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COLLEGIATETIMES 108th year, issue 28

News, page 2

Arts & Entertainment, page 7

a S heer

Opinions, page 5

Sports, page 8

Study Break, page 6

ood ortune BY NICK SMIRNIOTOPOULOS | features editor

The Center for the Arts has the ‘fortunate’ opportunity to host renowned artists who include Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, among others

irginia Tech will hold a tribute celebration for author Toni Morrison tonight at 7 p.m. in Burruss Auditorium. The event, “Sheer Good Fortune: Celebrating Toni Morrison” is presented by the Center for the Arts and hosted by Nikki Giovanni, university distinguished professor of English at Tech, and author and poet Maya Angelou. Tickets for the event sold out in 28 hours, which led to the opening of an overflow viewing area in the GLC Auditorium where a live video stream will be broadcast. Tickets for the viewing area are still available. “Having this entrance into the world of poets is very important to me,” Morrison said at a press conference Monday.

‘A living tribute’ According to Giovanni, the idea for the event began in 2010 when Toni’s son passed away. “I called Maya and said ‘We should have an event for Toni,’” Giovanni said. “I laugh about it now, but being poets, poetry reading is something we do, no matter what is wrong with the world.” Giovanni and Angelou wanted the opportunity to celebrate Morrison’s life and work while she was still alive. While the event was originally supposed to be held at Wake Forest University,

ANGELA RADULESCU / CREATIVE COMMONS

where Angelou is an English professor, last year they decided to move the event to Tech. Giovanni was excited to host the event, but did not anticipate the amount of planning and coordination involved. She was happy to share the responsibility with Tech’s Office of the President and the Center for the Arts. “(These organizations) are used to doing a lot of things,” Giovanni said. “It’s a lot of little things like getting the tickets — this is a big event. It would have been impossible without them.” Joanne Gabbin, English professor at James Madison University, has partnered with Giovanni and Angelou to host the event. “(The event) is about love,” Gabbin said. “We have to, as a community, honor literary greats. We want a living tribute to a woman who needs celebrating. Toni often talks about community and it is time for the community to embrace her.”

‘Leaving a legacy’ Morrison, who was born Chloe Wofford, established her writer’s name early on, which she regrets somewhat. She described putting the wrong name on one of her initial manuscripts, and although she wanted to change it back to her birth name, it was too late. “I do have regrets that I didn’t use my birth name,” Morrison said. “The separation has worked out nicely, though. There is a difference between the person, Chloe, and the persona, Toni.” Morrison won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993 and has written a total of 10 novels, including “The Bluest Eye,” “Sula” and “Song of Solomon,” among others.Her most recent novel “Home” was published this year. She described the novel as an attempt to paint the picture of the U.S. environment in the 1950s which led to the instrumental civil rights movement. “The '50s were my time,” Morrison said. “It was when I was smart, young — I thought I knew everything. I wanted to have a character live at that time and pass through the U.S. as though it were a battlefield, which it was in a way.” see ARTS / page seven

April 16 case appealed to VA Supreme Court Protestors arrested

at Stadium Woods CAMERON AUSTIN news staff writer

Stadium Woods resembled a crime scene this past week, with yellow tape strung between the trees and cop cars on the scene. During a protest on Friday, Oct. 12, before Saturday’s home football game, Friends of Stadium Woods director Rebekah Paulson and four others, including a student, were arrested for disorderly conduct. They were there protesting Tech football players parking in the woods, which they claim damages the growth of the trees. Major Kevin Foust of the Virginia Tech Police Department defined disorderly conduct as “disrupting the lawful activities of others.” The group was asked to cease and desist and did not. “What we’ve done this morning is we’ve used flagging tape to mark off some of the root zones of the biggest trees, which are 400 years old, which is why we’re calling this Occupy 400,” Paulson said Friday morning before being arrested. The peaceful demonstration, Occupy 400, included about eight other protestors. The small group sat around on lawn chairs and blankets until players showed up to begin parking. At that time they tried to keep individuals from parking, and were subse-

quently arrested. Despite the arrests, Major Foust said the protest was peaceful. “The folks we met with could not have been any more cooperative or cordial,” Foust said. “They were a pleasure to deal with.” In an email sent out Friday morning, Friends of Stadium woods said they would “OUTLINE and OCCUPY the root zones of the 400 year old trees today to protect them from the parking abuse and root compaction mandated by the Tech Athletic Department, sanctioned by facilities and parking services, and authorized by senior administrators.” Kara Dodson, a fifth year undergraduate Resource Management major who attended the demonstration, thought it was important to come and show her support for the woods. “We’re just occupying the space to protect the tree root zones, and just have the message that the administration should make this forest a priority and protect it and not allow it to be a parking lot,” Dodson said. During the last home game against Bowling Green, Friends of Stadium Woods passed out flyers to football players as they parked for the game. The group explained to the players what root see ARRESTS / page three

MCT CAMPUS

President Charles Steger addresses students, faculty and family members during the university commemoration for students killed in the April 16 shootings one year later. Familes of two victims are now trying to resuscitate a law suit against Steger personally by appealing. PRISCILLA ALVAREZ news reporter

The Virginia Attorney General’s office and the families of two victims of the April 16 shootings have appealed the same case on seperate grounds to the Virginia Supreme Court. The state requested an appeal on Oct. 11, shortly after the parents of shooting victims

Erin Peterson and Julia Pryde, filed their own separate appeal on a different issue. Language used in instructions given to jurors was faulty, the state argues. The families argue President Charles Steger should be involved in the case as an individual defendant. The state is requesting that instructions given to the jury at the time of the case

be reviewed, arguing the language used in the jury’s instructions was misleading and inaccurately based on Virginia law. According to the state’s petition, “the circuit court’s instructions misstated Virginia law regarding the existence of a relevant special relationship … the standard that triggers a duty to warn of

third party criminal acts.” According to the commonwealth’s petition, these flawed instructions had an inappropriate effect on the jury’s conclusions in the case. Alternatively, the parents of Peterson and Pryde want the court to reinstate Steger as a defendant in the case. The see APPEAL / page four

news

october 16, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

editors: mallory noe-payne, victoria zigadlo newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

collegiatetimes

#CAMPAIGNCOUNTDOWN Coverage of the issues that involve and affect YOU this campaign season.

