Sept. 14, 2020 by The Daily Orange

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C • Road trip

N • Wildfire watching

Four friends are converting a school bus into a temporary home for summer 2021. They plan to travel across the U.S. and Canada. Page 7

SU students from California have watched from Syracuse as a record-breaking set of wildfires destroys West Coast communities. Page 3

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S • Trying to adapt With no fans allowed at Syracuse sporting events, local restaurants and businesses have altered their game day routines for limited customers. Page 12

Newhouse dean takes helm during pandemic Mark Lodato aims to further student success, increase diversity as dean

s dean of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Mark Lodato wants to lead with empathy. Lodato assumed the role of Newhouse dean on July 1, becoming the successor of former dean Lorraine Branham, who died in April 2019. He was previously the associate dean of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications. “Being a student today is more difficult than ever before,” Lodato said. “I think I’m doing the best I can if I’m relating and I’m trying my best to understand what those students are going through.” With a student body facing the uncertainty of a pandemic and grappling with a nationwide reckoning over racism, Lodato aims to be an approachable and understanding leader. While transitioning into the position during the pandemic was challenging, Lodato’s colleagues said he took it in stride. Hub Brown, associate dean for research, creativity, international initiatives and diversity at Newhouse, said Lodato adapted quickly during the leadership transition period and clearly laid out his plans for the school. Many of those plans included expanding diversity and inclusion initiatives in Newhouse,

MARK LODATO was named dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in July. He previously served as associate dean of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications. will fudge staff photographer

Brown said. “He is someone who has absolutely hit the ground running,” Brown said. “He’s really forward, he’s got great ideas that really dovetail with the future of

our school.” As dean of Newhouse, Lodato will manage the school’s financial resources and oversee curriculum and enrollment. He will also report to Interim Provost John

Liu and serve on the Chancellor’s Council and the Academic Deans’ Cabinet. The talent at Newhouse and the school’s wide-ranging curriculum led him

see dean page 4

city

on campus

SU Ambulance takes precautions Activists seek reforms to citizen review board By Sarah Alessandrini asst. news editor

Syracuse University Ambulance’s headquarters used to be a place where members could socialize or relax between classes. Now, the space is largely empty, with furniture removed and few people allowed in the building at once to accommodate social distancing. But despite the altered environment, SUA continues to operate this semester, offering emergency medical transport to students for no out-of-pocket cost. “SUA is a very social organization, which is great,” SUA manager Paul Smyth said. “But with the pandemic, you have to alter those practices slightly to keep everybody safe.”

SUA is a student-operated organization that allows students to gain voluntary medical transport experience. This semester, the organization has implemented safety procedures to protect SUA members and patients from the coronavirus. Student SUA members now have to sign in and out of the headquarters and record their temperature before entering. While students previously chose their shifts each week, they now follow a fixed schedule to help with the university’s contact tracing efforts. Although some student members have chosen to study remotely this semester, SUA hasn’t seen students working fewer shifts, Smyth said. The organization is still in the process of recruiting members for the academic year, he said.

Leaders in SUA spent the summer developing contingency plans for fall semester. Not knowing whether students would return to campus made planning more challenging, Smyth said. SUA has also altered its protocol for responding to emergency calls. Dispatchers now screen patients for COVID-19 before the crew arrives, and a team member asks the patient the same screening questions upon arrival. When an ambulance crew previously would arrive on the scene of an emergency, two or three members would approach the patient, and one would ask questions while the other checks for vital signs, Smyth said. “That really changed for everyone across the country and across the world,” he said. see ambulance page 4

By Sarah Alessandrini Asst. news editor

Activists in the city of Syracuse are calling for the expansion of the Syracuse Citizen Review Board, an oversight committee that reviews complaints against the Syracuse Police Department. Fifteen advocacy groups, including Last Chance for Change and Black Lives Matter Syracuse, presented nine demands to Mayor Ben Walsh and the Syracuse Common Council in June to reform SPD. One of the demands is to give the Citizen Review Board the power to discipline officers. When addressing the groups’ other demands in July, Walsh

deferred to the Common Council to pass legislation that would strengthen the CRB. As activists continue to push to strengthen CRB, here’s an explainer on what the board is and why community members are working to increase its oversight over SPD:

History and structure

Syracuse established the CRB in 1993 to address police brutality. The city disbanded the board in 2010 and reestablished it in 2011 with the power to subpoena officers, witnesses and any other evidence for hearings. The board consists of 11 members. The mayor, the district councilor or the councilor at-large see review page 4

2 sept. 14, 2020

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NEWS

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sept. 14, 2020

Wildfires have burned millions of acres across California, Oregon and Washington in what’s been one of the worst years for wildfires on record. Though SU students on campus are thousands of miles away, some are still feeling the effects. courtesy of sedona regan

national

Students from California watch as home state burns By Madison Tyler asst. copy editor

For the last few weeks, Nico Sloop has watched from a distance as his home state burns. Sloop, a junior at Syracuse University, is from Sonoma, a town about 40 minutes away from San Francisco. When photos of wildfire smoke blocking the sun in the Bay Area were circulating on social media on Sept. 9, Sloop’s dad was sending him similar photos from his hometown. “It seems like every year (the fires are) getting worse, so there’s definitely concern there on my end,” said Sloop, who is a dual major in television, radio and film and information management and technology. Wildfires have already burned millions of acres across California, Oregon and Washington in what’s been one of the worst years for wildfires on record. Although SU students on campus are thousands of miles away from the wildfires along the West Coast, some, such as Sloop, are still feeling the effects. Although Sloop’s home isn’t in immediate danger, his family has had a few close calls in the

last few years. A house belonging to a close family friend of the Sloops burned down this year. Wildfires have torched 3.3 million acres in California alone, about 26 times more than the year before in the same period. Of the 20 largest wildfires in modern California history, six have occurred this year. Tens of thousands of people have evacuated already while other communities have faced exposure to toxic air from waves of wildfire smoke. Sophomore Sydney Schroeder is from Los Angeles, but she has family in San Francisco. The wildfires have worsened the air quality in both cities. “My mom’s whole side of the family lives (in San Francisco) so I am worried about my grandparents because they are old and the air quality is really bad,” said Schroeder, who’s studying public relations. Her grandparents are stubborn and still go outside, she said. Even though the effects of wildfire smoke are not fully understood, the toxic substances from burned buildings are linked to health problems. The poor air quality can especially harm those with underlying conditions.

