Vermont Cynic Fall 2015 Issue 4

INSIDE

BURLINGTON, VT

VTCYNIC.COM

VOL. 132

ISSUE 4

‘Chosin’

Beer program

School Spirit

UVM senior raises cancer awareness while pursuing his dreams

Course allows students to receive professional certificate

Members of the UVM community weigh in on the school’s spirit and traditions

page 5 life, page 6 arts

page 4 life

page 10 sports

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

The

Word

CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION

THEWORD@VTCYNIC.COM

FallFest is this Saturday Sept. 26. The Ying Yang Twins will be performing.

Buy your tickets at the UVM bookstore, or online at flynntix.org. Tickets are $10 for students. Doors open at 7 p.m.

No fear for all you midnight snackers; late-night dining at Harris Millis will begin in a couple of weeks, according to SGA Senator Bhumika Patel. Let the waffle making begin.

Want to represent your fellow students? Apply to be an SGA senator. Applications are due Sept. 25 and can be found on the Lynx.

Anyone is welcome to apply.

Come see UVM women’s soccer take on Stony Brook University Sept. 27 at Virtue Field.

UVM women’s field hockey also has a home game Sept.

25 against Bryant University.

Sorority recruitment begins Sept. 24. Registration is still open, and can be found online at uvmgreeklife.celect. org/welcome.

The Word is a weekly collection of reminders, interesting events on campus, news items and more.

Submit suggestions or comments to theword@vtcynic.com.

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Construction redirects buses Progress on the STEM complex on Central Campus forced a new route for the CAT shuttle buses. Both students and bus drivers say they have seen issues with the change BY caroline alkire calkire@uvm.edu

Only a few months into a four-year Central Campus makeover, the $104 million dollar STEM project renovation is slowly developing, bringing with it several changes to campus activity.

A new shuttle bus route now intersects one of the busiest walkways on campus, causing problems for students and bus drivers, they say.

Instead of going around the back of the library, the bus must go along the front on a path.

A five minute loop has been added from Trinity Campus to WDW on Redstone, CAT bus driver Windee Young said.

This has caused some issues, she said.

“I’ve had students whack the side of my bus for fun or walk in front of it completely unaware,” Young said.

“It would be great if students could be more respectful and helpful by watching out for the bus in busy areas like in front of the library,” she said.

Central Campus is in the first of three phases of the STEM Project, which includes the new dorm and dining hall addition, Director of Capital Planning and Management Bob Vaughan said.

“During the summer, Angell Hall was demolished, and in its footprint, we’ve started building a lab building called Discovery Hall,” Vaughan said.

Construction Zones

Discontinued Bus route New Bus Route

owe Bailey/H

(Top) Student walk alongside the on-campus bus outside of Votey Hall Sept. 19. (Bottom left) A construction sign is posted on central campus Sept. 21. (Bottom right) Construction is underway where Angell Hall once stood Sept. 21. MEGHAN EGAN AND RYAN THORNTON/The Vermont Cynic “They’ve already started putting footing in and foundation walls, so that’s going to take until May 2017 to build,” he said.

The project will be complet-

ed May 2019, Vaughan said, but some of the construction will be in time for the class of 2021 to use it.

“The second phase is the

creation of a building specifically for labs and classrooms and take down Cook Hall where

See BUSES pg 3

2

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC

SEPT. 11 — SEPT. 17

A look into the data: UVM diversity by jacob holzman enterprise@vtcynic.com

From 1995 to 2014, the overall undergraduate population at UVM has grown about 2,400 undergraduates.

The UVM Sourcebook does not distinguish student populations by race. Instead, it defines

students as “multicultural,” which includes students who identify as Native American, African American, Latino American, Asian American or mixed race origin.

The multicultural population at UVM has not increased beyond one-fourth of the undergraduate population at any time

in UVM history.

In 2014, 425 undergraduate students identified as Hispanic or Latino, 240 as Asian, 104 as Black or African-American, 20 as Native American and two as Pacific Islanders, according to information from the Office of Institutional Research.

There were also 273 students

who identified as two or more races.

There were 7,978 white students.

The graphs below show how UVM’s population makeup has changed over time.

CRIMELog

by Jill vaglica jvaglica@uvm.edu

SEPT. 11 11:43 P.M. A student that had been lying down on the University Heights basketball courts.

When the officer confronted the student, he admitted to having been drinking, but he was not in need of detox, so he was free to leave.

SEPT. 12 1:58 A.M. Hamilton Hall staff reported to UVM police that a student had a bong.

Officers took the bong. If the bong had been clean, it would not have been taken, Lt. Larry Magnant said.

11:33 P.M. McAuley Hall staff reported three people trying to steal a bike on Trinity Campus.

When the officer arrived, the bike had been thrown in a dumpster.

1995

2014

Total population Total multicultural

Total population Total multicultural

Six people were issued tickets for underage drinking and they have all received no trespass notices. They damaged the bike, which belonged to a UVM student.

SEPT. 15 2:25 A.M. Wilks Hall staff found a bag containing 2.7 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms on the floor of a hallway, which they turned over to UVM police for destruction.

When UVM police services confiscates drugs, small amounts are flushed down the toilet at the station, Lt. Larry Magnant said.

Once or twice a year, the police have larger amounts of drugs burned at the McNeil Generating Station in Burlington, Magnant said.

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CORRECTIONS In an article titled “UVM funds policing of off-campus community,” published Sept. 9, Annie Stevens was quoted as saying a fine for a noise citation in Burlington is a $500 flat fee. She did not say that.

In an article titled “Monsanto invests in apple study,” published Sept. 16, the Cynic wrote that Monsanto is suing the state of Vermont. Monsanto a part of groups that are suing Vermont, but not suing the state directly.

We are committed to accuracy in all of our work.

If for some reason there is an error, please email us at corrections@vtcynic. com.

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THE VERMONT CYNIC

NEWS

3

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2015 S E PT. 9- S E PT. 15

Legal affairs official is recognized by kirsti blow kblow@uvm.edu

The vice president for legal affairs at UVM has been appointed as a fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

Francine Bazluke recently celebrated her 30th year as a member of UVM’s Office of the General Counsel, responsible for all of the University’s legal services.

The American Bar Foundation is a nonprofit organization that specializes in research and publications regarding issues like civil rights and the ways laws impacts society, according to their mission statement.

“

CLUB NAME CHANGED This bill changes the name of the Alpine Ski Club to the Alpine Ski Racing Club. The purpose of this change is to minimize confusion of being considered part of the Ski and Snowboard Club.

CONVERSATIONS WITH RESIDENTS FROM WARDS 1 AND 8 On Sept. 29 residents from Wards 1 and 8 will attend the SGA meeting to express concerns about students in the community. SGA Vice President Tyler Davis told members of the wards that the meeting will be a safe environment where they will be able to ask tough questions.

There really wasn’t any more satisfying feeling that I could imagine, peer recognition is very important, as we all know

The foundation states that fewer than 1 percent of licensed lawyers in each jurisdiction are appointed as fellows.

Members are nominated based on superior demonstration of legal skills as well as exemplary involvement in their communities.

“There really wasn’t any more satisfying feeling that I could imagine,” Bazluke said.

“Peer recognition is very im-

I’m sure it won’t be the last honor that she receives,” he said.

As a fellow, Bazluke will sponsor programming with the leaders of the legal world as well as supporting the foundation’s research.