Coal plays pivotal role in Nov. election

WEEKS LEFT

The political debate over Obama’s alleged ‘War on Coal’ touches close to home in southwest Virginia, University DEAN SEAL news reporter

n the middle of Appalachia, a billboard looms large over the highway: “Obama’s No job zone,” it reads, “The President talks about creating jobs but his EPA is destroying jobs.” Another billboard on state Route 460, heading west toward Blacksburg, reminds people that, “Coal keeps the lights on.” The billboards are a small part of a massive campaign push against the current administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, dubbed as a movement against President Obama’s ‘War on Coal.’ Earlier this year, the president and the EPA imposed new environmental standards that limit the acceptable amount of emissions for existing coal powered-plants, while also restricting greenhouse gases for new plants in 2013. Legislators from areas with large coal mining industries have cited these new regulations as a devastating blow for their lifeblood industry. These claims have led to a political dogfight as both parties vie for the favor of coal-mining cities predominantly located in southwest Virginia and Ohio. The attacks on the Obama administration come on the tail of massive layoffs by one America’s largest coal producers, Alpha Natural Resources. Alpha announced in September they would be cutting 1,200 positions, eliminating eight coal mines across Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Their production loss is estimated at 16 million tons of coal. Alpha has attributed these cuts largely to the EPA’s new regulations that have created “a regulatory environment that’s aggressively aimed at constraining the use of coal.” Legislation from these cities has culminated in the ‘Stop the War on Coal’ act, approved by the House last September. The act, although largely for show because it would be unlikely to get Obama’s necessary signature, barred the EPA from providing greenhouse gas restrictions and other environmental regulations. Romney has used these new regulations as jumping ground on the campaign trail to place doubts on Obama’s concern for the welfare of mining-centered cities. However, the Obama administration has defended their stance on coal, and even gone on the attack against Romney. Obama’s countering advertising campaign has purported a 10 percent increase in coalrelated jobs since Obama took office, along with a 7 percent increase in coal production. According to a study done by

Something to think about:

Appalachian Voices, an environmental non-profit, there has been a 28 percent increase in coal-related jobs in Virginia since the beginning of the recession in 2008 .

An issue that has been addressed by both sides of the ‘War on Coal’ is the drop in prices of natural gas, an energy source capable of replacing coalﬁring plants if plentifully available.

Southwest Virginia Southwest Virginia’s large coal industry has recently become a major conversation topic working against the president in the state, an important one in the upcoming election. Virginia has maintained its swingstate status, with many political analysts predicting Virginia’s 13 electoral votes to be a frontrunner in ultimately deciding the results of the election. Th is means that independent groups have focused a lot of energy on Virginia. The American Energy Alliance, a conservative organization, has spent $600,000 on pro-coal television advertisements, criticizing Obama’s stance on coal production. These ads have circulating primarily in Ohio and Virginia, two swing states with large coal industries. The ads cite Obama’s 2008 campaign, when he commented that under his cap-and-trade system, electricity rates would “necessarily skyrocket,” and “if somebody wants to build a coal-fi red plant… it will bankrupt them.” AEA also expects to secure space on the Internet for the ads, which will run through Oct. 26 in Virginia. The group has also invested additional funds to run another set of ads, starting next week, that will extend into Pennsylvania as well. Republican Congressman Morgan Griffith, of Virginia’s Ninth District, released a statement in September showing support for the conservative ‘Stop the War on Coal’ act. In the release, Griffith expressed sympathies for coal miners facing tough economic times imposed by what he calls “the EPA’s regulatory assault on America’s power sector.” Griffith calls for Obama as well as EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to discontinue their war on coal, saying the EPA regulations for coalfi red power plants are “not even commercially available today and are threatening to send our electricity rates skyrocketing.”

Virginia Tech Virginia Tech has its own unique role in the debate; the school has a special relationship with coal, as well as the mining of resources. Tech’s campus still runs on energy produced on campus from a coal-fired plant and intends to continue running on coal-power for the foreseeable future. The use of coal on campus has been the subject of scrutiny over the past few years, with notable groups like

Since January of this year, the country has discovered a wealth of natural gas, accessible to energy companies thanks to a new, though possibly dangerous, drilling technique.

FILE 2011 / SPPS

The coal-ﬁred power plant is just one of Tech’s connection to the coal industry. Beyond Coal and the Virginia Tech Environmental Coalition forming protests against the school’s coal use last year. Tech is also home to one of the largest mining and minerals engineering school in the nation, with just over 200 undergraduate students. According to Kyle Louk, president of the Burkhart Mining Society at Tech, nearly a quarter of actively working mining engineers graduated from Tech, some with special interests in coal. “In the past five years, about 25-26 percent have entered into the coal industry,” said Louk. With its own substantial interest in coal, Tech hosts several environmental awareness and informational groups. The perspective on the current coal debate amongst members of these groups, however, is not always the same. Greg Jennison is the Virginia Tech representative for FACES of Coal, a nationwide group that advocates the protection and dissemination of information regarding coal mining on the east coast. Jennison attained first hand experience with coal mining over the summer. “Obama’s policies and regulations are hurting the coal industry,” said Jennison, a junior mining and minerals engineering major. “I worked in a coal mine this summer, and

you could just tell from all the regulations he’s been putting in… it’s hurting the coal industry.” Kara Dodson, campaign coordinator for Beyond Coal, disagrees with Jennison. “It’s not driven by Obama. If you look at his political campaign, it’s about clean coal, which is what every Republican says too,” Dodson said. “Companies are replacing people with machinery, and that’s why jobs are being cut. It’s not a regulation driven approach. Regulations are needed because we have scientific evidence of coal pollution.” Division among these groups is representative of Virginia’s current indecision regarding the welfare of coal miners. According to Dodson, political actions aren’t always in the best interest of the Virginia’s coal miners. “It’s just a political game, honestly, and Morgan Griffith is holding onto that,” Dodson said. “He’s not from the coal fields. He’s from Salem.” Despite this, the debate surrounding Obama’s ‘War on Coal’ has a special place here on Tech’s campus. “The region that we’re in is heavily rooted in coal,” said Louk. “Th is is something vital to our campus.” Follow this writer on Twitter: @jdeanseal

Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, is a process where high quantities of ﬂuid containing a mixture of water, sand, and various chemicals are injected below the surface of drill sites at high pressure. The rock around the drill site is fractured, releasing excess oil and gas into the well. While this new technique substantially increases the availability of fossil fuels, concerns have arisen over the environmental impact that fracking can create. Vocal detractors of fracking have cited overwhelming amounts of water contamination, leeching of chemicals to the site surface, and hazards to air quality created by this practice. Vermont has banned fracking while other communities nationwide have advocated it’s elimination. While it remains a popular method of extraction, the inexpensive surplus will continue to shrink heating bills for Americans while deteriorating the economies of other energy companies–especially coal.

editors: mallory noe-payne, victoria zigadlo newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

news

october 16, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Arrests: Organizers continue to ﬁght parking in Woods from page one

destruction and soil compaction were and how it impacted the growth of the trees. “One guy said ‘I got your back.’ And they’re just really nice, student to student.... We’re on the same level here, we can work it out,” Dodson said. Friends of Stadium Woods said that as long as the university finds someplace else for players to park their cars, they won’t protest the next home game against Florida State on Nov. 8. However, according to the administration that seems unlikely. “At the current time, we do not believe that parking cars in the proximity of Stadium Wood as we currently allow only about six times per year

creates a compaction problem for the trees,” said Larry Hincker, associate vice president of University Relations, in a statement on Monday. In response to Hincker’s statement, Paulson encouraged the University to look deeper into the damage that is being done. “He should ask his own forestry professors in the College of Natural Resources and Environment if it hurts the tree roots. They’ll give him the real answer,” Paulson said. According to Susan Day, assistant professor in the urban forestry department, parking on the roots for even a short period of time can damage the trees’ root systems, ultimately stopping their growth and killing them.

The five arrestees ranged from ages 29 to 75. Paulson stated that the group plans on fighting these charges. “We definitely got our point across and we have wide community support,” Paulson said, “including two families that are very large donors to the athletic program and Virginia Tech.” For several years, football players have been parking in StadiumZ Woods on top of the roots of the trees. The area has been in the public eye since last year when the athletics department proposed the 14-acre site of old-growth woods as the location for a new football training practice facility. After public outcry, largely organized by Friends of Stadium Woods, the uni-

versity formed an advisory committee. Even though the University denied the location for a training facility, the woods still remain unprotected or preserved despite a recommendation from the advisory committee that the University permanently protect the area. Friends of Stadium Woods has gone through several different venues to get the woods protected, ranging from writing letters to the Governor’s office to appealing directly to the administration and various University offices. The group is working to see what action they might take before the next football game.

COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF STADIUM WOODS

Follow this writer on Twitter Rebekah Paulson, Director of Friends of Stadium Woods, was arrested Friday morning for disorderly conduct while protesting. @CAustinCT

news

october 16, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

editors: mallory noe-payne, victoria zigadlo newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Appeal: Families attempt to sue Steger from page one

families pursued this in the past by filing lawsuits against university officials, one of which was Steger. However, the court dismissed those lawsuits. The families of the two victims are appealing that dismissal. Their petition states the trial “erroneously dismissed Steger from this action and in endorsements to the trial.” In March 2012, the families won a civil suit against the university. The jury found the university responsible, saying officials did not adequately warn students of a foreseeable danger. The jury awarded each

family $4 million. However, that award amount was reduced to $100,000 because of the state’s Tort Claims Act, which limits the amount an individual can receive in a civil suit in the state. If Steger is brought as an individual defendant in the case and charged as accountable, each family has the possibility of being granted more money in that civil suit. The commonwealth defends Steger. “Under Virginia law, President Steger was entitled to be dismissed from the suit, and we are confident that the dismissal will be upheld,” said

Brian J. Gottstein, director of communication for the office of the Attorney General of Virginia. Gottstein’s confidence comes from the fact the families have already attempted to sue Steger, but failed, which prevents him from being sued again. Th is civil suit is different than a criminal case being held against the university by the Department of Education on the federal level. In that case, the university was fined for violating federal law and failing to issue a timely warning in the midst of the shootings. The school, represented by the state Attorney General’s office, is likely to

have further litigation in that suit as well. 32 people were killed on April 16, 2007, when SeungHui Cho killed two students in West Ambler-Johnston Hall before killing 30 more people in Norris Hall 2-and-ahalf hours later. Erin Peterson and Julia Pryde were among the 30 killed in Norris. The families of 28 victims settled with the university in 2008 for $100,000. The Virginia Supreme Court will review both appeals and can decide to either take one, both or decline altogether.

what you’re saying Virginia Tech should allow smoking on campus

Follow this writer on Twitter: @priscialva

crimeblotter

Anonymous: I agree, the government greatly

oversteps its bounds with regard to college campuses. Not only do they attempt to rob you of your second amendment rights but now they’re going to tell adults that they can’t smoke outside. This is egregious and we should all stand up for the rights of the smokers. We can debate the merits of inside smoking but outside bans are just ridiculous.

Peter: As a non-smoker I totally defend the right of

smokers to do so outside. Banning smoking indoors was understandable and defensible. But outside? Please. Draw the line somewhere. I predicted 20 years ago that the war on cigarettes would expand to food and it has. A day will come when you can no longer consume a hamburger on a campus without breaking a law in the name of ‘public health’. Defend smokers rights! Yours are next.

date

time

offense

location

arrestees

status

9/28/2012

4:30-4:35 p.m.

