The Spectrum Vol. 70 No. 23

VOL. 70 NO. 23 | MAY 4, 2022

On-campus resources for sexual assault survivors

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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, SINCE 1950

How University Police respond to mental health crises

UBSPECTRUM

Anna Aguon becomes UB’s home run queen

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‘Everyone at UB came together’: students rejoice at first Spring Fest since 2019 PnB Rock opened for City Girls and Polo G at Spring Fest 2022 KARA ANDERSON ALEX FALTER SENIOR ARTS EDITORS

Students surged through the security line at the Governor’s Complex C Lot Saturday as the gates opened for the UB Student Association’s first Spring Fest since 2019.

The concert, which featured PnB Rock, City Girls and Polo G, lasted from about 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. and was held outside the freshmen-only dorm. Despite SA’s announcement that the line would begin forming at 5 p.m., attendees began to arrive around 4 p.m. — demonstrating the excitement many of them had toward the event.

Free merchandise tables, busy food trucks and a row of port-a-pottys acted as a landing site for arriving attendees. MCs kept the growing crowd in high spirits, booming songs with body-filling bass and pulling girls on stage to perform headstanding twerks.

Students speculated on who would perform at this year’s Spring Fest for weeks leading up to the announcement, tossing around names like A Boogie wit da Hoodie (who performed at Spring Fest in 2019).

Courtesy of Alex Novak Students packed the Governors Complex parking lot for Spring Fest 2022 Saturday evening.

Following the announcement, YikYak was flooded with comments from users ex-

pressing their excitement to “shake their ass” to City Girls.

SEE SPRING FEST PAGE 8

Tajay Ahmed earns scholarship during UB Spring Game @ubmunchies battles NFL players look on as sophomores battle for starting quarterback job SOPHIE MCNALLY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Horns went sky-high this Saturday as the white team bested the blue team, 3812, in the annual UB Spring Game.

Former Bulls greats Jaret Patterson, K.J. Osborn and Cam Lewis were in attendance at UB Stadium to watch the highlyanticipated game, which featured senior running back Tajay Ahmed securing a scholarship.

The game was an opportunity for Maurice Linguist’s record-setting recruiting class to show up and show out, with dozens of roster spots left by graduating seniors and transfers needing to be filled.

Linguist was looking for successors at key positions, from quarterback to running back and the offensive line.

But the most touching moment of the day brought the two sides together for roars of cheers and high-fives, as Linguist announced that Ahmed, a Lockport native and Starpoint High School grad, had received a full scholarship during the first half.

Ahmed was swarmed by teammates and

hoisted into the air during the feel-good moment.

“It’s more like a battle in your mind to [work] consistently, be disciplined and stick to your routine,” Ahmed said about the work he put in to earn his scholarship.

“Tajay did an outstanding job. I am so happy that we were able to reward him for the work he’s put in,” Linguist said.

Another bright spot of the event was senior kicker Alex McNulty. The Rochester native had an up-and-down 2021 campaign, but he was successful on all three SEE SPRING FOOTBALL PAGE 9

food insecurity with social media, potential bus line to farmers’ market

UB Stampede will service North Tonawanda farmers’ market on May 7, with a permanent route under consideration KYLE NGUYEN ASST. NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

Many UB students complain about the food on campus, but not everyone is doing something about it.

Enter the Instagram account @ubmunchies, a one-stop nutrition resource for students launched by five PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) minors seeking to advocate for healthy and affordable food options and tackle food insecurity on campus.

The account, launched in March, curates nutritional advice, local market and restaurant reviews and affordable, healthy recipes, but a Stampede bus line to the local farmers’ market appears to be next on its menu.

In its most ambitious project to date, the five PPE minors are partnering with UB Transportation Services to host a “UB Day” event at the North Tonawanda farmers’ market on Saturday.

Stampede shuttles will transport students between North Campus’ Lee Loop and the farmers’ market between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The first 100 students to arrive Kayla Sterner / The Spectrum Running back Al-Jay Henderson (22), wide receiver Quian Williams (3) and wide receiver Ali Fisher pose for a photo during the UB Spring Football Game.

SEE MUNCHIES PAGE 5

NEWS

2 | Wednesday, May 4 2022

ubspectrum.com

Climate captains propose steps toward climate neutrality UB 10 in 10 initiative leaders suggest changes in parking, food and carbon pricing JASMIN YEUNG STAFF WRITER

UB’s climate captains came together on Earth Day to discuss the changes the university will need to make in order to reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2030.

This goal is part of UB’s 10 in 10 initiative, which is made up of 10 groups that convene to discuss renewable energy resources, waste management and foodrelated carbon emissions, among other pressing topics. Each of these initiatives is led by a “climate captain.” The captains presented in front of event attendees — consisting of mostly university faculty and staff — about proposed changes and collected opinions through a series of polls.

Roughly 120 attendees — only a handful of students — from across the university sat at tables at the Center for the Arts’ Mainstage Theatre; each table was decorated with blue UB climate action pennants.

The event began at 9 a.m. and included a complimentary, sustainable breakfast.

Beth Corry, captain of the “Put a Price on Pollution” initiative, said carbon pricing — paying for renewables or conservation to offset carbon emissions — would “help us incentivize actions that will help us reduce emissions.”

These strategies include considering how to reduce the level of commodity usage within the university’s buildings and understanding how new buildings will impact carbon emissions before they’re built.

The “Commute Responsibly” and “Electrify Our Ride” groups were led

by Chris Austin, director of Parking and Transportation. Austin provided an update on the Stampede bus contract terms, which are set to expire in May 2022. He says the initiative is working on how to “finance and change” the Stampede bus fleet from “fossil fuel to electrification” or a “low-emission type of bus.”

Austin also polled attendees on potential changes to parking services.

“Parking lots make it convenient for car owners to get to and from campus quickly, but they also eat up a lot of green space, make the campus look less beautiful and foster a dependence on car usage,” he said.

The poll asked attendees if they would prefer to “expand parking” options, “de-

Julie Frey / The Spectrum Climate captains gathered on stage for a Q&A at the “Coming Together as a Campus to Achieve Climate Neutrality.”

crease the number of parking spaces” to incentivize mass transit and carpooling, keep things the same or “provide reduced parking rates” for people who park at more distant lots and take the Stampede to class or work.

Fifty-six percent of respondents said they preferred expanding the number of parking spaces, while 31% would rather reduce the number.

“Nearly 30% of UB’s carbon footprint comes from us (faculty, staff, and students who are commuting) with fossil fuels,” Austin said.

The recycling, organics and trash (ROT) system pilot program at One World Café, which instructs diners to “sort their waste” into different bins, was highlighted

by Tonga Pham, captain of the “Keep It Cozy and Green” initiative and vice president for University Facilities.

“The EPA estimates that materials in waste account for almost 40% of this country’s carbon footprint,” Pham said.

“Our daily actions and decisions make a very big difference in trying to lower this number.”

The waste generated by food packaging was also questioned, with Pham asking participants if they would be willing to pay an upcharge of 34 cents per meal in order to move to a more compostable container,

which they responded positively to.

Christina Hernandez, captain of “Taking Stock of Our Food System” and senior associate vice president for Student Life, cited One World Café as an example of “another jump forward in our efforts on campus to achieve zero waste, with a new focus on packaging and compostable alternatives.”

Hernandez proposed “implementing a carbon tax on unsustainably procured meat,” with “the revenue going to fund offset programs here in Western New York.” The audience response was mostly positive, with 47% voting for the “Sign me up — sounds like a great idea” option.

Other proposals included efforts to “decrease overall amounts of campus options containing meat by 25%,” and move toward initiatives like “Meatless Monday” or “Veggie Powered Monday.”

Participants raised several concerns during the Q&A portion of the event, including the impact of potential additional costs on students. Hernandez reassured attendees that the costs would be considered “holistically,” with other strategies being considered to “create efficiencies in resource allocation,” such as buying in bulk as a way to “balance our food costs across various commodities of food.”

An audience member also suggested

providing free public transit passes to students, in an effort to make transportation more sustainable. Students in the Jacobs School of Medicine are currently provided NFTA bus and metro passes, but discussions with the NFTA to expand the initiative to students in other programs is still a work in progress, according to the climate captain.

While the attendees mostly consisted of staff members, student groups such as Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) and Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW) were also present.

“I think a lot of this discussion was focused toward staff and faculty, rather than students,” Veronica Cali, president of ESW, said. “I think a second event like this, but focused toward students, would be super beneficial.”

Amy Bentley, president of CCL, says that while the captains are “doing a lot of great work here,” more should be done to “make sure that they’re taking in all the ideas that we have, and making sure that they’re considerate of what we need as students.”

Email: news@ubspectrum.com

Hasan Minhaj will headline SA Comedy Series

Peabody Award-winning comedian will perform at Alumni Arena Saturday JUSTIN WEISS MANAGING EDITOR

Hasan Minhaj will headline the Student Association’s annual Comedy Series on Saturday, the organization announced in an Instagram post Monday.

