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Super Bowl about XLVII

inside on page 8 An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com

COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 65 News, page 2

People & Clubs , page 4

Opinions, page 5

Sports, page 3

Study Break, page 6

Sbarro to be replaced by gourmet burgers DEAN SEAL associate news editor

Burger fans rejoice.

The Sbarro in Squires, acquired in 2002 by Dining Services, will be relinquishing its space when their contract expires. While rumors have circulated that a Panda Express franchise would be taking Sbarro’s spot, an upscale, gourmet burger concept will be taking the space instead.

The abundance of pizza places on Tech’s campus was a major determinant of Sbarro’s departure.

“We’re getting some feedback from the Student Government

Association, and from the Dining Services’ Student Advisory Council,” said Luther Moseley, assistant director of Squires and the Graduate Life Center for Dining Services. “They’ve said, ‘We’ve got pizza at West End Market, we’ve got pizza at Pizza Hut at Hokie Grill, at Dietrick, DX and Turner Place. We don’t need more pizza.’”

Giving credence to the rumors, Moseley has said the top candidates for Sbarro’s replacement were a Chinese eatery and a burger place. After discussions with the SGA and the council, Moseley said, “We’re going with burgers.”

Had Dining Services chosen a Chinese restaurant instead of burgers, Panda Express was the “leading contender” to fill the space. However, Moseley said that Dining Services was not excited about the idea of contracting another franchise.

Instead, a burger restaurant created by Dining Services offered more flexibility.

“We found that if we go with the burger concept, we can do something on our own, without having to franchise it,” Moseley said. “So the burger concept is what we’ve researched and feel like will be widely supported by the student body, and this is

going to be a great location for it.”

According to Moseley, the burger concept is entirely

“

The burger concept is what we’ve researched and feel like will be widely supported by the student body.”

Luther Moseley Associate Director of Squires developed by Dining Services,

using in-house chefs. Members of Dining Services, including Moseley, visited upscale burger restaurants, mostly in Northern Virginia, to find inspiration for their burger crafting style.

Nazim Khan, Executive Chef Senior for Dining Services, is developing the menu and recipes for the new location, which will include beef, turkey and veggie patties. The veggie patties will be black bean based, and completely different than those served at Au Bon Pain. Speaking about Khan’s take on the veggie patty, Moseley noted, “I’ve tasted it. It’s wonderful … and it will be a fresh patty, not a frozen,

purchased product.”

The restaurant will also serve hand-cut fries, and it intends to use potato buns and fresh ingredients. The provider for meats used in the burgers has not been determined yet, though it may be local.

“We’re talking to VT Meats as a possibility, but beyond that, the closer we can get it, the better,” said Moseley. “We’re not sure (VT Meats) is going to be able to provide the quantities that we’re going to need, because we’re expecting this to be pretty high volume. But if we can’t get the total quantities, maybe we see BURGER / page two

Milking it for all it’s worth Students lobby to state legislators

CODY OWENS news staff writer

Got milk? Virginia Tech does — and it wants to use it.

A new partnership between Dining Services and the department of dairy science brought milk harvested from the university’s own cows to D2 at Dietrick Hall. Available in whole, skim and 1% chocolate, the local milk further separates Tech’s dining program from the rest of the herd.

Dining Services previously had an agreement with the department of animal and poultry eciences to provide local beef and pork to the dining halls. Ted Faulkner, director of Dining Services, had a vision to have local milk as well, but couldn’t find the right person.

Me a nwh i le , Sha ne Brannock, Tech’s dairy farm superintendent, heard of Dining Services initiative and wanted in.

“I contacted Dining Services about a year ago asking if they would be interested in partnering,” Brannock said. “They were glad that I contacted them because they had been wanting to do the same thing for quite some time.”

Initial plans were made in the fall of 2011, but several obstacles still had to be overcome.

While the milk comes from Tech’s Dairy Center, located toward the southwest of campus, it doesn’t stay there. After being harvested from one of the 250 dairy heifers, the milk is then shipped to the James River Department of Agribusiness, a Va. Dept. of Corrections-run facility near Richmond, where the milk is stripped and pasteurized by offenders.

“The Dept. of Corrections ships milk all over the state

JUSTIN GRAVES news reporter

Yesterday, as part of the annual Hokie Day, 108 Virginia Tech students traveled to Richmond to lobby to state legislators on issues that are important to Virginia Tech’s future. These students came from every college at the university and

important in higher education.

“Our legislators already understand how important STEM is to the future of our economy on the global scale,” Shelton told students. “We also want them to understand that Virginia Tech graduates more than twice as many STEM graduates each year as any other individual institution of

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

The dairy farm at Tech uses 250 heifers in its ‘milk herd’ to harvest 335 gallons of milk every other day. and in North Carolina, Maryland, and DC,” Brannock said.

The university was already in agreement to sell all of its milk to the Dept. of Corrections, so Dining

“

We want to be transparent with the students on where the food products come from.

Ted Faulkner Director of Dining Services

Services had to make a deal with them to have some of the milk shipped back to campus after pasteurization.

Before everything was finalized, Dining Services went in person to tour the plant and make sure that their milk had met the university’s nutritional and taste standards.

“Their chocolate milk pro-

file had a sugar substitute in it, but we felt strongly that the f lavored milk be very similar to what we currently had,” said Faulkner.

“It took a while for them to convert over to sugarcane versus imitation sugar.”

Before Dining Services could fully convert to the Tech milk, they had to notify their previous supplier that they would no longer be purchasing bulk milk from them. The new milk began to be served on the first day of the spring semester.

After processing it at James River, the Dept. of Corrections brings back 335 gallons of Tech’s milk to campus every other day, equaling about 4,000 gallons a month.

“We’re very proud of this relationship,” Faulkner said.

“We want to be transparent with the students on where the food products come from.”

Having this milk being brought from Tech’s fields to its glasses aligns with the university’s sustainability

initiative and has left some people udderly excited.

“I think if you have a local resource, you should use it,” said junior Becky Garnett, an animal and poultry science major. “It doesn’t get much more local than across campus.”

Faulkner added that students have requested more sustainable practices such as using local meat and, although the milk must be shipped from James River and back, this is as local as possible.

“We don’t have the ability to pasteurize it on campus, but bringing it back on campus brings it full circle,” Faulkner said.

While offering milk harvested on campus for consumption is an impressive feat for the university, it’s made even more so considering that its students are the one’s doing the milking.

“We rely on student labor heavily,” Brannock said.

“We rely on students for see MILK / page two

COURTESY OF MICHAELE WHITE

Tech alumni joined 108 students to discuss funding and policies. ranged in every year from freshman to graduate student.

The 15-year-old Hokie Day tradition used to be a day for alumni to lobby General Assembly primarily on funding issues, but in the years that students have joined, last year was the first time students outnumbered the alumni.

“All of these students understand the importance of legislative advocacy and are here today to make a difference for the university that they will, someday, be alumni for,” said Tom Tillar, vice president of alumni relations and a member of the Tech class of ’69.

At the towering SunTrust Building, students received talking points from university administrators like Tillar, President Charles W. Steger, and Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer Dwight Shelton. These talking points stressed telling stories about their experiences and what they individually felt was

higher education in Virginia.

We do more than any of those two combined.”

Among other legislative priorities were increased brain disorder and health sciences research. Some of this funding would assist the Virginia Tech Carillon School of Medicine and Research Institute with future projects.

The research that institutions like Carillion are doing in Roanoke is going to make the next few years very interesting, said Speaker of the House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-28th).

