making

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES Annie Schmidt (LEFT) and Will Klockner (RIGHT) prepare a worm for testing its conduction velocity in their Introduction to Neuroscience lab, Oct. 29, 2018.

the healing process difficult and increasing the risk of injury or death in surgery. According to Sheng, these factors are the reasons why the average survival time after diagnosis is only around 14.6 months. To combat this abysmal survival time, Sheng and his team are working on methods of blocking various genes that either cause the cancer or help spread it, using a special method of genetic manipulation known as RNA interference. This technology creates strands of ribonucleic acids (RNA), which are various proteins bound together in a string. These RNA strands can bind to certain parts of a person’s deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to prevent the instructions on those parts of the DNA from being read. This causes certain proteins produced by the body to degrade, which in this case cause cancer. Without these proteins the cancer stops spreading and in some cases dies.

This team is currently looking at two different genes to determine a viable treatment. The first target gene is the Casein Kinase 1 Epsilon (CKIE) gene, which controls sleep cycles in the brain. This gene is unusually high in patients with glioblastoma. The team theorizes that these two factors are connected and that hindering CKIE production will also stop the spread of the cancer. The second target is PIK3CB, which is known as a “cancer gene” that causes regrowth of cancer that has been removed. However, the exact role of this gene in glioblastoma is unknown. Despite this uncertainty, treatment of this gene has proven to be one of the most successful methods of stopping the disease. Virginia Tech students from various colleges, including three undergraduates and six medical students, work in the lab helping with cell cultures and other tasks. The lab even has a high school student doing

research with the team. The team has not yet been able to move from small animal trials to larger animals or humans, but the researchers are hopeful. “We are trying different animal models,” Sheng said, “and soon we will move on to working with the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine on animal tests.” The test subjects will be composed of those who already suffer from the disease, so no animal will be subjected to cancer causing agents. VTCRI is also constructing a new building to house more researchers and experiments, many of which will assist and help continue the work of Sheng and his team. “With this research, we hope to give more time and hope to patients,” Sheng said.

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Fralin Undergraduate Research Fellowship aims to increase diversity and accessibility to research The Fralin Undergraduate Research Fellowship has awarded 15 undergraduate students $1,000 each to conduct research. DYLAN RAINES news staff writer

The Fralin Undergraduate Research Fellowship, created three years ago by Dennis Dean, director of the Fralin Life Science Institute, has awarded 15 undergraduate students a fellowship of $1,000 each to conduct research over the course of the 2018–19 academic year. The program’s goal is to increase diversity in and access to research. The fellowship is open to all undergraduate st udents regardless of discipline or GPA. Students are selected for the fellowship by the Office of Undergraduate Research based on their applications and research topics. According to the program’s official website, the stated goal of the program is to increase diversity in research, but Dean’s goals go beyond that. “We believe that every student at Tech, every single one, should have an

opportunity for what we call experiential learning,” Dean said. “Not everyone is going to take advantage of it, not everybody’s going to do it, but students pay a heck of a lot of money to go to university. They should have an opportunity to get one of these experiences without having to pay extra. That’s why I made these scholarships.” When asked what sets Fralin apart as a research opportunity, Keri Swaby, the coordinator of the Office of Undergraduate Research, said, “To my knowledge, there are very few, if any, programs that come with any financial award. There aren’t very many, so that in and of itself sets it apart. Students want to do research, and often the barrier is a financial barrier. This program offers both funding and a community, and there’s no restriction on type of research. It’s much more open than other programs around.” Dea n st ressed how important the mentorship

component is to the undergraduate research process. The Office of Undergraduate Research pairs each student with a faculty member who supports and guides them throughout the yearlong project. “I don’t want you to think I’m running everything; I just make sure the wheels keep moving. The mentors are the key part of this,” Dean said. “When Keri selects them, she makes sure that they’re a good match. So, there is actually a correspondence. They are committed to having the students working with them closely, one on one.” Fralin fellows do their own research, but the program encourages communication between the students. To add to the experience, students come together for a luncheon to discuss their research with each other and learn about other fields. For Dean, the purpose of this luncheon is to encourage interdisciplinary conversations. Courtney Linkous, a senior

Fralin Hall, Nov. 4, 2018.

majoring in wildlife conservation, and Thomas Hale, a senior majoring in political science, were selected as two of the Fralin fellows this year. Their research showcases the interdisciplinary nature of the program. Linkous is using the award to continue her research into female song sparrows, the vegetation they choose when building their nests in

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES

rural versus urban areas and whether that choice affects the survival of the nest. Hale is focused on dissecting the political messaging of China regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to develop policy strategy for the United States. For Dean, this difference in focus is a major benefit to all the fellows. “I’ve been in many

situations with groups of students that are all in the same discipline that don’t connect. But this cohort of people come from all over the place,” Dean said. “I get to see that connection: They’re really engaging and laughing and talking. They’re really learning a lot.” @CollegiateTimes