Minhaj, a two-time Peabody Award-winning comedian best known for his Netflix show, “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj,” will perform a comedy show and partake in a Q&A at Alumni Arena at 8 p.m. Saturday. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Minhaj, 36, began his career as a standup comic. He rose to prominence as the senior correspondent for The Daily Show on Comedy Central, working with Jon Stewart and later, Trevor Noah. He was the featured speaker at the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner and hosted the Netflix stand-up comedy special, “Homecoming King,” in May 2017.

In 2017, he was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in

the world.

Minhaj’s show marks the first in-person Comedy Series performance since February 2019, when Emmy Award-winning comedian John Mulaney took the Center for the Arts stage for a pair of shows.

The SA has brought a number of bigname comedians to campus over the past decade, including Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari and John Oliver. The Comedy Series hasn’t been a proper series since 2014, when three comedians — Ansari, H. Jon Benjamin and Aisha Tyler — took the stage. In recent years, it has featured only one performer.

Minhaj performed at Kleinhans Music Hall in downtown Buffalo on March 4 as part of his one-man show, “The King’s Jester.” His Saturday show will mark his first performance at UB. Free undergraduate student tickets can be found on UB’s ticket office website, while supplies last.

Email: justin.weiss@ubspectrum.com

EJ Hersom / DoD News Comedian Hasan Minhaj performs during a comedy show at Joint Base Andrews in Washington in 2016.

ubspectrum.com

OPINION

Wednesday, May 4 2022 | 3

How do you solve a problem that doesn’t exist?

Poor mental health can feel intangible and unworthy of attention, but that certainly isn’t the case

SOPHIE MCNALLY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

I have a cold.

A cold that won’t go away in the next minute, hour, day or maybe even week.

A cold that’s unrelenting in its onslaught of body aches and low-grade fevers.

A cold that smothers my chest when it sits on top of it.

A cold that’s burrowed into my head.

My cold shuts my bedroom door and turns my phone onto “Do Not Disturb.”

It grabs me by the throat, leaving shortened breaths and a slew of tissues and pen-littered pages in its wake.

It spits in my food and textures my makeup with blotchy indentations and reddened tramlines.

But my pen has run dry, the sheet is blank and my speech is slurred.

I don’t have the answer.

And that’s because there isn’t one.

Poor mental health (persistent or fleeting) may not always translate into mental illness, but that certainly doesn’t lessen the struggle of coping with it and its accompanying symptoms.

I don’t take any SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and don’t have any anxiety or mood disorders. I’m incredibly fortunate for that, and my heart goes out to anyone who goes through this debilitating struggle.

But poor mental health of any kind should never be overlooked, undermined or compared — whether it be an illness or just a really awful day.

You’re a bad person.

Nobody likes you.

You’re never enough.

Some days, these thoughts swirl in my head in unrelenting assaults. They feel overwhelming and inescapable, stopping

me in my tracks and leaving me alone under my covers.

But it’s not always this way. My usual whole-hearted laughs, beaming smiles and tragic stories — from falling down staircases, to my most recent flop of being stuck in a locker room filled with naked middle-aged women at 7 a.m., as I desperately tried to remember which of the unlabelled lockers I’d left my bag in — are always just around the corner.

Anyway.

What I’m trying to say is that my default has almost always been huge hugs, laughs and smiles, and I’m very grateful for that.

But constantly being upbeat can have its disadvantages; whenever my thoughts and feelings get in the way of being happy, it can feel like I’m completely lost.

I’m lucky; whenever I have one of those days, the people in my life always rush in to help me through it. And I can’t thank them enough for that.

But what if I don’t have the answer for what’s upsetting me?

Well-intentioned questions of “how?” and “why?” make me stumble on my words and trip over my tongue.

I have no idea, I want to tell them.

So, how do you solve a problem that doesn’t have a name?

Poor mental health often isn’t tangible or medically-diagnosed, so it can feel especially helpless.

The inner workings of our mind — from intrusive thoughts to worries, insecurities and negative self-talk — isn’t something we can easily pinpoint and explain in a play-by-play commentary to someone else.

It’s virtually indescribable.

But this ineffability certainly doesn’t mean the suffering that comes from poor mental health should ever be ignored.

By anyone. Yourself or others.

You aren’t weak or a complainer.

You’re hurting, and that’s OK. You don’t have to have all the answers, or explain why you feel the way you do to yourself or someone else.

You aren’t your thoughts.

So be patient with yourself, and know that you’re going to be OK in time.

Email:sophie.mcnally@ubspectrum.com

‘Coming out’ is the stupidest concept I’ve ever heard Why should anyone feel the need to explain their sexuality?

ALEX FALTER SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

When I first realized I was bisexual, I wasn’t upset with myself; I was happy to finally understand myself a little better.

But, I was terrified to tell my friends.

For a little over a week, I paced around my room, sometimes in tears, as I imagined how my friends would react. I knew I had to tell them, but the thought of losing people I considered family because of my newfound sexuality broke my heart.

When I finally did tell them, I was shocked by their response. My friends made me feel loved in a way I’d never felt before. I realized my sexuality had zero bearing on any of my friendships.

This was even the case with the friends I had recalled making homophobic comments in the past. They were so sad that I felt scared to tell them about my sexuality,

and made sure to tell me that those moments were from a different part of their lives or were simply jokes. Who I am, they said, would never change our friendships.

After a few weeks, I realized that the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. And, more importantly, I began to question why I ever felt that weight in the first place.

Today, I think about the people I know who have been in the same position as me, and I get livid.

Why do we live in a society where people have to announce that they aren’t straight, what gender they identify as or any other characteristic which defies the norm?

Don’t get me wrong: I understand that belonging to the LGBTQ community is not as common as being straight (at least publicly).

But I don’t think it should matter.

People on social media — or the news, in the case of celebrities — constantly seem to make such a celebration out of their newfound sexualities and/or identities, but that’s far from what people want.

Obviously, I don’t want to be discriminated against. But I equally don’t want my friends to act differently toward me or be “overly accepting” because of my sexuality.

Now, I didn’t have this problem myself.

I only told people I’m actually friends with or hang out with regularly about my sexuality. But I’ve seen enough essay-length Instagram posts to know that some people feel the need to let everyone else know.

And I’m not saying they don’t have to do that. If you want to scream who you are to the world, do it with your head held high.

But don’t ever feel like you have to.

Not because there’s something wrong with saying it, but because it shouldn’t change anything.

None of my friends reacted badly, but my favorite reactions were the ones that barely registered.

Some people were caught off guard, others welcomed the news with open arms.

Both reactions were understandable, but neither gave me the most comfort.

I wanted nothing to change.

My roommates are all very accepting people, never judging anyone for their identities. And while they didn’t even question accepting me, the best part was that it literally made zero difference to them.

To them, I wasn’t any different than I was the day before.

And that’s not to say your friends don’t love you if they do have a reaction that didn’t meet your expectations.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WEDNESDAY MAY 4, 2022 VOLUME 70 NUMBER 23 CIRCULATION: 3,000

Do you have an interest in journalism, graphic design, photography, social media, advertising, cartoons or copy editing? The Spectrum is always looking for enthusiastic students who want to be part of our team. Join our 45-time award winning independent student newspaper for hands-on, realworld experience in your field.

Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s editorial staff can email Reilly Mullen at: eic@ubspectrum.com.

The views expressed – both written and graphic – in the Opinion section of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board.

Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or news@ubspectrum.com. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style and length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number, and email address.

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Reilly Mullen MANAGING EDITORS Justin Weiss Dan Eastman, Asst.

NEWS/FEATURES EDITORS Grant Ashley, Sr. Jack Porcari, Sr. Julie Frey, Sr. Kayla Estrada, Asst.

Kyle Nguyen, Asst.

ARTS EDITORS Alex Falter, Sr. Kara Anderson, Sr.

We are all different, and as human beings, it is completely understandable if some individuals are surprised, or even slightly uncomfortable, when talking about something they are not used to discussing.

They will eventually get used to it. Don’t internalize those reactions too harshly; nobody is perfect, and if anyone says they are completely comfortable discussing a topic that is so foreign to them, they are lying.

But that is OK, too. If they really are your friends, they will never stop loving you, and they will force themselves to get used to it because that’s how much you mean to them.

Even then, I encourage you to talk openly about it and not get too quiet when your friends ask questions. Having a casual dialogue about any part of it will only help to normalize what is seen as so different by many. You will feel closer with your friends than ever before as a result.

But at the end of the day, you are your own person. And if you don’t want to explain your sexuality or identity for whatever reason, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

You don’t owe anyone s—t.

Because to your true friends, it will make no difference in the long run, even if they need some time to get used to it.

Email: alex.falter@ubspectrum.com

SPORTS EDITORS Anthony DeCicco, Sr. Sophie McNally, Asst.