Wildfire smoke can irritate your lungs, cause inflammation, affect your immune system and make you more prone to lung infections, including COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk of complications from wildfire smoke is higher for people of color, and the worst cases can be deadly among the elderly. Nearly 17,000 firefighters are working to contain over 29 wildfires across California, according to a Sept. 13 report from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Thirteen fires erupted on Sept. 11, but only one grew beyond the control of the initial response firefighters. There have been 22 fatalities and over 4,100 structures burned since Aug. 15, when California’s fire activity elevated, the release states. Ellie Chapman, a sophomore majoring in English and textual studies, said her family is close to being evacuated. Chapman’s family lives in the Pasadena-Altadena area in Southern California. Her hometown is near the Bobcat fire, which has been burning for seven days

and is only 6% contained. Chapman’s dad, who is immunocompromised and has severe asthma, has experienced negative effects from the smoke. “I would definitely say that choosing to go to a school across the country and being so far away from my family, where they live, it does kind of induce a certain anxiety in me,” Chapman said. Chapman’s confident that her family is well-prepared and would know what to do in the event of an evacuation. People in the area are used to wildfires happening, so they view it as an event they have to be ready for, she said. Sloop is somewhat concerned about his family’s safety and losing his house, but he’s also concerned about the government’s response to the wildfires. “It seems like we know these fires are happening, and it’s been pretty consistently around the same time of year for the past three years,” Sloop said. “I don’t see anything changing in terms of preventative methods, in terms of the real issue — climate change.” mntyler@syr.edu

student association

SA to host student-led focus groups about DPS reform By Kailey Norusis

contributing writer

Student Association is partnering with a third-party organization to facilitate several student focus groups about improving the Department of Public Safety. The focus groups, which will take place three times a day from Monday to Friday, are the result of mounting student concerns about the department’s conduct, said Kailee Vick, SA chief of staff. After the focus groups conclude, Vick will send the notes to InterFaith Works’ El-Hindi Center for Dialogue, an organization that works with schools and other organizations to promote discussions about racial and social equity.

The El-Hindi Center will use the discussion notes to craft recommendations for DPS. “The goal here is for us to take student feedback and create actionable recommendations for change for the department,” Vick said. #NotAgainSU, a movement led by Black students, occupied Crouse-Hinds Hall for 31 days in the spring. The movement, which arose following a string of racist incidents at or near SU, has criticized DPS for its treatment of students of color. During the first three days of the movement’s Crouse-Hinds occupation, DPS sealed off the building, preventing food and supplies from reaching the students inside. Officers also struggled physically

with protesters outside the building during multiple interactions. “SA leadership definitely wanted to do something with DPS given that there were many student concerns with DPS,” SA President Justine Hastings said. Students who want to participate in the focus groups should sign up at least 48 hours in advance. An SA volunteer will attend each focus group to take notes about the discussion, leaving out names and any other identifying information about the students participating. While SU has hosted focus groups in collaboration with DPS in the past, SA chose to involve a third party to ensure the students involved are comfortable,

Vick said. “We didn’t know if students would be comfortable with being really open and candid,” Vick said. “We want these focus groups to be useful. We want them to actually represent student feedback and student perspective.” Hastings said the discussions are necessary to address student concerns and to push for DPS reform. “There are many varying student concerns in relation to DPS,” Hastings said. “Students deserve an opportunity to express those concerns in a confidential way and then have their recommendations and feedback be sent to DPS so they can take the necessary action steps to reform.” kmnorusi@syr.edu

4 sept. 14, 2020

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dean

to pursue the dean position, Lodato said. “Sometimes you have that feeling that it’s just a really good fit,” he said. “From the moment I arrived for my two- or three-day visits, I felt a really good connection with the faculty and staff and students that I met with.” Lodato accepted the role of Newhouse dean in late February after initially declining the position. At the time, he was one of four finalists applying to be dean of ASU, according to The State Press. His main priorities for Newhouse are promoting student success, increasing inclusivity and giving students access to leadership positions. “I think it’s acutely important that the leader of the school or college is someone that students see as someone they can approach, someone they can talk to, someone they can bring a problem to,” he said. “We may not always have the answer right away, but we’re going to listen and we’re going to do our very best to solve the problem.” Since arriving at Newhouse, Lodato has expanded scholarship opportunities and established the Newhouse Dean’s Student Leadership Council, a group composed of the leaders of student organizations that voices from page 1

ambulance Now, the crew chief or senior EMT asks patients questions from six feet away and includes questions related to COVID-19 in the interview process. If there’s any indication that a patient has COVID-19, the crew immediately puts on extra protective equipment, including a full gown and face shield, before approaching the patient. The process of asking extra questions and putting on extra equipment only takes about a minute and doesn’t prevent the crew from reaching the patient in time, said Jake Anderson, an SUA field supervisor and a senior international relations and history major. Every SU ambulance has an exhaust fan that was rarely used before the pandemic, Smyth said. Now the fan is on anytime there’s a patient in the back of the ambulance to improve ventilation. The patient compartment of the ambulance is now sealed off from the driver’s compartment to limit unnecessary contact. Only from page 1

review appoint the positions, which the Common Council approves. The council also hires an administrator to review complaints for the board and gather evidence for cases. Anyone who has a grievance about SPD or would like to report misconduct by an SPD officer can file a complaint through the review board, said Ranette Releford, the board’s administrator. SU students are eligible to file complaints. Once an individual files a complaint, SPD receives a copy to begin gathering information for an investigation, Releford said. The board’s administrator then begins their investigation of the case. Releford gathers 911 audio, datasheets, eyewitness information, video footage and other evidence that the complainant can provide. If any injuries occurred during an encounter with an SPD officer, the board also asks the complainant to present medical records. The administrator then writes a case summary to present to the board. The board meets once a month to review complaints and decide whether any should advance to a hearing, said Clifford Ryan, a local activist with OGs Against Gun Violence and a member of the board. During a hearing, a three-member panel decides whether to provide SPD Chief Kenton Buckner with recommendation that an officer face discipline. The panel can also recommend what that discipline should entail, Releford said. The police chief has the final say in handing down punishments to officers.