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SQUIRES: Project scheduled to avoid conflicts with events from page 1

previous pipe and drape that has been used. The wall will come down from the ceiling, and will allow for two events to occur simultaneously. According to VT News, “The biggest driver for this particular project is schedule. The community needs this space back online. Reducing downtime reduces the loss to the campus,” Margiotta said. “We tried to help where we could, help people find other spaces to have events if they were happening during the time the ballroom would be down,” Margiotta said. For recurring events that

occur in the ballroom, such as career fairs, freshman orientation, Ring Dance and Military Ball, the renovations were planned for this precise time frame to avoid disturbances. The project is expected to be completed in March 2019. “We want students to continue making great memories in the space,” Margiotta said. “It has been a part of campus for a long time, (it is) such an essential gathering place and so many memories are made there that we wanted to improve what those memories are like.”

study break @CollegiateTimes

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES Today’s Birthday Horoscope (Nov. 6): You’re the star this year. Creative expression with

discipline produces great results. A new partnership gets unveiled. Write, publish or broadcast your masterpiece this winter, and inspire shifting career goals. Discover bold new terrain this summer before changes redirect a creative project. Prioritize love, happiness and self-expression.

FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 6, 2018

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 “__ Buddies”: ’80s sitcom 6 Words on a check 11 Asian noodle soup 14 Lavender is similar to it 15 Hon 16 Toondom’s Olive 17 Frank McCourt memoir 19 “XING” one 20 Postcard view of a city 21 Hold the deed to 22 Sandy slope 23 Salacious 24 J.M. Barrie play 26 Sharp turns 29 Many, many years 31 Deli subs 32 Game with Wild Draw Four cards 33 Of an arm bone 35 Response to bad service 38 Shakespeare comedy 42 Wombs 43 Mar. parade honoree 44 Genetic messenger 45 Starr knighted in 2018 48 Nine-digit ID 49 Antiprohibitionists 50 Gillian Flynn novel 53 “In that case ... ” 55 Discovery cries 56 Blossom buzzer 57 What discreet acts are done on, with “the” 61 Big Apple paper, for short 62 Portmanteau for a collection containing 17-, 24-, 38- and 50-Across? 64 Sticky stuff 65 Joe of “Casino” 66 “__ to suggestions” 67 California’s Big __ 68 Second-string squad 69 Fork points

11/6/18

By Joe Deeney

DOWN 1 Camp bed 2 Wild party 3 Wizards’ castings 4 Skateboard leap 5 Have good intentions 6 Smartphone predecessor, for short 7 Greek storyteller 8 God, in Judaism 9 Jacque’s “thirty” 10 Cries of worry 11 Temporary retail space 12 “Laughing” scavenger 13 From days past 14 Faux __: social goof 18 Arizona resort 22 Crave, with “over” 25 Dadaism pioneer 26 Z, in a pilot’s alphabet 27 Playing an extra NBA period 28 Ahnold’s political nickname 30 Captures 33 Employing

Previous Puzzle Solved Monday’s Puzzle Solved

Autumn R

Chestnut Cider Gourd Football

Harvest Pumpkin Squash Acorn

Apple Haystack Leaves Scarecrow

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy! by Tim Rickard

34 Decays 36 “Money __ everything” 37 School orgs. 39 Great Lakes natives 40 Silver lining 41 Fled 46 Thanksgiving gravy ingredient 47 Ultimatum words 49 Chinese dumpling

11/6/18

50 __ up on: unites against 51 “What a kidder!” 52 High-end German camera 54 Hindu guru 58 Rapper __ Fiasco 59 Mining hauls 60 Benign cyst 62 BOLO kin 63 Apple CEO Cook

xkcd by Randall Munroe

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ANGELS: Telling monumental story reaps great rewards from page 1

School of Performing Arts— said with a laugh. For him, undertaking the play involved copious amounts of research before rehearsals even began: “Making sure I understood all the various things that the play alludes to, references, talks about ... as best as I could on both an intellectual and an emotional level,” he said. “I care that I tell this properly.” In approaching the show, Tobin chose to focus on building an expansive story out of smaller elements. “It’s this weird combination of (feeling) epic and huge, and it spans all of America and history and who we are and all of these things, while also it’s very intimate and very much about relationships,” he said. “It takes these very small moments and expands them into being this really huge story.” The show’s scope is not lost on the cast, either. “It’s such a fantastic script, a fantastic play,” said Joey Barth, a sophomore who plays Louis. “It’s very daunting to feel like you have to live up to that, (but) me and the rest of the cast ... have really settled into that.” Sophomore Stephen Balani, who plays Prior, said that the character is the biggest role he’s ever played. “We’re really young,” he said. “I hadn’t been exposed