Sen. John Watkins (R-10th) met exclusively with Hokie Day participants and spoke on this issue as well. He is a Tech alumnus and has over thirty years of service in the state government.

“It’s things like this that, someday, will make health care more affordable. We are doing everything we can at our level see HOKIE / page two

Tech kicker expresses regret over pepper spray incident MALLORY NOE-PAYNE news editor

Virginia Tech football player Cody Journell sprayed a can of pepper spray in Blacksburg’s Buffalo Wild Wings last Thursday night, clearing out the restaurant and bar.

The incident happened around 9 p.m. Thursday as Journell and some of his friends were watching the Virginia Tech-Virginia basketball game.

Journell described the incident as an accident and

expressed regret.

“Stuff likes this happens,” Journell said, “Accidents happen.”

JOURNELL According to Journell, he was describing to his friend how her small can of pepper spray worked, holding the key-chain sized can in his hand. As he passed it back to her, it was triggered and released.

According to a server who was working at the time

and witnessed the incident, Journell immediately approached someone who worked at the restaurant and admitted that it was him and that it had been an accident.

Later, Journell went to the police himself to report the incident.

The entire bar and most of the restaurant ran outside onto the patio. People were crying, coughing and throwing up from the effects of the gas.

The restaurant was cleared for approximately an hour

and about $50 dollars of tabs were left unpaid. Those working at the time also lost money in unpaid tips.

“I think he meant to do it,” the server admitted, based on observation, “But I don’t think he knew it was going to have the effect that it had.”

“He was extremely apologetic,” the server emphasized.

Buffalo Wild Wings and those affected are currently not pressing any charges.

Police did not make an arrest.

A security camera caught the incident on tape, but the

Collegiate Times was unable to obtain a copy of the video.

Buffalo Wild Wings was unavailable for c omment.

Journell, who will be a redshirt-senior in the fall, is kicker on the football team. In 2012, he played in all 13 games, kicking game winners against Georgia Tech, Boston College and Virginia. He went 20-25 on field goal attempts in 2012.

On Dec. 21, 2011, Journell and two others went to the apartment of Tech basketball player Dorenzo Hudson and his

roommate to retrieve stolen marijuana, according to prosecutors.Journell remained in jail through Dec. 28 before being released on a $100,000 secured bond. He was suspended from the team until his legal matters were resolved. In May, the court found Journell guilty of misdemeanor trespassing. He was sentenced to 100 hours of community “service.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @MalloryNoePayne

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february 1, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES

Milk: Labor helps educate students from page one

most of the harvesting of milk, for feeding the replacement heifers and other farm labor.”

Students like Garnett not only work at the 600-acre Dairy Center, but also learn there. She viewed the situation as an opportunity to educate the campus community about the dairy industry.

“A lot of people, especially if they grew up in cities, really don’t have any idea where milk comes from,” said Garnett. “They know milk comes from cows, but they don’t know the whole process.”

As far as the milking process goes, Brannock joked that describing it in depth would take far too long. It starts, of course, with the cow.

While Tech’s herd totals more than 500 head of cattle; the milk herd is 250 heifers. A replacement herd that’s being raised to be brought into the milk herd totals 225 head, while the remaining 25 cows are used for research and educational purposes.

Both Faulkner and Brannock were enthusiastic about their partnership. The former said that not only is this a great way to support the school’s initial purpose as an agricultural school, but it also makes good business sense.

“Our goal is to make it a permanent part of our operations,” Faulkner said.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @CodyOwens5

editors: priscilla alvarez, mallory noe-payne, dean seal newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Hokie: Funding still an issue

what you’re saying

from page one

On Walking the Line: ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy dent, hailing from Pennsylvania. Virginia, and we are the largest should be striked

to make sure that funding is allocated where it can be used most effectively,” Watkins said.

Erica Wood, a junior international studies major, is the director of governmental affairs for the SGA. Wood helped organize the entire event for the students.

She and other students also attended the health and welfare committee meeting with Del. Joseph Yost (R-12th) who represents the area of Virginia that encompasses the university.

“It was very neat to hear their opinions on the issues and ask us what our thoughts were. I could tell that they really valued our opinion and it felt like they enjoyed hearing it too,” Wood said.

Lauren Radzevich, a freshman political science major, had a different perspective than most because she is an out-of-state stu-

“Even though I’m not a Virginia resident, I thought it was really important to get down here and help out,” Radzevich said. “Virginia does a great job of giving students reasonably affordable in-state tuition, and I wanted to let them know not only do I appreciate that, but it’s more affordable than my home state as an out-of-state student, too.”

While administrators stressed their appreciation of the additional General Fund support proposed in the Executive Budget, they also expressed the desire for further funding.

“Virginia Tech received the lowest percentage of incremental General Fund support of all four-year institutions in 20122013,” Steger told students. “We have the lowest administrative cost of any institution in

in size. When people talk about waste, they are not talking about Virginia Tech.”

After students concluded their meetings with legislators, they were recognized in both the House and Senate, for their engagement in the process of lobbying to legislators.

“I think the coolest part was seeing so many students engaged and really enjoying the process.

Since we meet with legislators from our voting areas, they really do stop and listen to us. They hear our stories,” Wood said.

“Hopefully we have done what we can to help Virginia Tech.”

Elizabeth Hooper, Tech’s liason to the general assembly, helped organize the trip.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @HesOnWheels

Burger: Much to be determined from page one

can integrate it in some way.”

Moseley couldn’t offer the anticipated prices for meals served at the incoming eatery, but he noted they would reflect the upscale style of the restaurant and food.

“This is not going to be in the McDonald’s end of the spectrum, this is going to be more restaurant style,” Moseley said.

“It’s going to be commensurate with restaurants that provide gourmet burgers.”

Moseley expects most current Sbarro staff to flow into operations seamlessly, and hopes the burger place will create more opportunities for employment.

Aubrey Huffman, operations manager for Sbarro, confirmed

most of his staff plan on returning to the location next semester.

The name of the new location has not yet been determined, but senior management of Dining Services hopes to use a student contest to come up with an appropriate title. Dining Services plans to open the restaurant by the end of August, at the start of next semester, but Moseley noted the uncertainty in the current timeline.

Some student reaction to the news notes a hint of disappointment in the decision to forgo a Panda Express on campus.

Jordan Scott, a senior English major, was “not happy” about the decision, stating, “The Chinese food at Owens is unfortunate.”

Others are more positive about

the change.

“I wasn’t a Sbarro fan. I heard rumors it was going to be a Panda Express, and I was really excited for that,” said Michael Driscoll, a junior business information technology major. “But I think a burger place will be more enjoyable, and I’ll go there a lot more than I went to Sbarro.”

While the fate of the burger concept is, like many other aspects of its development, “to be determined,” Moseley expects the student body will quickly pass judgment on the new restaurant soon after its completion, saying, “People vote with their pocketbook.”

Brandi: I know that this article is trolling for hits, but at least the critics who have not liked the film watched it first. If you don’t want to watch a movie, that’s fine...but don’t then presume to know enough to write an article trashing said movie. I see no problem with what Peter Jackson has done, and this “cash grab” line is getting old...it’s been (successfully) refuted time and time again. In my opinion, the movie works very well, and I can easily see how Jackson’s new storyline will fit into three movies. Some do not share my opinion, but again: at least they saw the movie first. I see that you’re an editor...that means you should know what real journalism constitutes- researching your subject without jumping to conclusions; however, if you feel that your opinion really needs to be out there, post it to your blog or facebook page, because that is where this “article” truly belongs.