Follow-up to larceny of a book bag and Newman Library contents

10/12/2012

12:10 p.m.

Disorderly Conduct

Stadium Woods

Beverly Lambert, 72

Arrested

10/12/2012

12:10 p.m.

Disorderly Conduct

Stadium Woods

Wendy O’Sullivan, 49

Arrested

10/12/2012

12:10 p.m.

Disorderly Conduct

Stadium Woods

Rebekah Paulson, 50

Arrested

10/12/2012

12:10 p.m.

Disorderly Conduct

Stadium Woods

Dylan Brooks, 29

Arrested

10/12/2012

12:10 p.m.

Disorderly Conduct

Stadium Woods

Rosemarie Sawdod, 75

Arrested

10/12/2012

11:19 p.m.

Grand Larceny

Volume II Bookstore

Mary Hawk, 25

Arrested

10/12/2012

6:00-6:30 p.m.

Larceny of tools

SPH Building D

10/13/2012

1:36 a.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Squires Parking

10/12/2012

10:30 p.m.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Underage Health and Safty Parking Possession of Alcohol

Active

10/13/2012

2:15 a.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Squires Parking

Student Conduct

10/13/2012

1:30 p.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Lane Stadium

Dylan Lee, 20

10/13/2012

1:20 p.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Lane Stadium

Robert Ringney, 52 Arrested

10/13/2012

1:25 p.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public/Underage Possession of Alcohol

Lane Stadium

Samuel Schwartz, 20

Arrested

10/13/2012

1:30 p.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public/Underage Possession of Alcohol

Lane Stadium

Adrienne Ripley, 19

Arrested

10/13/2012

2:10 p.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Lane Stadium

Ladonna Curzon, 55

Arrested

10/13/2012

12:35 p.m.

Underage Possession of Alcohol

Lane Stadium

Brian Sapolsky, 20 Arrested

10/13/2012

2:05 p.m.

Underage Possession of Alcohol

Lane Stadium

Sean Vandyke, 20

Arrested

10/13/2012

2:15 p.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Perry St Parking

Joseph Lloyd, 25

Arrested

10/13/2012

1:00 p.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Lane Stadium

Brian Cowan, 39

Arrested

10/13/2012

2:50 p.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Stadium Woods

Susan Duncan, 38

Arrested

10/13/2012

3:10 p.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Lane Stadium

Jeffrey Bay, 19

Arrested

10/14/2012

1:07 a.m.

Grand Larceny of a street sign

College Ave.

10/14/2012

1:32 a.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public/ Underage Squires Parking Possession of Alcohol/Possession of a Fake ID

Kian Sharafi, 20

Arrested

10/14/2012

1:42 a.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Media Parking Lot

Sean Kump, 22

Arrested

10/14/2012

1:35 a.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Drillfield Dr

Mark Lubeskie, 22

Arrested

10/14/2012

1:57 a.m.

Appear Intoxicated in Public/ Underage Possession of Alcohol

O’Shaughnessy

Student Conduct

10/14/2012

2:29 a.m.

Underage Possession of Alcohol

Newman

Student Conduct

10/15/2012

2:11 a.m.

Larceny

Dietrick

Student Conduct

Inactive

Active Michael Wiley, 22

Arrested

Student Conduct

editors: josh higgins, bethany melson opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

opinions

october 16, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor in Chief: Michelle Sutherland Managing Editor: Nick Cafferky Design Editors: Andrea Ledesma, Alicia Tillman Public Editor: Erin Chapman Web Editor: Chelsea Gunter News Editors: Mallory Noe-Payne, Victoria Zigadlo News Reporters: Priscilla Alvarez, Cody Owens Features Editors: Emma Goddard, Nick Smirniotopoulos Features Staff Writers: Ben Kim, Katie White, Kara Van Scoyc, Allie Sivak, Jacob Wilbanks Opinions Editors: Josh Higgins, Bethany Melson Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Special Sections Editors: Cody Elliot, Gina Patterson Copy Chief: Nora McGann Copy Editors: Allison Hedrick, Kristin Gunter Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: Ryan Francis Circulation Manager: Travis Neale Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Brad Klodowski

MCT CAMPUS

Women should ﬁght for rights, stop politicians’ ‘war on women’

‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’ law exacerbates gender gap

he phrase “war on women” has come up in the past couple of years and while many claim this is a hyperbole, it is true that legitimate legislation, which could negatively affect women in a variety of ways, has surfaced in Congress. There are four primary areas where women are being affected: the economy, women’s rights and treatment in the workplace, the controversy over abortion and the issue of contraception. A recent addition to Mitt Romney’s platform is an idea straight from the Tea Party movement: the repeal of Roe v. Wade. Romney announced he would like to see it repealed if he is elected president, but he has also said that while abortion would be banned, there would be exceptions in the cases of “rape, incest and life of the mother.” However, the term “forcible rape” is being thrown around among many conservatives to question the legitimacy and seriousness of an issue such as rape. This certainly will be problematic for the first two cases Romney cited. But Romney is not alone in this election season. Former Sen. George Allen, who is running against former Gov. Tim Kaine to replace Sen. James Webb, supports the repeal of Roe v. Wade, as well. Additionally, the push against the “morning-after pill” and for “Personhood” bills also threatens the authority of women over their own lives and the choice of when to start a family. The issue over contraception is equally complex, specifically due to the fact that contraception, like abortion, is not a black-and-white issue, and many conservatives turn a blind eye to the grey area in between. According to NPR, the nonprofit Guttmacher Institute examined data from a survey completed by the National Survey of Family Growth and found that 14 percent of birth control pill users — or more than 1.5 million women — take the medication for a reason other than contraception. The pill holds a large variety of medical uses other than contraception, including preventing migraines and reducing cramping associated with menstruation, regulating menstruation, controlling acne and controlling medical conditions such as endometriosis. Also noteworthy is only a minority of

