Disqualification pushes track and field from ACC sports staff writer A controversial disqualification cost the men’s track and field team an Atlantic Coast Conference title this past weekend at home in the Rector Fieldhouse. The call was made in the men’s 3,000-meter event Saturday, where sophomore Will Mulherin initially won the event before officials determined that he pushed a Florida State runner, thus disqualifying the Virginia Tech sophomore. According to Tech track and field head coach Dave Cianelli, the call was questionable at best and could have
were entering the bell lap, causing him to break stride. This is a violation of Rule 5-5-3a. The resulting action was a disqualification of the Virginia Tech athlete,” Messenger said. The disqualification cost the Hokies 10 points and awarded Florida State two extra points when its runner received credit for a second place finish, rather than a third. The point swing left the Hokies with 97 instead of 107 total points at the end of the meet, while the Seminoles finished with 107 total points, instead of the 105 they would have finished with had Mulherin not
been disqualified. The University of North Carolina finished in second place with a score of 103.5. Despite a controversial end to the men’s events, a women’s third-place finish and several record-breaking performances on both ends left Cianelli with a lot to be pleased about when the weekend was over. “I’m really happy with how our athletes performed,” Cianelli said. The men’s team was actually in first place following the competition Friday, credited mostly to the strong competition of the weight throwers.
Freshman thrower Alexander Ziegler won the ACC title while also setting a personal best of 73-10.25. He’ll move on in two weeks to compete in the NCAA championship. “I’m pretty happy that I won my first ACC meet,” Ziegler said. “I have to fix some things. I lost a little technique a little bit, to get ready for NCAA meet in two weeks and I should be fine. I had three throws over my old (personal record). That is an awesome result.” see TRACK / page six
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gone either way. “Whether I or anybody else thinks it was a good call is something we’re going to have to live with,” Cianelli said. “It’s a judgment call on the part of the official. What I saw was the Florida State runner tried to cut in without enough room, and Will put his hand out to try to keep from falling. I didn’t agree with the call but I’m not going to dwell on it and say that it cost us the meet.” Running referee Richard Messenger explained the call in a statement after the meet. “The Virginia Tech athlete pushed another athlete as they
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Freshman loses life in Saturday car crash LIANA BAYNE news reporter Freshman biochemistry major Jacquelyn Bruhn died after injuries she sustained from a car crash Saturday afternoon, according to an e-mail from Residence Life. Leon McClinton, director of residence life, informed residents of Lee Hall, where Bruhn lived, of her death Sunday morning. BRUHN The e-mail did not
include details on Bruhn’s car accident. Residence Life sponsored a meeting Sunday night where students had the opportunity to talk with representatives of the Dean of Students Office, Cook Counseling Center and Residence Life. Bruhn played the trumpet in the Marching Virginians. She was also involved with Virginia Tech’s snowboarding club as well as with Campus Crusade for Christ. Bruhn’s roommate, freshman university studies major Anna Rakes, said Bruhn was “a beautiful person, inside and outside.”
Man charged in gun incident ZACH CRIZER nrv news editor A Tennessee man has been charged with multiple crimes, including impersonating a federal officer, stemming from an incident outside Blacksburg’s Buffalo Wild Wings in December. Carl Bohannon of Monterey, Tenn., was arrested Dec. 13 outside the Buffalo Wild Wings on Prices Fork Road on charges of illegally carrying a concealed weapon, disregard for the life of a child and brandishing a firearm, among others. Blacksburg Police Sgt. Nathan O’Dell said Bohannon was not involved in the initial fight, but attempted to stop it by pulling out a handgun. O’Dell described it as “a fight that had started near the door and made its way outside.” said. “This Bohannon subject, who wasn’t even involved in the fight, decided to interject himself into the fight saying he
was a federal police officer,”he said. O’Dell said Bohannon was not a concealed carry permit holder in Virginia. Bohannon is also not listed as a concealed carry permit holder in Tennessee by the Memphis Commercial Appeal, which keeps a database of the permit holders. Four others with the last name Bohannon in his zip code hold current permits. O’Dell could not confirm whether Bohannon pulled the gun or simply displayed it in its holster. He is scheduled to appear in Montgomery County General District Court Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for a deposition. He faces seven different charges in relation to the incident. Bohannon had a young child with him at the time of the incident, according to O’Dell, which led to a felony charge of child abuse.
“
She was a really unique person. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone. I always saw her smiling. ANNA RAKES FRESHMAN
“She was a really unique person,” Rakes said. “She never had a bad thing to say about anyone. I always saw her smiling.” Rakes said Bruhn liked to spend her free time studying, attending Bible studies, snowboarding and spending time with her
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lacksburg Police arrested a man for armed robbery this weekend. Allen Wayne Odum, a 38year-old Blacksburg resident, was arrested and charged on Saturday for committing armed robbery on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 27 at 12:30 a.m. The victim had been traveling in a vehicle with Odum, who allegedly knew the victim.