Bazluke is looking forward to understanding “the public policy research that the foundation does.”

Mercurio noted that for students who were unaware of Ba-

by alexandra shannon amshanno@uvm.edu

portant, as we all know.”

Her resume boasts extensive participation in the National Association of College and University Attorneys, with roles ranging from committee and board membership to the organization’s presidency.

She has spoken and written articles on gender identity and racial profiling within law enforcement, among other issues.

“She’s a heavyweight, she’s a top-notch outstanding lawyer and an outstanding person,” Deputy General Counsel Tom Mercurio said of Bazluke, his boss of 27 years.

“I think this is a great honor for her and very well-deserved.

Francine Bazluke UVM vice president for legal affairs

SGA Updates

DEVELOPMENT OF A UVM APP SGA is hoping to develop a campus-wide app that would include schedules, dining hours, calendars, bus routes and maps.

Francine Bazluke, member of UVM’s Office of the General Counsel, has been appointed as a fellow of the American Bar Association. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANCINCE BAZLUKE zluke’s role in UVM’s legal affairs, or even that there was an on-campus legal office, her appointment may bring well-deserved attention to their work.

“I didn’t know that there was a legal department, but it’s nice to know that we have support and legal expertise readily available,” sophomore Zach DeStefano said.

For pre-law students seeking

to emulate her success, Bazluke has one piece of advice.

“I think it’s important to try to get as much experience – diverse experience – as possible, when in college and when in law school, working in different environments,” she said.

DINNING CLARIFICATIONS Sophomore SGA Senator Patel clarified some confusion related to student dining.

Late night at Harris Millis has not yet opened, but will be opening within the next couple of weeks. Skinny Pancake will have late night hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Now that the Marché does not open before 10 a.m. on weekends, Simpson opens at 8 a.m.

A backhoe distributes dirt outside of the library during the ongoing campus construction, Sept. 21.

The construction has displaced shuttle services on campus. RYAN THORNTON/The Vermont Cynic

BUSES STORY CONTINUED FROM pg 1 -these rooms currently are.

This will hopefully be done in May of 2019,” Vaughan said.

The last phase will involve interior upgrades of Votey and a bridge connecting Votey to the new STEM building, Vaughan said.

Work on the foundation will begin in October and continue through the winter.

Construction will be done constantly to complete the buildings by Fall 2017, Vaughan said.

The bus route around the library was the only option that would not disrupt the buses, Vaughan said.

New patches of concrete

have been added along the roads to give the buses more space, Vaughan said.

Some students don’t seem to mind the changes in the bus route.

“Since I have the Transloc locator app for my phone, I can always tell where the buses are, so it hasn’t affected the way I get to and from campus,” Sophomore Valeska von Wickede said.

“I like being able to sit in front of the library now to wait for the bus rather than having to go around back,” Wickede said.

Though changes in the bus route have been an easy change for students, many are sick of the construction.

“It’s pretty annoying being in the library trying to study and having constant loud noises of all of the construction equip-

ment,” sophomore Emily Friend said.

“As an economics major I won’t see any of the benefits of the STEM project, and I’ll graduate before the construction is fully finished,” Friend said.

4

LIFE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC

Professor Profile

Professor is inspired by traveling

By Kristina Samulewski

ProfessorRatings

Ksamulew@uvm.edu

A UVM professor is using travel as inspiration for his lectures.

Frank Zelko, an environmental studies professor, said his move from Australia to Burlington benefited his work here at UVM and abroad.

“One of the benefits of traveling around the world is unexpectedly learning new things and finding them really interesting and turning them into a lecture that demonstrates something interesting about human environmental history,” Zelko said.

The first thing one may pick up on when meeting Zelko is his sense of humor.

Such is the case when he described how he made his way from Melbourne, Australia to Burlington, Vermont.

“Occasionally it was a little dangerous to have a mango or something fall on your head when you’re there. But, no, it’s not the reason,” Zelko said.

The real reason he said he left the tropic allure of southern Australia was to pursue his graduate studies at the University of Kansas, where he studied under the founder of environmental history, Donald Worster.

Zelko said he has been interested in environmental issues since he was young, but the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace ship in Auckland

According to ratemyprofessor.com

Helpfulness: 3.7/5 Clarity: 4.4/5 Easiness: 3.1/5 Overall rating: 4.1/5

Frank Zelko discusses his work in environmental activism and environmental history in his office Sept. 16. Originally from Australia, he began teaching in Vermont in 2007. TIANA CRISPIN/The Vermont

Cynic

“

He is good at finding the offbeat and using it in his lectures Scotia Jordan Senior

when he was 14, fueled his passion for the subject.

“It was a very dramatic event in the newspapers at the time

and I remember feeling outraged about that,” he said.

“I think that sort of sparked an interest in environmental politics and passion for environmental issues,” Zelko said.

His students have witnessed that passion.

Senior Scotia Jordan said Zelko’s classes are her favorite because of the topics he addresses.

“He is good at finding the offbeat and using it in his lectures,” Jordan said. “Global environmental history is a very

UVM welcomes new class

By Chris Leow

serious subject…it’s good that Professor Zelko makes it fun as well as serious,” she said.

Zelko’s passion for the environment is what led him to eventually pursue a doctorate degree in environmental history and explore his interests in the non-governmental environmental organization, Greenpeace, which developed into his book, “Make It A Green Peace!”

The book explores Greenpeace’s history.

Zelko’s research in environmental history includes issues in

Study Abroad: My first few days accross the pond

cleow@uvm.edu

More craft beers may be on the horizon for Burlington thanks to a new online course coming to UVM next semester.

The Business of Craft Beer professional certificate program is a 12-20 week program starting February 2016 and is a collaboration between UVM and the Vermont Brewers Association, according to the program’s website.

“While the entire beer industry has been in decline in recent years, craft beer nationally is growing rapidly,” said Greg Dunkling, Craft Beer Program developer.

“The Business of Craft Beer Certificate offers people who are eager to enter this exciting growth industry an opportunity to learn from industry experts, solve real industry challenges through case studies and then explore an internship opportunity,” Dunkling said.

Kurt Staudter is a member of the Vermont Brewers Association and said Dunkling created the partnership between UVM and the VBA. “Vermont is the epicenter of the craft beer movement, and there is no doubt that our land grant college has a role to play in

Hunter Colvin HUNTER.COLVIN@ UVM.EDU

Y

UVM and the Vermont Brewers Association are collaborating to start the Business of Craft Beer professional certificate program. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MARISA ROSENTHAL our continued success,” Staudter said.

The course will be structured around three career “doorways,” including digital marketing, sales and business operation, he said.

“Craft beer brewing sounds like a pretty specific business,” junior Eleanor Besade said. “I feel like you would still have to learn a lot outside of regular business classes.”

UVM also offers a course titled “What’s Brewing in Food Science?”

The course uses the process

About the course According to the UVM website

Course Format: Online Program Cost: $6,085 Start Date: Feb. 16, 2016 of brewing beer as a way to examine personal food choices and science, according to the UVM website.

More information about the certificate program can be found on UVM’s website.

green politics, such as looking at the comparison between environmentalism in different countries and also human interactions with the environment.

“I look at changing ideas about the environment,” he said. “How people have thought differently about nature at various points in history and how that shapes the way they act and the way they conceptualize themselves in nature.”

Although Zelko said he enjoys living in Burlington, he also spends much of his time traveling the world.