to the AIDS crisis, what those people went through, (so) getting exposed to that is really powerful. There’s a lot of pressure to do justice to those people.” Senior Kirstin Wolf, who plays Harper, echoed that sentiment. “When I first heard we were doing (the show) ... being the monster that it is, I was terrified,” she said. “I almost don’t feel worthy to be in the play.” Then again, Wolf, whose previous credits at Virginia Tech include “Fun Home” and “Decision Height,” quickly realized that there was something irresistible about “Angels.” “The brilliance of this play and the way that it’s written, the lines are so easy to memorize; they flow out of your mouth,” she said. “It’s poetry; it really is. It’s just been such an incredible process ... I’ve loved doing shows here in the past, but there’s something special about this one.” Balancing schoolwork and 28 hours of rehearsal per week is still no easy feat. “It’s a little daunting,” Balani said. “But,” he added, “this is an experience I don’t want to pass up. It’s a big time commitment, it’s exhausting, but I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.” “I think it is having an emotional impact on many of the people involved,” Tobin added. “That, I think, is only

good. It’s about, both as a director and as a designer or performer, finding ways to make sure that, that doesn’t consume your whole life, so that emotion doesn’t just completely take over.” Behind the scenes, a dedicated team including costume, lighting and set designers is also hard at work to bring the show’s complicated tech n ica l elements to fruition. Laura Vitale, a second-year MFA student in costume design and technology, designed the costumes for the show, a process that involved months of collaboration and planning to create a collection of ‘80s-inspired ensembles. “One of my favorite moments is when I have designed these characters, and ... they turn into what the actor made them be,” she said. “When you can see it on their face that they really feel like that character, I feel like I’ve done my job.” Professor Randy Ward designed the set, which includes moving pieces, walls as high as 26 feet, and, at one point in the show, even artificial snow. One of the biggest challenges in designing the set was finding a way to bring Broadway-scale elements to a Virginia Tech stage. The most surprising set piece in the show (which the cast and crew asked be kept under wraps) was also the hardest

JAYNE ROSS / COLLEGIATE TIMES Senior Zach Barefoot (LEFT) and sophomore Joey Barth (RIGHT) rehearse a scene for the upcoming production of “Angels in America: Millennium Approaches.”

to create “because of Tech’s extreme concerns with safety,” Ward said. Between costumes and set alone, a production like this one costs several thousands of dollars for the School of Performing Arts to produce — albeit a small number compared to the millions that Broadway productions typically cost. More important, though,

is the potential Tobin sees for the show to profoundly affect its audience. “I’ve been here a year and a half, and even in that time, I can see the student body, the faculty and even the Blacksburg community having a growing understanding and appreciation for the wonderful variety of people that we have on this campus and in this town,”

Tobin said. “I think doing a piece like this that tells some stories that don’t always get told matters.” “Angels in America” will play from Wednesday, Nov. 7 to Wednesday, Nov. 14. For showtimes, visit the official website of the School of Performing Arts. @CollegiateTimes

Leaf your worries at the door: Tea and Jam brings good vibes to town The name says it all. Blacksburg’s new and extensive tea shop is dedicated to good food, drinks and chakra-balancing vibes. JOHN MCBRIDE

lifestyles staff writer

Many of you may have seen a funkadelic, tie-dyed bus driving around Blacksburg this semester. If you look at it closely, you’ll notice that the license plate reads “TEAJAM,” and a logo with a sprouting plant and rising sun adorns each side. This is the bus of the newly opened tea shop on North Main, Tea and Jam. Tea and Jam takes

steep. If you like matcha green tea, you also have that option. No one tea is the same. As for t he food, options include toast with avocado, hummus or nut butter (peanut, almond or sunflower), as well as beet salad, spicy chickpeas and hummus with veggies. It also has a selection of cookies or scones that change based on where they are sourced from that week. If you’re not craving a cup of

“ You can even request another pot of hot water

to re-steep your leaves if you’re in the mood for a second or third cup. pride in its large selection of loose-leaf teas and hea lth- conscious food options. When you walk in, the staff will ask you if it’s your first time and will hand you the food and tea menu. The tea menu may be intimidating at first, but there’s nothing to worry about; the staff is more than willing to answer any questions you have. As for the tea options, the shop has white, green, oolong, black and several other types. Under each type, you may have up to 10 different options, though. For example, say you want green tea. You have the option of green tea leaves infused with jasmine and rolled into “pearls” that are just balls that unfold as they

”

tea or a vegan snack, it also has cold-pressed juices and smoothies. The only caveat with the food selection is that the prices are high for the portions served, especially in a college town. The way I see it, you’re paying for food that you know is responsibly grown and sourced from ethically minded distributors, but if you’re looking for a place where you can get the most food for your dollar, this isn’t it. One of Tea and Jam’s greatest strengths is the atmosphere. The music is very calming and not too loud or in your face; it’s just there to contribute to your experience. If you’re familiar with the “lofi hip-hop radio” streams on

YouTube, imagine those being played while you sit on the floor surrounded by pillows, tapestries, shiny chandeliers and psychedelic artwork as you sip your hot tea that was steeped and poured right in front of you. However, if you’re not a fan of barefoot dining and reclining with pillows on the floor, there are plenty of tables to sit at, each with its own little charm. For example, your table could be under a canopy that hangs from the ceiling, a giant slice of a tree trunk under a dazzling, technicolored chandelier, or even a chalkboard to doodle on while you wait. As I mentioned before, the staff is incredibly nice and helpful. They’ll help you understand the different selection of teas, and odds are they’ve tried every single one of them themselves. You can even request another pot of hot water to re-steep your leaves if you’re in the mood for a second or third cup. My experiences at Tea and Jam were extremely positive, and it will definitely be a go-to spot if I have a stressful day or if I’m just in the mood for a superb cup of tea.