Kayla Sterner, Asst.

MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Sabrina Akter-Nabi, Sr. Sai Krishna Seethala, Sr. Moaz Elazzazi, Asst.

ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Jenna Quinn, Sr. CREATIVE DIRECTOR Paolo Blanchi, Sr. Jiayi Zhang, Asst.

COPY EDITOR Andrew Lauricella

FEATURES

4 | Wednesday, May 4 2022

ubspectrum.com

On-campus resources for sexual assault survivors UPD, Title IX and oncampus clubs offer resources for victims of sex-related crimes KAYLA ESTRADA ASST. NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

Content warning: This article contains sensitive information about sexual assault. The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 1-800-6564673.

UB received 62 reports of sexual violence in 2019, according to data from the New York State Education Department.

Thirty-two of these reported incidents took place on campus, while 25 occured off campus. Five were reported to have taken place at an unknown location.

NYSED data from 2020 reflects a decrease in sexually-based crimes from 2019, but the trend follows reductions in UB’s overall crime rate, which dipped due to a decrease in the number of students on campus, as a result of COVID-19.

Data for 2021 and 2022 has yet to be collected.

These reports are not an entirely accurate representation of sexual violence on college campuses, experts say. Only about 31% of sexual assaults are actually reported, according to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.

The Spectrum compiled a list of on-campus resources — both disciplinary and mental health-related — available to sexual assault survivors:

Disciplinary actions/criminal proceedings Law Enforcement There are multiple ways to file a report with law enforcement. University Police is responsible for investigating incidents that take place on campus, according to Sharon Nolan-Weiss, UB’s Title IX coordinator.

Survivors can report an incident by calling 716-645-2222, or through UPD’s on-

line anonymous submission form.

“It’s important to note that the University Police investigator’s role is to allow both the person who is reporting sexual violence and the individual who is accused to be heard,” Nolan-Weiss said in an email. “Following the interviews and if the reporting party wishes to proceed with criminal action, the investigator will consult with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office to determine if that office will proceed with criminal charges.”

Incidents that occur off campus must be reported to local police based on the jurisdiction they took place in. “For example, Town of Amherst, City of Buffalo, Town of Tonawanda,” Nolan-Weiss said.

swear to provide equal rights for the accused and the complainant and must inform both parties of the hearing’s outcome within 10 days of their findings. If found guilty, the university must immediately suspend or expel the perpetrator.

Survivors who wish to pursue this avenue may schedule a hearing or file a request for an advisor to assist during the hearing through UB’s resource page.

After scheduling a hearing, both parties will receive an email from Student Conduct and Advocacy, explaining the next steps.

Student disciplinary charges Survivors can also file reports through Student Life’s administrative hearing process, which is based on the UB Student Code of Conduct.

Students can submit claims relating to Title IX violations (Title IX is a federal civil rights law meant to prevent sex-based discrimination in schools and sexual assault) to the university, which are investigated and overseen by administrators who serve as “hearing officers.”

These hearing officers are responsible for determining whether or not an accused individual is guilty of violating school policy.

The hearing officers are also tasked with asking questions and reviewing any evidence given to them from Student Conduct and Advocacy prior to the hearing. If the accused party is found guilty, the panel decides on an “appropriate punishment.”

All cross-examination questions must be submitted in advance of the hearing. Impact statements, which allow both parties to state their thoughts after the outcome is deliberated, are optional. Retaliation against anyone involved in the hearing is prohibited and a timeline is developed to determine how disciplinary actions will proceed.

Administrative hearing officers also

On-campus services UB offers numerous options for survivors who decide to pursue counseling.

Victims can utilize Counseling Services by going to their office at 120 Richmond Quadrangle or by calling (716) 645-6154 and scheduling an appointment with a professional. Survivors’ identities are protected and UB’s counseling services are free to use, regardless if a survivor pursued legal action.

Survivors can also reach out to Student Conduct and Advocacy for additional support. An advocate is assigned to each case to walk the survivor through their options and support them during potential hearings, according to Nolan-Weiss.

“The advocate can provide confidential assistance to UB students and employees who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking,” Nolan-Weiss said. “This assistance includes support through the criminal justice process and campus disciplinary processes, as well as help with obtaining supportive accommodations. For example, changes in housing arrangements, academic accommodations and counseling.”

Survivors who were assaulted before coming to UB can also utilize counseling resources.

UB’s resource page lists other resources

Tori Evans / The Spectrum Richmond Quadrangle houses UB’s Counseling Services.

Mental health services/ community outreach

for survivors.

UB’s amnesty policy allows all complainants — whether or not they were drinking or using drugs at the time of the assault — to access counseling resources.

“Please know that you will not be judged or blamed for what happened if you contact UB offices for help and that we can meet with you to talk about both support and reporting options,” Nolan-Weiss said.

Sexual violence prevention clubs and organizations UB has multiple student-run sexual assault awareness groups available to survivors and allies on campus.

These organizations are dedicated to providing a safe space for survivors of sex-based crimes and supporting an open forum for community members to discuss the impact sexual assault has on them.

One on-campus group, the Men’s Groups, spreads awareness for male victims of sexual assault.

The Men’s Groups is “dedicated to cultivating men as allies in sexual violence prevention,” according to the club’s description on UBLinked. “Sexual violence affects everyone, including men directly and indirectly. We hope to gather men that want to make a difference and will stand as a majority against the few that are committing these horrible crimes.”

Survivors and allies can email the Men’s Groups at well-mensgroup@vpsa.buffalo. edu or call them at 716-829-3009.

Another on-campus group, the Student Survivor Advocacy Alliance, aims to unite “survivors of gender violence with allies at UB who want to take a stand against rape, sexual assault and intimate partner violence,” according to the club’s description on UBLinked.

They can be reached at well-alliance@ vpsa.buffalo.edu, or by calling 716-6452837.

Email: kayla.estrada@ubspectrum.com

ubspectrum.com MUNCHIES FROM PAGE 1

will also receive a free $10 voucher for the market that day.

The @ubmunchies team spoke with The Spectrum several days ahead of their marquee event about their mission and what a simple trip to the farmers’ market could mean for beating back food insecurity on campus. @ubmunchies is a product of the PHI 485 capstone course, in which students were tasked with building a grassroots project to “just make the world better.”

Jannat Inqiyad, a senior mental health and human services major and founding member, says the team came together with the goal of improving nutritional awareness for students.

“We saw that there was a need on campus due to the lack of access that students have toward healthy items,” Inqiyad said.

“Most kids have meal plans or they can only get [food] from the Commons or the Student Union, and it’s all mainly fast food… We wanted to empower students to take control of their own eating habits and also obtain habits that have more of a sustainable outlook.”

To that end, @ubmunchies started by posting simple recipes for students to follow on Instagram. Local restaurant reviews followed in a bid to broaden horizons for students stuck on campus and to give back to the Buffalo community, according to @ubmunchies admin and senior finance major Evan Kuo. “I’ve lived on campus for three years

FEATURES been on my own. If there was an accessible page like @ubmunchies, maybe when I was a freshman, that would have been quite a bit more helpful as someone who lives off campus because I cook all my meals.” @ubmunchies seeks to keep its recipe costs to under $4 per serving, according to Stevenson.

Food insecurity is a prevalent issue on college campuses and has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. Thirty percent of college students reported experiencing food insecurity at some point in their college careers prior to the pandemic, according to Students Against Hunger, while a 2021 survey saw 38% of students in twoyear institutions and 29% of students at four-year institutions report experiencing food insecurity within 30 days of responding.

Benjamin Weiner, a senior economics major, says that taking measures to resolve the issue is especially important because students are setting the habits they will continue into adulthood.

“We want these people to be able to make these decisions now when they’re in college because that’s usually the time in their life when they’re making decisions that are going to be lasting at least 20 to 30 years beyond that,” Weiner said. “We want to make sure that they’re having success throughout their whole life.”

But the group faces challenges moving forward. Many of its founding members are set to graduate within the next few months.

Most kids have meal plans or they can only get [food] from the Commons or the Student Union, and it’s all mainly fast food…

We wanted to empower students to take control of their own eating habits and also obtain habits that have more of a sustainable outlook. now, but I did not have any transportation outside of [the] Stampede for like, the first two years,” Kuo said. “Having recipes or restaurant highlights, kind of encourages people to try out, cook for themselves and maybe explore a little bit even though there might be some difficulties getting around.”

Fellow founding member Natalie Stevenson, a junior political science major, says her involvement stems from her personal experiences.

“Personally, I’m a first-gen student,” Stevenson said. “And I don’t really have a family base or anything, so I’ve kind of

Courtesy of the UBmunchies Members of the UBmunchies pose for a photo.

“We started this project with the idea that we want to do something that lasted longer than this semester,” Stevenson said.