pill users — 42 percent — cited birth control as the main purpose for their usage. Often ignored by politicians against contraception, the pill offers great health benefits for women all over the country and is often used for multiple purposes. The pill rightfully gives women control over their own bodies and can be essential to a woman’s health. In the work force, women are also being impacted. According to Rolling Stone.com, women’s pay increases have stagnated in America, and women make an average of 23 percent less than men. Women, however, hold disproportionately more government jobs. The government cuts Romney has called for would result in a massive loss of public-sector jobs, thus impacting women more than men. To put it into perspective, since June 2009, 601,000 government workers were put out of work due to budget cuts, and roughly two-thirds of those workers were women. Politicians — primarily Republicans — have repeatedly voted against legislation proposed by Democrats to help women, such as the Paycheck Fairness Act. After speaking with several women on these issues, they all expressed contempt for their lack of proper representation on these topics and believe women should have authority over their own bodies and the right to choose. They asserted the idea of more budgets cuts and fewer government jobs is daunting, and the anti-woman approach taken by many politicians and party talking-heads is reprehensible. Unfortunately, with the exception of very conservative female politicians, legislation regarding women’s rights is constructed and argued over predominantly by men. For this very reason, it is imperative that women call out against these pieces of legislation, research these topics and write letters, columns, and stories to push our politicians away from legislation that could hurt the women of this country. RYAN PFEIFLE -regular colomnist -freshman -university studies

n his fi rst day in office, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Act. The administration coined it the “Equal Pay for Equal Work” bill. However, the law does not give fair pay for equal work, but rather extends the period of time that women are able to fi le a claim of wage discrimination. With each new paycheck, the six-month time frame for fi ling a lawsuit resets. The bill passed with minimal Republican support. The Republican members opposed the bill primarily because of how it affects employers — and therefore job creation — and on the belief that, as a result of the new legislation, gender discrimination — and hence, not hiring — in the workplace would likely increase because employers would fear lawsuits from female workers. The Obama Administration cites the Department of Labor statistic that full-time working American women earn 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. They claim this is the ‘wage gap.’ However, the statistic does not account for the number of hours per week women and men work on average. To a considerable degree, the ‘gender wage gap’ is more a ‘gender hours gap.’ The Department of Labor considers full-time employment to be 35 or more hours per week. Men are more likely to work more hours, while women are more likely to work less than 35 hours per week. In 2009, 66.6 percent of American workers working less than 35-hour workweeks were women. In comparison, just 45.1 percent of workers logging more than 35 hours a week were men. Adjusting for education, experience, race, industry and occupation, nine cents per hour was attributed to gender discrimination, according to Blau and Kahn’s “Perspectives,” and between five and seven cents per hour, according to Consad Research of Pittsburgh. The wage gap depends on the labor-force participation rate by

“

The Lilly Ledbetter Act provides a forum to air grievances that may or may not be related to wage differetials. However, it obscures the fact that differentials are due to choices... it does not affect the decisions of women regarding laborforce participation.”

women, which is a function of a number of variables, both personal and societal. In a study done by the University of Chicago of collegeeducated women who graduated between 1992 and 1993, only 25.6 percent were working 10 years later. Women are likely to opt out of the labor force in order to spend time with their children. The Lilly Ledbetter Act provides a forum to air grievances that may or may not be related to wage differentials. However, it obscures the fact that differentials are due to choices. Even with Lilly Ledbetter, you would expect these differentials to continue and perhaps resolve a few individual claims. However, it does not affect the decisions of women regarding labor-force participation. As a piece of social legislation designed to improve women’s wages in comparison to men, the Lilly Ledbetter Act is more likely to result in fewer employed females because fi rms fear potential litigation, adverse publicity from such cases, and the amount of resources they would have to devote to defending themselves against such claims. SALLY BRADY -regular colomnist -agricultural and applied economics -graduate student

College Media Solutions Assistant Ad Director: Carla Craft Account Executives: Elizabeth Dam, Emily Daugherty, Taylor Moran Inside Sales Manager: Amanda Gawne Assistant Account Executives: Andrew Newton, Jordan Williams Creative Director: Danielle Bushrow Assistant Creative Services Director: Alyssa Morrison Creative Staff: Mary Dassira, Diana Bayless Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes. com All letters to the editor must include a name and daytime phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. All other submissions must include city of residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). All letters should be in MS Word (.doc) format, if possible. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor-in-chief and the managing editors. Letters to the editor are submissions from Collegiate Times readers. We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Have a news tip? Call or text 200-TIPS or e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes. com Collegiate Times Newsroom 231-9865 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions Advertising 961-9860 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The Collegiate Times receives no direct funding from the university. The Collegiate Times can be found online at www.collegiatetimes.com. Except where noted, all photographs were taken by the Student Publications Photo Staff. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2012. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.

october 16, 2012

Regular Edition

GET INSIDE THE GAME

Today’s Birthday Horoscope: You’re the birthday star, so make a wish (or several) as you plant your seeds by the moonlight for future thriving. Include specific career goals, travel possibilities and educational passions to pursue. This year is all about learning. Fill it with adventure.

Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham Quote of the Day

“You can’t always sit in your corner of the forest and wait for people to come to you... you have to go to them sometimes.” - Winnie the Pooh

Send us your quote and see it here! creative.services@collegemedia.com

XKDC by Randell Monroe

7 6

5 6 5

3 4 9

9 6

8 2

9 2

6 2 7 5 8 4

6 3

Complete the grid so that each column, row and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9. For a greater challege see how fast you can complete the puzzle. Copyright 2007 Puzzles by Pappocom Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com

Week ending October 19, 2012

By Daniel Finan

ACROSS 1 Dollar bill weight, roughly 5 Dey job? 10 __ Stream 14 San __ 15 Silly 16 Adidas alternative 17 From the top 18 Blanche __, pseudonymous author of the 1983 best-seller “Truly Tasteless Jokes” 19 “No ice, please” 20 questions 23 Terhune collie

Top Tracks I Knew You Were Trouble • Taylor Swift One More Night • Maroon 5

1 (3) 2 (5) 3

Skyfall • Adele

(2) 4

Gangam Style • PSY

Die Young • Ke$ha

10/16/12 24 Annual sign of bad behavior? 25 “Alice” singer Lavigne 28 Orator’s vocal quality 33 Sacramento daily 34 Sched. B item on a 1040 35 High point of an Alaskan trip? 36 hours 40 Seven-time N.L. batting champ 41 Storm dir. 42 They lead to an F 43 Six-pack abs?