“I don’t actually stay here all the time. I tend to travel a lot,” he said.

Zelko’s research takes him to many places, including recent trips to Hawaii, Munich and Iceland.

Zelko said traveling enhances his knowledge on environmental issues, which then lends itself into topics for lectures.

Senior Roisin Low said she also enjoys Zelko’s stories and “how he relates the class material back to those areas.”

ou most likely know the crosswalk on Main Street between Athletic and Central.

I mean, everyone who has ever been in Burlington knows that crosswalk.

It’s the one where students cross whenever they feel like it because, hey, what car is going to hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk?

There is a general mentality of invincibility around that crosswalk that I find slightly inspiring for its fearless confidence, but mostly absolutely terrifying because of the potential death I envision every time I approach it.

That mentality would definitely get you killed in London.

Anyone who doesn’t obey the traffic rules gets run over.

And even if you have the green walking man, there is a good chance that a car is uncomfortably close to you as you cross.

But other than the daily near-death scares, London has been an experience.

I stayed near Paddington Station, which, while technical-

ly in Westminster, isn’t far from London.

But the public transportation is top-notch there, so it’s not that big of a problem.

London is a fascinating mixture of old and new, much like Burlington.

There are skyscrapers and the bustling traffic, but then you turn down a side road and suddenly the city is behind you and you’re in a little pocket of old-fashioned, old-world London.

It’s like walking from the Davis Center to Old Mill or Waterman.

You go from a bustling, modern epicenter to quieter, old-fashioned buildings.

The 14-story hotels and giant shopping plazas hide the cute English countryside that you see in movies.

For a country girl who enjoys the city from time to time, it’s quite charming.

Almost as charming as the British accent.

Hunter Colvin is a senior history major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2015.

THE VERMONT CYNIC

LIFE

5

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2015

Greek Life talks recruitment tips

By Camilla Broccolo cbroccol@uvm.edu

As the Greek community plans events and socials for fall recruitment, there are some tips from the vice president of sorority recruitment and the Panhellenic president that you may want to keep in mind if you are planning on rushing.

Be yourself Senior Audrey Williams, vice president of sorority recruitment, said Greek life is “values based.”

This means the process of recruitment is centered on the connections you make with each chapter.

“I’ve always wanted to be in a sorority because I think having a group of people to constantly support you and care for you through college is so important,” first-year Meg Barnett said. “Especially in a school with thousands of students.

Senior and Panhellenic president, Lizzie Schratz, said the images people have of sorority women aren’t always accurate.

“People often create an image of what a sorority woman is in their head,” Schratz said.

“And that is not necessarily true to the reality. Each woman is different and it’s important to be yourself in the process. It’s not all about buying a new Lilly Pulitzer dress; you can wear your Birkenstocks and flannel, just be yourself.”

Junior David Waller, vice president of programming and recruitment for the interfraternity council, said that everyone should “dress casually” for recruitment events.

“Don’t try too hard to impress current fraternity men,” Waller said. “We just want originality, creativity and a passion for getting involved. A fraternity man is someone who wants to

Members of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega sell baked goods outside the Davis Center Sept. 14 to raise money to end domestic violence. Sorority recruitment for potential new members begins Sept. 24. MARISA ROSENTHAL/The Vermont Cynic give back to the community, so we recruit people who are going to do that,” he said.

Go into it with an open mind “It’s easy to go into recruitment thinking you know exactly which [chapter] you want to be in,” Schratz said. “Go into recruitment with excitement for the opportunity of making new connections.”

Both Williams and Schratz said they agree that being personable and making true connections is how you’ll get the best out of the recruitment experience. “When you share values, that’s where the magic hap-

Go to events

ed people to get to know every fraternity chapter at UVM, and then the decision to join is solely theirs,” Waller said.

Each of the events that are put on are a great way to get to know the chapters individually.

“Recruitment events give potential new members an opportunity to see what our values and membership are like,” Waller said.

Even if you are not sure you want to commit to a fraternity or sorority, you can check out the events and get a feel for the environment and the people involved.

“Recruitment should be a low-pressure way for interest-

Recruitment can be time consuming.

“Keep in mind that it’s a busy four days, but an exciting four days,” Williams said. “Make sure you do all your homework before and make sure you take care of yourself more than anything else.”

Williams said that students should feel both healthy and happy as they go into recruitment.

pens,” Williams said.

Self-care

Everyone is welcome Greek life can be a way for first-years to get involved in the community and make connections. But one myth about recruitment is that only first years can rush.

“We really want to invite everyone to recruitment,” Williams said.

Junior Cheyenne Mobbs said she decided to go through recruitment after being an orientation leader this past summer.

“I am really interested in having another community in my life, as well as more opportunities to get involved, both on and off campus,” she said.

UVM Gift of Life ambassador raises awareness shouldn’t be too difficult. The more people we can get, the higher the chance of finding a match.”

The cheek-swabbing process is quick and efficient, he said.

“Fill out a questionnaire, swab cheek and the information is sent to a lab for analyzing.

You’re done in 60 seconds,” Batista said.

By Jackie Flynn Jflynn@uvm.edu

One UVM senior is on a mission to give students the opportunity to save a life.

Dan Batista recently became a campus ambassador for the Gift of Life Foundation.

The nonprofit organization works to find blood donors for bone marrow transplants, according to their website.

It’s not just the student participation that Batista wants to see in the program; he said he wants volunteers to raise awareness about the possibility of saving a life and making a difference within the community.

Batista traveled to Florida where he learned about Gift of Life’s mission.

As UVM’s ambassador for the foundation, Batista said he aims to increase the chances of finding a successful donor-to-patient blood match, particularly from UVM students.

Gift of Life Project Manager

Senior Dan Batista speaks about his experience as the campus ambassador for The Gift of Life Foundation Sept. 14. Batista helps find blood donor matches. RYAN THORNTON/The Vermont Cynic Alec Burkin said he donated his blood to a woman with leukemia and highly encourages students to get involved.

“There was nothing I did previously in life to become more qualified than my peers to be a donor,” Burkin said. “It

only takes one person to save a life.”

Batista’s first plan is to run cheek-swabbing drives across campus. The goal: 500 cheeks.

“It’s a very doable goal,” Batista said. “Our student body is around 11,000 people, so 500

“

I have a passion for helping, and it would be great to make this successful Kate Drew Sophomore

The cheek swabs take the place of blood samples at donor drives and donors are registered

worldwide, according to the Gift of Life website.

Students are encouraged to make a donation at the drive.

World Marrow Donor Day, Sept. 19, was when Batista had his first on-campus cheek-swabbing drive.

Batista said he can’t do it by himself.

To be successful at running future drives, he said he will need as many student volunteers as possible.

“I’d like to partner with fraternities, sororities, sports teams and get students trained to run drives and swab cheeks,” Batista said.

Sophomore volunteer Kate Drew said she believes this is one of the few medical organizations on campus that is available to any student.

“I have a passion for helping people, and it would be great to make this successful,” she said.