The group is considering ways to inject new blood by opening applications or passing the project along to other PPE minors. But the inaugural team hopes to lay the groundwork for future members by kickstarting a lasting change on campus and in the community.

Stevenson says the “UB Day” event at the farmers’ market, and the prospect of a permanent Stampede route there, is the culmination of the group’s efforts over the last few months.

“We kind of started thinking, ‘Alright, well, what can we do that’s still gonna benefit the greater Buffalo area, but specifically help students, too?’” she said. “So we started to think of the farmers’ market and then, OK — is that something that’s going to be feasible?”

The @ubmunchies team pitched the idea to UB Transportation and farmers’ market vendors. They emerged with a date, Stampede shuttle service and another

Wednesday, May 4 2022 | 5 sometimes, you know?” Stevenson said.

“I mean, UB doesn’t really have any other lines that offer that besides just grocery stores, and I would not want to go hang out at a grocery store.”

A farmers’ market, @ubmunchies’ admins argue, would be able to accommodate both the social and nutritional needs of students better than their “bland” grocery store counterparts.

“You average 15 to 20 interactions at

I think @ubmunchies has really been a way to bridge the gap between what we also felt like we were lacking on campus, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, losing out on a lot of social interactions and things.

Posting restaurant highlights and cooking things… It’s a way to kind of bring the community back together. $1,000 to put toward a voucher system.

Beyond that, Stevenson says the @ubmunchies team is most enthralled by the prospect of UB making the Stampede route to the North Tonawanda farmers’ market permanent. But the feasibility of the project hinges on the success of Saturday’s event.

“Starting an initial event, obviously, is the first step in making sure that students are interested in it, that it’s something that’s going to be continuously feasible for the university,” Stevenson said. “If we can get past this original hurdle of having UB Transportation fund that route, then we’re kind of providing the best service that we can to students.”

Being able to secure the funds was one of the operation’s biggest obstacles, according to junior economics major Patrick Bridgham.

“The biggest struggle has just been navigating the bureaucracy of the UB administration,” Bridgham said. “Particularly with getting funding — we can’t really go into too much detail with that — but there’s a specific process that you go through to set up and allocate our funding. And I guess we just weren’t fully aware of the bureaucratic element and that it takes time for things to go through.”

The team is excited about the results and says that the runoff benefits of providing access to a farmers’ market would extend even further beyond the borders of the campus and help students integrate into the surrounding community.

“It’s kind of nice to get off campus

a farmers’ market, whereas at a grocery store, you only average about one to two,” Stevenson said. “Farmers’ markets also give a lot more money back into the local economy. You’re funding farmers, and things are much more organically sustained. And so that was another big jump for us, as we wanted to make sure whatever we are supporting is sustainable.” @ubmunchies handpicked the North Tonawanda farmers’ market due to its proximity to campus. The market is about a 13-minute drive from the Student Union and is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, which the team hopes will accommodate the Stampede’s preexisting schedule.

“Obviously, this permanent bus line would be the biggest thing and that’s something that we’re still going to be fighting for even next semester if it doesn’t come to fruition right away,” Stevenson said.

In the meantime, the group says it is focused on making this weekend’s event a success.

“I think @ubmunchies has really been a way to bridge the gap between what we also felt like we were lacking on campus, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, losing out on a lot of social interactions and things. Posting restaurant highlights and cooking things…” Stevenson paused.

“It’s a way to kind of bring the community back together.”

Students can find nutritional resources and event updates on Instagram (@ubmunchies).

Email: kyle.nguyen@ubspectrum.com

6 | Wednesday, May 4 2022

FEATURES

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How University Police respond to mental health crises UPD is the only 24/7 department at UB, can transport students to ECMC JULIE FREY SENIOR NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

When a UB student goes into crisis at 2 a.m., they will more often than not end up calling University Police, not UB Counseling.

That’s because, as the only 24/7 department at UB, UPD is tasked with handling mental health crises — no matter what hour they may arise. Counseling Services does offer an after-hours counselor, but only UPD has the ability to transport students to Erie County Medical Center.

Deputy Chief of Police Josh Sticht says UPD is heavily relied upon because it provides around-the-clock intervention services that other departments, including Counseling Services, can’t.

“There’s a couple reasons why [UPD is tasked with responding to mental health crises],” Sticht said. “We’re the only people at the university who will answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Also, as police officers in New York State, our officers are the only people on campus who have the legal authority to take somebody for that involuntary admission if it’s needed.”

Approximately 75% of UPD officers have received specialized crisis intervention training, which gives them the expertise to respond to mental health crises, according to Sticht. But the other 25% of officers are still able to respond, he says.

When on-campus students find themselves in crisis, UPD may be asked to do a welfare check to ensure they are OK. Welfare checks “range” from getting a student to respond to phone calls to transporting them to a mental health facility to everything in between, according to Sticht.

“Most of the calls that we get requesting welfare checks don’t actually come from Counseling Services,” Sticht said. “Sometimes we do, but the vast majority that we get come from other students, RAs, faculty… students, classmates and sometimes family members. We get them from all

Christopher Palmer / The Spectrum University Police, headquartered in North Campus’ Bissell Hall.

over.”

Of the 104 welfare calls UPD completed this year prior to April 22, 50 were intended to ensure a student was doing OK, while eight were escalated to involuntary treatment at ECMC, according to Sticht.

In order to better serve the needs of students, several departments participate in a Students of Concern Committee chaired

by Elizabeth Lidano, the director of Student Conduct and Advocacy. The goal of the committee is to identify students in need of help and coordinate an appropriate response.

“We built the Students of Concern Committee which has representation from [UPD], Campus Living, Student Conduct and Advocacy, Counseling Services and Student Health Services,” Sticht said. “We combine all that information because if

somebody is in a mental health crisis, they may be acting strangely in a class, and a faculty member has a concern. There might be similar information that Campus Living has picked up on. We share the information so we get a better picture of how to help that person.”

Sticht added that while the committee has weekly standing meetings, any pressing concerns are brought up immediately and will not wait.

Grace Verwerie, a junior legal studies major and the president of Active Minds, a club dedicated to mental health awareness, says UB and its Counseling Services need to do more for students in crisis.

“We have the opportunities, the resources and the mindset at UB to be pioneers in the face of mental health,” Verwerie said.

“We have these resources available to us

to not rely on UPD for every crisis that happens. I’m sure UPD does a great job at what they’re trained for… but it’s one of those things where maybe we have a character playing a role that they weren’t meant for.”

Sharon Mitchell, the director of Counseling Services, said in an email to The Spectrum that her department maintains open communication with UPD and seeks out ways to better student experiences.

Mitchell added that in 2020, Counseling Services changed its after-hours crisis counseling number so students would not have to call UPD and ask for a counselor.

Now, students can just call 716-645-2720 and press “2” and be connected directly.

Email: julie.frey@ubspectrum.com

Celebrate AAPI month with events at and around UB Karaoke, cherry blossom festival, and Spotify playlists celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander culture JASMIN YEUNG STAFF WRITER

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month aims to celebrate and recognize the culture, history and achievements of the AAPI community.

With May finally here, celebrate with events run by UB’s Intercultural and Diversity Center (IDC) and organizations across Western New York:

All month long Visit Buffalo’s Japanese Garden

Buffalo’s Japanese Garden is located next to The Buffalo History Museum and open every day during daylight hours.

Complete with cherry blossoms and stones laid by master gardeners from Kanazawa, the garden promises a scenic and serene experience.

May 4 Asian American & Pacific Islander Student Mixer

Meet and socialize with student clubs, organizations and other members of the AAPI community in the Student Union Lobby from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday. There will be food, music and other fun activities.

May 8 Asian American Student Union Dance Competition

AASU, and its dance troupe AASU Vibe, is hosting its inaugural dance competition “Legacy” at 7 p.m. in the SU Theatre. Admission is free and there will be snacks and drinks available.

May 10 AAPI Heritage Month Dessert Hour

Enjoy some desserts while celebrating AAPI history at SU 240 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The event features free food and is hosted by the IDC.

May 11 Tour of the World

The SA International Council is hosting “Tour of the World,” a cultural event to celebrate various cultures through food, music and art, at the SU field from 1-5 p.m.

May 13 Asian Pacific American Culture Carnival

Join Campus Living in the Ellicott Bowl from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with activities such as karaoke and “guess the country.” Attendees can also enjoy Asian Pacific American snacks.

Courtesy of Visit Buffalo Niagara The Japanese Garden of Buffalo is located adjacent to The Buffalo History Museum.

May 19 ALANA Celebration of Achievement

Open to all graduating students from fall 2021 through the end of 2022, this pre-commencement ceremony honors the achievements of graduating ALANA (African, Latinx, Asian and Native American) undergraduate, graduate and PhD candidates.

Can’t make it? Listen to music uplifting the AAPI community in IDC’s AAPI Heritage Month Playlist or on Spotify’s Stop Asian Hate page, which uplifts Asian stories and voices through a variety of podcasts and artists.