WORDSEARCH: NBC TV Shows Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid.

W E

W W O

W R

W D

W N

W A

M WORD BANK I America’s Got Talent N Law and Order U Smash T Up All Night E Minute to Win It Biggest Loser T Grimm O Parenthood W Tonight Show I Whitney Community N The Firm I Apprentice T Harry’s Law R The Office W Parks and Rec Saturday Night S Live V The Voice U Fear Factor

45 Seat of Colorado’s Pitkin County 47 TriBeCa neighbor 48 Blueprint subject, perhaps 49 ers 57 Frankfurt’s river 58 Phils, e.g. 59 Deception 60 ’70s pinup name 61 Beneficiary 62 Its state bird is the cardinal 63 2-Down unit 64 Fixes 65 Place to cross, on signs

DOWN 1 Seles rival 2 Eye care brand 3 Flock response 4 “The Jungle Book” boy 5 Dug, so to speak 6 Heart lead singer Wilson et al. 7 Where kip are spent 8 Silliness 9 Party pooper 10 Underworld 11 Where the iris is 12 Neeson who voiced Aslan in the “Narnia” movies 13 You may have a brush with it 21 It merged with Continental in 2010: Abbr. 22 Swindler, in slang 25 Trinity test subject 26 Locale 27 Maker of pieces? 28 Genetic letters 29 One of the convicted Rosenberg spies 30 Image Awards org.

31 1930s public enemy 32 NFL Network sportscaster Rich 34 Devil’s tools, metaphorically 37 Touchdown site 38 Big shot 39 More than zero 44 Walk bouncily 45 Modeled after 46 Sneaky devil

48 “It’s nobody __ business” 49 Go out 50 Nose wrinkler 51 Sommelier’s prefix 52 Singer Horne 53 Hunted 54 Pre-coll. catchall 55 Shower in public? 56 Urban miasma

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

10/12/12

Join us to visit over 50 companies seeking Interns and Full-Time positions in Architecture, Building Construction, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, Traffic, Geotech, and Structural Engineering

CAREER FAIR CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Tuesday, October 23rd 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Interviews may be scheduled for Wednesday, October 24th

Skelton Conference Center The Inn at VT

Visit www.cf.cee.vt.edu to view the participating firms.

GET INSIDE THE GAME WITH CLEMSON - OCTOBER 20th, 2012

editors: emma goddard, nick smirniotopoulos featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

arts & entertainment

october 16, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Kevin Hart performs for sellout crowd Arts: Performance

shows Tech’s potential

NICK SMIRNIOTOPOULOS features editor

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart came to Virginia Tech last Thursday and performed in front of a sellout crowd in Burruss Hall. The Homecoming Laugh Riot 2012 was sponsored by the Black Student Alliance, an annual initiative for the organization to bring highprofile black artists to Tech. After mounting anticipation and eagerness from his two opening comedians, Hart arrived onstage, bringing with him fresh, new material. While many of his jokes poked fun at his small stature, boasting a height of 5’2”, his comedic material bounced around between various topics, such as interacting with women, taking selfdefense classes and going horseback riding with his children. When talking about s e l f- d e fe n s e classes, Hart described his climb to fame and need for some protection — especially considering his size and build. Hart described his first few body guards, each increasing with intensity. First, there was Wayne, whose advice was to “play dead” when a group of men fired shots at a club. Next, there was Steve, who after returning from a trip to the bathroom, lifted Hart over the VIP railing to return him to his proper place. “I have never felt so small,” Hart said with a laugh. After the first two disappointments, Hart brought in two professional bodyguards, who were a little too serious for his liking. Hart described a time while eating at Applebee’s where the bodyguards forbid him to sit by the window. “I am not at the ‘sniper level’ at this point in my

from page one

‘Old time friends’

NICK SMIRNIOTOPOULOS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Hart performs a 30-minute set of brand new material for more than 3,000 fans in Burrus Auditorium. career,” Hart said. yet again made fun of his the end of the year. Hart moved smoothly from height. The night’s first opener, stories of bodyguards to Unable to straddle the horse Joey Wells, helped write stories of his children. He and reach the foot loops, Hart’s documentary “Laugh was married in 2003 and has Hart began to kick the horse at My Pain” and the TV two kids; he got divorced last to make it go, which made it movie “Kevin Hart: Seriously year. accelerate rapidly. Funny.” Hart described his child’s “I thought everyone was Wells discussed relevant imaginative stage, pretend- saying, ‘Let go,’ so I student-body topics such as ing to be Spiderman. Despite rolled off and said, ‘Jesus, getting a college degree in the some hesitancy, the come- take the wheel,’” Hart current economy, frat pardian decided to play along explained. ties and ensuing frat fights with his five-year-old son’s After his roughly 30-min- and early jobs as a teenager, imagination. ute routine, the comedian which was at McDonald’s in “When he gets mad at me, received a standing ovation Wells’ case. he webs me,” Hart said. from more than 3,000 stuThe night’s second opener, One time, when his son dent, faculty and commu- Will “Spank” Horton, helped webbed him, the father nity members. The audience write “Laugh at My Pain.” played along, but his son appeared entertained, excit- Horton followed in Wells’ said, “I had (my web) turned ed and satisfied. footsteps, talking about reloff this time, Dad.” It seems Hart has appeared in evant topics such as college Hart’s son has inherited his mainstream comedies such parties, relationships and father’s inventive comedic as “Scary Movie 4,” “Along getting a college degree. thought. Came Polly,” “The 40 Year Hart will perform again on Finally, Hart finished with Old Virgin” and “Little Friday in Columbus, Ohio a story of going horseback Fockers.” His tour “Let Me and Saturday in Washington, riding with his family, which Explain” continues through D.C.

