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Free no more

U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H F L O R I DA

The once-free Homecoming concert will now charge students $12 to see Rae Sremmurd in October.

By Leda Alvim C O R R E S P O N D E N T

The week-long celebration of Homecoming this year will take place from Oct. 14 to 21 and will feature many new changes.

Opposed to last year’s Homecoming concert, students will now have to purchase a ticket in order to get access to the event. Student tickets will be available for $12 (including fees), one student-guest tickets for $18 and non-student tickets for $25 (plus fees). Students will have to present their USF ID with their student ticket at the entrance.

According to Joshua Wilson, Associate Director of Center for Student Involvement (CSI), the change regarding student tickets is due to the CSI recently receiving a significant cut to its budget through the Activity & Service Recommendation Committee (ASRC) budget process.

Student Government (SG), recognizing that CSI would have less funding for the Homecoming Concert as a result of the budget cuts it imposed, decided to supplement the cost with an additional $30,000 in order to sustain the event.

“Many schools across the U.S. charge students for largescale concerts,” Wilson said.

“Although it is a new concept for current USF students, it is a widely-used practice among student-led offices who plan events. To my knowledge, USF has not charged students for this concert in, at least, the last 6 years.”

CSI announced on Sept.

20 that this year’s headliner performing at the annual Homecoming Concert is the hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd.

The duo is well known for their

Student Government used $30,000 to supplement Homecoming events after cutting the Center for n See CONCERT on PAGE 3 Student Involvement’s budget. To make up cost, students will be charged a $12 entrance fee to see this year’s headliner for the concert, Rae Sremmurd (above). SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

Number of bike thefts increase this fall

By Alyssa Stewart A S S I S T A N T

N E W S

E D I T O R

As the number of on-campus bike thefts continues to rise this semester, some students are left feeling frustrated their mode of transportation has been stolen from them.

So far this semester, a total of 13 stolen bikes were reported to the University Police Department (USFPD).

This number is higher than the reported number of stolen bikes last year, — Aug. 1 to Sept. 23 — which was eight.

However, USFPD Officer Michael Lebron said the total number of reported bike thefts has decreased since 2015, but the situation has not been completely resolved given that the total number of reported stolen bikes for the fall 2017 semester was 40.

After colliding face-toconcrete from being hit off her bicycle by a car on the corner of USF Willow street, Sophomore Lauren Ferguson never thought her bike experiences couldn’t get any worse.

Then her bike was stolen on campus.

A few days after her accident, Ferguson purchased a neon green bike that read, “Regions Bank” to get the attention

of drivers when crossing the street.

As a resident of Beta Hall, Ferguson locked her bike in the front of the building — close to the Beta classrooms. It was from there that her bike was stolen.

Bikes stored by residence halls have a higher probability of getting stolen than in other areas on campus, according to Lebron. He said this is likely

because there is a larger contingency of bikes for a longer period of time compared to other racks on campus.

Pre-nursing student Austin McCarthy said he believes students are not reporting bike theft because of students like himself with unregistered bikes.

Lebron said the chances of

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The Oracle THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1966

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The Oracle is published Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and once weekly, Wednesday, during the summer.

The Oracle allocates one free issue to each student. Additional copies are $.50 each and available at the Oracle office (SVC 0002).

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CORRECTIONS The Oracle will correct or clarify factual errors.

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Continued from PAGE 1

hit songs Black Beatles — the same song used for the viral mannequin challenge — and No Type.

The University of Florida is hosting Walk the Moon this year and is charging students $25 for tickets. Florida State University, also hosting Rae Sremmurd, is charging students $22.

All the money collected from the ticket sales will be directly used to cover costs for the event, including the cost for the performer.

At the beginning of September, CSI sent out a survey allowing students to choose their preferred performers. According to Wilson, more than 2,700 students voted in the survey, where, in the end, the majority chose Rae Sremmurd.

Feedback regarding the chosen artist to perform at the homecoming concert has been mixed but fairly positive overall, according to Wilson.

Rushita Bachu, a freshman majoring in computer science, expressed her excitement following the headline announcement.