Alex: This article is one of the laziest, most ignorant pieces of writing I’ve ever come across.

“Something no one can justify”? Clearly, you haven’t done even the smallest amount of research on the issue. Yes, splitting the book into three movies is controversial... but there have been many compelling arguments and justifications for this decision. You just haven’t bothered to read them. Your article reeks of ignorance and a pre-determined bias against the films. Also, your criticisms of Jackson (not on the level of James Cameron?) are so laughable I don’t know where to begin.You’re also nearly two months late to this debate, and are saying nothing new. Worst of all are your tired, old criticisms of King Kong. There is a ton of tension and development in the first 40 minutes of that film, but apparently the only thing you want is action and special effects.

Anyways, enjoy your strike. The rest of us will be enjoying an amazing trilogy.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @JDeanSeal

crimeblotter

CORRECTION In “Board of Visitors seeks new student representative” (CT-Jan. 30), news staff writer Catie Carreras name was misspelled. The Collegiate Times regrets this error.

date

time

offense

location

status

arrestees

1/28/2013

5:30pm - 10:40pm

Follow up to larceny of clothing items

Perry St Parking Garage

Inactive

1/31/2013

12:20am

Possession of marijuana

Cochrane Hall

Cleared by arrest

12/5/2012

11:30pm

Sell or provide alcohol to a minor/ Hazing

SPH Housing

Inactive: Reported by Student Conduct

12/16/2012

1am

Underage possession of alcohol

Monteith Hall

Inactive: Reported by Student Conduct

Melvin Collins III, 19

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sports 3 Dual Perspectives: Big game X-Factors

editors: matt jones, zach mariner

february 1, 2013

COLLEGIATETIMES

sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Ray Lewis and Colin Kaepernick are the big names, but several other players will play a role.

Smith uses speed to burn defenses Gore, James will dominate the game Super Bowl XLVII is a matchup of two old-school style teams.

The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers are teams that play defense first and have a major focus on the running game.

While these teams are based around traditional football, it could easily be a wide receiver that decides that games.

Ravens receiver Torrey Smith is turning into an elite deep threat wide receiver in the NFL. Smith stands at 6’0”, 205 lbs., and has blazing fast speed.

He ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the NFL combine two years ago.

Smith has just nine catches for almost 200 yards this postseason with two touchdowns, but he has made big plays in almost every game. Smith has the speed to get behind any defense for long pass plays and touchdowns.

In the regular season and the playoffs this year, the Ravens have never lost when Smith has scored a touchdown.

In the playoff game against the Broncos, Smith made all the difference for the Raven.

He had two long touchdown grabs and torched the Broncos secondary multiple times.

Even though Smith didn’t have a touchdown catch in either of the other playoff games, he still had several long catches and was able to open up the field for the whole offense.

In Smith’s best game this postseason against the Broncos, he wasn’t lined up against an average cornerback.

Smith had Champ Bailey covering him, and Bailey looked overmatched.

While the 49ers are one of the strongest teams in football, their one major weakness is their secondary.

Even at his old age, Bailey is still widely considered a better cornerback than any of those on the 49ers’ roster.

Despite San Francisco’s two wins this postseason, this weakness has shown. Two weeks ago against the Atlanta Falcons, the 49er’s secondary gave up three passing touchdowns in just the first half.

Falcons’ wide receiver Julio Jones seemed to be a major mismatch for the San Francisco’s corners and safeties throughout the game. While Jones is a more complete receiver that Smith, Smith is just as fast, or faster, than Jones.

Between Smith’s speed and the weakness of San Francisco’s secondary, he will be able to make multiple game changing plays this Sunday. Some of the game-changing plays may not even be passing plays but in the running game.

When Smith plays well and has multiple catches it is a sign that the Raven’s offense is clicking. The deep passes to Smith make the secondary back off the line of scrimmage, which can greatly help the running game.

This could be a real key in the Super Bowl because San Francisco has one of the best defensive front sevens in the league.

While playing in the Super Bowl is motivation for anyone on either team, Smith may also have some extra motivation that could push him over the top.

Earlier this season Smith lost

MCT CAMPUS

Dennis Pitta will have an impact on the outcome of the Super Bowl. his brother to a tragic motorcycle accident. The next weekend he went out and played one of the best games of his career.

Finishing out this season on top would mean a lot to Smith and his family.

Between the increased motivation and pure speed and skill that Torrey Smith brings to the game, he will be the game changer in Super Bowl XLVII this Sunday.

JAMES MCNAMARA -sports staff writer -sophomore -civil engineering

Super Bowl XL VII is going to be the biggest game of Colin Kaepernick’s young NFL career.

The 49ers will face the Ravens this Sunday in New Orleans for the Lombardi trophy. Everyone knows this will be a game about quarterback Kaepernick who is still trying to prove himself in the league, and quarterback Joe Flacco who is still trying to prove critics that he is elite.

The Super Bowl usually comes down to the play of the quarterback and who

can make more plays, and Kaepernick will be no different. However, look for a different factor to come into play when the Lombardi trophy is on the line.

The 49ers have one of the best running attacks with Frank Gore and LaMichael James, and now with dual threat quarterback Kaepernick they have become a threat on every play.

The 49ers are entering the Super Bowl with the fourth best rushing attack in the league. The Ravens have heard all the hype surrounding Kaepernick and his ability to both throw and run the ball. In Ray Lewis’ last game, he and the Ravens defense are not going to let Kaepernick beat them with his legs. The Ravens are welldisciplined and very athletic group on defense and will not allow Kaepernick to have the same success he had the past two weeks.

With the Ravens ability to keep Kaepernick in check, the deciding factor in this game will be the play of rushing duo. The 49ers arguably have the best offensive line in football with everyone being at least 6-foot-3 and weighing at least 300 pounds.

The Niners are an old pound and ground kind of team, and with these running backs they are prepared for the long haul. They tend to use a man-to-man blocking scheme, which enables them to get bigger bodies on smaller defenders, clearing it out for Gore and James.

The change of pace between

Gore and James provides another dimension to their game; they have Gore who is a power, down hill runner who will run you over, while James is a slash and dash runner who will elude tacklers.

There is nothing a quarterback loves more than a successful running game. It opens the defense and keeps them on their toes. If Gore and James are able to run with the success like they had against the Falcons, Kaepernick will be thanking them.

Gore and James were able to open the passing lanes for Kaepernick and Vernon Davis, who had previously been struggling to connect.

The running game of Gore and James will wear down the defense of the Ravens and prove to be a deciding factor in the end.

Combined, if they are able to run for 120-150 yards then the 49ers will be in a great position to win the game.

Running effectively will open the passing game for Kaepernick and his weapons on the outside, like a Davis and Michael Crabtree.

The Niners are battle-tested team looking for a fight in the trenches. The running duo of Gore and James will prove to be Kaepernick’s greatest asset, and with their help the Niners will be able to bring Lombardi Trophy back to San Francisco.

ZACK CONWAY -sports staff writer -sophomore -communication

Tellier’s 14 points not enough as Hokies lose JULIA CANON sports staff writer

Even with a strong start led by Monet Tellier, the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team tallied their seventh-straight loss Thursday night against Clemson 47-37.

The Hokies struggled on offense all night, making only 25 percent of their shots. Despite having lost six games in a row coming into Thursday night the team was optimistic.

“You always think you are going to win the basketball game,” said Junior Monet Tellier. “We just couldn’t get our offense going.”

Coming into the game as the Hokies leading scorer, Tellier scored a teamhigh 14 points and three assists.