Barriers to discipline

Although the CRB has been effective given its confines, the city could provide more ways for the board to hold officers accountable, Rel-

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concerns to Lodato during regular meetings. The biggest concerns students have expressed during the meetings involve access to information about classes and opportunities for realworld experience during the pandemic, Lodato said. He plans to address the latter by expanding connections with the Newhouse alumni base and companies in the communications industry. Lodato also plans to allocate a portion of the Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation’s $75 million pledge to Newhouse toward scholarship opportunities for new and current students, especially those from underrepresented groups. He plans to make an announcement detailing these scholarship opportunities within the next few weeks. “We want to make sure that we’ve set up the Newhouse School for generational success and this gift, and others, will allow us to do that,” he said. Lodato’s top priority over the summer was ensuring preventing the spread of the coronavirus in the school. Dona Hayes, an associate professor of broadcast and digital journalism, worked with Lodato on Newhouse’s COVID-19 response plan. The new dean has been calm and communicative with faculty members and students during a time of uncertainty, she said. This is a very unpredictable virus,” she said. “But I think Mark’s leadership was

instrumental in getting Newhouse to where we are today, to a place where we have a plan.” Lodato earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s degree in education from ASU. He began his career as a broadcast journalist, working as an investigative reporter, anchor and political correspondent across the country. He covered events ranging from presidential races to the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. During the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Lodato reported live from the Pentagon. During his time as assistant dean at the Cronkite School, Lodato combined his passions for journalism and teaching. While at ASU, Lodato taught newscast production and television reporting courses and helped establish partnerships between the school and major media outlets, including ABC News and Fox Sports. He said he still serves as a mentor to many ASU students. “It’s a really unique, wonderful opportunity to be able to have a positive impact on someone as they’re making their way through school,” Lodato said. Lindsey Reiser, one of his former students and an MSNBC reporter, said Lodato brings out the best in his students. “I think that this is a long time coming,”

she said. “I feel like he was meant for this role many years ago, and I think he’s going to take the program to new heights and see it into the future. He really has a vision for what the present-day journalism school needs to be.” Jim Jacoby, director of studio production at the Cronkite School, said Lodato’s thoughtfulness and leadership make him a good fit for Newhouse. “I think the combination of all (his qualities) makes him a great leader during this time where there’s so much uncertainty,” Jacoby said. “You can kind of steer the ship and calm everybody down a little bit and then guide you guys till the finish line whenever that comes over.” Lodato hopes to continue the work of former Newhouse deans, especially Branham. He wants to move forward in a way that would make Branham proud, and he wants to do so with the help of Newhouse students and faculty. He also wants to steer Newhouse into the future and stay at the forefront of a communications industry undergoing rapid change. “The only way we’re going to continue to be able to hold the powerful accountable is with a free press,” he said. “Sure, there are plenty of problems to solve within journalism but it’s an important part of our country and our democracy. And there’s really no one thing more important at the Newhouse School.”

the supervisor and senior EMT remain in the back with the patient, Anderson said. SUA worked with the university over the summer to stockpile personal protective equipment for members to use during the year, Smyth said. The university has purchased sanitation spray devices to clean the vehicles, and stretchers and other equipment are wiped-down and sanitizzed after helping each patient, he said. The organization has also replaced the beds in the headquarters for its overnight crew with wipeable mattresses and pillows that crew members can easily clean the next morning, Smyth said. Students previously used the overnight beds to take naps or relax between classes, but that has changed this year, Anderson said. Max Sulik, a member of SUA and a sophomore mechanical engineering major, said he joined SUA as a freshman because he wanted to be part of an organization with a strong sense of community. “It’s not so much in-person as it was last year,” Sulik said. “(But) as much as it’s not

in-person, as an organization, we’re still maintaining a very close-knit community.” Another major difference for SUA this semester is the lack of events held in the Carrier Dome. Working at events in the Dome is usually a great way for new SUA members to learn the ropes, Smyth said. SUA responded to about 1,500 emergency and standby requests last academic year, Smyth said. Standby events include events at the Dome, during which a full emergency medical service crew would attend, as well as smaller events that student organizations run and one ambulance might be present. “Our schedule is a little decreased this semester to say the least, (because) there’s not those social gatherings,” Smyth said. “But we’re doing what we can to keep our students and keep our members active with the organization, and we will persevere.” The number of emergency calls has also dropped with fewer people on campus, though not considerably, Smyth said. Not having events or sports games to work standby shifts for feels strange, since those

shifts typically occurred every weekend, Anderson said. The shifts were also a source of income for some students, he said. SUA is an entirely voluntary organization, but students can be paid for working standby shifts or for answering calls in the dispatch center. A new part of Sulik’s job as a dispatcher is sending the university’s medical transport to bring students who test positive for COVID-19 to the Sheraton Hotel for quarantine. But he’s also responsible for calling the infected student to make sure they’re calm and comfortable. “(We’re) that calm voice on the phone saying, ‘Ok, even though you’re going to quarantine, we’re here and this isn’t a bad thing,’” Sulik said. Anderson is proud of the way members have adjusted to changes and have continued to work together despite the challenges the pandemic poses. “Everyone has stepped up their game,” Anderson said. “(Students) had six months off and came back ready to help the campus community.”

akweiss@syr.edu

scalessa@syr.edu | @sarahalessan

eford and Ryan said. Since the police chief has the final say when it comes to disciplining officers, SPD doesn’t always follow the review board’s recommendations, they said. The police union also poses an obstacle to administering discipline and can sometimes restrict even the SPD chief himself. “There’s been a lot of steps in the right direction,” Ryan said. “(But) legislation could be passed that could force the police department to cooperate with the CRB more.” Officers aren’t required to answer any questions during Releford’s investigation or prior to the hearing, she said. Officers can also file grievances opposing a case, she said. “We still have an issue with getting the entire picture of what occurred,” Releford said. Protesters are pushing to empower the CRB so its recommendations for officer discipline are enforceable. The demand is one of several local activist groups presented to Walsh to reform SPD, alongside removing school resource officers from local schools and releasing an inventory of equipment the department received through military surplus programs.

Reasons to empower

The CRB should have the power to enforce its rulings because police need to understand that the public’s input matters, Releford said. There’s a lack of transparency from SPD and accountability for officers, she said. “You can’t have one without the other. You can’t be transparent and lack accountability. You lack accountability because you lack transparency,” Releford said. “We need to look at them as two essential parts to be a successful oversight committee.” The city has attempted to make complaint hearings more public, Releford said. The community should question why SPD hasn’t car-

Fifteen activist groups have called for Syracuse to strengthen the Citizen Review Board to make its recommendations more enforceable. madison brown staff photographer

ried out disciplinary action the review board has recommended, she said. If the review board makes a recommendation, the city should take it seriously, Releford said. The public may be more likely to assist SPD in solving crimes if they trust that the

department is accountable, she said. “If you have a strong citizen oversight body, then the community trusts the police more,” Releford said. “(It’s) a win-win for the department and the community.” scalessa@syr.edu | @sarahalessan

