Thursday, September 5, 2013 An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com
COLLEGIATETIMES 110th year, issue 10
News, page 2
Lifestyles, page 6
Opinions, page 3
Find your niche downtown
Sports, page 5
Study Break, page 4
Huckleberry Trail plans to construct three new routes exercise. Others take advantage of the scenic route to shoot photos and experience nature. Periodically, a “pocket park,” or miniature point-of-interest will provide visitors with an opportunity to deviate from the path. Currently, the three municipalities overseeing the trail — Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Montgomery County — are designing and constructing three new sections that look to be finished sometime next year.
KYLE BARGER news staff writer
Visitors of the popular Huckleberry Trail will soon have more pavement beneath their feet. The trail, located just off campus, is undergoing major construction that will extend it an extra four miles. The roughly six-mile asphalt path stretches from the Montgomery County Public Library in Blacksburg to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg, and is a common venue for those looking to
see TRAIL / page two
KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS
Downtown Blacksburg houses a diverse collection of bars and restaurants, which offer food and spirits for both day and nighttime.
Students and locals enjoy the variety of bars downtown. Let us help you find your favorite. CHELSEA GILES lifestyles editor
The fi rst home game on Saturday will welcome streams of Virginia Tech students, alumni and loyal fans to the streets of downtown before, during and after the matchup. Whether you’re a seasoned
alum or a new student on campus, downtown is full of venues to check out be it day or night. Caroline Cleary, a freshman communication major, said even though she had not been downtown too many times yet, she could already tell the atmosphere was relaxing, accessible and entertaining.
With this many people in just a few blocks this weekend, the accessibility may be limited, though. Beat the crowds by knowing which bars and grills to go to whether its to watch the game in the air conditioning or to celebrate after. Blacksburg houses a variety of bars, each with their own atmosphere, drink specials and events. Though they are in close proximity to each other, the entertaining bar-
tenders, live music and variety of spirits let the downtown bars stand their own and offer a diverse day or night-out experience. Virginia Tech alumnus Missy Reiss described downtown Blacksburg as energetic and spirited, so no matter where game day takes your downtown adventure, it promises to be memorable. see MAP / page six
KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS
Bikers, walkers, runners, and nature enthusiasts alike will soon have three new sections of the trail for exploration and exercise.
Construction continues Tech offers free football tickets on future IMAX theater MELISSA DRAUDT news staff writer
KEVIN LOHR news staff writer
The 60,000 square-foot IMAX theater set to open in the late spring 2014 is well under construction in the First and Main shopping center in Blacksburg. The theater, to be named Frank Theatres Cinebowl and Grille, had its groundbreaking ceremony June 14th. According to Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam, the project is proceeding on schedule and there have been no obsta-
cles to hold up progress. The First and Main shopping center is owned by Blacksburg APF Partners LLC and headed by Virginia Tech alumnus David and Elyssa Street. “IMAX brings exciting opportunities to the entire region. It will be unique in this area and will be a wonderful draw to the shopping center and will attract new retail opportunities … I think it will be a tremendous economic boost.” Their high hopes also rest on the fact that Blacksburg APF
Partners LLC has an agreement with IMAX Corporation that will make the Cinebowl and Grille the exclusive IMAX theater in the area: no other venue will be allowed to build one. The Cinebowl and Grille will feature 12 bowling lanes, 10 regular and 3-D movie screens, one IMAX theater, an arcade and a bar and grill serving American cuisine.
@CTnewsroom
Virginia Tech Athletics is giving away football tickets to the first home game of the season. Today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., students can pick up free tickets on a first come, first served basis from Cassell Coliseum for Saturday’s game against Western Carolina University. This decision follows a recent downward trend in ticket sales. Although student tickets have been distributed for free in the past, including for the
2012 game against Austin Peay, many anticipate that this will be the first home game in 15 years that will not sell out. “I think the sellout streak will end against Western Carolina,” Tech athletic director Jim Weaver said Monday night on Tech Talk Live. Lane Stadium has been sold out for 93 consecutive games, the third longest streak in the country, but recent moves to increase availability to freshmen indicates a possible change in this streak. For the first time in years, freshmen have been given the chance to purchase season tickets.
FILE 2012 / SPPS
Hokies notebook: Veterans volunteer, receivers stay late JACOB EMERT sports editor
TREVOR WHITE / SPPS
D.J. Coles (18) drops a short pass. The entire receiving corps struggled with drops in Saturday’s game.
NEWS
OPINIONS
The Senate is making big decisions on Syria. Check out how on page 2. see page 2
see page three
A big to-do has been made lately of the decline of Beamer Ball and how special teams miscues were a primary source of dismay in Virginia Tech’s season opening loss to Alabama. Immediately following the loss, senior cornerback Kyle Fuller told media that he would approach head coach Frank Beamer and ask to play more special teams. Since then, many players have followed suit. “I think a lot of guys stepped up and went and met with Coach Beamer and let him know they would love to participate and help as much as they could on the special teams, just because we’ve been all about Beamer
Ball and we kind of lost that in the first game,” said Tariq Edwards, a senior linebacker. In Beamer’s postgame press conference he spoke about how he thought one of the biggest issues in the special teams on Saturday night was the level of inexperience and said he would “absolutely” consider putting more veterans on the unit. While Beamer refused to release specific personnel adjustments, he did let on that there would be changes coming. For players like defensive end J.R. Collins, the more playing time the merrier. “It’s just one play, just running down the field on the punt team,” Collins said. “It doesn’t really take any energy off or anything. If anything it warms be
SPORTS Check out why one columnist thinks military intervention in Syria would be a misstep. Decide for yourself if you think a the situation deserves a more diplomatic approach.
Catch the ball The wide receivers, who received much criticism for their poor showing Saturday night, were the last ones off the field Tuesday night, as they stuck around with receivers coach Aaron Moorehead catching balls off the JUGs machine. “No, it was not an option,” Moorehead, who admitted he had a hard time sleeping Saturday night, said. The entire receiving corps and fullback Sam Rogers, who Moorehead said “will be anywhere where there is work to be done,” were catching balls from about 10-12 yards. Moorehead said the machine was set to 40 mph. see NOTEBOOK / page five
ONLINE The Tech volleyball team won the Hokie Invitational last weekend. They will try for another series win starting Friday in Tennessee.
see page five
up before I get out there.”
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