@JohnMcBride98

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The art of Blacksburg: Exploring the murals of downtown Blacksburg

Have you ever strolled downtown and wondered about the orgins of Blacksburg’s painted murals? Our writer has you covered.

EMMA CHAN / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Mural in downtown Blacksburg, Oct. 12, 2018.

JUSTIN ROCHA

lifestyles staff writer

The town of Blacksburg’s original 16 downtown squares have some amazing restaurants, cool shops and great people; however, one thing that may be unappreciated is the abundance of art. Coming from someone who lives 10 minutes away from another historic downtown area, Leesburg, I explored every corner of that town to see what was offered. When I came here, seeing the art in Leesburg inspired me to see if Blacksburg had anything to offer as well. While taking a casual stroll through the downtown area, I was able to find some unique murals and sculptures that are definitely something to check out. School of Visual Arts

building The side of the School of Visual Arts building has many circles with a spectrum of colors running up it. The group of circles, which is also the logo for the School of Visual Arts, has a vibrant color scheme that can be seen from the Squires Student Center. Kim Kirk’s anti-graffiti murals As soon as you get from campus into the downtown area of Blacksburg, turning into the alleyway next to D. P. Dough will reveal a variety of murals that were a part of Blacksburg Neighborhood Ser vice Coordinator Kim Kirk’s anti-graffiti campaign. The murals, which extend all the way to Draper Road, display images of a man with an umbrella, a woman in a black and white dress,

and more. It’s a little bit of a hidden gem, but taking the time to go through and appreciate the art is worth it. HokieBirds W hen you explore downtown Blacksburg, you will definitely see a statue of the iconic HokieBird.

embraces Virginia Tech and the traditions that surround the school. Storm drains The town of Blacksburg held a contest for local artists in the summer of 2018 to redesign the storm drains to bring awareness

“Even with this small list

of works, there are still so many different forms of art that can be found in Blacksburg.

”

Each bird has a unique look to it, and they can be found in front of locations such as the National Bank of Blacksburg and Mellow Mushroom. The birds were placed in 2006 by the Gobble De Art project, and it shows that the town of Blacksburg

to the protection of our water. Four out of 55 designs were chosen and each winner was able to showcase their artistic abilities. The winners, Michael St. Germain, Shohana Levenson, Nicole Hersh and Ben Oderwald were each

awarded $350 for supplies to paint their winning designs onto the storm drains. The multiple designs can be found spread around the original 16 squares downtown, and each has a unique style to it. The vibrant designs are hard to miss. The water that goes into the drains doesn’t travel to a water processing plant, but into the New River; making people aware of what is actually going into the drain is important for the sustainability of the water supply in Blacksburg. “For Her Love Of The Arts” A mural in dedication to Stella Rose Mullins Cranwell designed by Chris Pritchett was painted in 2014. The mural, titled “For Her Love of the Arts,” can be found at Market Square Park. Each panel represents

a different part of history for Blacksburg and it has a consistent color scheme of orange, white and black. Right now there are only three panels that showcase the Huckleberry Trail, Market Square Park and Alexander Black House; however, there will be more panels added in the future. Even with this small list of works, there are still so many different forms of art that can be found in Blacksburg. To see this artwork in person, go out and explore the town — discover the creativity that comes straight from the people of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech.

@CollegiateTimes

Fan-favorite films with soundtracks that enhance the experience

It’s not unusual to watch a movie and enjoy the soundtrack more than the actual movie. These films are just as pleasing to the ears as the eyes. EMILY CARTER

lifestyles staff writer

Movies can tell stories and music can help enhance those stories to make a good movie into a great one. Here are some movies with great soundtracks composed of original songs. There are some movies out there with great soundtracks that are not originals, but that’s another list for another time. “The Great Gatsby” I would not have enjoyed this movie as much as I did if “The Great Gatsby” did not have the soundtrack that it did. Whoever composed the soundtrack and made the decision to mix sounds and genres is a genius. There’s nothing like hearing Jay-Z rapping over 1920s jazz while Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire enjoy themselves at a speakeasy. Of course, I have to

(played by L eona rdo DiCaprio) relationship from Daisy’s (played by Carey Mulligan) point of view, which lets the audience in on her true feelings. Other songs on the album can be compared to to specific parts of the movie. Songs such as “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got),” “Bang Bang” and “Kill and Run” hint at characters’ fates at the end of the film. Sia, Jack White and Fergie lend their voices to this modern album with bumpin’ beats. “A Star is Born” I saw this movie over fall break, and, oh my goodness, so many beautiful songs came from this movie. The first few songs in the movie show the true roots of Ally (played by Lady Gaga) and Jackson (played by Bradley Cooper). The songs are soft but powerful. As the

“If you aren’t in the mood to commit to watching the film, just download the soundtrack and enjoy the music that made the movie so amazing.

discuss the famous song on this soundtrack that is beloved by teenage girls and every reality singing show contestant. “Young and Beautiful” by Lana del Rey is a masterpiece and is even more beautiful in the orchestral version of the song. “Young and Beautiful” tells the story of Gatsby’s

”

movie progresses and Ally rockets into stardom, the songs become more pop and techno to showcase Ally changing and becoming more successful in the music industry. The last song performed revisits the familiar lyrics and melodies Ally once knew before stardom.