Although Tellier began the game with five straight points, the hot start wasn’t

enough to propel the Hokies offense throughout the game.

“I am extremely disappointed in our horrific offensive performance,” said head coach Dennis Wolff. “We

“

We have been shooting not to miss and playing not to lose.”

Dennis Wolff head coach

were so stagnant on offense that we tried to extend the defense in order to spark the offense.”

T hese adju st ment s gave the offense many more oppor t u n it ies, but they failed to capitalize on their game-high 17 offensive and 42 total rebounds.

Forward Uju Ugoka led

the Hokies with 14 total rebounds, eight offensive and six defensive. Averaging 8.4 rebounds per game this season, Ugoka had a great performance on the boards but failed to translate t hose to points.

“I just have to forget about this game and move onto the next game,” said Ugoka. “I need to get confidence back in my shot.”

The Hok ies travel to Miami on Sunday and plan to put the past behind them against the Hurricanes and focus on putting up more points. In order to regain momentum in ACC play Tech needs to avoid the mentality they have fallen into as of late.

“We have been shooting not to miss and playing not to lose,” said Wolff. “That just isn’t to way to go into a winnable TREVOR WHITE / SPPS game.”

The Hokies dropped their seventh-straight game Thursday night, a 47-37 loss to the Clemson Tigers.

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people & clubs

february 1, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES

internati nal

p

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

g

Indian student shares global education perspective NICK SMIRNIOTOPOULOS features editor

Freshman business major Siddhanth Pai grew up in Chennai, India, a city on the eastern coast of India with a bustling population of almost 5 million people.

With many schools to choose from, his parents sent him to The School K.F.I., a non-traditional school that differed greatly from its nearby competitors. It was here that Pai began learning English at a young age and charting his career path — a path that led him st straight to Virginia Tech.

Pai, who also plays on the club golf team, is experiencing his h dream come to life. His parents provided the fin nancial means for Pai to study at Tech, providing h him with a chance he wou would not have been able to have h in India. The Collegiat Collegiate Times sat down with Pa Pai to learn more about his cchildhood, culture and experien experiences at Tech.

Collegiate Times: What was it like grow growing up in India?

Siddhanth Pai: It was quite different fr from the lifestyle I am living right now. At the school that I went to there wasn’t too m much pressure; my first exam was wa in (grade) eight.

Until the age of 12 or 13 I was just having fu fun. They make sure you are ready for the final exam in (grade) 12 and an give you assignments to study for the exam. It’s heavier here — books are bigger, there’s more to study. I prefer this system because beca it makes you more discipline disciplined. I was pretty laid back during sschool; if I got a job in India I w would have been a laid back employ employee. I am extremely NICK SMIRNIOTOPOULOS/ COLLEGIATE TIMES happy I got this opportunity at Tech and I want to make the most of it.

CT: Can you describe your school experience in India in more detail?

Pai: I feel that my school was the best school in the country; it is rated in the top 10. The founder of the school was a great philosopher. He is very well known for (quoting Mark Twain), “Don’t let school get in the way of your education.” I was there since kindergarten; I have friends at other schools who cried because they had three exams a week.

CT: How did your school differ from other schools in India?

Pai: My school was a premier school. It was like 80 percent different from other schools. Mine was an English medium school and there were at least 15 others like that in India. The other schools studied Tamu, the main language. I’ve been learning English from lower kindergarten. People ask me how my English was so good, but my school taught it form kindergarten onwards.

CT: What was the culture like in India?

Pai: I feel there is a clear difference there between people who do mediocre work and people who excel in the best possible way. Some people go to just pass the class; they will not have a bright future. You need to push yourself, like a horse pushing through a race.

CT: What is the life like for those people who do mediocre work?

Pai: It is the worst possible life. The houses are not good; they are made with straw and have thatched roofs. The people make about $2 a day after working more than eight hours. You see a lot of beggars on the road. The country together is developing, though. People are getting more jobs and they are able to stand on their own feet.

CT: What would you and your friends do in your free time?

Pai: I would go to the beach a lot. We lived on the southeast coast, so the beach was only 10 minutes away. I would go to movies about once or twice a month. Once Xbox and PS3 came out, we would play a few hours a day and just snack on chips. When I was in (grades) five and six, we would play this game called cricket on the street. The cars would wait for us. We ruled the streets.

CT: Would you play with kids from other schools too?

Pai: We try not to treat them differently; we believe in equality. 50 years ago there was a group called the untouchables. If they drank out of a cup you couldn’t use it anymore. The government has done a lot for that, though, and it is almost completely gone. We would treat students

2013

at lower schools as visitors — play football with them.

CT: What made you decide to come to the United States for school?

Pai: In (grade) 11, I wanted to take up medicine, and the best way for that is to study in India. In (grade) 12, I changed and wanted to do something somewhat business related. Business schools in India are not good — you could watch the news and learn more. You would be paying for just a degree and getting minimum wage jobs.

When I asked my father if I could go abroad, he made sure I was sure because it would cost a lot of money — about $40,000. If you put that money in the bank, you’d get interest. But I told him that he should invest it in me instead, and he had confidence in me.

CT: What made you choose Virginia Tech?

Pai: I went to my counselor and Tech was one of my matches. Once I got admitted, I spoke to my cousins in New York and London, and they agreed that Tech was a good match for me. I am playing golf as well. I thought this was a good opportunity to do both. In India, I wouldn’t be able to do that. If you do college in India, you definitely have to get a job too. I wanted to go to a good golfing school as well to keep it stable. I have no regrets.

CT: How long have you been playing golf?

Pai: I started playing at age 11. My dad introduced it to me; he started playing when I was born. Golf used to be called the rich man game. But now they see that many young men want to play, and they are making it more available. It is getting bigger. At Tech, I am the only international student on the team. It is like me entering another country. It’s been great, though. I qualified for the first tournament, and they decided to keep me this semester.

CT: How have you liked Tech so far?

Pai: It’s been great. If I could just take a mic and tell the whole world that Tech is the best school ever, I would do it. If I talk about my experience, I feel like I am not telling people the whole thing. You need to experience it for yourself. I tell people that if you were me, you would love it. I am kind of sad that it is only four years; I may decide to fail a few years.

This is part one of an occasional series on international students.

editors: shawn ghuman, josh higgins opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

opinions

february 1, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES

5

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 Special Section Design Edtitor: Danielle Buynak Public Editor: Erin Chapman Web Editor: Chelsea Gunter Senior News Editor: Mallory NoePayne Associate News Editors: Priscilla Alvarez, Dean Seal News Blog Editor: Cameron Austin News Reporters: Leslie McCrea, Justin Graves, Andrew Kulak, Donal Murphy News Staff Writers: Alex Gomez, Sean Hayden, Max Luong, Cody Owens, Features Editors: Emma Goddard, Nick Smirniotopoulos Features Staff Writers: Ben Kim, Katie White, Kara Van Scoyc, Allie Sivak, Jacob Wilbanks Senior Opinions Editor: Josh Higgins Associate Opinions Editor: Shawn Guhman Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Special Sections Editor: Chelsea Giles Copy Chief: Nora McGann Copy Editors: Allison Hedrick, Kristin Gunther, Mackenzie Fallon, Alexis Livingston, Kayleigh McKenzie Photo Editor: Kevin Dickel MCT CAMPUS

Local monopoly creates problems for consumers

Our Views [staff editorial]

New campus eatery should cater to students’ budgets As Virginia Tech prepares to welcome a new gourmet hamburger eatery to replace Sbarro at Squires Student Center, it is important that the new shop's menu accommodates students’ budgets.