“This is my first homecoming at USF and I’m really excited because they are such hype rappers,” Bachu said. “They can get everyone lit.”

Julian Jimenez, a freshman majoring in advertising, said Rae Scremmurd was the best option among others.

“I love Rae and they were the best option,” Jimenez said. “I’m really excited and can’t wait to go to the concert.”

On the other hand, Maryanna Botto, a sophomore majoring in environmental science and policy, is not satisfied with the chosen artists.

“I’m not too happy about the choice for the Homecoming performer, I wish they chose someone more universally liked,” Botto said. “All I know about Rae Sremmurd is that they made the

mannequin challenge song. I probably won’t go because it’s not someone I’m really interested in.”

The concert was not the only event to have changes at this year’s Homecoming, Wilson said.

One of the other changes includes the start time for some of the events throughout the week. This year, the carnival will start at 3 p.m. instead of at noon as it did in the past.

The Running of the Bulls Homecoming Parade will start at 7 p.m., 15 minutes later than years past.

In an effort to enhance participation of students in homecoming activities, CSI added a new event called Teams Tuesday, where students will compete for bragging rights in games such as corn hole, kickball and flag football.

Victoria Celis, a sophomore majoring in business advertising, works at CSI as the planning director for the Campus Traditions Board and said that the expectations for the event this year are really high, both from students and from the people organizing it.

“I hope students have a great time and appreciate the opportunity to do something different and release the stress from classes,” Celis said. “After all this is all for them and to show the great university we have.”

In addition, CSI combined the kickoff event with the Stampede Comedy Show, compared to previous years where both were separate events. According to Wilson, this change is expected to improve attendance and student’s excitement.

“Every year the team considers how we can elevate the programs and enhance their success,” Wilson said. “The intent is that the combination of these two events will provide for increased attendance and excitement to kick off Homecoming Week.”

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McCarthy did not report the missing bike to USFPD because he said it would be a waste of time for him since there was no proof the bike was his.

“I feel like I would have called it in and they wouldn’t be able to do anything, plus it happens so often that they probably hear the same thing over and over again,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy said he is looking into purchasing a new bike and a U-Lock — a “U” shaped lock made with heavy duty cable — in the future instead of the wire lock he was using before.

If a bike is stolen, according to Lebron, officers will review footage if there is any available, talk to nearby witnesses, check local areas for pawn shop history, search to see if the bike was put up for sale and search for any impounded bikes.

A total of 13 bikes have been reported stolen to the University Based on the information Police Department this semester. ORACLE PHOTO/CHAVELI GUZMAN and data officers have, Lebron said they look for patterns and retrieving a stolen bike is more Ferguson said. “I can’t justify refocus patrol areas and time likely if it is registered with a spending another $80 to $100 frames. serial number. The registered on a bike that will probably end Lebron said officers do not serial number is documented up being trashed.” implement policies — such as in the state database, as well as McCarthy had his bike stolen a policy for bike rack cameras police records. at USF while he was working.

— but they make suggestions There are other ways to McCarthy biked from his off- for the other departments, prevent property from being campus apartment Sept. 2 to like Student Government stolen according to the USFPD work his shift at the Marshall or Housing & Residential website which states, “the Student Center (MSC). Four Education who may approach University Police will assist hours passed by and McCarthy USFPD with ideas. you in engraving your Driver’s went back to the east entrance “Residential Housing License number on your of the MSC — facing the (Housing and Residential property so if it is reported parking lot near the Castor Education) wanted an increase stolen and recovered it can be Residential Hall — where he in cameras for The Village,” returned to you without delay.” locked his bike to discover it Lebron said. “We can make a If Ferguson was going to buy was missing. After searching recommendation and say we a bike again, she would make a the perimeter of the MSC for would like to have cameras greater effort to register it, but 30 minutes, McCarthy said he near the bike racks, but after she does not that think that is accepted defeat and had to walk reviewing the budget and in her future anytime soon. the distance back home after reviewing if there’s adequate “I want to get a new bike, coming to the conclusion that coverage the decision is there’s but it’s not worth it anymore,” his bike was stolen. to go forward from there.”