WARNER BROS. PICTURES / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Lady Gaga’s character, Ally, takes the mic onstage as Bradley Cooper looks on.

T he most fa mous song from the movie and soundtrack is “Shallow” sung by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, written by their characters. The song asks about how the other is feeling and is the first duet sung between the two characters. This is also the song in the movie that gives Ally her recognition as an artist. “Black Panther” Kendrick Lamar did a fantastic job co-producing this album. The “Black Panther” soundtrack features all Afr icanAmerican artists while including many different styles of music. The album consists of R&B, rap and even a verse or two in Zulu. The songs on the album reflect different moments

and characters in the movie. “Pray for Me” represents T’Cha l la (played by Chadwick Boseman) feeling burdened with the battles he has to fight throughout the movie. “Black Panther” introduces the audience to T’Challa and his inner thoughts. The film content of “Black Panther” never reveals what the characters are feeling to the audience, so the soundtrack gives the audience a clue as to what the characters’ true thoughts and emotions are throughout the film. “Fifty Shades” series Confession: I have not seen these movies and I probably never will — but the soundtracks to these movies are great. Because the soundtracks are so good,

I might consider viewing the films in the future. It is important to note that these songs are pretty sexual, so it’s not the best playlist to show your parents, kids. The most well-known song from the first movie is “Love Me Like You Do,” performed by Ellie Goulding. The song is told from the point of view of Ana (played by Dakota Johnson), wanting to be physically closer to Christian Grey (played by Jamie Dornan). This song is so good I almost forget it’s associated with this awful movie franchise. Personally, I think these movies are garbage and promote unhealthy relationships; however, the songs are fire. I mean “Bom Bidi Bom” with Nicki Minaj and Nick Jonas is a bop, but

let’s be honest — any song with Nicki Minaj is going to be good. The albums also feature songs with Sia, The Weeknd and Taylor Swift. You don’t even need to watch these movies; just listen to the songs. All of these movies I’ve listed have been popular since they hit theaters, and their extraordinary soundtracks enhance the films substantially for the benefit of the audience. If you aren’t in the mood to commit to watching the film, just download the soundtrack and enjoy the music that made the movie so amazing.

@Emily_Nic12

editor@collegiatetimes.com

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sports

November 6, 2018 PAGE 7

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AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies’ Justin Robinson (5) attempts to go for a layup as Notre Dame’s Rex Pflueger (0) and Bonzie Colson (35) defend him as the Hokies dropped the opener to the Irish 71–65, March 7, 2018.

Seniors crucial to potential March Madness success A team laden with upperclassmen, Hokies look to turn experience into victories, hoping to stand out in a star-studded ACC. DAVIS CARBAUGH sports staff writer

The Virginia Tech men’s basketball program comes into the 2018–19 season ranked 15th in the AP Preseason Poll, which is tied for the team’s highest preseason ran k ing in program history. The last team to be ranked so highly was the 1984–85 squad led by Dell Curry. In head coach Buzz Williams’ fifth season in Blacksburg, senior leadership and a tough mentality will be key to the team’s success. After two straight tournament appearances and first round losses, this is the year the Hokies can make a run in March. The basketball culture at Virginia Tech has grown exponentially under Williams, so another first round loss would be a disappointment. With three Hokies set to play their final season in Blacksburg and the prospect of Nickeil AlexanderWalker leaving for the NBA Draft, this is the make-orbreak season for Williams to make it big in the ACC. The three seniors on the roster are Justin Robinson, Ahmed Hill and Ty Outlaw; all three will see the most playing time on the team

and play the largest role in leading the Hokies in every aspect this season. It appears that the Hokies will have to move on without forward Chris Clarke, a key piece of Tech’s success over the last three seasons. The Virginia Beach, Virginia native was set to play his final season in Blacksburg but was suspended indefinitely just weeks before the start of the season. Senior point guard Justin Robinson heads into his final season on the Bob Cousy Award watch list and with heavy expectations on his shoulders. Robinson led the team in scoring and assists last season with 14 points per game and 5.6 assists per game. “I think he’s done an unbelievable job, near perfect, in representing our program on and off the floor,” Williams said in a preseason press conference. “His growth as a player parallels our growth as a program during his time here.” The reigning All-ACC second team player will be on the court for nearly all 40 minutes every game and be relied on to run the offense. Robinson is like a second coach on the floor and will benefit the supporting players around him during the season. In addition, look