6

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC

Rapper commits to peace

By Zach Giroux zgiroux@uvm.edu

UVM senior Dan Batista is a and making connections with “The best songs are the new generation hip-hop rapper those in the industry. ones that you feel you’re going and songwriter. Going by the “My whole end game with through and need to get it out of name “Chosin,” Batista strives my music is positivity. If you your system and talk about it,” to make a change in his commu- listen to my music, there’s no Batista said. “Those real experinity. cursing or dropping f-bombs; ences that you’ve been through “I spell my [rap alias] I believe I am eloquent enough or trouble you make for the best ‘Chosin’ with an ‘i’ instead of in my word play and speech to content, music is that underan ‘e’ because I’m a part of this get my point across without tone that gets me through it all.” generation; I have To Batista, mua chance to be a sic is most effective leader and take this when it is personally If you listen to my music, generation to the relatable. He choosthere’s no cursing or dropping next level,” Batista es to appeal to colsaid. lege students who f-bombs; I believe I am The New York have similar daily eloquent enough in my word native first came lives. on the scene by “Since I met Dan play and speech to get my point winning rap battles and started listenacross without needing any in his hometown ing to him freshman of Ballston Spa, year, both the perfiller words New York and has son and the rapper Dan Batista have been all about moved on to upload Senior positivity and enjoysingles and albums onto SoundCloud ing life,” senior Cal and Spotify. needing any filler words,” Ba- Novelli said. “His music is great “We are a chosen genera- tista said. “You won’t find any whether you want to party or tion, we are movers and shak- misogynist tones, vulgarity or are having a bad day and want ers who will do more and have anything sexist or racist. I don’t to cheer up. I hope to see him go more than anybody has ever want my music littered with big places with it.” had before,” Batista said. “We these subtleties.”

The whole notion of “blowwill make these moves that preEvery verse Batista compos- ing up” is not satisfying for Bavious generations couldn’t even es is done carefully and cau- tista; it is not solely about gaindream of doing.” tiously, ensuring that his image ing popularity or expanding the Batista admitted rapping is is kept in check. He said the fan base. He wants to inspire not about the fame or money. messages woven into his word the next generation of dreamers To him, it is all about making choice and analogies are all pur- just like him. friendships through networking poseful.

“

Senior Dan Batista, known as Chosin’, slides down a handrail at Waterman Building Sept. 19. COLE WANGSNESS/Vermont Cynic

The life of a murderer New movie depicts life of a notorious Boston gangster Colin Kamphuis

"Black Mass"

CKAMPHUI@UVM. EDU

P

owerfully suspenseful and driven by remarkable performances, “Black Mass” manages to overcome thematic shortcomings through talented performances.

The film illustrates the rise and fall of Boston’s most notorious criminal, James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny Depp) during the 1980s and early 1990s.

After being approached by childhood friend and FBI agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), Bulger decides to take his friend’s advice and become an FBI informant.

The movie did come up short in several ways In return for protection from the FBI, Bulger would share information on rival organized criminals in Boston, using the FBI to eliminate his competition.

However, as the movie progresses it becomes clear that Bulger’s manipulation of the alliance is putting Connolly in a dangerous position while Whitey reaps all the benefits.

The most powerful force in the movie is the performance quality.

A stacked cast with Benedict Cumberbatch playing Whitey’s brother and Massachusetts senator William Bulger, supported

by Adam Scott and Kevin Ba-

con as FBI agents guaranteed a dramatic movie before shooting even started.

However, their performances are vastly overshadowed by those of Depp and, to a lesser extent, Edgerton. Depp dominates the screen in an intimidating fashion that is beyond compare.

Edgerton also conveys a sense of desperation and fear that is haunting and inspires empathy, despite his corrupt nature.

The movie did come up short in several elements. The pacing was very solid for most of the movie, but the end feels forced and abrupt.

Also, little time is spent explaining the actual history of Whitey Bulger and his infamous Winter Hill Gang.

Also, the movie really does itself a disservice by limiting itself to two hours.

At least another half hour could really have expanded the supporting characters and their motives, and helped to give perspective to the events transpiring on screen.

While it is certainly not the best movie of the year, it showcases some of the best performances, with Depp dominating the considerably talented cast.

Colin Kamphuis is a senior Russian and economics and has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2014.

Gramatik performs to a sold out crowd in Michigan Sept. 2. PHOTO COURTESY OF DENIS JASAREVIC

Sold out show rocks Higher Ground RAF SANTOS

Gramatik

RASANTOS@UVM. EDU

E

lectronic dance music has been skyrocketing in popularity especially among our generation, and I was recently able to experience why that it.

One reason is because of musicians like Gramatik.

Mixing in elements of hip hop and electronica, combined with the radical noises of dubstep, Gramatik brings a whole new type of sound to the genre.

The atmosphere in Higher Ground was electric (no pun intended).

Everybody was in full-on rage mode before Gramatik even went on; I had never seen a crowd so hyped up.

When Gramatik hit the stage, all hell broke loose.

Gramatik was on fire.

Banger after banger he was

playing all of his popular songs.

I always appreciate that from an artist because it ensures that you will have a great time. It also shows the artist’s dedication to putting on a spectacular performance for the audience.

He played more than just his own stuff.

Especially during the middle portion of the concert, he was playing a lot of Grizmatik.

Grizmatik is the duo of Gramatik and another wellknown electronic dance music artist, Griz. Fans of Griz know that he always brings the sax and there was plenty of it during the Grizmatik songs.

Electronic dance music also goes hand in hand with ridiculous light shows and trippy visuals.

Everybody was in full-on rage mode before Gramatik even went on; I had never seen a crowd so hyped up The lights at this show weren’t overbearing and they weren’t too strobe-like either.

Strobe lights tend to turn people away from electronic music because they are annoying.

If you can get past that, the lights can help to enhance your concert experience.

It’s all a part of the experience.

Raf Santos is a senior English major and has been writing for the Cynic since spring 2014.

THE VERMONT CYNIC

ARTS

7

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2015

Band to experiment with visuals

By Catie Owen & Jill Brookes cmowen@uvm.edu — jbrookes9@uvm.edu

An up-and-coming indie folk band engages the listener on a journey that they both hear, and see.

Fans will witness Lord Huron’s mastery of sight and sound at Higher Ground Sept. 22.

This will be their second appearance in Burlington.

Ben Schneider, the band’s founder and frontman, draws on his background as a visual arts major to create an immersive musical experience.

Schneider said he uses music videos, websites and comic books to help tell a richly detailed story to the listener.

“I’m a very visual person,” Schneider said. “Oftentimes the music videos and songs are sort of created side by side.”

He listed visual inspirations from artists like J.M.W. Turner, a 19th century landscape painter, as well as modern day comic books.

Schneider said his travels influenced his songwriting.

A recent trip to Iceland, with its “uninhabited, vast breathtaking landscapes,” were particularly inspiring, Schneider said.

Despite being a seasoned traveler, much of Schneider’s

The members of Lord Huron are pictured. The band is returning to Higher Ground Sept. 22. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH SANSERI music is steeped in Americana and tales of the untamed West.

“Write what you know,” Schneider said, referring to the familiarity and appreciation that he has for the culture of the wild west.

The band’s sophomore album, “Strange Trails,” recounts

the tales of an eerie and bewitching world, Schneider said.

Schneider’s unique songwriting technique pairs each song with its own fictional character, he said.

Each character tells a different story.

Schneider said he relates

most to Buck Vernon, the “washed-up country western singer” and narrator of “Fool for Love.”

In the songs music video, the courageous but foolhardy Vernon starts a bar fight that stems from a love triangle.

The video ends with a twist

of Vernon escaping the bar fight, but only to be murdered in the last scene of the music video.

The band is currently focused on their international tour, but hope to continue their innovative use of music and video, Schneider said.