Email: news@ubspectrum.com

FEATURES

ubspectrum.com

Spectrum seniors offer wise words on growing up

Wednesday, May 4 2022 | 7

Lessons learned

SPECTRUM STAFF

mas with my roommates. During college, opportunities feel unattainable. But sometimes, the only thing stopping you from creating lasting memories is saying “yes.”

Don’t let the fear of falling stop you from embracing the chance to explore the world while you’re young.

With graduation just around the corner, college seniors across the country will be leaving their campuses and heading into the “real world.” Here at The Spectrum, we are saying goodbye to 12 editors as they head off on their various journeys, whether that be continuing their education or starting their careers.

Growing up can be scary. That’s why The Spectrum’s graduating class has compiled a list of the most important lessons they learned during their time at UB:

REILLY MULLEN

EMBRACE THE QUEEN CITY

MOVE OUT

Don’t stay close to home if you can help it. The newness, excitement and scariness of graduating is all incredibly overwhelming, but (surprisingly) adding a big move to that isn’t going to make it any worse. You aren’t leaving things behind to never return, or cutting ties with everyone you’ve ever known and loved. You’re growing. I can’t think of anything much worse than staying my 21-year-old self forever, and you shouldn’t stay stuck as whoever you are right now either. Change is good and you should embrace it with open arms while you can. Sure it’ll bring tough times — homesickness, uncertainty, loneliness — but what’s the fun in playing it safe? Go for a different city, region or state. And for the more ambitious out there, shoot for a different country, or even continent, if you feel like you can. The world’s your oyster, so go out and see it.

Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum Students attend a Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) meeting.

JUSTIN WEISS

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF UB’S RESOURCES

SOPHIE MCNALLY

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Looking back at the last four years, it all seems like a blur. During the semester, all we can do as students is make sure we’re getting our assignments done, getting to class (mostly) and showing up for our exams. But between our academics are the friendships and experiences that make college worthwhile. Even though the semester can sometimes feel like it’s flying by at supersonic speed, remember to take a deep breath and look around. Try to take a break from studying and assignments to live in the moment — have an impromptu dance party or joke around with friends.

Take lots of pictures and go on walks by yourself. These four years are the first chance most of us have to build our own way forward. Cherish it.

The Spectrum archives The Albright-Knox Art Gallery, set to reopen in the first half of 2023. Students should explore everything the Queen City has to offer, writes Justin Weiss.

FIND YOUR NICHE ON CAMPUS

Coming from a large high school? No problem. You can still make your mark on campus. I spent much of my freshman year in my dorm room, and I regretted it.

I always thought friends would find their way to me, but they didn’t. But that’s the thing: UB has endless opportunities for student involvement, spanning everything from major-related organizations to casual clubs. And if UB doesn’t have a club, you can start it. Getting involved will leave you with lifelong friendships and allow you to make your mark on campus.

GET INVOLVED

DAN EASTMAN

Berkay Gumestekin / Unsplash Toronto looms large over a body of water. Students should go to Canada with “literal strangers,” writes Reilly Mullen.

ANDREW LAURICELLA

SAY ‘YES’ AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Before coming to UB, I expected to have the traditional college experience: go to a few parties, have late-night study sessions with friends, etc. But after a series of questionable agreements, I soon found myself building core memories including (but not limited to): going to Canada with literal strangers, modeling for The BFLO Store and booking a cruise to the Baha-

UB has lots of fun activities for students to partake in, but it also has many things designed to improve our well-being.

Whether it be the school’s gym, yoga classes or most importantly, free therapy sessions, UB has a large variety of places for students to improve themselves, be it their mind or body! These sometimes come in creative and delightful forms, such as dog therapy. But the school also continues to offer different forms of self-improvement and free resources/clubs for learning things like cooking or meditating. There’s no telling what else the university will add in the future!

ALEX FALTER

JULIE FREY

While attending a school as large as UB can sometimes seem overwhelming and scary, it also means there’s a seemingly endless number of extracurricular options available to students. Joining a club or organization on or off campus is a great way to make new friends with common interests and help find your place at such a large university. It can be difficult to put yourself out there, but I promise the reward is worth the initial discomfort. Finding an organization you love being a part of and having a place to go to relax and have conversations with people who share your passions are essential parts of relieving the many stressors that college life brings. You will strengthen your mental health, create unforgettable college memories and make lasting friendships. From music to sports to arts, there is a club for everyone at UB, so put yourself out there and join one!

You’ll meet some amazing people, and it will make your college experience that much more enjoyable.

You’re here for four years, so why spend it holed up in your dorm room or submerged in a sweaty frat basement? Embrace the Queen City and everything it has to offer. Go hiking in Letchworth State Park — the “Grand Canyon of the East” — and Zoar Valley. Take advantage of free ice skating at Fountain Plaza. Cheer on the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Beauts and Bisons. Explore the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Museum of Science and Buffalo Naval Park. Walk around Canalside. Climb to the observation deck in Buffalo City Hall. Marvel at the wildlife at the Buffalo Zoo and Aquarium of Niagara. Venture out to the Erie Basin Marina and Delaware Park. The point is simple: there’s plenty of things to do in the Queen City. So get going.

Christopher Palmer / The Spectrum The Alumni Arena gym. Students should take advantage of UB resources, writes Alex Falter.

8 | Wednesday, May 4 2022

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Sapphic stepping-stone, film fumble Hulu’s “Crush” delivers queer joy in a mediocre rom-com KARA ANDERSON SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

Movie: “Crush” Director: Sammi Cohen Starring: Rowan Blanchard and Auli’i Cravalho Studio: LD Entertainment, Hulu Rating: 7.8/10 Lights, camera, bisexual lighting!

With blue and purple color palettes, girl in red on the soundtrack and references to Phoebe Bridgers, Hulu’s newest original film, “Crush,” hits all the points for modern-day teen queer culture and filmmaking.

Starring Rowan Blanchard as aspiring CalArt student Paige Evans and Auli’i Cravalho as track co-captain AJ Campos, the flick presents a sapphic love triangle as Paige pursues her long-term crush, Gabriela Campos, by joining the track team.

However, when her limited athletic abilities force AJ to personally coach Paige, Paige finds her feelings shifting away from Gabriela onto someone new.

Bolstered by the lively chemistry between the cast, the unapologetic gayness of the protagonist and a hunt for an anonymous grafitti artist known as KingPun, “Crush” follows all the classic teenage rom-com tropes, even if its execution can be mediocre at times.

The weakest part of the movie comes in the form of Blanchard’s performance.

The typical rom-com sports a protagonist who is often on the fringes of popularity — a nerdy and awkward outcast type. Yet, in the goofiness of the genre, there should reside some kind of charm and endearing quality. Blanchard all too often fails to deliver this likeability.

Rather, Blanchard’s Paige often comes across as a tad annoying and immature, especially in comparison to the film’s consistently enjoyable secondary characters.

The film’s humor also often falls short of what would be considered funny and

SPRING FEST FROM PAGE 1

However, not everyone was impressed with this year’s lineup. In particular, concert attendees reported feeling let down by the choice of opener, PnB Rock, whose career has seemingly plateaued since his heyday in 2015 and 2016.

“Next time, please don’t invite PnB,” Isaac Asante, a fifth-year public health major, said. “He fell off.”

Despite the lack of anticipation for his performance, PnB Rock kept the crowd in high spirits, getting attendees to sing along to hits including “I Like Girls” and “Selfish.”

Following PnB Rock’s performance, the crowd’s energy ignited as Miami-born rap duo City Girls (consisting of Yung Miami and JT) took the stage as the first headliner.

For many attendees, seeing City Girls was the highlight of Spring Fest.

“They were f—king lit,” Kendra Obeng, a junior health and services major, said.

“And we’re city girls, so you know the vibes.”

The pair amped up the crowd with hits like “Act Up” and “P—y Talk” while encouraging fans to “stay in school” and “be your best selves.”

However, the real show stopping began with their performances of “Twerk” and “Twerkulator.” In both acts, the pair pulled female fans from the crowd, coloring their performances with group twerking, sparking cheers from the audience.

But City Girls’ performance wasn’t just for the girls.

Some male fans, such as junior criminology major Tyler Miller, consider City Girls’ performance the highlight of their night as well.

encroaches on cringey. In particular, the relationship between Paige’s mother and coach can be groan-inducing with its silly sexual jokes that are too corny for a teenage audience and too childish for adults.

But regardless of its pitfalls, the true beauty of “Crush” comes in the form of its queer storytelling. Unlike other movies, such as “Love, Simon,” “Crush” doesn’t center itself around the process of coming out. Rather, the film establishes itself as queer from the get-go, without any qualms or fuss.

Paige’s mom is the typical embarrassing and overbearing, but loving, type — providing her daughter with plenty of sex-ed tips, this time with dental dams rather than condoms. Paige goes to a school where there are multiple queer students — including a variety of other lesbians, from those who are non-binary and effortlessly

cool to a practicing Wiccan.