for the Manassas, Virginia native to take the big shots for the Hokies this year when the game is on the line. “I’m more of a team guy; I like to see others around me happy,“ Robinson said in a preseason press conference. “But, I think whatever is needed to win is what I can do.” Sophomore shooting guard Nickeil AlexanderWalker burst onto the scene in his freshman campaign, scoring 20 or more points in three out of his first four games at Tech. AlexanderWalker experienced inconsistency throughout the season, but stepped up with 17 points in a crucial win against Duke and finished the season averaging 10.7 points per game. AlexanderWalker’s sophomore season will be telling, as a breakout season this year for the Toronto, Canada native may lead directly to being drafted in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. Williams will be looking to Alexander-Walker to play an important role in Virginia Tech’s offense with his exceptional scoring ability. Junior power forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. added a much-needed post presence for the Hokies in his sophomore season. Coming off foot surgery, Blackshear Jr.

averaged 12.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. With the support of sophomore PJ Horne, Blackshear Jr. will continue to take on the task of providing low-post scoring and defense against the ACC’s best big men. Ahmed Hill and Ty Outlaw are both graduate students returning for their final year of eligibility with the Hokies. Both players are prolific shooters that will reign down their fair share of deep shots throughout the year. Outlaw missed the entire 2017–18 season with a torn ACL, but his hot streak from three-point range at the end of the 2016–17 season ranked him as one of the best three-point shooters in the nation and propelled the Hokies to their first tournament appearance since 2007. “His ability to shoot at the rate that he shoots changes our team from a spacing standpoint,” Williams said. “All of us are excited that Ty is back.” Outlaw will likely start this season following the Clarke suspension. The 6-6 forward will have to step up in multiple aspects on the court in order to help fill the void left by Clarke’s versatility and spacing. Hill started the first 23 games of the season in

2017 and averaged over 14 points per game, but over the course of the final 13 games of the season, he was moved to the bench and averaged only about four points per game. Williams and the Hokie faithful will be looking for a bounce-back season in Hill’s last year in Blacksburg. Underrated players to watch this year include sophomore point guard Wabissa Bede and freshman small forward Landers Nolley. Bede averaged only 2.5 points per game and never tallied more than three assists in a game, but the freshman was very deep on Tech’s depth chart. Now in his sophomore season, the former four-star recruit is expected to step up into the backup point guard role behind Robinson. Landers Nolley was a class of 2018 four-star recruit who provides a very versatile scoring game at the small forward position. With the absence of Clarke, Nolley could see significant playing time at the forward position. The Fairburn, Georgia native’s athleticism and ability to attack the basket could earn him some valuable time off the bench this year in his freshman campaign. Tech opens its season

with an exhibition at Liberty University on Nov. 4 to benefit Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael relief. The Hokies kick off the regular season against Ball State in the Charleston Classic Basketball Tournament. The tournament could match Virginia Tech against Wichita State, Davidson, P u r du e, Ap p a la ch ia n State, Northeastern or a tournament rematch with Alabama. ACC action begins Jan. 1, 2019 in Cassell Coliseum against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Hokies host rival Virginia on Feb. 18 and welcome Mike Krzyzewski and his elite Duke freshmen squad on Feb. 26. Williams and the Hokies are looking to rise from the middle of the ACC and challenge the perennial leaders of the conference this year. In a season that will see three key seniors move on after the end of the year, everything is on the line for this Tech basketball season. The Hokies are no longer a March Madness “Cinderella” but a respected contender ready to make a deep tournament run. @CTSportsTalk

Volleyball splits home stint, thrives on Senior Day After dropping two games in the Sunshine State, the Hokies faltered versus Syracuse, but prevailed against Boston College. DILLON CAMPBELL assistant sports editor

Friday After dropping its match to Florida State in straight sets, despite 15 ties and five lead changes, Virginia

Tech volleyball looked to end its losing streak versus Syracuse in front of its home faithful. Unfortunately, the Hokies (13–12, 4–9 ACC) faltered against the Orange (15–7, 11–3 ACC) in a hardfought 3–1 loss.

In spite of the result of the match, the Hokies received big play from Carol Raffety, Rhegan Mitchell and Jaila Tolbert. With 17 digs, Raffety, aka The Notorious D.I.G., moved up from 10th to

ALEX NAGELI / COLLEGIATE TIMES Jaila Tolbert (4) hits the ball over the net. The Hokies beat Boston College 3–0, Nov. 4, 2018.

seventh in school history for career digs with 1,250, passing Justine Record, Meredith Braine and Annie Spicer in the process. As usual, Mitchell thrived in her setter role, finishing the match with 41 assists. Tolbert continued to display her A ll-ACC pedigree with a season-high 21 kills, marking her fifth straight game with 10 or more kills. Sunday Both Virginia Tech and Boston College came into Sunday’s matchup on the losing side and coming off 3–1 losses to ACC heavyweight Syracuse. Virginia Tech had lost six of its last seven games, while Boston College had lost 10 of its last 11 games. On Senior Day, the Hokies (14–12, 5–9 ACC) declawed the Eagles (13–13, 3–11 ACC) in straight sets, 25–20, 25–18 and 25–21, snapping their three-game losing streak in the process.