Odum then displayed a handgun and demanded money before fleeing on foot from the vehicle with an undisclosed amount of money in the direction of the 1700 block of South Main Street. Odum was taken before the Montgomery County Magistrate and held without bond. by ct news staff
College in Wheaton, Ill. The visitation and funeral for Bruhn will be held this upcoming weekend. Visitation will be on Saturday in two parts, the first running from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., and the second from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The location is currently not confirmed, but it will be held either at Demaine Funeral Home on Backlick Road in Springfield, Va., or at the Immanuel Bible Church on Braddock Road in Springfield. Bruhn’s funeral will be held at 2 p.m. at the Immanuel Bible Church.
‘It’s a great feeling’
MICHAEL MCDERMOTT/SPPS
Anthony Quinn, the Comedy Night show’s master of ceremonies, entertains the crowd prior to the stage entrance of the guest comedians.
TECH STUDENTS TURN TO STAND-UP COMEDY ACTS, BEAT STAGE FRIGHT TO GENERATE INSTANT LAUGHS LIZ NORMENT
Armed robbery suspect arrested
friends. “We hung out a lot, but not as much as I wanted to now,” Rakes said. Rakes said the last time she was with Bruhn, they had dinner together at Hokie Grill on Friday night. “I’m glad we did that,” she said. Bruhn attended South County Secondary School in Fairfax County, where she participated in the marching band and played softball. Rakes said Bruhn loved others, especially her parents and siblings. Bruhn’s sister, Lindsay, is a junior at George Mason University and her brother, Rob, is a graduate of Wheaton
features reporter When looking for something to do on any particular evening in Blacksburg, senior English major Patrick McCarthy thinks there are only two ways to really spend your money. “If you’ve ever paid $6 on a Saturday night just to get harassed on the dance floor at TOTS,” McCarthy said, “why wouldn’t you pay $6 on a Wednesday to get harassed by a professional?” McCarthy is one of multiple student stand-up comedians who perform during Comedy Night at Attitudes on Wednesdays. Noticing his affinity for stand-up at a young age, McCarthy entered into a competition at a comedy club after he turned 18 years old. “I was pretty nervous. When I got onstage, I had a series of different stage fright symptoms,” McCarthy said. “I had complete cotton mouth, my hands were shaking, I was speaking a mile a minute. My jokes were coming out like rockets.” Regardless of whether the crowd was charmed by his uncontrollable nerves or his entertaining nature, McCarthy won first place that night. From that experience alone, he was hooked. “When you get up there,” McCarthy said, “and you got a joke killing, the whole crowd roaring with laughter, the immediate feedback you get is so rewarding.” Anthony Quinn, a first-year masters student in sociology and weekly master of ceremonies for Comedy Night, much like McCarthy, under-
stands how enchanting stand-up can be. “For me, even though it’s only one day a week, it’s like therapy,” Quinn said. “Just getting up there, having people listen to you and then getting that first reaction, that first laugh, is a really good feeling.” Quinn, a Delaware native, came to Virginia Tech based on a strong recruiting effort by the university at his high school. “The two chicks from Tech were extremely hot, so I thought it had to be a good deal,” Quinn said. After arriving in Blacksburg, Quinn got his start as a comedian after finally surrendering to the demands of a close friend. “One of my best friends at Tech convinced me I should do a show, and then went out with me to pitch the idea to businesses,” Quinn said. After visiting multiple venues, Bailey’s, which is now Cabo Fish Taco, caught on to the idea. “The show was awesome. I was a nervous wreck,” Quinn said, “but everything turned out great.” From that debut, Quinn went on to participate in Hokie House’s former Comedy Night, before being offered a position to emcee at Attitudes. “It’s great. I’m making about zero to $50 a week,” Quinn said. “Honestly, I just love to go to it so I would however much they wanted to pay me. As any comedian will tell you, it’s addicting.” While both McCarthy and Quinn had fairly similar comedic paths, sophomore English major Tim Unkenholz took a more unorthodox approach to get his start.