Nine-piece funk group to return to Higher Ground

By Will Gotterer wgottere@uvm.edu

Blind Owl Band performs at Otis Mountain Get Down Sept. 12. AUTUMN BENJAMIN/The Vermont Cynic

Jams heard from the mountain Autumn Benjamin AEBENJAM@UVM. EDU

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tis Mountain Get Down, an annual music festival that debuted an incredible lineup with an inspiring amount of talented musicians, left music lovers’ jaws dropped.

Otis Mountain Get Down was held Sept. 11-13 in Elizabeth, New York and came with plenty of upright bass and bluegrass swing.

Friday and Saturday were filled to the brim with funk, folk, alternative rock and electronic music.

The festival hosted 35 bands on three different stages. The crowd was excited about the diversity of the musicians.

Amongst the most enjoyable performances were the Dustbowl Revival, Damn Tall Build-

Otis Mountain Get Down ings, Bella’s Bartok, Smooth Antics and Upstate Rubdown.

Upstate Rubdown showed their Appalachian soul as Mary Kenny, Melanie Glenn and Kate Scarlett’s melodic voices took over.

Surrounded by the Adirondacks, the mountain held us together, absorbing the sounds.

The dust soon turned to mud as Saturday night’s most unwelcome guest showed up: rain.

Although it put a damper on many moods, the music kept roaring. Campfires tried to stay alive but the music never died.

Friday and Saturday were filled to the brim with funk, folk, alternative rock and electronic music Accompanied by the guitar, upright bass, percussion and saxophone, the crowd went wild, kicking up dust into the air, adding that “get down” feeling Otis strives for.

Festival-goers danced in a blur of beards and flannels, hats with pins and barefoot lads.

Even with the rain and wet sleeping bags, a weekend with friends and great music is always a pleasure.

Autumn Benjamin is a junior community entrepreneurship major and has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2015.

Adding a new element to the periodic table of funk with their soon-to-be-released album “Digitonium,” Turkuaz plans to give Burlington the first taste of new material.

Turkuaz, a nine-piece funk band, will be playing at Higher Ground, Sept. 25.

After last year’s sold out show at Higher Ground, the Brooklyn powerhouse will return to the stage and “bring it,” said trumpeter and keyboardist Chris Brouwers.

The band is excited to be back in Burlington and playing at Higher Ground.

“I would put Higher Ground in the upper echelon of venues we play at,” he said.

“We made a conscious effort to not play music before the record release tour. We wanted to save it and bring a whole wave of new songs into our repertoire,” Brouwers said.

“The shows we have with you all [in Burlington] will be the first time that we show off some of the new stuff.”

This new album will be a departure from previous albums.

“Digitonium” incorporates a lot of new instruments and “a lot more synth.”

“We’ve immersed ourselves night and day, everyday and all day,” he said.

“We put considerably more effort into this one, while thinking of the next step in our evolution as a band,” Brouwers said.

Although the band draws its influences from bands such as

Parliament Funkadelic, Talking Heads and Sly & The Family Stone, they are inspired by a lot of newer bands as well.

“A lot of stuff that inspires us now are bands that we interact with on the road,” Brouwers said. “Bands like Snarkey Puppy, for example – they are a group of really good musicians that we are also friends with and see a lot of at musical festivals and other shows.”

“

The show we have with you all [in Burlington] will be the first time we show off some of the new stuff

Chris Brouwers Trumpeter and Keyboardist

They will funk you up, funk you down, funk you left and funk you right.

Friday, Sept. 25 at one of Turkuaz’s favorite venues, Higher Ground, as they raise the roof with their four singers, brass section, guitars, keyboards and drums.

The show is $12 in advance and will be $15 day of the show.

8

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC

S TA F F E D I T O R I A L

On school spirit, and how to get it UVM needs a spirited and cherished event during which we can celebrate our history, pride and school spirit. It’s about time we all rallied behind something

G

ood sports programs are vital to American universities. Almost every facet of a university can be touched by good, profitable and inspiring programs.

A major sports school, the University of Alabama, made over $45 million in the 20112012 school year according to the Department of Education.

That’s $45 million Alabama can move to a struggling academic department or to fund scholarships. It’s hard to quantify, but sports connect the campus to alumni in ways to which schools like UVM can’t really compare.

It all boils down to school spirit: what you feel when you say you’re a Vermont alumni.

School spirit matters. As Alastair Ingram, the voice of UVM hockey will tell you, the student section at the Gut is the best in Hockey East.

Alumni will never deny the sheer pride they felt when UVM pushed Boston University to the limit in a nail-biting 2009 Frozen Four appearance.

Or T.J. Sorrentine’s shot “from the parking lot” during the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament in 2005, knocking out powerhouse Syracuse.

These moments of triumph stand tall in UVM history, but compared to other schools, are few and far between.

UVM needs a proud tradition of its own, one which is simultaneously widely celebrated and capable to raising money to fund our construction and academic projects.

These moments of triumph stand tall in UVM history, but compared to other schools, are few and far between.

Obviously, we’ve had such events – and they weren’t always pretty: The Kake Walk, while a lucrative fundraiser, was clearly more harmful than good in its horrid mockery of racial equality. What UVM requires is an event that is uplifting, inclusive and capable of funding fledgling academic departments and programs.

In the past, we’ve heard talk of recreating the NHL’s Winter Classic at UVM, wherein

Illustration by ALYSSA HANDELMAN Staff editorals officially reflect the views of the Vermont Cynic . All signed opinion pieces and columns do not necessarily do so.

two teams would compete on a makeshift rink as a fun and spirited annual tradition.

We should replicate an event like this. UVM needs an outdoor

event which highlights the beauty of our state and of a sport with such a profound and cherished history, with the objective of raising school spirit and funds

for our University.

It’s about time we had something to rally behind: Why not this?

Senator Sanders and political speech It is well known that Sen. Sanders is an opponent of the 2010 Citizens United decision and corporate campaign contributions. But why are unions exempt from his criticism?

Joseph BRown OPINION@VTCYNIC. COM

O

ne of the most salient talking points pushed

by Sen. Bernie Sanders — and his state’s most prominent ice cream manufacturer, Ben and Jerry’s — is that the United States would benefit as a republic to “keep money out of politics” in order to prevent the “billionaire class” from “buying elections/politicians.”

Indeed, Sanders goes so far as to say that the United States is an “oligarchy,” and not a democracy — which is somewhat of an odd statement considering he’s been in the Congress representing one of the most disproportionately powerful states since the ‘90s in this so-called oligarchy.

Sanders attacks all the usual bogeymen and strawmen, from the Koch brothers to the Citizens United decision, usually to the roaring assent of progressives who haven’t yet realized that Democrats take in more

campaign money than Republicans: According to the Sunlight Foundation, three of the top five super PAC donors are liberals. According to Politico, the 100 biggest donors of 2014 gave $174 million to Democrats, compared to the $140 million given to Republicans.

In fact, according to OpenSecrets.org, a nonpartisan organization devoted to illuminating the idiosyncrasies of campaign contributions, the Koch brothers, whom Sanders believes are at the head of the oligarchy, are ranked only 59th in terms of their political generosity in their libertarian conspiracy to control the United States.

What’s odd here is Sanders’ omission of the origin of his campaign funding: unions, for which he has the support of the UAW, the Teamsters Union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Engineers, United Steelworkers and the American Federation of Teachers.