“I’m really happy for our seniors to have such a nice win in one of last games at home,” said head coach Jill Wilson. As has been the theme all season, seniors Tolbert and Mitchell led the way on Senior Day for Virginia Tech. Throughout the match, Tolbert and Mitchell made momentum-shifting play after momentum-shifting play to turn the tide in Virginia Tech’s favor. With the match going back and forth in the first set, Tolbert seized control for the Hokies, registering a monstrous kill and a pivotal block to put the Hokies up 15–13. Virginia Tech would withstand a late Boston College rally to win the first set, 25–20. Early in the second set, the Hokies were carving out an early lead against the Eagles. Mitchell kept the downpour going, making a miraculous dig to keep the possession alive, which led

to an eventual Virginia Tech victory, making the score 4–1. Tolbert followed that up with a block and a kill to extend the Hokies’ lead 6–1. She would later cap off the set with a menacing spike to give Virginia Tech the second set, 25-18. After dominating the beginning of the third set, Virginia Tech started to surrender another late rally by Boston College. However, after reinserting Tolbert into the game, she put a ribbon on the match and Senior Day with a gamewinning kill. Virginia Tech now heads to Charlottesville for its second showdown with Virginia (7–17, 3–11 ACC) in the Commonwealth Clash. The Hokies will take on the Cavaliers on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.

@CTSportsTalk

editor@collegiatetimes.com

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EXTRA POINT

THE

PAGE 8 November 6, 2018

RECAP: Run game stumps Hokies yet again Saturday from page 1

way with Boston College, they instead looked helpless as they struggled to get anything going until midway through the fourth quarter where Willis connected with freshman Tre Turner for a 14-yard score to make it a 28–21 game. Despite having a chance to hold Boston College and potentially get the ball back to tie, Tech had no answers

for Steve Addazio’s offense as quarterback Anthony Brown led a seven-play drive that killed over two minutes that resulted in a 28-yard field goal by Colton Lichtenberg to ice the game and give Boston College a 10-point lead that they would never relinquish. It was Tech’s first loss in the Fuente-era where they went into halftime with the lead. With the loss, the Hokies now drop to 4–4 on the season and 1–3 at home

while Boston College improves their record to 7–2. Even with the loss, the Hokies are still in contention to win the ACC Coastal Division, with Pittsburgh leading just a game ahead of Tech. The two teams have a date to face-off against each other next week at Pittsburgh.

@CTSportsTalk

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES Deshawn McClease (33) catches the dump off and runs for a gain of 27 yards. The Hokies were up 14–7 against Boston College at halftime, Nov. 3, 2018.

column

Run defense contains Dillon, lets Brown, Levy go Bud Foster’s “Lunch Pail Defense” held AJ Dillon to his second-lowest rushing tally of the season, but failed to keep Anthony Brown and Travis Levy in check as they combined for 18 carries, 112 yards and a touchdown, coming up big on crucial downs. DILLON CAMPBELL assistant sports editor

After surrendering an absurd 465 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns to the Georgia Tech triple option, the Hokies marched out to Lane for their first consecutive home game of the season knowing that the key to beating the Eagles was no secret: Stop AJ Dillon, the ACC’s leading rusher.

In Boston College’s five wins with him in uniform, Dillon has averaged 148.4 rushing yards per game with seven touchdown runs. On the contrary, in the Eagles’ only loss with Dillon in the lineup, the ACC’s top rusher was held to just 59 yards against the Purdue Boilermakers. As establishing the run has been vital to the success of Boston College’s offense, stopping the run

has been vital to the success of Bud Foster’s “lunch pail defense.” The Hokies have limited its opponents to 108.5 net rushing yards and only two rushing touchdowns in their four wins, while giving up 256.3 net rushing yards and a staggering 13 rushing touchdowns in their three losses. In their previous two meetings against Boston College, Virginia Tech had outgained Boston College

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES Ryan Willis (5) keeps the ball and is met by BC’s Wyatt Ray (11) and Max Richardson (14) as he gains a yard. The Hokies lost 21–31 to Boston College, Nov. 3, 2018.

332–197 on the ground, scoring three rushing touchdowns and allowing none. However, the Eagles flipped the script on Bud Foster and the Hokies’ “lunch pail defense,” churning out 220 yards on the ground to the tune of three touchdowns, while allowing the Hokies just 111 rushing yards and zero scores. Despite missing several key defensive players including Dylan Rivers, Rayshard Ashby and Khalil Ladler, Virginia Tech did a fairly good job containing AJ Dillon. “We refuse to use our youth, our inexperience, whatever you want to call it, as a crutch,” said head coach Justin Fuente. “There is a level of expectation we have here and it’s our job to have those guys meet it on a daily basis.” Dillon started the game with nine carries for 46 yards and a touchdown on Boston College’s first two drives. However, after Dillon’s 3-yard touchdown run a little over midway through the first quarter, the Lawrence Academy product