“I was just bored freshman year,” Unkenholz said, who began performing at Attitudes on a Wednesday night last year. “I’d found that I could express myself best through humor, and had looked up comedy clubs around Blacksburg,” Unkenholz said, who had to sneak around to avoid telling his roommate. “I didn’t want to tell him that I was going to the club to perform, so it made me feel like a secret agent almost.” Unkenholz’s first time on stage came as somewhat of a surprise. “Anthony asked me if I was ready,” Unkenholz said, “and I told him I was even though I wasn’t. I wasn’t really prepared, and God, it was nerve-wracking.” Although Unkenholz said he was nervous and uncomfortable in front of the crowd, that first experience has somewhat defined his style. “I think what works for me is I’m a completely awkward person, so people are more laughing at me, but I’m totally fine with that,” Unkenholz said. “It works for me, just being the weird guy.” Still fairly new to the stand-up scene, Unkenholz feels that the welcoming crowd at Attitudes has helped him begin to develop his own niche in the comedy circuit. “The crowd is just so, well, usually drunk, but so loving whether you do well or not. They’re very forgiving,” Unkenholz said. “Growing up at this venue is a good thing.” The openness and excitement of the audience has helped new comedians take those first steps onto the stage and never look back from there. “Getting on the stage for the first time is the hard part,” McCarthy said. “You have to evaluate what will actually be funny to a mass audience. It’s not just a funny personality — there’s a lot of writ-
MICHAEL MCDERMOTT/SPPS
Tim Unkenholz performs in the stand-up show’s opening acts. ing and preparing too.” For Unkenholz, this passion must be paired with the propensity to meet the challenge presented by performing live each week with an audience that expects a laugh. Still, the payoff and the feeling after a performance are worth it for the young student. “It’s awesome. Everyone’s giving you high fives, just being there for you,” Unkenholz said. “Then you sit in the back and all that pressure releases, the butterflies in your stomach are gone, and you’re just happy that you pulled through and didn’t suck. It’s a great feeling.”
2 news march 2, 2010
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new river valley news editor: zach crizer university editor: philipp kotlaba newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
Taking a spin
[
nation & world headlines
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Chile’s army makes arrests after quake
Anti-missile plan stalls nuclear talks
SANTIAGO, Chile — The Chilean army, enforcing emergency decrees aimed at containing widespread looting, arrested scores of people Monday for violating an overnight curfew as the country reeled from the weekend’s devastating earthquake. The death toll climbed past the 700 mark as more bodies were pulled from the ruins of cities and towns hardest hit by the magnitude-8.8 quake. The national emergency office early Monday put the number of dead at 711, up slightly from a figure given by President Michelle Bachelet on Sunday afternoon. Faced with outbreaks of looting in Concepcion, just 70 miles from the quake’s epicenter, Bachelet deployed 10,000 troops to restore order and assist in the recovery of bodies and search for survivors. Deputy Defense Minister Patricio Rosende downplayed reports of roving mobs and vigilantes in suburbs around Concepcion. “Undoubtedly, we can’t have the military on every corner, but public order is in the hands of the armed forces and you must trust in that,” he said.
WASHINGTON — Negotiations to complete a new U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty have stalled over a Russian demand for the option to withdraw unilaterally if Moscow determines that U.S. missile defenses would threaten its intercontinental nuclear missile force, a senior U.S. official said Monday. Similar “unilateral statements” have been included in previous arms control treaties, and the Bush administration used one in 2002 to abrogate the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with the former Soviet Union. The Obama administration, however, has rejected the Russian demand, fearing that it could make it harder to win the Republican votes needed for Senate ratification of the new nuclear arms pact. Sixty-six votes are required to ratify the treaty in the Senate, but President Barack Obama’s Democratic Party now controls 59 seats. The treaty is expected to limit deployed U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals to 1,500-to-1,600 warheads each, a reduction from a limit of 2,200 due to take effect on Dec. 31, 2012. Russian and U.S. negotiators aimed to finish drafting a successor accord to the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, C-START, before it expired on Dec. 5, but a number of issues have hampered completion of the talks. The latest complication centers on Obama’s decision to deploy U.S. anti-missile interceptors in Romania as part of a plan to defend Europe against mediumrange missile attacks from Iran. Obama’s decision replaced a Bush administration plan to place a tracking radar in Poland and 20 interceptors in the Czech Republic to shield the U.S. from a limited Iranian intercontinental ballistic missile strike. Iran currently doesn’t have such missiles.
by patrick j. mcdonnell and tracy wilkinson, mcclatchy newspapers
CORRECTION -In “Community rallies to find bone marrow donors” (CT, Feb. 26), Michelle Moghtader’s name was incorrectly spelled. The Collegiate Times regrets this error.
JUSTIN GRAVES -Contact our public editor at publiceditor@ collegiatetimes.com if you see anything that needs to be corrected.