OPINION

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PAG E 5

sept. 14, 2020

column

Social media harms students’ mental health during pandemic By Jenna Wirth columnist

eople should be aware of the ways social media can harm their mental health, especially as the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns have further increased social media usage. Mental health issues have risen significantly over the last decade, and nearly one in five adults in the United States have a mental illness. That finding parallels exponential growth in social media use, and recent studies suggest that the rise of social media might be driving increased mental health issues. That’s not to say social media is inherently bad. The ability for people to share media of police violence against Black Americans has sparked important debates and protests. Social media can be useful, but it can also negatively affect users’ mental health. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 72% of U.S. adults used at least one social media site, the Pew Research Center found. Whether people are actively using social media, the apps are there from the moment someone wakes up to the moment they fall asleep, said Ashley McGirt, a licensed mental health therapist. The problems with social media use are varied, according to experts. Users may struggle to present an idealized view of themselves, become addicted to the instantaneous feedback and develop a tendency to compare themselves to others. This altered perception of reality magnifies social media’s negative impact, since users compare themselves to carefully-curated images of their peers and of celebrities, McGirt said. “Comparison is the thief of all joy,” she said. “When you don’t know the full story behind something, your mind makes up those stories.” The more time people spend on social media, the greater their mental distress, said Roger McIntyre, a professor of psychiatry at University of Toronto who recently completed a study of social media use and mental health in China. The effects that excessive social media use has on mental health and wellbeing can partially be blamed on the many anonymous, unsafe and negative interac-

tions on the platforms, he said. Humans have evolved to spend time with people who share similar beliefs and desires, McIntyre said. “Social media doesn’t do that,” he said. “Social media brings together different groups and tribes of people.” Spending so much time living in a fantasy world may also make people feel anxious when faced with reality because they’re not accustomed to confronting adversity, said Hans Watson, a psychiatrist at University Elite PLLC. Social media also caters to different human needs, said Gerald Nissley Jr., a licensed clinical psychologist. “With social media, we can consistently find any purpose out there that we are looking for,” he said. “Many things we may not be looking for.” When people’s primary motivation for using social media is for something other than social connection — such as branding and voicing dissent — social media use is more likely to lead to negative emotions, Nissley said. In those cases, other users are more likely to react negatively to their posts, further alienating and polarizing the poster, he said. Social media can also cause people to present themselves in an idealized way, which creates two problems. Users who go to great lengths to present themselves in the best possible light may feel anxiety as the gap between their real selves and their social media personas grows, Nissley said. They may also feel insecure about their self-image after seeing others’ glossy posts. Moods and emotions expressed on social media may also be contagious. A negative post on Facebook triggers more negative posts from that user’s friends, said Nissley, referencing a study from the University of California at San Diego. People forget that social media is a highlight reel, and people depict an extremely exaggerated version of their lives, said Dmitry Ostrovsky, staff psychiatrist at Brooklyn Minds. Users feel that their own accomplishments aren’t enough, which leads to the development of increased anxiety, particularly during social interactions, Nissley said. “When we view ourselves and our relationships negatively, that’s a recipe for mental health concerns,”

illustration by nabeeha anwar presentation director

he said. Users can get addicted to social media, Ostrovsky said. Psychiatrists have yet to develop specific diagnostic criteria for identifying social media addiction, but research shows that 40% of online users in the U.S. ages 18 to 22 years reported feeling addicted to social media.

When we view ourselves and our relationships negatively, that’s a recipe for mental health concerns Dmitri Ostrovsky psychiatrist

Scrolling through social media and refreshing the feed can be very similar to pulling on a slot machine, Ostrovsky said. The uncontrollable urges to compulsively check and use social media can cause people to devote so much time and effort to the activity that it interferes with

their daily lives, he said. “You never know what you’re going to get, and it kind of exploits the intermittent reinforcement system to get people addicted to social media,” he said. The rise of social media has made everyone little fishes in a big pond, Ostrovsky said. As a result, people are realizing much earlier in life that they’re mediocre, making them more susceptible to low self-esteem and low self-worth if they’re not mature enough to handle that realization. This effect has also caused people to think of social media as a necessity. Three people complimenting a person’s outfit in person is incomparable to 2000 likes on Instagram, he said. Unfortunately, trivial matters such as how many likes, comments or followers people have are also becoming more important because of the social validation it provides, he said. “It diminishes the relative importance of real and meaningful relationships,” he said. “You get more reach but much less depth of connection.” Digital relationships on social media can also harm a person’s mental health because self-dis-

closure potentially occurs much faster, Ostrovsky said. People are more likely to share intimate details about their lives on social media with people they’ve never met. “The venting, the feeling of perceived anonymity and the freedom that comes with that by most people is misjudged,” Ostrovsky said. “You don’t understand how much everything that you say is actually recorded and can and one day may be used against you when you’re an adult.” Social media is not inherently good or bad, but people should be aware of its negative effects on their everyday mental health, McIntyre said. “It’s about moderation and portion control,” he said. “Many people who would have a glass of wine would say, ‘Hey, I like it. It enhances my quality of life. I see friends. I have a drink. It’s lovely.’ Others drink alcohol to excess or operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, which I don’t think is healthy.” Jenna Wirth is a junior studying magazine journalism. Her column appears bi-weekly. She can be reached at jwirth@syr.edu. She can be followed on Twitter at @ jenna__wirth

column

The problem with ‘unfollow me’ and social media bubbles online By Charley Walton columnist

f you’ve recently scrolled through Instagram stories, you’re likely familiar with a particular format of post that begins with, “If you _______, unfollow me.” The blank could be filled with statements ranging from “If you support President Donald Trump” to “If you don’t support the Black Lives Matter movement.” But the commonality between these posts is that they usually come from the political left. Though I am a leftist myself, I was still very unsettled when I found these posts spreading like wildfire. Let me first say that, in the case of users who are specifically targeting those who spread bigoted hate speech on social media, these posts are wellwarranted. Any action victims of such abuse take to avoid it is understandable. If I were in their position, I would also seek isolation from people who make me feel unsafe. What has me alarmed, however, is seeing people who are not

subject to any danger from the beliefs stated in the post amplify these messages. We should exercise empathy in all social and political conversations, but in this particular instance, these posts are using empathy wrong. What good does prompting anyone who believes a harmful opinion to unfollow you on social media do? Does it help anyone? I’d argue that it doesn’t. The purpose of these posts seems to be showing those who are being threatened that you support them. The posts are merely a demonstration of loyalty, which isn’t necessarily a flawed concept. Support can do good. But the issue is that, in this case, the support you’re giving perpetuates the need for support in the future. It’s a neverending cycle. Assuming that every person who disagrees with you unfollows you, you lose any opportunity to potentially influence the opposing viewpoint. Sharing opinions is the basis of effective debate and becomes a

platform for changing the problems you see in the world. But with these posts, you’re Instead cutting away at the reins of society that hold these people back from further radicalism. The heartbreaking aspect of this cycle is the loss of potential. The people that you tell to unfollow you will do so and continue believing what they believe as if nothing ever happened. Instead of promoting the divide, you could spark change by engaging in productive dialogue. I implore you to have conversations. You need not hold back your outrage, but you should have the patience to explain why someone’s viewpoints are flawed. You are privileged to be able to post the phrase “unfollow me.” Use the fact that you feel safe posting these messages to instead promote others’ ability to feel safe discussing their viewpoints. Charley Walton is a freshman television, radio and film major. Their column appears bi-weekly. He can be reached at gcwalton@syr.edu.