Drawing from stereotypes, “Crush” embraces the variety of queerness that real life teems with, gently poking fun at some of the more exaggerated tropes, as any good high school movie does.

It’s a refreshing approach to queer romance, one that makes “Crush” feel equivalent to its heteronormative counterparts.

The queer characters, like any straight character in the classic rom-com, are allowed to explore various love interests, fall into stereotypical romantic tropes (sharing one bed, playing seven minutes in heaven, etc.) and not worry about their sexuality.

The queerness never inhibits the romance.

In creating this convention of queer love, “Crush” then delivers in unbridled queer joy.

This is perhaps best seen in the final

scenes of the movie, in which Paige completes her application prompt for CalArt to “show us your happiest moment.”

Paige’s artwork — and what it portrays — is cheesy and predictable, but in a way that is inherent to heterosexual love and not always queer romance. That’s what makes this instance so special.

The moment in which Paige reveals the artwork in front of her school and gets the girl is so often lacking in queer narratives.

It’s quintessential rom-com without the typical angst of gay love stories.

As such, while “Crush” may be nothing groundbreaking in acting or even in its narrative, it remains an important stepping stone to normalizing queer romance stories that are fluffy and fun and don’t revolve around the process of coming out.

Email: kara.anderson@ubspectrum.com

Courtesy of Brett Roedel / Hulu Rowan Blanchard plays Paige Evans in the 2022 coming-of-age Hulu film, “Crush.”

“He wanted to shake some ass,” junior psychology major Jacob Schumacher said, regarding Miller’s enjoyment of City Girls.

Performing for just under 30 minutes, City Girls thanked Buffalo and said goodbye, leaving an empty stage for Polo G. By the time the chart-topping Chicagobased rapper took to the stage around 8:50 p.m., the crowd was in a frenzy, repeatedly chanting, “Polo.”

Polo performed numerous songs from his most recent (and most successful) album, “Hall of Fame.” But the highlights of his set were undoubtedly his older hits, like “Bad Man (Smooth Criminal),” “Pop Out” and “Martin and Gina.”

“Polo G gets a good energy going,” Jack Mortenson, a sophomore occupational therapy major, said. “He gets the crowd hyped.”

Still, Polo G’s most hype-filled moment came early on in the set, when he dedicated his performance of “Flex” — a song which originally featured late-rapper Juice Wrld — to the fallen rapper.

After his performance concluded, the crowds dispersed as quickly as they had arrived, as Spring Fest 2022 wrapped up with a fireworks display.

Aside from being a time for festive fangirling and rockstar rapping, Spring Fest also served as a coming-together point for the UB community in the wake of more than a year of pandemic restrictions.

“It was wonderful to see people of my culture on stage, rocking out, and everybody being hyped about it,” Nakkia Smalls, a senior criminology major, said.

“It was amazing and I feel like everyone at UB came together.”

Email: kara.anderson@ubspectrum.com Email: alex.falter@ubspectrum.com

Courtesy of Alex Novak Spring Fest 2022 took place in the Governors Complex parking lot.

SPORTS

ubspectrum.com

Wednesday, May 4 2022 | 9

SPRING FOOTBALL FROM PAGE 1

of his field goal attempts — from 40, 49 and 50 yards out — playing for both sides.

The white side prevailed over the blue side thanks to its strong offensive attack — paving the way for a prepaid steak dinner, while the losing side commiserated with hot dogs.

Redshirt freshman running back AlJay Henderson powered the white teams to victory with 87 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries.

Defensively, senior defensive tackle Daymond Williams spearheaded the white team’s victory with seven tackles, three pass breakups and a sack. He also turned a fumble into a recovery and touchdown.

On the blue side, redshirt freshman cornerback Demarco Cuffey recorded seven tackles while redshirt defensive end Solomaine Bambara posted an interception and four tackles.

Sophomore quarterbacks Casey Case (white team) and Cole Snyder (blue team) went head-to-head as starting quarterbacks, a matchup that ended in a stalemate. Case went 10-for-22 for 116 yards while Snyder went 9-for-20 for 158 yards.

“All the guys have had their moment all spring,” Linguist said about his quarterback room. “All the guys have ability.

We’re not in a position right now to name a starter and put a hard line on it.”

Current NFL players watched the action unfold from the sidelines, looking for standouts and reminiscing on their UB

Kayla Sterner / The Spectrum Former UB football players, including Tyree Jackson (second from left), pose for a photo at the UB Spring Game.

days.

“You have to treat the summer as training camp,” current Bills cornerback and UB alum Cameron Lewis said about the job Linguist will have to do to get his larger-than-usual recruiting class up to speed.

“I think all these guys could play in the

NFL, so I just try to tell them [they can] and be the example,” Jaret Patterson, a 2021 UB grad and current Washington Commanders running back, said as he scoped the field for talent.

The Bulls will return to the field for preseason camp this August and kick off the

2022 season on Sept. 3 at Maryland.

Kayla Sterner contributed reporting to this story.

Email: sophie.mcnally@ubspectrum.com

Spring Sports Photo Gallery

Kayla Sterner / The Spectrum Junior pitcher Alexis Lucyshyn hits the ball during a recent game against Miami (OH).

Kayla Sterner / The Spectrum Graduate distance runner Patrick Hazlitt competes during a recent competition at UB Stadium

Kayla Sterner / The Spectrum Senior distance runner Riley Jones leads the pack during a recent competition at UB Stadium.

Elise Cassidy / The Spectrum The UB women’s tennis team surrounds head coach Kristen Maines during a recent match.

SPORTS

10 | Wednesday, May 4 2022

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Anna Aguon becomes UB’s home run queen Grad utility player hits 31st career homer Tuesday to break school record KAYLA STERNER

Courtesy

of

Ken Smith / UB Athletics

Graduate student utility player Anna Aguon connects with a pitch during a recent game against Miami (OH).

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

To her teammates, Anna Aguon is known for bumping to Usher before games and spreading smiles throughout the dugout.

But to the UB record books, she’s something more: the Bulls’ all-time leader in career home runs.

Standing at just 5-foot-3, Aguon doesn’t necessarily look like the most intimidating person on the diamond. But over her fiveyear playing career in the Queen City, the graduate student has earned a reputation as one of the most feared competitors in program history.

The Vancouver, WA native is a threetime first-team All-Mid-American Conference (2018, 2019 and 2021) selection, an NFCA All-Mideast First Team athlete (2021) and a one-time MAC all-freshman team nominee (2018).

Even so, she has no intention of slowing down. She broke UB’s all-time home run mark — previously held by Sammi Gallardo, who had 30 career homers from 2011-14 — to lead off Tuesday afternoon’s game against Kent State. And she still has four games left to add onto her total.

“I felt like there was a weight lifted off my shoulders,” Aguon told The Spectrum Tuesday after she broke the all-time mark.

“Super excited, everybody was excited. I look forward to breaking it again.”

“It feels pretty good to tie it and even be close to the record. I’m excited to break it,” Aguon said in an interview with The Spectrum prior to breaking the record.

“Maybe I’ll cry, I don’t know really, but it’s a big stepping stone for me.”

Aguon knows she has to stay relaxed and focused to finish the season, but she trusts her skills and her 2021 Xeno, a fastpitch softball bat designed by Louisville Slugger, to get the job done.

“I can’t just go up and say, ‘I’m going to hit a home run,’” Aguon said about her approach at the plate. “I just have to go with the flow and see what happens.”

Aguon may have set the all-time home run mark, but her path to stardom was anything but linear.

She was originally recruited to UB as a catcher and a middle infielder, but was transformed into a dependable and rangy outfielder. She already has 48 putouts this season, which ranks seventh on the team.

Aguon is affectionately known by her teammates as “granny,” due to her seniority on the team. Not only is she a trusted voice in the room, she is also known to be humble about her accomplishments.

“I think I owe a lot of my progress to the coaching staff and my teammates because without them I really don’t grow,” Aguon said. “You can grow individually,

but only so much. It really helps to have your teammates there.”

Her teammates reciprocate the love.

They believe her go-with-the-flow attitude, optimistic perspective and willingness to help others has fostered a better team environment.

“She’s very cool, calm and collected [in the dugout] but she’s always there to show up and fight,” sophomore infielder Ally Sobasze said. “She has a little spark in her.

We all kind of depend on her a little bit for that spark to lift us up when we need it.”

Head coach Mike Ruechel praises Aguon for her coachability and for how well she works with others. He believes Aguon sets a great example — most notably, for her dedication to the game — for the younger women on the team.

“Her work ethic is off the charts,” Ruechel said. “She comes in here and she does everything — she hustles, she slides on the turf and she’s doing everything we ask her.”