Continued from PAGE 1

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CRONKRITE Continued from PAGE 8

punched in a two-yard run right after.

Bulls cornerback Mike Hampton was tasked with covering ECU’s Brown, who was targeted 15 times by his quarterback Reid Herring — the next receiver had 10 passes thrown his way. Despite Brown’s chances, he only caught six passes.

“I like that,” Hampton said.

“I like when people try me like that, so I let it be known not to keep throwing it my way.”

Cronkrite’s run did more than just reclaim the lead for USF. The defense stepped up after the 80-yard run even though they played an outstanding game, according to ECU coach Scottie Montgomery.

“That’s one of the best defensive performances I’ve been a part of, not just here, but period,” Montgomery said.

“Their speed and skill beat us with a couple of big plays.”

Redshirt freshman Nick Roberts recorded the Bulls’

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only turnover of the game with an interception on ECU’s final drive. Taking the ball away from the Pirates with two minutes left to play sealed the victory for USF. At the end of the day, however, it was Cronkrite’s run — the game’s longest play from scrimmage — that gave the Bulls an edge to win.

“We just didn’t hit the big one,” Montgomery said. “We almost had one with Anthony Scott there and they had a shoe string tackle. They hit the big one and that’s why the game ends up being 20 to 13. We didn’t score when we needed to.”

Barnett and Cronkrite both knew the big run would come eventually. After chipping away at the ECU defense, it was only a matter of time until a hole broke open.

“It was always just one guy, one missed block away,” Barnett said. “We ran it a good amount of times throughout the game and we were just waiting for that one time and there it was.”

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Football

Notebook: Running game comes alive late

By Steven Gerardy

C O R R E S P O N D E N T

TAMPA — An 80-yard fourth quarter touchdown run by Jordan Cronkrite led the Bulls past ECU Saturday night in front of an announced crowd of 34,562 at Raymond James Stadium.

A running game absent most of the evening came alive in the late stages of the contest to propel the Bulls past the Pirates 20-13.

The Bulls’ rushing attack was below the team’s average for the first three quarters with 31 yards on 21 attempts. The Bulls averaged 4.7 yards per rushing attempt through the first three games.

Running backs Duran Bell, Elijah Mack and Trevon Sands were sidelined against ECU. True freshman Johnny Ford took on a bigger role than usual in their absence. He rushed for 13 yards on five carries. Ford also helped set up the first USF score with a 39-yard reception in the first

quarter.

Cronkrite finished the game with 129 yards on 15 carries including the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

USF defense contained, limited big plays The Bulls’ defense was on the field for 96 plays, gave up 412 total yards and 24 first downs. ECU had the ball for nearly two-thirds of the game and had a near 50 percent conversion rate on third and fourth down.

Even with those stats stacked against them, USF only let ECU score one touchdown. The defense held the Pirates to two field goals after the initial touchdown.

The Bulls’ defense was on the field more than they were used to — the 96 plays was the most allowed by a USF defense in program history — but allowed only 4.3 yards per play.

ECU had to march the length

of the field for most of its scoring chances. 13 of the 14 ECU drives began in their own territory with 10 drives beginning inside its own 30-yard line.

To round out the Bulls’ defensive efforts, redshirt freshman Nick Roberts intercepted ECU quarterback Reid Herring with two minutes left in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Bulls become more disciplined The Bulls recorded 14 penalties in their last game against Illinois.

On Saturday, however, USF was penalized only three times for 33 yards.

Based on that statistic, the Bulls played a more disciplined game overall against ECU. On offense, quarterback Blake Barnett was also disciplined — he didn’t turn the ball over once.

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OPINION

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

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Bert and Ernie’s relationship What you said should be celebrated

By Paige Wisniewski C O L U M N I S T

Sexual orientation is not something one considers when it comes to puppets.

But when Mark Saltzman – creator of Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie – told Queerty.com that he wrote the characters’ relationship as a “loving couple,” the long-time “roommate” narrative became debunked as romantic.

The relationship status of two puppets on a children’s series is not exactly a pressing issue.