Social media posts calling for users to unfollow if they hold certain beliefs do more harm than good. emily steinberger photo editor

6 sept. 14, 2020

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PAG E 7

sept. 14, 2020

slice of life

SU alumna leads daily workout classes Jordan Greene

contributing writer

Syracuse University graduate Gina DiNapoli is inspiring others to kickstart their fitness journeys with her workout program, JABS BY GINA. Launched in 2018, JABS is a series of kickboxing-inspired workout classes aimed at making fitness enjoyable. Originally a one-style workout class, JABS has grown into a full-body workout program with over 10 different class formats ranging from kickboxing cardio to arms toning.

5,000 Number of active JABS BY GINA users across the U.S.

Scene study classes, which would normally take place in person at the Syracuse Stage/Syracuse University Drama Complex, have had to transition to a hybrid teaching model. corey henry senior staff photographer

Drama students take hybrid classes, rehearse outdoors and over Zoom By Matthew Nerber contributing writer

hristine Albright-Tufts has worked and taught in theaters throughout the country. She’s also married to an actor and has witnessed first hand the toll the pandemic has taken on the arts. “My husband had a year’s worth of work just canceled,” said Albright-Tufts, an assistant acting professor in the department of drama at Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. “I know how crushing this time is.” With venues across the country remaining closed as fall approaches, actors and theater artists are left wondering when they will be able to return to the stage. But in the classroom, the work continues with the next generation of actors using this time as an opportunity to innovate and create regardless of the restrictions, Albright-Tufts said.

SU’s drama program is a mix of academic courses and “conservatory-style” classes, with students training in dance, acting and movement work, said junior musical theater major Spencer Lombardo. But when the department transitioned to online learning in March, classes that would normally require studio time had to be adjusted for at-home work. Now that students are back on campus, Lombardo said that he and his classmates are doing everything they can to adjust to state and university-wide guidelines, while still maintaining the level of contact needed to create a believable story and engaging performances. Lombardo is currently rehearsing for a musical called “A Grand Night for Singing,” a production that was rescheduled from last semester because of the pandemic. In the restaged version, performers maintain six feet of distance at all times and are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing their own props. “It’s definitely different, having to be six feet apart,”

see acting page 8

It’s definitely different, having to be six feet apart. But I think connection doesn’t have to be physical, and we don’t have to be close to understand how much we all mean to each other. Spencer Lombardo su junior

Each day there are four to eight classes that vary in schedule week to week. The program currently has around 5,000 active members across the U.S., most of them college students, DiNapoli said. JABS also has a college ambassador program with the goal of expanding to more students. DiNapoli took all the lessons she has learned about fitness over the years to create a “safe, effective and fun” program, she said. “Usually workout programs don’t usually work for me. I’ve never been into exercise at all, but after a friend kept convincing me to try it, I signed up for my first class on May 16,” said SU senior Izzy Tabs. “I’ve been hooked ever since.” DiNapoli grew up as a competitive figure skater. She spent most of her middle school and high school career dedicated to the sport. But once she arrived at SU, she stopped skating and turned to coaching to have the true college experience. As a result, DiNapoli noticed negative physical and mental changes that only escalated when she graduated from SU and moved to New York City for her first job as a real estate broker. DiNapoli lost all of her athletic ability and everything that she had gained in her 10-plus years of skating, including her sense of purpose and identity. She found herself rarely going to the gym, eating unhealthy food and feeling unhappy overall. She felt stuck but didn’t think there was anything she could do to fix it. DiNapoli began attending group workout classes and said that she became inspired by the coaches and the people around her. Unlike other fitness programs she had previously tried online, these classes were both challenging and fun, she said. Eventually, DiNapoli found see workouts page 8

8 sept. 14, 2020

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beyond the hill

4 friends plan cross-country bus trip for summer 2021 and then once you get the vehicle, everything inside becomes a challenge,” Chazin said. “Getting everything out is the first step.” And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing. For the past couple of weeks, Chazin and Prentice have been working on removing the seats. They dropped the bus off at a mechanic because none of them have prior mechanical experience.

By Abby Presson

contributing writer

Four best friends are going on a road trip across the United States and Canada in a 1995 Ford B800 school bus called “Beanie” during the summer of 2021. Syracuse University senior Gaby Phillips and alumna Skye Prentice, along with Phillips’ twin sister Halle and their close friend Matt Chazin, will document their journey on an Instagram account, 4babesandabus. Prentice thought of the idea several years ago, and it has been something she has always wanted to do. “Just being able to get that opportunity, especially after having been stuck at home and still in school right now,” Halle said. “It’s just a really exciting thing to look forward to it and know that I’m going to go out and see the world and spend it with my best friends.” The Phillips twins first met Chazin as kids attending middle school in Maryland, and their friendship carried over into high school. Halle and Chazin began dating in early high school, and Gaby and Prentice began dating when they met at SU. The group spent time with each other over breaks, which transformed into the four becoming close friends. When the coronavirus pandemic spread across the country, the friends found themselves at home. So, Prentice sent the idea in their group chat about having a road trip when the pandemic ends. They all agreed. The four did extensive research on YouTube and read different articles about road trip traveling. They also looked initially for vans but realized that a van would be too small for the four of them, so they went on the hunt for a bus instead, Halle said. After looking for a bus online for a few months, with a few rusted candidates along the way, Gaby found their bus on Facebook Marketplace. Two weeks ago, Chazin and Prentice drove from their homes several states away to pick it up in New Jersey. The bus is currently at Prentice’s home in Massachusetts, where Prentice and Chazin have been doing some of the work to get it ready for their trip. “(Finding the bus) was our first challenge from page 7

acting Lombardo said. “But I think connection doesn’t have to be physical, and we don’t have to be close to understand how much we all mean to each other.” Pauline Pauwels, a senior acting major, said that students are finding ways to use the restrictions to their artistic advantage, even while masked and distanced. Scene study classes, which would normally take place in person at the Syracuse Stage/ SU Drama Complex, have had to transition to a hybrid teaching model, Pauwels said. Students will also rehearse their scenes over Zoom, with classmates watching and their instructor giving feedback. “Theater is a visual art,” Pauwels said. “People are obviously going to see that you’re from page 7

workouts kickboxing at Equinox and fell in love. She would go to the studio and practice her teaching skills, hoping one day to become an instructor herself. DiNapoli was eventually hired by Equinox, where she began the JABS BY GINA program. She began working at Equinox in 2017 and left in April to pursue JABS BY GINA full time. Although formerly run at Equinix, the JABS program itself has never had a studio of its own. DiNapoli said that she hopes to one day open a studio. DiNapoli said that one of the reasons JABS focuses so much on college students is because her biggest regret in life is not getting fit sooner. She aims to provide college students with an affordable way to stay fit and avoid the difficult period she faced. With live classes and passionate instructors, members are able to connect with other