by patrick j. mcdonnell and tracy wilkinson, mcclatchy newspapers
DJ Chup performs a set for Bass Meditation at Ceritano’s Italian Restaurant last Saturday, which featured sets from Chup, Class-A, Dub Perry and RTFM. photo by luke mason
opınıons 3
editor: debra houchins opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
march 2, 2010
The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
Your Views [letter to the editor]
Tech should not hide information
I
n “Federal April 16 findings under wraps,” (CT, Feb. 23) the implication that there’s nothing to hide is, unfortunately, another attempt to do just that. This is simply a continuation of the ongoing efforts to cover-up the truth of April 16, 2007. Since when does the U.S. Department of Education send a draft document of findings to an institution? Is Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker saying that the Department of Education, a federal agency, is requesting that the Tech administration actually submit corrections to what the Department of Education has stated relative to Clery Act violations committed by the school? If the answer is no, and there is nothing to hide, then simply release the preliminary findings from the Department of Education stating that the administration does not agree. If there is nothing to hide, why not do that? Is it possible, however, that the real reason there is “nothing to
hide” is because the Department of Education submitted a report of preliminary findings to Tech administrators that cites violations and the school simply needs more time to prepare a response? In other words, the best spin? Given that the Department of Education issued a preliminary report of findings and not simply a draft document, eventually this will be a public document. It does seem interesting that this delay tactic seems to connect very well with the corresponding delay in the re-appointment decision of Judge William Alexander. Alexander was appointed by the Virginia Supreme Court to preside over the Julia Pryde and Erin Peterson cases that were approved to proceed. It appears rather obvious that some people in very high office will go to any lengths to ensure the truth never sees the light of day because of how it reflects on not only a state institution but also on state government. This is no coincidence.
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Mike Pohle Father of April 16 victim Mike Pohle Jr.
send an e-mail to opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com
Caffeine may be more dangerous than marijuana H
ello, my name is Mark and I have a confession to make: I have a drug addiction. When I go a day without my fix, I develop withdrawal headaches and find myself wholly unable to function. There are times when I have become so dependent on it that I have gone on binges, after which I end up feeling ill and strung out. I am not alone in this; my drug of choice is the most frequently used and abused psychoactive substance in the world. According to Canadian dietician George Malkmus, 80 percent of North Americans consume it on a daily basis. I am not talking about cocaine, adderall or methamphetamines. The drug I am addicted to is caffeine. Let us briefly consider the chemical reaction of caffeine in the brain. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It is structurally similar to adenosine, the chemical that is responsible for making you tired and regulating your sleep cycle. When caffeine is released into the central nervous system, it binds to the adenosine receptors and acts as an inhibitor. By blocking the receptors, it counteracts the natural effects of the adenosine. In other words, the substance does not actually make users more energetic; it
tricks their bodies into forgetting that they are tired. Moderate amounts of caffeine are able to increase someone’s mental and physical stamina and make him more productive. However, a tolerance is able to develop extremely quickly. In order to compensate for the adenosine receptors inhibited by the caffeine, your brain will create more receptors. As a result of the increased adenosine picked up by your brain, you will begin to feel more fatigued than you would have had you never consumed any caffeine in the first place. Consequently, the amount of caffeine that would have once made you feel energetic is now necessary in order for your brain to function normally. Caffeine withdrawal is characterized by headaches, fatigue, nausea and even depression in some cases. Aside from dependence, it is also possible to overdose on caffeine. In high enough doses, caffeine causes irritability, muscle spasms, insomnia and loss of inhibitions. In some extreme cases, caffeine overdose can even lead to death. (This is almost impossible with the amount of caffeine contained in coffee, but caffeine pills have had deaths associated with them.) From
this, my point is clear that caffeine is a fairly dangerous and addictive drug. Contrast caffeine with marijuana. The primary psychoactive substance in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol, otherwise known as THC. Throughout the brain there are cannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters. What this suggests is that THC actually affects the brain in the same way a naturally occurring chemical does, so it does not physically alter one’s brain chemistry as most psychoactive drugs do. The binding of THC to the CB1 receptors within the brain is what causes the psychological effects of marijuana, while the binding of THC to the CB2 receptors causes the majority of the physical effects. These effects can include muscle relaxation, euphoria, increased sensuality, paranoia, an increase in episodic memory and decreased short-term memory. Unlike caffeine, most evidence suggests that marijuana is not physically addictive. Physical addiction to a drug is caused by the drug physically altering one’s brain chemistry in a way that nurtures dependence. For example, the brain is not accustomed to caffeine. The dependence one develops comes from
his brain attempting to compensate for the unnatural chemical reaction. Since the human brain is already attuned to receive cannabinoids, it does not alter a user’s brain chemistry in any significant way. The binding of cannabinoids to the CB1 and CB2 receptors is an entirely natural chemical reaction. Dr. Jack Henningfield from the National Institute of Drug Abuse made a chart rating the addictiveness of various substances. On it, he rated marijuana as less addictive than caffeine. Moreover, marijuana is a relatively nontoxic substance compared to most other drugs (legal or illegal). There has never been a single documented case of death from marijuana overdose in history. In 1988, the U.S. Department of Justice conceded that marijuana is incapable of inducing a “lethal response.” A 2006 government report in the U.K. concluded that marijuana is less harmful than tobacco, alcohol and many prescription drugs. Furthermore, while it is true that there are many carcinogens in marijuana smoke, a 2006 UCLA study concluded that heavy marijuana smokers do not seem to be at an increased risk of lung cancer compared to non-smokers. Vaporizing it or cooking it in food
can mitigate the majority of the health risks concerned with smoking marijuana. The reason I introduced this comparison is to make you question where our priorities lie. Caffeine, an addictive and potentially harmful drug, can be purchased and consumed almost anywhere. Even young children have access to caffeine in caffeinated soda and coffee. On the other hand, billions of government dollars are spent each year to keep marijuana, a drug that is less addictive and toxic than caffeine, illegal. During the next couple of months when you are filing your tax returns, remember this: A portion of your hard-earned money is going toward financing an operation to keep a substance less dangerous than your morning coffee off of the streets. Isn’t the system great?