Saltzman revealing that Bert and Ernie’s relationship was based off his own should be taken as no more than a fun and charming anecdote.

Sesame Street producers did not seem to take it this way.

The company released a statement on Twitter on Sept.

18, claiming the two puppets are merely a platonic duo.

“They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves,” the tweet read. “Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics… They remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation.”

Not only is a statement like this an insult to Bert and Ernie’s creator, but it portrays homosexuality as something that needs to be censored.

A gay relationship is no more inappropriate for young viewers than the other relationships

depicted on the show, such as Oscar the Grouch and Grundgetta. It appears that Sesame Street is only concerned about removing labels when the two characters in question are of the same gender.

It’s not like Sesame Street has shied away from tackling difficult issues on their show either. The series has explored stories with divorce, childhood hunger and autism. Why would homosexuality be too taboo of a topic for producers to agree with?

As one could imagine, Sesame Street’s statement sparked some unrest in the LGBT community.

Since then, the company deleted their first statement and posted another.

“Sesame Street has always stood for inclusion and acceptance,” the second statement read. “It’s a place where people of all cultures and backgrounds are welcome. Bert and Ernie were created to be best friends, and to teach young children that people can get along with those who are very different from themselves.”

This new statement is a nice way to dodge criticism about excluding gay characters while still insisting that the characters are not actually gay.

Gay is not a dirty word.

Homosexual relationships are not any more lewd or vulgar than heterosexual ones.

While the sexual orientation of two puppets does not seem like a big issue, Sesame Street’s denial of Bert and Ernie contributes

to the idea that heterosexuality is a harmless and normal identity, and homosexuality is inappropriate and deviant. It’s a cultural “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that hurts people more than it protects them.

What exactly is the fear of exposing children to gay characters anyway? Are we worried children will identify with them? If that’s the case, then gay characters are not the problem.

Underlying homophobia is.

There is nothing wrong with portraying a loving couple between two characters of the same gender in children’s programming. In fact, it could be a great way to normalize non-heterosexual identities at a young age.

It’s also not as uncommon of a story line as one may think.

Two female characters on the animated series, Steven Universe, got married on an episode in August. Adventure Time also had two female characters share a kiss.

Sesame Street should take a note from these shows.

Inclusion and acceptance is an admirable goal, but it cannot be accomplished by censoring identities that are very real and do not need to be hidden.

Paige Wisniewski is a senior majoring in interdisciplinary social science.

Multimedia Editor Chaveli Guzman asked students if they think it is right that they have to pay admission for this year’s Homecoming Concert.

“It’s wrong. If it was free last year it should be free this year.”

— Johann Trenkler, a senior majoring in finance

“If they give us back the money it’s worth. Then it’s worth it.” ­— Juan Gutierrez, a freshman majoring in computer science “I’m not a big fan of it because most of the events we put on are free through music composition. It’s more about publicity and giving back to the community.”

— Dakota Fricke, a freshman majoring in music composition “I suppose that everything on campus should be included in our tuition.”

— Nicolas Rodriguez, a sophomore majoring in marketing

FOCAL POINTS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

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‘I have never seen her as happy as when she’s riding’

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Bryanna Tanase uses horseback riding as a method to cope with her Cerebral Palsy, a disability that impacts motor skills.

By Samantha Moffett A S S O C I A T E

E D I T O R

With eyes focused on what’s ahead and a tight grip on the reins, for a moment Bryanna Tanase feels free on top of her horse; for a moment, she forgets about her disability.

Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 11 months old, Bryanna has lived her entire life in a way that most cannot imagine. Cerebral Palsy is a disability that affects the connection between the body’s movements and the brain. Cerebral Palsy also affects fine motor skills and coordination. While Bryanna has control over her upper body, she needs assistance with most daily tasks like moving her legs.

When Bryanna was introduced to the idea that she could participate in horseback riding at the Quantum Leap Farm in Odessa, her life changed.