We applaud the emphasis on fresh, high quality ingredients, but there must also be options for students looking for an on-campus meal that is hearty, but reasonably priced.

As Dining Services considers how the new eatery will operate, it should

focus on streamlining operations, so that it is efficient, and affordable and minimal costs to keep prices reasonable for students. At the very least, the new burger place should offer some basic burgers at a cheaper price.

While a gourmet hamburger restaurant will provide new and delicious options for students wishing to dine on campus, it is important to make those options as affordable as possible, so students will be able to purchase food without having to worry about their wallets or Hokie Passport accounts receiving a hard hit.

Halftime show fails to excite I

n the past, the Super Bowl halftime show has stolen attention from the big game itself. Some of the best halftime shows many people remember include The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, and U2 in Super Bowl XXXVI. However, over the past few years, the annual halftime show has not been up to par with past performances. Last year, Madonna’s performance was only adequate and looked cluttered. The year before, the Black Eyed Peas performed, and their show is recognized by some as the second worst halftime show in NFL history — only better than Elvis Presto, the Elvis impersonator who did card tricks in 1989.

This season, the Super Bowl Halftime Show for Super Bowl XLVII will be headlined by Beyoncé Knowles. However, viewers seem to be less than impressed.

There are a couple of reasons audiences are not excited about Beyoncé’s performance Sunday night.

For one thing, people are not expecting much out of the performance, due to the mediocre amateur hour that has been on

full display these past two years.

The Black Eyed Peas set a new low for musical performances in the Super Bowl, and though Madonna was a slight improvement — she could at least hold a melody — audiences were still left wanting more. Beyoncé is walking into a no-win situation to start.

In addition, many are tired of listening to Beyoncé’s music.

Don’t get me wrong; I have nothing against Beyoncé personally.

She is a capable singer and dancer. However, like all artists’ songs that receive never-ending and unyielding radio airplay, audiences grow tired of listening to them over and over.

Beyoncé’s songbook contains a plethora of these songs, and some will probably be performed on the Super Bowl stage.

Tracks such as “Irreplaceable,” “Single Ladies,” and “Halo,” were played excessively on top40 mainstream radio stations.

These songs join LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe,” and Fergie’s “Fergalicious” on lists of songs that were overplayed and now make everyone cringe.

This is not meant to insult or belittle Beyoncé as a performer;

it’s not her fault she has remained popular over the past decade.

However, there is a very large chance one of the reasons listed above is why audiences are not excited for this particular Super Bowl Halftime Show.

If she had been chosen to play the halftime show five years ago, we would not be having this conversation. Beyoncé was at the height of her fame and popularity after the release of her album “B’Day” in 2006.

This was when her songs were truly making an impact on the pop culture world. Singles on her latest album “4,” released in 2011, never lived up to the popularity, nor chart position, the singles off her earlier albums did.

If you are a skeptic, truly worried about how the performance will go, think about this: It will take an extremely pathetic performance to be worse than the Black Eyed Peas two years ago.

RYAN TURK -regular columnist -freshman -business information technology

we’re YOUR newspaper. send a letter to the editor and express your views. send an e-mail to opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com with your letter or guest column attached.

I

f you like your Internet service provider to have intermittent blackouts, terrible customer service and even worse infrastructure, you would be excited to learn there is a company that operates in Blacksburg that does exactly that. That company is none other than Access Media 3.

AM3 provides Internet to a large portion of offcampus housing sites in Blacksburg. This is, in part, due to contracts that they have signed with property managers and leasing agencies that either charge a hefty fee for residents to change ISPs, or completely prohibit residents from changing ISPs. This situation creates, what my friend Julianne Arnold called, “an Internet purgatory,” a situation where we as customers are stuck with only one ISP to choose from.

This situation would not be so bad if AM3 were able to provide any level of customer service.

My roommate and I had a bad experience with AM3, and I have heard countless horror stories from students who are or have been in similar or even worse situations than

“

With the knowledge that they have a monopoly, AM3 is allowed to do whatever they want ...”

my roommate and I were in. This begs the question: Why? Why does AM3 have such poor customer service?

Monopoly. And no, unfortunately I’m not talking about the board game. AM3 has a monopoly on Internet service in some areas of Blacksburg.

AM3 does not care that their customer service is virtually nonexistent because they don’t need to. They know they are not going to lose any of their customers to competitors because there are no competitors!

Competition forces companies to innovate, to provide better goods and services than their competitors to attract more customers and make as much profit as possible.

Companies like Microsoft, Sony, Google, McDonalds, Nike, and Toyota, among many others, have to constantly strive to provide better goods and better services than their rival companies.

If they don’t, they lose money, which these companies do not want to do, so they keep improving their products.

Competition breeds innovation, growth and development, and without it,

“

Competition forces companies to innovate, to provide better goods and services than their competitors to attract more customers and make as much profits as possible.”

companies like AM3 are allowed to exist.

The most effective way to communicate with any business is with money.

If there were another ISP to choose from, we would be able to show AM3 that if they want our money, they are going to have to provide better service than the other company.

This would mean AM3 would have to either shut down because they lost too much money or improve the quality of their service, but unfortunately, this not the case.

Instead, AM3 is able to hold us hostage, taking our money every month.

With the knowledge that they have a monopoly, AM3 is allowed to do whatever they want because they have little to no chance of being stopped. My friend was right when she called Blacksburg “Internet Purgatory” because we’re going to be stuck in this situation for the foreseeable future. The only way out of the situation is for the monopoly to MARCUS WILLIAMS -regular columnist -economics -junior

Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: Ryan Francis Circulation Manager: Travis Neale Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Brad Klodowski Lab Manager: Trevor White 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, Chloe Young, Cameron Vaile, Diana Bayless Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times.

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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.

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february 1, 2013

Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Home, romance, career and community have your heart this year. Creativity, sports, culture and fun buzz you into June, when work picks up. Provide excellent service to others (and yourself). After April, stick with tested methods and your team to accomplish greatness.

Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham Quote of the Day

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one ever thinks of changing himself.

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

XKDC by Randell Monroe

5 9

1 7 8 4 2 8 7 9

8 1

7

8 5

1

6 1 3 2 3 8 5 6 2 5

Copyright 2007 Puzzles by Pappocom Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com

By Barry C. Silk

Week ending February 1, 2013

Top Tracks I Knew You Were Trouble • Taylor Swift

1

Ho Hey • The Lumineers

2

Don’t You Worry • Swedish House Mafia

3

Locked Out of Heaven • Bruno Mars

4

Daylight • Maroon 5

5

ACROSS 1 Useful app for a smartphone 11 Meas.

14 Telephone booth, for Bill and Ted 15 “What are you waiting for?!”

16 Programmer’s bane 17 1996 Olympic torch lighter 18 Organic chemistry topic 19 New York team 21 “99 Luftballons” band 22 Completely flummoxed

2/01/13 26 Marina Del Rey sight 27 It may be renewable 29 Informal voucher 30 Attach, in a way 31 Scoville unit veggie 32 Scapula mover 37 Was charming?

38 Makes an effort 39 Flushing Meadows stadium 40 Medevac conveniences 44 Origami mishaps

46 Baltic waterway 47 Cut the crop 49 Automatic-door feature 51 Actress Campbell 52 Engage in a summer activity?

53 “Jeannie Out of the Bottle” memoirist 59 Do stuff?

60 Bond’s Aston Martin had one 61 Words of praise 62 Black Gold and Northern Dancer, e.g.

DOWN 1 One with the gold 2 “Ta-da!”