was held to 50 yards on 15 carries the rest of the way for a grand total of 24 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown for the game, his secondlowest mark on the season. “I think the defense played hard,” said defensive lineman Ricky Walker. “The score didn’t show it, but we got a turnover on the short-side of the field two times. I think we did a pretty good job of stopping No. 2. He’s a great player.” However, the Hokies were carved up in pivotal down-and-distance circumstances by Eagles quarterback Anthony Brown and running back Travis Levy. On third-and-10, deep in Virginia Tech territory on Virginia Tech’s 15-yard line, Brown ran for a critical 12-yard scamper off a read option play to give Boston College first-and-goal at the Virginia Tech 3-yard line, which Dillon punched in for his only touchdown of the game. Halfway through the third quarter, after Dillon carried the ball three straight times for 24 yards, Levy took off for a 29-yard touchdown run

to tie the game at 14–14. Later in the fourth quarter, Brown and Levy would essentially seal the Hokies’ fate. On second-and-6 from the Virginia Tech 34-yard line, Brown broke off for a 24-yard scramble, setting Boston College up with a first-and-goal. Levy would punch it in two plays later from the 1-yard line after his 9-yard run on the previous play took it down to the goal line. Brown finished with seven carries for 37 yards, while Levy finished with 11 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns. If Virginia Tech (4–4, 3–2) has any shot at taking back control of the ACC Coastal Division and keeping its 25-year bowl streak alive, its run defense is going to have to lead the charge like it did earlier in the season with dominant outings against Florida State, William and Mary, and Duke.

@CTSportsTalk

Hokies travel to Pittsburgh, work to revive season Coming off a huge win against a ranked Virginia team, the Panthers will be tough competition for the Hokies this weekend. GLEN RORIE sports staff writer

In a Coastal Division matchup, the Virginia Tech Hokies (4–4, 3–2 ACC) look to bounce back from their loss to Boston College, going on the road to visit the Pittsburgh Panthers (5–4, 4–1 ACC) this Saturday. The two teams are both coming off meetings with ranked opponents: The Hokies suffered a 31–21 loss against No. 22 Boston College, while the Panthers celebrated a win against No. 23 Virginia, 24–13. The Hokies have managed to hold off the Panthers during their last two meetings, and they’ll look to make it three in a row as Virginia Tech tries to reclaim the top spot in the Coastal. With their win against No. 23 UVA, the Panthers slid into No. 1 in the Coastal, dethroning the 6–3 Cavaliers. Pitt holds a 4–1 ACC record, which is the best in the Coastal Division, with its only loss coming against North Carolina. The week four game came down to the wire and ended at a close margin of 38–35.

By contrast, the Hokies currently have a 3–2 ACC record and hold the third position in the Coastal. Once again, the Hokies must prepare for smashmouth football when they go up against the Panthers’ offense, run by offensive coordinator Shawn Watson. Watson notably served as an offensive coordinator at Texas (2014–15) and Louisville (2012–13). Under Watson, the Panthers run a unique offense that consists of constant shifting, jet sweeps and fake sweeps, the option, and a variation of play-action passes. The most notable aspect of the team’s offense is its run game. Pitt is third in the ACC and 22nd in the FBS for rushing, already racking up 2,077 rushing yards so far this season and 230.8 rushing yards per game. If the Hokies plan on keeping this game in reach, they must find an answer to Pitt’s dual running backs, senior running back Qadree Ollison and senior running back Darrin Hall. The two running backs make up 1,477 of the 2,077 rushing yards that Pitt currently

has, with Ollison having 819 yards and Hall with 658 yards. In their last two games, the Hokies gave up 684 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Hall is coming off a 229-yard and three-touchdown game against UVA so the Pitt rushing attack is coming into the game with a ton of momentum. The key player in stopping Pitt’s rushing attack will be linebacker Rayshard Ashby. Ashby has established himself as a dominant force not only on the team, but in the ACC, claiming the No. 4 spot in the ACC in tackles. His performance has helped him emerge as one of the leaders on the defensive side. Though Ashby has been performing well, he’ll need to motivate the front seven to reclaim their former glory, as the Hokies were ranked sixth in the nation in rush defense prior to the Georgia Tech game. Now they are ranked 82nd in the nation in rush defense. Qua r terback Rya n Willis played a solid game against Boston College. He completed 25 of 42 passes for 281 passing yards, three

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies’ Jalen Holston (13) runs the ball to the outside against Pitt as Saleem Brightwell (39) and Oluwaseun Idowu (23) attempt to tackle him, Nov. 18, 2017.

touchdowns, one interception and 49 rushing yards on nine attempts. If the Hokies look to win against the Panthers, senior running back Steven Peoples must step up as he rushed for only 39 yards in the game against Boston College. Pitt’s defense is nothing special, as it ranks 77th in rush defense and 90th in pass defense. Overall, the matchup

should be close as the two teams balance each other out. Defensively, the defensive line must keep the opposing r unning backs at bay. Offensively, if Willis can continuously connect with star wide receiver Damon Hazelton and Peoples can find his stride again, the Hokies can take this important Coastal Division matchup.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 21, Pittsburgh 20

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