It may seem trivial, given our preconceived stereotype that unions are, at least according to Bruce Springstein, the perennial underdogs — but unions are no small players in the American

oligarchic scheme to control the sum of our political affairs.

According to OpenSecrets, six of the top 10 political donors in the United States are unions, who collectively gave 15 times more than the Koch brothers.

What is perhaps most intellectually schizophrenic of Sanders’ ideology is his habitual criticism of Citizens United, despite the fact that the 2010 decision

pulsory, which necessarily requires some Republican union members to forcibly surrender their money to an opposing party? Is that fair?

How do we define a corporation? How can we differentiate the New York Times from, say, Verizon Wireless when it comes to political speech?

And lastly, if the Citizens United decision affirmed the right of a political organization to make a partisan film, what objection could Sanders possibly raise to the idea of an organization promoting its agenda

One should wonder: Why are unions "people," while corporations are not, if they are both the result of collections of human beings acting through the levers of an organization? affirmed the right of unions to participate in the political process alongside corporations.

One should wonder: Why are unions “people,” while corporations are not, if they are both the result of collections of human beings acting through the levers of an organization?

What makes union contributions more legitimate if, in some cases, and in some states, union membership and dues are com-

through paid advertisements?

At the heart of the argument lies the contention that the American public is far too stupid to be exposed to paid political speech in favor a specific candidate or policy — so it therefore must be regulated by the more mentally competent.

Of course, this role would be filled by Sanders.

Naturally, it’s a conde-

scending sort of reasoning — if the logic is thoroughly parsed through — but it employs a certain Marxian logic: the assertion that Americans live in a state of false-consciousness, wherein one’s thoughts and actions are predetermined by a collection of powerful political and economic actors, and that, antithetical to this state, exist a breed of men, like Sanders, who are conscious of the world and the realpolitik at play.

In reality, the United States isn’t a “Matrix”-like oligarchy, but rather the end result of competing interests, goals and ideologies, which stem from corporations, unions and individuals.

The final composition of the fabric of the American political system is certainly chaotic, yes; but it’s also the beautiful sum of a hyper-diverse set of views and beliefs competing for power and recognition.

Ultimately, Sanders’ preference is to stifle that speech. Just not the speech that advocates for his campaign.

And certainly not the money that funds it.

Joseph Brown is a senior political science major. He has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2012.

THE VERMONT CYNIC

OPINION

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2015

9

Modest Proposals

UVM to hold ticketed orientation Daltrey Burris DBURRIS@UVM.EDU

F

or the first time in Vermont history, the University of Vermont has offered its incoming first-years the chance to be denied entrance to a gathering.

Eschewing the universally lame idea of including all of the undergrads, the college has decided to make its parties a bit more excusive to really get the newcomers acquainted to rejection.

“Long gone are the unmonitored icebreakers and awkward games of poker in the Davis Center. The students really want something a bit more private,” local student Clinton Berksby said. “If I don’t have to beg the sorority girl on my floor for access, it’s probably not even worth it,” he later quipped.

When asked about this odd new practice, UVM officials were glad to explain their ways.

“The first week of college is all about trying to ease new students into an unfamiliar lifestyle. We strive to help ameliorate this stressful change, both inside and outside the classrooms,” Vice President Darry Gerr explained. “If our firstyears come into college actually thinking that they’re going to instantly get into parties, we’re failing as an educational institution.

“It’s vital that we teach [the students] that you won’t get

anywhere without social connections or a harem of attractive girls surrounding you. Nobody wants a fucking sausage fest.”

He later went on to recount this college experience of pulling himself up by both boot and bra straps so graphically that we can’t even in good conscience summarize it, as a professional service to his wife and children.

In related news, the baitand-switch of the orientation catering will be abolished as well.

When asked about this odd new practice, UVM officials were glad to explain their ways “We’re serving the real Sodexo food on admitted students’ day so nobody’s hopes get too high. I don’t know why we we’re wasting money the getting better quality stuff, those suckers are already roped in,” President Mulligan said with a smile, using a hundred dollar bill to light a Cuban cigar, which was promptly used to ignite an original Picasso.

Illustration by HALEY BIERMANN

Daltrey Burris writes news satire for the Cynic. He is a senior psychology major. He has been writing for the Cynic since spring 2015.

A review of the Granite State political forum Kate Lipman KLIPMAN@UVM.EDU

L

ast year my parents moved to New Hampshire, and this summer I got to live there for the first time. Presidential candidates of both parties come early and often to the Granite State, so I thought I would meet a few of the characters in this upcoming drama who were within driving distance and really gauge their personalities for myself.

The first candidate I met was Ted Cruz, a U.S. senator from Texas, who was known for being the most outspoken presidential hopeful, at least before mogul Donald Trump joined the race.

He was among the wave of Republicans who took the Senate in the 2012 elections, and is also known for aligning himself with the Tea Party.

His speech began with some stories about his family, followed by a discussion of the economy, the IRS and foreign policy. While I had heard he was a great speaker, he did not get me excited as some of the other candidates have, though he was decent at repeating key phrases to try and fire up the audience.

Chris Christie, the current governor of New Jersey, was the next candidate I met. He gave an excellent speech about foreign policy, about which he is extremely knowledgeable. He gave specific figures for different kinds of aircrafts, military vehicles, etc., which I liked.

While I did not particularly like him before, he seemed very informed and his speech was excellent. Afterwards he took the time to talk to my mom for a few minutes despite his campaign advisors trying to move him along.

I tried to attend a Hillary Clinton event, but you had to be pre-screened to get in. I was also unable to meet Trump or Sen. Bernie Sanders due to my work schedule.

My former governor, Martin O’Malley, came to a fair in Portsmouth, but I didn’t get to talk to him because it was impossible to get close because he was surrounded by staffers.

I had hoped to tell him I think it is wrong that the Democratic National Committee is ignoring his many requests for more debates. In fact O’Malley has openly criticized the DNC on this issue.

So far O’Malley has not had any luck in trying to boost his numbers, but believes that de-

bates would give him a better chance, though it might be difficult for him considering he believes global warming is a bigger threat to the country than terrorism.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul showed up at a diner one Sunday morning. He chatted with my family for about 10 minutes.

He was very personable and seemed knowledgeable about national security and the economy.

a flat tax.

I saw former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina at a meet and greet event in Portsmouth.

I found her speech moving and I thought she had the strength and personality to be the next president. She focused on the need to assure our allies that we will stand by them, and also on ways to unlock America’s potential. Even though I didn’t get to talk to her, she made a point of shaking everyone’s hand.

I had hoped to tell him I think it is wrong that the Democratic National Committee is ignoring his many requests for more debates. In fact O'Malley has openly criticized the DNC on this issue

When my dad asked him how he would turn around Americans’ cynicism towards the government, he said he would support a constitutional amendment for term limits for Congress. Rand Paul started his career as an eye surgeon before following his father, Ron Paul, into politics.

He is known for being a strong libertarian, a strict constitutionalist and wanting to replace the current tax code with

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker spoke to a full house at a nearby Harley Davidson dealership. He was quite personable, and talked about the love he has for his family and his country, and the need for a strong America in the world we live in today. He also mentioned winning the fight with the unions in Wisconsin and that he has been the only governor to survive a recall election.

Of all the candidates I met,

my favorite was Senator Marco Rubio from Florida. He is the son of Cuban immigrants, and he stresses the importance of keeping the American dream alive.