3 Guys 4 “__ Mine”: George Harrison book 5 Musical fourths 6 Suffix for sciences 7 19-Across org.

8 “O __ Mio”: Annette Funicello hit 9 Genesis name 10 Honor a favor 11 Lawless 12 Sign of a lawn infestation 13 Drawstring alternative 14 High school subject?

20 Musical dynasty 22 __ Inácio Lula da Silva: 2003’10 Brazilian president 23 Bird: Prefix 24 Left no stone unturned in 25 Like a bungee cord 28 Meghan Daum piece, e.g.

31 Astrological delineation

32 “We’re on!”

33 Tended some bald patches 34 Fellers grasp it 35 Classmates 36 Rabin’s predecessor 41 “Gunsmoke” actor 42 Rocker Ramone 43 File menu command

45 Able to walk a straight line 48 Bottled (up) 50 Indian dignitary 54 TiVo button 55 Abbr. in old dates 56 Greek airport, on itineraries 57 Hundred Acre Wood denizen 58 Sheet music abbr.

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

1/31/13

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7

people & clubs

february 1, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

Concert celebrates 30th anniversary JESSICA GROVES features staff writer

For 29 years, the Radford Highlands Chapter of the Virginia Music Teachers Association and Virginia Tech’s Department of Music have remembered one of their own.

Friday marks the 30th anniversary of the Rebecca Orr Memorial Benefit Concert, wherein student and faculty performers come together to present an evening festival of musical events. But this year, participants are bringing something new to the stage in Squires Student Center.

Tracy Cowden, an associate professor of piano and vocal coach at Tech, said the concert participants are working to breathe new life into the

“

Bringing new instrumentalists and vocalists and music to the stage every year gives the concert longevity.”

Tracy Cowden associate professor of piano and vocal coach at Virginia Tech

program.

“It’s not just one ensemble of performers,” Cowden said.

“We’ve expanded the number of people involved so the audience will hear from artists who have never been on the program before.”

This year’s festival brings a variety of solo and group performers together. Audience members will experience performances by pianists, cellists, violinists and guitarists.

Cowden is no stranger to the benefit concert. Her nine years of experience as a soloist and vocalist have allowed her to see progress being made.

the Rebecca Orr Scholarship and Educational Fund of the Highlands Chapter to support students like Orr. Kats said the involvement and support of Tech’s music department has been helpful. From the beginning, Tech has worked with the Highlands Chapter to set up a venue for the concert, advertise and bring performers together.

“They have been very generous,” Kats said. “The members of the Highland Chapter and the department of music CONTRIBUTED BY NITZA KATS at Tech continue to volunteer REBECCA ORR their time and artistry to this benefit.”

“Bringing new instrumenEach year, the performers talists, vocalists and music to gather at Tech to participate the stage every year gives the in the Rebecca Orr Memorial concert longevity,” Cowden Piano Technique Festival. said. “Having a different Performers of all different experience every year is cer- skill levels display their techtainly an advantage.” nique in a competition that Cowden said the musi- Kats calls popular. cal selection is as varied “It’s an event that as the types of performers. attracts our loyal audiAudience members will hear ence year after year,” Kats performers play music by said. several famed composers, While the benefit concert including Johannes Sebastian is noncompetitive, Kats and Bach, Aaron Copland and Cowden both said that the Claude Debussy.

Technique Festival gives “I’ve performed several students ample opportudifferent types of music,” nity to build their perforCowden said. “The concert mance skills. Cowden said features a mix of music writ- she enjoyed seeing students ten by composers on the fac- composing their own piano ulty as well as music written pieces in addition to the by famous composers.” required techniques they Every year, music is cho- perform. sen and performed to honor “It’s a great opportunity the memory of Rebecca Orr. for them to be exposed to She was a piano student of high-quality performing Nitza Kats, an associate pro- artists,” Cowden said. “It fessor of music at Radford helps them develop profiUniversity. Kats taught at ciency and see how imporTech until 1984, a year after tant it is to give back to the the first memorial benefit community.” concert was held.

Cowden stressed the conOrr was killed in a drunk cert’s importance to the driving accident at Oberlin Blacksburg community. The College, and a year after her benefit concert is one of the death in 1982, Kats gave a biggest events the Highlands solo piano recital. Although Chapter sponsors. it was not as developed as the “The Virginia Music benefit concert is now, Kats Teachers Association is valmade sure the proceeds from ued in the community,” her performance went to a Cowden said. “Supporting fund. The money she received the efforts of local musicians was donated to what is now is important.”

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Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Don’t invest in a startup group activity yet; you may decide it isn’t worth it, despite generous impulses. Important people are impressed by your diligence and con ident work.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Clear up confusion before proceeding, and get some rest. Keep control of your own resources. Get an expert coach, and you’ll become one. Provide common sense limits. You’re gaining status.

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8

people & clubs

february 1, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES

he she

SAID

more cake, it’s commercials — and by a wide margin, according to that same study. More than half of the broadcast is corporations trying to get you to buy erectile dysfunction pills or server space maintained by a naked Danica Patrick. I didn’t even know she was MCSE certified!

Or maybe, just maybe, you’re like me and you just wrote a column detailing various reasons not to watch the Super Bowl while avoiding the obvious explanation that the only NFL team you have any real interest in is the New England Patriots even though they lost to the Ravens two weeks ago.

There, I said it. Enjoy your drugged-up, tantrum-filled, commercial-laden Super Bowl. I’ll be in my apartment with the lights off, drinking light beer and eating take-out wings, crying.

That’s not manly, right?

Maybe I’ll deconstruct a few stereotypes after all.

ANDREW KULAK - news reporter - graduate student - English major

featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Super Bowl XLVII

He said: Ignore all Super Bowl gender stereotypes Because this is titled “He said, she said,” and because I am assuming I am the token male — although I haven’t discussed this point with Victoria — and because the Super Bowl is this Sunday, I imagine that you expect this to be some column about how awesome I think the Super Bowl is.

I should expound upon the nobility of the great American pastime of football. I should discuss how I’m looking forward to devouring overpriced, mass-produced, f lash-prepared wings at some chain bar somewhere and washing them down with light beers advertised by scantilyclad, malnourished women who have probably never touched a beer in their lives.

I should write about how exciting it is to watch grown men who get paid millions of dollars to chase a ball around. Right?

Well, I’m not going to — at least not the part about the football game. Maybe I gave that away. I have voiced my concerns before about how having a column based on binarily gendered persons doesn’t really sit right with me in my happy little postmodern-graduate-liberalarts-student bubble. I resent that it seems necessary that, because I am a male, I must like football. I do, however, enjoy light beer and deepfried chicken as much as the next “He said” writer.

Regardless of whether I actually like football or not — and I admit that I do, especially college football — I begrudge the implied societal obligation of liking it. It actually diminishes my enjoyment of the game itself. How postmodern is that?

No, seriously, someone tell me. I have no idea.

At any rate, I think there are plenty of reasons not to watch the Super Bowl.

Maybe it’s because of how dangerous the sport is becoming. I would have loved to make some humorous analogy here about how the NFL has devolved into 22 400-pound men — pumped full of enough performance enhancing drugs to turn a three-toed sloth into a Triple Crown winner — running full speed into one another.

But I’m afraid that if I made a steroid reference like that, Roger Goodell would show up at my apartment complex with a bus full of lawyers and slap an injunction on me so fast, my head would spin. And I wouldn’t have a leg to stand on in court — just between you and me, I don’t even have his expressed written consent to write this column. I don’t think my editors would go for a lawsuit.