MARK GOLDSTEIN -regular columnist -president, students for sensible drug policy
Ideology should be part of diversity conversation R
ecently, I got into a Facebook discussion about diversity with a graduate student, and he brought up the issue of ideology. Often times when we talk about concepts of diversity, we shy away from talking about ideology because it can be wrought with challenges. Webster’s Dictionary defines ideology as “a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group or culture.” Ideology can be shaped by one’s background, beliefs and affiliations. For example, we see the challenges of ideology when we witness the disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over healthcare as this clash of ideology impacts everyone. Another form of ideology can be seen in Iran and the firm grip of the government versus the opposition. In this case, you witness how violence is used to suppress ideas and maintain the status quo. So, what does this have to do with Virginia Tech? Depending on one’s ideology, you might view institutions of higher education in a different light. Conservatives would argue that institutions of higher education are bastions of liberalism in terms of their policies and the academic discourse, and many will
point to the examples of the Vietnamera protests. In other respects, some could argue that Tech is a conservative institution shaped by its past and traditions. All of this raises questions about what these labels really mean. There is always a tension between different ideologies, whether it is liberal or conservative, or the right versus the left. We see this tension within the tenure process, when faculty members are judged by their peers based on their body of work. There have been cases where faculty who did not publish in the “right” journals for their field were viewed negatively by their colleagues. Critics will point to the concept of academic freedom as being a liberal quality, but even this concept is fraught with ideological challenges. We also see this tension in campus discussions, when in the aftermath of April 16, 2007 a different voice was heard advocating for the need of allowing guns on campus. This was met with a lot of uproar as many felt it was insensitive to the victims and to the community. However, there were those who argued that this right to self-defense was crucial. This conversation is now caught up
in broader national conversation about gun rights. Another discussion surrounds those dealing with the Amethyst Initiative, which is looking at the lowering of the drinking age. This is countered by the efforts of Mothers against Drunk Driving, who advocate for the continuation of the 21-and-over policies. Ideology can also manifest itself in terms of student involvement opportunities. I’ll talk about my undergraduate experience. As a student, if I wanted to get involved with student government, I needed to have one prerequisite — that I was a member of a particular organization. While this was never officially codified in policy, it was clearly the practice. I wonder how many Florida students have missed out on the opportunity to help make a difference because of this practice. Too many times we see this blanket application of ideology, and it denies an opportunity for no reason. Sometimes we view those who have different ideologies as being on the fringe or even as plain crazy. It is interesting that some of the freedoms we enjoy today were initiated by these socalled fringe groups. A few weeks ago, I was at the
American Pavilion at Epcot. I remember the opening of the show and how it talked about a band of settlers that came together to write the Declaration of Independence and fought for their independence from Great Britain, which formed the United States. These settlers didn’t let their beliefs be stymied by the British. Other examples of the impact of such fringe ideals include the women’s suffrage movement, civil rights movement and others. We often tend to forget the importance of how new concepts that may be considered dangerous may in fact make a positive impact. Not all concepts will be successful or will even work, but it is about exploring the ideal. People say that ideologies can’t be overcome. Let’s look at Spain. As a very traditional and predominately Catholic country, it has allowed same-sex marriage. If a mostly traditional and conservative society can allow same-sex marriage, why can’t individuals in the United States have reasonable conversations about this issue? Within our own commonwealth, the whole concept of gay rights is a controversial one. It almost seems as though some don’t even want to acknowledge
that these beliefs exist. How much longer will the question be around, and will those in power not acknowledge the needs of this community? This is a prime example of ideologies that prevent reaching a common ground, and people are subsequently hurt. When it comes to issues of diversity, no one is saying that you have to alter your ideology; I believe the issue is about understanding how your ideology shapes your interactions with others and your willingness to understand the other side. In many instances, we close ourselves off from even having basic discussions on subjects because of ideology. Too many times we see ideology as about winning and losing, but I would argue that it is about finding common ground. As we move forward in engaging with and understanding and talking about diversity, we need not be afraid to