Just being able to get that opportunity, especially after having been stuck at home and still in school right now Halle Phillips sister of su senior gaby phillips

(FROM LEFT) SKYE PRENTICE, GABY PHILLIPS, HALLE PHILLIPS AND MATT CHAZIN are turning a school bus into their temporary home for a cross country road trip during the summer of 2021. courtesy of skye prentice and dick phillips

six feet apart. So instead of pretending, we’re incorporating (social distancing as) part of the storytelling.” When senior acting major Ella Leh and Pauwels were assigned a scene to work on together, they could work closely at home without worrying about social distancing or masks since they are roommates. It’s a rare opportunity to conduct business as usual, Pauwels said. Leh is also in rehearsal for “On the Lake,” another production postponed from last semester. Rehearsals are being conducted on the Quad, which grants the performers more flexibility than they would have indoors, Leh said. And the piece, which Leh describes as a “feminist sequel” to Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull,” is suited for the situation. Costume designers for the play have people nation-wide and workout together. “It’s one of those things where you take a few classes and you get the adrenaline rush and then you just start feeling better and looking better and overall your mentality totally shifts,” said Sophie Greenhouse, an SU junior and the Syracuse JABS BY GINA campus ambassador. Greenhouse said that one of the things she loves most about the JABS community is that the schedule is ever-changing, keeping the program exciting and new. As a campus ambassador, she has also created strong relationships with the instructors and individuals that she’s worked out with but never actually met in person. “Over the years I’ve tried every workout program and nothing stuck,” Greenhouse said. “However, with JABS, there is no competition or leaderboard. It’s all about competing against yourself to become better and stronger.” jgreen31@syr.edu

incorporated COVID-19 protocol into their work, with masks being made that reflect the style of each character. Additionally, costume fittings have been conducted with students’ health and wellness in mind, Leh said. “It almost feels like now, because we’re all going through something similar together, it’s just made us closer,” Lombardo said. “Anything that we can do to continue to increase the safety of the space and each other is another way that we’ve all been further connected.” In addition, Pauwels said that being on Zoom has taught her lessons that will translate into the professional world. Self-tape auditions, where an actor must record themselves and submit the performance to casting directors, are becoming the norm, Pauwels said, and her teachers are using this time to focus on the real-world appli-

The group has also been working together on the design of the bus. Earlier this week, they each designed a potential blueprint for the interior layout as a way to see everyone’s ideas and develop a design they would all be happy with. Halle wanted the bus to be a tiny home for all of them, she said. In picking a name for their bus, the four friends wanted to have alliteration with the letter “B” since they call themselves “the four babes.” Eventually, they settled on a name they all enjoyed: “Beanie.” The group has also started planning the destinations they want to visit when they make their trip next year. They are looking forward to a lot of the national parks, including Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska or Banff National Park in Canada. Most of all, though, they are looking forward to being able to take the trip together and sharing it with their friends and family back home through their Instagram page. “(Earlier in quarantine it) was kind of like the world has stopped and we realized there’s no better time to travel and do things while we’re young and with our best friends,” Gaby said. “I feel like everyone kind of gets that feeling from this project.” avpresso@syr.edu

cations of this kind of hybrid training. Similarly, Albright-Tufts is using the semester to interrogate how theater can reflect our current moment artistically. She developed a course called “Characters in Isolation,” where her students study plays that deal with people experiencing both physical and emotional disconnect. While it’s been difficult to adjust to new ways of training and performing, AlbrightTufts said that students have shown enthusiasm and resilience, which has strengthened her resolve as an artist and educator. “I work really hard to create a space in which I can serve the students in the way that they want to grow,” Albright-Tufts said. “This pandemic has not gotten in the way of that. It has only made my commitment to that stronger.” mjnerber@syr.edu

SOPHIE GREENHOUSE, an SU junior and a Syracuse JABS BY GINA campus ambassador, has connected virtually with the workout instructor. courtesy of sophie greenhouse

sept. 14, 2020 9

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su athletics

All SU athletic events without fans until further notice By Roshan Fernandez asst. sports editor

Even as Syracuse enters the week where three of its five fall Olympic sports begin competitions, all of its stadiums and other home facilities will remain empty. There will be no fans at SU games until further notice, including Syracuse football’s six scheduled home games this season and the opener in the newly renovated Carrier Dome, Syracuse Athletics said in a press release on Friday. The decision, which could change for games later in the season, was made in compliance with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s COVID-19 protocol regarding fans in stadiums. Those guidelines also prohibit in-person attendance at professional sporting events in New York. If the protocols do change, Syracuse fans will have the opportunity to attend games by purchasing online pre-sale tickets two weeks before game day, the release said. Fans will also be required to wear masks and practice social distancing.

“Syracuse Athletics remains committed to doing everything it can to support and protect the health, safety and well-being of our studentathletes, our staff and the campus and Syracuse communities,” the release said. “All decisions will be sciencebased and informed by public health guidance as provided by county, state and public health officials.” Cuomo said on a July 21 conference call with reporters that there wouldn’t be any fans at sporting events this season. Two days later, though, Rich Azzopardi, a senior advisor to Cuomo, clarified that the decision would be revisited closer to the season in early September based on “the infection rate and where the world is.” “Right now, we’re still fanless sports activities,” State Budget Director Robert Mujica said on the conference call with Cuomo and reporters. “So that would be a large social gathering with everyone together in a stadium and that is not authorized as of yet.” Director of Athletics John Wildhack said he initially hoped to have

from page 12

business Varsity Pizza, their priority is maintaining the community’s safety and limiting the virus’s spread — not money. “We like to consider our customers and our employees all to be part of the family, and our first priority is always going to be keeping our family safe,” Ockert said. “We’re not open to (losing) money, so obviously we’re trying to make money as well, but ultimately the first concern for us is keeping everybody safe.” Coming into Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Armory Square is a game day tradition for many longtime fans, said Jason Ryan, marketing director for the chain’s Syracuse location. The customer base doesn’t include many students due to its downtown location, he said, but many suburban residents will stop by on their way to the Dome. “To them, it’s all part of the experience of going to the game,” Ryan said. “It’s not just considered just going to dinner, it’s become a tradition every year.” The restaurant created a “tailgate package” from page 12