I met the senator when I was asked to walk with him in a parade, which I thought could be fun. While waiting for the parade to start, we talked about Russia when I told him my major was Russian and Eastern European studies.

He was young, quick and energetic, and I was surprised by how many people waited to meet him during and after the event. I really liked him, and I actually ended up interning for his campaign. He has specific plans for the country, including an overhaul of the higher education system and a simplified tax code that would give relief to hardworking families in the United States.

Seeing some of the candidates battle it out, trying to win support on the local level in the Granite State, has been amazing. It made for a very exciting summer to see this presidential game of thrones unfold in my own backyard.

Kate Lipman is a sophomore Russian major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2014.

10

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 THE VERMONT CYNIC

The various views of UVM spirit

By Alex Benoit apbenoit@uvm.edu

Truth be told, the lack of tradition at our university is appalling in comparison to others, some say.

Afi Ahmadi, UVM ’93, agrees with this sentiment. An unscientific poll conducted by the Cynic suggested a more favorable outlook on the matter with more responses defending UVM’s level of school spirit.

“Most schools have homecoming games, or have something that alumni come back for.” Ahmadi said. “In my estimation, UVM really lacks a traditional homecoming.”

In the wake of the ban of older traditions like the Kake walk, a parade that featured students dressing up in blackface, and Octoberfest, which Ahmadi said were banned for “very, very good reasons,” UVM is at a loss for a tradition that binds students and alumni to their alma mater.”

The lack of a homecoming could be due to UVM not having a varsity football team, something most tradition-filled universities have.

A solution, Ahmadi said, would be an outdoor hockey game between the men’s hockey team and a division rival such as Boston College.

He hopes something like this would motivate alumni to come back.

“It really has to come from student minds,” he said. “If an alumnus tries to enact something and the students aren’t on board with it, it’s just not worth pursuing.”

First-year Eric Donovan does not agree, but said tradition is lacking.

“I’ve gotten the sense that people take a lot of pride in UVM, and I’m really excited for hockey games,” Donovan said. “I know the school spirit at those events is awesome. I haven’t been involved in any sort of tradition yet, though.”

Alastair Ingram, the play-by-

“

our players,” he said.

In an unscientific poll by the Cynic, UVM students, faculty and alumni were asked to rate school spirit from one to 10, 10 being the highest.

The diverse results from the unscientific poll support Ahmadi’s sentiments that UVM lacks a binding force that really unifies the Catamount community.

One of the reasons that the expanded UVM community does not have one binding force may simply be the location of UVM – unlike larger schools like Boston University or the University of Michigan, Burlington is not in

This bar graph shows the responses the Cynic received from the poll with one being the “worst” school spirit possible and 10 the “best”. The results varied, but the most common answer was a seven.

We have one of the loudest and most passionate student sections Alastair Ingram Director of Media Relations and Sports Information

play voice for the men’s hockey team, agrees with Donovan’s sense of pride and school spirit.

“I have the most exposure to our UVM school spirit at Gutterson Fieldhouse as the voice of the men’s hockey team, and I can safely say we have one of the loudest and most passionate student sections in Hockey East,” Ingram said.

“Students add a unique energy to the building which makes playing in Burlington special for

the hub of a large metropolitan area where students are likely to settle upon graduation.

“My closest friends in college did not stay in Burlington,” Ahmadi said. “I understand that the city did not have what they really wanted.”

This could contribute to alumni not returning in massive swarms like they do at larger universities.

In the wake of all this, Ahmadi is optimistic and pushing for

91.6%

minor changes.

“A few of my friends and I have started to do some small things, like tailgate the hockey games,” he said.

UVM does lack tradition, especially in the sports realm.

With the exception of men’s

This pie chart shows the four categories the poll’s respondents belonged to in order of amount: current students, other, alumni and faculty.

hockey, men’s basketball and playoff games, student sections rarely fill. Sports are a means to unite the general population.

“It all starts with the students and their willingness to hop on board,” Ahmadi said.

Walk-ons work to make difference for team

By Jack Estrin Jestrin@uvm.edu

This year, the UVM men’s basketball team features three walk-on players: David Urso, Dylan Sinnickson and Nate Rohrer.

The players were not recruited by UVM, but chose to tryout for the team on their own.

“There could be a recruited walk-on or a walk-on as part of a tryout which is more rare,” said Alastair Ingram, the director of media relations and sports information.

Urso, a sophomore from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was recruited out of high school, but turned down lesser offers in order to fulfill his goal of becoming a Division I athlete.

“I got recruited by a lot of local schools in Pittsburgh, mostly Division II and Division III,” Urso said.

Although Urso had been in contact with UVM head coach John Becker before he tried out for the team, Becker had never really seen Urso play.

This made Urso question whether he would make the team.

“It was always a dream of mine to play Division I basketball,” he said.

This year, he may have a chance to prove himself.

With the team’s limited depth this year, Urso is looking

The men’s basketball team huddles up before the start of a game last spring. This year’s team features a young core of players, including three walk-ons. PHOTO COURTESY OF UVM ATHLETICS to help the Catamounts any way he can.

“Pretty much whatever role I can fill,” Urso said. “We are a little light on guys this year so whatever I can do to help the team I will do.”

Redshirt sophomore Rohrer took a different route to UVM. Before UVM, Rohrer played basketball at West Valley College in Saratoga, California.

Although Rohrer was born in Burlington and raised in Under-

hill, Vermont, Rohrer moved to California where he played high school basketball.

Rohrer was late to be recruited because of an “ok” junior season in high school, he said.

“Out of high school I had some options to play but I was kind of late in the recruiting game,” Rohrer said. “I didn’t think I would be able to play college basketball so I decided to go to a junior college near my house back home to buy some

time and play basketball for two more years.”

Rohrer’s decision to play junior college basketball paid off in August after a member of the UVM team quit.

Rohrer immediately contacted Becker. After joining the team for some workouts and pickup games, he completed his transfer to UVM and made the team.

Graduate student Sinnickson transfered to UVM this year

after being a two-sport athlete at Middlebury College where he played both baseball and basketball.

Sinnickson will be in his final year of NCAA eligibility this season after he was granted an additional year due to a forearm injury his sophomore season at Middlebury.

This year, Sinnickson is expected to make an impact, especially in terms of rebounds at 6 feet 5 inches, as he plays out his final year of college basketball.

While they may not have made it to UVM the traditional way, these three players plan to make the most of their opportunities.

The three join a young team this year. UVM has only one senior on the roster with Ethan O’Day. The men’s basketball team finished last season with a record of 20-14 when they lost in the College Basketball Invitational’s semi-final round to the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

The men’s basketball team will open the season Oct. 31 with an exhibition game against Keiser University at Patrick Gymnasium.

The team’s regular season campaign will begin with an away game Nov. 13 against Eastern Michigan University.

THE VERMONT CYNIC

SPORTS

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2015

11

Student effort aids new company

By Shane Town Shane.Town@uvm.edu

A few years after Tyler Sullivan, ‘07, graduated from UVM’s school of business, he had a problem.

In 2011, he competed in long-drive competitions in his home state of Massachusetts, but was held back because his drivers kept breaking.

Long-drive competitions in golf are like home run derbies in baseball where a player tries to hit the ball as far as possible.

Through a partnership with UVM’s engineering department, Sullivan makes custom clubs.

“I became obsessed with golf equipment, specifically golf drivers,” Sullivan said.

Then, he decided enough was enough.