RAY PLAZA -regular columnist -faculty adviser
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features 5
editor: topher forhecz featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
march 2, 2010
COLLEGIATETIMES
Talking Tech, Hokie Ambassadors show off university PAT MURPHY features staff writer Imagine you’re giving a tour to prospective students, and of all things, you rip your pants. Think you would be able to play it off? This is exactly what happened to senior marketing major Virginia Thomas, vice president of membership for Hokie Ambassadors. Thomas was showing her tour group the model room in Newman Hall when the great divide occurred. Though she did end up telling the group what happened, she said she was thankful that tour guides have to walk backwards anyway. She’s also fallen into a bush outside of Burruss Hall. Little snafus like this are not uncommon as a Hokie Ambassador. Zach Kennedy, senior business information technology major and Hokie Ambassadors president, admitted that he once walked into a parked FedEx truck. For a group whose job it is to sell Virginia Tech, these slip-ups can be a challenge. “The biggest thing we’re responsible for is setting the first impression for the university,” Kennedy said. “Ninety percent of the kids that come here with their parents are (visiting) Tech for the first time, so we need to leave that good first impression so hopefully they’ll come back.” For those interested in becoming a Hokie Ambassador, applicants must apply online. This year, the deadlines for potential new Ambassadors will be March 5. The multi-stage selection process has become more competitive in recent years. There is no set quota for acceptance, and according to Kennedy, the number varies depending on how the talent is looking that semester. The first step is submitting the writ-
“
All the guides love Virginia Tech. I’d say it’s a requirement. You’re selling Virginia Tech. VIRGINIA THOMAS VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP FOR HOKIE AMBASSADORS
ten application that includes a few short answer questions about why the applicants want to be a guide and why they would be a good fit for the task. Many of the applicants will be invited back to complete group interviews and in the final stage when applicants undergo individual interviews. Thomas believes that an ideal guide is enthusiastic, outgoing, friendly and can quickly answer the onslaught of questions normally posed by the parents of potential students. Knowledge of Tech is a plus but is not required. The organization teaches accepted applicants anything they may need to know. Still, how one feels about the university is a different matter. “All the guides love Virginia Tech,” Thomas said. “I’d say it’s a requirement. You’re selling Virginia Tech. A visit to the campus often makes or breaks whether they like a school, so you have to love Tech.” Aside from a love of the school, there are other requirements for Ambassadors. Each guide must complete at least 50 points worth of tours every semester. A regular tour is worth five points, whereas a special tour, such as a privately scheduled tour for an English class, is worth 10 points. Guides must also earn 30 points of training, which translates to attending three of four seminars to improve giving tours. Finally, guides must complete 20 points of outreach, which can be earned through a vari-
LUKE MASON/SPPS
Melissa Lobo and other Hokie Ambassadors are expected to provide insight about the college while answering any questions that may be presented. ety of activities, such as participating in recruitment, playing intramural sports and attending socials. Thomas is in charge of tabulating every member’s points. “In a week, I would say that you have (to devote) two hours tops, really just one hour,” said Thomas. “But new guides have varied requirements.” After acceptance, new guides are not simply thrown onto campus and expected to land on their feet. First semester guides have a training period that includes training sessions and the completion of three shadow tours, which
means they simply observe a tour. Finally, a new guide will be required to perform an evaluation tour, and with satisfactory reviews, will then be able to start solo tours. The process may seemlengthy,butaccordingtoWhitley Gaffney, a freshman communication major and new guide, it’s worth it. “I got involved in Hokie Ambassadors because when I visited my tour guide made such a huge impact on me,” Gaffney said. “I know how hard and confusing the college decision process is, so I hope that I can make that choice a little easier.”
LUKE MASON/SPPS
Hokie Ambassadors are expected to perform several tours a month.