Lifestyle & Community have a big announcement, selling things, need help?

Giovanni, Angelou and Morrison have all been friends for several decades; Giovanni and Angelou cannot even remember a time when they were not friends. “Someone recently asked (Angelou) how she knows me and neither of us can remember when we didn’t know each other,” Giovanni said. The three writers all lived in New York City several decades ago where they began to establish their relationships. After reading “The Bluest Eye,” Giovanni took the initiative to call Random House Publishing, where Morrison was an editor at the time, to ask her out for lunch. The two writers had mutual friends that they connected over, and their friendship blossomed over the years. “I have been out of New York almost 30 years,” Giovanni said. “Once you leave, you have to make a point of seeing people. With this program, I have gotten to see her a lot more.” Giovanni commented that while the group has established strong friendships, they keep their work separate. “I think writers have to be careful not to influence other writers,” Giovanni said. “The group of writers that is coming will have less book talk than others. (Toni) doesn’t need me to say what I do and don’t like; it would ruin friendships. It has been done, and this is not the time to discuss that.”

‘Popular artists’ The combination of writers, poets and musicians at the event includes many big time names. “When are students going to have an opportunity to be on stage with two Pulitzer Prize winners?” Giovanni said. When selecting the special guests in attendance for the

event, Giovanni, Morrison and Angelou all compiled lists of people they wanted to come. After completing these lists, a select few were contacted. The events’ special guests include India Arie, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer; Angela Davis, emerita professor at UC Santa Cruz; and Rita Dove, English professor at University of Virginia, among many others. “The arts kids never get to see their idols,” Giovanni said. “It is just meaningful to be able to do that.”

‘An arts initiative’ While most people associate Tech with its architecture, engineering and business programs, this event is just part of an initiative for the university to promote its arts programs. The new Center for the Arts, slated to open in late 2013, will include a 1,260-seat performance hall for music, theater, and dance performances. In addition, the building which is currently under construction will house visual art galleries and new digital media exhibits. Giovanni would like to see the arts emerge to the same attention level of Tech athletics. “I want people to think about Tech and the arts… I want them to say, ‘Who are they having next year?’ I want this event to start the conversation," she said. "People talk about Tech football, but I want that level of excitement for the arts.” Giovanni feels that this type of excitement requires creativity and initiative, and she believes that this event is the starting point. “I think Tech needs to really think outside the box. Now that we have this wonderful building coming up, it is not a question of filling it but being unique.”

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tip of the week

LESSON 1: WHERE TO BUY GAS QUESTION: Should I only consider price when going to purchase gas?

ANSWER: Ask whether the gas you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you get a song and dance, find another gas station. Some stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly — or worse, water down their product. Find a station you trust and stick to it.

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LESSON 2: CHANGE OIL FREQUENTLY QUESTION: How often should I check and change my oil? Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) The air is illed with romance. Postpone travel for a few days. Start computing expenses. It’ll be easier to make household changes soon, but don’t obsess about it. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Your power is intense over the next few days. Handle it as well as you can. It’s best to have a plan in place, even if you don’t follow it. Everyone bene its at the end. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You’re under pressure to complete a project that you’ve been avoiding. Roll up your sleeves and procrastinate no more (at least until later). Find out what rules apply. You win again.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You can ind the right balance between work and friends. Listen to those who support you, and let your self-esteem rise. Don’t forget to support others. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Help comes from far away, possibly inancial. Time to re inance? Do the homework and provide necessary information. Bring your quest for truth and social justice to work. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Adopt rules you can keep and let go of the ones you know you won’t. New opportunities arise. A private conversation soothes. Acceptance is key (and humor).

Aries (Mar. 21-April 19) Work with a powerful team, and listen with intent. Don’t act like you already know the answer or you’ll miss a great opportunity. Creative work has a bittersweet lavor. Every little bit counts.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Reserve the next two days for fun that’s balanced with creative productivity. Extend your psychic antennae. Don’t believe everything you’ve learned. Put in the work to reap rewards.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Gain experience and mastery. Share the load today and tomorrow, but hold on to the responsibility. And leave time in your schedule for romance. A bit of glamour won’t hurt.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Stick close to home for the next two days. Clean up and discover a treasure. Make room for love. Friends can help you ind the perfect expert.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today and tomorrow, delve into the details. Hot soaks relax stressed muscles. Don’t squander your resources, even if you think you have plenty. Learn from an expert.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Practicing something you love goes very well now. Make sure you get all you earned. People know they can trust you to get down to the truth. Waste not, want not.

ANSWER:Your dad knew that frequent oil changes were key to keeping his Buick on the road another year. And while owner’s manuals for today’s cars recommend increasing long intervals between oil changes, the fact remains — frequent changes flush abrasive dirt and metal particles out of the engine, prolonging its life. Most owner’s manuals recommend a more frequent interval for “severe conditions.” To maximize the life of your engine, follow the severe intervals recommendations, especially if drive regularly in stop-and-go traffic. -http://www.rd.com

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sports

october 16, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Season far from over for Hokies

editors: matt jones, zach mariner sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Volleyball drops two matches over weekend Despite recent struggles, the Hokies still have their sights set on their second-ever NCAA tournament BRIAN MARCOLINI sports staff writer

MARK UMANSKY/ SPPS

Linebacker Bruce Taylor celebrates after the Hokies’ 41-20 win over Duke last Saturday. The victory ended Tech’s two-game losing streak.