hillman with the two thrown only two balls combined. “Sometimes teams are trying to take away targets,” Babers said after the Orange’s loss. “And based off of coverages and where guys are moving in space, the ball may go to someone else who’s shorter or may be one of those throws where those guys are behind them and we’re throwing one of those balls that wasn’t connecting.” Entering this season, Harris had the most career receiving yards by far, tallying over 500 in both of his first two seasons. He showed flashes against UNC — including a play where he spun around two defenders and broke three more — but didn’t look like a reliable No. 1, catching five balls on 15 targets. At one point, star UNC cornerback Storm Duck smothered Harris on a go route and DeVito’s well-thrown deep ball smacked Harris’s helmet and fell onto the turf. Duck waved his arms in Harris’ face, celebrating the incomplete pass. from page 12

washington Washington delivered on that promise in some of the biggest games of the year and said the last three games of the season were his three best all year. That’s when he began to feel like a natural running back, he said. He combined for 640 yards and six touchdowns over the Northstars’ three playoff wins. But, Washington, and his C-NS teammates “ran out of steam,” he said — losing in the Public High School

some fan attendance in a May 28 email to ticket holders as well as a June 11 press conference. But Friday’s release confirms Cuomo’s initial decision. The Orange played in an almostempty stadium in their season-opening 31-6 loss to No. 18 North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and will play without fans at Pittsburgh. While they could potentially play in front of a crowd — between 20% and 30% capacity — at Clemson, Louisville and Notre Dame, all games in the 49,057-seat Carrier Dome will remain empty. Syracuse has three consecutive home games for football, beginning with its home-opener against Georgia Tech on Sept. 26 and followed by Duke and Liberty. The Orange also have home games this weekend for field hockey, with a pair against Duke on Friday and Sunday at J.S. Coyne Stadium. Volleyball, which plays its home games in the Women’s Building, opens its home schedule against Pittsburgh the following week, on Sept. 25 and 26.

for delivery or pickup, allowing fans to recreate as much of a game day experience as possible, Ryan said. That means providing wings, ribs and sides for fans to eat at home. The barbecue joint also has outdoor and indoor seating and has added iWave filtration systems which can remove coronavirus particles from the air and will better protect customers and employees, Ryan said. But he understands that many fans might not be comfortable coming in to eat. The problem is the loss of away fans, Ryan said, because there’s no way to reach them. At Dinosaur, visiting fans hear about the restaurant and are willing to get there early or wait hours to eat. Years down the line, they’ll return — it becomes part of their game day routine, too. Dinosaur sells barbecue sauce in nearly 375 stores nationwide, so away fans have the opportunity to cook at home with friends and family and “bring as much of that tradition into their home,” Ryan said. But beyond that, it’ll be challenging to recover that lost market. Dellis and his employees will also be impacted by the loss of away fans because Faegan’s often “Everybody can catch the football. That’s the best part,” DeVito said on Tuesday. “It’s a big step for the older guys just for the first game.” Hackett snagged six red-zone touchdowns last season. Syracuse had three trips inside the 20-yard-line on Saturday and came away with two field goals. DeVito had an opportunity in the third quarter to find Hackett on a crossing route in the end zone and instead took a sack. While Hackett is used as more of a blocking tight end, he’s useful in the play-action game in the red zone, partially why he was so dominant in shortyardage situations last season. Benson, on the other hand, is the faster of the two, often able to beat linebackers in man-toman coverage and even outran defensive backs at times last season. That skillset could be easily utilized if he can find the ball in the open field. If Babers wants to score more points, he needs to get two of his most-reliable passcatchers involved. Babers said SU didn’t plan to not throw Hackett and Benson the ball, but he also didn’t say that the coaching staff did. adhillma@syr.edu

Athletic Association West Semifinals last year against McQuaid Jesuit High School. Yet the defeat set the stage for an unprecedented offseason for Washington and the rest of his teammates. “We know we can get there again. We have lifted every day with no days off,” Washington said. “I love the grind. There are a lot of nights behind closed doors with my trainer putting in extra work.” The COVID-19 pandemic postponed the start of high school football in New York until March, which could potentially end Washington’s high school football career. Wash-

rferna04@syr.edu | @roshan_f16

The decision was made in compliance with Gov. Cuomo’s COVID-19 protocol regarding fans. max freund staff photographer

serves as “the away team’s base,” the 42-year owner said. The bar also used to have a large pool of regular customers that has been “whittled down from what it used to be” and is “now negligible,” Dellis said. Though Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s order would allow up to 145 people in Faegan’s, Dellis chose a more strict occupancy of 55 because he’s found that manageable — both from the restaurant’s and a public health point of view. “It’s just going to be a way-below-average Saturday,” Dellis said. “I gotta say that after 42 years of doing this, it really isn’t any fun anymore to do it,” Dellis said. “Maybe the pandemic is getting me to that place where it’s icing on the cake — like time for me to go.” Tewksbury, an employee at Manny’s, agreed with Dellis’ sentiment. He remembers when the store had 10 employees working the same shift to manage the game day rush, and when there were so many customers in the store that he couldn’t recognize who was a regular and who wasn’t. Now, it’s just one person manning the store, business is slow and locals aren’t interested in buying merchandise without any games to wear it to, Tewksbury said.

“People just don’t care about wearing Syracuse stuff as much, unless they’re a student here,” Tewksbury said. For Dave Jacobs, the 44-year owner of Shirt World on Marshall Street, though, it’s just about moving forward and focusing on the community’s support. He couldn’t attend the state fair, which he’s been to every year since 1967, but he’s confident Shirt World’s product’s quality and the remaining local community’s support will get them through the pandemic. As Syracuse kicked off its season Saturday, around 10 people scattered through Varsity just after noon. SU’s 2020 schedule was still tacked to the wall with 11 individual banners, some on the left, others on the right. The restaurant’s projector screen hung in front of the grill. But without ACC Network — something Ockert is working on acquiring for future weeks — Spongebob played on the screen instead. Because it was an away game, a large crowd wasn’t expected. That’d be the case any season. This year, though, they’ll all be like that. They’ll just be normal lunches. rferna04@syr.edu | @roshan_f16

LUKE BENSON, a Syracuse tight end, didn’t record a catch against North Carolina in the season-opener. corey henry senior staff photographer