Aguon says she closely watches the pitcher’s windup and release point in the batter’s box and lights up low and inside pitches. With a personal emphasis on seeing the ball and hitting it as hard as she can, it should come as little surprise she has tallied 186 hits and 101 RBI’s in her career as a Bull.

During her senior campaign last season, Aguon led the team with 60 hits and to-

taled 12 doubles, 42 runs scored and 36 RBI’s. She also had a .758 slugging percentage and a .497 on-base percentage.

She hit .392 last season and .336 and .352 in her freshman and sophomore years, respectively. But, even as she stares down the school record, she isn’t having her best season at the plate — batting only .214 with 27 hits and 22 walks in 126 plate appearances.

The 5-foot-3 powerhouse hit 14 homers last season but has only launched four long balls this year. Ruechel can’t seem to explain the drop off.

“She comes every day, she puts in the work. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re pitching her differently, but I don’t think so. Maybe the fact that there’s all these records sitting in front of her and she’s trying too hard, but even though this has not been her greatest year number-wise, she’s been very productive,” Ruechel said.

“She’s been getting key hits in situations and she’s been productive in the locker room as well, because the kids all kind of gravitate to her.”

But it’s precisely because of the dropoff in her totals this season that she felt an extra pride at breaking the all-time mark.

“Yes I was [itching for that one],” Aguon said. “At first, I didn’t realize. I just hit it and was running around. And then it was over. Lo and behold, it went over. You’ve just gotta wait for it.”

Courtesy of Ken Smith / UB Athletics Graduate student utility player Anna Aguon throws a ball between innings during a recent game.

Still, one “off ” year should barely put a dent into her legacy as a softball player, especially when she just made history.

“I would have to say she’s been the best player that has played in this program since I’ve been here,” Ruechel, who was named the head coach during Aguon’s sophomore year, said.

Both Ruechel and Aguon share the same favorite memory from this season: her walk-off home run against Ohio University in UB’s first MAC series. The Bulls entered the bottom of the seventh inning down by one run. Aguon stepped up to the plate with one out and one runner on and launched the ball to right center, scoring two runs to notch the team’s first conference win.

Ruechel says her walk-off shot is just one of many examples of Aguon’s strong character.

“She’s a very coachable, likable kid,” Ruechel said. “For a coaching staff, that makes things easier because she blends in.

She works well with other people. When you put up elite numbers like she has, she could easily put herself one level above but she doesn’t. She’s just a down to earth, good kid who works hard.”

Reilly Mullen and Justin Weiss contributed reporting to this story.

Email: kayla.sterner@ubspectrum.com

SPORTS

ubspectrum.com

Wednesday, May 4 2022 | 11

The Becky Burke blueprint UB’s first-year head coach boasts unparalleled confidence amid roster and staff turnover SOPHIE MCNALLY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

College coaches are notoriously confident.

But Becky Burke, UB’s first-year women’s basketball head coach, may be the most confident coach to ever grace the Alumni Arena floor.

The 13th head coach in UB women’s basketball history has immense confidence and major aspirations. She’s not even letting the successes of her predecessor, Felisha Legette-Jack, phase her.

“If [UB] won for 20 straight years or lost for 20 straight years, I still expect to win every single time we step on the floor,” Burke told The Spectrum in an interview last week.

The Louisville alum is a warrior on the court, and has made sure everybody knows it.

Burke’s sky-high expectations come just one year after UB made its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, a feat achieved by an almost completely different lineup.

Last season, UB’s squad went 25-9, won the Mid-American Conference Championship and made it to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Today, UB finds itself in deep waters following Legette-Jack’s departure. Junior guard Dyaisha Fair, freshman guard Georgia Woolley, sophomore guard Cheyenne McEvans and freshman forward Saniaa Wilson have all followed Legette-Jack to Syracuse this offseason. And major contributors Adebola Adeyeye (Kentucky) and Loren Christie (San Francisco) also left via the transfer portal.

Despite the obstacles standing in her way, Burke refuses to waver in her confidence.

Irrespective of uncertainty and the clean slate women’s basketball has undergone, one thing is for certain: the team is going full throttle into the upcoming season.

‘She’s a freight train’

“My style is high energy. Intense. Fiery,” Burke said.

UB’s new head coach is bursting from

head-to-toe with passion, energy and enthusiasm for the game.

“She’s a freight train,” assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Wyatt Foust said. “She’s going, and she’s going hard.

She’s excited, and she’s not slowing down.”

Burke shows spirit on- and off-thecourt, and is turning the offseason into an arena of rallying and camaraderie. But returning the Bulls to the NCAA Tournament will require a lot more than just ambition and tenacity. It will also require execution.

The 2022 Big South Coach of the Year certainly isn’t afraid of the hard work she will need to put in to accomplish that task.

And she expects her players to mirror her work ethic.

“I’m gonna do my best every single day,” Burke said. “I’m gonna work my butt off. [It’s about] holding them accountable to everything that you expect. Every single day. Without question, without hesitation.”

Her expectations are crystal clear.

Her athletes have a responsibility to show up and show out in games and practices.

This caliber isn’t just for her athletes either, as Burke expects her recent hires — Foust, Candyce Wheeler and Asia Dozier — to step up as well.

“I wanted people that were going to be here that can relate to our players, that have played the game at the highest level,” Burke said.

Burke holds herself to that standard, leveling her intense dynamism with a keen attention to detail — which results in a balance of “efficient offense and gritty, aggressive defense,” Foust said.

“If you’re a great defensive team and your offense is bad, you’re just gonna be average,” he said. “If you’re a great offensive team and your defense is bad, you’re still gonna be average.”

The pair are focused and tapped into exactly what it’s going to take to keep up UB’s success.

“It’s not the standard here at UB anymore just to make the tournament, it’s to make the tournament and win some games in the tournament,” Burke said.

‘Culture of winning’

Burke looks to sustain the “culture of winning” women’s basketball has enjoyed in recent years, Foust says.

So far, Burke has been training her roster

Anthony DeCicco / The Spectrum Women’s basketball head coach Becky Burke poses for a photo with Victor E. Bull.

with 25-minute workouts focused on-thecourt and in the weight rooms — limbering her athletes up for the June preseason.

“We’re working out every single day until May 10,” fifth-year guard (and returning Bull) Jazmine Young said about the Bulls’ new training regiments.

“I think we definitely can push for the Sweet 16 and make a push for the Elite Eight as well,” Young said.

In order for the Bulls to continue their dominance, they will need to fill glaring holes in their roster. Burke hopes to utilize the transfer portal, where she has already brought in a number of skilled defenders.

“Defense is mainly what [Coach Burke] talks about,” Young said. This emphasis on the defensive end has been evident with the addition of fifth-year guards Latrice Perkins, Re’Shawna Stone, Zakiyah Winfield and redshirt junior guard Chellia Watson.

Yet serious gaps still remain.

UB has only been able to secure two forwards so far.

While UB still has glaring holes to fill, it’s not the only program scrambling to complete its roster with the remaining athletes on the portal.

“It’s going to be as good as we can make it for this first year,” Burke said. “You gotta do your homework. We don’t just throw a bunch of talent together, we want to find a group that’ll represent UB well.”

Burke flipped the coaching staff on its head, bringing in an entirely new group of assistants from the previous year. Foust, Wheeler and Dozier have stepped in to replace Kristen Sharkey, Khyreed Carter and Blair Estarfaa on the bench.

“It’s hard when the coaching staff changes — it’s a transition. It’s uncertain, it’s heavy,” Burke said.

Tasked with gelling the new and old together, these staff-to-player and player-toplayer bonds are always in Burke’s field of vision. “[Coach Burke’s] made it very easy [for us] to adjust to and [be] very comfortable.

She always reminds us that we’re still her players. She always reminds us that she’s gonna treat us as her own,” Young said. “[The] challenge is making sure we just connect all the pieces,” Foust said about merging all these moving parts into a whole.

Despite all the change and upheaval, a standard remains.

“We’re coming in and setting a tone right away, setting a standard, establishing our culture,” Burke said.

‘I’m not her’

Burke gets uncomfortable when people compare her to her predecessor.

No matter how many records LegetteJack broke or nets her teams cut down, Burke simply does not seem to care.

“I’m not going to be her. I’m not gonna try to be her,” Burke said.

Foust says Burke is fueled by her “shortterm memory.” She’s here for one reason and one reason only: to win. Not to live in the past.

“You feel like a million bucks one day and then you feel like five cents the next.

It’s how you handle those highs, how you handle those lows and keeping an even keel,” Burke said about the importance of level-headedness in her profession.

But no one can ignore the huge shoes she has to fill.

Legette-Jack coached UB for 10 seasons from 2012 to 2022 and guided the Bulls to their first NCAA Tournament in program history in 2016.

Burke’s predecessor is the all-time winningest coach in program history, with a 177-107 record. Her accolades are far and wide, and would be daunting to anyone stepping up to fill her place.

But Burke remains unfazed.