After struggling early in the game, Tech scored 41 unanswered points against Duke for their biggest comeback under Frank Beamer

t’s mid-October, the Hokies are usually Bowl eligible by now. This season is different. The Hokies have played seven games in 2012, and the only thing separating them from a losing record is the largest comeback in Frank Beamer’s tenure. Slow starts are nothing new to those who follow the maroon and orange, but the first 12 minutes against Duke were as bad as it gets. With 3:12 left on the clock in the first quarter, the Hokies found themselves down 20-0. Tech had given up more penalty yards than they had gained offensively. The offense had given up six points, while scoring zero. They had run eight plays in 12 minutes. To the leaders of the team, all this meant was they had three quarters to turn it around. “One thing that coach has been preaching all week is that once a play is over, it’s over. There is no sense in getting down on yourself or moping about it,” said senior linebacker Bruce Taylor. “It’s easier said than done, but our guys did great.” Earlier in the week at a team meeting, quarterback Logan Thomas spoke to the team about the importance of not giving up. “If things don’t go right at first, just hang in there and keep playing,” Beamer said, referring to Thomas’ speech. Naturally, panic has taken over Blacksburg in the past few weeks. The fan base, which over the years has become content watching its team falter early only to respond strongly, is scarred.

Sure, the Duke game (at least the final three quarters) offered reassurance of what kind of team the Hokies can have, but therein lies the problem. The fans know how talented this team can be, they have seen glimpses of it throughout the season, so they want to know why this team is struggling to beat mediocre opponents? To summarize an answer that could fill an encyclopedia: it’s inconsistency. Saturday’s game against Duke was just a microcosm for how this season has been. In the first quarter, the Duke offense was marching at will against Tech. The D-line was unable to establish pressure, the defensive backs were getting beat downfield, and the squad as a whole was missing tackles. The offense was not any better. They were unable to get a ground game going, and they became predictable in their play calling. The Lane Stadium crowd finally let out a cheer for the first time late in the quarter, probably in sarcastic nature, after a Tech first down, the only thing for which the fans were able to cheer. The revamped offense struggled to find its identity, and things went from bad to worse to unbearable, then — just like that — something changed. The offense was able to run the ball effectively, setting up big passes downfield. Defensive pressure wreaked havoc on the Duke offense for the remainder of the game, resulting in minus-two yards of offense for the Blue Devils in the third quarter. The crowd was back in full support of the team, giving the D a standing ovation after a three-and-out, one that includ-

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ed two sacks and a forced fumble. As the team goes, so do the fans. The next three games are the Hokies’ toughest of the season. The answer to one question will determine the remainder of the season for the team — which team will show up? To beat Clemson, Miami and Florida State, the first two of which take place on the road, will require a total team effort for all 60 minutes of play. Though its record may lead some to believe otherwise, Duke is a very average football team. The early 20-point deficit could have easily been greater, and it was not inconceivable to see the Hokies coming back against the Blue Devils. It will be nearly impossible to do so in their upcoming games if they fall behind so early and by such a margin. “It’s going to be fun. These are the games that I look forward to,” Taylor said. “You’re only the best if you can beat the best. These next three games are probably the best three opponents we have and if we come out with wins against those three we will be sitting pretty nicely.” The Hokies sit at 4-3. Their toughest three games and their biggest rival sit ahead of them. Their bowl-streak is on the line. They can still make the ACC Championship game. Heck, if they play near perfect football, their ten-win season streak may be salvaged — by no means is the season anywhere near over.

There is an unwritten rule in all sports that says sometimes you get the breaks, and sometimes you just don’t. Unfortunately for the Virginia Tech volleyball team, they did not get any breaks over the weekend. The Hokies played host to two ACC teams this past weekend, losing matches against the North Carolina State Wolfpack on Friday and the North Carolina Tar Heels on Sunday. They marked the third and fourth straight losses for a Hokie team that has its eyes set on the NCAA Tournament. “This was a really tough weekend for us,” said head coach Chris Riley. “But now we have do a little soul searching and see what kind of team we want to be.” On Friday, the Hokies looked like they had righted the ship, coming out strong against an inconference, third-place Wolfpack team. Tech was up 21-13 in the first set behind stellar play from sophomore outside hitter Kathyrn Caine, but then gave up nine straight points and eventually lost 25-23. After that heartbreaking first set, the Hokies bounced back with ease, picking up a win in the second set to even the match. However, a few team mistakes and close calls that did not go their way sealed their fate, dropping the next two sets and sequentially the match. Caine played nearly perfectly off the bench (13 kills on 14 attacks) and Samantha Gostling, Cara Baarendse and Tori Hamsher also paced the Hokies’ attack. Tech then came back to Cassell Coliseum on Sunday to take on the star-

laden Tar Heels. Lead by All-American outside hitter Emily McGee and last year’s ACC Freshman of the Year Cameron Van Noy, Carolina came in looking to make the tournament for the second consecutive year. The two teams played like their tournament bubble was about to burst. The first two sets had a total of 22 ties and eight lead changes, and the sides traded blocks and big kills. But, just as in the first match, the breaks did not go the Hokies’ way. And although they held McGee to a paltry three kills, the team dropped both sets. With the wind seemingly out of Tech’s sails, the Tar Heels put them away, sweeping the match 3-0. The Hokies were lead by Gostling and Jennifer Wiker, who had 10 kills apiece. “(North Carolina) just came out here and beat us,” Riley said. “They took control up front and we could never really answer.” The losses leave the Hokies at 11-8, with a conference record of 4-5. Despite the slight slump, the team still has over half of their conference schedule remaining, providing a lot of time for improvement. “We still have a lot of big games on our schedule,” said Riley. “We are really going to see what we are made of during the next few games.” The Hokies are looking for their second ever trip to the postseason. Many of the players were members of the team in 2010 that earned the first tournament birth in school history. There is, however, no conference tournament in volleyball, meaning that Tech will have to receive one of the ever coveted “bubble spots” in order to make it.

JACOB EMERT -sports staff writer -sophomore -history -@jacobemert

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