sports 6
editor: alex jackson sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
march 2, 2010
After year off, transfer ready to make difference for Hokies JOE CRANDLEY sports editor All throughout last season, Virginia Tech head baseball coach Pete Hughes endured a patchwork defense that finished 10th in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but despite the shoddy play, he knew better days were ahead. Sitting on Hughes’ bench was redshirt junior shortstop Tim Smalling, the key to solving many of Tech’s problems. But as a transfer from the University of Arkansas, he was ineligible for the 2009 season. “I watched him take ground balls after our games,” Hughes said. “(He) made me feel great about next year.” Smalling wasn’t SMALLING just some disgruntled lower-tier player who couldn’t crack into the lineup on a talented Southeastern Conference team during his two years at Arkansas — he was the Razorbacks’ starting shortstop for 101 games during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Despite instant success and a soaring draft stock going into his junior season, Smalling simply did not like the environment in Fayetteville, Ark. “I played out there for two years, and after two years I kind of decided it wasn’t
the place for me,” Smalling said. “I’m in a great situation now here at Tech — got some great coaches, great teammates. It’s an (up-and-coming) program.” Still, sitting out for an entire season was difficult for Smalling since he never had to spend much time watching games from the bench. “It was hard for him, but you know what, he knew it was the right move for him,” Hughes said. “You talk about career development — it just goes to show, if you’re not happy in a place, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the SEC. (Arkansas) leads the country in attendance every year, them and LSU, and he was playing under that environment every night and starting — he’s gonna be great, and he’s gonna be drafted — but he wasn’t happy.” Smalling, who played his high school baseball in Raleigh, N.C., made his way to Tech through associate head baseball coach Dave Turgeon, who knew of him while he was the recruiting coordinator for Duke in the 2006 season. “He got his release from Arkansas and contacted us, and I was ecstatic to get the call,” Turgeon said. “You have a two-year starting shortstop in the SEC. All of a sudden, that’s going to be an anchor in the infield, and all of a sudden you’ve got guys playing where they’re supposed to.” “It was big,” Hughes said. “Any time you can sign a quality middle, that’s all
we try to do is go get middles, and here’s a kid who’s been battle tested in the SEC, so that was a big get. Really big get.” With Smalling inserted as the starting shortstop, the left side of the Tech infield has changed for the better. Ronnie Shaban, now a sophomore, was forced out of his normal third-base position during his freshman year to play as shortstop and struggled, but with Smalling now in the lineup, Shaban has now moved to his natural position. “(Shaban) gets exposed a little in the middle, but when you put him where he’s supposed to be, he’s really good,” Turgeon said. During his time at Arkansas, Smalling jumped from a .935 fielding percentage in his freshman season to a .967 fielding percentage during his sophomore campaign. He expects to improve, as do his teammates, who had nothing but praise for Smalling, especially junior first baseman Austin Wates. “I’m calling an under-10 error season,” Wates said. “I’m shooting for the number six. I think he’ll have around six errors, if that. I think he’s that good of a shortstop — primetime shortstop right there. Mark my words. I think that’s gonna happen.” Smalling feels like he’s up to the challenge. “I’m going to hopefully keep it under that, but we’ll see what happens,”
Smalling said. “Watching him versus other so-called prospect shortstops, he’s as good as anybody defensively, and him being back there can help me if I’m trying to relay something and they’re not getting the point,” said senior catcher Anthony Sosnoskie. “He can help me because he’s mature. This is his fourth year of college, so I think this will definitely be good for us.” The addition of Smalling at shortstop will have long-reaching effects far beyond fielding percentage. Maybe the happiest of all to see Smalling in the infield this season is the pitching staff, which felt the brunt of poor defenses in past seasons. “It takes a lot of pressure off a lot of people, especially our pitching staff,” Hughes said. “We don’t have to look for a punchout every time. Soft contact is gonna be an out — cuts down pitch totals and everything else. There’s a lot more to it than just errors. The amount of toll it puts on a pitching staff and pitch counts during the game, if you’re making all the plays and there’s no errors, and there’s soft contact early in the counts, then you don’t have to go to the bullpen so early in the game.” Junior pitcher Jesse Hahn, who has always possessed incredible talent but has had a difficult time converting that into collegiate success, is eager to pitch with Smalling behind him.
Track: Teams finish third in ACCs from page one
Friday’s meet also brought a minor scare to the men’s team, however. Sophomore standout sprinter Keith Ricks was injured during the preliminary race of the 200-meter event after he felt his hamstring “twinge.” “About halfway into the race, he pulled up and the doctors checked him out and everything,” Cianelli said. “He’s pretty healthy since it wasn’t a strain or a pull, which obviously would have been a longer rehab. It was smart that he stopped because if he hadn’t it may have been much worse than it was.” Ricks did not compete in Saturday’s meet and will begin rehabbing his injury this week. Cianelli is hopeful Ricks can compete in the NCAA meet. “He did the right thing,” Cianelli said. “Thankfully it wasn’t anything serious that’s going to keep him out for a long period of time.” On the women’s side, senior Queen Harrison continued her dominant season by winning the 60-meter hurdles while also setting another ACC
record in the event. Harrison set a new conference meet record with a time of 7.99 seconds Friday during the preliminary round and lowered the mark to 7.94 seconds later on. Harrison set the Tech school record with her new time, beating the previous time of 7.96 seconds. “It was good,” Harrison said. “I think with the 7.99 I set myself to run really fast. I felt like I executed the race really, really well. I was surprised by the time but I felt like I’d probably run it faster than (Friday).” With her new time, Harrison also made herself known as one of the fastest in the world. “This is really the first year since probably her freshman year that she’s been healthy and been able to train consistently,” Cianelli said. “I feel like this year she’s doing some of the little things to maintain her health and that’s paid off. Running 7.94 is the fifth best time in the world right now.” Senior Kristi Castlin finished second behind Harrison with a time of 8.11 seconds. “If Queen’s not on top of her game,
Kristi’s right there ready,” Cianelli said. “The nice thing in training (together), they see each other every day and are pushing each other.” Harrison also won in the 400-meter event, setting another school record with a time of 53.06 seconds. “She’s in the best shape of her life right now and I think the success she’s had will carry over to the outdoor season,” said Cianelli. Back on the men’s side, some success came Saturday without controversy. The men made up for some of the points lost the 3,000 in the field, with an impressive performance from the team’s pole-vaulters. The Hokies placed first, second, third and fifth in the event — a remarkable feat in any event. Junior Hunter Hall won the event, followed by junior Jared Jodon, senior Yavgeniy Olhovsky and junior Joe Davis, respectively. “To go one, two, three, five is an amazing performance and certainly, I think that is a little unexpected,” said Cianelli.