It’s too bad, because I think that sloth line would have been a pretty funny comparison. But in all seriousness, how can humans be that big and that fast? I don’t buy it; it’s not natural. Just ask Ray Lewis.

Or maybe I’ll pass on the Super Bowl because of how commercial the game has become. If anything can ruin a storied and noble American pastime, it’s corporations. A Wall Street Journal study revealed that the average football game contains all of 11 minutes of football. What’s happening during the rest of the threehour broadcast?

Besides shots of guys’ butts in the huddle, players talking on the sideline, and, this year, the Harbaugh brothers vehemently demanding

editors: emma goddard, nick smirnitopoulos

She said: Now welcoming all non-football fanatics Let’s get one thing very clear: I hate football.

Now, I don’t mean that I don’t understand it or that I’ve never watched it.

My brother played football for eight years. Four of those years I was forced to attend his games. I know how to play. I understand the rules.

I don’t mean that in the “I think football is boring but I still like to go get drunk at the games” sense, or the equally ridiculous “Football might be dull but I still watch because of HOKIE SPIRIT” sense.

When I say that I hate football, I mean in the fullest possible capacity that I. HATE. Football.

I know there are many of you out there who don’t think it’s possible.

You’re the people that think Virginia Tech swoops up all the football-haters at freshman orientation and forces them to watch Tech football greatesthits clips while strapped into

electric chairs with their eyes taped open like a Clockwork Maroon-and-Orange.

I assure you, however, that some of us manage to slip through the cracks.

Saturdays during the fall semester are my own special kind of hell. I wear black and hide in my house until the crowds of mindless fans trickle into Lane Stadium and I’m free to roam the deserted streets of Blacksburg in peace.

Thursday night games are even worse.

Seemingly only my professors share my disdain for the night game, and I’m forced to wade out among the hoards of fanatics to attend my regular classes.

Then, because the buses stop running, I have to brave the long walk through the Prices Forks parking lot to get back home to safety — that’s like a hobbit walking through Mordor, my friends. Only there are no eagles to save me.

“Stop complaining!” you tell

me. “The season is over and you’re a graduating senior.

You’re never going to have to put up with Tech football again.”

Oh, if only that were true.

As Sunday looms ever closer, I’m forced to confront the one event that reminds me I will never escape football: the Super Bowl.

In early February for the rest of my adult life, I will be forced to relive those painful college memories as the entire United States of America dissolves into the sort of mindless drones that make up Tech campus on game day.

I’m starting to come to terms with the idea. Before Sunday I plan to stock up on plenty of half-priced Doritos and frozen pizza and spend the day in bed with a full season of “One Tree Hill.” So, pretty much what I did in the fall.

There’s only one part of this whole set-up that’s hard to get over: I feel like I’m the only

one. There have to be other football-haters out there too, right?

This is a distress message to my people: I’ve spent the last three years alone in my football-less cave, and haven’t found one friend to join me.

I’m anticipating some kind of intervention to be staged by the good people of Tech on my behalf after this publishes, trying to convert me to their ways.

I need someone on my team for a change.

If there’s anybody who wants to be on my side, let me know.

Tweet @victoriazigadlo, and you’re welcome at my place anytime. After all, there are more than enough Doritos to go around.

VICTORIA ZIGADLO - news staff writer - senior - English major

february 1, 2013

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After a very successful 2012, Alexander Ziegler returns for his final season in a Tech uniform with high aspirations.

He started the year on the 2013 Bowerman Preseason Watch List, a prestigious track and field honor, and has already found success this season.

In the team’s second meet of the new year, he grabbed the top spot in the NCAA standings for the hammer throw, grabbing three top finishes on the weekend.

Alexander Ziegler

PLAYER TO WATCH

he track and field team enters 2013 as a program rapidly on the rise, coming off a season that saw several athletes earn accolades on the national stage and the team enter the top ten of track and field rankings.

Players like seniors Alexander Ziegler and Ronnie Black have already begun to rewrite the record books at the beginning of what should be another exciting season.

Redshirt senior Matthias Treff, who placed third in the javelin throw at the NCAA championship,

Year: Senior Hometown: Dischingen, Germany Event: Throws

BIO:

is among the team’s oldest players and is looking to improve on last year’s stellar performance. Fellow fifth year senior Michael Hammond also remains at Tech to try and earn a third All-Region honor after setting a team record with two last season.

The squad started the season with the VT Invitational on January 18, and stayed in Blacksburg to compete the very next week in the Hokie Invitational on January 25.

The team is now preparing to host the VT Elite Meet on February 8.

Hokies prepare for 2013

FILE 2012 / SPPS

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After starting all 13 events for the golf team as a freshman, Scott Vincent enters his sophomore year as a key player for the Hokies.

He led the team last year with 19 rounds at par or better, and led the team at the NCAA tournament with his 45th place finish individually.

His top finish was third at the NCAA South Central Regional in Bowling Green, Ky., which helped propel the team into the national championships.

Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe

BIO: Year: Sophomore

Scott Vincent

(dine-in only)

Sunday Specials: Happy Hour & 1/2 Priced Hindenbergs!

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

Come watch the football game with us!

fter making its first NCAA tournament since 2002 last season, the golf team is looking to make national success a hobby.

With a roster that includes only one freshman, coach Jay Hardwick’s squad should be able to build on last season’s 24th place finish in the tournament and make some noise in the ACC. Senior Mikey Moyers and junior Bryce Chalkley should form the basis of the team’s leadership, given each player’s extensive experience on the field.

However, a pair of Zimbabweans should also play a pivotal role in the

team’s success. Redshirt junior Marc MacDonald and sophomore Scott Vincent are each prepared to contribute to the squad, with Vincent likely being the team’s best player.

He notched a high finish in the team’s last fall invitational, finishing sixth individually at the Bridgestone Individual, and should continue to be the squad’s best hope on the course in upcoming matches. Despite his young age, he’s surpassed both Moyers and Chalkley on the all-time scoring list, coming in at fourth.

The team will start off the spring season on February 17 at the Puerto Rico Classic.

Track Golf and Field Golf prepares for success

PLAYER TO WATCH

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he Virginia Tech baseball team is coming off a promising 2012 season, but with many of their contributing players returning, the bar is raised for 2013. Coach Pete Hughes is returning for his seventh season as Hokies’ head coach.

His team is coming off of a 34-win season, which included 11 conference wins and a 22-7 home record. In addition to being particularly strong at

catcher with Mark Zagunis, the Hokies consider pitching to be one of their strengths.

Joe Mantiply started 13 games for the Hokies and was third on the team in wins, 5. Brad Markey is going to play his first game for Tech this spring after pitching for Georgia Tech and Sante Fe College the last two years. Both were drafted in the 2012 MLB draft but bypassed their chances to play at the next level, for now, to play for the

Hokies.

Also returning for the Hokies is Tyler Horan (15 HRs and 41 RBIs), who set the Cape Cod Baseball League record for most home runs in a single summer with 16. Tech will open up their 2013 campaign on February 15, in Wilmington, North Carolina against Kent State.

Hokies look to make tourney push in 2013

Brendon Hayden pitches at English Field in a game last year. Hayden went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA last season.

FILE 2012 / SPPS

Mark Zagunis When Mark Zagunis gets behind the plate for the first time in 2013, he’ll do so with accolades on his shelf.

He was named to the 2012 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team and is a second-team All-American, named by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Zagunis has attracted national recognition for breaking the stereotype of a defense-only catcher. In 2012 he led the team in batting average (.344), stolen-bases (17), and a consecutive-reached-base streak (29).