“My parents surprised me with a Christmas present to go there, so I Bryana Tanase uses her horse Ganellon as a way to help improve her motor skills while suffering from Cerebral Palsy. ORACLE PHOTO/ had a voucher for four lessons,” said CHAVELI GUZMAN Bryanna. “One day in the Spring we went on a tour of the whole place (therapists) asked me questions and her physical movements, but also it because I’m really proud of it,” riding instructor and compete in a and it was my first try getting on actually wanted to know about me allows her to build an unspoken Bryanna said. dressage show, a highly skilled form the horse … it was so different from and it was just this feeling of wonder connection with animals that A junior majoring in cell and of riding performed in competitions anything else I had ever experienced, and accomplishment of ‘wow, I am humans cannot provide. molecular biology, Bryanna’s and exhibitions. it was the first time I got to participate actually doing this right now’… it was A member of the equine-assisted strength and determination show in “I’m so thankful for Quantum in making decisions and feeling one of the biggest accomplishments therapy program, Bryanna is also many other places aside from the Leap and all the incredible work free.” of my life,” Bryanna said. an ambassador for the Quantum farm. they do,” Stefannie said. “Without According to its website, The In a message to The Oracle, Leap Farm and manages a blog Bryanna is a member of Bulls them, Bryanna would not have been Quantum Leap Farm is home to a Bryanna’s sister, USF junior documenting her journey. for Moffitt, a student organization able to achieve her dream of riding therapy program with the mission to Stefannie Tanase, described just In the summer of 2017, at an event dedicated to raising awareness and and she would truly not be the same improve the quality of life for those what horses mean to Bryanna. called Stable Mates, which hosts promoting involvement with Moffitt person without horses.” with disabilities, both mental and “I have never seen her as happy all of the supporters of the therapy Cancer Center. She is also a member While Bryanna lives a life that physical, through horseback riding. as when she’s riding,” Stefannie said. program, the director asked Bryanna of the Undergraduate Research brings many challenges and For Bryanna, the Quantum Leap “I think for her, being up on a horse, to speak to the crowd and tell her Society, a student organization obstacles, she never lets that stop her Farm and horseback riding would is the one thing that allows her to story. With nerves surrounding her centered around promoting research from hurdling over them. become a main factor in her journey be more than just a person with a first speech at the event, Bryanna at USF, and is on the marketing team “Horses are my wings,” Bryanna of coping with Cerebral Palsy. disability.” got comfort from being somewhere for Bulls for Kids, a student-run said. “With them I am no longer shy, After Bryanna’s first lesson, she In the Summer of 2017, Bryanna during the speech that she feels most philanthropy benefiting Children’s timid or fearful, but strong, confident worked to strengthen her core and was able to ride with only one hand herself — on the back of her horse. hospitals. and sure. That in itself is a simple improve her balance. She recalled holding the reins and one holding “It was really neat to speak about Already having accomplished so yet powerful form of magic that how eye-opening the first time she the whip. my experience, I love sharing my much, Bryanna said she still has her building a connection with horses independently rode her horse was.

Horseback riding not only story with people because I want eyes focused on what’s ahead, hoping have, and it has changed my life for “In my experience, they provides her with a way to improve as many people to know about to become a certified therapeutic the better.”

Sports

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Football

Cronkrite propels USF to a 20-13 win against ECU

By Sam Newlon S P O R T S

E D I T O R

With 10:13 left in game tied 13-13 and neither team giving the other much momentum, the Bulls were in a tough spot against conference foe ECU. At this point in the game, Jordan Cronkrite was averaging just less than four yards-percarry. He didn’t have the luxury of a rotation with USF’s other backs. Elijah Mack, Duran Bell Jr. and Trevon Sands were all out with injuries Saturday night.

It wasn’t long after the ball snapped that Cronkrite and everyone in Raymond James Stadium knew that the score was about to change.

The struggling USF offensive line that allowed six sacks and seven tackles-for-loss opened up a hole in the middle of the field.

Cronkrite found it and it was an 80-yard dash to the end zone in front of a roaring crowd.

“I really had the easy job, all I did was run straight,” Cronkrite said. “The offensive line did a great job making a nice seam for me.”