“I don’t think it’s any pressure. I hold myself to a standard that nobody else can make me feel pressured,” Burke said.

But not everyone on her staff has this same take.

“You’d be lying if you say there’s no pressure, but pressure is a privilege,” Foust said. “I’d much rather have the target on my back, than just surprise people with what you do.”

This confidence is backed by the pair’s coaching and playing résumés, but the bar may still be set too high for this seemingly makeshift team.

“I’m not even going to talk about [losing] because I don’t expect that to be the case. I don’t even think about that,” Burke said.

Only time will tell if this resolute confidence will bring more MAC wins and continue UB’s winning tradition, or if they’re just empty words.

Email: sophie.mcnally@ubspectrum.com

SPORTS

12 | Wednesday, May 4 2022

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Three Bulls sign with NFL teams as undrafted free agents Kevin Marks Jr., Kadofi Wright and Josh Rogers receive NFL opportunities ANTHONY DECICCO SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

While UB was shut out of the 2022 NFL Draft this past weekend, multiple Bulls signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents following the event.

Redshirt fifth-year linebacker Kadofi Wright, senior running back Kevin Marks Jr. and graduate defensive tackle Josh Rogers all signed with NFL teams, while senior cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram received a minicamp invite from the Buffalo Bills.

While a contract is no guarantee of a roster spot, former Bulls Jaret Patterson (Washington Commanders) and Kayode Awosika (Philadelphia Eagles) are currently on NFL rosters after signing as undrafted free agents last season.

Here’s a look at where this year’s crop of Bulls graduates signed:

Kevin Marks Jr.

Los Angeles Chargers

One of the most prolific rushers in UB history, Marks looks to join a crowded Los Angeles backfield that already includes star running back Austin Ekeler, third-year back Joshua Kelley, second-year man Larry Rountree III and 2022 draft pick Isaiah Spiller (a fourth-round pick out of Texas A&M).

Marks is best known for his outstanding three-year run as the sidekick to Patterson from 2018 to 2020. He rushed for 2,621 yards and 28 touchdowns during his career at UB, highlighted by a 1,035-yard season during his sophomore year and a 13-touchdown campaign as a redshirt freshman.

But Marks saw a regression during the 2021-22 season. Multiple nagging injuries saw the Norfolk, VA native bounce inand-out of the lineup and eventually lose the starting job to junior Dylan McDuffie

(who transferred to Georgia Tech this offseason).

Marks posted career-lows in rushing yards (414) and touchdowns (five) last season but reportedly made a good impression with scouts at UB’s Pro Day. He ran a 4.51 40-yard dash and showcased his passcatching and agility skills in a promising pro day performance.

“Showcasing my hand tracking to the ball, seeing the ball and getting in-and-out of my breaks,” Marks said, when asked what he wanted to show scouts during the event. “I’m showing my speed, showing that I’m versatile, too. I’m an ‘every-down’ back.”

Marks will face an uphill battle in Los Angeles, but the All-Mid-American Conference running back will at least have the opportunity to make it in the NFL.

Kadofi Wright Denver Broncos

A six-year contributor for the Bulls, Wright signed with the Broncos as a capable playmaker with an intriguing skillset.

The 6-foot-3, 230 lb. linebacker thrived in coverage while paired in the middle with graduate linebacker James Patterson last season. He often roamed in coverage on passing downs and showcased sidelineto-sideline speed when tracking down running backs out of the backfield.

Wright displayed a nose for the football at UB, as he recorded four interceptions, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three defensive touchdowns in six seasons with the Bulls.

Last season, Wright racked up careerhighs with 49 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash and recorded a 10’3” broad jump at UB’s Pro Day in March. Wright’s size and measurables match that of the modern NFL linebacker, something that earned him a shot in the NFL. “The ability to cover tight ends or slot receivers or running backs who run 4.4 [in the 40-yard dash],” Wright said, when

asked what he could bring to a professional team at UB’s Pro Day. “That’s scarce in the NFL because everybody’s 245 lb. or 250 lb. and I’m 230 lb., so I’m able to run with the faster guys.”

While Wright’s skillset and measurables made him an All-MAC linebacker, he’ll have to fight for a roster spot with the Broncos.

Josh Rogers

Seattle Seahawks

Rogers transferred to UB after spending three seasons at Texas A&M, where he struggled to find consistent playing time in the Southeastern Conference.

The Houston native was able to make an immediate impact in the MAC, appearing in 11 games (10 starts) at defensive tackle last season. He recorded 24 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in his lone season with the Bulls.

Rogers showed little promise as a pass rusher with just one quarterback hit and 0.5 sacks last season, but his potential as a run-stuffer was enough for the Seahawks to offer him a free-agent contract.

Ja’Marcus Ingram

Buffalo Bills (minicamp invitee)

While Ingram didn’t receive an official contract, he did receive an invite to the Buffalo Bills’ minicamp just down the road from UB’s North Campus.

Like Rogers, Ingram played just one season at UB after transferring from Power Five program Texas Tech, where he spent two seasons as a safety and a cornerback.

He appeared in 21 games (one start) for the Red Raiders, totaling 31 tackles, an interception and two pass breakups.

Ingram had a productive season at UB in 2021, racking up 47 tackles, three pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 11 games. At 6-foot-2, Ingram has the ability to contend with taller receivers in jump-ball opportunities.

Now presented with the opportunity to remain in Western New York, Ingram will have to make the most of his minicamp tryout with the Bills.

Email: anthony.decicco@ubspectrum.com

Sai Krishna-Seethala / The Spectrum Former UB linebacker Kadofi Wright had signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos.

Softball goes 1-2 in weekend series against Josh Mballa enters transfer Central Michigan The Bulls fall to seventh in the MAC with just six games remaining KAYLA STERNER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Softball (18-23, 9-13 MAC) went 1-2 in its crucial weekend series against Central Michigan (24-21, 15-8), the second-ranked team in the Mid-American Conference.

The Bulls now rank seventh in the MAC and have a very slim chance of making it to the MAC Tournament, which only admits the top four teams.

In her return from a lower-body injury, junior pitcher Alexis Lucyshyn clutched the win in the first game as the Bulls defeated Central Michigan 7-5. Lucyshyn allowed 10 hits and recorded two strikeouts and four walks to improve her record in

the circle to 9-7.

Central Michigan tallied two runs in the first frame to grab an early 2-0 lead. UB answered in the top of the second inning with a run of their own to cut the deficit to one. The Bulls rallied in the third inning and scored four runs courtesy off a Lucyshyn grand slam.

Senior catcher Olivia Kincanon joined the home run club in the fifth to give Buffalo a 6-2 advantage. Central Michigan pulled within two runs in the seventh (7– 5), but UB’s defense stayed clean to pull out the win.

Buffalo’s bats went silent in the first game of the Saturday doubleheader, as the Bulls got mercied 9-0 after five innings.

Sophomore infielder Rachel Steffan and junior infielder Briana Castro had the only two hits of the game. Five Bulls struck

out, and three committed defensive errors, which allowed two unearned runs to score.

The Bulls took an early 2-0 lead in the second game of the doubleheader thanks to a double to left center from Lucyshyn with two runners on. The Chippewas responded with a crooked number to grab a 4-2 advantage in the second inning.

Buffalo’s offense couldn’t muster an attack as CMU put together a strong fifth inning to clutch a 9-2 lead. A solo homer from Castro in the sixth inning cut the deficit to six, but she would be the last runner to cross the plate for the Bulls.

Only two of the Chippewas’ nine runs were earned.

UB is at Nan Harvey Field for some midweek MACtion against Kent State Tuesday and Wednesday.

Email: kayla.sterner@ubspectrum.com

portal

Former MAC Defensive Player of the Year will test the portal after three seasons at UB ANTHONY DECICCO SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

UB senior forward Josh Mballa has entered the transfer portal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.

Mballa, the 2020-21 Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 13 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per game this season.

After transferring to UB following just one year at Texas Tech, the Bordeaux, France native averaged 12.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks in three seasons in the Queen City. He ranked 10th in the nation in rebounding (10.8 boards a contest) during the 2020-21 season and set the MAC Tournament record for rebounds with 50 over three games that same year.

Mballa is the fifth Bull to enter the portal since the conclusion of the season, with redshirt sophomore center David Skogman (Davidson) and graduate forward Tra’von Fagan (UMBC) announcing their transfers over the past week. Junior guard Ty Perry and junior forward Lucas Saleh are currently in the portal.

With some players choosing to transfer and others looking to go pro, head coach Jim Whitesell will have to replenish the roster through the portal and recruiting.

The Bulls recently signed JUCO standout Yazid Powell and Boston College transfer Kanye Jones.

Email: anthony.decicco@ubspectrum.com Twitter: @DeCicco42

Courtesy of Ken Smith / UB Athletics Graduate student utility player Anna Aguon (13) comes out of the dugout, surrounded by her teammates.