PLAYER TO WATCH

Height: 6 ft.

Year: Sophomore Hometown: Cinnaminson, NJ Position: Catcher

BIO:

Mark Zagunis started 48 games as a freshman.

FILE 2012 / SPPS

BY ALEX KOMA & JACOB EMERT | sports staff writers

SPORTS preview 2013

SPRING

Baseball

february 1, 2013

february 1, 2013

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FILE 2012 / SPPS

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Isel Martinez-Marcos

Junior Isel MartinezMarcos returns to the team as its number one singles player, and is poised to the lead the team to ACC success.

Last season, she took over the number two singles spot, and recorded 14 singles and 17 doubles victories in the spring season. She also advanced to the Round of 32 in the ITA Atlantic Regional tournament.

At the start of the 2013 season, she advanced to the quarterfinals in the ITA Regional tournament, and also advanced to the quarterfinals of the Elon Fall Tennis Invitational A-1 Singles Flight.

She’s won both of her singles matches so far this season, and should play an important role on the team.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Height: 5 ft. 7 Year: Junior Hometown: Esparreguera, Spain RH/LH: RH

BIO:

fter losing senior Luka Somen, one of the most successful players in program history, the men’s tennis team enters 2013 searching for answers.

Lucas Oliveira and Trpimir Kujundzic are the team’s lone upperclassmen, and are joined by four freshmen and three sophomores on one of the ACC’s younger rosters.

The team’s youth has been a factor early on, as it’s already suffered a pair of losses in the ITA Kick-Off Tournament

But the team’s fortune truly rests on freshmen Andreas Bjerrehus and Amerigo Contini, the squad’s top two singles players. Both are freshmen, but are already nationally ranked, and should be a critical part of this season.

Tech will continue its season with important non-conference matchups with Coastal Carolina and Penn State in comings weeks.

Andreas Bjerrehus

Despite logging his first time on the court in the collegiate ranks, Andreas Bjerrehus enters this season as Tech’s top singles player and a crucial performer on the team.

Bjerrehus hails from Aarhus, Denmark, and came to Tech after earning a top ranking among national junior tennis players. He’s a five-time junior doubles national champion, and twice reached the finals of the singles junior nationals in his high school career.

He’s taking over for Luka Somen in the number one singles position this season, but started off slow, dropping his first two singles matches in the ITA KickOff Tournament.

Height: 6 ft. 2 Year: Freshman Hometown: Aarhus, Denmark RH/LH: RH

BIO:

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he women’s tennis team boasts a deep, experienced roster, as it seeks to redeem an early ACC tournament loss that ended the 2012 season.

Seniors Megan Conley and Emily Lauten join juniors Tea Ivanovic and Isel Martinez-Marcos as the squad tries to improve on last season’s first-round ACC defeat.

Martinez-Marcos enters the year as the team’s top singles player, and has started off hot,

winning her first two matches in contests against Davidson and Navy.

Ivanovic and Lauten round out the bottom of the order, occupying the fifth and sixth singles spots respectively, but their senior leadership will undoubtedly be valuable for the team’s six freshmen.

Among the freshmen, Raluca Mita of Bacau, Romania figures to be the most important. She’s started the year in the number two singles position, and won each of her first two matches

as well.

Freshman Mariana Silva of Vila Velha-es, Brazil has also already gotten a chance in the singles, subbing in at the sixth spot against Navy, but fell in her lone opportunity.

Her continued progress will be important to providing the team some depth as the season wears on.

The squad will stay at home for its first few matches, taking on Lousiville and Minnesota in coming weeks.

Women’s tennis hopes to improve on 2012

Women’s Tennis

against Northwestern and Middle Tennessee State.

If the squad hopes to return to the NCAA tournament, head coach Jim Thompson will be forced to rely heavily on both his seniors, as well as players like Hunter Koontz that saw extensive playing time last year.

Koontz played primarily in doubles last season, going 20-14 in his 34 matches, but he’s been slotted as the team’s number three singles player, making his development of paramount importance to the team.

Tennis needs several freshmen to step up

Men’s Tennis

PLAYER TO WATCH

scored more than 15 goals last year and will also be looked at to shoulder the load.

The team will not have much time to find their rhythm as they start off conference play the very first game of the year, Feb. 8 in Durham, NC against the Duke Blue Devils.

Every conference game holds significant weight for the team this season as they only have five ACC games to separate themselves. Responsible for the teams’ success is Megan Burker who is entering her third year as Tech head coach.

She took over the team in 2010 under an interim tag, but immediately had the interim title removed as she led the team to new found success.

Softball

In 2012 the Virginia Tech lacrosse team posted a record of 10-7, which is the program’s best record since 1999.

Alex Gale, who is returning for her senior season this spring, is largely responsible for the team’s winning record.

She started all 17 games for Tech in 2012 and recorded 90 saves. With three of the four leading scorers from last year’s team not returning, she will have to continue to improve for the team to experience even greater success.

While team-voted Rookie of the Year, Megan Will, will handle a majority of the offensive action in 2013, the Hokies will need numerous players to step up and fill the vacated shoes. Two sophomores, Meg Bartley and Jack Boissonneult, are the only other returning players that

Will leads Hokies in 2013

Lacrosse

The softball team is looking to continue their successes from last year; a year in which they posted 42 wins, the most since 2008.

After winning the first two games of the ACC tournament against Maryland and a ranked North Carolina team, the Hokies fell short to the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech. Six days later they started their hunt in the NCAA tournament, but experienced similar losses.

The Hokies won the first two games of the Knoxville, TN regional against UAB and Miami University, only to drop their next two games against the favored Tennessee Volunteers. The Hokies look to use their 2012 success as a stepping-stone to reach greater heights this year. If they are to do that, they will rely heavily on the shoulders of sophomores Lauren Gaskill, Kelsey Mericka, Kylie McGoldrick and senior Courtney Liddle, all of

who started all 63 games last year.

Gaskill led the squad in both hits, runs, and stolen bases while Mericka lead the team in big flies. The Tech team will start their season in Clermont, Florida at the Dot Richardson National Col leg iat e Sof t ba l l Invitational.

Strong pitching will pace Hokies this spring

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Megan Will

Jasmin Harrell After splitting the starting role in 2010 and 2011, Jasmine Harrell became the focal point in the pitching circle in 2012.

She is returning to Tech for her senior year, coming off of a 2012 season in which she went 31-16, struck out 227, and threw a 5-inning perfect game against Liberty.

She also recorded wins against Oklahoma State and North Carolina, both of which were ranked nationally at the time. Her play earned her various accolades including: 2-time ACC Pitcher of the Week, state pitcher of the year, and 2012 ACC All-Tournament team.

PLAYER TO WATCH

With Jessica Nonn, last year’s leader in points, goals, and assists, graduating, even more responsibility will be placed on the shoulders of sophomore Megan Will.

If her play from last year is any indication, she is just fine with that. As a freshman, Will put up numbers good for second-best on the team in all of the priormentioned categories.

She scored three times in her collegiate debut at home against Presbyterian College and never looked back. Her 30 goals and seven assists over the year earned her the team’s Rookie of the Year award.

Although the team failed to win a game in the ACC Tournament, her threegoal performance against Maryland earned her a spot on the ACC AllTournament team, the first Hokie to do such since 2006.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Height: 5 ft. 5 Year: Senior Hometown: Irvine, CA Position: Pitcher

BIO:

Year: Sophomore Hometown: Bel Air, MD Position: Attack

BIO:

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