Sullivan started his own business with all the excitement and fear that entails.

“I started building clubs in a shop I made in the downstairs of my apartment in South Burlington,” Sullivan said.

Upon his first sale, Sullivan said he had an epiphany.

He was just custom building clubs then, but at the suggestion of an old roommate, Sullivan decided to reach out to UVM for design help.

“I was like, there’s no way they’re going to want to help me.

I was one of the worst students there,” Sullivan said.

However, Sullivan’s project was taken on as part of the engineering school’s capstone design projects, also known as the Senior Experience in Engineering Design.

It was around this time Sullivan’s business was named: Bombtech.

The name embodies the goal of the club, which, Sullivan said, is to “bomb it deep,” paired with University technology.

The goal was to create a new driver head that would be usable by the average golfer, meaning the sweet spot is large, but still capable of distance. “[The students] came up with three designs and picked the one they thought was best.

later become Bombtech’s most popular product, is known as the Grenade.

There are two distinct differences between the Grenade and the average golf driver.

It has dual cavities on the sole of the club to help reduce drag by 48 percent.

The head is welded from a two-piece plasma instead of using a traditional four-piece technique.

Sullivan said it helps to improve accuracy.

“What made our group successful was we each had our own strengths that helped us do well in the design of the driver,” said Ryan Corey, part of the driver design team.

The bigger it gets, the more stress it’s going to bring. It’s a fun time and a scary time

“

Tyler Sullivan Owner of Bombtech Golf It was more aerodynamic, and they did the patent searches,” Sullivan said. “I really took a risk and said ‘well, let’s make one.’ It cost me a lot of money, but it was the best risk I ever took in my life.”

The model, which would

Corey mainly used the computer software to help design the 3D model of the club.

The Grenade performed and sold so well that Sullivan continued his partnership with the UVM engineering community.

In 2013 and 2014, four stu-

The Grenade was the first golf club produced by Tyler Sullivan’s company, Bombtech Golf. PHOTO COURTESY OF TYLER SULLIVAN dents worked on a Bombtech putter design and last year a group designed Bombtech wedges.

This is the fourth installment of their partnership, but this time they are working on a product that Sullivan declined to disclose.

The clubs need to be United States Golf Association legal and UVM professor John Novotny, who helped oversee the driver projects development, said their success relied on “focusing on the needs of the golfer and how to fit into a competitive market.”

Current graduate student Corey Tillson was a member of the putter design team and remembers the design challenges.

“The hardest aspect of the

design was probably picking a design that met all our cost and performance requirements,” Tillson said.

Sullivan attributes Bombtech’s success to his superior product and his ability to market on social media.

Chi Chi Rodriguez, the first Puerto Rican to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, uses clubs made by Bombtech, Sullivan said.

“The bigger it gets, the more stress it’s going to bring,” Sullivan said. “It’s a fun time and a scary time.”

For further information on Bombtech, visit bombtechgolf. com.

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The Lipper Award is given to the group with the lowest average decile ranking of three years’ Consistent Return for eligible funds over the three-year period ended 11/30/12, 11/30/13, and 11/30/14 respectively. TIAA-CREF was ranked among 36 fund companies in 2012 and 48 fund companies in 2013 and 2014 with at least five equity, five bond, or three mixed-asset portfolios. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For current performance and rankings, please visit the Research and Performance section on tiaa-cref.org. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., and Nuveen Securities, LLC, members FINRA and SIPC, distribute securities products. ©2015 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America–College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017. C24849B 1

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12

THE VERMONT CYNIC

SPORTS

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2015

ARMIN'S TRAIN

The effect of head injuries in the NFL Armin Milak

AMILAK@UVM.EDU

T

he National Football League season kicked off this past week in thrilling fashion, but as time moves on, fans and analysts are starting to wonder how many seasons of America’s favorite sport are left.

Concussions, brain injuries, even suicides have been attributed to repeated blows to the head from the sport.

These events have led to players retiring early because of the fear of injury or even death.

The most recent and shocking retirement came from Chris Borland, who was a rising star for the San Francisco 49ers.

The standout rookie linebacker made 108 tackles in his first year before deciding to quit the sport – with no reported concussions.

The scariest part about head injuries is that many people ignore symptoms, like Borland has admitted to doing.

“I recall the first game I ever started on the varsity football team during my freshman year of high school. I was repeatedly hit in the head and remember beginning to feel dizzy and nauseous,” Borland said according to ESPN. “I kept quiet and stayed in because I didn’t want

to lose my spot on the roster.

I didn’t want my coaches and teammates to think I couldn’t keep up with the competition.”

Even with improvements made to helmets and more emphasis on proper tackling form, the risk of head injury is real.

It’s a tough and rugged sport by nature.

There is no other sport, besides possibly rugby, where there is constant and intentional collision. You hit someone on every single play.

Studies are frequently con-

ducted to examine what football injuries can do to someone’s brain.

The biggest concern is a brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

This disease has been linked to the deaths of Tom McHale of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dave Duerson of the Chicago Bears.

The most notable case of CTE involved the suicide of Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau.

Seau shot himself in the heart two years after retiring

scoreboard

from the NFL. This controversy blew up when the NFL did not allow Seau’s family to speak on his behalf at his induction to the NFL Hall of Fame.

According to ESPN, more than 4,000 former players have sued the NFL in federal court.

They have been alleging the league ignored the link between football and brain damage.

A recent study released Sept.

18 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Boston University revealed more shock-

ing details.

“A total of 87 out of 91 former NFL players have tested positive for the brain disease [CTE],” Frontline.com said.

Only time will tell where the sport will go as a whole, but I plan to enjoy each and every game of the sport that so many Americans have grown to love.

Armin Milak is a senior accounting and finance major.

Milak has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2013.

Visit vtcynic.com for more coverage and uvmathletics.com for schedules and tickets SEPTEMBER 19-SEPTEMBER 27

LAST WEEK

L

September 19 HOME 11 a.m.

2-0

Field Hockey vs Cornell

W

September 19 HOME 1 p.m.

4-2

4

th

8

th

•

Men’s Soccer vs Marist September 19 Bronx, NY 11 a.m.

Men’s XC at Meet of Champions September 19 Bronx, NY 11 a.m.

Women’s XC at Meet of Champions

W

September 20 Kingston, RI 1 p.m.

3-2

Women’s Soccer at Rhode Island

W

September 20 HOME 12 p.m.

3-0

Field Hockey vs Siena

RECORDS Men’s Soccer 3-3-1

• •

•

At the Meet of Champions , senior Dan Maroney finished 10th overall for men’s cross country and first-year Samantha Sayer finished 22nd overall for women’s cross country.

Junior Brian Wright leads men’s soccer in points with eight and goals with four.

Women’s soccer is tied for third in shutouts in the America East Conference with three.

Field hockey has the most saves out of all teams in America East with 42.

Women’s Soccer 3-4-1

NEXT WEEK September 25 Providence, RI 11 a.m.

Field Hockey vs Bryant

September 25 Amherst, MA 4 p.m.

Men’s Soccer at UMass Amherst September 26 HOME 11:30 a.m.

Cross Country vs UMass Lowell September 27 HOME 2 p.m.

Women’s Hockey vs McGill September 27 HOME 12 p.m.

Women’s Soccer vs Stony Brook

Field Hockey 2-6-0

Men’s XC 4th (x1) 5th (x1) Women’s XC 3rd (x1) 8th (x1)

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