Cronkrite’s run in the fourth quarter was the last time either team would score and propelled the Bulls to a 20-13 win over the Pirates.

“He hit that second gear and he was moving,” quarterback Blake Barnett said. “That was a pivotal part of the game.”

Barnett was frustrated after the game. He took brutal hits on some sacks including one where an ECU defender almost ripped Barnett’s helmet off.

Barnett knew there was room for improvement from the whole team.

“It wasn’t just the offensive line,” Barnett said. “They played a role in it, but so did I, so did the receivers, so did the running backs. We just have to play a complete game…We’re happy

with the win, but we’re not satisfied.”

Barnett set himself up for a rushing touchdown when he connected on a 39-yard pass to Johnny Ford. At the beginning of the second quarter, Barnett found Darnell Salomon on a 66-yard touchdown pass.

Another bright spot for USF was punter Trent Schneider. The Australian native punted nine times with a 49.2-yard average.

He tied a USF record for longest punt with a 72-yarder.

Of his nine punts, Schneider placed six of them inside the ECU 30-yard line. The Pirates were struggling for field position for most of their drives.

On defense, the Bulls held ECU to just three scores — two field goals and a touchdown.

The Pirates’ lone touchdown came after a 47-yard pass to Trevon Brown. ECU quickly Jordan Cronkrite receives high-fives and congratulations from his

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teammates after his game-changing 80-yard touchdown run. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE/BAILY EASTERMAN

Commentary

The good, the bad and the ugly of USF’s win over ECU

By Brian Hattab S T A F F

W R I T E R

USF’s 20-13 win on Saturday night against ECU was far from its prettiest win ever.

In fact, if the game were a Clint Eastwood film, it would have been The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

The Good The Bulls won If USF had opened AAC play by losing to an ECU team that went 3-9 last season, there would have been no salvaging the rest of the season. Forget about the War on I-4 rematch on Black Friday and forget about a conference championship — it’d have all ended on Saturday night.

The win was a milestone win The Bulls’ victory was the 150th in program history. USF became the fastest FBS program in the state of Florida to reach the plateau, doing so in its 255th game, which surpassed the Gators’ previous record of 258.

ECU averaged 4.3 yards per play Entering Saturday night, USF’s defense had allowed an average of almost six yards per play. Holding the Pirates to almost two yards below the season average is a huge victory for a defense that has had its fair share of struggles the first three weeks of the season.

The Bad ECU’s offense ran 96 plays The 96 plays that ECU’s offense

ran on Saturday night was the most plays allowed by a USF defense in program history. Perhaps it could be argued that only allowing 13 points on a night the opposition snapped the ball just shy of 100 times is a good thing — a gritty, bent-not-broken victory, if you will — but it’s just hard to justify letting any team’s offense spend that much time on the field, points allowed or no points allowed.

USF’s offense only ran 52 plays Given the previous number, it’s not surprising that the Bulls’ offense only had time to run 52 plays. It was the first time since Oct. 21, 2016, that USF ran fewer than 55 plays in a game. For a fastpaced, up tempo offense like USF, there was just never any rhythm on Saturday.

The Ugly

Blake Barnett was sacked six times Quarterback Blake Barnett had virtually no support from his offensive line, getting sacked six times on Saturday. Some of them were downright vicious looking. It was the most sacks allowed by a USF offense since Oct. 21, 2016.

The run game was non-existent Through three quarters, USF ran for a net gain of 31 yards. If not for Jordan Cronkrite’s 80-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, USF’s rushing total would have stayed below the century mark for the first time since Oct. 31, 2015. After Cronkrite’s 129 yards — aided mostly by the one play — the next leading USF rusher was Johnny Ford with 13 yards.

The Ecstasy of Gold USF has a bye week After two straight disappointing games, this might be the best time for the Bulls to step back and regroup before heading on a twogame road trip to UMass and Tulsa.

With or without a bye week, though, USF needs to be better than it was against ECU. “You could say it’s nice we have a bye week, but at the end of the day, things need to get better on the offensive side of the ball as a whole,” Barnett said. “We need to execute better as a whole and until then, we will have these close games.”