Running back complimented my talent, it was a really good fit for me. Mike Washington C-NS running back

ington, as of now, is graduating from C-NS in January and attending Buffalo early, which would conflict with the season’s start date. He’s contemplating competing in the delayed season and is in constant discussion with his family and coaches. But even if Washington has played his last game for C-NS, he’s still left his mark on the program and his coaches. “Mike is a quiet, unassuming kid who is explosive and disciplined,” Kline said. “He is a real shy kid off the field who leads by example through hard-work.” ncshay@syr.edu

sept. 14, 2020 11

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SPORTS

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PAG E 12

sept. 14, 2020

football

Business owners feel loss of game-day customers

ERIC OCKERT, a 13-year employee at Varsity Pizza, said that he expects Syracuse game days to be quieter. SU announced that fans won’t be in attendance for any event until further notice. emily steinberger photo editor

With no fans in the Dome, restaurants and shops expect drop in revenue By Roshan Fernandez asst. sports editor

itting at a table inside Varsity Pizza, Eric Ockert scanned the restaurant. It was Wednesday, three days before Syracuse’s football season-opener in Chapel Hill and two weeks before the home opener against Georgia Tech. The 13-year employee pointed to where the pizza line should be on Syracuse game days: packing the center aisle, curling back around when it hits the grilling area and then continuing outside where more customers wait to enter. Two hours before a home game last year — and every other year — that’s what happened. There are people “wall to wall.” Fans use window sills and the tops of trash cans as places to set their food down. A big home game can generate the equivalent of a week’s worth of regular business, he said.

But this year, during a coronavirusaltered season with fanless games and millions in lost revenue for SU and the local community, that won’t be the case, Ockert said. “It’ll probably just be like a normal lunch,” Ockert said. Game-day revenue is significantly higher for Marshall Street staples, including Varsity, Acropolis Pizza House, Shirt World, Manny’s and Faegan’s Pub & Cafe, as well as Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Though these businesses are trying to find new ways to generate revenue, without the usual stream of fans, they know this season will present challenges unlike any other. “Business is way down,” David Tewksbury, a warehouse manager and employee at Manny’s said. “Hopefully it picks up next year, but I just don’t see it happening this year.” At Varsity, one of the most iconic game day spots in Syracuse, Ockert said

he doesn’t know if people will make the game day trip to the Hill if there aren’t fans in the Dome. They’ll probably stay home and watch the game on TV instead, something Ockert would do himself. There are season-ticket holders — who are also regular Varsity Pizza customers — that have been coming into the Marshall Street eatery every game day for the last 30 to 50 years. “We probably won’t see them anymore,” he said. Traditionally, the restaurant would stop deliveries on game days because it would get so busy, but now, Ockert said they will rely on that for a chunk of their business. Restaurants are allowed to have up to 50% capacity for indoor dining, something Ockert hopes to capitalize on with a big projector screen for customers to watch the game. For Ockert and John Dellis, coowner of Faegan’s Pub & Cafe and see business page 10

Orange must use tight ends more The void at wide receiver every offseason has become a nonissue in the Dino Babers era. In each of his first four years, a previously unproven wideout becomes the quarterback’s favorite target, torching defenses as the go-to guy for Syracuse. “It’s an open slate,” Babers said before Syracuse faced UNC. “It’s a clean chalkboard every ADAM single year and HILLMAN then whoever JUST wants to write R ELA X their name up there in capital letters can do it.” First it was Amba Etta-Tawo. Then Steve Ishmael, Jamal Custis and Trishton Jackson nearly all wrote their names atop that board in the first four years of Babers tenure with 1,000-yard seasons. This year, it’s unclear who that is — if it’s anyone. The first game against No. 18 North Carolina on Saturday did not provide any answers. Taj Harris was presumed to be that nextup receiver for Syracuse (0-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) but didn’t perform up to expectations. Quarterback Tommy DeVito struggled to find open receivers all game, often taking sacks or holding onto the ball for too long before throwing it away. He ended up with a 41.9 completion percentage, the worst of his career when he’s thrown more than five passes. Receivers failed to beat corners one-on-one, dropped passes and had the ball hit their helmets as they failed to turn around in time. With such a young and unproven team, Syracuse should refocus the passing game around its two tight ends — Luke Benson and Aaron Hackett — or, at the very least, design more plays to target them. Neither Hackett nor Benson caught a ball on Saturday, see hillman page 10

high school football

After switch, Mike Washington becomes D-I running back By Nolan Shay

contributing writer

Mike Washington kept quiet in warmups before a matchup between Cicero-North Syracuse and Utica Proctor in the Class AA finals in the Carrier Dome last fall. Just three weeks prior, Utica had blown out C-NS 32-0, and he wanted revenge. But the matchup with Utica was also personal for Washington. As a promising sophomore, Washington lived in the city and attended Utica Notre-Dame High School, until he transferred to CiceroNorth before the start of his junior season, in hopes of “playing on a bigger stage with stronger compe-

tition,” he said. Washington torched Utica early and often in Class AA finals, sprinting for three 50-plus yard touchdowns against his former town’s team and helping the Northstars secure their third consecutive sectional title. Washington also won MVP honors. Yet entering his junior year at Cicero-North Syracuse, Washington’s college football hopes didn’t seem likely to extend beyond high school. The then-wide receiver had no offers to play at the Division I collegiate level. Head coach Dave Kline was dissatisfied with the Northstars’ running back at the time and held an open tryout within the team to see if someone could better fill the

position. There, Washington displayed his 6-foot-2-inch frame and 4.5 40-yard dash speed, and after CNS began the 2019 season 1-2, Kline made a switch. “Running back complimented my talent, it was a really good fit for me,” Washington said. In his first game at running back, Washington had 18 rushing attempts for 261 yards and three touchdowns. Washington’s switch to running back became permanent, and C-NS finished the season in November with an 8-4 record with Washington’s near 1,400 rushing yards and 14 TDs leading the way. By the following January, he had received his first offer from Colorado State. Since the offer from the Rams, Washington has

received 15 more, including interest, though no offer, from Syracuse. But Washington, who did not want to be far from home, committed to Buffalo on July 25. “The school gave me a call last week stating I have a chance to get on the field next season,” Washington said. “And now I will be graduating in January from CNS to attend Buffalo early.” Football didn’t always come easy to Washington. At 7 years old, Washington’s father asked him if he wanted to play football. For years, Washington played football and boxing, until he made the full-time switch to football. As a Pop Warner player, Washington needed to adjust to the speed of

the game. “When I was little, people would make fun of me for saying I can’t catch, I can’t run, I’m not fast. I was looked down upon,” Washington said. “Now those same people are saying ‘Congratulations.’” Last season, Kline and C-NS’s offense “ran through” Washington, Kline said. He averaged almost 15 carries a game for the Northstars. The heavy workload, however, was not a problem for Washington despite it being his first season at running back. “I want the ball. I take care of my body to create endurance: stretching, icing and resting,” Washington said. “I will do whatever it takes to secure the win for my team.” see washington page 10