To cap off the meet, the Hokies took second place in the women’s 4x400meter relay with a time of 3:39:69. The relay included Harrison, freshman Yvonne Amegashie, freshman Funmi Alabi and sophomore Aunye Boone. “We have a really young team and I felt like everyone did their best especially since we’re such a young team,” Harrison said. Overall, Cianelli was very pleased with the results from the meet and indoor season. “It was just an amazing day,” he said. “We put ourselves in position to win the meet, which was the goal, we want to be a contender each time out and that’s what we were.” Several members of the team will compete in the NCAA meet in two weeks. After that, the team will shift gears and focus on the spring season, which begins on March 19 in Clemson, S.C. at the Clemson Invitational. “We have a very young team and we’re going to only get better,” Cianelli said.
“The first two years of being a power pitcher, I just tried to throw it by everyone, overthrow, and now I can just pitch,” Hahn said. “I don’t have to throw as hard, and I know I can pitch to contact, so I’m just trying to pitch ground balls, and I know Tim won’t make any errors. He’s solid back there.” “I feel like (the pitching staff) felt like they had a lot of weight on their shoulders,” Wates said. “I think sometimes they might have thought that if we’re having a bad game, they had to do a little bit more than they needed to, and they might have last season.” In addition to aiding the defense and pitching staff, Smalling’s teammates think he will be a big success at the plate as well. “I think he’ll hit about 10 home runs plus, bat .325-.350, so I’m looking forward to seeing him play,” Wates said. Sophomore weekend starter Mathew Price also feels Smalling will be a difficult out this season. “I love him,” Price said. “He’s the toughest kid to pitch against when throwing against him live. He’s scrappy, he knows the zone, he won’t swing at the pitch unless it’s the pitch he wants. He’s gonna be a huge addition to the team.” Even though this will be his first season in a Tech uniform, by taking on a leadership role, Smalling will be making contributions to the team that go beyond the box score.
“I just try to do everything right and lead by example when I can,” Smalling said. “I just try to come here every day and work hard and take some of the younger guys under my wing when I can.” Smalling’s coaches and teammates have noticed his leadership by example, as well. “He’s stepped right into it,” Hughes said. “It depends, you watch someone’s approach to how they go about their business, and you know it’s the right way, and then you’ve got younger guys doing the same thing; that’s leadership. He’ll speak up a little bit. I wouldn’t call him an extrovert, but he’s not afraid to say what he wants to say.” “I think everybody respects him a lot, respects what he does, because he’s always here working hard, and he has had that SEC experience,” Sosnoskie said. “I think he’s definitely gotten everybody’s respect in the locker room.” Best of all for Tech, Smalling says he is not focused on the draft and he simply wants to win ballgames any way he can. “I’m just gonna go out there, and any time in the lineup, I’m going to help the team win any way I can, whether it’s defensively, offensively, just the little things,” Smalling said. “All he wants to do is win, and all he wants to do is win for Virginia Tech,” Hughes said. “That’s why I love him.”
[weekend box scores] Baseball SCORE BY INNING R H E Virginia Tech (2-2) -- 114 053 003 -- 17 19 2 Charleston So. (2-3) -- 001 010 000 -- 2 9 1 WP: Justin Wright (VT) (1-1) LP: Jesse Cadenhead (CSU) (0-2) HR: VT – Domecus, S. (2) Sosnoskie, A. (2) SCORE BY INNING R H E Virginia Tech (3-2) -- 001 120 000 -- 4 11 0 Charleston So. (2-4) -- 010 100 000 --2 10 1 WP: Jesse Hahn (VT) (2-0) LP: Charlie McCready (CSU) (0-1) SCORE BY INNING R H E Virginia Tech (4-2) -- 020 070 031 -- 13 15 0 Charleston So. (2-5) -- 000 100 000 --1 8 1 WP: Joe Mantiply (VT) (1-0) LP: Tyler Thornburg (CSU) (1-1) HR: VT – Smalling, T. (1)